All Obituaries

Patricia Mae Lingbeck, age 89, passed away at KSB Hospital in Dixon on July 2, 2022. She was born on April 12, 1933 in Adeline, IL the daughter of Olive and Shelby Cain, Sr. She graduated from Leaf River High School class of 1950. She married Elmer Edward Lingbeck on July 29, 1951. Patricia liked helping on the family farm in the Byron and Leaf River area. She lived for her family and was a selfless mother; always putting her children first. She enjoyed spending time with friends. She also...

Shirley Ann LeFevre, age 86, died Friday, July 1, 2022 at Pinecrest Terrace in Mt. Morris, IL.  She was born July 10, 1935 in Maryland Station, IL the daughter of Vincent and Helen (Hilmer) Miller.  Shirley graduated from Polo High School in 1953.  Shirley married Eldon L. LeFevre on June 19, 1959 at the Presbyterian Church in Polo, IL.  She previously worked for Watt Publishing in Mt. Morris and Progressive Graphics in Oregon for 19 years.  Shirley loved spending...

Barbara Jean Reed, age 83, of Rockford and formerly of Stillman Valley passes away at River Bluff Nursing Home on June 24, 2022.  Barbara was born on October 22, 1938 in Escanaba MI, to Gorden and Anna Sarsin. She married Kenneth Reed on June 19, 1965, in Rockford; he preceded her in death on Feb. 22, 2009. She enjoyed many things in life, especially when doing it with family.  In her earlier years she enjoyed going camping and boating.  While in her later years...

Viola M. Nighswonger, age 95, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2022. She was born August 31st, 1926 at the family farm in Forreston, Illinois, the daughter of Edward and Henrietta (Ruter) Johnson. She graduated from Forreston High School in 1944. After graduation, she worked at both MicroSwitch and Kable News in Mt. Morris. Viola married Harold E. "Bud" Nighswonger on August 28, 1948 in Forreston. Harold preceded her in death on March 24th, 2003. Viola was a mother...

Strauda L. “Stu” Wyatt, age 96, of Oregon, Illinois, died Sunday, June 19, 2022 at home following a long illness.  He was born August 25, 1925 at Chrisman, Illinois the son of Earl and Ruth (Newlin) Wyatt.  He attended Ashton High School in Ashton, Illinois.  He served 3 years in the Seabees during WWII and did 2 overseas tours of duty.  Stu served as Tow Barge and Security Guard.  He lived in Oregon and surrounding area most of his life.  Stu...

Mary Lou Mead, age 83, of Loves Park and formerly of Byron passed away at her home on June 16, 2022. She was born on November 2, 1938 in Salem, IL the daughter of Verl and Velma (Akes) Lenington. She enjoyed working at K-Mart for 25 years where she made many friends who became like a second family to her. She leaves her family with cherished memories of Saturday night popcorn and movie nights when her children were growing up, always keeping a refrigerator stocked with her famous sweet tea...

Gary Lee Silbaugh at 74, passed away on June 15, 2022 at his home in Bryon, IL. Son of Dale and Helen (Wilkins) Silbaugh, born on Feb. 14, 1948 in Jefferson, Iowa.  Drafted to the Army for Vietnam at a young age of 20, later became a Pipefitter with Local 166 for 8 years then Local 23 for 34 years. Married to Joan Silbaugh who passed away in 2013: Loved shooting pool, fishing, country music, dancing, camping and playing cards.  Surviving is his loving partner of 22 years, Rose...

Gurnee, IL – Eveleen C. Hintz, age 98, formerly of Chana, IL died Tuesday, June 7, 2022 at her home in Gurnee surrounded by her loving family.  She was born July 19, 1923 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Thomas and Helen (Ries) Knapik .  She married Willis D. Hintz on July 21, 1944 in Norfolk, VA.  Eveleen was a longtime member of the Chana United Methodist Church where she was involved in the United Methodist Women’s Club.  Mostly, she loved being a mother and...

Mary Ann Hopkins, age 80, died Friday, June 7, 2022 peacefully at her home in Davis Junction surrounded by her loving family.  She was born Sept. 25, 1941 in Rockford, IL the daughter of Gordon F. and Iris (Strang) Hopkins.  She attended Davis Junction Grade School, graduated from Stillman Valley High School in 1959, and OSF Nursing School.  She then worked for OSF St. Anthony Medical Center.  Mary worked over 40 years as a nurse and the last 30 years as County...

            Rebecca Dawn DeGraf of Sterling passed away at CGH Medical Center on June 6, 2022. Born August 17, 1976 on Rockford. Becky lived at home until she was 10 years old.  After being diagnosed with Rett Syndrome, she went to Walter Lawson Children’s Home in Loves Park. On April 7, 1994 she moved to Exceptional Care & Training Center in Sterling where she currently...