ROCK FALLS – Lona M. Schaefer, 85, of Rock Falls, died Friday, May 29, 2009, at Rock Falls Rehabilitation Center. She was employed by Dixon Developmental Center, as a housekeeper for 16 years.

Mrs. Schaefer was born Jan. 4, 1924, in Nelson, the daughter of Russell and Gladys (Moeller) Distin. She married Carl F. Schaefer on March 24, 1946, in Dixon. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include two daughters, Diana (Rick) Auth of Loves Park and Sandra (Keith) Grobe of Dixon; five sons, Richard Schaefer of Sycamore, Frank Schaefer of Rockford, Wayne (Carol) Schaefer of Florida, LeRoy (Lydia) Schaefer of Rock Falls, and Ralph Schaefer of Dixon; a sister, Lola Pierce of Shabbona; two brothers, Vernon (Lila) Distin of Ottawa and Senlo (Mary) Distin of Monmouth; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-granchildren.

She also was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Lester Schaefer; a sister, Arlene Rogers; and a brother in infancy.

Services will be at a later date.

Arrangements were completed by McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls.

Condolences may be sent at www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com on the Internet.