ROCK FALLS – Mary Zephrina Sierra Terronez, 87, of Rock Falls, died Sunday, May 6, 2018, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, surrounded by her loving family. She was employed by General Electric Co. in Morrison on the Gaurdet line until she retired.

Mary was born Aug. 26, 1930, in Galesburg, the daughter of Thomasa Garcia Galvan and Casimiro Sierra. She married Manuel Ramirez "Rocky" Terronez of Silvis on Oct. 30, 1950, in Davenport, Iowa.

Mary was known in the Rock Falls and Sterling area as “the friendly lady who walked across the bridge every day (for decades).” Mary helped many people in her days of life through spiritualism, benevolence and in any way that she could to those in need. Mary was a devout member of her faith and St. Andrew Church in Rock Falls. Mary adored her very large family, and loved dancing, music, family and church events, cooking, gardening and of course, walking. And if she could have it her way, Christmas would be all year-round.

Mary is survived by a daughter, Victoria Terronez Houston of Rock Falls; her sons, Victor (Chris) Terronez of Sterling and Joe (Debbie) Terronez of Moline; her sisters, Pauline (Pep) Sandoval of Moline and Julia (Raymond) Cervantez of Galesburg; her grandchildren, Rijeh Garnett, Regis Garnett. Malaika Terronez Houston, Antonio Hicks, Lucas Terronez, Tom (Brooke) Terronez, Stuart (Jody) Terronez, Jon Terronez, James Terronez, Dan Terronez, Rocky (Shelly) Terronez, Justin Terronez, Matthew Bieth, Wayne (Rocio) Terronez, Danielle (Alfredo) Mabini, Crista (Joe) Herebia, Damon (Brandy) Terronez and Andrea Luevano; a host of many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and special friends who were like family to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel; sons, Jerry and Tom; daughter, Susan; granddaughter, Alicia; grandsons, Winfred and Anthony; parents, Thomasa and Lalo, sisters, Rafaela, Patsy, Lucy and Juanita; and her brother, George.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., with the rosary recited at 7:45 p.m., Friday at Schilling Funeral Home and Cremation in Sterling. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Rock Falls, with the Rev. Richard Russo, pastor, officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Sterling.

In honor of our mother Mary, you may wish to make an honorary donation on her behalf to the “Michael J. Fox Foundation” for Parkinson’s disease, which she struggled with for years.

Visit schillingfuneralhome.com to send condolences.