Rochelle, Illinois – Tami Kay Rhea, a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2024, at UnityPoint Meriter Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. She was 63 years old.
Born on July 11, 1961, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Tami was the daughter of James E. and Helene L. (Schumacher) Timm. Known for her warm and caring nature, Tami touched many lives through her work and personal relationships. For 25 years, she worked as a server at the Butterfly Restaurant in Rochelle, where her friendly demeanor and exceptional cooking skills, particularly her renowned macaroni and potato salads, made her a beloved figure among patrons and colleagues.
Family was at the center of Tami’s life, and she found her greatest joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was described as a person who never met a stranger, and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she encountered.
Tami is survived by her two children, Samuel Rhea (Meghan Hogan) and Raeanne Boyer (Jeff), both of Byron, Illinois; her sisters, Suann Wells (Gary) of Burlington, Iowa, and Karen Collins (Mike) of Rochelle; and her five cherished grandchildren, Madilyn and Emersyn Rhea, Hudson, Hunter, and Charley Boyer. She also leaves behind her special friend, Larry Johnson.
A memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, September 26, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, located at 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 27, 2024, at Esmond United Methodist Church, 675 Main Street, Esmond, Illinois, with Pastor Dave Rogula officiating. Burial will follow at Lawnridge Cemetery in Rochelle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Tami’s memory to Serenity Hospice and Home or Esmond United Methodist Church.
Tami’s family, friends, and community will gather to celebrate her life and legacy, remembering the love and warmth she brought to everyone around her.