The Prophetstown Echo – October 25, 2005

Thelma Foster Uther

            Thelma Foster Uther, 72, formerly from the Rock Falls area died Friday, October 21, 2005 at Shands Hospital, Gainseville, FL.

            She was born November 4, 1932 in Caraway, AR the daughter of Lowell T. and Barbara L. (Roberts) Peterson.  She moved to IL in 1953 and lived in Sterling, Rock Falls and in the Lyndon area until 1984 when she moved to FL.  On August 10, 2002 she married Paul A. Uther, Fort Myers Beach, FL.  She retired in 1998 from the Florida Dept. of Children and  Families where she was a care giver for mentally handicapped.  She was a member of the N. Ft. Myers, FL VFW and volunteer for Special Olympics.  Thelma was a past member of the Como Baptist Church, Sterling.

            Surviving is her husband, Paul; three daughters Kathy Foster of Iowa, Jeanette (Mark) Gerlach of Taylorville, IL and Kay Nelson of Okeechobee, FL; two step daughters Kimberly Cooley and Krista (Clay) Schilling both of Milan, OH; four grandchildren; seven step grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

            She was preceded in death by her parents; one grandson Preston Gerlach; and her brother Roy Peterson and her sister Florence Graham. 

            Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 10:00 A.M. in the McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls with the Rev. Dalmus Meeks officiating.  Burial will follow at Lyndon Cemetery.  Visitation is Tuesday from 5:00 -  7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.