Mary Ellen Simpson, known as Ellen, unexpectedly passed away in her sleep on July 10, 2020, in Spring Park, Minn., at the age of 95. Despite the aches and pains that come with that age, she lived independently, remained active, and was mentally sharp. Her favorite activities included going on daily walks to visit her friends, playing bridge, and dining out frequently with her sons and their families. Ellen was born in Gillespie, Ill., on May 1, 1925, to Lillian Dale Wyatt and James Loy Bowman, DDS. She earned a B.S. in nursing from Washington University in St. Louis and was a registered nurse. She married Dr. Robert (Bob) Simpson in Woodstock on Feb. 11, 1950, and they made Woodstock

Jan. 12, 1946-July 4, 2020 David grew up in Elmwood Park and developed an appreciation of plants and the environment at an early age. He attended the University of Illinois for his undergraduate degree and went on to Iowa State University to earn a Ph.D. in botany. David researched, collected, and grew orchids as a hobby and a home business, Greenview Gardens. Before retirement, he worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation as a botanist in the Environmental Planning Division. David enjoyed listening to classical music, including that of Miklos Rozsa and other 20th century composers. He volunteered to produce a radio show for Elgin Public Radio called “Plant Man,” in which he answered commonly asked questions about growing plants.

Robert F. Carr, 92, of Woodstock, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born April 3, 1928, in Cicero, Ill., to Maurice T. and Bess (Foster) Carr.Bob, as he was known to his family and friends, was very involved in the community of Woodstock, Ill., where he spent most of his adult life with his wife and children. He helped to found the Townsquare Players at the Woodstock Opera House, where he acted and created the sets for the plays they performed. Bob was known to play Scrooge on the Woodstock Square at Christmastime. He was an artist and a lover of music. He could play the piano, the harmonica, and almost any

Mary Ann Stompanato, age 83, passed away at her home in Woodstock.She was born on March 15, 1937, in Beardstown, Ill., to Thomas “Max” and Edna (Nelson) Shultz. Mary graduated from WCHS in 1955. She attended Iowa State University, then graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Northern Illinois University and took advanced courses at National College of Education in Chicago. She worked as a special education teacher for Sedom, District 200, for 25 years. Mary was very active in the McHenry County Retired Teachers Association, as well as the Women’s VFW Auxiliary, McHenry County Historical Society, McHenry County Mental Health Board, and was the secretary and treasurer for the Kishwaukee Valley Garden Club. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, tatting,

May 13, 1923-June 15, 2020A fighter till the end, Ruth, age 97, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020, at Jacaranda Trace, Venice, Fla, surrounded by love, where Ruth was a longtime resident.Ruth Arlene Schroeder Calladine Haynes lived a full, active life. Born in Woodstock, Ill., to Emil and Birdie Schroeder, Ruth was second in order with an older sister Beatrice, followed by Robert, then Alice.She married Dr. Thomas Calladine III in 1944, who was a flight surgeon in World War II. He died of cancer in 1947 from injuries received on the invasion of Normandy.Ruth graduated from Woodstock High School in 1940. She then attended the Kohler School of Nursing before graduating from the University of Chicago. Ruth then

Gregory Paul Alfus, 71, passed away suddenly at home on June 9, 2020. He was born May 15, 1949, in Chicago, to J. Ralph and Marie (Kirwan) Alfus. Greg had many happy memories of growing up with his four siblings “in the country” outside of Crystal Lake in a house his father built.On Nov. 5, 1977, Greg married Carol Roese. They raised their two children, Claire and Michael, in an old house in Woodstock, which Greg tended with great skill and care. He was a loving and supportive father who took great joy in watching his children come into their own.For 32 years Greg taught composition and literature at McHenry County College, where he also chaired the English Department and

Robert (Wayne) Limbaugh, 83, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at Northwestern Medical Hospital, McHenry, Ill.“Wayne” was born to Robert James and Francis (Trisler, Chumley) Limbaugh on May 2, 1937, at Woodstock Memorial Hospital in Woodstock, Ill.He married his high school sweetheart, Nancy, on Sept. 20, 1958. They were married for 62 years. Wayne graduated from high school in 1955 and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Spent a year in Colorado training, a year in Korea, and after serving four years, ended his career at Scott Air Force Base. A proud patriot throughout his life.In 1965, Wayne and his brother, Gene, built a business known as Limbaugh’s Goodyear Service Center. With a strong work ethic and a

Alice Erber, 98, of Chandler, Ariz., formerly of Woodstock, died Monday, June 1, two months short of her 99th birthday.She was born in Chicago to Charles and Sara Bentsen and moved to Woodstock in the 1920s. She was a graduate of Woodstock High School class of 1938 and worked for Illinois Bell/AT&T until her retirement. She married George Erber in January of 1959.Alice was known for her generous spirit and willingness to offer help to anyone in need. She was a lifetime member of the Woodstock Moose Lodge, an avid bowler and card player, and was active in Grace Lutheran Church, Woodstock. She volunteered at the Woodstock food pantry, delivered meals on wheels and was always a loving mother, grandmother,

On May 20, 2020, Stephen G. Spear, 80, died of natural causes in the comfort of his home and family.He is survived by his wife, Jeri, of 56 years; daughters Mindi and Missy; son Darren (Jennifer); and four grandchildren, Ethan, Madelyn, Nolan and Liam. Steve was a very caring husband, father and grandpa, expressing this through his soft spoken nature.Steve was a dedicated eighth-grade social studies teacher at Olson Junior High in Woodstock for 30 years. For 20 of those years, he eagerly toured Washington, D.C., with his students, hoping to expand their knowledge and inspire a love of history. Steve also coached for District 200 at both the junior high and high school levels early in his career. Later