STERLING – Mary Lou Echebarria, 66, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by loving family on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012, of an extended illness.

Mary was born Aug. 27, 1946, in Sterling, the youngest of 11 children born to Exiquio and Mary (Rodriguez) Echebarria. She loved playing the bass guitar and singing. Her voice was loved by everyone who heard her sing. She was a member of Tabernacle Christian Church in Sterling, a church built by her father, and pastored by her brother, Frank. Mary was a caregiver for many nieces and nephews. She helped raise two special daughters of her special friend, Thomas Roche. She also helped raise two very special nieces and her nephew of her late niece, Irene Martinez.

Survivors include one sister, Maria (Tony) Moncivias of Sterling; five brothers: Frank, Jerry, John and Tony Echebarria, all of Sterling, and Ezekiel Echebarria of Rock Falls; special daughters, Adeline Roche of Sterling and Luz Marie (Roche) Schell of Wisconsin, Angelita (Hector) Mendez, Debra (Jason Lira) Martinez of Sterling, Anna Martinez of Cicero and Adelina (David) Martinez of Sterling; very special son, Noah Ray (Dolila Huesca) Martinez of Sterling; and 15 special grandchildren.