The Daily Gazette from Sterling, Illinois • a8

8 Sa uk Va lle ed ia Sa uk Va lle y. co ed ne sd ay ec em be r3 0, 20 20 BI TU AR IE OBITUARIES EDITH A. EDWARDS Born: March 24, 1959 Died: December 22, 2020 POLO Edith Ann Edwards, 61, of Polo, passed away of diabetic complications on December 22, 2020, at KSB Hospital in Dixon. Edie, as she was known to friends and family, was born on March 24, 1959 in Dixon to Phyllis (Garman) and Ernest Bornemeier Sr. In June of 1981, she was united in marriage to John Edwards.

Edie was a fan of Polo youth sports, and an avid supporter of her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Survivors include her daughters, Tasha Edwards, Angelisa Bowman (Edwards) and Shari Edwards; son, Robert Edwards; sisters Beverly Bolen of Polo and Lisa Bornemeier of Polo; brother, Ernest Bornemeier Jr. of Monroe, WI; her half-sister, Dorothy Nilles of Oswego; 11 grandchildren, Stanley and Wesley Karpinski, Cassaundra, Sabrina (LaBlance) and Hayley Smith, Marie, Kathryn, and George Mercurio, Cheyenna Wilkins, Serinity Carlson and Sawyer Edwards; three great-grandchildren, Ethan Willman, Hunter LaBlance and Johnathon Smith; four nieces; and seven nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband John Edwards; mother, Phyllis (Garman) Bornemeier; and father, Ernest Bornemeier Sr. Cremation rites will be accorded, with a celebration of life at a later date.

Visit www.polofamilyfuneralhome.com to send condolences. LAWRENCE L. SCHMALL Born: June 22, 1936 Died: December 18, 2020 DIXON Lawrence L. Schmall, 84, of Dixon, passed away Friday, December 18, 2020. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Larry was born June 22, 1936, to Lawrence and Dorothy (Spencer) Schmall. He served in the Navy for several years. He worked in construction, rebuilding houses and silos. Larry is survived by his daughter, Cindy (PK) of California; two sons, Frank (Christy), and Brett (Jackie) of Dixon; three brothers, Glen (Barb) of Dixon, Ed (Laurie) of Florida, Rex (Dianne) of Dixon; sister, Pat (Tony) Carter of Rockford; four grandchildren, Patrick, Ashley, A.J, and Aidan, all of Dixon; several nieces and nephews; and very special longtime partner, Jan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Dorothy; sister, Marilyn Andrews; and brothers, Dan Schmall and Terry Schmall.

SAMANTHA R. GILMOUR Born: June 21, 1993 Died: December 27, 2020 MT. MORRIS Samantha Rae Gilmour, 27, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020, at home, with her parents by her side. She was born on June 21, 1993, and her parents were so excited to welcome her into this world. After enduring over 15 years of gastrointesti- nal problems, she was ultimately diagnosed with chronic global neuromyopathic gastroin- testinal dysmotility, a rare digestive disorder including malabsorption.

Samantha always had a love for books ever since a young age, and looked forward to the summer reading program at the library each year. Her love for books continued on through her entire life, as it became a loved passion. She had a collection of well over 400 books, which will be donated to TLC Living Community in Machesney Park for their library. She graduated from Oregon High School in 2011, with her last 2 years being home- schooled due to her ongoing medical condition. We were proud of the dedication that she put forth to accomplish this goal, as it was not always an easy task.

Samantha was a beautiful young woman whose life was cut too short. She lived with a strength that was beyond her years. We admired her every single day she was with us. She had strong convictions for what she believed in, whether it was injustice to others or to animals. She loved all cats, especially her beloved Biscuit, who helped her in so many ways.

We as parents were proud of her for what she did accomplish in her short time with us. She did things full-force and attacked each project with a vengeance. She left us with many items that she had made that will always be a reminder of her abilities and passions. One could say that she decorated our life with her outpouring of love in the items that she produced. She was able to face her daily challenges and fears, as she knew that she would ultimately be reunited with her beloved cat Biscuit on the Rainbow Bridge.

It was her one solace knowing that there was a loved one waiting for her when the time came for her to depart this physical world. Watching her on a daily basis, we learned just how strong she was, and it was inspirational to say the least. It certainly made one question themselves as to how they would be able to handle such a situation? In spite of the pending situation, how does one carry on? It is something one so young should never have had to face. She taught us so much in how to face adversity with her will to live life each day. If she wanted to experience something, she went for it and put it off, as she wanted to live each day to the fullest.

One never knows what challenges you will face in life that molds you into the person you ultimately become. One thing we are sure of is the fact that Samantha had a huge effect on our lives, and we were glad to have been her parents. journey was a long one, and we would like to acknowledge our apprecia- tion to Serenity Hospice for the memorable trip we were able to take in 2018 to see The Lion King on Broadway. New York was an amazing opportunity for her, and one that she never forgot. We want to thank her many doctors who helped with her care over the years.

Also a special to Unity Hospice for their compassion with her end-of-life care, including Raeann, Kim, Tess, Connie, and anyone else whom we may have forgotten. We would especially like to thank Kiwi, her nurse practitioner, who truly listened to Samantha. Kiwi will always have a special place in our hearts for her understanding the specific nature of the illness that was involved. We are so grateful to have met you all. She is survived by her parents, Patrick Nancy of Mt.

Morris; sister, Danni (Melissa Gilmour of Midlothian; brother, Timothy (Claire) Gilmour niece Beatrice nephew Ephram Gilmour of Galesburg; grandparents, Rae Rothermel of Machesney Park, formerly of Polo, and Jack Gilmour of Mesa, AZ; and eight aunts, Vicky (Bob) Bray, Brian (Karen) Rothermel, Margi (Bruce) Gilmour-Washington, Steve (Tammy) Gilmour, Cathie Gilmour, Mary (John Manning) Rogers, Greg Gilmour, Karen (Terry) Estep, Sarah (Rob) Klosa, Jason (Kim) Berg Cody (Kristin Truemper) Rothermel, along with numerous cousins. She was preceded in death by three grandparents, Barbara Gilmour, Mary Lynn (Buck) Gilmour and Sandi Rothermel. Finch Funeral Home at 405 Hitt Mt. Morris, IL will assist with wish to be cremated. Due to COVID-19 there will be no visitation at this time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the family at P.O. Box 53, Mt. Morris, IL 61054, for a donation in her name to an animal shelter to perpetuate her love for cats. Samantha, fly high and free from pain and finally enjoy that of mac cheese! We will love you forever, our guardian angel. WILLIAM W.

FISHER Born: August 13, 1925 Died: December 27, 2020 ROCK FALLS William Wesley Fisher, age 95, died Sunday, December 27, 2020, at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. William was born on August 13, 1925, in Harmon, the son of Herbert and Helen (Robinson) Fisher. He married Barbara Myers on October 11, 1947; she died on December 20, 2011. William retired from Northwestern Steel Wire after 35 years. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Sterling and the Rock Falls American Legion Post 902.

He served in the Army. In his younger years, William enjoyed building and working on stock cars, which he raced at Speedbowl Park in Sterling. He enjoyed visiting with people he knew over a cup of coffee at different locations around town. William liked talking to his children and grandchildren about the team of horses, Pick, Pat and Old Jim, that he worked with on his parents farm. Survivors include one son, Steven (William) Fisher of Streator; four daughters, Marsha (Mark) Piper of Grand Detour, Patricia Boyer of Hudson, Sheryl (Mark Wolf) Frey of Rock Falls and Nancy (Tom) Powers of Casselberry, eight grandchildren, Phillip Hoff, Stacey (Andrew) Morris, Jennifer (Brian) Knight, Nicole Cassiberry, Tiffany (Ryan) Grove, Seth (Jamie) Frey, Abigail (Devon) Ferreira and Lauren McMillin; three step- grandchildren, William Trelease, Alex Powers and Grant Powers; 17 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, John, Leroy, Robert and Donald Fisher; one sister, Lula Folsom; one grand- daughter, Paige McMillin; and one great-grandson, Nolan Ferreira. Private graveside services with military rites were held at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls. Online condolences may be sent to www. mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.

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