Baileyville
Jeanette Josephine (Black) Roach, 86 of Baileyville, died unexpectedly Saturday September 5, 2015. She was a resident of Heritage Woods of Freeport for 2 years.
Jeanette was born April 28, 1929 to Fred and Mae (Snapp) Black in Forreston, Illinois. She married the love of her life, Lester Roach, on September 22, 1951 in Forreston. Jeanette was a 1948 graduate of Forreston High School and loved learning. In her adult life she worked as a realtor, a Certified Nurses Aid and also served as an election judge for many years.
She lived the majority of her adult life in Baileyville, where for many years she and Les ran the L & J Mini-Mart grocery store, where they also sold their homemade donuts, which were delivered to area restaurants. Her children remember how much she enjoyed sharing stories, playing games, and family camping trips. Jeanette was passionate about gardening. People from miles around the area would come to see her beautiful flowers. Jeanette found true joy and peace when she was gardening.
Jeanette's generosity was well known to all that knew her. Throughout her life, she shared treasures from her garden, wrote many thoughtful notes and used her knitting, crocheting and sewing skills to benefit many charitable organizations. As a cancer survivor herself, Jeanette participated in the Relay for Life walk to raise awareness and funds.
Jeanette grew up in and became a member of Forreston United Methodist Church. Despite the many challenges in her life and loss of loved ones, Jeanette held steadfast to her faith. It was her fervent desire that others would notice how she applied her Christian teachings to her struggles and that her strength came from God. Her prayer was that others would come to know her personal Savior.
Surviving are her daughter, Myra L. (Wayne) Pollard of Rockford; son, John A. (Judy) Roach of Monument, Colorado; grandchildren, Kelly (Clint) Rosebush of Denver, Colorado, Kevin (Pam) Huyck of Hermantown, Minnesota, Brian (Bethany) Huyck of Solon, Iowa, Michael (Lee) Roach of Longmont, Colorado, Christine (Jordan) Patterson of Rockford; great-grandchildren, Anna and Emma Jauron, Zachariah, Oliver, and Naomi Rosebush, Calem Huyck and Baby Great Granddaughter Roach due in September.
Predeceased by her husband; parents, brother, John Black and sister, Ora (Black) Herren.
Visitation from 4-7 p.m. Friday, September 11, at Walker Mortuary. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 12 at Forreston United Methodist Church. Burial in Cranes Grove Cemetery.
Please view the family guestbook and sign the condolence
page at walkermortuary.com.
Condolence cards for the family can be sent in care of Walker Mortuary, 321 W. Main St. Freeport, Illinois 61032