Sylvia Jean Westphal

Sylvia Jean Westphal, age 67, of Savanna, Illinois died suddenly on October 19, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Memorial Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Green’s Tap in Savanna. A memorial fund has been established in Sylvia’s memory.

Sylvia was born on July 25, 1950, the daughter of Harvey and Arta Lou (Frederick) Collin in Freeport, Illinois. After high school, Sylvia attended Beauty School. She married Eldon Nelson Preston on August 23, 1970. Sylvia later married Eugene Westphal. Eugene died on November 12, 2016 at his home in Savanna.

Sylvia worked for several factories and businesses in the local area including: DURA Automotive in Stockton, Illinois, Nestle Purina in Clinton, Iowa, and the Lower Dog Kennel in Lanark, Illinois. Sylvia was also an Over-the-Road truck driver and drove truck from coast to coast. Sylvia loved all animals and enjoyed grooming dogs. She also enjoyed the outdoors; especially flower gardening, campfires, and riding motorcycles. Most of all, Sylvia cherished spending time with her family and friends.

Sylvia will be dearly missed by her mother, Arta Lou of Savanna; one daughter, Rachel Behrens of Savanna; one stepson, Sean Smith of Clinton, Iowa; three grandchildren, Andrew Paul (Clarissa) Kasterke of Clinton, Levi Eldon Behrens of Savanna, and Tristian Donald Behrens of Mt. Carroll, Illinois; and one great granddaughter, Cadence Kasterke. Sylvia was preceded in death by her father, Harvey Collins; stepfather, Robert “Stubby” Bowman; one son, Matthew John Preston; and two brothers.