Grace Catron

1937 - 2024

Grace Catron
Born: July 4, 1937 in Waterman, IL
Died: September 25, 2024 in DeKalb, IL
Grace Catron, 87, of Shabbona, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. She was born on July 4, 1937, in Waterman, the daughter of John and Myrta (Plapp) Houghtby. She married Donald Catron on September 8, 1956, in Rollo, IL. He preceded her in death in 1971.
Grace graduated from Shabbona High School, class of 1955, where she served as the official mascot Pokanoka. After high school, she attended the American Academy of Music in Chicago, majoring in percussion. Due to the nature of Don's work, the family moved to Florida and later New Jersey before returning to Shabbona after Don's passing. Grace spent thirty years employed by the Shabbona school district, starting as a cook before becoming a special education teacher's aide. She also taught organ and piano and tutored out of her home for as long as the family can remember. Upon retirement, Grace volunteered at Camp Maple Leaf in DeKalb as well as Kishwaukee Hospital. She was the organist for many area churches, including the Shabbona UCC, Bethany Lutheran in Leland, St. James Catholic Church in Lee, and the Rollo UCC. She was also the staff organist for the Jacobson Funeral Home. Grace's philosophy was to spread joy with her music.
Grace is survived by five children, Sandra (Steve) Jakes of Paducah, KY, Sharon (Jerry) Bergfeld of Leland, Scott Catron of Sycamore, Steven Catron of Dixon, and Stacy (Gregg) Gunderson of Leland; eight grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Grace is preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Catron; brother, Ed Houghtby; and a sister in infancy, Mary Elizabeth Houghtby.
Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Shabbona Community Church, 104 E. Navaho, in Shabbona.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at the church with Pastor Peter Kolb officiating. Additional visitation will be from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Shabbona. Contributions in Grace's memory may be directed to the Shabbona Community Church or the Rollo Congregational United Church of Christ. Jacobson-Torman Funeral Home, Shabbona, assisted the family with arrangements.