Generous and Loving Wife, Mom, Sister, Aunt and Friend
Barbara J. Kotz, 61, of Rockford died on Wednesday, October 19, 2011 at 9:15 p.m. in her home surrounded by her loving family. Barb was born on January 18, 1950 in York, PA, daughter of Raymond and Marie Sheese. United in Marriage to Steven Kotz on November 27, 1968 in Rockford. Barb was formerly employed as the Assistant Manager of A-American Self Storage and as a Lunch Coordinator in the Rockford School District for 18 years, most recently at Macintosh Elementary. She was a member of Heartland Community Church, and loved participating in the women's ministry as well as the other classes. She served as a volunteer in the children's ministry, Launch. She loved attending Heartland and helping in any way that she could. Barb will always be remembered for her compassionate spirit, as well as her ability to listen and offer advice. She is survived by her husband; children, Christopher Kotz, Shannon (Dereck) Pumilia, Jaimie (Scott) Borota; siblings, Debra Wahl, Jim Sheese, John Sheese; all of Rockford; nephew, Courtney (Leigh) Wahl of Alaska; niece, Andria Wahl of Rockford; special friend Bridget Layng of Rockford. Preceded in death by her parents.
A funeral service will be Monday, October 24, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. at Heartland Community Church, 1280 S. Alpine Rd. Rockford, with visitation at 11:00 a.m. until the service. Pastor Doug Thiesen will officiate. Interment in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief Center. Grace Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family. To share a memory or condolence online, visit www.graceFH.com .