Rochelle

Lillian Rose Atchley, 83, passed away Monday, June 19, 2023 at Franklin Grove Living and Rehabilitation Center in Franklin Grove, Illinois.  Lillian was born on June 29, 1939 to James E. and Lavilla R. (Wright) Leigh in Rochelle.  In 1958, she graduated from Rochelle Township High School. On June 27, 1959, she married Frank H. Atchley in Rochelle.

Lillian worked for the Rochelle Municipal Utilities for 21 years, retiring in 1998.  She was a member of the Women of the Moose.  She has always been a faithful church goer.  Recently, she and Frank joined New Hope Fellowship, which they love and their Tennessee church, Willow Springs Baptist Church, with daughter, Linda.

Lillian lived a full life for sure!  After retirement, she and her husband, Frank, enjoyed being "Winter Texans" in Donna, Texas at the Lil Bit O'Heaven RV Resort for 18 years.  There they met wonderful friends whom they enjoyed spending time with.  In addition to Texas, they enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Florida, New York and many trips to Tennessee to spend a few weeks with their youngest daughter, Linda.  They loved this special time with Linda and two grandsons, Michael and Justin.  After their winter travels, they always looked forward to coming back home to be with their three other daughters and grandchildren.  Family time was always a priority in their lives, making sure they went to as many grandkids' sporting events as possible.

Frank and Lillian enjoyed camping, raising their daughters with many wonderful memories from local weekend trips to amazing camping vacations to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee.  A wonderful family tradition was the famous wiener roasts in their backyard, nothing fancy just hot dogs and s'mores.  As a family, we all enjoyed playing games, one in particular, 1-1 2-2, so much fun!

Lillian always loved spending time on her backyard deck watching the birds and "Charlie" the squirrel.  They lived in their home for 50+ years having many wonderful neighbors.  For many years, their neighbors, Ralph and Terre became like family.  Their daughters will be forever grateful for the love and care Ralph and Terre showed them.

Lillian is survived by her husband of almost 64 years, Frank Atchley of Franklin Grove, IL; four daughters: Pam Baker, Lisa (Kevin) Chidley both of Rochelle, Judy (Dan) Piecha, of Delavan, WI and Linda Nave of Bristol, TN; 11 grandchildren: Doug (Megan) Baker, Leann (Andy) DeWitt, Rachel Huff, Matt (Josie) Mitchell, Sara (Josh Clark) Mitchell, Andrew (Danielle) Chidley, Kendra (Jeff Holden) Egland, Brad (Jayme) Egland, Shannon Piecha, Justin (Sarah) Nave and Michael Nave; 18 great grandchildren and many friends in Illinois, Donna, TX and Elizabethton, TN.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by five brothers: Max, Gene, Bob, James E., Jr. and Dan Leigh.

The visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:30 A.M., Saturday, June 24, 2023 at the Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. The funeral will follow at 11:30 A.M., Saturday at the funeral home with Pastor Nick Tornabene officiating. Cremation care will be provided after the funeral.  Burial will be at a later date at the Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.  Memorials may be made in Lillian's memory to the American Cancer Society.  Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.