Law Jones Cremation and Funeral Care

Law Jones Cremation and Funeral Care Law Jones Cremation and Funeral Care serves Northwest Illinois and Eastern Iowa. Visit us a www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com

Law Jones Funeral Home serves North Western Illinois & Eastern Iowa. Law-Jones is a team of creative and hardworking funeral directors and staff, all with the same goal, providing appropriate and meaningful service to you. This tradition wasn't created yesterday, but many years ago, with the sweat and determination of our loved-ones. We pay respect to them by caring and doing our best for you.

Josephine “Jo” Anne AulickJosephine "Jo" Anne Aulick, age 90, formerly of Thomson, Illinois, and most recently a residen...
07/30/2026

Josephine “Jo” Anne Aulick

Josephine "Jo" Anne Aulick, age 90, formerly of Thomson, Illinois, and most recently a resident of Eastern Star Masonic Home in Boone, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, with her daughters by her side.

A Funeral Mass will be held 12 noon, Saturday, August 15, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna, Illinois, with Father James Keenan as Celebrant. A memorial visitation will be held prior to the Mass from 10:30 - 11:45 at Law Jones Funeral Home, Savanna. Burial of ashes will be later at Queen of Peace Cemetery, Antigo, Wisconsin.

Jo was born on June 27, 1936, as Josephine Anne Aulik, in Neva, Wisconsin, to William and Rose (Jicha) Aulik. She worked in the summers as a governess for the Kraft family during her teenage years. She graduated from Antigo High School, Class of 1954. She married her former husband, Robert (Bob) Vanderberg on December 28, 1955, in Madison, WI. She later went back to her maiden name Aulik but add a “c” (Aulick) for business purposes. While living in Madison, Jo worked selling Kirby vacuum cleaners and as a caregiver to a disabled woman. There, she and Bob welcomed their first child, Michael, in 1957.

After Bob's graduation from the University of Wisconsin, the family returned to Antigo, joining the family potato brokerage business and welcoming daughter Michelle in 1959. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, Bob's National Guard unit was activated, prompting a relocation to Washington State, where son Brian was born in 1962. At the end of Bob's military service, they returned to Antigo. Their son Robert Jr. was born in 1963 but sadly passed away the same day.

In 1964, the family moved to Lake Bronson, Minnesota, where Bob worked for Ore-Ida Foods and Jo served as a bookkeeper. A year later, their family was blessed through the adoption of their daughter, Are'anne, who joined them at just three weeks old.

In 1967 Bob's career with Ore-Ida took the family to Ontario, Oregon, where Jo managed the company grocery store, served as payroll manager, and worked as a counselor for Indian Affairs. 1968 brought another move to San Antonio, Texas, where Jo discovered a passion for sales and leadership. In 1970, she joined Sarah Coventry Jewelry as a Fashion Show Director and quickly rose through the ranks to Unit Director, Branch Manager, and ultimately Regional Manager. In 1973, they moved to Boerne, Texas.

After returning to the Midwest and settling in Thomson, Illinois, Jo launched an in-home silk flower business called Country Peddler and beautifully designed the wedding flowers for both of her daughters, as well as countless corsages for special occasions. This led to her opening Jo’s General Store, where she sold her handcrafted silk flower arrangements and a variety of old-fashioned foods and goods on consignment.

In 1987, Jo partnered with her daughter, Michelle and son-in-law, Glenn to establish Wildwood Farms, a squirrel corn feeder company. She remained actively involved in the business until retirement.

Jo was an accomplished gardener whose flower beds were admired throughout the community. Local florists often visited simply to enjoy the beauty of her gardens. She cultivated large vegetable gardens, preserving much of her harvest through canning and freezing. She also crafted homemade wine and sauerkraut.

A gifted knitter, Jo, created sweaters, scarves, mittens, and hats for family and friends. Her talents extended to painting and drawing, becoming a certified Bob Ross painting instructor. She encouraged her children to develop their own artistic abilities and inspired many others through her creativity.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Jo loved God and hosted Bible studies in her home. She was also known as an exceptional cook and enjoyed sharing meals with family and friends.

Jo found joy in simple pleasures: puzzles, a cup of tea, fishing, feeding squirrels and birds, tending flowers, and watching sunsets. After moving into town, she continued her sunset tradition at Potter's Marsh, one of her favorite places along the Mississippi.

In her final years, Jo was lovingly cared for by her daughters Michelle and Are'anne whose love and support brought comfort and joy to her life.

Jo is survived by her daughters: Michelle “Shelly” (Glenn) Kreuder of Boone, Iowa, Are’anne (Randy) Arb of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin; her son, Brian (Brenda) Vanderberg of Boerne, Texas; her 7 grandchildren, Dr Amanda (Adam) Kreuder Krull, Christopher Kreuder, Matthew (Sara) Kreuder, Kayla Kreuder, Christopher Vanderberg, Michelle (Stephen) Hassett, Jeffrey (Mackenzie) Arb; her great grandchildren, Lauren, Addy, Charlie, Maeva, Darcy and Charlotte; her brother, Thomas Aulik; along with a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Rose Aulik; her sons, Robert Vanderberg Jr, Michael Vanderberg; her brothers, Robert (Mary) Aulik, William Aulik, Jerome (Margaret) Aulik; her sisters, Rita (Gene) Mattek and Marion (Mel) White and sisters-in-law, Nancy Crowe, Joan Aulik, as well as nieces and nephews.

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Lawrence B. IbenLawrence Bernard Iben, age 96, of Thomson, Illinois, and formerly of Chadwick, passed away peacefully on...
07/25/2026

Lawrence B. Iben

Lawrence Bernard Iben, age 96, of Thomson, Illinois, and formerly of Chadwick, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Resthave Home in Morrison.

Lawrence was born on June 14, 1930, in Sterling, Illinois, the son of George and Catherine (Boze) Iben. Lawrence grew up learning the value of hard work on his family’s farm in Rock Falls. He graduated from Rock Falls High School with the Class of 1948. That same year, his father moved the family to a farm east of Chadwick which later would become a large part of his life. On January 8, 1956, Lawrence married the love of his life, Delores Daehler. Shortly after their wedding, they moved back to Chadwick and took on the responsibility of the family dairy and grain farm where they raised their four children and shared 63 wonderful years of marriage before Delores’ passing in 2019.

For decades, Lawrence was a dedicated farmer in the Chadwick area. He possessed a strong sense of civic duty and cared deeply about his community. Over the years, he served on the Chadwick School Board, was a member of the Chadwick Fire Department, and served as an EMT. Faith was central to his life; he was an active and devoted member of the First Lutheran Church in Chadwick for many years. He took great pride in taking care of the church building, attending to its needs, and sang in the choir.

To know Lawrence was to know a man who could fix absolutely anything, most often with a generous application of duct tape. He loved to tinker and possessed a brilliant, inquisitive mind. He was a voracious reader, particularly fond of author James Michener, and he loved listening to classical music, with "Ode to Joy" being his absolute favorite.

Lawrence was wonderfully social and had a gift for striking up conversations and forging friendships wherever he went. He was famous in his community for his homemade caramels, which he lovingly made and delivered to everyone. An avid trivia buff, he was the guy everyone wanted on their team. Later in life, he took up golf and was a fixture at the Oakville Country Club, where you could always hear him coming in his specially self-modified golf cart.

Remembered as generous and protective, Lawrence always looked out for those around him. He made it a point to stay close to his siblings, frequently driving them all to sibling outings in his truck. He had an incredibly soft heart for small children and injured animals, with the strict, notable exception of gophers.

Lawrence will be dearly missed by his four children, Gary (Lori) Iben of Mt. Carroll, Craig (Lindy) Iben of Clinton, IA, Sharon Iben of Auburn, IL, and Amy (Brian) Wills of Carlinville, IL; six grandchildren, Stephanie (Ben) Lehman, Brian (Jeanelle) Iben, Noelle Iben and her husband John Ricke, Shawn Iben, Haley Wills, and Aaron Wills; five great-grandchildren, Aubrie, Weston, Whitley, Weller, and Lucas; twin brother, John (Shirley) Iben of Forreston, IL; and two sisters, Elsie Long of Sterling, IL, and Marie Rolfson of Sterling.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Delores; daughter-in-law, Jill and his parents, George and Catherine.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, at the First Lutheran Church in Chadwick. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. at the church, with Pastor Barbara Stark officiating. Burial will take place in the Chadwick Cemetery, with a luncheon to follow at the church.

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Viola Alice ZinkViola Alice Zink, age 91, of Mt. Carroll, passed away on July 22, 2026, at Allure of Mt. Carroll. Born o...
07/24/2026

Viola Alice Zink

Viola Alice Zink, age 91, of Mt. Carroll, passed away on July 22, 2026, at Allure of Mt. Carroll. Born on February 26, 1935, in Savanna, Illinois, she was the daughter of George and Viola (Ewalt) Yenney.

On December 24, 1955, Viola married Donald Zink at First Lutheran Church in Mt. Carroll, beginning a loving union that would bless them with three children.

Viola’s working life reflected her steady dedication and strong work ethic. She began her career in a Sterling factory, later spent several years at A & P Grocery in Mt. Carroll, and ultimately devoted 16 years to Good Samaritan (now Allure) as a CNA. Even while working outside the home, she embraced her role as homemaker with devotion and care.

A lifelong member of First Lutheran Church, Viola taught Sunday school and volunteered as a kindergarten room mother for the Mt. Carroll School District. Her commitment to service extended into the community, including her time volunteering at Heartland Pet Welfare.

Viola found joy in antiquing and refurbishing old furniture, bringing new life to pieces with history and character.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her faith, and her unwavering love for her family and community. Viola will be dearly missed by her husband of 70 years, Don; daughters, Dolly (Jack) Handel, of Colorado Springs and Diana (Tom) Hara, of Clarksville, TN; granddaughter, Desiree Cooper, of Colorado Springs; great-granddaughters, Anna Cooper and Addison Cooper; and sister, Georgia Tripp, of Sterling, IL. Viola is preceded in death by her parents, George and Viola; son, Dean Zink; brothers, Sonny (Marilyn Yenney, Cy (Bonnie) Yenney, and Keith Yenney; sister, Betty (Skip) Miller; and brother-in-law, Allen Tripp.

A funeral service will be held Friday, July 31, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll, at 11 a.m. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Mt. Carroll.

Donations can be made to the First Lutheran Evangelical Church or Heartland Pet Welfare.

Friends And Family who wish to view the service livestream click on the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/27008884305451982

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Keith D. GravesKeith Douglas Graves, age 68, of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.B...
07/21/2026

Keith D. Graves

Keith Douglas Graves, age 68, of Preston, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, July 19, 2026.

Born on April 5, 1958, in Maquoketa, Iowa, Keith was a man who truly lived life on his own terms. For many years, he worked as a dedicated bartender and manager, helping to run the family business across two bars in Goose Lake and Preston, where his outgoing personality truly shined. To know Keith was to know a man who simply could not go anywhere without making a friend. Whether he was in Missouri, California, or just walking through an airport, he would inevitably run into someone he knew.

Keith’s greatest love story began when he was just 13 years old, when he met Elise Tietjens. Young and determined, Keith used to drive a go cart, and later a notoriously loud car that would set off the local bank alarm, all the way to Teeds Grove just to see her. After a six-year engagement, they were married and shared 42 wonderful years of marriage.

A legendary jokester, Keith always had a quick comeback and loved to mess with people. He had a charming, funny habit of mixing up his words and pronunciations, which never failed to make his family laugh. His personal motto might as well have been, "Keith Dogs the best, forget the rest!" Above all, he was the best Dad, and he always made sure his kids knew they were “Simply the Best!”. He was a fixture at every one of his sons' games, always standing up for them and supporting them unconditionally. He amazed his boys by teaching them countless life lessons. He also loved taking his kids boating, a joy Elise helped facilitate.

Keith was an avid motorcycle enthusiast. He loved the freedom of the open road on his ’87 Low Rider Custom Harley, taking an unforgettable, awesome trip to Colorado. In his downtime, he was a die-hard Iowa Hawkeyes and Caitlin Clark fan. He loved hunting for morel mushrooms, constantly listening to KMAQ and his police scanner, and insisting on cutting down a real Christmas tree every year. He also had a passion for taking the family cherry-picking, much to their playful dismay.

Keith will be deeply missed by his beloved wife, Elise Graves of Preston; his sons, Nate Graves of Clinton, and Nick Graves of Charlotte; his treasured grandchildren, Koltyn, Kyler, and Brextyn; and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Vera; his sister, Diane Clark; his brothers Alvin Graves and Dwayne Graves; his infant brother, Calvin; and his birth father, Harry Thomas.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed immediately by a funeral service at 3:00 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home in Preston, Iowa. Following the service there will be a motorcycle procession to Savanna, IL.

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Ray FerrellRay Ferrell, age 101, of Hanover, Illinois passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026 after a short illness.Ray was ...
07/20/2026

Ray Ferrell

Ray Ferrell, age 101, of Hanover, Illinois passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026 after a short illness.

Ray was born August 30, 1924 in Dudley, Missouri the son of James and Florence (Malone) Ferrell. He grew up in Arkansas working on the family farm and picking cotton as a young man. Living through the Depression Era fostered his strong work ethic.

Once World War II began, he enlisted in the US Navy and served from 1943 to 1945 in the South Pacific. He was honorably discharged and made his way to Illinois seeking employment. While working in Illinois, he found his way to Hanover and met Shirley (Jackson) Curley. On September 15, 1950, Shirley and Ray were married in St. Louis, Missouri.

A jack of all trades, he started a trucking business in Hanover and surrounding area hauling cattle, hay, coal, furniture, and even burros to be sold in the Sears Catalog. From there, he started a logging business which led to lifelong friendships at Hanover Sawmill. Continuing the trucking business, being the gear jammer that he was, he then started driving semi cross country for Crete Carrier, Rowley Transport, and years with Art Pape Transfer. His fellow truckers knew him by the CB handle “Acorn”. After trucking, a couple years were spent at Eaton Corp. before retiring and wintering in Mission, TX with Shirley.

Ray’s pride and joy was his family and he loved having everyone around him. He loved a cup of coffee and several cookies in the morning, feeding the donkeys, and checking for the mail. He was always ready to go for a ride to check the timber and tell you that there is no place more beautiful than Jo Daviess County.

Those left to cherish his memory include six children, Marcia Holmbo of Thomson, Joe (Mag) Ferrell of Hanover, Kathy Teberg of Hanover, Jamie (Scott) Mills of Savanna, Brenda “Bean” Ferrell of Hanover and one-step daughter, Judy Law of Savanna; 22 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, one-step son, Leroy Curley, two sisters, Helen Pickett and Roberta Kelly, two brothers, Melvin Ferrell and LeRoy Ferrell and 3 son-in-laws, Gary Law, Stan Holmbo, and Tom Rafferty.

A visitation will be from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Hanover. The funeral will be at 10:30a.m., on Friday, July 24 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover, followed by burial in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. A special thank you to the entire staff of Big Meadows Connections unit in Savannafor the compassionate care that was bestowed upon Ray.

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Scott Michael BrandtScott Michael Brandt, age 60, of Savanna, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2026, surrounde...
07/18/2026

Scott Michael Brandt

Scott Michael Brandt, age 60, of Savanna, passed away peacefully at home on July 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Beloved husband of Peggy, Scott was a family man, a loyal friend, and a familiar, comforting presence in the community.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life visitation on Saturday, July 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with Father James Keenan officiating. Following the service, Scott’s ashes will be laid to rest at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Savanna.

Scott was born on December 21, 1965, in Savanna, Illinois, the son of Gordon and Marjorie (Fowler) Brandt. He graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1984 and later attended Highland Community College.

On August 22, 1992, Scott married the love of his life, Peggy Susanne (Soppe) Brandt. Together they built a life centered on family, friendship, and unwavering devotion to those they loved. Scott and Peggy cherished their beloved dogs, particularly Tessa, their Yellow Labrador Retriever. They also took great pride in their seven nieces and nephews and delighted in watching their family grow to include fourteen great-nieces and nephews and two great-great-niece and nephew.

Scott worked as a material handler at Metform for 31 years before retiring in 2024. Earlier in his career, he worked at Swiss Colony in Savanna.

Scott appreciated the simple pleasures in life. He loved spending time boating on the Mississippi River and treasured relaxing getaways with Peggy on Marco Island. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson and, later, taking drives in the family Jeep. He cheered for the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago White Sox. He liked playing softball and enjoyed deer hunting with his nephew, Michaell.

Above all, Scott was known for showing up. Whether it was a family gathering, a niece or nephew’s event, or helping a friend, he was there. If Scott loved you, he loved you fiercely and forever.

Scott was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and the Savanna Moose Lodge. He is a past volunteer firefighter in Savanna.

Scott is dearly missed by his wife, Peggy; two sisters, JoLinda Brandt of Savanna and Vicky (Gary) Harmsen of Clinton, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Laurie Soppe of Savanna; two brothers-in-law, Roger (Lori) Soppe of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Don (Terri) Soppe of Endeavor, Wisconsin; seven nieces and nephews, including his close nephews, Michael and Andrew; fourteen great-nieces and nephews; and two great-great-niece and nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law, Alice Soppe; his brother-in-law, Peter Soppe; his stepmother-in-law, Ruth Soppe; and his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Soppe.

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Beverly Grace AthertonBeverly Grace Atherton, 88, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July...
07/17/2026

Beverly Grace Atherton

Beverly Grace Atherton, 88, of Thomson, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, July 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Law-Jones Funeral Home, in Thomson. Burial will follow at Lower York Cemetery, in Thomson. Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Law-Jones Funeral Home, in Thomson. A memorial fund has been established.

Beverly was born on February 12, 1938, in Derinda, Illinois, to Harry and Eleanor (Hatfield) Forry. She graduated from Savanna High School and married Richard Atherton on May 18, 1957. Beverly devoted more than 35 years of dedicated service to the Thomson and West Carroll School Districts, where she made a lasting impact on countless students, colleagues, and families throughout her career. Above all, she cherished her family and found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and beloved grand-furbabies. She especially looked forward to the cherished annual adventure trips she shared with her daughters, creating memories that will be treasured for generations.

Beverly was known for her compassionate, loving, and generous heart, always offering kindness, encouragement, and a helping hand to anyone in need. Many of her children’s friends came to think of her as a second mother because of the warmth, acceptance, and unwavering support she so freely gave. She was a Candy Crush aficionado, and her sassy personality kept her daughters and grandchildren smiling and on their toes. Her quick wit, playful sense of humor, and infectious laughter brought joy to family gatherings and brightened the lives of those around her. She also treasured the simple moments, especially spending evenings watching Hallmark movies and crime dramas with her daughter, Kathy.

Beverly will be deeply missed by her children, Kimberly (Ross) Drury, Kathy (Atherton) Raymond, Karyn (Rich) Mabeus, and Kory (Angela) Atherton-Bertolozzi ; her grandchildren, Christopher (Jenn) Drury, David (Rachel) Raymond, Monika Raymond, Alicia (Jacob) Borman, Angela Watkins, Wendy Struxness, Brent Mabeus, Scott (Nicole) Mabeus, and Brooklyn Bertolozzi; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and several nieces and nephews who she loved dearly.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard; her son, Kevin; her parents, Harry and Eleanor Forry; her sister, Barbara Kessler; and her great-grandsons, Dylan Cole and Austin Watkins.

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William "Biff" SucklingWilliam “Biff” Robert Suckling, 45, of Savanna, IL, went to the beautiful heavens on July 10th, 2...
07/16/2026

William "Biff" Suckling

William “Biff” Robert Suckling, 45, of Savanna, IL, went to the beautiful heavens on July 10th, 2026.

The memories of Biff will never go away and will remain cherished. He would do anything for someone, no matter what. He made you laugh when your days were dark. His smile would brighten a room in an instant. He loved sports and music, especially the 49ers and Tupac. He was an amazing baseball player and hoped one day to play for the SF Giants. His family was his world, just as his closest friends (who became family) will always be a part of our hearts. Billy’s wife, Dee, says this

“You are and will always be my everything. The pain of losing you has left us numb and heartbroken. As your wife, I remember the joy you brought into my life, the laughter we shared, and the love we exchanged. Your memory will live on in my heart, and I will continue to cherish the time we had together, but I also know you are now at peace. Though the road ahead will be difficult, I take comfort in knowing you will guide us from above. Your love will remain, and our son and I will feel your presence in the gentle breeze. We love you, miss you dearly, and will never forget you. Forever and always, your wife, RED. We love u always Billy Suckling.”

When you feel a gentle breeze, he is there. He will always be around. Please keep his memories and stories going so others know how wonderful this man is and will always be.

He is survived by his love of his life, Dee Suckling of Savanna; his son (who he was a devoted father to), Nate Suckling; his dad, Randy (Rita) Suckling, of Savanna; his mom, who was there (his aunt), Diane Griffith, of Mechicacville, IA; his siblings, Melanie Marken (Cody Meier) of Savanna; Josh (Jenn) Philpot of Davenport, IA; Paul Griffith and Jaymee Griffith, both of Mechicacville, IA; his beloved animals, Outlaw and Nala; many nephews, nieces, and cousins. He will be sadly and dearly missed but never forgotten.

He is now at peace with loved ones who welcomed him into Heaven, including his brother, Nate True; his grandparents; his mom (Aunt Diane); his brother-in-law (Mike); his mother-in-law, Kaye; his nephew, Eilajh; and so many more loved ones who were always dear to him at heart.

We will be celebrating life at a later date to remember his life and cherish every memory we can think of.

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Ricky V. EdwardsRicky V. Edwards, 63, of Stockton, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 11, 2026, wi...
07/15/2026

Ricky V. Edwards

Ricky V. Edwards, 63, of Stockton, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 11, 2026, with his loving wife, Alice at his side. A visitation will be held Monday, July 20, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Savanna, IL, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., with a time of sharing at 12 p.m. Cremation rites will follow.

Born on January 17, 1963, in Freeport, IL, Ricky was the son of William and Betty (Chapman) Edwards. He graduated from Thomson High School with the Class of 1981.

On September 20, 1986, Ricky married the love of his life, Alice Weier, in a simple ceremony held in his brother's yard. In 1996, they moved to Stockton, where they purchased a dairy farm.

Ricky was never one to shy away from hard work. He spent years tending the farm, often hauling milk himself after a long day of farming. In 2003, he took over his brother Billy's milk hauling business and spent the next two decades doing what he genuinely loved. Long days behind the wheel never bothered Ricky. In fact, hauling milk wasn't just his job, it was where he was often happiest. In 2021, he proudly passed the business on to his son, Billy. Even after stepping aside, Ricky continued hauling milk for several more years, never quite ready to give up the work he loved.

A man of simple pleasures, Ricky found contentment in routine. He didn't need extravagant vacations or faraway destinations to be happy. In fact, he had little desire to leave Illinois, with one memorable exception: traveling with Alice to Texas to proudly watch their eldest son, Dusty, graduate from United States Air Force Basic Military Training.

When Ricky wasn't working, he enjoyed relaxing with a good cold beer or trying his luck at the slot machines. He appreciated life's simple comforts and was happiest surrounded by the people he loved.

Though he often playfully complained to Alice about the constant commotion from the daycare she operated in their home, those closest to him knew the truth; Ricky had a soft spot for children. He secretly enjoyed hearing the laughter and excitement that filled the house each day. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with his grandchildren, who held a very special place in his heart.

Ricky will be dearly missed by his wife, Alice; his sons, Dusty Edwards, of Stockton, IL and Billy (LeighAnn) Edwards, of Stockton; four grandchildren, Chase, Alannah, Clay, and Evelyn; brother, Terry (Penny) Edwards, of Thomson, IL; sisters, Nancy (David) Williams, of Pearl City, IL, Deb Davenport, of Savanna, and Peggy Edwards, of Savanna; brother-in-law, Johnny Bork, of Savanna; and many nieces and nephews. Ricky is preceded in death by his parents, William and Betty; brothers, Billy Edwards, Tom (Nancy) Edwards, and Gary Edwards; sister, Joyce Bork; and nephew, Rusty Edwards.

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Robert Lyle KerleyRobert Lyle Kerley, age 81, of Mount Carroll, Illinois, passed away at home on Saturday, June 20, 2026...
07/14/2026

Robert Lyle Kerley

Robert Lyle Kerley, age 81, of Mount Carroll, Illinois, passed away at home on Saturday, June 20, 2026.

Robert was born on March 25, 1945, in Urbana, Illinois and raised in Geneva, Illionis, the son of Lyle and Jane (Brash) Kerley. He was a graduate of Geneva Community High School and went on to serve his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Robert worked for many years in manufacturing specifically as a forklift operator, where he was known as capable and hardworking. He was strong with his hands, practical in his approach, and took pride in doing things the right way.

Robert enjoyed watching sports on television, especially football. He also enjoyed going to the Candlelight in Clinton, Iowa, grabbing a Cimino's pizza for dinner, taking pictures, and watching eagles on the river. He found peace in the simple things around him and appreciated the beauty of the countryside.

Robert is survived by his Children, Katie Kerley, Tim Kerley Stephanie Kerley and Becky Kerley and his sisters Pat Anderson, Kitty Hahn and Betsy Kolar. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A service to honor his life and burial of ashes will be held at Fort Sheridan National Cemetery, Lake Bluff, Illinois.

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309 Chicago Avenue
Savanna, IL
61074

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