Mary Lou Gaffey

Mary Lou Gaffey, 85, of Sterling, died Sunday, September 25, 2016 at home, surrounded by her family. Mary Lou was born February 13, 1931 in Sterling, the daughter of John and Clara (Ammon) Morgan. Mary Lou lost her mother when she was ten years old and her father at fifteen. From fifteen to eighteen years of age, she lived with her brothers and sisters and worked part time. She was a very proud graduate of Rock Falls High School class of 1949. She worked for Illinois Bell as a switch board operator. She married Donald L Gaffey on June 9, 1950 in Sterling. Mary Lou lived her life supporting her children and grandchildren in all their activities, sports and faith. Survivors include, her husband, Donald of Sterling; one daughter, Pam (Allan) Hess of Dixon; two sons, Dan (Kim) Gaffey of Sterling and Stan (Kathleen) Gaffey of Chicago; sister, Avis Ratliff of Ft Wayne, IN and one brother, Jim Morgan of Sterling; nine grandchildren, Kye (Mary) Gaffey, Brent (Sira) Gaffey, Kody Gaffey, Kate (John Farrell) Gaffey, Abby (Justin) Bilderback, Angela Hess, Caleb (Andrea Hassler) Hess, Daniel Gaffey, Kate Gaffey and seven great-grandchildren, Sesily, Jettus, Owen, Evalyn, Isabella, Cael, and Samantha. She was preceded in death by daughter, Jan Gaffey, grandson, Grant Gaffey, granddaughter, Emily Gaffey and one sister, Irene Wescott. Services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, September 30, 2016 at the Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, with the Reverend Gary Dekoekkoek, pastor of Bethel Reformed Church, officiating. Burial will be at the Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. Visitation will be from 5-7PM Thursday at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to Gaffey Hospice. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.