Area Obituaries
Sharon Lee Milford (Maas) Van Fossen passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2023 in the home she loved after a brief battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her husband. Sharon was born on September 4, 1940 to Thelma Moore Milford and Ace Milford, who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were all five of her siblings: Robert Hundley, David Milford, Linda (Milford) Miller, James Milford, and Jeanne (Milford) Faris. After graduating from East Richland High School, she married and had three children: William ‘Bill’ Maas, Julie Maas, and Brian Maas. She worked at Champion Laboratories in West Salem, Illinois for many years as a payroll clerk and cost accountant. Later in life after becoming widowed, she reconnected with childhood friend, Bob Van Fossen, of Lawrenceville, who was also widowed. They were married on January 1, 2012, and had many happy years together. Their love of camping and travel kept them very busy, and very happy. She was an excellent cook, and especially loved baking for family and their many friends, who were considered extended family. Left behind to cherish her memories are Sharon’s children: Bill (Trish) Maas of Olney, Illinois, Julie Maas (Donald) Rigg of Mount Carmel, Illinois, and Brian (Melanie) Maas of Albion, Illinois; Bob’s children: Dennis (Mindy) Van Fossen of Morgantown, Indiana, Diana (Bill) Corry of Dundas, Illinois, Michael Van Fossen (partner Bobby Tillery) of Redwood City, California, and Michelle Hampton, deceased; Sharon’s grandchildren: Kieffer Maas of Olney, Illinois, Kelly Rigg (Wesley) Sanders of Mount Carmel, Illinois, Kyle (Ronda) Rigg of Mount Carmel, Illinois, Kole (Shelby) Rigg of St. Charles, Missouri, Monica Maas (Kevin) Terry of Albion, Illinois, and Benjamin (Natalie) Maas of Albion, Illinois; and great-grandchildren: Julianna Sanders, Harrison Sanders, Jayden Rigg, and Skylar Rigg all of Mount Carmel, Illinois; Eleanor Rigg of St. Charles, Missouri; Kolby Terry, Mayleigh Terry, Nolan Maas, Cooper Maas, and Mack Maas all of Albion, Illinois. A graveside service will be conducted on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 11:00 AM CST before interment in the May Chapel Cemetery, east of Lawrenceville, Illinois. The family will be forever grateful to the following angels on earth: Dr. Valerie Burns and staff, and Lawrence County Memorial Hospital and staff of Lawrenceville, Illinois, A6100 staff at Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, Indiana, and Good Samaritan Hospice in Vincennes, Indiana. She is not gone, only gone from our sight. Emmons-Macey ; Steffey Funeral Home in Lawrenceville, Illinois is in charge of the arrangments. Please visit www.emmonsmaceysteffey.com to view the tribute and to send condolences.
