PANTHA HAYWARD (BARRETT) SCHICK , one of the oldest and best known residents of this community passed away Thursday morning at 6:30 o'clock at her home, 604 Third avenue, Rock Falls, after a continuous residence of 71 years in this vicinity. Mrs. Schick had not been in the best of health for the past four years. Last spring she became seriously ill, but during summer recovered and remained in fair health during the fall until October, when she began to fail. Since then she gradually weakened and for the past two weeks she was confined to her bed. Pantha Barrett was born near Sterling 71 years ago Jan 25 and she received her schooling in the Twin Cities and was married to Charles Schick, also of a well known Whiteside county family. Their home was always in this vicinity. Mr. Schick preceded his wife in death two years and nine months ago. Two of their sons have also passed away. Nine Children Survive: Six sons and three daughters survive, as follows: Carl B. Schick, of Harmon; Harry H. Schick of Columbus, Ohio; Bert D. Schick, of Ocean Park, Cal; Theodore L. Schick of Sterling; Percy L. Schick of Joliet; M.D. (Dewey) Schick of New York City; Mrs. Charlotte A. Rumley, wife of Charles F. Rumley of Rock Falls, Miss Mary L. Schick of Sterling, and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith, wife of William B. Smith, of Sterling. Three brothers, Frank S. Barrett of St Louis, Mo., Joseph Barrett of Kansas City, Mo, and William Barrett of Morrison, also survive. Mrs. Schick was a member of the Women's Relief Corps and was long active in the work of that organization. She has been a faithful member of the Rock Falls Congregational church for many years and was always highly esteemed and respected (Note: here the text becomes completely blank).

[Source: Sterling, Illinois, The Daily Gazette, Thursday, 14 January 1926].

Funeral Of Mrs. Schick - The funeral of Mrs. Pantha Schick, widow of Charles Schick, will be held at 3 o'clock Sunday afternoon at the family home, 604 Third avenue, Rock Falls. Rev H.E. Shiffer, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian church will be in charge of the service.

[Source: Sterling, Illinois, The Daily Gazette, Friday, 15 January, 1926, page 8].

W.R.C. Assist At Funeral Of Mrs. Schick Sunday - Funeral services for Mrs. Pantha H. Schick were conducted by Rev. H.E. Shiffer, pastor of the Rock Falls Christian church, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock at the family home, 604 Third avenue, Rock Falls. The Women's Relief Corps, of which Mrs. Schick was so long a loyal member, participated in the services at the home, the officers of the corps conducting the ritual of burial. Misses Mary and Beulah Selgier sang "Lead Kindly Light" and "Abide With Me", favorite hymns of the deceased. Interment was in Riverside cemetery, Sterling, the following old friends and neighbors serving as pall bearers: McClellan Fluck, Clare A. Wetzel, Hugh H. Ramsay, Frank Rumley, William Schwenk and Charles Gettle. Mrs. Charles B. Schick - Pantha H. Barrett was born in Como, Ill, Jan 25, 1855, and departed from this life at her home in Rock Falls on Thursday, Jan 14, at 6:10 a.m. at the age of 70 years, 11 months and 20 days. She was united in marriage to Charles B. Schick of Prairieville, Ill., Dec 11, 1873, and from that time has lived in the vicinity of Sterling and Rock Falls, their home for many years being on a farm in Hume township. Since 1902 they have resided in Sterling and Rock Falls. Mr. Schick preceded his wife in death two years and 9 months passing away on April 27, 1923. A son, Earl E. died Dec 24, 1899, at the age of 15 years and another son, John T. died Aug 29, 1914 at the age of 23 years. Nine children, six sons and three daughters, survive to mourn the loss of their mother. Carl B. of Nelson township; Harry H. of Columbus, Ohio; Bert D. of Ocean Park, Cal; Theodore L. of Sterling; Percy L. of Joilet, Ill.; M. Dewey of New York City; Mrs. Charlotte Rumley of Rock Falls; Miss Mary Schick of Chicago who has been with her mother the past several months, and Mrs. Elizabeth Smith of Sterling. There are 25 grand children and three great-grandchildren. Three brothers, Joseph Barrett of Kansas City, Mo; William Barrett of Morrison, Ill., and Frank Barrett of St. Louis, Mo also survive. Mrs. Schick had been a member of the Congregational church from girlhood and united with the Sterling Congregational church twenty-four years ago, but during the past few years has been unable to take active part in church work. She was also a member of the Women's Relief Corps of Sterling, and of the Good Deeds Circle of King's Daughters, taking great interest in the activities of both organizations as long as her health permitted.
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, The Daily Gazette, Wednesday, 20 January 1926].

THEODORE LEE SCHICK , 62, of Rock Falls passed away in the Jamison nursing home in Rock Falls at 2 p.m. Sunday after an illness of the past six months from a complication of diseases. The remains were removed to the Melvin funeral home where friends may call. Funeral rites will be conducted there at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday by the Rev. Harry E. Shiffer of the Rock Falls Christian church. Interment will be in Riverside cemetery, Sterling. Mr. Schick was born January 19, 1883, in Hume township. He had been a resident of Sterling and Rock Falls practically his entire lifetime. He is survived by two sons, Robert of Aurora and Charles of Rock Falls and three brothers and two sisters.
Contributed by Charlotte Schick[Source: From an unknown newspaper, dated Monday, 17 September 1945].

LLOYD SCHWARZ , 69, of Rock Falls died SUnday Feb. 13, 2005 at Trinity Med. Ctr. Rock Island.He was employed by Borg-Warner, Dixon, retiring after 15 years. Mr. Schwarz was born April 27, 1935 in Ustick Twp. Whiteside COunty, the son of Fred and Viola (Johnson) Schwarz. He married Shirley Bodmer on June 25, 1960 in Dixon. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Peggy (Mike) Corrigan of Goshen IN and Janet Schwarz of Freeport; two sons, Lloyd of David Junction and Brad (Lisa) of Rock Falls; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The funeral is at 10 a.m. Thursday at McDonald funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Rev. Henrietta Milner and the Rev. Dalmus Meeks co-officiating.Burial at Coloma Twp. Cemetery.

CHRISTIAN F. SEEFIELD - Rites for Christian F. Seefeld, 80, of Algona, were held at the McCullough's Monday morning with the Rev. Luther Loesch officiating. The family drove to Sterling, Ill., where the burial took place today. Mr. Seefeld, who had been paralyzed for the past 14 years, died at his home on North Harlan street Friday. Mr. Seefeld farmed from 1902 until 1926 in the Wesley area and moved to Algona in that year. He was born Oct. 30, 1976, in Whiteside county near Sterling, the son of Frederick and Minnie Seefeld. Survivors include his wife Hannah; two daughters, Amy, Mrs. Steven Kuhn of Kansas City, Mo., and Esther, Mrs. Elead Wegner, Algona, and two brothers, Henry of Halsey, Ore., and Frank of Beloit, Wis.
Contributed by Marcia Hellam from the Kossuth County Advance, Algona, IA 23 Apr 1957 Pg 1, Col 3

JACK A. SEIDEL , 78, of Owensboro KY, formerly of Sterling died June 14, 2005 at Owensboro Medical Health Syt. He was employed by Green River Steel, retiring after 32 years. Mr. Seidel was born Jan. 10, 1927 in Sterling the son of George and Lillian (Pierce) Seidel. He served in the Navy during WW II. He married Ruth Olds on Dec. 13, 1947 in Rock Falls. Survivors include his wife; and three brother Kenneth of Wisconsin, Wesley of Michigan and Chester of Nevada. He wsa preceded by a sister and brother. Graveside service is at 10 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery Saturday.

LENA (BOELKENS) SENIOR , 87, of Fulton died Tuesday Nov. 30, 2004, at Harbor Crest Nursing Home, Fulton. She and her husband were lifetime farmers in the Garden Plain area. She also cleaned homes in Fulton and Morrison.

Mrs. Senior was born August 22, 1917 in Garden Plain, the daughter of Wm. and Lucy (Temple) Boelkens. She was a graduate of Fulton High. She married Harvey C. Senior on Jan. 21, 1937 in Fulton. He died Dec. 26, 1996. She was a member of Second Reformed Church, Fulton, and Jolly Farmers' Wives, Garden Plain. She enjoyed gardening and crocheting.

Survivors include a daughter Judy (Skip) Carstensen of Clinton Iowa; two sons, Larry (Sandra) Senior of Fulton and Bill (Alice) Senior of Morrison; a sister, Lucille Geerts of Fulton; six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Services at Bosma Renkes Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeffrey N. McIlrath, pastor of Emmanuel Reformed CHurch, Morrison, officiating. Burial at Garden Plain Cemetery Fulton Friday.

JAMES FRANKLIN SENSENBAUGH , of 1000 W 5th St., Rock Falls, died Friday afternoon in Community General Hospital at the age of 85. Mr. Sensenbaugh was born June 1, 1880 in Wolfsville, Md., the son of James and Amanda Mauggins Sensenbaugh. He was a retired railroad mail clerk, living in Rock Falls for over 50 years. He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Rock Falls of which he had been a very faithful member. He was a member of the Rock Falls Optimist Club and was very active in civic affairs. Mr. Sensenbaugh was united in marriage to Josie Barrett, Sept 21, 1904 in the country home East Hume.

He is survived by his wife, Josie, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents, two brothers and nine sisters. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. in the First Congregational Church of Rock Falls with Rev. N. Dean Chasteen, pastor, officiating with burial in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rock Falls. Friends may call at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral home after 2 p.m. Sunday until 11:30 a.m. Monday when the body will be taken to church to lie in state until the hour of services. A memorial has been established in the First Congregational Church.

Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Saturday, 5 March 1966; 2; 2]

JOANNA JOSIE (BARRETT) SENSENBAUGH , of 1000 W 5th St., one of Rock Falls oldest residents, died Friday morning in Community General Hospital at the age of 88. Mrs. Sensenbaugh was born April 8, 1887 in Hume Township, Illinois, the daughter of the late James and Jane Taylor Barrett. She was united in marriage Sept 21, 1904 to James Sensenbaugh at the bride's home in Hume Township.

She received her education in local schools and taught for several years. The couple farmed for several years and then moved to Rock Falls where she had since resided. She was a member of the Rock Falls Congregational Church, active in the Sunday School as a teacher or head of departments until 1954, Women's Social Circle and Missionary. She was a member of the King's Daughters for over 50 years. She served as president of the Loyal Circle and as state secretary and state president. Mrs. Sensenbaugh served several years on the UWCA Board. She did much work in Red Cross during both World Wars and was a member of Rock Falls Women's Club since 1911. She was interested in WCTU but health didn't permit her to serve actively.

Survivors include one niece, Mrs. Carol Warner of Sterling; ten nephews including Nathan Hand of Sterling and Taylor Hand of Long Beach, California. She was preceded by her husband, a brother, Otis E. Barrett, and a sister, Mrs. Celia Carol Hand. Funeral services will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home, Rock Falls with the Rev Donald Proctor, pastor of the Rock Falls Congregational Church, officiating. Burial will be in Odd Fellows Cemetery. Friends may call all day Sunday at the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home.

Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Friday, 2 September 1966; 6; 3]

ROBERT L. SHAFFER , 83, of Sterling died Sunday, Oct. 2, 2005 at Willow Wood Health Care Ctr. Rock Falls. He was employed by Natl. Mfg. as an engineer. Mr. Shaffer wsa born May 1, 1922 in DeKalb, the son of Lloyd and Marjorie (Dole) Shaffer. He served in the Navy during WW II. He married HelenLea Hanson on July 1, 1943 in Sterling. She died May 30, 2001. Survivors include a daughter Shawn L. Strecker of Chicago, two sons, Peter B. of Conway SC and Jonathan of Lafayette CA; two sisters, Betty of MI and Jane of Milledgeville. Graveside services are at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery.

**From the Daily Gazette Oct. 3, 2005 by Phil Hartman - A tall, light-haired man once sent balls flying weekends on the greens. Fellow golfers might greet the tall man with the nickname "Shaf" and he would respond with a smile. Robert Shaffer played golf frequently at the Rock River Country Club in Sterling. Standing well over 6' tall, Shaffer was an able player, bringing home trophies to his wife and three children. Robert died Sunday after a life working as an engineer at National Mfg. He was 83. Golf was his father's passion, Peter Shaffer said. " He was always on the Lincoln Highway Tornament team. He won several championships at the Country Club. Robert Shaffer stood out from the crowd for a number of reasons - He was 6'2". He had light hair. His hair was so light that in high school they used to call him "Whitey" son Jonathan said. He also gave his time to the community, as a member of the Jaycees and the Rock Falls Elks Club. "He was president of the Jaycees for two terms" in about 1955, Peter Shaffer said. He also served in the US Navy from 1941 - 45. He never got overseas. He broke his ankle. He was in Connecticut. Both of his boys remembers their father's warm, outgoing personality.

AMY IRENE (SIVITS) SHANNON , 93, of Sterling Care Center, died Wednesday afternoon (25 Jul 1990) in the Sterling Care Center. Private funeral services will be at the Allen Funeral Home, Sterling, with Rev Charles Steinke, pastor of St John's Lutheran Church, Sterling, officiating. Burial will be in Oak-Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. There will be no visitation. A memorial has been established. Mrs. Shannon was born on Feb 12, 1897, in Sterling, the daughter of William and Ruth Burger Sivits. She married Bert B. Shannon on Dec 9, 1919, in Sterling. He died on March 2, 1977. She was a member of St John's Lutheran Church, Sterling. She is survived by three sons, Lyle W., Iowa City; Myron T., Sterling; and Herbert D., Sacramento, Calif.; one daughter, Mrs. Donald L. (Phyllis) Stroup of Louisville, Ky.; 15 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, and one infant daughter, Arlene."
Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Thursday, 26 July 1990; A2; 4]

SAMUEL SHEPHERD , was born June 11, 1811 in Derby Shire, England, married to Mary Ann Millwood in Derby in 1850. Emigrated to America in March 1857. Moved to Newton township in August 1859, then to Fenton in 1864, at which place he lived until death called him home on March 5, 1894. He was a member of Primitive Methodist church, uniting in early manhood. He was one whom all respected for his constant and exemplar life, and those who knew him best, loved him most. He was a good husband, father and neighbor, and never was known to speak ill of any one, forgave those who wronged him, gladly and holding malice toward none, were among his last words. He was father of thirteen children, three preceding him to the unknown. Those who are left to mourn are the following: His faithful wife and ten children are Mrs. Maria Stockle of Sterling, Samuel, Junior, of Fenton, Mrs. Hannah Gibler of Dallas CO. IA, William of Fenton, Harry and Mrs. Sarah Terry of Canada, Chester of Van Orin, Mrs. Ella Eads of Fenton, Frank and Mrs. Elizabeth Modler of Sterling, Harry and Frank are unmarried and live on the old home place. Rev. E. A. Spring of Erie, officiated at the funeral. The remains were interred in the Lebanon (Fenton) cemetery to await the final resurrection. The funeral occurred Wednesday March 7th at 10:30.m.
Contributed by Liz Eads

ALICE (DeLARY) SHERIDAN , 85, of Rock Falls died July 15, 2005. She was employed by Charles O. Larson Co. Rock Falls for 33 years. Mrs. Sheridan was born April 7, 1920 in Sterling the daughter of Joseph & Maggie (Crotts) DeLary. She married Walter E. Sheridan on June 12, 1937 in Joliet. He died March 29, 1979. She was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Church Rock Falls and the Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed gardening and shopping. Survivors include two sisters, Dorothy Pauline Sheridan of Joliet and Olive marie McNinch of Rock Falls; a brother WIlliam of Rock Falls. Services are Tuesday at mcDonald funeral Home. Burial at Oak Knoll.

LLOYD W. SHOFFNER , 76, formerly of Rock Falls, died Friday, Jan. 28, 2005 at CGH Med. Ctr. He was employed by Northwestern Steel & Wire, Parish-Alford Plant, Rock Falls, as a forklift operator, retiring after 30 years. Mr. Shoffner was born Jan 8, 1929 in Sterling, the son of Walter & Madilyn (Crossley) Shoffner. He was a member of First Congregational UCC and Odd Fellows Lodge, both in Rock Falls. He enjoyed fishing and talking to people. Survivors include two sons, Niel (Mary) and tim (Pam) both of Rock Falls; a daughter, Gayle Ledford of Bloomington; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preced by two great-grandchildren. The funeral is Tuesday 10 a.m. at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating. Burial at Coloma Twp. Cemetery.

RUSSELL SHORT , 87, died Tuesday, June 7, 2005 at Coventry Village. He was a Foreman for Wahl Clipper for 36 years until he retired in 1982. Mr. Short was born July 19, 1917 in Rock Falls, IL, the son of Charles and Hazel (Thomas) Short. He married Violet E. Siex on January 31, 1971 in Rock Falls. She died January 1, 2002. He was in the Army during WW II. Survivors include a stepson, David (Sharon) Siex of Sterling, step-grandchildren and nieces and nephews He was preceded in death by three brothers, Neal, William, and Glenn Short and one sister Mary Thomas. Services will be held at 10 AM, Thursday June 9, 2005 at Schilling Funeral Home, there will be no visitation, with Burial at the Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling

EMILY (HOWE) SIKKEMA , 77, of Morrison, died Thursday at Mercy North Hospital, Clinton. Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no funeral services and no visitation. The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Interment of cremains will be in Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison at a later date. She was born July 7, 1927, in Morrison to George D. and Ivy L. Beswick Howe.She married Dwaine L. Sikkema on Jan. 18, 1945, in Morrison. He died March 4, 1985. She was educated in Whiteside County grade school and was a graduate of Morrison High School. She attended beauty school in Rockford, Ill. She was employed by the former Volckmann's Furniture Factory in Morrison. She then worked at General Electric in Morrison and then owned and operated with her late husband the former Spot Tavern in Morrison. Following that, she was employed by Resthave Nursing Home and Pleasant View Nursing Home, both in Morrison, as a dietary aid. She was a member of the Morrison United Methodist Church, the Morrison VFW No. 8281 Ladies Auxiliary, the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter No. 354 in Sterling, Ill., the former Morrison Country Club and Lakeview Country Club in Sterling. Survivors include two sons, Arlyn (Debbie) Sikkema of Lyndon, Ill., and Brent Sikkema of New York, N.Y.; two grandchildren; and two sisters, Sue Pape and Mrs. Mary Myrle (Warren) Nice, both of Morrison. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

GAYLORD SIKKEMA , 89 of Sterling died Tuesday October 31, 2006 at his home. He was born on April 9, 1917 in Fulton, IL the son of Gerald and Grace (Hook) Sikkema. He married Evelyn Pessman on October 17, 1939. She died in 1940. He then married Velma Shipma September 13, 1941. She died November 11, 1982. He later married Marian (Karn) Siperly on April 20, 1984. Mr. Sikkema was employed for 35 years at the former Northwestern Steel and Wire Co. retiring as pit forman in 1979. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church, Sterling and enjoyed fishing and feeding the squralls and birds. Surviving is his wife Marian; his daughter Linda Cunningham of Stockton, IL; his son Ned (Carol) Sikkema of Dixon, IL; his step son Aldis (Dawn) Siperly III of Sterling; his foster son Bill (Ellen) Forbes of Rock Falls; three sisters Arlene Eissens of Thomson, Henrietta Maring of Frisco, TX and Pauline Kitteringham of Hot Springs, AR; his brother Russell (Darlene) Sikkema of Fulton, IL; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 1 step grandchild. He was preceded in death by one brother Allen Sikkema; one sister Renette Swanson; and one foster son Jim Forbes. Funeral services will be Thursday November 2, 2006 at 11 AM in the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home in Sterling with the Reverend Mark H. Curtis officiating. Burial will be at Oak Knoll Memorial Park. Visitation is Thursday from 9-11 AM at the funeral home. Memorials to Hospice of the Rock River Valley or to Trinity United Methodist Church.

MARVIN J. SIKKEMA , 79, of Rock Falls, formerly of Fulton, died Wednesday Feb. 2, 2005 at CGH Med. Ctr. He was employed by R.B. & W. Rock Falls, retiring in 1990. Mr. Sikkema was born Sept. 24, 1925 in Whiteside County, the son of Wm. and Grace (Fiet) Sikkema. He served in the Marine Corps. He married Annie Blink onf June 15, 1947 at the Little Brown Church, Nashua, Iowa. She died Dec. 19, 2001. He was a member of Bethel Reformed Church,S terling and a charter life member of Jerry Celletti Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5418, Rock Falls. Survivors include a son, Harold Sikkema of Momence. He was preceded by a brother and sister. The funeral is Saturday at Mc Donald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, with Rev. Phil Sneller officiating. Burial with military rites at Coloma Twp. Cemetery.

FLORENCE (JACOBS) SIMPSON , 89, died Sep. 16, 2005. She wsa born on June 28, 1916 near Sterling, the daughter of Rudolph and Lenora (Good) Jacobs. She married Paul Simpson on Oct. 10, 1936. He died Feb. 1, 1990. Florence was employed as a bookkeeper and worked for Bessie Oil, Little Oil, Citgo,Megli Oil and Milledgeville Oil. She was a member of Immanuel Evangelical Church Rock Falls, Rock Falls Women's Club, Friendly Neighbors, Ladies Elks. She served as a past 4-H leader and volunteered s a pink lady with the CGH Medical ctr.

Surviving are her children, Joyce Thome of Springfield, Donald of Dixon, Wayne of Milledgeville and Linda of Rock Falls; her sister Helen Jacobs of Lake Geneva. Services Monday Sept 19 at Immanuel Lutheran. Burial at Oak Knoll.

PHRONICA IRENE (BRAND) SIMPSON , 73 of Rock Falls died Friday July 28, 2006 at her home following an extended illness. She was born on December 25, 1932 in Indianapolis, IN the daughter of Jessie and Gladys (Turnmair) Brand. She married Robert Simpson Sept 1, 1950 in Indianaplois, IN. He died Aug 18, 1996. Phronia worked as a home care provider for D.O.O.R.S. for 15 years. Surviving are her daughters: Cindy McCoullough of Antioch, IL, Vicki Musgrove of Rock Falls and Mae Turner of Bakersfield, CA; her sons Robert (Lori) Simpson of Rock Falls and Sean Simpson of Chicago; 32 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three daughters; 4 sisters and 3 brothers. Funeral services will be Tuesday August 1, 2006 at 1:30 PM in the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Deacon James Lopez of St. Mary Church officiating. Burial will follow at Coloma Township Cemetery. Visitation is Tuesday from 12:30 - 1:30 PM at the funeral home.

BERTHA L. (DETWEILER) SIVITS , 87, RR 1, Sterling, died Friday morning in Dixon Public Hospital. Funeral services will be Monday at 2 p.m. at the East Jordan United Methodist Church with the Rev John Smith, pastor officiating and burial in the East Jordan Cemetery. Friends may call at the Allen Funeral Home from 2 - 4 and 7 - 9 p.m. Sunday and until 11 a.m. Monday, when the body will be taken to the church to be in state until the hour of services.

Mrs. Sivits was born on October 15, 1883, the daughter of Abiah and Selina Brooks Detweiler, in Clay Center, Neb. She was united in marriage to Jesse Sivits on Feb 11, 1906. They farmed their entire married life until in 1949 when they retired. He preceded her on October 1, 1956. Mrs. Sivits was a member of the East Jordan United Methodist being the oldest member of the church and the Royal Neighbors of America. She is survived by one son, Mason L. Sivits, Dixon; three daughters, Mrs. Charles (Leola) Hains, Sterling, Mrs. Paul (Lenore) Warner, Dixon and Mrs. Nolan (Louise) Deets, RFD 1, Sterling; four sisters, Mrs. Ida Mundori and Mrs. Mary Beatty, Sterling, Mrs. Mabel Briggs, Hasting, Neb and Mrs. Joe (Hazel) Hoyt, Medford, Ore.; 17 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband, one twin son in infancy, one sister and two brothers.

Contributed by Charlotte Schick - [Source: Sterling, Illinois, Daily Gazette, Friday, 9 April 1971; 2; 3]

ETHEL (MONTGOMERY) SKLENAR , 83, of Moline, formerly of the area, died Thursday Nov. 11, 2004 at her home after an extended illness. She was a bookkeeper for several businesses in the area.

Mrs. Sklenar was born May 5, 1921, in Tampa, the daughter of William & Amanda (Castle0 Montgomery. During WW II she was employed at the Naval Ship Yards, Manila and was a P.O.W. from March 25, 1942 to March 3, 1945 at Santo Tomas and Los Banos Interment Camps. During this time she met Anthony Sklenar. They amrried on July 21, 1945 in Rock Falls. She was a member of Newcomers of the Quad Cities. She enjoyed going to the Mississippi River and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include a daughter, Denise (Thoams) VanDaele of Moline; two grandchildren and several other relatives. She is preceded in death by her husband, four sisters and a brother. The funeral is at 11 am Tuesday at Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, Sterling with Rev. Christine Gilbert, Pastor of First United Methoidt Church officating. Burial will follow at IOOF Cemetery Rock Falls.

J.M. SOWLES of Sterling IL, died Friday (August 6, 1909). He had been in his usual health and was painting some window sash on the inside, when he was suddenly stricken with heart failure and fell to the floor, dying very suddenly. Mrs. Sowles who was with him, had asked him a question and just as he turned to answer her, he was stricken down. Mr. Sowles was born at Utica NY March 30, 1841. He came to IL with his uncle when 12 years of age and lived with him at Milledgeville during his boyhood. He was married at Coleta, IL to Miss Emeline Crum, Oct. 6, 1868. They went to Iowa to live until 1882, when they moved to Galt IL where he purchased a farm and lived there until retiring in March 1903.

JOHN BURGESS STABLER , John Burgess Stabler born April 25, 1920, died October 29, 2004 after a long illness. He lived in Las Cruces, New Mexico with his wife, Karen, for the last ten years of his life. He was the son of Earnest and May Stabler of Sterling, Illinois. He graduated from Sterling High School where he was named to the Athletic Hall of Fame. He attended Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa for two years before transferring to the University of Missouri where he played basketball and graduated with a B.A. in Political Science in 1943. After serving with the Navy in the Pacific during World War II, he went to Columbia University in New York where he graduated with a Ph.D. in History in 1954. He worked for the U.S. Department of Education 1951-54 and the U.S. Agency for International Development, 1954-70. As a foreign training officer, he served in Egypt, Sudan, Philippines, and Zambia. He taught at the University of Maryland, American University, American University in Cairo, and George Washington University before becoming Director of International Studies and Professor of Political Science at Indiana State University, 1970-88. He was also Executive Director of International Student Center at UCLA, 1963-64; Vice Chairman, Council for Intercultural Studies and Programs in Indiana, 1971-74, and Executive Secretary, Indiana Consortium for International Programs 1970-1975. An avid golfer, he took special pride in making holes-in-one on three continents: Africa, Asia, and North America. He is survived by his wife, Karen, four children and seven grandchildren: Keith Stabler and children Sean and Jeremy, James Stabler and daughters Shaena and Stacia, Edward Stabler, and Ann and Brian Puttmann and two sons Chris and Matt. His oldest daughter, Joan Baxter, preceded him in death. Her son is James Baxter. His brother Tom Stabler of Mesa, Arizona also survives him. Donations can be made in his name either to the Alzheimer’s Association, 8100 Mountain Road, NE #102, Albuquerque, NM 87110-7800 or Sterling Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, IL, 61081.
Contributed by Jerry Thomas

ANDREW D. STANLEY , a lifelong citizen of of Whiteside county, died at 1 o'clock p.m. Sunday in the Sterling hospital. He had been in ill health all winter but was able to be about, and Sunday forenoon attended the Sterling Christian church Sunday school, where he was teacher of the men's Bible class. As he was standing before the class expositing the lesson he was seen to throw his head back and waver, when men assisted him to the pew. He had suffered a stroke. Mr. Stanley was rushed ot the Sterling hospital, and at 12:45 p.m. he suffered a second stroke and passed away. He was conscious to the end. The body was removed to the Melvin funeral home, where friends may view it until Wednesday morning, when it will be removed to the home, where the funeral will take place at 2:30 Wednesday. The services will be conducted by Rev. James Q. Moore, assisted by Rev. C.W. Marlowe of Coleta. Commital will be in the Mausoleum in Riverside cemetery. Mr. Stanley was born on a farm near Coleta on Dec. 6, 1855, and was therefore 79 years four months and 22 dyas at the time of his death. He lived in the Coleta and Sterling neighborhoods all of his life, and during his active years was engaged in farming. Raising asparagus was a specalty with him and he was noted for the fine quality of this products of his gardens. Besides his widow , Mrs. Lula Stanley, he is survived by a daughter, Mrs. E.W. Beeler of Sterling; and two brothers, Abe of Wichita KS and WIlliam H. of this city; and two sisters, Mrs. Esther Thorpe of Lincoln Neb., and MRs. Ben Bidlack of Manila, Ia. One brother Tom and three sisters, Mrs. Rebecca teachout and MRs. Mary Howland, and one who died in early childhood, preceded him in death, as did his first who was Emma Parish, and who died in 1925. Mr. Stanley was a familiar figure in this section and was one of the most active members of the Sterling Christian Church, having been an elder for a number of years, a member of the official board, and the men's Bible class teacher. He was a most likable man, a kind husband and father and a progressive farmer. Many will miss his kindly presence.

MARIE (BRANDS) STANLEY , 91, died at home Sunday, Aug. 7, 2005. Marie was aborn on Sept. 18, 1913 in Morrison, the daughter of Sybrand and Mary (Buikema) Brands. Marie married Donald Stanley on Feb. 4, 1938 in Morrison. He died May 6, 1979. Mrs. Stanley was employed as a clerk for the Whiteside County Circuit Court for 19 years, retiring in 1986. Mrs. Stanley was a former member of Ebenezer Dutch Reform Church, Morrison. Marie was a member of First Christian Church, Ruth-Esther Circle nd Questers Antique Club, Sterling. Surviving are five daughters, Kay Benson, Nancy Havener, Jane Koryn, Mary Andreas and Lois Stanley; 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded by two sisters, Alta Sikkema and Jen Port and five brothers, Roy, Siebe, Riep, Robert and Andy.

RONALD E. STICHTER , 68, of 16859 Carroll Rd. Morrison, died Tuesday, May 4, 2004 at Guttenberg Iowa Municipal Hsp. He farmed in the rural Morrison area, was an independent over the road truck driver and also owned and operated the former Morrison Implement Co. Mr. Stichter was born June 27, 1935 in Morrison the son of Lawrence and Edna (Johnson) Stichter. He was a graduate of Morrison High, married Carol J. Zuidema Oct. 2, 1954 in Nashua Iowa. He was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church Morrison, Percherona Draft Horse Assoc, Northern IL Draft Horse and Mule Assoc. and Alcholics Anonymous. He enjoyed working with draft horses and spending time with his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; four daughters, Michelle (alan) meurs and Angela (Jeff) Hanson of Morrison, Iimberly (Scott) Zahnle of Fulton and Candace (Jim) Zaagman of Prophetstown; a son, Mark (Stephanie) Stichter of Morrison; 13 grandchildren and 3 nephews. He was preceded by a sister, Emily Green; and a brother, Wm. Stichter. Burial is at Grove Hill Cem.

DOROTHY (HAINS) STINDT , 89, of Sterling Pavilion Nursing Home died Mach 10, 2005. She was employed by St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Sterling, as secretary; by Lawrence Brothers, Sterling for a number of years and helped her husband Clarence farm for several years. Mrs. Stindt was born April 12, 1915 in Sterling the daughter of Howard J. and Loretta H. (Rounds) Hains. She married Clarence B. Janssen on March 20, 1935 in Sterling. He died May 22, 1962. She later married Fred Stindt on Aug. 13, 1973. He died May 17, 1998. She was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Edith Eyekamp Circle and Rebecca Lodge of Rock Falls. Survivors include two sons, Howard and Earl Janssen; a sister Esther Brierton; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. The funeral is Monday - burial at Oak Knoll Cemetery.

JUDITH (RUDOLPH) STINEMYER , 66, of Sterling died Friday April 1, 2005. She was employed by Kline's Department Store and Dillon Oil both in Sterling. Mrs. Stinemyer was born April 26, 1938 in Sterling, the daughter of Carl adn Helen (Hermes) Rudolph. She married Wayne Stinemyer on Nov. 16, 1958 in Sterling. Survivors include her hsuband, two daughters, Nancy and Ronda and a sister Rosemary Egan of Sterling. Burial in Riverside.

ROBERT ST. PIER , 39, of Sterling died Sunday July 10, 2005 at his home. He was employed by Rayovac corp. Dixon. Mr. St. Pier was born April 11, 1966 in Sterling the son of Harold and Nancy (Ping) St. Pier. Survivors include a sister-in-law Brenda St. Pier of Rock Falls and a nephew David. He was preceded by his parents and a brother, Michael. Graveside services at Coloma Twp. cemtery 11 a.m. Wednesday.

HAROLD H. STRALOW , 85, of St. Petersburg FL died Monday Jan. 10, 2005 at Bayfront Med. Ctr. He was a farmer. Mr. Stralow was born Nov. 22, 1919 in Morrison the son of Carl & Alma (Folkers) Stralow. He attended rural Whiteside County schools. He served in the Navy during WW II, married Anita Hinz Oct. 5, 1947. She died in 1996. He then married jean Dexter on Feb. 13, 1999. He was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church St. Petersburg and a charter member of Garden Club of America. Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Phyllis Treu of Byron adn Beth Griffin of Gulfport FL; three sons, Martin, Kermit and Neale; three sisters Elvira Stralow and Esther Huizenga of Morrison and Anita Allison of Flowery Branch GA; four brothers, Arnold, Erwin, Charles and Cecil. Burial at Memorial Gardens, St. Petersburg FL.

THOMAS J. STRALOW , 53 of Sterling died Aug. 9, 2005. He was a truck driver. He was born June 16, 1952 in Sterling, son of Robert and Rosalie (Davies) Stralow. Survivors include a brother Terry; a half brother Jerry, a niece and a nephew. Graveside service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.

CYRUS SUMMERS - Genial and Companionable Man Succumbs to an Insidious Disease After Weeks of Suffering. Many expressions of regret were heard on the street Monday forenoon when the news was circulated that Cyrus Summers was dead, the end having came at nine o'clock at the home of his niece, Mrs. J. C. Snyder, with whom he had made his home since his return from Alabama about seven years ago. Mr. Summers was born in Fulton May 15, 1849, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Ephriam Summers, who settled in this county in 1838, coming to Fulton in 1848. Cyrus received his (text missing). He leaves one sister, Ida M., who married Herman M. Jordan and resides in Newton; nine nieces and three nephews, among them being Mrs. J. C. Snyder, Mrs. Elizabeth Quayle and Miss Ruby Summers of Fulton and H. B. Noble, also of this city. The funeral will be held Wednesday afternoon with services at 2:30 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Snyder on Ninth Avenue and in charge of the Masonic lodge of Fulton, with burial in the Fulton cemetery.
Photo & Obituary contributed by Corky Waite

EDITH (PETTY) (ALLEN) SUMMERS :Funeral arrangements are complete at the Allen funeral home in Sterling for Mrs. Fred (Edith) Summers of Milledgeville, mother of Mrs. Ralph McGlaughlin, owner of McGlaughlin's Ready to Wear and Donald Allen, owner of the Allen Funeral Homes, who died Saturday afternoon in Community General Hospital at the age of 81. Edith Allen Summers was born April 5, 1881 in Emerson, the daughter of Alfred and Celia Petty. She attended the Emerson School and married David Rollo Allen, Feb. 6, 1900 in Morrison Methodist parsonage. They lived in Milledgeville until Mr. Allen died, April 27, 1921. Mrs. Allen was married to Fred Summers, March 4, 1931 in Polo by the late Rev. William Thompson. They farmed many years in the Polo and Milledgeville area. They moved to Sterling April 12, 1949 and returned to Milledgeville in 1957 where they had since made their home. She was a member of the Brethren Church of Milledgeville, the Loyal Daughters Sunday School Class. Milledgeville grange 1883, the Pomona Grange 83 in which she took a very active part. She is survived by her husband, Fred; five daughters, Mrs. Lloyd (Mabel) Pilgrim and Mrs. Wilbur (Mabel) Chandler, both of Milledgeville; Mrs. Ralph (Ethel) McGlaughlin of Sterling; Mrs. Joe (Hazel) Wilkins of Freeport; and Mrs. Clifford (Bernadine) Jacobs of Sterling; four sons, Mason Allen of Rock Falls; Denver of Dewitt Ia.; Lloyd of Dixon and Donald of Sterling; three step-daughters, Mrs. Edna Mayberry of Sterling, Mrs. Charles (Elizabeth) Bort of Sterling; Mrs. Pete (Mildred) Wollwert of Aurora; three stepsons, Otho Summers of Sterling, Paul in the US Army Korea; and Harold of Downey Ill. Three sisters, Mrs. Ida Strimble of Sterling; Mrs. Minnie Dudley of Princeton and Mrs Jesse Kyger of Rock Falls; 21 grandchildren and 35 great grandchildren; six stepgrandchildren and seven great stepson grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends. She was preceded by her first husband, parents, one sister, Cora Bensinger; two grandchildren and one greatgrandchild. Funeral services will be Tuesday at the Brethren Church of Milledgeville with the Rev. Clarence Stogsdill officiating and burial in South Elkhorn Cemetery.

** Funeral: Mrs. Fenton Haugh at the organ and Mrs. Andy Blumer and Mrs. Lewis Glenn sang the Old Rugged Cross and Under His Wing. Flowers cared for by Mrs. Lela Hess, Mrs. John Warren, Mrs Richard Schreiner, Mrs. Fred Zemke, Charles Carns, Swartley's Lundstroms and the Milledgeville greenhouse. Pallbearers were John Dittmar, Eugene Glafka, Richard Schreiner, Loren Crawford, Lewis Glenn and John Warren.

EPHRAIM SUMMERS - Life of an Old Settler and a Highly Respected Citizen Closed Suddenly. Ephriam Summers died suddenly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Hiram Noble, about 7 o'clock Wednesday morning. He had been in his usual health, the only change being noticed that he did not get up as early as usual, but when asked how he felt, replied, as well as usual. A few minutes later he sank down unconscious and died in a short time. The deceased was born in Barnet, Vermont, Sept. 4, 1812. He learned the carpenter trade and in February 1883, was married to Miss Mary L. Dickson. In 1838 he came to Illinois and settled in Portland township. In 1840 he moved to Sterling were he opened a blacksmith shop, which he operated till 1847, when he came to Fulton and in 1850 he went to (text missing). To Mr. and Mrs. Summers seven children, four sons and three daughters were born, Cloys, who now resides at Judsonia, Arkansas; Oscar, who lives here; Cyrus, of Montgomery, Ala.; Morris, who died in infancy; Sophia who became the wife of Hiram Noble and resides in Fulton; Orilla, who married George Hartford, recently deceased, and who lives in Boon, Iowa; Mary, who became the wife of Herman Jordan, and lives in Newton, this county. Mrs. Summers died July 23, 1879, and since that time Mr. Summers has made his home with his children
Photo & Obituary contributed by Corky Waite

OSCAR SUMMERS
Oscar Summers, Who Had Resided in Fulton Since 1846, Died Sunday Evening. Many were the expressions of regret that were heard on all sides Monday morning when it was learned that Oscar Summers, one of the oldest and most highly respected citizens of Fulton, was dead, death having occurred at his home on Broadway Sunday evening, April 12 (1908) at ten o'clock. He had been (text missing) Mr. Summers was born in Sterling, June 5, 1842. He came to Fulton with his parents in 1846 and received his education in the public schools in this city. Shortly after the breaking out of the Civil War he enlisted in Company F, Fifty-second Illinois Volunteer infantry and was promoted to lieutenant. At the close of the war he returned to Fulton. Since 1869 he had been engaged in the grocery business in this city. He had for fifteen years most acceptably filled the office of banker of Forest Camp, No. 2 Modern Woodmen of America, and his books and records were models of neatness and correctness. Mr. Summers was married to Miss Elizabeth Exley in Des Moines, who with two daughters, Miss Ruby E. Summers, at home, and Marjorie, wife of M.S. Pierce, at Georgetown, Minn, survive him. The pall-bearers were W. C. Green, Dr. C.A. Griswold, J. W. Ross, Dr. S.E. Seeley, H. Worthington and J. W. Hurlbut.
Photo & Obituary contributed by Corky Waite

MARGARET (KLOCKE) SUMPTION , 96, formerly of Rock Falls, died June 11, 2005 in Morrison. Margaret was born Aug. 25, 1908 in Sterling the daughter of Albert and Mae Francis (Norton) K locke. She married John D. Sumption Sr. Aug. 11, 1931 in Chicago. He died Dec. 31, 1978. Margaret was active with the Rock Falls Women's Club, Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Garden Dept. and Beta Sigma Phi Sority. She served 27 years on the Community Buildign Board and was the first woman to receive the Shoulder to the Wheel award. Surviving are one daughter-in-law, Barb Sumption of Morrison; two brothers, Harold of CA and Richard of NC; three grandchildren. She was preceded by her parents; two sisters; three brothers and a son, Jack Jr. Services June 15, 2005 Burial in Coloma Twp Cem.

EVELYN (WESSELS) SWAN , 91, of Peoria AZ died Saturday July 16, 2005. Mrs. Swan was born Nov. 27, 1913 in Morrison the daughter of Albert Martin & Minnie Marie (Balster) Wessels. She married Conrad Leory Swan on Jan. 1, 1939. Survivors include her husband; two sons, Jerry and Jack; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Burial at Sunland Cemetery, Sun City AZ.

LEE SWARTLEY , 54, of Sterling died May 16, 2005. He was employed by Self Help Enterprises for more than 25 years. Mr. Swartley was born Aug. 27, 1950 in Sterling, son of Lyle and Lucille (Burr) Swartley. Survivors include his stepfather, Harold Darkow of Akron Ohio; a brother Loren of Sterling, a niece Julia and a nephew Jacob. Services at McDonald Funeral.

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Illinois - "Our Way"