Ellen Rose Horton, 97, of Rochelle peacefully transitioned into the arms of Jesus on Wednesday 12/31/2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 30, 1928 in Wayne City, IL to Raymond and Cora Marie (Loyd) Williams. Rose lived her life with a servant's heart, with her family being the main focus of her love and devotion. She explored a few employment options before obtaining her Real Estate License and she successfully performed the role of a local Real Estate Agent until her retirement. She enjoyed camping, fishing, taking leisurely car rides, attending Bible studies, prayer meetings and attending any activity that her grandchildren and great grandchildren participated in....being one of their most devoted and encouraging supporters. During her 97 years her life impacted anyone she met as her unwavering faith, strength and courage to weather many storms she encountered created a light in her that illuminated the darkness. She was a devoted and powerful prayer warrior that effected the lives of her family and many others. She unashamedly loved Jesus and shared that love and her testimony with everyone she encountered, either through action or word. Heaven definitely gained another precious soul that will forever and greatly be missed by those of us that loved her and left here to complete our life journey....until we are reunited in Heaven.

She married the love of her life and soul mate, Charles "Chuck" Horton on February 21, 1943 at the Baptist Parsonage in Rochelle with the Reverend Darwin Blomgren officiating. Her survivors include one daughter, Tammy (Brett) Milligan of Rochelle, and son-in-law, Doug Hatfield of Rockford, 6 grandchildren: Jeff Hatfield & Kevin Hatfield, both of Rockford, Chad (Lisa) Dubbs of Naples Fl., Matt (Shelly) Milligan of Ashton, Tara Bybee of Rochelle and Crislene Dubbs of Freeport; 13 great grandchildren: Danika and Tori Hatfield, Jessica (Wyatt Atkınson) Milligan, Abby and Parker Milligan, Mackenzie and Gabe Bybee, Braden, Mason and Camille Dubbs, Tristan and Faith Hatfield and Silas Harlson; then 2 great-great grandchildren: Kaidyn Hatfield and Arya Olander.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chuck, son Charles Eugene, daughters: Janice Dubbs and Judy Hatfield, son-in-law Harry Dubbs, 1 grandson Christopher Todd, sisters: Vera Golden and Noveline Busse and brothers: Harry and Ivan "Bud" Williams.

The Visitation will be held from 1 - 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the Unger Horner Funeral Home, 400 N 6th St., Rochelle. The Celebration of Life Funeral will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, January 5, 2026 in her home church, Calvary Lighthouse, 14409 Hemstock Rd., Rochelle with Dr. James Horvath officiating. Internment will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.