Priscilla “Boots” J. Mace, age 81, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, July 26, 2013 in Big Meadows Nursing Home. Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Service will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church in Savanna. Burial of ashes will be in Lost Mound Cemetery, Hanover, Illinois. A memorial fund has been established in Pricilla’s memory.
Priscilla was born July 11, 1932, the daughter of Joseph and Edith (Koepke) Smith, in Galena, Illinois. She graduated from Galena High School with the Class of 1950. On August 6, 1950, Priscilla and Robert G. Mace were married in Savanna. They celebrated thirty-nine years of marriage. Robert died August 17, 1989.
Priscilla was a member of the First United Methodist Church. She worked as a seamstress in Savanna. Priscilla was a member of the Garment Union and a past president of the Rural Carriers Women’s Auxiliary. Much of Priscilla,s life was devoted to volunteering at the Carroll County Genealogical Society. She was instrumental in helping to collect, build and maintain the local history of Savanna and many surrounding communities. Priscilla had worked closely with Law- Jones Funeral Home and Carroll County Cemeteries in gathering appropriate historical information. The hours and years that she and others have devoted to this work will be a benefit for generations to come.
Priscilla especially enjoyed traveling with her husband, Bob. They also loved spending time with their family. Priscilla was fond of gardening and golfing.
Priscilla will be dearly missed by her daughter Deborah (Terry) Hockman of Savanna; her son, Robert (Pam) Mace of Carol Stream, Illinois; three grandchildren, Mike Hockman of Honey Brook,PA., Becky Mace and Bobby Mace of Genoa,IL; two great- grandchildren, Alyssa Hockman and Aaron Hockman of Honey Brook, PA; one brother, Terry (Jean) Smith of Charlotte, NC; two sisters, Kathleen (Bob) Teasdale of Benton, WI and Mary (Warren) Barlow of Boulder Junction,WI; two sisters-in-law, Jan Smith of Galena, IL and Jean Ferris of Savanna.
Priscilla was preceded in death by her husband, Robert of 39 years; both parents; and two brothers, Joseph (Bouncer) Smith and Emmett Smith.