Delores Utley

Delores Fay Utley, 84, formerly of Loves Park passed gracefully at 4:15 p.m. Friday, November 23, 2018, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Delores was born on July 31, 1934, in Comanche, Iowa, and was the daughter of William H. and Ethel M. (Hinericksen) Miller; she was one of 15 children. Delores was a dedicated wife and mother. She owned her own beauty salon, also worked as an electrician. She finally settled at North Health in Rockford, retiring after 28 years. Delores loved to bowl, golf, play cards, and get her hair and nails done. She also had a love/hate relationship with slot machines! Delores very much loved “Her” Chicago Cubs and Da Bears! She saw her first Bears game in person at the age of 82 and had a giant smile the entire game. When the CUBS finally won the World Series, she turned to everyone with tears in her eyes and said “Whew, I didn’t think I was ever going to see that happen!” She lived a full life that took many turns. She stood strong and funny through them all. She is already deeply missed! Delores is survived by her son, Greg Utley of Florida; daughter, Marsha Shoemaker of Florida; two sisters, Jackie Davis of Kentucky and Shirley Heinzman of Florida; three brothers, Phillip Miller, Dale Miller and Steven Miller, all of Illinois; an army of too many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends to mention. Predeceased by her husband, Bill Utley; her parents; and nine siblings.

Funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 8, 2018, at Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9:30 a.m. to service time. Burial in Monroe Center Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Wounded Warriors.