Nancy C. Erbe, age 90, passed away at her daughter's home in Marshall, Texas, on July 9, 2024. Born and raised in Elysian Fields, Texas, she moved with her husband Allen Erbe to his hometown Rockford, IL in 1944 after his years of service in the Air Force. She was a 59 year member of Union Grange, serving as Junior Leader, Chaplain, executive committee member, home economics committee member, and the pianist.
She is survived by her children Karl of Beloit, WI, Ronald (Nancy) of Rockford, IL, Janice (Ron) Mackey of Marshall, TX, and Richard of Lebanon, MO; sister, Annette Bell, sister-in-law Jeannie Westmoreland, and brother-in-law Harold Raines, all in Texas; grandchildren Annie (Jeff) Pirrone, Melinda Erbe, Kyle(Krystle) Erbe, Brandon (Tomye) Erbe, Heidi (Andrew) Dettman, Steven (Kaimi) Erbe, Robert (Kylie) Mackey, Andrew (Cori) Mackey, Amanda (Michael) Willis and Jonathan, Zachariah and Joseph Erbe; 16 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special note to dear friends Becky Meyer and Sally Campbell of Rockford, Illinois. Preceded in death by her parents; brother Hall (Sonny Boy); sisters Mary Robins, Ahleene Reavis, Esther Raines and Elnora Wootten; brothers-in-law George Robins, Rev. Andy Reavis, Robert Bell, Dick Wootten; and ex-husband Allen Erbe.
Nancy was a natural storyteller, with an infectious and joyful laugh. Everyone who knew her had shared a laugh, a story, a hug, and probably a Coke. Her personality was so big, you'd never know she was hardly 5 feet tall. There was a lot of soul in this girl from East Texas. She sang with all of her heart, played the piano with joy, and held her dear friends close. It isn't often that one gets to tell their own story, and as a natural born storyteller, she made sure to capture life from her perspective before she passed. None of us can capture it better than her. In her own words:
"I was born on October 16, 1933 to Hall and Callie McJimsey Westmoreland in Elysian Fields, Texas, the sixth of seven children. I am from the pioneer families that helped establish Texas before it was a State. Coming in 1844, the Woodleys and Westmorelands came by covered wagon, making the dangerous and difficult trip to the wild frontier. Later on, my families of the Bryans, and McJimseys came and settled here also. I had a wonderful childhood, surrounded by a loving family, I cherish those years. Life was hard but I had everything I needed: food, my family, and a strong relationship with God. I played basketball and tennis in school with I thoroughly enjoyed. My H.S. graduating class consisted of 10. I went to Elysian Fields schools, graduating valedictorian and Panola Jr. College where I was honored to be their first homecoming queen. I joined the USO at the Barksdale Air Force Base in Shreveport, La., to honor my only brother who was in the service. In 1952, I met my future husband there, Allen W. Erbe. We married in Elysian Fields in 1953, then moved to his hometown of Rockford, Illinois in 1955. We were married for 47 years. We had three wonderful children in close succession, two boys and a girl. Then we had another son 13 years after the last one that made our family complete. Even though times were difficult, we made ends meet and raised our family well. I loved books, family genealogy, crafts, gardening, collecting Depression glass and my numerous dogs throughout my life. I worked several different jobs, but most were in retail, namely K-Mart and Walmart, retiring in 2014 at the age of 80. In 2014, I moved back to my sweet Texas and lived with my daughter and son-in-law.”
A life celebration will be held at Flora Community Church, 1410 Flora Church Road, Kirkland, IL on Saturday, September 14, 2024 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon.
