Esther Dugger

ESTHER LOUISE DUGGER, 78 ROCKFORD - Esther Louise Dugger, 78, was welcomed into heaven on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012, after injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Born May 11, 1934, in Rockford, to Henry and Hazel (McClure) Clendening. Esther worked in the food industry for many years before retiring to Freeport, where she resided for the past 15 years. She was a member of First Lutheran Church and a born again believer since 2001. Esther had a smile that would light up a room, and a sweet personality. The level of gentleness and compassion that she displayed always, but especially in times of hardship for the ones she loved cannot be expressed in words. She would always put the needs and concerns of others first, this just came naturally to her. Esther loved the springtime, enjoying the blossoming flowers or spending time in the park observing the children playing, while sipping on a cool drink and taking in the sunshine. She liked the show "Blue Bloods" because of the lifelong crush she had on Tom Selleck. I could write forever and never be able to express the depth of loss that is felt by all who had the privilege of knowing mom but I know there is no one more deserving of heaven. Enjoy yourself ma, we love you! Survived by children, Danny and Barb (Brian) Beilfuss; brother, James (Bev) Clendening; grandchildren, Rick, Jamie, Lisa (Chally), Bob, Tom, Jerry, Jennifer, Jessica, Selena and Whitney; great-grandchildren, Skylar, Desirea, Cody, Blake, Vinny and Brooke-lynn; and very special niece, Mary Kay Raleigh. Predeceased by children, Bill, Donnie, Margie and Kathy; grandson, Mack; siblings, Earl, Ed, Madeline, Margaret, Hazel and Jetta. Memorial service at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23, in Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road, with visitation from 5 p.m. to time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Honquest Funeral Home was honored to have assisted the family.