Rose E. Niebuhr, 78, of Williamsfield, Illinois passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014 at 2:25 P.M. at the St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.
Rose was born on November 2, 1936 in Victoria, Illinois the daughter of Elmer Wagher and Shellie “Shella” Hilton. She graduated from Williamsfield High School with the class of 1954. She then married Donald F. Niebuhr on September 23, 1955 in Galesburg, Illinois. He preceded her in death on March 25, 2006.
Rose enjoyed her time as a bus driver for the local school districts including: West Jersey, Toulon-Lafayette, Williamsfield, and ROWVA. She also spent many summers working for Pioneer during the detasseling season. She enjoyed playing cards camping and spending time at the Little John Conservation Club where she was a lifelong member. She was also a member of the Williamsfield United Methodist Church. Above all else she loved spending time with her family.
She is survived by her 5 children: Lynn (and Michael) VanHyfte of Kewanee, Illinois, Shelley (and Pierre) Ponce of Oneida, Illinois, Betsy Colclasure of Williamsfield, Illinois, Mark (and Rita) Niebuhr of Williamsfield, Illinois, Nancy Niebuhr of Williamsfield, Illinois, 9 grandchildren: Brandy (and Tony) Ponce Hill, Jamie Ponce, Nikki (and Roy Little) Ponce, Samantha Riggs, Erik (and Rachel) VanHyfte, Megan (and Todd) Monaghan, Cody (and Lacy) Niebuhr, Lindsey (and Court) Doubet, Nathaniel Niebuhr, 13 great-grandchildren: Mia Ponce Voss, Bella Ponce Voss, Noah Ponce, Emerson Ponce, Iris Ponce-Little, Opal Ponce-Little, Patience Riggs, Alyvia Monaghan, Ali Monaghan, Aven Monaghan, Caiden Niebuhr, Bentley Niebuhr, Everett Doubet, and 3 more on the way, 2 brothers; Earl Wagher, Tom (and Sandy) Wagher, and 1 sister-in-law, Edith Branchfield.
Rose was preceded in death by parents; Elmer and Shella Wagher, husband; Donald F. Niebuhr, daughter; Susan Rose, grandson; Corey Niebuhr, 4 brothers: Wilfred Wagher, Bruce Wagher, Robert Wagher, John Wagher, and 3 sisters: Betsy Sornberger, Patti Haritos, and Blanch Geraci.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2014 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, Illinois. The memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at the Williamsfield American Legion in Williamsfield, Illinois. Rev. Jenifer Seder will be officiating the service. Memorial donations may be left to the Ronald McDonald House or to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Online condolences can be left at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
