Charlotte R. Stroup

Charlotte R. Stroup, 88, Rockford, passed away on Monday, August 15, 2022, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. She was born January 30, 1934, in Rockford, the daughter of Robert and Charlotte (Yankowski) Smyth. Charlotte was a graduate of Rockford West High School. She married Ray O. Willis in 1952. He passed away in 1986. She then married Earl Stroup in 1994 and he passed away in 2006. She was a long time member of Messiah Lutheran Church where she was active in the choir, taught Sunday School, volunteered serving funeral luncheons, and was a member of a church circle. Charlotte volunteered as a room mother at Lincoln Park School and later at Auburn High School. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, doing ceramics and cooking for her family and friends, especially during the holidays. Charlotte and her family enjoyed many years spending time at their camper at Wood Haven Campground in Amboy. She loved her “kittys”, especially her cat Charlotte.
Survived by her daughter, Cindy (Ed) Vaughn; her grandchildren, Kelly (Daniel) Whitehead and their children, Sandra (Mark) Vaughn-Pottorff, Sylvia and Charlotte Whitehead and her son, Steve (Carmela) Vaughn and their children, Audra, Lydia, Xavier, Gabby, and Khloe; her stepchildren, Jack (Diane) Stroup, Joan (Greg) Miller, and Ed (Teri) Stroup; her step daughter-in-law, Pat Stroup; many step grandchildren and step great-grandchildren. Predeceased by her husbands, Ray and Earl; her stepson, Jim Stroup; her brother, Robert Smyth, and her sister, Marjorie Schultz.
Funeral services will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Riverside Chapel, 3910 N. Rockton Av. Visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, August 23, 2022 at the funeral home and again from 11:00 A.M. until time of service on Wednesday. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.