MARY URSELY (JORDAN) PARKER , The silent messenger that had been hovering near for several weeks descended Monday, Dec. 22. 1930, 3:50 p.m. and bore away to the realms of celestial day an immortal spirit, that of a dearly beloved mother in Israel, Mrs. Ursely Parker at the home of her older daughter, Mrs. Harry S. Maxfield, 201 39th Street Moline, Ill. Early in September Mrs. Parker’s health became much impaired, in truth, she had not enjoyed good health for years but during the warm season had maintained her home here-during the cold season her time was spent with her daughters, Mrs. Maxfield of Moline and Mrs. Albert Suiter of Rock Island, so when she became ailing the first week in September she went to consult her Moline physician then to the home of her younger daughter, Mrs. Albert Suiter where she took to her bed and gradually grew weaker. A brief time before the final call came, Mrs. Parker was removed to the Maxfield home. All that living hands and medical skill could do, were to no avail-the Great Physician was the only power to heal not the physical but the spiritual and at the above date and hour the tiny silver cord released its hold of the mortal and immortal winged into the haven of rest, peace, and eternal happiness with that Father whom the subject never found a hard Master, only one in whom she placed her every trust-from Him came sustaining grace and love to the end of the earthly journey-then came her great reward-the joyful reunion of loved ones and that glorious presence with Jesus and Home Sweet Home for ever more. Mrs. Parker was of that quiet gentle loving disposition which endeared her doubly to her family and friends-she was always found willing to give of her services in all departments of church, lodge, and other activities. She was identified with the Albany Methodist Episcopal church and was ever found a consistent Christian servant. She was also a member of the Social Chapter, No. 87, Order of Eastern Star lodge, Albany and an active member of the Albany Women’s club. She will be missed greatly. We realize how great is the loss of that kind loving mother to the two daughters that their loss is that mother’s rich grain-theirs is a holy cherished memory of her.

Mary Ursely Jordan was the daughter of Sampson and Elizabeth Collins Jordan; she was born July 19, 1861 in Suttonville, West Virginia. When but four years of age she came with her parents to Whiteside County where they settled in Newton and on July 2, 1885 she became the bride of Wilbur D. Parker. Two daughters blessed this union, Flora and Lottie. The family moved to Albany several years ago. Mr. Parker was our rural mail carrier on route 2 out of Albany for several years. He passed away April 28, 1918, since, his widow had resided in the home here where the body was brought Monday evening, accompanied by the daughters and lay in state until Friday at 2:00 p.m. when the last rites were conducted by her pastor Rev. C. H. Duvall of the M.E. church assisted by Rev. Powell of the Centenary M. E. church of Rock Island, Ill. During the service as quartet composed of Mrs. E. F. Daw, Mrs. S. B. Diamond, M. S. Rosenkrans, and Aden Mosher of Davenport, Iowa sang “ The Old Rugged Cross,” Sometime We’ll Understand” and “The Land of Unsetting Sun.” The casket was attended by the six nephews: Clay Jordan, Stacy Jordan, Glenn Fagan, Howard Fagan, Dwight Fagen, and Harold Parker, Interment was made on the family lot in beautiful Oak Ridge cemetery. Survivors are the two daughters, Mrs. Harry S. Maxfield, Moline and Mrs. Albert Suiter of Rock Island, one granddaughter, Miss Virginia Maxfield, one grandson, Edwin Maxfield, both of Moline, one sister, Mrs. L. H. Ferguson of St. Louis, MO, who was with her loved one to the last. The funeral was largely attended. Among some of the relatives and friends from a distance were: Mrs. L. H. Ferguson, St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Jessie Fagan, Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Fagan, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Fagan of Fulton; Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Fagan, Davenport, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Archie Gilchrist, Farmington, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Alva Huffman, Woodhull, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. William Ferguson; Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Given of Morison, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Miller, Moline, Ill.; Miss Elizabeth Carruthers, Canton, Ill.; Mrs. Lily Snyder, Clinton, Ia.; Clyde Burns, Erie, Ill.
Contributed by Larry Jordan

WILLIAM J. PAXSON - In the death of William J. Paxson, Prophetstown universally mourns, and on is constrained to say that God Almighty has reached out and plucked down of the very choicest of flowers, and in doing has enriched His kingdom. If Christianity is service to humanity, then William J. Paxson was the embodiment of Christianity. His was a life of service, always living his religion and putting into his life tat which he espoused in joining the church. Mr. Paxson lived such a life as to call down the universal encomium of all, in speaking of him, it cannot be said that he had an enemy, and yet he was a man who stood for his rights and what he believed to be just. He was known for his veracity and honor. He could count his friends by his acquaintances. To know Mr. Paxson was to love and respect him. He was one of God’s chosen disciples, leading by his noble character those with whom he came in contact. Serving his town and the community in many capacities there is none to condemn but many to proclaim his virtues. Exemplary in habit, in acts, and four square in all the things that go to make for manhood he stood out conspicuous among his followers. Surely his will be a complete inheritance of the kingdom above.
Contributed by Debbit Thormahlen from the Sterling Gazette – June 18, 1924

CAROLE P. (DONOVAN) PAYNE , 72 of Lyndon died Friday, June 2, 2006 at her home following an illness. Carole was born December 8, 1933 in Morrison, IL the daughter of Paul and Susan (Ernst) Donovan. She married Robert H. Payne on March 22, 1968 in Fremont, NE. He died September 13, 2003. Carole was a Licensed Practical Nurse and had worked at several nursing homes in Nebraska and Illinois. She was a 1952 graduate of Sterling High School and attended Lyndon United Methodist Church. Carole was an avid reader and enjoyed playing the game “greedy”. Most of all she loved and cherished her dog “Misty” and her cat, “Popcorn”. Surviving are two sons, Mark Doering of Rock Falls and Kevin Doering of Oakland, CA; 3 grandchildren; a brother Paul Donovan of New York; a step brother Jim (Robin) Gordon of Sterling; and special friends Sandy (Gale) Schroeder of Lyndon. She was preceded in death by her parents and a daughter Kim Denise Doering on May 8, 1969. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of her life will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2006 at Lyndon United Methodist Church with Pastor Andrew Ploenzke officiating. Gathering of friends and family will be Saturday from 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home in Prophetstown.

ELIZA (WELLS) PAYNE - At her home in this city, on Saturday, November 1, 1895, Mrs. Eliza Wells Payne, aged 87 years, 10 months and 3 days. Eliza Wells Payne was born at East Lebanon, N.H. Jan. 18, 1808. She was married to William Payne in her native village, Nov. 8, 1832, and removed to Jackson County, Illinois, in the summer of 1838, with their three oldest sons, and joined her husband who had preceded her some months, at Vergennes, in that county. Four other sons were born in Jackson and Perry counties, and in the summer of 1845 the entire family removed to Whiteside county, where in 1848 three of the sons died in childhood, in the town of Newton. In 1878 William Payne and his wife removed to Morrison where they have continuously resided during the remainder of their days; the aged husband having died three years, lacking one day, previous to the death of his wife. In all the various circumstances of her life Mrs. Payne was a devoted and faithful friend of the sick and needy, and was continuously self-sacrificing to her family and neighbors, and is well described in Whittier's poem titled "Snow Bound" in which the mother of the family is so faithfully depicted. Her religion was to believe in God and do good to humanity. She was for more than sixty years a consistent and faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal church, and in her later years frequently expressed her willingness to join those of her many friends and relatives who had preceded her to that rest which is promised to such as she, and more especially so since the death of her husband with whom she had traveled life's journey sixty years and nine days. She left surviving her three sons; two brothers and two sisters; the eldest brother, Rev. Dennis Wells, having recently passed his ninety-second birthday, residing in Vermont. Her sister Mrs. Marilla W. Dustin, residing in Minneapolis, and Mrs. Lucinda Lovejoy who for two years past has resided with the deceased and Dr. H.K. Wells, who resides in Erie, this county.

WILLARD D. PEACH , age 74, of 400 W. Kimball St. in Tampico, IL died Tuesday, October 25, 2005, at CGH Medical Center, Sterling. Mr. Peach was born on April 9, 1931 in LaMoille, IL, the son of Charles W. and Cora L. (Mead) Peach. He was united in marriage to Nancy Whiteside on June 18, 1954 in Walnut, IL. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked at John Deere as a combine repairman for 27 years before retiring in 1991. He was a member of the Tampico Church of Christ and enjoyed reading Louis Lamour books. He loved his grandchildren, working in his garden and doing yard work. He is survived by his wife Nancy of Tampico, IL; three sons Larry (Karen) Peach of Mendota, IL, Ken Peach of Deer Grove, IL, Bill (Diane) Peach of Madrid, IA; one daughter Barb Peach of Tampico, IL; five grandchildren; one brother Lyle Peach of Princeton, IL; two sisters Ila Allen of Princeton, IL, Lois Hansen of New Bedford, IL; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son David, two brothers Wayne dn Delmar Peach and one sister Velva Akridge. Funeral services were conducted October 28 at the Garland Funeral Pastor Pearle Lande officiating. Burial will be in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Visitation was held October 27 at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo – November 1, 2005

AUGUST PEARSON , 70, of 808 West Second street, Rock Falls, a former local business man, passed away at 11:20 p.m. Sunday in Community General hospital where he was admitted Sunday afternoon. He underwent surgery at the Mayo clinic in Rochester, Minn., last May and had returned home three weeks ago. The body rests at the Wheelock funeral home in Rock Falls where friends may call. Funeral rites will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in Wheelock's by the Rev. Paul Bloomquist of Fourth Street Methodist church. The burial will be in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Mr. Pearson was born July 26 1882, in Tampico, the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Pearson. He was owner of a garage in Sterling for a number of years and later owned and opeaated the Mobile oil station at Routes 88 and 30, from which business he retired four years ago. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Ethel Pearson; a daughter, Mrs. Francis (Dorothy) Hanson of Sterling; a brother, Victor Pearson of Sterling; two grandchildren; four stepdaughters, Mrs John (Retha) Woodring of Berwyn, Mrs. August (Bernice) Jahn of Oak Park, Mrs. Clyde (Betty) Toppert of Prophetstown, and Mrs. Harold (Marjorie) Wetzell of Rock Falls, and three stepgrandchildren. Mr. Pearson was preceded in death by his first wife, Mrs. Flora Pearson, his parents and two brothers, Charles and William Pearson.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 4, 1952 - Monday, pg 2 col 2

IDA (ELMENDORF) PEARSON , 78, passed away Sunday afternoon at 2:30 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Ezra Keefer of Hume. The funeral will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Wheelock funeral home, Rev. Mr. Wharton of the Tampico Methodist church officiating. Committal will be in Riverside cemetery. Mrs. Ida Pearson was born in Hume township, March 28, 1870, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hezekiah Elmendorf, had been a resident of Hume all of her life. She is survived by her daughter, Mrs. Pansy Keefer of Hume, and two sons, Henry and Melvin Pearson of Hume; also by two brothers and two sisters, Frank Elmendorf of Sterling; Irving J. Elmendorf of Temple, Texas; Mrs. Susan Angell of Austin, Minn.; and Mrs. Ella Jackman of San Bernardino, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents and four brothers.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 1, 1948 - Monday, pg. 2, col. 4

MARJORIE (CANTLIN) PEARSON age 77, of 217 Sussex Road, Washington Twp., New Jersey died Wednesday, April 5, 2006 at the The Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Marjorie was born on November 1, 1928 the daughter of Jacob and Darlene West Cantlin. She was united in marriage to Kenneth M. Pearson and he survives with one daughter, Sharon (Frank) Piptone of Westwood, New Jersey; one son, Stephen (Debbie) Pearson of Indianapolis, Indiana; five grandchildren: Kristie, Ryan, Brian, Todd, and Stacey, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Helen Boesen, Marion Cantilin, and Ethel Zimmerman. Funeral services were conducted Wednesday, April 12 at the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico with the Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of the United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Tampico Memorial Cemetery.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo – April 18, 2006

MARTHA ELIZABETH (MURRAY) PEARSON - Obsequies for Mrs. Victor Pearson were held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Wheelock funeral home, the Rev. A. E. Blomberg, pastor of the Rock Falls Methodist church officiating. Burial was in the Tampico Memorial cemetery. Pallbearers included, August Plautz, Howard Church, Lawrence Church, John Miller, Peter J. Dietz and Ralph James. In charge of the floral tributes were, Mrs. John Miller, Mrs. Marie McCombs, Mrs. Howard Church, Mrs. Lawrence Church, Delbert Puautz, LaVerne Murry and H. Brinkman.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois March 15, 1949 - Tuesday, pg. 2, col. 2

NICHOLAS E. PELL - Funeral services for Nickolas E. Pell of Garden Grove, Calif., formerly of Morrison, were held Friday in the Tomlinson funeral home. The Rev. Bert Van Soest of the Ebenezer Reformed Church officiated and burial was in Grove Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Fred Pruis, DduWayne Prius, Clarence Johnson, Arthur Pruis and Jay Pruis. The beautiful floral tributes were arrnaged by Mrs. Fred Pruis and Mrs. Jay Pruis, Mrs. George Hudzenga sang an appropriate selection accompanied by her dauaghter, Miss Trudy Huisenga. (spelled as such). The body had arrived Thursday morning from California and friends and relatives called thursday afternoon and evening at the funeral home.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois June 15, 1960 - Saturday, pg 6 col 2

GEORGE WILLIAM PENLEY , 75, Sallisaw, Okla., formerly of Sterling, died Saturday Sept. 22. 1984 Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. in the Muldrow First Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Higgs officiating. Interment was in the IOOF Cemetery, Marion. George Penly was born on May 31, 1909 in Rockwood, Tenn., the son of Luther and Vera Ralson Penley. A deacon of the First Baptist Church, Muldrow, he was retired from the Public School District in Sterling. On Aug. 15, 1931 he married Lillian Grace in Marion. Surviving are his wife,; one daughter, Judith Foote, Columbia, S.C.; two sons, William Penley Aurora and Larry Penley, Chicago; two sisters, Ava Egbert, Rockford, and Kate Bolleger, Chicago; two brothers, Ivan Penley, Cincinnati, Ohio, and Luther Penley, Marion; four grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois October 5, 1984 - Friday, pg A4

PEARL (JANVRIN) PEOPLES , 84, died Saturday afternoon at the Resthaven Nursing Home following an extended illness. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 2 PM at the Tomlinson Funeral Home. The Rev Thomas Badler of Memorial United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be in Clyde Cemetery. Visitation is Monday (tonight) from 7-9 PM at the funeral home. She was born April 27, 1893 in Clyde Township, the daughter of Edward and Grace Kennedy Janvrin. She was educated in the rural schools and attended Browns Business College in Sterling. She married Charles Peoples on Dec 4, 1914, in Morrison, and he preceded in death on Jan 8, 1972. She was a member of the Ladies Aid and the Malvern United Methodist Church. Survivors include one daughter, Mrs Homer (Phyllis) Geison, of Savanna; three sons, Robert of Savanna, Warren of Sterling, and Norbert of Sulphur, LA; 20 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, one son, and one brother. A memorial has been established.
The Whiteside Sentinel, June 9, 1977 Contributed by: Jayne Kennedy Sweger

ALBERT PERRY - Burial rites for Albert F. Perry were held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday in the Melvin funeral home with the Rev. J. F. Eshbaugh of the West Jordan Lutheran church officiating. Organ selections played by Mrs. J. H. Linn were "Rock of Ages" and "What a Friend We Have In Jesus." The interment was in Riverside cemetery with Harry Fisch, George Capp, John Wolf, Ross Wolf, Howard Weidel and Lester Pfundstein as pallbearers. The flowers were in charge of Mrs. George Capp, Mrs. Harry Fisch and Mrs. Wayne Knox.
Contributed by Melva Taylor The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 4, 1952 - Monday, pg 2 col 2

ALONZO E. PHELPS one of the oldest market men in city, is stricken. Undoubtedly was the result of a defective heart -- health has not been good for some time. The dead body of Alonzo E. Phelps was found this afternoon at 3 o'clock in Jaquet's Meat Market near the corner of East Sixth Street and Broadway. It is evident that Mr. Phelps had been dead for some time. When the discovery was made, the residents in that vicinity were quickly notified and doctors summoned, but life had been extinct for some time. The dead body of Mr. Phelps was found by Mrs. Calligan, who resides on Locust Street . She went to the butcher shop of Jaquet Brothers and as she entered the shop, she was surprised and startled to find the body of Mr. Phelps on the floor dead. An inquest over the remains will be held, probably this evening, and in the absence of Coroner C. M. Frye in Chicago, one of the justices of the peace here, probably I. L. Weaver, will hold the inquest. Mr. Phelps is a veteran butcher. He has lived in this city for many years and at the time of his death he was probably one of the oldest meat cutters in Sterling . For a number of years, he operated a meat market and probably cut more meat than any other market man in Sterling . For the past few years he was employed by Mr. Jaquet. He is survived by a wife and five children. He resided at 321 West Fourth Street .

"Due to Heart Failure -- Official Inquiry into Cause of Death of A. E. Phelps" (Oct. 14, 1910) - Jury's verdict is that cause of death was due to natural causes and was almost instant. The official inquiry into the cause of the death of Alonzo E. Phelps was held last evening and was conducted by Justice of the Peace I. L. Weaver in the absence of the coroner. The jury, after taking testimony, reported that Mr. Phelps came to his death as the result of heart failure. The body of Mr. Phelps was discovered by Mrs. Minnie Callahan, who resides on First Avenue . When she opened the door of the market, she saw the body on the floor and she quickly summoned neighbors. An examination showed that Mr. Phelps had been sitting on a chair and was seized with failure of the heart and fell from the chair to the floor. The floor was covered with saw dust and was undisturbed. His glasses were adjusted to his nose and had evidently not been moved. His hat was found on the floor. Dr. Maxwell, who was summoned to examine him, stated that it was apparent that he had died of heart trouble. He stated that he had been treating Mr. Phelps for the past five years for heart trouble. The doctor stated that he had made an examination of the floor and it was his opinion that the man died without a struggle. W. S. Stocking, who was the fist man to make his appearance at the market after the body was discovered, also stated that he examined the floor and found that nothing had been disturbed. Benjamin Jaquet states that he had a talk with Mr. Phelps about two hours before the body was found. Mr. Phelps seemed alright at that time. Mr. Phelps complained of being ill and that his heart was troubling him. The funeral services over the remains of Alonzo E. Phelps will be held Saturday afternoon at 4:30 o'clock at the family home, 321 West Fourth Street , and will be conducted by Rev. A. C. Geyer, Pastor of the Fourth Street Methodist Church . The remains will then be taken to Oregon , to the home of his sister Mrs. Samuel [Margaret Victoria] Roat, where services will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The remains will be interred in Riverside Cemetery of Oregon, beside those of his father. Alonzo E. Phelps was a member of the Phelps family that founded the now historic city of Oregon on the Rock River in the early part of the 19th century. Mr. Phelps was born in Oregon on Apr. 19, 1847, where he remained until 25 year of age, and since that time has resided here with the exception of a few years spent in Missouri . Mr. Phelps was married to Miss Annie Lyman in this city on May 20, 1879, and to this union eight children were born, three having passed away. The surviving children are Mrs. Addie Eastman of Rockford and Miss Vernie at home, George W., John and Alonzo, who also reside in Sterling . He is also survived by his wife and two sisters, Mrs. Samuel Roat and Mrs. Charles [America Delana] Reynolds of Oregon. Mr. Phelps at the time of his death was the pioneer meat cutter of this city and had worked continuously at the trade for 42 years. He probably worked in and established the majority of the meat markets in this city. Mr. Phelps was a member of theFourth Street Methodist Church and of the Sterling Woodmen. He was well known in this city and vicinity and had many friends in Oregon . Mr. Phelps was industrious and a hard working citizen. He raised a splendid family of boys and girls, and was a wise and loving husband, a good father and an affectionate brother. His sudden death which occurred Thursday afternoon at 3 o'clock has been a severe shock to the family and they have the sincere sympathy of the community in their hour of bereavement.

Additional Comments: - The town baseball team in Sterling canceled its game out of respect for Alonzo Phelps' funeral. He was buried in Riverside Cemetery in Oregon , Illinois near his father George Washington Phelps. His grandson Lloyd Phelps said the plot where Alonzo was actually buried says "Phelps-Roat" and on it are the names of Margaret [Roat] (1846-1905) and her twin sons Fred (1867-1913) and George (1867-1942).
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Sterling Evening gazette Thursday, Oct. 13, 1910 and Friday, Oct. 14, 1910

ANNA ELIZABETH (LYMAN) PHELPS widow of Alonzo Phelps, died at the Sterling Public Hospital at 3:30 o'clock Friday -- death being due to a complication of diseases, the chief of which being gall stones. She had been ill for the past three weeks, and a week ago was removed to the hospital. The funeral services will occur on Monday morning at 9 o'clock at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Rev. A. J. Burns officiating. The remains will be interred in Calvary. Anna Elizabeth Lyman was born Dec. 2, 1853, in Philadelphia , Pa. , and was married to Alonzo Phelps in this city in 1879. Mr. Phelps passed away several years ago. Mrs. Phelps is survived by the following children: Mrs. V. E. [Adelaide ] Eastman, Alonzo, John and Verna. Also by the following brother and sisters: Richard and William of Chicago and Mrs. Phil [Ella] Clark of Chicago and Jane Lyman of Chicago. Mrs. Phelps was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, and was highly respected and verated (sic-venerated) by all who knew her. A loving mother and dutiful sister, as well as a kind neighbor. The family have the profound sympathy of the community in their hour of sorrow.

Additional Comments - Sterling Gazette Tuesday, Apr. 21, 1914 -- William Lyman [Annie's brother] returned to his home in Chicago yesterday after attending the funeral of his sister, Mrs. Anna Phelps. Richard Lyman [Annie's brother] and his little daughter of Chicago, who were called here by the death of Mrs. Anna Phelps, returned to their home yesterday. Mr. and Mrs. William (sic-Phillip) Clark [Annie's sister] and family returned to their home in Amboy today after attending the Phelps funeral. Mrs. V. A. (sic-Adelaide) Eastman [Annie's daughter] returned to her home in Rockford today after attending the funeral of her mother Mrs. Anna Phelps.

Additional Comments - Annie Lyman was a remarkable woman -- very short and with only functional hand. Only the thumb remained of one of her hands as a result of her being burned when she was a baby, probably in a tenement fire in her birthplace, Philadelphia . Her parents, John and Anne Lyman, later moved their family to a farm in Maytown , Illinois , near Amboy.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers

JOSEPH L. PICKERING 45, of Lombard, Ill. (formerly of Lyndon) died Friday (22 Apr 1977) at Elmhurst Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the United Church of Chirst in Lombard followed by graveside services at 4 p.m. at the Lyndon Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the United Church of Christ in Lombard. Mr. Pickering began his teaching career at Benson Street School near Prophetstown and later taught in the Lombard Schools, District 44. Survivors include one daughter, Judith; his mother, Mrs. Margaret Pickering of Dixon and one brother, David, also of Dixon.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 23, 1977 - Saturday, pg 4

EDWIN ALVIN PIERCE , 59, of Tampico, passed away this morning suddenly in his home. Funeral services will be held Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the Schmitt Funeral Chapel, Tampico, the Rev. Edgard Perez officiating with burial in Tampico Memorial Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m.Sunday. Edwin Pierce was born Nov. 9, 1909 in Drinkwater, Saskatchewan, Canada, the son of M. L. and May Pierce. He lived in Tampico most of his life and attended Tampico schools. He married Gladys Glassburn on June 17, 1929 in Morrison. He was a member of the Tampico First United Methodist Church, Yorktown Lodge 655 AF & AM Tampico, Moline Consistory Lodge and Modern Woodmen of America. He is survived by his widow, one son, Gordon Pierce of Harvey; his mother, May Hunter of Tampico and one grandson Gordon Scott Pierce. He was preceded by his father. (Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 27, 1968 - Tuesday, pg. 6, col. 3 ) Funeral services were held for Edwin Alvin Pierce on Monday afternoon at the Schmitt Chapel in Tampico, the Rev. Edgard Perez officiating. Archie Yarde, soloist, sang "Beyond the Sunset" and "Ivory Palaces" accompanied by Mrs. David Hoover. Mrs. Howard Boostrom and Mrs. Bessie Yarde assisted by the Hillcrest Greenhouse were in charge of the many beautiful floral tributes. Burial was in Tampico Memorial cemetery with Marshall Rotz, James Meighan, Harry Hurd Jr., Holger Pedersen, Kenneth Ross, Ellie Wenger as casketbearers. (Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 27, 1968 - Tuesday, pg. 6, col. 3 )
Obituary contributed by Melva Taylor from The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 24, 1968, pg. 2, col. 2

VICTORIA (ARDUINI) PIERCE , 89, of Sterling Pavilion died July 1, 2005 at the home. She owned and operated the former Starlight Restaurant in Sterling. She was born April 13, 1916 in Sterling, the daughter of Phillip and Antonette (Carrino) Arduini. Survivors include a son Terry; a daughter Tina Patterson; two brothers Joseph and Tony; two grandchildren. Burial is at Sacred Heart Cemetery.

PETER PIERCESON , past 80 years of age, passed away Monday evening at 9 o'clock after more than a year's illness with dropsy. He leaves to mourn his loss his widow and four sons, Nels of Manlius, William and August of Yorktown, and John of Tampico. The arrangements for the funeral have not been made.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 22, 1927 - Tuesday, pg. 14, col. 2

BETTY L. (GRAY) PIERSON , 78, of Rock Falls died June 19, 2005 at CGH Med. Ctr. She was born Sep. 27, 1926, in Rock Falls, the daughter of Frank Benjamin & Ruby B. (England) Gray. She married Robert Pierson on Jan. 31, 1946 in Rock Falls. She enjoyed cooking and spenging time with family. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Connie Rajnowski and Julie Conley; three brothers, Russell, Darrell and Carol; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Burial at Coloma Twp. Cemetery.

ELMER J. PIERSON , 74, 708 11th Ave., Rock Falls, died Wednesday morning (25 Jan 1967) at Community General Hospital. Mr. Pierson was born Aug. 5, 1892 in Prophetstown, the son of Ola and Anna Pierson. He was united in marriage to Hulda C. Ufkin, who died April 11, 1962. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rock Ralls. The couple farmed for many years, moved to Rock Falls 20 years ago, where he was employed on the Street Department for the City of Rock Falls until his retirement. He is survived by one daughter, Mrs. George (Dorothy) Heller, Prophetstown; one son, Robert L., Rock Falls, with whom he had been making his home; one sister,, Mrs. Franklin (Helen) Hanson, Sterling; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion by the Wheelock-Allen Funeral Home where friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday. January 26th Funeral services Friday at Wheelock Funeral Home with Rev. E. A. Henricks officiating. Burial in Riverside Cemetery, Prophetstown.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois January 25, 1967 - Wednesday, pg

EMMA (LADUE) PINKLEY , sister of F. M. LaDue of this city, died at her home on East Cleveland Street, Spring Valley, Wednesday evening, October 21, after a long illness. The remains were brought to Prophetstown and interred at Riverside Cemetery at 10:30 a.m., Rev. Mills, a former pastor of the Spring Valley Congregational Church being in charge. Mrs. Pinkley had lived in Spring Valley for about 40 years and was a member of the Congregational Church in which she was an active worker. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, and the Spring Valley and the LaSalle Women's Clubs. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. A. La Due, both now deceased, and was born at Yorktown July 1867. She spent her childhood in Yorktown and her young womanhood in Tampico to which place her parents moved from Yorktown. She was married at Tampico to J. C. Pinkley in 1885. They moved in 1893 to Spring Valley where her farther opened a drug store, later operated by her fatheer and Mr. Pinkley. Mr. Pinkley died in 1931. The deceased is survived by her daughter, Mrs. M. J. Rhoads of Spring Valley, two brothers: F. M. LaDue of Prophetstown, and Dr. B. E. LaDue of Sterling, and one sister, Mrs. N. H. Smith of Sterling, all of whom were present at the funeral together with friends from Spring Valley.
Contributed by Melva Taylor from The Prophetstown Echo, Prophetstown, Illinois Octoeber 25, 1933

HENRY C. PIPPERT - The funeral of the late Henry C. Pippert, prominent Rock Falls business man, took place at 2:30 o’clock Sunday afternoon in the home 212 Third avenue. Many relatives and friends gathered for the service which was charge of Rev. F.H. Knight of the Rock Falls Methodist church. There were beautiful flowers in various arrangements. Two hymns, “In the Garden” and “Rock of Ages” were sweetly sung by Mrs. W.H. Kelsey and Mrs. Ruth Johnston. The words of the minister were very comforting to the bereaved ones. Pallbearers were W.H. Kelsey, W.T. Stone, W.F. Klocke, J.A. Kadel, A.A. Sisson and Joseph Walton. interment was made in the family lot at the Odd Fellows cemetery, Rock Falls. There were many relatives and friends from Ashton, Rochelle and Malta in attendance, also the following from Chicago, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Golder, Charles Golder, Mrs. Carrie McWharton, Mrs. Ethel Davis and J.M. Corrick of the Union stock yards, a close business friend of the Pippet brothers. Mrs. Marjorie Gaumer, daughter of the late Mr. Pippert, arrived Saturday from El Paso, Texas, with her little daughter and will remain for a few weeks.

Contributed by Georgi DiBartolo - Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois, Monday, 11 January, 1932

HENRY C. PIPPERT - Christian Science Funeral Services will be held at the Woods Funeral Home at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon for Mrs. John Pippert 58 who passed away at her home 318 W. Third St. at 10 p.m. Thursday night (2 November 1944). Mrs. Zada McClusky of Clinton IA will be the reader and the body will be creamated Monday at Greenwood Cemetery Rockford. Mrs. Pippert, a past worthy high priestess of Corinthian Shrine, White Shrine of Jerusalem, Dixon has been confined to her bed since last Friday.

Leila C. Miller, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Phil J. Miller was born Jan. 23, 1886 in Helena Ark. She was graduated from High School in Helena and attended a girls seminary at Fayetteville Ark. On March 2, 1908 at Helena she was married to John E. Pippert. They resided in Rockford and Minneapolis before coming to this community in 1910. To them was born one son John Cleburne Pippert. Mrs. Pippert became a Christian Sciene practitioner following her graduation in 1923. Surviving are her husband, son and daughter-in-law Ethel Pippert of Moline, a brother L. Bertram Miller of Ft. Myers FL and three grandchildren Patricia Cleburn, Pamela Jean and Suzanne Ethel Pippert. Her parents and a brother Phil J. Miller preceded her.
From the Dixon Evening Telegraph 4 November 1944

HENRY C. PITNEY , 81, of Tampico, who for 13 years conducted shoe stores in Dixon and who had many friends here, passed away unexpectedly in the Jane Lamb hospital in Clinton IA where he had gone last Wednesday for observation and treatment. His death followed a minor operation. Funeral arrangement were incomplete at noon today but it was announced the services would be held at the Methodist Church in Tampico of which he was a member, with Rev. Hollis Wharton officiating. Burial will be in Blairstown IA.

Mr. Pitney was born on a farm southeast of Tampico April 1, 1866 a son of Otto D. & Harriett Pitney and received his education in the Tampico schools and Dixon Business College. From 1901 to 1921 he conducted a general store in Tampico and then entered the shoe business in Dixon, retiring after 13 years to take up the real estate business in his native village. He was married March 21, 1894 in Blairstown to Miss Lola F. Forman who survives him together with a brother Frank L. of Sterling; a sister Mrs. J.W. McKenzie of Erie and several nieces and nephews. His parents and two brothers preceded him. Mr. Pitneys affiliations were with the Masonic orders and the Order of Eastern Star.

The Dixon Evening Telegraph 15 July 1947

DEAN G. PITTS , 68 of Sterling died March 18, 2005 at CGH Med. Dean was born July 10, 1936 in Sterling, the son of Walter S. and Helen M. (Johnson). He married Patricia L. Hanson on May 1, 1955 in Sterling. He was employed as an overhead crane operator at the former Northwestern Steel & Wire, retiring in 1988. He was a member of First United Meth. Church in Sterling and enjoyed sailing, collecting antiques and watching and feeding the birds and squirrels. He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Linda and Amie; two brothers, Raymond and Walters; seven grandchildren. He was preceded by his son Tony and infant sister Joanne. Burial at Oak Knoll Cemetery.

ELMER PLAUTZ - WAS BORN SEPTEMBER 19, 1918, IN LEE COUNTY, THE SON OF FRANK G. AND EMMA M. (HACKBARTH) PLAUTZ. HE MARRIED HAZEL MAE HINRICHS ON MAY 12, 1940, IN STERLING. HE FARMED IN THE AREA FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND SOLD MACHINERY AT STOUFFER'S ONE STOP, DIXON, ILLINOIS FOR 30 YEARS. HE WAS A MEMBER OF ST. JOHN'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, STERLING.SURVIVORS INCLUDE HIS WIFE HAZEL OF STERLING; ONE DAUGHTER, MARY KAY (EDWARD) MC CUNE OF STERLING; ONE GRANDAUGHTER, DANA RENAE VAUGHN; FIVE STEP-GRANDCHILDREN, SHARON MC CUNE, SUSAN MCCUNE, PAUL MCCUNE, JASON MCCUNE, AND PENNY VANKAMPEN; AND TWO SISTERS, HELEN NELSON AND FRANCES ( HAROLD) KNAPP BOTH OF ROCK FALLS. HE WAS PRECEDED IN DEATH BY THREE BROTHERS AND ONE SISTER.
Contributed by Donald Hinrichs from the Sterling Gazette

FRANK PLAUTZ - The Rock Falls Lutheran church was filled with relatives and friends Wednesday afternoon for the funeral of the late Frank Plautz. There was a short service at 1:30 o'clock in the home south of Rock Falls, preceding the 2 o'clock service in the church, conducted by the Rev. Wilhelm Streng. For his text, Rev. Mr. Streng preached on "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Herman Oltman sang "Nearer My God to Thee" and "Abide with Me," with Mrs. Oltman at the organ. Burial was in the Odd Fellows cemetery, Rock Falls. The casket bearers were Willliam Plautz, William Kunde, Frank G Plautz, Frank Ufkin, Andrew Folkers and Walter Oltmanns. Flowers were in charge of Verna Stern, Mrs. Wilson King, Mrs. Marion Maxey, Mrs. Lawrence Bauman, Miss Helen Block, Mrs. John Damken, Miss Leona Oltman and Mrs. Glen Nelson. Many relatives and friends from Dixon, Rochelle, Walnut, Yorktown, Tampico and Prophetstown attended the services.

Sketch of Life
Frank Plautz was born as the youngest child of Gottlieb Plautz and Friederika Genz on July 3, 1876, at Friederika Walde, Germany. In his infancy he was baptized into the faith of the Triune God. As a young boy he came to America with his parents, who settled on farm east of Rock Falls. The first year in this country he lost his father. Grown into young manhood the departed moved to Nebraska where he farmed for 10 years. Upon his return to Illinois he was united in holy matrimony with Miss Jennie Oltmans on January 16, 1901. Pastor H. Weyrauch heard their marriage vows. For five years the young couple lived at Nelson and ever since have resided in Montmorency township. Eight children were born to this union, six of whom survive their father. Last year the departed and his wife were privileged to observe their 40th wedding anniversay. All his life the departed remained true to the Lutheran church. As a youth he was confirmed at the Lutheran altar and only a few days before his departure he once more received the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Regularly he was found in our services of worship. The congregation of which he was faithful member honored his day by a position on the church council for 29 years. All of his children were instructed and confirmed in the faith of their Lord and Saviour. For 41 years he has been a member of this church. For many years he was also a member of the social circle. About two years ago the departed felt that his strength was waning. Repeatedly he was bedfast for a time until last Sunday evening a sudden stroke brought the end of his life near. On Monday morning at 4:40 o'clock he fell asleep with most of his family by his bedside. He had reached the age of 65 years, 11 months and 11 days. He leaves to mourn his wife and children: Herman and wife, Lucille Pearson of Prophetstown; Walter and wife, Emma Sandrock, of Wheaton, Minn.; Hazel and husband, Fred Sandrock of Prophetstown; Harold and wife, Dorothy Pletsch of Prophetstown; Delbert and wife, Cassie Stern, of Rock Falls; Wilma and husband, Orville Johnson, of Plainview, Neb. Two children preceded him in death: John, who died at the age of 16 months in 1908, and Mrs. Marie Polte, who died at the age of 26 years in 1937. His parents, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death. He is also survived by one brother, Herman Plautz of Rock Falls, and by 15 grandchildren.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Sterling Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois June 19, 1942 - Friday, pg. 7, col. 5

MICHAEL PLOTNER age 59, of 26510 Hurd Road, Deer Grove, IL, was called to the Lord suddenly, Monday, October 24, 2005 at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL. Mike was born November 3, 1945 in Toulon, IL, the son of Leslie M. and Elsie Darlene (King) Plotner. He was united in marriage to Barbara Spencer on November 3, 1989 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sterling. She preceded him in death on April 4, 2000. He served in the US army in Korea during the Vietnam War. He farmed on the family L & M Stock Farm in Deer Grove, IL, during his lifetime. He was educated in the Tampico Schools and attended the Moline Institute of Commerce. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Sterling, the Whiteside County Fair Board, Whiteside County Beef Superintendent, Hahnaman Township Drainage Committee, and Deer Valley Country Club member. He was also a member of the American Legion Post #902 in Rock Falls and the Masonic Lodge #293. He was an avid bowler, being involved from Young American Bowling Association thru the State Bowling Association, where he served as president for several years, was a member of the Sterling Rock Falls Bowling Hall of Fame and the 6th District Bowling Association. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, bowling, and classic cars.

He is survived by two sons, Camren Plotner at home, Brent (Elizabeth) Fischbach of Morrison, IL; two daughters, Angie (Daehle) Reitzel of Rock Falls, IL, Amy (Trent) Burtlow of Rock Falls, IL; five grandchildren, Alex, Micah, Ethan, Destiney, Grace, his fiance’ Nita Ellingson of Sterling, IL, several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barb and two brothers in infancy. Funeral services were conducted October 28 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls with Rev. Monty Fox, pastor of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial was in Oak Knoll Cemetery in Sterling with graveside military rites by the American Legion Post #902 in Rock Falls. Visitation was held October 27 at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Masonic rites were accorded by the Prophetstown Masonic Lodge #293 AF & AM.
Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen from The Prophetstown Echo – November 1, 2005

RUTH (FOWLER) POPKIN , 72, of Morrison died May 5, 2005 at her home. She farmed with her husband in the rural Morrison area and was employed by Donna's Lunch Wagon, Morrison. She was born May 15, 1932 in Morrison the daughter of Lemuel and Ruth (Inman) Fowler. She married Alvin Popkin on Aug. 27, 1950 in Prophetstown. He died Nov. 15 1997. Survivors include two daughters Donna and Carol; six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Burial in Grove Hill Cemetery.

DEWITT CLINTON POTTER , died at 8 o'clock Tuesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Gertrude Jones. He was born at Lyndon, July ___, 1839 and lived the greater part of his life in Whiteside county.

He leaves to mourn his loss five children--Henry Potter of Panama, Ia; Mrs. Alice Lane, Mrs. Hannah Swenning, Mrs. Gertrude Jones and Mrs. Georgia Degnan of Rock Falls, three brothers, Charles of Ainsworth, Nebraska, George of Erie and John of Morrison, two sisters living in the west. His wife, Harriet Brown Potter preceeded him in death about five years ago. Funeral services will be held at the home, ___ Ave. A, Rock Falls, Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. Burial will be in Lyndon Cemetery.

Another Notice:
Clinton Potter, an old and well known resident of Rock Falls passed away this morning at 1:30 o'clock at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J. C. Jones on Avenue A. He had been seriously ill for only the past week, his death being caused from a cancer of the stomach. He was eighty two years of age at the time of his death. His wife preceeded him in death about five years ago and since that time he had been making his home with his daughter. The children who survive him are: Mrs. Hannah Swenning; Mrs. J. W. Degnan; Mrs. Elmer Lane of Rock Falls and Henry Potter of Iowa. The funeral arrangements have not been definitely decided upon but will probably be held on Thursday morning.

(25 Jul 1839 - 12 Jul 1921) Contributed by Pam Dollarhide from the Sterling Gazette 12 July 1921

MADGE POULTER , 54, died Friday morning in a hospital at Iowa City, where she had been confined for about two weeks. The body was brought to the Helm and Helm mortuary here and funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Helm funeral home with the Rev. C. F. Chasteen, Methodist pastor, officiating. Burial was in the Riverside cemetery here. Pallbearers were six nephews of the deceased, Ben, John, Gene and Clyde Poulter, George Watson and William Boyd. She was born in Prophetstown, July 30, 1898, and lived here until about 10 years ago, when she went to Hudson, Ia., to live with her brother, Harry Poulter, and family. Her parents were John and Fannie Johnson Poulter. She is survived by two sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth Lyle of Rock Falls and Mrs. Jennie Peterson of Normandy, and three borthers, George Poulter of San Diego, Calif., Harry Poulter of Hudson, Ia., and Ralph Poulter of Prophetstown. Her parents, five brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
Contributed by Melva Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois August 4, 1952 - Monday, pg 2 col. 3

ANNABELLE PRESNELL , 45, Manlius, died Thursday (13 April 1972) at her home. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Howard Johnson Funeral Home with the Rev. Ralph Faber officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery at Prophetstown. Friends may visit the funeral home fro 7-9 p.m. Saturday. Mrs. Presnell was born March 14, 1927, at Prophetstown , the daughter of Elwood and Tillie Frankenfield Burdsall. She married Clifford Presnell April 13, 1946, in San Antonio , TX Survivors include her husband, one son, David, Sterling ; one daughter, Mrs. Roy (Carolyn) Wagstaff, Patoka, and three grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Apr 14, 1972 Sterling Gazette

CLIFFORD PRESNELL , 61, of Manlius, died Monday at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in the Howard Johnson Funeral Home in Manlius with Rev. Fred Miller officiating. Burial will be in riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown. visitation will be today from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Manlius Rescue Unit. Mr. Presnell was born on Sept. 29, 1925 in Prophetstown, the son of E O and Ollie Thompson Presnell. On April 13, 1946 he was united in marriage to Annabelle Burdsell in San Antonio, Tex. He was graduated from Prophetstown High School in 1943 and was a veteran of World War II having served in the army air Corp. The deceased was manager of the Manlius Grain and Supply for 30 years. He was then employed at Frary’s Lumber and Supply in Prophetstown until the time of his death. Survivors include one daughter, Carolyn Wagstaff of Manlius; one son, david Presnell of Manlius; four grandchildren, his mother, Ollie of Rock Falls; one sister, Geneva Dettman of Sterling; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, his father, one brother and one sister.
Contributed by Margaret Mangers - Mar 31, 1987 Daily Gazette

CAROL E. (REICHARD) PRICE , 68, of Nashville , Tenn. , formerly of Sterling , died Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007, at her home. She was employed by Northwestern Steel and Wire Co., for 26 years as an administrative assistant, retiring in 1998. Carol was born June 20, 1939, in Sterling , the daughter of John and Vera (Maske) Reichard. She graduated from the University of Illinois . She was a member of East Jordan United Methodist Church , Sterling , and Nashville Church of Christ. Survivors include two sons, Steve (Kelley) Price of Appleton, Wis., and Scott Price of Nashville , Tenn. ; two brothers, Wayne (Sue) Reichard of Arvada, Colo., and Phil (Marlene) Reichard of York, Pa.; and two grandchildren, Ally Price and Jake Price. She was preceded in death by her parents. Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at East Jordan United Methodist Church , Sterling , with the Rev. Eunhee Cha officiating. A gathering of family and friends is from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls . Burial is at Riverside Cemetery , Sterling . A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
Contributed by Pat Esterday - Taken from: The Dixon Telegraph, Tuesday, September 11, 2007, Page A2 – Col. 1 – 2

EVELYN DORIS PRICE , 83, of Sterling died Saturday, May 24, 2003, at CGH Medical Center after an extended illness. She and her husband co-owned Price Motors, Sterling, for 25 years, where she served as office manager. Mrs. Price was born Aug. 15, 1919, in Freeport, the daughter of Harry and Lizzie (Dott) Layman. She attended school in Freeport. She married Paul Price on Oct. 21,1944, in Freeport. She was an avid pool player while wintering in Arizona. Survivors include her husband; and two sisters, Alice Bischof of Fountain Hills, Ariz., and Doris Keen of Darlington, Wis. The funeral is at 1 p.m. Friday at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls. Entombment is at Riverside Mausoleum, Sterling.
Daily Gazette 27 May 2003

TED PRICE who has been employed as a farm hand near Prophetstown for several years, was buried Saturday at his home in Nelsonville kY, according to word received from his father by John E. Anderson for whom Mr. Price had been working until about 2 weeks ago when he went home. He and his brother and their two sisters were killed on Thanksgiving day when their car was struck by a train near Nelsonville, the letter stated. He was known to many people in this vicinity because of his musical ability. He had broadcast several times from radio stations, singing and playing his own accompaniment on the guitar or banjo, and he had appeared on an umber of programs at entertainments near Prophetstown.

WILLIAM PRITCHARD , 74, passed away at his home in Prophetstown Monday (31 March 1952) at 12:30 p.m. following an illness of several months. The body reposes at the Gardner chapel where funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. The Rev. William Dupree of the Congregational church will officiate. Committal will be in Riverside cemetery, Prophetstown. Mr. Pritchard was born south of Prophetstown, Jan. 22, 1878, the son of Henry and Eliza Irvine Pritchard. He attended the Alba township schools. He married Mattie Baker of Annawan in 1901. They lived one year in Iowa and returned to the Prophetstown area where they farmed two miles southeast until 1918 when they retired to Prophetstown. He was a member of the Congregational church. Surviving are two sons, Forrest C. and W. Ward, both of Prophetstown and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife; five brothers and three sisters.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois April 1, 1952 - pg 2 col. 4

ROBERT H. POTTER , 87 of Morrison died June 4, 2005 at Rsthave nursing Home. Born March 2, 1918 he was the son of Albert M. and Lillian (Paulson) Potter. He practiced law for 56 years, becoming a partner with Bull Ludens & Potter in 1952 and retiring in 2002. He maintained the firm's Fulton office for many years and was instrumental in the formation of the Fulton Flood Control District. Mr. Potter was a member of the American College of Trial Lawywers as well as the Whiteside County and IL State Bar Assoc. Mr. Potter attended Northwestern University where he completed officers training prior to WW II. He then served in the Navy as a gunnery officer, first on the USS Savannah, in the Atlantic Theater and later on the USS Cowpens in the Pacific. After the war, he graduated from the Univ. of Michigan School of Law. On Nov. 6, 1947 he married Barbara Shanley of Norfolk VA and they soon began designing and building s home together in Morrison. In later years the Potters spent their winters in Green Valley AZ. Mr. Potter was involved with the Morrison School Board, Fulton Kiwanis, Morrison Rotary and Country Club. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morrison. Survivors are a brother Jim; son, Tom; daughters Ann and Sally and two grandchildren.

IRA PROCTOR , son of Mr. and Mrs. David Proctor, passed away Friday [12/17/1915] afternoon at 4 o’clock at the family home in Coleta. All summer he had been ailing but the last fatal illness was only of three weeks duration. The deceased would have been forty-four years of age had he lived until the first of next March and had spent almost his entire life in Coleta. He had hundreds of friends in Coleta and the surrounding country who will join in extending sympathy to the bereaved. He is survived by his parents, two sisters, Miss Elizabeth, who arrived home today from Boise, Idaho, Mrs. Matt Spang, of Boise, Doctor Proctor, of Boise, Cephus, of Alexandria, S. D., and Richard, of near Sterling. Funeral arrangements will not be made until relatives from a distance are heard from.(The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 18, 1915, page 3, column 1) Ira Proctor passed away at the home of his parents, Friday [12/17/1915] evening at 4 o’clock of Bright’s disease after but a short illness. The funeral services were held Monday at the house at ten o’clock and at the Liberal church at 10:30. Cephas Proctor of Mitchell, S. D., and Miss Elizabeth Proctor of Idaho arrived Saturday to attend the services. (The Sterling Daily Gazette, December 22, 1915, page 2, column 6.)

Ira Proctor was born in Genesee Township March 1, 1872 and died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Proctor in Coleta December 17, 1915 of Bright’s disease and a complication of diseases, being 43 years, 9 months and 17 days old. He had been gradually failing in health for over a year and was confined to his bed about three weeks. Besides his parents he leaves three brothers and two sisters to mourn his death as follows: C. E. Proctor of Alexandria, S. Dak., Dr. G. R. Proctor and Mrs. Minnie Spang of Grandview, Idaho, Richard Proctor of Sterling and Miss Elizabeth Proctor of Boise, Idaho. Ira was a faithful member of the Liberal U. B. church of Coleta for the past twenty years and was always ready to discharge his duties as a follower of Christ. He was a regular attendant to all religious services regardless of church or creed. He was also a favorite among the young people and was nearly always present at the social gatherings in this community. He will be missed in the Liberal Sunday School of which he was a member and always discharged his duties with promptness. Ira was a young man loved by all as he had no enemies. The funeral was held from his late home Monday [12/20/1915] morning at 10 o’clock and at the Liberal church at 10:30, conducted by Rev. H. A. Barton, pastor of the church, assisted by Rev. Hutchinson, pastor of the M. E. church. Mrs. Nellie Overholser, Mrs. Edna Maxwell, D. W. Deets and W. G. Heide sang appropriate songs for the occasion. R. E. Overholser, J. C. Crom, F. R. Overholser, Clare Deets, Adam Myers and Warren Brown acted as pall bearers. The floral offerings were beautiful. Interment was in the Lutheran cemetery west of Coleta.[Buried Bethel Cemetery northeast of Coleta in Carroll Co]
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Standard, December 21, 1915, page 1, column 34

JOHN W. PUCKETT , 89 of Sterling died Thursday December 22, 2005. He was born on August 19, 1916 in Sterling, IL the son of Ladoit and Mary (Loran) Puckett. He married Helen Dugan April 12, 1947 in Sterling. She died Jan 2, 2000. Mr. Puckett was employed at Northern Illinois Gas for 30 years retiring as a service technician in 1976. He was a veteran of WW II having served in the Army. Mr. Puckett was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Sterling; the Sterling American Legion Post 296 and the B-26 Marauder Historical Society.

Surviving is his son, Robert J. (Cathy) Puckett of Rockford, IL; his daughter Lynn A. Puckett of Sterling, IL; his brothers Richard Puckett and Joseph (Sarah) Puckett both of Rockford, IL; his grand daughter Anne (John) Dotson of Macomb, IL. He was preceded in death by his wife; one brother Robert V. Puckett. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday December 26, 2005 at 11 AM in St. Mary Catholic Church 600 Avenue B, Sterling with the Reverend Donald Ahles, Pastor and Celebrant officiating. Burial with military rites will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation is Monday from 10 - 11 AM at the church with arrangements by the McDonald-Allen-Grennan Funeral Home, 505 1st Avenue, Sterling, IL.

LUCY (BUIKEMA) PYSE , 90, of Resthave Nursing Home, Morrison, Ill., died Monday April 4, 2005, at Mercy North Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home. The Rev. Jon Nienhuis, pastor of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, will be officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the service time Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will be in Grove Hill Cemetery, Morrison.

She was born April 14, 1914, in Fulton, Ill., to Menno and Kate Janiga Buikema. She married Louis T. Pyse on Jan. 20, 1932, in Fulton. She died in 1979. She was educated in rural Whiteside County (Ill.) grade schools. She and her husband farmed in rural Fulton until retiring in 1963. At that time, they moved to Clinton where she worked as a nurse's aide for the former Jane Lamb Hospital and then at Clinton Manor Nursing Home until her retirement in 1974. They then moved to Morrison.

Survivors include one daughter, Mrs. Shirley Young of Morrison; one son, Dennis Pyse of Amarillo, Texas; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Memorials may be made to Resthave Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her husband, two daughters, one granddaughter, four sisters and two brothers.

MARY (MAES) PYSE , 1105 Allen St., Rock Falls, was found dead at her home Tuesday morning. (1 November 1965). An inquest is scheduled by Coroner John Ardapple, at 4:30 p.m. today in the Allen Funeral home. Mrs. Pyse was born June 25, 1938, the daughter of Rene and Madeline Maes. She is survived by her husband, Dean Jr.; one son Ricky at home, her mother, Mrs. Madeline Maes, one sister, Mrs Margaret Bolen of Polo, three brothers, Arthur, Robert and Camiel Maes, all of Prophetstown, several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded by her father and one brother, Hank. Funeral services will be anounced later by the Allen Funeral Home.
Contributed by Melva L. Taylor - The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois November 2, 1965 - Tuesday, pg 2 col 2

RALPH G. PYSE , 59, of Route 1 Oregon IL, died Wednesday morning (18 October 1950) at the Morrison Community Hospital where he had been a patient for a week. He was born April 7, 1891 in Fulton the son of Louis and Dena Balk Pyse. He was a member of the Lighthouse Methodist Church for 25 years.

Besides his widow he is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Arthur Wagenecht, Morrison; Mrs. Edward Fritz, Deer Grove and Mrs. Wayne Canfield and Mrs. Roy Whitney, Oregon (IL); one son Raymond of Oregon; three brothers - Fred, Sterling and Peter & Louis of Morrison; 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. A daughter Rabine and a brother Theron preceded him in death. Burial in the Lighthouse Cemetery.