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Betty Jane Merrill (nee Ridenour), known to family and friends as B.J. was born on March 23, 1925 in Bryan, Ohio. She passed away on August 27, 2024 at the age of 99 at Cedarhurst Assisted Living, Yorkville, II.
B.J. lived in Naperville, IL for over 50 years before moving to Yorkville. She was a graduate of Bryan High School and attended Ohio State University and Northwestern University.
B.J. began her journey in Journalism while still in high school. She was employed over the years by the Bryan Press, Columbus Dispatch (Ohio), Fort Wayne News Sentinel, and the Chicago Tribune. Many of her byline and feature articles can be found at the Harold Washington Library in Chicago. In her retirement she worked for Marshall Field's Fox Valley store in the candy department. She loved chocolate and nuts." She never met a nut she didn't like."
B.J. was married on March 29, 1947 to the love of her life James J. Merrill and they spent 51 beautiful years together until his passing in 1998. She always said, "51 years was not nearly enough." B.J. is survived by her daughters Michele (Kim) Aiken, Nancy (Todd) Willert, her grandchildren Thomas (Lisa) Aiken, Amber Lakomecki, Sarah (Keith) Torres, Kristin (Joe) Vanstrom, and her great-grandchildren Connor, Lauren, Sean, Austin, Jordan, Demario, Jocelyn, Evelyn, Harrison, and nieces and nephews in California and Montana.
Special remembrance to her dear friend and colleague Russell Freeburg (101 years young), former Chicago Tribune Washington Bureau Chief and former Chicago Tribune Managing Editor for a fun career, great conversations, and encouragement over the years, "hang in there."
B.J. was preceded in death by her father Clyde F. Ridenour, her mother Hazel (Snyder) Ridenour, and her brother Clyde Ridenour Jr. who was aboard the USS Oklahoma when it was bombed at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.
B.J. was a talented artist and painter using watercolor and acrylics. She loved collecting ducks. She especially loved trees. Anyone wishing to honor her memory, please plant a tree, "one that gives great shade and turns colors in the Autumn."
A special thanks to the staff at Cedarhurst Assisted Living and Three Oaks Hospice for their kind and compassionate care. Service and interment will be private at a later time in Ohio.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 2, 2024 Press Release Contact Information: Damon Schuldt rescue14me@yahoo.com
Illinois Fire Service Conference coming soon
The Illinois Association of Fire Protection Districts (IAFPD) and the Illinois Fire Chiefs Association (IFCA) are pleased to announce their combined conference at the Peoria Civic Center on Sept. 15-18, 2024. Titled the Illinois Fire Service Conference (IFSC), this event spans four days and includes a memorial service honoring fallen firefighters and friends of the fire service, numerous educational classes including nationally know keynote speakers, a large vendor exhibit showcasing equipment and services while supporting the event, along with social networking opportunities, just to name a few. “If you are involved in the fire service in any way, this conference is for you” states Damon Schuldt, IAFPD board member and IFSC Conference co-chair. The IFCA will also host its annual Officer installation Dinner and President’s Reception on Tuesday evening. Added again this year will be opportunities to obtain Emergency Medical continuing education credits and pension board training hours. Ray Larson, deputy fire chief and IFSC Conference co-chair said “Months of planning by many dedicated people has come together to bring high quality educational programs to fire service professionals.” For additional information and to register for the conference, please visit IAFPD.org or illinoisfirechiefs.org The IFSC is a collaborative event sponsored by the IAFPD and the IFCA.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 2, 2024 Contact Information: Katie O'Brien (708) 852-4550 katie.ob2022@gmail.com
Katie O'Brien earns NAR designation in senior real estate
GRANT PARK, Illinois — Katie O’Brien with VRS Village Realty Inc has earned the nationally recognized Seniors Real Estate Specialist® designation from the SRES® Council of the National Association of REALTORS®. Katie O’Brien joins more than 15,000 real estate professionals in North America who have earned the SRES® designation. All were required to successfully complete a comprehensive course in understanding the needs, considerations, and goals of real estate buyers and sellers ages 55 and older. "Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES® designation means that a REALTOR® has that understanding," said Jennifer Rzeszewski, vice president and executive director of the Center for REALTOR® Development. "Whether they are buying, selling, relocating, or refinancing, seniors can be confident that a REALTOR® with their SRES® designation will be able to help them every step of the way." SRES® Council, founded in 2007, is the world's largest association of real estate professionals focusing specifically on representing senior clients in real estate transactions. There are more than 15,000 active members of the organization worldwide. The National Association of REALTORS®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing more than 1.4 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. For more information, visit SRES.realtor.
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