MENDOTA - Caroline Marie Costello, 99, of Mendota, passed away, Jan. 1, 2022 at her daughter’s home in Dixon.

Funeral services will be held at 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Betty Delgado officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 8 at the funeral home. Mask wearing is appreciated by the family.

Caroline was born Feb. 21, 1922 in Rochelle to William and Mary (Zinke) Eich. She married Frank Costello on June 11, 1947 at St. Paul Evangelical Church on Chicago Road near LaMoille. They were married for 49 years before he passed on Dec. 31, 1996.

Survivors include her children David Costello of Mendota, Dean (Cathy) Costello of Metamora, Ruth (Ron) Straw of Dixon and Anthony (LuAnn) Costello of Arlington; 16 grandchildren, Andrea (David) Pierre, Allison (Robert) Qualkinbush, Anthony (Heather) Costello, Ashley (Brad) Follmer, Adam (Brittany) Costello, Joseph (Christine) Costello, Michael Costello, Stefanie Straw, Veronica Straw and Caroline Straw; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; nieces, Marla (Roger) Somerville and Darlene (Jerry) Lee; and nephews, Bob (Janet) Pioli, Edward (Debbie) Gehant, Larry Gehant and Dominic Gehant.

She was preceded in death by her husband; one brother, Clarence Eich and his wife, Dorothy; and several nieces and nephews.

Caroline was a member of St. Paul Evangelical and Reform Church of LaMoille and Trinity United Church of Christ, LaSalle. She was an amazing farmer’s wife and helped carry on, managing the farm in 1997. She was an excellent card player. Her favorite card games were Pinochle, 500 and Euchre. She attended Happy Monday and Happy Thursday Clubs plus regularly attended card games in Troy Grove, Tonica, Sublette and Thursday night at Mendota Moose Lodge. She often gave her card playing friends rides to her card party. She loved cooking and serving family and friends. She hosted many parties for family and friends over the years, which included frying chicken on the 4th of July and making big meals for Christmas and New Years. She was a friend of many and dearly loved all her family and friends.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Church of Christ, 829 4th St., LaSalle, IL 61301. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com.