Mildred Pearson

MILDRED 'MILLIE' R. PEARSON, 89 ROCKFORD - Mildred "Millie" R. Pearson, 89, of Rockford, died in her sleep on Tuesday, September 9, 2014, in SwedishAmerican Hospital. She led a full active life right up to the very end. Born Jan. 20, 1925, in Rockford, the daughter of Patrick F. and Esther I. (Johannson) Ebarp. Graduate of East High School, Class of 1944. She married Clarence A. "Clare" Pearson Sept. 30, 1972, in Rockford. He predeceased her Dec. 7, 2006. Mildred worked for J.C. Penney for 28 years as a sales floor supervisor, and in the credit department at Colonial Village Mall, Rockford, and Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, Ill. She was an avid artist and an active member of the "art group" at Rockford Art Museum for 13 years. Her shining light engaged her friends, lifelong classmates, church Circle, the "Penny Girls", 8 Create, and the 5 Brushes. She was an AVID weekly sports fan of professional tennis and golf. Mom was an inspiration to all of us. She instilled a work ethic and a life of caring in each of us. She lived a life of kindness, caring, and giving. She was a friend to all and touched so many lives, in so many ways. She was a humble and gentle soul but had an indomitable spirit and inner strength that inspired everyone around her. We all admired her courage, integrity, and willingness to help others. Her unconditional love endeared her to family and friends. She is survived by her sons, Gary W. (Carol) Anderson of Rockford and Dan (Janet) Anderson of Las Vegas, Nev.; grandsons, Eric (Amy), Michael, Daniel, and David Anderson; sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Ebarp of Colorado Springs, Colo.; nephew, Erik "Rick" Ebarp of Milwaukee, Wis.; and niece, Kristin (Charles) Stenborg of Colorado Springs. Predeceased by son, Michael; daughter, Kathy; brother, Donald Ebarp; and first husband, Wesley Anderson. We will celebrate her very special life at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 4, 2014, in Salem Lutheran Church, 1629 S. Sixth St., with Rev. Donald Lavelle and Rev. William T. Dahlberg officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, October 3, 2014, at Olson Funeral & Cremation Services, Ltd., North Main Chapel, 2811 N. Main St., and from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday prior to the celebration service at Salem Church. Private burial in Scandinavian Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family for the Disabled American Veterans. To share a memory or condolence, please visit olsonfh.com.