All Obituaries

Marsha Lynn Murphy Blakely, 79, of Rockford, passed away Monday, October 19, 2020. She was born on October 17, 1941 in Paris, IL to Theron and Gladys (Gable) Murphy.  She is survived by her daughter, two nephews, one niece and cousins.   Please raise a glass or cup of tea to celebrate my mother's life where you are in order to social distance. You will be missed.  In lieu of flowers, my mother would prefer a vote against Trump. If you have...

Dorothy Mae (Thomas) DeKing, 94, of Rockford passed away October 13, 2020 after a 16-year battle with an inoperable cancer. Born November 7, 1925 to Arthur Lee and Clara Stanglund in Birmingham, AL. For many years Dorothy enjoyed being a beautician, but most recently she loved volunteering at Rockford Memorial Hospital’s Thrift Shop.   Survivors include sisters, Irene (Roy Ode) and Bernice Coleman; sons, Clyde (Karen) and Noel; granddaughters, Cari (Vito Abrego), Kirsten (Jay...

Roberta Lynn Hawkins, 77, of Rockford born February 25, 1943 received her wings on October 13, 2020. Roberta loved bingo, poker, drinking coffee, watching the Chicago Cubs and spending time with her family. She leaves behind 6 children, Victoria Rasner, Mike Hawkins, Dorla Hawkins, Rhonda (Samuel) Rodriguez, Michelle Hawkins, Robert Hawkins; 21 grandchildren; and 27 great grandchildren. Predeceased by 2 grandsons, Jeffery Miles Smith and “J.B.” Jordan Bounsinh. A special thank...

Thomas Gibbs, Jr., 68, of Rockford, passed away Friday, October 2, 2020 in Swedish American Hospital after a long illness. Thomas was a 1970 graduate from Knobel High, Knobel, Arkansas. He served in the U.S. Marines and loved his country. Throughout his life he studied airframe and powerplant mechanics, welding and worked as a well driller. He was currently retired. Thomas enjoyed reading, especially the Clay County Courier, and talking politics.  Survivors include his daughter,...

Lyle Clifton Becke, 66, of Rockford, passed away at home September 29, 2020. Lyle was born June 15, 1954, a son of Clifton and Edna (Anderegg) Becke.  Lyle moved to Rockford, IL in 1967 and graduated from West High School in 1972.  In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by brothers, Dean, Russell, Donald, and Leslie.  He is survived by his wife, Susan Hudkins; son, Brian Ryan; sisters, Marilyn Bartosh, Carol Becke, and Vicki (Timothy)...

Bradley A. Seehawer, 43, of Machesney Park, passed away Friday, September 18, 2020. Born October 28, 1976, the son of Garry and Sue (Disbennett) Seehawer. Brad worked at PCI for 18 years. He enjoyed grilling, shooting, fishing and spending time with his kids. Survivors include wife, Veronica (Nickels) Seehawer; daughter, Remington; sons, Barrett, Colt; brother, Troy (Lynette) Seehawer; sister, Jeannine (Kirby) Miner; nieces, Kasey, Ava, and Olivia; and nephew Daniel. An informal...

Dora O'Connor, 54, of Rockford, passed away Thursday, September 17, 2020. She was born on May 4, 1967 in Rockford to Benny and Joyce (Seager) O'Connor.  No services will be held at this time. 

Kendra Jolane Rogalski, 52, of Loves Park passed away August 23, 2020. No services are scheduled at this time. 

Kirk Allen Bentley, 55, of Machesney Park passed away August 19, 2020. No services are planned at this time. 

Ralph Leroy. McClendon, Jr., 77, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2020 at his home.  He was born on January 12, 1943 in Boise, Idaho on January 12, 1943, the son of Ralph Leroy McClendon, Sr. and Kathryn (Phinney) McClendon.  Ralph graduated from Huron High School in Huron, South Dakota in 1961. He married Elizabeth “Jeanie” Inskeep on February 2, 1969 in Rockford, IL and together they had two sons. Ralph worked in the shipping...