Connie Sue Zink

Connie Sue Zink, age 70, of Savanna, IL, passed away on May 12, 2024 at her home with her family and beloved dog, Gideon, by her side. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Mt. Carroll, IL. Visitation will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. before the service. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, in Mt. Carroll.

Connie was born August 24, 1953, in Savanna, the daughter of Herman and Blanche (Atkins) Roberts. She grew up in Mt. Carroll, graduating from Mt. Carroll High School with the class of 1971. On June 24, 1972, Connie married Dennis Zink.

Connie sold Avon for a few years and dabbled in oil painting and photography, but it wasn’t long before she found her true artistic talent, and put it to full use. In 1979 she started Land of Oz Dolls, a porcelain doll making business that would take her and her family to doll shows all across the country, and culminate with many awards, including the coveted “Millie”, which could be equated to an Oscar for doll making. During the height of her doll making time, they traveled to 40 or more doll shows per year.

In the early 2000’s Connie put her efforts behind her green thumb and became a Master Gardener. She meticulously cared for her flower gardens and set out to share her love with others. She helped to organize many “Garden Walks” where she and other local enthusiasts would plan tours of their respective gardens, complete with maps and supportive informational materials. In 2014, she opened a B&B called Robert’s Roost Country Guest House, operating it for 7 years and truly enjoyed providing a cozy and nature filled stay.

Like Connie, Dennis too shared a love for the great outdoors, and together they joined the Stewards of the Upper Mississippi River Refuge, where Connie served as President for five years. During this time they grew to love bird watching, and true to Connie’s style, she once again found ways to share her passions with others. She organized bird watching tours at the old Savanna Army Depot, and drove an 8 passenger golf cart through the bike trails, starting in Riverview, spotting and teaching about local wildlife.

Connie will be remembered for her zest for life, her appreciation of antique barns, her adoration for the new people she would meet, and her love of family. She is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter, Stefanie (Greg Brewer) Zink, of Rockford, IL; granddaughters, Alyssa Smith and Mariah Bowens; aunt, Ruth Roberts; and son-in-law, Kenneth (Rhonda) Smith. Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Blanche; daughter, Stacie Smith; half sisters, Jean Bowden and Helen Holloway; half brother, James Riesel; seven aunts; and eleven uncles.