Georgialee Colby

Georgialee Colby, 92, of Rockton, IL, peacefully passed away on February 21, 2025, with her loving husband by her side. She was born on September 11, 1932, in Rockford, IL, to George and Adah (Vanslyke) Doble. Georgialee graduated from Rockford's West High School in 1950, and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Child Development from Rockford College in 1954. On February 14, 1959, she married Richard Allen Colby, and together they celebrated 66 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began with a blind date, arranged by mutual friends, and blossomed into a lifelong partnership.
Georgialee began her career at Barber-Colman while attending Rockford College. After earning her degree, she embarked on her teaching career at Keith Country Day School. She later moved on to Whig Hill Elementary School and then to Shirland Elementary School, where she taught 7th and 8th grade and coached cheerleading. However, it was as a 4th grade teacher that Georgialee truly found her calling, and it was in this role that she dedicated most of her teaching career. Georgialee's passion for working with children shone through in her classroom, where she made a lasting impact on the lives of many. She retired from teaching in 1987 after 33 fulfilling years. After retiring from teaching, Georgialee continued to serve her community as a librarian at the South Beloit Public Library, where she worked for another 21 years before retiring in 2008.
Georgialee had a deep love for swimming and tennis in her youth, and throughout her life, she remained an avid fan of professional tennis. She especially looked forward to watching the Olympics, with a particular fondness for figure skating and speed skating. Georgialee was passionate about travel, and she cherished the opportunity to explore new places with family and friends. Her adventures took her to France, Germany, Austria, the British Isles, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Western United States.
Her community involvement was significant, as she served as both a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout leader. A devoted member of the Rockton United Methodist Church, Georgialee shared her faith by teaching Sunday School and actively participating in the United Methodist Women Conference. In addition to her love for her church, Georgialee was skilled at sewing and knitting. She lovingly crafted caps, booties, mittens, and blankets for various charitable causes, helping newborns both locally and internationally, as well as creating lap blankets for American veterans.
Georgialee was also proud of her heritage and her role as Secretary/Treasurer of the Gleasman Family Reunion for many years. She was a valued member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Asa Cottrel Chapter, and took great pride in preserving the history and traditions of her family. Her kindness, generosity, and commitment to both family and community will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the dedicated team at St. Anthony Hospital for their tireless efforts in caring for Georgialee and working toward her recovery. A special note of gratitude goes to the compassionate staff at Fair Oaks for their kindness and care during her times of convalescence and rehabilitation. They also wish to express sincere appreciation to Pastor Carolyn Lukasick for her unwavering support and presence during this time. Deepest thanks to all the friends and family who visited, called, and provided their love and support, offering comfort and well-wishes along the way.
Survived by her husband, Richard Allen Colby; children, Mark (Linda) Colby and Matthew (Lori) Colby; grandchildren, Jennifer Lee (Mervin) Leoner, Adam Nolan Colby, Richard Andrew Colby; step-grandchildren, Derek Swanson, Jared Swanson, and Conner (Abby) Swanson; great-grandchildren, Mateo Salvadore Jauregui, Noah Alex Jauregui; step-great-grandchildren, Kaydence Swanson, Asher Swanson, and Beckett Swanson; nieces and nephews, Staci Lea (Dan) Almond and Rick (Lisa) Pixler; cousins, Brenda (KC) Shotliff-Wulf, Larry Lowenberg, Linda Eubanks, Ginny Henderson-Smead; lifelong friends, Betsy Hodson, Barb Manson, Charlene Wills, and Katherine Kreuter; special friends, Maryellen Kinney, Val, Mike, Ryan and Megan Hunter, and Randall and Janna Janes.
Preceded in death by her daughter, Katherine Anne "Kate" Colby; parents, George and Adah Doble; aunt and uncle, Eleoner "Aunt Disty" Doble Downing and Paul Downing; cousins, Nancy (Bill) Henderson and Vance Lowenberg, who she spent some time growing up with in Albia, Iowa and cousin "Bud" Doble; close Gleasman family cousins, Dawn (Leland) Miller, Leroy (Glenna) Gleasman and Janet (Frank) Easton.
Funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Rockton United Methodist Church, 102 W. Chapel St., Rockton, IL 61072, at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM until time of service. Burial will immediately follow at Rockton Township Cemetery.
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