Iola Cummings

Iola R. (Retzlaff) Cummings, 92, of Freeport left this world and went home to be with her savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, January 31, 2013 at Stephenson Nursing Center. Iola was born January 6, 1921 in Winslow, Illinois the daughter of John E. and Minnie (Babcock) Retzlaff. She went to school, loved 4-H and made her own clothes. She received Jesus at the age of 12. She loved the Lord. She grew up, received her diploma and was thrilled about that. She met and married Robert L. Cummings while he was in the army. They had three children, Allen, Jim and Jean. Her first son Allen died at birth. Iola was a wonderful mother and wife. She worked at Micro Switch. She later divorced and moved to Dixon and moved to Dixon and worked at Borg Warner until she retired. She then moved back to Freeport and lived at Willow Park Apartments. A few years later, her son Jim became ill and later died, which was very hard on Iola. Mrs. Cummings was a member of Park Hills Evangelical Free Church of Freeport. Iola is survived by her daughter, Jean A. (Juan) Ramirez of Freeport. Her brother, Leon P. Retzlaff of New Jersey. Her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild. Also, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, her sons, one brother and sister in law, three brothers in law and three sisters in law. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorial services will be Saturday, February 16 at 1:00 P.M. at Park Hills Evangelical Free Church. Rev. Tom McClellan will officiate. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in her name.