Deaths

Death notices for the Stateline: May 12, 2025

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

Michael McGinnis

May 12, 2025 — 3 min read

Noel Pettenger, Jodi Slick, JoAnne Lentz, Mary Ovist, Christian Nye, Donna Larson, Gayle Keefer

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

Apr. 14, 2025:
Gayle Keefer, 97, Rockton
She served over 41 years on the Talcott Library board, including as board president. She started a Girl Scout troop in the log cabin on Main Street in Rockton.

Apr. 28, 2025:
Christian Nye, 30, South Beloit
A friend remembers the good times they had together, exploring or just talking about life.

May 1, 2025:
Donna M. Larson, 63, Roscoe
After graduating from Hononegah in 1980, she worked as an accountant for Kerry Ingredients for 25 years. She served as a Meals on Wheels volunteer in Beloit for 30 years, even serving on the board.

May 3, 2025:
JoAnne E. Lentz, 86, Rockton
She was a homemaker, married for 56 years, and later worked for Fresh Beginnings Program, retiring in 2004.

May 4, 2025:
Noel R. Pettenger, 75, Roscoe
He worked at Winnebago Forest Preserve for 22 years and then Rockford Country Club for 39 years. He loved to preach at the Church by the Side of the Road in Rockton.

May 5, 2025:
Mary F. Ovist, 47, South Beloit
A 1997 South Beloit High School graduate, she worked at The DeLong Company. A loving mother, perfect wife, and opened her arms to everyone, she enjoyed gambling and riding their Harley.

May 10, 2025:
Jodi Slick, 59, Roscoe
After she began her 38 year career as a nurse with Mercyhealth, her high school sweetheart followed her to Rockford. They were married for 36 years. She sang in the choir at the United Methodist churches in Mt. Carroll and Roscoe.