Viola Mae Mapes, age 108 of Stockton, IL, passed away at home Thursday, October 2, 2014. She was born May 6, 1906 in Mt. Carroll, IL; the daughter of the late Conrad and Mabel (Gates) Schleuning. She attended Willow & Roes Corner Schools and was a 1924 graduate of Stockton High School. She also graduated college from DeKalb, IL with a teaching degree. Viola married William Mapes on February 27, 1926; he died July 3, 1985.

Together, Viola and William owned and operated the Royal Blue Store in downtown Stockton from 1938-1944. After William's father, Myron, passed away, William's mother, Luella, moved in with them in the farmhouse in January of 1956. In December of 1969, they moved off the farm and into town. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Stockton. Viola crocheted many afghans of all sizes along with doilies with fine thread. Her specialty was sugar cookies and angel food cake.

She is survived by her son, Donald (Dorothy) Mapes of Stockton; seven grandchildren, Steven (Sandra) Johnson of Belvidere, IL, Jerry (Kathy) Mapes, Kay (Dale) Larsen, Judy (James) Schubert, Janice Kehl, Garry Mapes all of Stockton, and Cynthia Petty of Rockford, IL; twelve great grandchildren, Amy Werkheiser, Andrew (Elaine) Larson, Melisa (Alan) Woker, Jason (Tania) Schubert, Wendy (Chad) Reusch, Sara (Todd) Patterson, Jodi Schubert, Todd (Sheridy) Mapes, Ryan (Leisha) Johnson, Craig (Carrie) Mapes, Brent Ancona, and Erika (Matt) Mapes; eighteen great great grandchildren, John, William, Matthew, Christina, James, Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Kyleigh, Kaylin, Max, Maggie, Molly, Samantha, Alyssa, Chloe, William Lee, Oliver, and Wyatt; half-sister, Shirley Bleifuss of Sycamore, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; step-mother, Nina Schleuning; husband, William; daughter, Lois; three sisters, Hazel, Luella, Lolita; two brothers, Harold and Loyal; half-brother, Marlin Schleuning; and great great grandson, Cody Larson.

Many thanks to all Viola's caregivers: Norma, Kathy, Chris, Elaine H., Maureen, Diane, Courtney, Elaine S., Kaitlyn, Donald & Dorothy, Janice & Wendy, Erika, and Judy. Also to the caregivers that preceded her in death, Claude and Leona.

A visitation will be held Monday, October 6 ^th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton. The funeral service will be Tuesday, October 7 ^th at 11:00 AM, also at the funeral home; Pastor Brenda Morris presiding. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery in Stockton. A memorial fund has been established.