STEWARD – Emma Lucille Svela, 88, of Steward, passed away Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at the Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon, IL, surrounded by her beloved family.

Lucille was born July 30, 1924, in Rochelle, the daughter of William and Mayme (Cardott) Parsley. She graduated from Steward High School in 1941 and went on to attend Northern Illinois Teachers College. Lucille married Dale Svela on June 2, 1945, in Rochelle.

She taught at Miller School, Thorpe School, Steward School, and St. Paul Lutheran School. Lucille retired from Rochelle News Leader as the society editor. She taught Sunday School and Bible school for several years at St. Paul and was secretary for the Rochelle Christian Food Pantry in Rochelle.