Ethel Rose “Rosie” (Stortz) Flaa, 94, of Ottawa, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Pleasant View Lutheran Home in Ottawa.
A private service will be held at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. David Ufkes, officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa.
Ethel was born on November 24, 1927 in Roanoke, IL, the daughter of Isaac and Susie (Onnen) Stortz. She was a graduate of El Paso High School and was employed by the local newspaper as a reporter and lineotype operator. Rosie married William N. “Bill” Flaa of Ishpeming, MI on May 5, 1951 and they moved to Ottawa shortly thereafter where her husband was employed by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation. She worked briefly at the J.C. Penny in Ottawa and the McKinley Elementary School playground and cafeteria. For the last eight years, she has resided at Pleasant View Assisted Living apartments. She became known as the Puzzle Lady, and enjoyed participating in all the activities offered. She was dedicated to her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her daily joy.
She is survived by her two daughters, Judith (Frank) Fichera, of Scottsdale, AZ, Carol (John) Craig, of Ottawa, IL, a son David (Janet) Flaa, of Morris, IL; seven grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and ten step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Isaac and Susie; her husband, Bill; four sisters, and one brother.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Pleasant View Lutheran Home, 505 College Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350.
Rosie has been laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion at Oakwood Memorial Park.