Anita "Kay" Ekstrom

Anita "Kay" Ekstrom, 72, of Rockford, IL, passed away on June 23, 2018, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.  Born March 6, 1946, in Findlay, Ohio, to William and Evohn (Cook) Hamilton.  Kay grew up on the family farm in Good Hope, IL. She was a graduate of Northwestern High School, Sciota, IL and attended Rockford School of Business. 

Kay was married to Gerald R. Ekstrom for 48 years.  She was a homemaker who loved to cook, taking care of her boys and keeping the family together.  Kay loved children and cared for several children in her home and was known for her great hugs.

Battling Parkinson's for over 20 years, Kay was strong willed as the disease limited her mobility, but it did not stop her from taking a special trip to Paris with family.  While Kay never was able to care for her grandsons as she would have liked to, she had a very special bond with them.

Kay is survived by her sons, Roger (Carolyn) Ekstrom, Robert (Heather) Ekstrom; beloved grandkids, Derek, Noah, Jasper and Autumn; sister, Janice (William) King; loving in-laws, Cary Lou (John) Ralston, Randy (Rose) Ekstrom; beloved nieces and nephews and long-time friends.  Predeceased by her parents; husband, Gerald and brother, Roger Hamilton.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to everyone who has helped Kay over the years, especially her sisters-in-law, Rose and Cary Lou; caregivers, Cresta and Lynda; Mercy Hospice; Heartland Hospice; and Crimson Pointe Assisted Living.

Visitation will be from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, with memorial service at 1:00pm in Honquest Funeral Home with Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd, Loves Park, IL 61111.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation for Parkinson's research.

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