Eunice Mary Gitchel

Eunice Mary Gitchel, 88 of Ridott, devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away surrounded by her loving family on May 20, 2012. Eunice was born Dec. 14, 1923 in Freeport, the daughter of George and Mary (Tollmeier) Goetz. A graduate of Freeport High School in 1941, Eunice worked as a waitress for Mrs. Bauscher at the Elks Club and she was employed by Crum & Forester Insurance Company until her marriage. Eunice married Lloyd Lawrence Gitchel on September 5, 1945 at St. Mary'™s Catholic Church in Freeport. He died on October 8, 2010. Their first home was in Chicago, Il., then they returned to Ridott where they opened and owned Reliable Farm Electric for several years. They also assisted with the family farming operation. On Oct.8, 1952 Eunice contracted a severe case of poliomyelitis which left her physically challenged. This did not restrict her family or community activities. For many years, Eunice enjoyed sewing, cooking and baking, as well as canning and freezing produce from the large family garden. As relaxation, singing and playing the piano brought Eunice great pleasure. Eunice organized and led Mary'™s Merry Maids 4-H Club for several years. Former memberships include St. Mary'™s Guild, St. Joseph Marion Society, past president of St. Ann'™s Society, past regent of Daughters of Isabella. Eunice was an 8 yr. member of St. Thomas Stephens Ministry. She was a member of Malcom Eaton Enterprises, and past president of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxillary. Eunice was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. She is survived by three daughters and one son, Theresa (Dr. Ralph) Shroba of Boulder, Co.; Mary Hollister, caregiver of Ridott; Thomas (Darlene) Gitchel of Freeport, and Barbara Marck of Freeport Nine grandchildren, Carolyn (Lee) Kilgore of Estes Park, Co.; Christine (Ulysis) Rodriquez of Thornton, Co.; Gregory Hollister of Waycross, Georgia; Janell Hollister of Chicago, Il.; Jessica Gitchel of Saratoga Springs, N.Y;, Matthew (Jennifer ) Gitchel of Amsterdam, N.Y.; and David, Alex and Michelle Marck of Freeport, Il.; two step-grandchildren, Gary McClusky of Rockford and Darcy McClusky of Rockford. Five great-grandchildren, Ian and Caleb Kilgore of Estes Park, Co.; Cadence Gitchel of Amsterdam, N.Y.; and Cristian and Araceli Rodriguez of Thornton, Co. Four Step-great- grandchildren, Allissa Zies of Rockford, Il., Ridge Zies of Rockford, Il.; and Alexis and Josallyn McClusky of Rockford, Il.; Sister-in-law Barbara 'Pat' Siegner of Freeport and cousins Maida Gimple of Freeport, and Randy (Nancy) Terhark of Ridott.; two Goddaughters, Peggy Pittsley Miller of Freeport, and Jacinta Shippert of Freeport and many loving nieces and nephews. Two special persons, Rita Rodriguez of Puerto Rico who lived with the family as a refugee from Cuba; and Elin Raimondi of Buffalo, N.Y. who joined the family as a 4-H exchange student. Both who have maintained close family relationships. Eunice was preceded in death by her loving husband of 65 yrs. Lloyd Lawrence Gitchel, her parents, one brother, Ozro; one sister-in-law Della Pittsley; two brothers -in-law William Pittsley and Bill Siegner; two grandchildren Barbara Susan Shroba of Boulder, Co. and Chris Marck of Freeport; one great-granddaughter Elizabeth Marie Hollister of Georgia; one foster son, Michael Salois of Ridott; and one Godson, Jarrod Try of Machesney Park, Il. Mass of Christian burial will be held June 2, 2012 at 12 o'™clock noon at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Freeport, with Msgr. P. William McDonnell officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Friday, June 1, 2012 from 4 '" 7 p.m with the Rosary being said at 7 p.m. at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 North Walnut Avenue, Freeport, Il., as well as an hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial funds have been established for St. Thomas Aquinas Church Scholarship Fund, FACC, and Aquin Catholic Schools in her memory.