BERNIECE M. STOCKS, 96 FREEPORT - Berniece M. Stocks, 96, passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2013, at Manor Court Liberty Village in Freeport, following a short illness. Bern was born on October 17, 1916, in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. She was the daughter of Harry B. and Maude S. (Miller) Stocks. Bern graduated from South High School in Grand Rapids in 1933, she then graduated from the Davenport Business School in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1935. She was employed in the offices of the Grand Rapids Public Library in Grand Rapids, Michigan for 47 years. Bern never married but spent many years with her close friend Jack Matson together they enjoyed going sailing and cross country skiing in the winter. After retirement Bern was primary care giver for many years to her father Harry until his passing away. She enjoyed painting still life and scenery pictures in both oil and water colors. You could always find her reading books and going to movies and attending civic events while living in Grand Rapids. Bern enjoyed traveling with friends and family throughout the United States and abroad. In 1996 she moved to Liberty Village Estates in Freeport to be closer to her sister and at the age of 95 she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior. Bern had a joyful and loving personality to those who knew her. She was everybody's favorite aunt. Her memories, contagious laugh and beautiful smile will always be treasured. Bern is survived by her sister, Janice M. Smith of Lena; Nieces and Nephews, Jim (Dean) Stevens, of New Bern, N.C. Dave (Mary) Stevens of Kalamazoo, MI, Jim Stocks of Florida, Tom (Sheri) Stocks of Grand Rapids, MI, Sue (Jerry) Fangman of Iowa City, IA, Jeffrey (Cynthia) Smith and Nadeane (Frank) Reed all of Lena, IL; Many great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews. Bern was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, John Millard Stocks, Henry Merwin Stocks, Wesley Marlin Stocks and Kenneth Melvin Stocks; one sister, Irma May Stevens; three sister in-laws, Eleanor (Leweke) Stocks, Aurelia (Brown) Stocks, June (Wood) Stocks; Nieces, Jackie (Stevens) Knapp Corinne (Mort) Stevens and Julie (Whitman) Stevens; and Bern's companion for many years, Jack Matson. At her request Cremation Rites were accorded and a Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, June 15 at Leamon Funeral Home Lena, IL. A visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home. The Rev. Randy Nicholas will officiate. A luncheon will be held at the Lena Evangelical Free Church following the memorial service for all to attend. Burial will follow after the fellowship at Eleroy Cemetery, Eleroy, IL. Friends may send condolences to the family at www.leamonfh.com.