Alta Strong

Alta "Pat" Fern Strong, aged 82, died peacefully on December 19, 2016, at her home in Lacon, IL after a brief fight with cancer.

Pat was born December 14, 1934 in Lacon, IL the daughter of Barney J. and Oma Rennau Schupp. Pat married James M. Strong in 1953 in Sparland, IL. He passed February 10, 2012.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Debra LaRosae of Lacon; son, James (Laurie) Strong of Bloomington, IL; four grandchildren, Rob (Jillian) Carroll of Rockford, Sean Carroll of Chillicothe, Larissa Strong of Chicago, and Tyler Strong of Bloomington; two great-grandchildren, Summer Clark and Autumn Carroll of Chillicothe; two sisters, Karen (Larry) Jason and Barbara (Jack) Strong & brother, Joe Schupp, all of Lacon; and 18 nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband; infant son, James Michael; brother, James Schupp; two sisters, Mary Matern and Elizabeth Schupp; and other cherished family members.

Pat was a wonderful homemaker and avid gardener. She was well-known for her culinary and baking talents, which she generously shared with family, friends and many members of the community. After marriage, Jim and Pat eventually moved to a small farm house at the edge of Lacon where they raised their two children, Debra and James. Nearing retirement, they built a home on the same property to allow them time to garden and spend cherished time with their four grandchildren, family and friends. Pat referred to Lacon as "God's country." She worked at the local A&P and Jim's IGA in Lacon for more than 35 years. She will be dearly missed.

Honoring her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Vitas Healthcare and online condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.

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