Thelma W. Hawk, 98, died early Aug. 1, 2013, at the Laurels of Shane Hill, where she had been a patient for six years.

She was born July 10, 1915, in Liberty Township, Mercer County, to Henry J.W. and Anna Diener Groth. On April 4, 1937, she married William B. Hawk, who preceded her in death July 26, 2000.

She is survived by two daughters, Miriam (Robert) Fetters of Mendon and Carlene Hawk of Rockford; a grandson, Michael (Linda) Hawk of Rockford; five great-grandchildren, Nicole Marie Mosier, Curtis Matthew Mosier, Haley Alexis Hawk, Nicholas William Hawk and Zachary Michael Hawk; and three great-great-grandchildren, Alexis, Drayk and Jaylee.

She was preceded in death by her son, Roger Hawk, who died in 2012; a granddaughter, Victoria Mosier; and a sister, Glendola Jewell.

She was valedictorian of the Rockford High School Class of 1932, and attended Bowling Green State University. In 1933, she began her teaching career at Joint Township in Liberty Township. She retired from Parkway School in 1980, after teaching 39 years. She had been a member of the former Rockford Presbyterian Church, where she was organist for 25 years. She was a 50-year member of Celina Chapter 91 Order of the Eastern Star, with a total of 61 years, and was an honorary member of the Twentieth Century Club of Rockford. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, embroidering, quilting, gardening and cooking. She was the traditional good German cook who loved baking pies. She and her husband enjoyed racing their standard-bred horses after retirement.

Services are 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Ketcham-Ripley Funeral Home in Rockford, the Rev. Catherine Costello officiating. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in Rockford.

Calling is 2-8 p.m. Monday and one hour prior to services Tuesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to the Rockford Recreation Association's Shane Park Legacy Fund.

Condolences may be left at ketchamripley.com.