Reta Mae Stricker

Reta Mae Stricker age 74 of Rockford IL went home to her reward on January 14, 2014 at her home due to complications from a recent stroke. The beloved daughter of Charles Monroe Brummett and Mavourneen (Nichols) was born on August 18, 1939 in Hayti MO.

The Brummett family moved to Rockford IL in 1951. Reta graduated from Rockford East High School in 1957. She was first married in 1960 and the union produced her two daughters. On August 31, 2001 she was united in marriage to her best friend, Donald Stricker, who survives her. They have spent many happy years together after both retiring from Borg Warner Corporation of Rockford.

Reta spent most of her working life in Rockford factories of Nylint, National Lock, and Rockford Powertrain. After retiring she was able to pursue her passion of buying and selling antiques. She worked at the State Street Antique Mall for several years and met many friends who shared her love of antiques. She also enjoyed gardening, genealogy, and keeping house. She loved her family’s centennial farm in Hayti MO and was able to visit one last time in August of 2013. The most important things to Reta were her family, children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband Don, brother Edward Lee Brummett and wife Lois of Hayti MO, daughter Lisa Elaine (Kerley) Kohn and husband Steven of Edwards MO, daughter Laura Elizabeth (Kerley) Heise and husband Stephen of Suwanee GA, granddaughters Taryn Elizabeth Kohn, Eden Noelle Kohn, and grandson Flynn Stephen Heise. Survivors also include nephews David Brummett and Mathew Brummett, great nieces and nephews, as well as step children Thomas (Anna Marie) Stricker, Teresa (Dan) Dye, Annette (Matt) Koelling, and their children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents Charlie and Mavor, infant sister Charlotte, and grandson Derek Michael Kohn. A private family ceremony will be held in Hayti MO. Donations to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital can be made in Reta’s name in lieu flowers.

Online condolences can be submitted to www.AdvantageRockford.com