Romelle Fay Ostrom

Romelle Fay (Factly) Ostrom passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025 at Heritage Woods in Dekalb, IL.

Romelle was born on January 28, 1936 in Burlington, IL to Henry and Dorothy Factly. On March 24, 1961, when Romelle married the true love of her life, Robert "Bob" Ostrom, she brought along her daughter Candace (Candi) Muirhead. A little over a year later along came Tami (Ostrom) Mackey. Romelle's union with Bob also brought Bob's four children from his previous marriage, resulting in what Romelle liked to call their "yours, mine and ours" family.

A lifelong resident of Burlington, she was the youngest of three and born at home in a small house east of town. Romelle was always active in the community of Burlington, working at the town's post office for thirty-five years. Volunteering her time as a 4H leader for 19 years, as well as being a member of the Burlington Fireman's Auxiliary and the Burlington United Methodist Church.

She volunteered her service for many years along with Bob, to the Burlington Lions Club, eventually serving as First Lady of Lions Club District 1-J. Their highlight was a 3 week trip to the Orient concluding in Hawaii. Romelle was an avid sports fan, especially in the area of high school teams, attending basketball and football games for many years. That devotion to supporting high school sports resulting in Romelle and Bob being honored with induction into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association High School Association Hall of Fame in 2002. She loved to send greeting cards to her large/combined family/friends and basically anyone she knew…often visiting multiple Hallmark stores with Bob to find "just the right one".

Romelle is survived by her daughters Candi Smith of Burlington, IL; Tami (Larry) Mackey of Marengo, IL, along with Laura Jeanne (Hal) Philips, Bob (Pam), Daniel (Caroline) and Steven (Janet). She also leaves behind over 60 (yes 60) Grand, Great Grand and Great Great Grandchildren from her "yours, mine and ours" family. She is also survived by her dear sister, Glenna (Factly) Schairer, who lived with her at Heritage Woods Dekalb and MANY nieces and nephews who she cherished deeply.

Romelle is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Dorothy, her beloved husband of 57 years Bob, sister Pat (Factly) Jones, sons-in-law, Larry Smith, and Joe Vorce, and brothers-in-law, Loren Jones, and Don Schairer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her name and sent to 734 Walnut Lane; Marengo, IL 60152.

There will be a public visitation for Romelle at Fredrick Funeral Home, 284 Park St. in Hampshire, IL on Thursday, December 4th, from 9 to 11a.m., followed by a private service. For a livestream of this go to Romelle's obituary and click on media at the time of service or click on this link. . https://evt.live/romelle-fay-ostrom

Romelle will be laid to rest at the Burlington Township Cemetery, alongside her beloved Bob, and other family members.