Obituaries

Elizabeth

Patricia Elaine Schaible, 82

Patricia Elaine Schaible, age 82, of Elizabeth, IL, passed away January 1, 2023 at her home from cancer. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Elizabeth. Visitation will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. before the service. Interment will occur on a later date. Family and friends are invited to share in Patsy’s life at lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Patsy was born July 26, 1940 at Freeport Memorial Hospital, the daughter of Russell and Marjorie (Kleckner) Roberts. She grew up in rural Elizabeth, attending a one room schoolhouse throughout grade school, before attending and graduating from Elizabeth High School with the class of 1958. She married Delos Groezinger and together they had five children. Patsy went to work for Jo Carroll Electric, then after her fourth child, she transitioned to a primary role of homemaker, while still working diligently on the bookkeeping for the family boat business. Later in life, she married Rodney Schaible. After Rodney’s passing, Patsy reconnected with her first husband, and they were together for their remaining years.

Never one to shy away from work and responsibility, Pat held numerous jobs and operated many businesses throughout her life. She was a substitute rural mail carrier for a number of years, spent more than three decades as an EMT with the Elizabeth ambulance service, and served as a board member for the Elizabeth State Bank. She opened her first antique shop in the late 70’s, in Elizabeth (a shop that would remain open until her passing). Over the years, she operated boutiques in Oregon, Dixon, and Elizabeth, IL. Pat was proud that through her endeavors, she provided all of her children the opportunity to go to college.

Pat was a super mom. Always putting children and grandchildren first. She was a lover of flowers, reading, antiques, fashion, and the great outdoors; especially the Mississippi River, where her family had a cabin. She baked the best pies known to mankind (apple, rhubarb, and raspberry), and the tastiest catfish filets, freshly caught on the river.

Patsy is survived by two daughters, Sue (Dennis) Roberts, of Savanna, IL and Melody Groezinger, of Omaha, NE; son, Scott (Nicole) Groezinger, of DeKalb, IL; 11 grandchildren, Nick, Sam, Calvin, Clayton, Jordan, Joe, Randi, Holly, Vince, Emily, and Carson; 10 great grandchildren; two brothers, Norman (Doreen) and Fred (Diane); sister, Nancy (Maureen); and sister-in-law, Linda Roberts. Patsy is preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Marjorie; daughter and son-in-law, Annette and Richard Theyerl; son, David Groezinger; sister and brother-in law Shirley and Robert Wetherill ; brother, Richard; and former husbands, Delos Groezinger and Rodney Schaible.

Stockton

Ronald C. Hughes, 85

Ron Hughes, 85, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on January 3, 2023 at Midwest Medical Center in Galena.

Ron was born August 8, 1937 in Freeport to Henrietta (Winter) and Donald Hughes. He married Eileen Zink on May 20, 1967 at St. John Lutheran Church in Massbach.

Ron grew up on the family farm in Woodbine, which he and Eileen made their first home when they married. They soon moved south of Stockton to “Yankee Hollow” and lived there for fifteen years before moving to “the suburbs of Woodbine” in 1984.

Through the years, Ron hauled milk, drove truck for Schamberger, Logemann, and McMorhan Trucking Companies, worked at Dittmar Shell Station, and was a maintenance electrician at Kraft Cheese and then Atwood Automotive / Dura in Stockton. He retired in 1999 and became “Eileen’s Secretary,” helping her with cake deliveries and set up and calculating quilting geometry, making special fabric cutting templates for her use.

He had a lifelong passion for flight and owned a Luscombe airplane when he was just 17. Ron joined the Navy after graduating from Stockton High School in 1955. He served on the aircraft carrier USS Philippine Sea and was honorably discharged in 1958.

Ron was always creative and innovative in fixing things, providing unique solutions to challenges. He loved helping others and had a special place in his heart for his family and neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Eileen, who passed just one month prior. He is survived by their daughter Janelle (Steve) Keeffer of Galena, granddaughters Erin Keeffer (Des Moines, IA) and Elyse Keeffer (Cedar Rapids, IA), his sister Neenah (Carl) Fairbairn (Ridott, IL), sister-in-law Merri Hughes (Lena, IL), and beloved nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother David Hughes.

Memorial services were held at St. John Lutheran Church in Massbach on Saturday, January 7. Visitation began at 10:00 AM; Funeral service was at 11:30 AM. Burial with military honors was at St. John Lutheran Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

The family sincerely thanks the compassionate staff at Midwest Medical Center and Midwest Senior Care Community for their recent care.

Darlene Lloyd, 88

Darlene Lloyd, age 88, of Stockton, IL passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Manor Court in Freeport, IL. She was born on August 15, 1934 in Freeport, IL to the late Wright and Alice (Wilson) Downing. Darlene married Carson “Butch” Lloyd on August 10, 1953 in Stockton. Butch passed away October 31, 2012.

Darlene was a member of The Father’s House Church in Lena. She graduated from Stockton High School. Darlene played the organ/piano for several years for many different occasions. She was a cook at the Stockton High School, owned/operated Grandma Lloyd’s Restaurant and had worked for Wood’s Drug Store. She enjoyed volunteering and animals.

Darlene is survived by her grandchildren, Mike (Jennifer) Lloyd, Chad (Kayla) Lloyd, Becky Lloyd and Alexa Lloyd; her great grandchildren, Abby Lloyd and Jasmine Lloyd; and her great great grandchildren, Hazel and Harper. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her three sons, Scott, Shawn and Shane; her grandson, Ryan; her brother, Ron Downing; and her sister, Lorraine Page.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 1:00 p.m. with a visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment took place at Welch Hollow Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Beeth, 89

Barbara Beeth, age 89, of Stockton, IL passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022 at Luther Manor in Dubuque, IA. She was born in Champaign, IL on January 30, 1933 to the late Dr. Edward A. and Lucile M. (Harris) Tappan. Barbara married Wayne Beeth on May 24, 1953 in Paxton, IL. Wayne passed away on May 5, 2012.

Barbara was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church in Stockton and the Stockton Women’s Club. She volunteered at the Food Pantry, was an election judge and a Sub for the Stockton School District. She was a 1951 graduate of Paxton High School. Barbara was a Girl Scout Leader for 25 years. She enjoyed cards, flowers, reading, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Debby Mackey; her son, Mike (Theresa Duren) Beeth; her grandchildren, Charity, Quentin and Eva; and her great grandchildren, Dane, Heather and R.J. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Robert; her granddaughter, Kimberly Mackey; and her two sisters, Lilian and Margaret.

A funeral service was held on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton.

A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Robert C. Vanderheyden, 87

Robert C. Vanderheyden, age 87, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born at home in Stockton on October 24, 1935 to the late Lloyd and Myrtle (Carpenter) Vanderheyden. Robert married Jane Andrews on August 25, 1956 at Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton.

Robert was a 1953 graduate of Stockton High School. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton. Robert proudly served in the United States Navy. During school he had worked at the Stockton Bowling Alley, setting pins by hand. Robert also worked for Atwoods, Kraft, Burgess Battery and retired after 27 years as a computer programmer for Newell. After retirement, he drove bus for the Stockton School District. When his children were young he served as Cub Master and little league coach. Robert enjoyed bowling on the Vanderheyden Furniture Team and golfing. He loved sports and was a huge Stockton Blackhawk fan. Most of all, Robert loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Vanderheyden of Stockton; his daughter, Julie (Eric) Junkel of Mt. Prospect, IL; his sons, Richard (Glenda Shulka) of Wonder Lake, IL and Ronald (Helene Trebian) of Stockton; his grandchildren, Adam Vanderheyden, Emma Vanderheyden, Lorelei Junkel, Erin Vanderheyden, and Hayley Junkel; his sister, Linda (Steve) Thayer of Rockford; and his brother, Jack (Laurrel) Vanderheyden of Stockton. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, June Finn and Sharon Broshous; his brothers, Kenneth, Malcolm, Roger, William and Duane; and his daughters-in-law, Lisa Vanderheyden and Ellen Vanderheyden.

A funeral service was held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton. There was a visitation on Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton.

A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.

Lena

Elizabeth H. White, 84

Elizabeth H. White, 84, of Rural Lena, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 after a 21 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, at SSM Hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin with her family by her side. She was born in San Antonio, Texas on December 3, 1938 to Pedro R. Hinojosa and Elena (Moreno) Hinojosa, the seventh child of a family of fourteen children.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lena, Illinois, and a member of the Lena Parkinson’s Support Group. Elizabeth was previously married to Ramiro Martinez; he preceded her in death on July 13, 1990. She married David L. White on July 2, 1992.

She is preceded in death by her daughter, Marcia Martinez-Riley, her parents, seven brothers and three sisters.

Elizabeth is survived by her husband, David L. White of Lena, Illinois, one son; Ramiro Martinez, Jr. of Rock Falls, Illinois, two step-sons; Bryan (Kathy) White of Oquawka, Illinois and Chris White of Lena, Illinois, one daughter; Rebecca (Martinez) McCue of Jacksonville, Illinois, on step-daughter; Heidi Edler of Lena, Illinois, two brothers; Daniel (Deanna) Hinojosa and Elias Hinojosa, two sisters; Rebecca Huron and Mary (Ralph) Lucio, all of San Antonio, Texas, six grandchildren; Melcon De Jesus Jr., Rachel Martinez, Brian Martinez, Antonyo Riley, Tony Riley Jr., and Elizabeth (Liza) Riley, and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Last rites were given at SSM Hospital in Monroe, Wisconsin, and her body has been donated to medical science, Anatomical Gift Association of Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, Elizabeth requested that any gifts be donated in her memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Any questions about the foundation or to donate, please contact:

The Michael J. Fox Foundation

PO Box 5014

Hagerstown, MD 21741-5014

(800) 708-7644

http://www.michaeljfox.org

Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Lanark

Sandra Kay Witt, 81

Sandra Kay Witt, age 81, of Lanark, IL, passed away Sunday January 1, 2023, at Allure Nursing Home, in Mt. Carroll, IL. A funeral service was held Saturday, January 7, 2023 at Lanark First Brethren Church, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation was held Friday, January 6, 2023 at First Brethren Church from 4 p.m. to 7p.m., as well as one hour prior to Saturday’s service. Burial followed at Lanark Cemetery.

Sandy was born May 5, 1941, in Lima Township, IL, the daughter of LeRoy and Kathryn (Volz) Smith. She attended Lanark schools, graduating from Lanark High School with the class of 1959. She then went to work for the Lanark Telephone Company. On March 18, 1961, Sandy married Teddy Witt.

Sandy and Teddy set off on their life together, bringing two sons into this world, and working their family farm. She was a homemaker and farm wife; tending to chores, raising her sons, and baking some of the best apple pies you’d ever had. She was a great cook, with her potato salad, deviled eggs, and baked beans always being crowd-pleasers. As her children grew up, Sandy began working for Shearer’s Variety Store, contributing more than twenty years.

Sandy was a bit of a homebody, but was a proud member of Lanark First Brethren and the Women’s Missionary Society. She cherished family time and loved to read and tend to her gardens. Her geraniums seemed to bounce back bigger and better each year thanks to her green thumb! When she did venture off the homestead it was likely to attend her children’s and eventually grandchildren’s sporting and school events, or to go to cattle shows.

Sandy will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, and woman of faith, and a 37-year cancer survivor. She will be dearly missed by her sons, Brian (Sharon) Witt and Brad (Renea) Witt, both of Lanark, IL; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Brenden) Schultz, Justin (Augusta) Witt, Jenessa Witt, Hannah Witt, and Reid Witt, all of Lanark; four great-grandchildren, Jocelyn, Hadley, Landree, and Elliana; as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She is preceded in death by her parents, LeRoy and Kathryn; husband, Teddy; and sister, Leona (Clarence) Galor.

McConnell

Hanna Bender, 90

Hanna Bender, age 90 went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at her home in McConnell, IL. She was born on October 6, 1932 in Soltau, Germany to Herman and Sophia (Barenscheer) Luders. She married Friedrich Holtke in 1949. She married Arlen Bender in El Paso Texas in 1960. She was a member of Grace Free Methodist Church in McConnell, and the American Legion in McConnell.

Hanna is survived by her children Jurgen (Marina) Hoeltke, Carola (Doug) Kehler, Pete (Peggy Raab) Hoeltke, Wendy (Rick) Wing; 7 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; special friend Bev Cornwell.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, parents, brother, and sister.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Cremation rights have been accorded.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family on our website at www. leamonfh.com

Shannon

Kathi L. Bonczyk, 63

Kathi L. Bonczyk, of Shannon, IL, passed away Thursday, December 22, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, IL. A celebration of Kathi’s life was held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, at Manny’s Pizza in Savanna, IL.

Kathi was born October 20, 1959, daughter of Glenn and Donna (Schriner) Kness. She grew up in Mt. Carroll, and attended Mt. Carroll schools. After school Kathi went on to get her CNA certification. She worked for multiple local nursing homes, including Good Samaritan in Mt. Carroll and Shannon Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll. It was at the Shannon Nursing Home where Kathi met the love of her life, Michael Bonczyk. They hit it off right away, and got married on August 29, 1994. Together, Kathi and Michael celebrated 28 years of marriage.

Family was at the center of Kathi’s life. Her children were her best friends, and a source of great joy in her life. She was an enormously proud grandmother, and loved shopping for her grandchildren’. Kathi worked hard to make sure her family wanted for not. She was incredibly selfless, and would always take care of others first. When she wasn’t working or raising her family she enjoyed spending time with Mike; going to car shows, attending rock concerts, and rail fanning.

Kathi will be dearly missed by her husband, Michael of Shannon; five children, Wayne Robbe of Elizabeth, IL, Daniel (Sara) Robbe of Elizabeth, Zach (Staci) Robbe of Polo, IL, Lisa (Aaron) Wiemken of Fort Carson, CO, and Matthew (Paige Gallentine) Bonczyk of Shannon; four grandchildren; and many siblings. Kathi is preceded in death by her parents, Glen and Donna Kness; her brother, Leo Kness; and her sister, Rhoda Kness.