Connie Lou (Reed) Willhite, 80, went to heaven to be with Jesus Christ and her husband, Richard Lee Willhite, on September 2, 2024, just two days shy of her 81st birthday.
She was born September 4, 1943, in Sterling, IL, the daughter of Floyd “Mike” and Gertrude C. (Unger) Reed. Guiding her life was the decision to live her life as a follower of Jesus Christ. Connie graduated from Sterling High School in 1961. She later earned her Associate Degree in Accounting and Secretarial Science.
Connie married her loving husband, Richard, on June 26, 1965, with whom she raised two children, John and Donald.
Connie worked at Stanley Products; Picture America in Color for five years; CGH Medical Center for 33 years; Coloma Township Assessor’s office for 13 years. Connie was a devoted Cub Scout Den Leader for ten years and a Cub Scout trainer for 30 years. She was the driving force and founder of the Sauk District Cub Scout Mom & Me Program, as well as many other Scouts and family-oriented events. She was always a part of the program and planning. She received both the Silver Beaver award and the Unknown Scout award from the Blackhawk Council for her contribution to Scouting.
She was a crafter, doing five or more shows a year. Connie loved to knit, crochet, and embroider. She would make quilts and give them to nursing homes and scarves for the under-privileged children at schools every fall.
She was a member of First Christian Church of Sterling, where she served as Treasurer for eight years. She was a life-time member of the Rock Falls American Legion, serving as Secretary for several years. She was a 56-year member of J H Montague Lodge, serving as Treasurer for 40 years.
Connie was preceded in death by her husband, parents. and brother, Dave Reed.
Connie was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Surviving are her sons, John (Debbie) Willhite of Lyndon, IL, and Donald Willhite of Rock Falls, IL; sister, Cyndi Reed of Tullahoma, TN; sister-in-law, Diane Reed of Milledgeville, IL; five grandchildren, Meagon (Sean) Banks Morrison, IL, Ryan Willhite (Zoey Jones) of Morrison, Michael Willhite of Dixon, IL, Eliza-Lynn McNinch of Sterling, and Kalina Willhite of Polo, IL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the McDonald Funeral Home in Rock Falls, IL.
The Funeral will follow on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will conclude at Oak Knoll Memorial Park.
Memorial is established for First Christian Church of Sterling, IL.