Ethel Voss

Ethel Voss, 91, of Rochelle, formerly of Ashton, passed away March 26 at Rochelle Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center surrounded by family. Ethel, the daughter of George and Bea Van Hise, was born Nov. 30, 1917 in Rochelle. She married William Voss in Chana in 1937. For the next 38 years they farmed in the Chana and Ashton area. During this time she raised four children, helped Bill with the farming, and spent many years as a clerk for the Spurgeons Clothing Store. After Bill’s death in 1975 she continued living on the farm and then moved to 16th Street in Rochelle. Ethel continued working, but also found time to spend with family and friends, traveling to Hawaii and many other enjoyable places. Ethel was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ashton, the Moose and the VFW Auxiliary in Rochelle where she had spent many hours helping and entertaining others by selling poppies, baking (remember those wonderful cherry cheese cakes), and playing in the kitchen band. Today, Ethel loved to watch game shows and sports on T.V., and was an avid card and Bingo player. Ethel’s four children are Genevieve Kiefer, of Villa Park, Carol (Jim) Fuller, of Holiday Island, Ark., Barb (Ken) Heal, of Surprise, Ariz., and Bruce (Mary)Voss, of Oswego. Her seven grandchildren are Craig (Kim) Kiefer, Naperville, Carol Ann (Thomas) Aebi, Stafa, Switzerland, Derek (Patti) Kiefer, Wheaton, Michelle (Tony) Langston, Elk Grove Village, Julie (Dan) Bergeson, Carpentersville, and Meghan and Justine Voss, of Oswego. Her two step-grandchildren include Greg Heal, Indianapolis, Ind., and Karyn Heal, Bollingbrook. The 10 great-grandchildren are Claire and Evelyn Kiefer, Charisse and Chance Hinkle, Tiffany Kiefer, Emily, Paige, and Jessica Langston, and Tyler and Jordan Bergeson. Ethel was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, brothers, Dean, Walt, and Francis, sisters, Lois Van Hise and Ella Cavanna. Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Monday March 30, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ashton, with Pastor Jonathan Black Officiating. Burial Ashton Cemetery. Visitation will be held 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Sunday March 29 at Coulon-Lyons Family Funeral Home 704 N. 6th Street, Rochelle, 815-562-6872 and 9:30 am until time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.