Rachel M. Near

FRANKLIN GROVE – Rachel M. Near, 95, of Franklin Grove, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012, surrounded by her family at Franklin Grove Health Center.

Rachel was born Sept. 11, 1916, in Amboy, the daughter of John and Nellie (Skinner) Wittenauer. She married Kenneth E. Near on Oct. 23, 1934, in Amboy. He preceded her in death on Jan. 10, 1973.

Rachel worked at Kline’s Department Store in Dixon for 20 years before her retirement in 1981. She was a member of Franklin Grove United Methodist Church, Franklin Grove Women’s Club and China Township Home Extension.

She is survived by her daughters, Beverly (John) Bach of Fox River Grove and Carol (Coy) Burgess of Dixon; sons, Doug (Mary) Near of Dixon, William (special friend Jackie Johnson) Near of Franklin Grove and Robert (Cheryl) Near of Dixon; 21 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; many great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She also was preceded in death by her son, Duane Near; brothers, Allen “Pete” Wittenauer and Gordon Wittenauer; sister, Thelma Long; and her half brother, Irvin Loescher.

Visitation will be from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Jones Funeral Home in Dixon. An additional visitation will be from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by the funeral at 10 a.m., Saturday at Franklin Grove United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Jin Ho Hong officiating. Burial will be at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

A memorial fund has been established to Franklin Grove United Methodist Church.

Visit www.thejonesfh.com to send condolences.