Sybil Rupe

Sybil Aileen Rupe, 98, formerly of St. Albans, passed away on February 13, 2013 at Bickford Memory Care in Crystal Lake, Illinois. Born April 2, 1914 in Garrretts Bend, West Virginia, she was the daughter of James and Lina (Escue) Halstead. She married Arnold Rupe at the age of 20. They were married for nearly 65 years before his death in 1999. Sybil was a resident of West Virginia for 90 years. She resided primarily in the St. Albans area until 2004, when she moved to Crystal Lake to live with her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Pat. Sybil's primary focus in life was her family. She loved being a homemaker and caring for others. Some of her happiest times were spent rocking babies and playing with children. She was an excellent cook and loved feeding a crowd. Her family fondly remembers many fried chicken dinners and lively conversations around her kitchen table. She also enjoyed baking and made countless birthday and wedding cakes. Sybil was an expert seamstress and spent many hours crocheting, quilting, and embroidering. Over the years, she gave dozens of her quilts, afghans, and other handmade gifts to friends and family. She loved her extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles. She was especially fond of her Granddad Escue and the lazy summer days spent with him at his camp on the Coal River in St. Albans as a young girl. She loved the outdoors and her home state of West Virginia and wondered why people would want to live anywhere else. Her garden was also a favorite pastime and was a joy to all who visited. She loved the beautiful colors of every season. Sybil faithfully walked with the Lord all of her life and was a genuine, quiet example of what a Christian life should be. She was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ. She is survived by two sons, Jim (Rose), The Villages, Florida; and Joe (Pat), Crystal Lake; eight grandchildren, Beverly (Tim) Taylor; Rick (Tammy) Barthelmess; Jimmy (Jennifer) Rupe; Steve (Diana) Barthelmess; Brett (Angie) Barthelmess; LeAnn (Kevin) Wooten; Eric Rupe; and Beth (Jimmy) Williams; fourteen great-grandchildren, Joe, Justin, and Anne Taylor; Colby, Alec, Erin, and Megan Barthelmess; Christopher, Kristen, and Kaylee Wooten; Amanda, Jenna, Tom, and Jon Rupe; Nicholas and Caden Williams; and one great-great grandchild, Peyton Wooten. Sybil is preceded in death by her parents, husband Arnold, daughter Shirley Barthelmess, and her most recent loving canine companion, Mindy. The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Bickford Memory Care in Crystal Lake, Odyssey Hospice, and Mary Jones for their kind and compassionate care. We will miss our Mother and Nana, but know that angels are smiling at her joyful family reunion in heaven.

Sybil Rupe

April 2, 1914 - February 13, 2013