Lydia Ann Root

*Please note that the venue for the visitation and Celebration of Life service has changed to Community United Church of Christ.*

It is with a heavy sadness that we share with you that our devoted, loving mother, Lydia Ann Root, from Savanna, IL passed away peacefully on Monday, November 28, 2022 after a courageous battle with MDS, a blood cancer. A Celebration of Life service will be held 6 pm Friday, December 30, 2022 at Community United Church of Christ, with a visitation from 4 – 6 pm, prior to the service.

Lydia was born as Lydia Ann Almquist on August 21, 1932, daughter of Herbert and Gladys Almquist and stepdad, Earl Voss. Growing up, she worked alongside her grandpa Almquist and brother Laurence to grow melons. She was grateful to have grown up around dogs, cats, and a horse, and continued to be an animal lover throughout her life. She attended Savanna High School class of 1950, and went on to Illinois State University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Education and went on to become a physical education teacher in Lanark, Fulton, Hanover, and Savanna. Lydia married Tom Root in 1955, and they went on to raise four children in the home Tom built for them.

Lydia was an extraordinary wife, mother, grandmother, cancer survivor, and devout Christian who has blessed her community in so many ways. She was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 1986, and after winning that battle she made it her mission to help others. Lydia went on to start the Cancer Awareness non-profit group in Carroll county, as well as making two videos to help cancer patients, “Kicked by an Elephant” and “Hitch Up Your Healing Team”.

She was one of four founding members to start the Savanna Historical Society Museum, where she organized many programs and concerts. She was very active in the Community United Church of Christ, participating in various boards, community events, and singing in the church choir.

Lydia remained active in sports, gardening, reading, sewing, gymnastics competitions, and loved playing tennis and attending aquatic therapy. Family was very important to Lydia, and she worked hard to coordinate family gatherings where her loved ones could be together. She also treasured her many close friendships, from traveling with them, playing bridge, and attending plays.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Root; sons, Joel Root, James Root, John Root, & Jeff (Eileen) Root; 7 grandchildren, Adrienne (Brook) Greenfield, Nicole (Kiel) Clenney, Matthew (Melissa) Root, Jared Root, Ethan Root, Grace Root, Kalissa Root; 3 great grandchildren; nephews, Larry (Lori) Almquist and Scott (Trish) Almquist; nieces, Linda (John) Edwards and Lori (Ron) Miller; and many dear friends and family.

We will miss her dearly, but are comforted knowing she is in God’s care and away from all the pain and suffering from her illness. The family gives thanks to those close friends and family that have helped in Lydia’s care.

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” Matthew 5:1-5.

To honor Lydia's memory, you are welcome to make a donation to her home church or your favorite cancer organization. Community United Church of Christ, 346 Chicago Avenue, Savanna, IL 61074.