Danielle L. Wallace

1978 - 2024

Danielle L. Wallace
Born: June 21, 1978 in Princeton, IL
Died: January 25, 2024 in Sterling, IL
Danielle Lynn Wallace, age 45, of Walnut, passed away on January 25, 2024 at Citadel in Sterling after a 3 year battle with bulbar ALS (Lou Gehrig's).
Danielle was born on June 21, 1978 in Walnut, the firstborn daughter of Jeff and Sally (Rodgers) Wallace. She was the best big sister to her 3 younger siblings. She grew up on the farm, attended Walnut schools and was a 1996 graduate of Bureau Valley High. Over the years she was employed at Wal-Mart, First Federal Savings Bank, Verifacts and most recently Addison Automatics in Harmon. A special thanks to them for accommodating her in every way possible as her disease progressed.
She was an avid Soap opera fan and for 90's sitcoms, especially Full House. She often traveled to meet many celebrities from her favorite shows and in the process made many new friends. Months before her passing, John Stamos made an exclusive video for her.
She was always a true Walnutian at heart, always taking pride in her hometown. In 2023, she was inducted into the Walnut Hall of Fame for efforts in helping with Walnut Days Celebration and helping to revitalize Walnut's Main Street.
She is survived by her father, Jeffrey Wallace of Walnut, one sister: Suzy (Ben) Santella of Naperville, two brothers: Darrell (Leslea) Wallace of Sterling, James Sergeant Jr. of Maine, three Uncles: Dave (Deb) Rodgers of Sheffield, James (Madolyn) Wallace of Edwardsville, Jerry (Chris) Wallace of Champaign, one Aunt: Judy Patton of San Diego. She will be especially missed by her nephews and nieces, Andrew, Austin, and Emma, whom she spoiled plentifully. She was also an honorary aunt to all of her friends' children as well.
She was preceded in death by her sister Jessica, her mother Sally, her grandparents, Marvin and Lorena Wallace and Kenneth and Alice Rodgers.
Danielle was a true inspiration to all, especially as her ALS progressed. She was determined to drive the entire Route 66 which she did mere weeks before losing her ability to drive. She continued to work until she was physically unable to and she continued to adapt. She went 2 years without speaking a single word and went from using her phone's text to speech app to using eye gaze technology when she could no longer use her hands.
ALS research is underfunded. An ALS fundraiser is being held Friday February 2 at the Rusty Fox in Sterling starting at 5pm with live country music featuring Angela Meyer at 7pm.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM -1:00 PM Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM at the funeral home with Pastors Eldon Cook and Gary Brooks co-officiating. Burial will follow at the Walnut Cemetery
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to W.O.W. Working On Walnut.
Online condolences may be sent to www.garlandfuneralhomes.com.