Shelby J. Soter

Shelby J. ""Munga"" Soter, 70, of Rockford, passed away at 5:02 a.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2007 in OSF St. Anthony Medical Center of complications following major open heart surgery. Born on October 9, 1936 in Trumann, Arkansas; the daughter of Russell Johnson and Pauline Hammons. Married Richard D. ""Dick"" Soter in Rockford on May 21, 1955. Shelby and Dick celebrated their 50th Anniversary May 21, 2005 with a surprise party at Schiros Restaurant. Shelby was employed as a CNA at Fairhaven Christian Nursing Home for twenty-five years and previously worked for Amerock Corp. She was also a previous member of Woodside General Baptist Church. Mungas enjoyments included gardening, cooking, shopping, garage sales, playing cards, babysitting, attending friends and families events & sporting events for her grandchildren, and adored spending time with her great grandchild, Aliyah. She enjoyed retirement and her rides with Papa. Munga also enjoyed and so much looked forward to her yearly family vacations up north in Minocqua. She enjoyed Elvis, Vince Gill and Loretta Lynns music. She also liked bluegrass, country and gospel music. She loved to watch late night reruns of Fresh Prince of Bel Air with Will Smith. She was a collector of dolls and angels and now she has become an angel. Survivors include her husband, Dick; children, Sheri L. Soter, Susie K. (John) Schiro, Sheila R. (Steve) Ronan and Doug M. (Mignon) Soter; grandchildren, Harmony A. Goodman, Heather D. Goodman, Nicky C. Galloway (fianca©e Brandon S. Droy), Alex H. Schiro, Jessie J. Schiro, Frankie M. Schiro, Megan R. Ronan, Matthew S. Ronan, Richie C. Ronan, Elizabeth A. Soter and Brock M. Soter; great-grandchild, Aliyah N. Goodman; sister, Doris M. (Gary) Bushaw; brothers, Carl R. Johnson and Doug (Juanita) Johnson and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Her two special friends Retta Hale and Cindy Anderson. Predeceased by his parents and step-father, Bob Bushaw. Mungas family wishes to thank the wonderful doctors, nurses and staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center ICU for all there tender loving care given to Munga. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108 with Reverend Angelo Bonacquisti of First General Baptist Church in Rochelle officiating. Burial in Willwood Burial Park. Visitation to be held from 5 8 p.m. on Monday, May 14 at the funeral home and also on Tuesday one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to the family. To