Deaths

Death notices for the far Stateline: July 21, 2025

We remember those who are no longer with us in Roscoe, South Beloit, and Rockton.

Michael McGinnis

Jul 22, 2025 — 4 min read

Douglas Nichols, Mary Alice Ocker, Roxann Armstrong, Vicky Cooling, Dave Neiber, Arlene Stafford, Alan Miller, Dennis Geddes, Catherine Evans, Kellie Sinks, Mark Williams, Sr., Vance Grove

With sadness, we announce the following deaths for Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit in recent weeks:

May 30, 2025:
Kellie A. Sinks, 63, Rockton
After retiring as a Harley Davidson riding coach, she and her husband began a new chapter flipping homes and spending winters in Costa Rica, where she died after a brief illness.

June 2, 2025:
Alan Miller, 72, Rockton
As a young man in Rockton, part of Hononegah class of 1971, he was a summer lifeguard and delivered The Herald. He played the piano and was active in Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 39 years.

June 16, 2025:
Marie Frasier, 63, South Beloit
She lived on South Bluff Street.

June 30, 2025:
Norman L Goedert, 87, South Beloit

July 5, 2025:
Vance Grove, 70, Rockton
A CNC machining supervisor and trainer, he also painted and repaired homes at no charge, coached the Special Olympics, and won awards in both bodybuilding and marksmanship, among other many hobbies.

July 7, 2025:
David J. Neiber, 81, Roscoe
He was the president of the Studebaker Drivers Club and could often be found in his driveway or garage, under the hood of a vintage car.

July 11, 2025:
Catherine J. Evans, 37, South Beloit,
She worked as a labor and delivery nurse. She often led worship at church and sang with the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Vicky L. Cooling, 73, Roscoe
She loved black coffee, reading books, and antiques, and developed an eye for a well-loved piece.

July 13, 2025:
Dennis R. Geddes, 78, Rockton
In 1971, he was serving in Vietnam with the Alpha Avengers, 2nd Platoon, in the 101st Airborne Division. He lived on Harrison Road in Rockton.

Mark L. Williams, Sr., 67, Rockton
He enjoyed turning a wrench and spending time with his hunting dogs. He was a member of the Coon Hound Association and the North American Hunting Club.

July 14, 2025:
Douglas A. Nichols, 87, Roscoe
In his younger years, Douglas was a stock car racing mechanic. He worked as an industrial engineer for Volkswagen. He could listen to a motor over the phone and tell you how to fix it.

July 15, 2025:
Roxann L. Armstrong, 52, Rockton
She lived with style, confidence, and intention, whether it was dressing to the nines for no reason at all, ordering the shrimp cocktail and filet without hesitation, or jetting off to a new city or country just because she could. She created a designer bow business.

July 17, 2025:
Arlene Stafford, 86, South Beloit
A nurse aide until her retirement, she enjoyed working in her yard, gardening, knitting, and watching the Green Bay Packers. She especially loved cats but would open her home to anyone in need.

July 18, 2025:
Mary Alice Ocker, 86, Roscoe
She taught at the Village Nursery Preschool for many years. She was part of a ministry of visiting the home-bound with a tin of chocolate chip cookies. She enjoyed creating beautiful cross-stitch pictures for her family and friends.