Karen L. Maness

Karen L. Maness, 66, of Rockford passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2013. She was born in Chicago, IL on September 11, 1947; the daughter of John and Helen (Blom) Jarmotz. Karen married Bob Maness in October of 1982. Karen received her bachelor's degree in math from Illinois State University. She worked as a substitute teacher in the beginning of her career and went on to dedicate herself as a full time math teacher for 25 years before retiring from East High School. Karen was a selfless person; always putting others first. She was a host family to foreign exchange students for several years through Rockford College. Karen loved her family, playing cards and her trips spent at Indian Lake, MI. She had a passion for Labrador Retrievers and raised many litters. She was an active member of Shepherd of the Valley Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, vacation bible school and served on the council. Karen will be missed by her family and all who loved and knew her.
Karen is survived by her mother, Helen; husband, Bob; sons, Kevin (Danielle) Thompson, Mike (Ginger) Thompson and Todd Maness; daughters, Connie (Roger) Stambaugh and Kim (Mike) Peavy; sister, Joan Pigg; special brother-in-law, Steve Cerutti; mother-in-law, Alvina Stickels; several grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her father; son, Matthew; sister, Shirley Cerutti and father-in-law, Colin Stickels.
Funeral Service at 11:00 am on Saturday, November 23, 2013 in Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 2715 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation on Friday, November 22, 2013 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church and will continue on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church. To extend condolences visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com