Gerrie Harshbarger

Geraldine "Gerrie" Harshbarger was born May 11, 1934 to Celeste (Field) and Earl Eugene Mallicoat in Rockford Township. Gerrie attended Loves Park Grade School thru 7th grade. Her parents bought a farm in Owen Township, and she attended Owen Center Grade School. She was one of three that graduated from the one room school. Later, she attended Hononegah High School in Rockton, IL., graduating in 1952.

After graduation she worked first in the Purchasing Dept., and then as a Secretary at Sundstrand Aviation on 11th Street in Rockford. In 1954 she married the love of her life, Howard Harshbarger. On June 12th , they have been married 68 years, and had four beautiful children, Roger, Kim Johnson, Angie Fulton, and Jennifer Lanagan.

During her married life she worked as Secretary to Superintendents at Kinnikinnick Grade School in Roscoe, and Hononegah High School in Rockton. Most of the time she was a stay at home mom. One achievement she was proud of was being elected the first Village Clerk of Roscoe, IL. During her married years she was a member of Beloit Christians, Rockton Women's Club and Rockton Garden Club. Gerrie was a member of THE OLD STONE CHURCH.

She enjoyed scrapbooking, traveling, flowers, entertaining, and decorating. Her house was always adorned with bouquets and stands of flowers. Decorating at holiday time was her passion. She loved to entertain and would use beautiful settings for even the smallest of get-to-gathers. She and Howard had many timeshares which gave them the opportunity to travel often. She also loved clothes and always dressed with the best.

Gerrie is survived by her husband Howard; son Roger (Roxie); daughters Kim Johnson (Lloyd), Angie Fulton (Ken Klowsky) and Jen Lanagan (Chris); grandchildren Jeremiah Johnson, Jesse Johnson, Nate Fulton, Lindsey Fulton, Michael Harshbarger, Alyssa Lanagan and Mackenzie Lanagan; great grandchildren Neva, Finn, Odin, Abram and Jordy; sisters Betty Larson, Kay Tichenor and Jean Truman; brother Tom and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son-in-law Doug Fulton, grandson Justin Harshbarger and half-sister Dorothy Malone

A memorial ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on December 10, 2022 in Old Stone Church, 101 East Union St. Rockton, IL with Reverend Wang officiating. Cremation Rites to be Accorded. A memorial visitation will be held at the Church from 9:30 a.m., until time of ceremony.

To view additional details about Geraldine's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/geraldine-harshbarger