Lori Saunders

STERLING – Lori A. Saunders, 52, of Sterling, died Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011, at Prophets Riverview Good Samaritan Center, Prophetstown.

Lori was born Jan. 26, 1959, in Sterling, the daughter of William and Fern (Hisler) Saunders. She graduated from Newman Central High School and earned a B.A. in English and a M.S. in Education from Northern Illinois University. She taught English at Challand Middle School, Sterling, for 11 years, before retiring in 1999. She and her husband, George Vrhel, had been together for 25 years.

She had many interests and hobbies. She was a volunteer at Happy Tails Animal Shelter because of the love and support she had for animals.

She was a member of the Sterling Library book discussion group. She also was a member of the Greater Chicago Bead Society and winner of the society’s jewelry-making “Bead Challenge.”

After retiring from teaching, Lori volunteered at local schools in Sterling, Rock Falls, and Freeport, working with individuals and entire classes of students to share her creativity, knowledge, and skills.

She particularly enjoyed helping second-grade students with reading at East Coloma in Rock Falls.

An avid walker, Lori regularly spent time at local and distant parks walking with her husband. She participated in planned nature walks with a group of friends.

Lori had many collections of interesting cultural artifacts, from Scotty dogs to old cookbooks. She often baked treats to donate to charity fundraisers from the cookbooks.

Lori developed many significant long-distance friendships through pen pal letters, including a 20-year relationship with a teacher from Russia. She corresponded regularly with fellow bead and jewelry-making friends via e-mail, many of whom became close friends.

Survivors include her husband of Sterling; her parents; and two sisters, Sheri Saunders of Sterling and Michele (Kevin) Gould of Kansas City, Kansas.

There will be no services. A gathering of Lori’s friends and family to celebrate her life is planned for a later date.

Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home & Crematory, Rock Falls.

A memorial has been established to Happy Tails Animal Shelter.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.