Sally Louise Gerbode, 91, of Lena, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at the SSM Monroe Health Hospice Home. The daughter of James and Lovida (Langdon) Barber, she was born on August 2, 1934, in Janesville, WI. She married John M. Gerbode on October 9, 1954, at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Rockford, and together they built a family.  Sally and John were high school sweethearts meeting on a blind date. They grew a life together that wasn't always easy, but they grew closer and stronger together. She cherished her marriage and the 50 plus years they had together.

Sally was a lady through and through that was always put together, kind, proper and had a gentle beautiful soul. Once you became Sally's friend, it was friendship for life. She always fostered those connections by letting people know she was thinking of them, whether it was a card or a call and a quick chat. She participated in Civil War reenactments with her husband, even investing  time sewing clothes for the reenactments. Her family meant everything to her, and she was constantly supporting them by going to all their many events.

She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Freeport for many years and although the group has officially dissolved, the ladies continue to meet. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Rockford and a 50-year member of Salem United Church of Christ. She was very proud of her artistic talents. She grew in her skills, loving painting, drawing and creating beautiful music. She really enjoyed making her own Christmas Cards and sharing her love for these things with others.  In her later years she continued to grow her skills by taking classes. She was an avid reader, and one could always find her with a book. She was a founding member of the Bookworms book club.

She is survived by 3 children- John (Sandy) Gerbode of South Carolina, David (Joy) Gerbode, and Mary Gerbode both of Lena, IL; daughter-in-law – Mary Lee Gerbode of Lena, IL; 6 grandchildren- Michael (Stacy) Gerbode, Bethany (Rory) Schulz, Stephanie (Zach) Amborn, William (Aleisha) Gerbode, Robert (Casey) Gerbode, and Amy (Russell) Erickson; 17 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband John in 2006; son Stephen "Steve" in 2020, brother James Barber, grandchild Jason Gerbode, and granddaughter in-law Nicole Gerbode.

A visitation will be held Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 1:00 till 3:00 PM at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena, IL.

A funeral service will take place at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Salem United Church of Christ in Lena, IL.

Pastor Randy Nicholas will be officiating the service.

Burial will take place at the Salem U.C.C Cemetery in Lena, IL.

A memorial has been established in her memory for the SSM Monroe Hospice Home, Lena Lions Club and Salem United Church of Christ.