Vernita Mckinnis

Rock Falls - Vernita Mae McKinnis, 85, of Rock Falls, died, Sunday, January 28, 2018 at her home. Vernita was born January 4, 1933 in Dixon, the daughter of Troy and Maude (Brown) Sitter. She married Leo Berard in Dixon on January 21, 1955. He preceded her in death on May 18, 1986. She then married Wilbur “Bill” McKinnis on January 3, 1998. He preceded her in death on July 1, 2008. Vernita worked for over 25 years in the catalog department of Sears, before retirement in 1988. Survivors include one daughter, Cindy Berard of Rock Falls; two grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Larry Berard; one sister, Rachel Jean Sitter; and two brothers, Harold Sitter, and one in infancy. Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation, Sterling, with Pastor Jack Smith, of First Baptist, Sterling officiating. Visitation will be from 10AM-11AM one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery, Sterling. A memorial has been established to First Baptist Church, Sterling. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.