2-16-2022 11:28am

George Moate (1928-2022) was active in Shirland life

Michael McGinnis Editor

George Moate was born in his farm house on July 13, 1928. George was the son of Harry and Ruth née Teague Moate. He attended the Bennett School-Shirland Grade School and graduated from Hononegah High School in 1945. He married his dancing partner Ruth née Newman on February 18, 1950 at the Old Stone Church in Rockton, Illinois.

He served in the US Army in Korea. George was a member of the Shirland United Methodist Church.

George was active in his community serving on the Shirland School Board, was a volunteer Shirland fireman and 4-H club leader. Additionally, George was a member of the Winnebago County Farm Bureau and the Pheasants Forever Club. He was a Sugar River Grange member and served as Master of the Durand Masonic Lodge. He mentored the community youth as the softball and boys basketball coach. He would transport the entire team to games in his pickup truck and treat game wins with a stop at the ice cream shop or would share a cold watermelon.

He worked on his dairy farm raising registered Holstein cattle and pigs. George shared his love of farming and farm experiences with numerous kids and adults . He hosted youth for Wacky Wednesday in the summer with hayrides and fun on the family farm. George was a master at getting others involved in bailing hay or straw on the hottest summer days. Between young men or members of the Roscoe Sportsman's Club, he was able to get the work done. His quick wit and gift for gab made the tasks almost enjoyable and the individuals a little tougher.

George was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters Dorothy Eudey, Ardath Adams and Merle Fender, daughter Rose Mary Moate and granddaughter Ashley Manno.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Moate, sons Stanley (Vicki) Moate, Sidney (Wendy) Moate, daughters Nancy (Chuck) Holme and Tracy (Tami) Moate, grandchildren Christopher (Jane) Weinermoate, Onica (David) Triveno, Emily (Brock Young) Holme, Patrick (Samantha) Holme and Peter Holme, Great grandchildren Delilah and Carson Holme, Crystal and Brianna Triveno.

A funeral ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, February 17, 2022 in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel 767 N Blackhawk Blvd Rockton, IL with burial in Shirland Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 9:30 a.m. until time of ceremony, Thursday. A memorial will be established.

You can view photos of his life and additional details, including any available live streams, at https://my.gather.app/remember/george-moate