Mary Elizabeth Jobst

Mary Elizabeth Jobst, 64, of Cherry Valley passed away after a brave battle against cancer surrounded by her family at home. She was born January 24, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee to James and Patricia (Battelo) Carl. She was one of five children raised in Streamwood Illinois. After graduating high school in 1977 she moved to Phoenix Arizona where in 1979 she gave birth to Sarah Elizabeth.

As a single mother she raised her daughter, working several jobs to ensure her comfort, making sure her baby wanted for nothing. With the help of her family, she did just that. In 1984 after taking a job at Methode, she met Kurt. She always said she never liked blondes, but she couldn’t resist his charms! Along with Kurt came Julia and Justin whom she immediately embraced as her own.

December 19, 1986, Mary and Kurt, in their own style of things, left work on their lunch break and married at the courthouse in Elgin before returning to their regularly scheduled day. From then on, they officially became a family of five. They raised their children in Elgin, both working full-time and on occasion, each working 2 or more jobs to make ends meet. Every summer they took road trips, all piled up in the family van touring as many states in the south as possible.

As the years progressed the family grew to include eight grandchildren. She was always hands on and instrumental in the upbringing of the great majority of each. She was a woman of incredible artistic mastery including crochet, paper mâché, metal sculptures, painting and interior design. Her home was her pride and joy. She treasured her moments in the backyard watching the wildlife and tending, with great love, her beautiful garden. Her baking and canning skills, especially her jelly and jams, are famed amongst her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Patricia, infant sister, Judy and her sister-in-law, Dru Carl. Survived by her husband of 40 years, Kurt, their children Julia (Adam) Taylor, Sarah (Bernard) Kondenar, and Justin (Susan)Jobst; her grandchildren, Jacob, Eve, Cheyenne, Mercy, Evelyn, Bernard V, Lillian and Aiden; her father, James Carl; her brothers, James Dennis Carl, Raymond Carl, and Ted (Lisa) Jenkins; her sister, Jennifer (Larry) Roath and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. In Lieu of flowers, her wishes were to donate to the Rockford Rescue Mission, 715 W. State St. Rockford, IL 61102 or the Rock River Valley Pantry, 421 S. Rockton Av, Rockford, IL, 61102.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd with Reverend Dean Parker officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service at the funeral home. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.