Rosalie Reed Gartner, 80, of Sycamore, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at her home. Rosalie was born on Oct. 18, 1946, in Rochelle, Illinois, to Dallas and Margaret (Kruse) Reed. Rosalie grew up on a farm outside of Chana, Illinois, and graduated from Rochelle High School in 1964. She attended college at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb and held several roles in her 25-year career at Tricon Industries in Downers Grove, Illinois. She was a beloved co-worker, and had a unique way of connecting with people that made her a joy to work with. In fact, Rosalie could make a new friend wherever she was – even during a 30-second elevator ride -- just ask her granddaughters. Rosalie’s family was everything to her. She gave her whole heart to the roles of mother and grandmother, and most recently of great-grandmother. Not to mention her roles as aunt, sister, mother-in-law and many others. She was present in family life. If she could make it to a game or recital, you could count on Rosalie to be there, always in your corner. She was famous for singing “Happy Birthday” in her birthday phone calls. She’d sing it to voicemail if she didn’t catch you in person. She brought love and smiles to those around her, sharing an especially close bond with her grandchildren. From tiny babies to teenagers to young adults, she found a way to connect. And those kids loved her back! They adored hanging out with her, playing games, baking cookies, watching movies, and being silly. 

Rosalie is survived by her daughter, Shalonn Schaefer of McCordsville, Indiana; her son, Phillip (Amy) Gartner of Glenview, Illinois, daughter-in-law, Mary Gartner of Minneola, Florida; five grandchildren, Evan (Megan) Schaefer, Garrett (Emily) Schaefer, Anna Gartner, Abby Gartner, and Owen Gartner; and great-grandson, Harrison Schaefer. She is also survived by her three brothers, Claude (Virginia) Reed of Memphis, Tennessee, Kent (Martha) Reed of Steward, Illinois, and Kevin (Barb) Reed of Sycamore, Illinois. Her parents; son, Paul Gartner; brother, James Reed; and sisters, Rosemary Miller and Nancy Reed, preceded her in death.

A memorial visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore, Illinois. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Sycamore Food Pantry. Arrangements are being handled by Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, Illinois. An online guestbook is available at www.ungerhorner.com.