Elizabeth Ann Vanover

Elizabeth Ann VanOver, affectionately also known as “Taco Bell Liz,” 96, passed away surrounded by her family in her home in Cherry Valley on December 19, 2021. Born in Rockford, Illinois on September 10, 1925 daughter to Harry and Inez Blanch (Harvey) Ridley. Liz proudly worked for Taco Bell for over 19 years where she received the name Taco Bell Liz. Liz had a lot of love in her heart, whether it be for a stranger, friend, family member or her beloved dog Ginger or cat Precious. She loved to shop for herself and others, she often found gifts for neighbors, family and friends of matching crockpots or lamps. An avid prayer warrior and ‘stateside missionary,’ Liz was strong in her faith and attended Memorial Baptist Church for several years. Liz also enjoyed Mickey Mouse, bingo although she never won, scratch off lottery tickets that she had better luck with, watching her beloved birds and feeding the squirrels. She will be missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her daughters Jeannette Rucker and Kathleen (Steven) Maurer; daughter in law Mary VanOver; her grandchildren Amie (Mark) Hawes, Keith Rucker, Karla (Jesus) Huerta, Elizabeth Maurer, Leah Maurer, William (Fiancé Andrea Saruas-Nemec), Jennifer (Brandon) Riley, Amanda Gantz, Nichole Carvalho, Stephanie Beck, and Lyndsey Kallal; 16 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband of 32 years, William; her children William II, Peggy Snell, and Charles VanOver; son in law Jeffery Rucker; grandson Charles II and great granddaughter Everlee Hawes; her twin brother Kenneth (Naomi) Eklund, sisters Colleen (Arvel) Smith and Mary Jane (William) Crawford.

A memorial visitation will take place on Thursday, December 30, 2021 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. at Memorial Baptist Church, 7007 Flora Road, Rockford, Illinois, 61101. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. To send online condolences, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com