Kathleen J. VanRaden

Kathleen (Katie) J. VanRaden, 78, formerly of Rockford, died on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2008 at Freeport Rehabilitation Center.

She was born on May 11, 1930 in Winslow, the daughter of Clarence and Alta Mae (Zipsie) Ellis.

She and her family moved near Forreston to farm when she was around 16 years of age.

VanRaden graduated from Forreston High School in 1948. She continued her education at North Central College, Naperville, and later in life at Highland Community College, Freeport.

She completed her bachelor’s degree at Rockford College in 1985.

She married Walter M. (Bud) VanRaden on Dec. 17, 1950. After living in Tampa, Fla., for four years while Bud was in the Air Force, they returned to farm and raise a family together in rural Forreston.

VanRaden was an active member in several churches over the years including Forreston Reformed Church, Prairie Dell Church, rural Shannon, Centennial United Methodist Church, and lastly, at Christ the Carpenter, Rockford.

She organized Tuesday evening vespers programs for many years while living at Luther Center, Rockford.

She enjoyed singing, playing the trumpet, traveling on Elder Hostel trips, and writing poetry over the years.

She also kept informed of current issues and events and frequently let her voice be heard in letters to the editor in local newspapers.

Survivors include a sister, Rosemary Ellis, Peoria; five children, Mark (Lise Levie) VanRaden, McLean, Va., Miriam (Bob) McKenna, San Diego, Calif., Deborah (John) Noordhoff, Lanark, Judith (Harold) Winship, Galesburg, and Paul (Cheryl) VanRaden, Odenton, Md.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and many other precious family members.

Preceding her in death were a son, David VanRaden in 1992; her husband, Bud VanRaden in 1996; her father in 1979; her mother in 1965; and three brothers, Harold, LeRoy, and Robert Ellis.

VanRaden’s wishes were to have her body donated to Northern Illinois University for research, and a memorial service was held on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2008 at Collins & Stone Funeral Home, Rockford.

A second memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 27 at White Oak Cemetery so that her remains can be buried.

The cemetery is just west of Forreston on White Oak Road.