Michele Drew

Michele Rae Drew
April 3, 1950 - May 6, 2022

Michele Rae Drew of Dixon, IL passed away peacefully while sleeping on Friday, May 6, 2022, after a prolonged illness. She was 72 years old. Michele was born on April 3, 1950 and graduated from Dixon High School in 1968. She married Steve Drew on July 12, 1969 and spent 52 years with her adoring and loyal husband by her side. She dedicated her life to raising a large and loving family with Steve.

Michele is survived by her husband, Steve Drew; her children, Kristy (Todd) Erdahl of Oregon, Tanya, Nichole, William, Jason & Jeremy Drew, Amy Tate (John Bates), Ashlynn (Shawn) Eshleman, Colleen & Desiree Drew, and Marcy (Scott) Bosse of Florida. She was also loved by special daughters, Carol & Cathy Michels, Helen & Patty Russell, as well as several foster sons and daughters; her 16 grandchildren: Amanda (Trevor) Bolin, Jacob (Katie) Primrose, Meghan Fruin, Quentyn (Skyler) Erdahl, Deandria (Dalton) Blatter, Kamyrn, Phoenyx & Amiylah Drew, Jeremy Drew Jr., Arianna & Karlyanna Tate, MaryEllen Bates, Kaylyn, Jozilyn & Gracelyn Eshleman, Kyler Drew and several foster grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren: Rhylen & Makenly Hicks (Bolin), Ellyejo & Addesyn Primrose, Liam Erdahl, Weston & Brinley Blatter.

She is also survived by 10 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Darrell and MaryEllen Webb), sister (Sue Heather) and her grandson, Derek Drew Fruin.

As Kristy and I take the time to list the names of Michele’s children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, I realize that it’s really futile to think I can list the names of everyone we should include in this open, fluid and dynamic ‘family.’ Many different people have been welcomed into Michele’s home and her heart throughout the years and all would be considered ‘family.’ That is Michele’s legacy. Family…In all of its forms. While our sanity might be debatable at times, our bond is unbreakable! The Drew household was always full of children, animals, strays, laughter and love…and there was always room for one more at the table for a friend or a stranger in need.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Thursday, May 12, 2022, at the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon and 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am, on Friday, May 13, 2022, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon, with Pastor Lynn Bond, officiating. Cremation Rites to follow services. Burial of cremated remains will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon www.grannyrose.com or Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon www.serenityhospiceandhome.org.

Steven Castle

Steven "Steve" William Castle
February 9, 1950 - July 31, 2021

Steven "Steve" William Castle, 71, of Dixon, passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Select Specialty Hospital in Davenport, IA. He started working at the age of 16 in the grocery business and learned the basics. Steve quickly advanced making it a career until he retired. He found retirement quite boring; so he went to work for Rayovac. He also loved helping his friends on their farm.

Steve was born February 9, 1950, in Dixon, IL, the son of Robert and Margaret (Schwamberger) Castle. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon, IL. Steve enjoyed working on Harley Davidson Motorcycles and his cars. He also collected cars and would enter them in car shows. He was the "Best Big Brother Ever" and very protective of his SPOILED ROTTEN SISTER - PRINCESS Janice. Steve was a lovable guy who will be terribly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his, mother, Margaret Castle, one sister, Janice (Dean) Zinanni both of Rock Falls; two nephews, Timothy Hendricks, Joseph Zinanni; one niece, Shanin Thompson; two great nephews, Asher Hendricks, Bryce Thompson; and three great nieces, Drew Thompson, Mia Thompson, Piper Hendricks.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, Robert William Castle.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Friday, August 6, 2021 at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will be 12:30 pm, on Friday August 6, 2021 at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon, IL, with Father John Gow, officiating. Burial will immediately follow.

A memorial has been established.

Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.

Paula Ware

Paula Jayne Novak

Jun 27, 1950 – Jan 7, 2021

With sadness, love, and profound gratitude, the family of Paula Jayne Novak (Ware) announces her unexpected passing on January 7, 2021. Paula is survived by her caring and supportive husband, Paul Evans.

Paula’s selflessness and warmth lives on with her three children: Faye, Paul, and Jill (Tim) Flaherty as well as her two grandchildren, Anna and Abram.Paula was preceded in death by her parents and youngest son, Edward. She is survived by her sisters Carol (Tom) Sylthe and Brenda (Jeff) Stombres and her brother Craig (Linda) Ware.

Paula was also a caring sister-in-law, aunt, cousin, and friend to many.Paula was born in Dixon, Illinois on June 27, 1950 to the late Harvey and Joan Ware. Her childhood was full of love, faith, laughter, and fun family traditions.

After graduating from Western Illinois University, she began her teaching career, where she would spend nearly 50 years inspiring the lives of countless students of various ages and abilities.

Soon after beginning to teach, she and Paul met. They married in 1978 and settled in West Chicago, Illinois to raise their family.Paula enjoyed reading, learning, and teaching, but she treasured time with family above all. She lived a life in service to others, especially her family, and she loved being a helpful champion for others.

Paula touched the lives of many and will be remembered for her calm, patient, and inviting nature and for the way she loved everybody in her life with her whole heart. She will truly be missed.

A private family service will be held on January 12, 2021. A celebration of life will be held sometime in 2021.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to help promote literacy:
Illinois Literacy Foundation
PO Box 64386
Chicago, Illinois 60664

Leland Shoaf

Edward Schmidt

Becky Vail

Jock Heaton

Sally Fulmer