The Daily Gazette, Sterling-Rock Falls, Illinois

July 17, 1986 - Thursday, pg A6

ELIZABETH  J.  "Bessie"  (Blackburn)  CALLAHAN

Tampico: - Elizabeth J. "Bessie" Callahan, 81, of 206 S. Freemont in Tampico, died Wednesday in her home.  Funeral prayer services will be Saturday at 9:30 a.m. in the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial in St. Mary's Church in Tampico with Rev. Leo Ambre officiating.  Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Tampico.  Visitation will be Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home with Rosary recited at 8 p.m.  A memorial has been established in her memory.

Elizabeth was born on April 20, 1905 in Lee County, the daughter of John and Addie Ulrich Blackburn.  She was united in marriage to Edward D. Callahan on Dec. 31, 1925 in St. Mary's Church in Walton and he preceded her in death on April 22, 1976.  Mrs. Callahan was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Tampico and the Altar and Rosary Society of the Church.

Survivors include three daughters, Mrs. Robert (Rita) VanDeVelde of Des Moines, Ia., Joan Carlson of Tampico and Jane Verdick of Annawan,  13 grandchildren and nine gret grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, and three sisters.