Cora Mae Stricker

Cora Mae Stricker passed away on March 9, 2026, at Allure Nursing Home, in Mt. Carroll, IL. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Friday, March 13, at Law Jones Funeral Home, in Savanna, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will follow at Savanna Township Cemetery.

Born August 2, 1934, in Thompson, IL, Cora was the daughter of Willard Hartman and Cornelia “Cora” (Voss) Hartman. She grew up in the Thompson and Savanna area and graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1952. Following graduation, she began working at a local garment factory.

On December 28, 1952, Cora married the love of her life, Herbert J. Stricker, in Savanna. After their marriage, she devoted herself to being a homemaker.

Cora enjoyed the simple comforts of life. She loved reading romance novels, watching her favorite soap operas, and spending time with word books. A true homebody, she found her greatest joy in being at home and surrounding herself with family. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, as they brought everyone together for the quality time she cherished.

Though mostly a quiet and gentle person, Cora had a feisty side that those close to her knew well. She wasn’t afraid to share her thoughts, yet she always did so with a loving undertone that reflected her caring nature. She also had a playful spirit and delighted in collecting M&M’s figurines.

Cora is survived by two brothers, Paul (Marilyn) Hartman, of Savanna and Richard Hartman, of Savanna; sister, Sharon Orth, of Benton, WI; many nieces and nephews who were dear to her; and sister-in-law, Lolita Hartman. Cora is preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Cora; brothers, William Hartman and Kenneth (Caroline) Hartman; and two infant brothers, Rex and Adam.