Edward A. Cox, Larry F. Jenkins, Lila Darlene Knie, David Jorden Saunders, Albert F. Shelton

Born: October 25, 1948 in Rockford Died: December 15, 2021 in Polo

Larry F. Jenkins, 73, of Forreston, died Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at Polo Rehab and Health Care Center. Larry was born October 25, 1948, in Rockford, the son of Floyd and Hortense (Faulkner) Jenkins. Larry worked for Kable News in Mt. Morris, White Pines State Park in The Lodge, and Lake LaDonna. He was a member of Forreston Reformed Church. He was a Webelo Scout Leader and very active in Boy Scouts. He enjoyed riding his motor scooter and bicycle to visit friends. Surviving is his step-cousins, Jim Ludwig, Duane Ludwig, Cindy Tigges, Tom Ludwig, Jerry Ludwig, and Joan Culver. Larry was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Linda; and stepfather, Ed Ludwig. Ed was also Larry’s caregiver. Graveside services were Monday, December 20, 2021, at Haldane Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Please sign his guestbook at www.burketubbs.com

LILA DARLENE KNIE

Born: January 12, 1928 Died: December 19, 2021

Lila Darlene Knie (née Sanford), age 93 passed away Sunday, December 19, 2021 at Polo Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born January 12, 1928 in Eagle Point Township to Ina Sanford and graduated from Polo Community High School in 1946.

As an only child, Lila and her mother were very close. Ina instilled a love of the arts that held strong in Lila throughout her life.

Lila married Larry Knie on September 20, 1947, in Polo upon his return from World War II.

Both Larry and Lila were members of the Ranch Hands, a popular country western band that won a state-wide contest, representing WSDR Radio Company out of Sterling, IL.

Lila was a housewife and continued her love of the arts, playing the accordion and fiddle, and yodeling. She began teaching lessons prior to moving to Kentucky in 1968.

While in Kentucky, her and Larry loved to camp, play their instruments for friends and campmates, and spend time with their pets. Over the years, Lila and Larry would travel to Texas or Illinois, visiting friends and family in their motorhome. Dogs, cats, accordions, fiddles, and laughs in tow, they would spend the summer weeks traveling and sharing their time and talents with loved ones.

Following a house fire that destroyed their home in the early 2000s, the couple returned to Polo to be near family.

She’ll be remembered for her quick wit, love of dominoes and card games, and her amazing fiddling paired with expert yodeling (if you heard it, you’d never forget it).

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Eileen Knie, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, husband, brother-in-law, Charles Knie and sister-in-law, Lorraine Meyer.

Graveside services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are being completed by Polo Family Funeral Home.

ALBERT F. SHELTON

Born: October 23, 1934 in Dixon, IL Died: December 16, 2021 in Mt. Morris, IL

MT. MORRIS, IL –Albert F. Shelton, age 87, passed away in his home on Thursday, December 16, 2021 after his 15-year battle with cancer. Al was born on October 23, 1934 in Dixon, IL, the son of Jack & Esther (Webb) Shelton. He graduated from Dixon High School. Al served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Al worked for Kable Printing Company for many years. Al loved his family, friends,mowing his yard, Chicago Bears, and most of all his horses.

Al is survived by his love, Leah Ferrell; children, Rhonda (Michael) White, Penny (Tim) Leisson, Marta Gardner, Jeff Shelton, and Terry Bailey; grandchildren, Michael Engle, Anna (Terence) Normoyle, Eli(Aubry) White, Jessica Leisson, Stephanie Leisson, Michelle Mueller, Tara Schultz, Kyle Gardner, Jacob Ferrell, Zach Bailey, Cody Bailey, and Brechon Bailey; great-grandchildren, Ryley Engle, Blair Normoyle, Cormac Normoyle, Callen White, Isabel White, Olivia White, Alyssa Schultz, and Karley Schultz.

Al is preceded by his parents, two brothers, three sisters, and stepson.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Al rode life like his horses – Smooth. Born: July 31, 1942 Died: December 15, 2021

Edward A. Cox, 79, went to be with his Lord in Heaven Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at KSB Hospital, with his loving family by his side. Edward was born July 31, 1942, in Dixon, IL, to Edmund Russel Cox and Alice Marie (Johns) Cox. He graduated from Polo Community High School in 1960.

Edward married the love of his life, Kathryn Lynn Ortgiesen on June 5, 1964 in Dixon, IL. They had celebrated 57 wonderful years together.

Edward is survived by his wife, Kathryn; his three children, Randy (Michele) Cox and Sue Cox, both of Dixon, and Cyndi (Andrew) Cunningham of Rochelle; six grandchildren, Nicole, Sean, Dylan, Chandler, Trenton, and Easton; one great granddaughter, Brylee; four sisters, Pat Levan of Dixon, Joan Koenig of Janesville, WI, Nancy Parke of Polo, and Marge (Matt) Shore of Woosung; one brother, Tom Cox of Dixon; cousin and best friend Wesley Johns of Dixon; and many other family members.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents, Edmund and Alice Cox; Kathryn’s parents, Clinton and Mildred (Deadmond) Ortgiesen; and one granddaughter, Danielle Huggins.

Besides spending time with his family and friends, Edward enjoyed golfing, giving rides to the grandkids around the farm, and rooting for the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. He worked at Kable Printing, and Freeman’s Shoe Factory for many years, and farmed with family from high school, until he retired. He was a Trustee for the Township of Woosung for 26 years, and enjoyed volunteering at the Polo Senior Center and the Polo Food Pantry. He touched many lives with his generosity and passion for life.

Cremation rites have been accorded and burial of cremains will be at a later date.

In memory of Edward, please consider donating to the Polo Senior Center or the Polo Food Pantry.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Polo Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

To send condolences, please visitwww. polofamilyfuneralhome.com

DAVID JORDEN SAUNDERS

Born: May 30, 1939 in Freeport, IL Died: December 19, 2021 in Dixon, IL

MT. MORRIS, IL – David Jorden Saunders, age 82, passed away on December 19, 2021 at KSB Hospital, Dixon, IL, with his family at his side. David was born on May 30, 1939 in Freeport, IL, the son of William & Reta (Sanford) Saunders. He graduated from Mt. Morris High School, Class of 1957. David served in the United States Army. David married his loving wife, Sylvia Thomas on May 14, 1961, and they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past May.

David is survived by his wife: Sylvia Saunders, Mt.Morris, IL; 3 children: Laurie Dawn (Joe) Redfield, Rio Vista, CA; Todd (Amal) Saunders, Davie, FL; and Gary David Saunders, Lombard, IL; 3 grandchildren: Haley Krause, Thomas Saunders, and Emma Saunders; 2 great grandchildren: Sadii and Kit Krause. Also, surviving are 2 nephews, David and Steve Cassidy, and a niece, DeAnne (Cassidy) Youssefi and their children.

David was predeceased by his parents, and his sister, Dolores (Saunders) Cassidy.

Dave was always involved in his children’s activities, coaching and attending all their games and events. He was very proud of their accomplishments.

Dave worked in the printing departments of Kable Printing, Alpha Omega Printing, and Donnelly printing in Mendota. While serving in the National Guard, his unit was sent to Desert Storm and was involved in Desert Shield.

Following his retirement Dave enjoyed training his two Border Collies in agility. He and Sylvia attended many weekends of agility trials. Due to Dave’s training and patience and two smart Border Collies, Tess and Buddy, the blue ribbons began to pile up.

Services were held Thursday, December 23, 2021 in the Mt. Morris Church of the Brethren. Burial was in Silver Creek Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL.

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• Oregon Republican Reporter • Mt. Morris Times • Tri-County Press • Forreston Journal

unknown veterans.

There are 199 veterans buried in Daysville Cemetery, including a Revolutionary War veteran, Perry said.

Scouts from Troop 81 in Oregon helped place the wreaths and Troop 289 Girl Scouts gave the Pledge of A l l e g i a n c e t o o p e n S a t u r d a y ’ s event.

National Wreaths Across America Day was held at 3,136 participating locations across the country. More than 525 truckloads of wreaths were delivered and placed on 2.4 million veterans’ headstones.

According to a news release from Wreaths Across America: “Each live, balsam veteran’s wreath was a gift of respect and appreciation, sponsored by an individual or organization and placed on a headstone by volunteers as a small gesture of gratitude for the freedoms Americans enjoy. For centuries, fresh evergreens have been used as a symbol of honor and have served as a living tribute renewed annually. Wreaths Across America believes the tradition represents a living memorial that honors veterans, active-duty military and their families.”

Earleen Hinton/Shaw Media ABOVE LEFT: Sawyer Benton of Oregon places a wreath on a veteran’s grave at Daysville Cemetery during the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Wreaths Across America program held at Daysville Cemetery southeast of Oregon. Wreaths were placed on 199 known veterans’ graves during the afternoon program. ABOVE: Arlene Sangmeister of Oregon places a wreath on the grave of veteran Benjamin Stitzel. LEFT: Laurie Perry, regent of the Rochelle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, speaks at the program.