Rosemary F. Deckard, 95, of Rockford passed away in her home on Wednesday, February 10, 2016. She was born May 31, 1920, in Linton, IN.; the daughter of Fred and Ordith Rose (Stiff) Hayes. She graduated from Indiana State University in 1942. Married Dee Deckard in Terre Haute, Indiana, on May 26, 1946, and later moved to Rockford. She worked as a first grade teacher in Clinton, IN., and at Hall and Lincoln Park Elementary Schools in Rockford. She worked as the secretary and bookkeeper of Dee L. Deckard Trucking & Excavating for over 50 years. Rosemary was a proud American and an avid football fan, especially of Peyton Manning. She was also a lover of nature, desserts, mystery novels, and Gunsmoke. She will be greatly missed for the wisdom and humor she shared with her children and grandchildren. Survivors include her sons, Mark (Jill) Deckard and Scott (Vickie) Deckard; grandchildren, Zack and Kate Deckard and Terri (Lance) McCluskey; great-grandchildren, Grace and Luke McCluskey; step-grandson, Scott Smith; step-great-grandchildren, Scotty and Clint Smith; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents; husband; brother, Donald Hayes; and many dear friends. Thanks to VNA Hospice and Northern Illinois Hospice and special thanks to Rosemary’s niece, Sherri Gomez.
Services at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 20, in Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., 401 River Lane, Loves Park, with visitation from 9 a.m. to service time. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.