Delia Arlene Lathrop

Delia Arlene ( Sneath ) Lathrop, 97, of Loves Park, IL, passed away on April 8, 2024. Born December 29, 1926, in LaFarge, WI, the youngest daughter of Caleb and Emma (Unbehaun) Sneath. She married Lester John Lathrop of Valley, WI on May 17, 1946, in LaFarge, WI. They were married for 69 years before he passed in 2015. Delia and Lester were married in a combined ceremony with Lester's brother Keith, who married Delia's sister Ruth. Delia was the traditional 50-60's housewife for much of their marriage, which was a role she loved. She took care of their three sons and ran the house with clockwork efficiency. She loved her family above all things, and taught her boys many lessons, prepping them for school and life. After Lester retired from Barber-Colman, she worked as a school bus driver for the Harlem School District for 16 years. Soon, Lester joined her there, and they had many years of enjoyment with their other drivers and "Bus Barn" staff. Many of these friendships lasted long after they retired from driving, for which they were very grateful. They also liked to travel, and Lester loved the West. Several vacations were out to Colorado, Arizona, and other scenic places, with Delia arranging roadside picnics out of the car trunk. They also spent time at Ho-Chunk and Renfro Valley. Lots of weekends were also spent in Wisconsin where their other relatives and parents still lived. Delia loved to cook and be a host. She was well-known for her good cooking. She was also known for her strong will, which could be apparent to those who knew her well. Survivors include her son, Jeff (Julie) Lathrop; daughter-in-law, Dory Lathrop; grandchildren, Stephanie (Rich) Tomman, Johnathon Lathrop, Bob (Annie) Lathrop, Andy Lathrop, and Chad (Crystal) Lathrop; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Kaci, Dylan, Evelyn, and William; great-great-grandson, Riley; and many other loved relatives and friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Caleb and Emma; sisters, Ruth and Ruby; brothers, Gaylord and Clarence; husband, Lester; sons, Michael and Stanley (Darlene); grandchildren, Eric and Joshua; great-grandchildren, Cody and Alyssa; and many other relatives and friends. The family wishes to thank all the great staff and caregivers at River Bluff Nursing Home for the years of understanding, care, and companionship she has been shown. This includes Rosie, Lisa, Kimmie, Karen, Diane, Paula, Toni, Lindsey, Jennifer, and many, many, others, especially Lydia, Andrea, and Melissa from OSF Hospice. The family apologizes for any missing names. Also, a thank you to Sue who made her hair look nice since the wild of Covid. Visitation from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2024, at Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park. Funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2024, in the funeral home. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Jeff will be matched by his employer and donated to one or more of the following: Milestone Inc., American Cancer Society, Tourette Association of America Inc., Goldie Floberg Center for Children, or Barbara Olson Center of Hope.