Nancy Jane Beaird Romes, 75, of Rochelle, went home to be with Jesus on Nov. 21, 2013. She died peacefully at her home with her husband at her side. Nancy was born on July 25, 1938 in Keokuk, IA. She graduated St. Peter's High School in 1956, married Don Romes on June 13, 1959, received her R.N. from Kishwaukee in 1983 and a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry from St. Mary of the Woods.
She worked as a R.N. for 25 years and volunteered over 35 years in Christian ministries. Her service included Rockford Memorial hospital chaplain, Tres Dias teams, and positions at St. Patrick's Catholic Church including director of RCIA, parish nurse, prayer group leader, various liturgical roles and Director of Evangelism.
Nancy was passionate about 3 things: family, working as a nurse for Drs. Prabhakar and Williams, and serving Christ.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Don; four children, Chris (Beth) Romes, of West Linn, OR; Jennie (PJ) O'Rorke of Steward; Liz (Phil) Asbury of Hillsborough, NC; and Sarah (Andy) Graff of Stevenson Ranch, CA; 10 grandchildren, Nick (Stacey) Romes of Phoenix; Ashley (Brandon) Roben of West Linn, OR; Shea (Rose) O'Rorke of Waukesha, WI; Meghan (Domingo) Mancilla of Rochelle; Brendan O'Rorke of Steward; Lauren and Brooke Asbury of Hillsborough, NC; Casey, Melody and Max Graff of Stevenson Ranch, CA; three great-grandchildren, Ella Romes, Dexter Roben and Evi O'Rorke; and her brother, Michael (Brenda) Beaird of Keokuk, IA. She was preceeded in death by her parents, Carl and Catherine Beaird, a sister, Mary Ann Hayworth, brother, Carl (Judy) Beaird and a beloved grandson, Conor O'Rorke.
Visitation will be Tuesday, Nov. 26th from 5 to 7 p.m. at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, with the funeral service on Wednesday, Nov. 27th at 10:30 at St. Patrick's Church in Rochelle. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery in Rochelle. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to H.O.P.E. or St. Patrick's Church.