Rose Marie Abner Westphal, 86, of Alton, entered into eternal peace on Friday, Sept. 26, 2014, in Alton.
Rose was born on April 23, 1928, in East Chicago, Ind., the daughter of the late Robert and Salome Lax.
She graduated with a Master’s in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She taught second grade for 25 years at Horace Mann Elementary and Thomas Jefferson Elementary in Alton. She took great joy in her family and cherished every moment with them. If she was not in her RV you could find her in her flower garden or quilting.
She leaves her loving memories to be cherished by her brother Bob and wife, Kathy Lax, and sister-in-law, Margaret Lax; grandchildren Tabatha and Matt Morin of Paducah, Ky., Mike and Linda Abner of Symsonia, Ky., Macie and Brian Henkhaus of East Alton, Tobie Blackford and Kevin Angle of Alton, Rhonda and Mike Young of Security, Colo., Carol Simpson of Benton, Ky., and stepdaughters Linda Leckrone, Kary Westphal, and Chris Fry; stepson Dick and wife, Shari Westphal; 10 great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and dearest friend, Paula Weese.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 45 years, George A. Abner in 1991; her son, Ronald M. Abner in 1996; her daughter, Dianne Abner Mortimer in 2005; second husband, John C. Westphal, in 2003; stepson Doug Westphal and stepdaughter Nancy Victorin; and brother Lenard Lax.
Visitation will be from 1 p.m. till time of service at 3 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2014, at the Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton.
Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.
Donations to the American Diabetic Association
Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.