Ann Marie DeWaele

   Ann Marie DeWaele died Monday February 2, 2026. Ann was born February 27, 1960 in Sterling the daughter of James and Delores (Maas) Mocklin. She married Phillip DeWaele in Walnut on August 27, 2011.

   Ann grew up on her family’s dairy farm north of Sterling, where the daily responsibility of milking cows twice a day instilled in her a strong work ethic and a deep sense of purpose that stayed with her throughout her life. A devoted woman of faith, she attended church every Sunday. Ann was a natural caregiver, a quality especially evident in the loving attention she gave to her father during his health struggles. She retired from Rock River Hospice & Home in February of 2025. Ann's prize possession was her yellow Chevy Camaro Z28, She loved horses, her favorite color was purple, and dancing always made her smile.

   Survivors include her husband Phillip; her father James Mocklin; one sister Linda (Jeffrey) Pontnack; one aunt Carol Cobble; and one niece Calista (Tucker Long) Pontnack.

   Ann was preceded in death by her mother Delores.

   Funeral services will be 11 AM Monday February 9, 2026 at Schilling Funeral Home & Cremation in Sterling. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the funeral service from 10AM-11AM at the funeral home. Burial will take place following the funeral at Walnut Cemetery in Walnut, IL.

   A memorial has been established.

   Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com