Debra Lynn Stocker, age 68 of Alhambra, IL, died Thursday, June 12, 2025, at her home near Alhambra, IL. She was born on Tuesday, February 5, 1957, in Highland, IL, the daughter of Marvin and Darlene (nee Weinheimer) Stille.
On Saturday, June 20, 1981, she married Dale C. Stocker at Salem UCC in Alhambra, Illinois, who survives.
She was a member of Salem United Church of Christ, Salem Ringers, Madison County Extension Education Foundation, and the Alhambra Morning-Glories 4-H Club.
Deb Stocker was raised near Alhambra on her parents’ dairy farm. She graduated in 1975 from Highland High School and from UIUC in 1979 with a degree in Home Management. She later attended SIUE for her Master of Education and graduated in 1989.Deb was active on the family dairy farm, 4-H, band, and chorus in high school. She worked 38 years with the U of I Extension Service; 11 years in St. Clair County and Clinton County, and 27 years as a State Specialist at the Illinois State 4-H office. Deb was instrumental in starting state-wide programs including the Illinois State 4-H Youth Leadership Team, Illini Summer Academies, and the Jr. Leadership Conference. Deb worked with thousands of youths with events like the Illinois State Fair, National 4-H Conference, and National 4-H Congress.
Deb enjoyed quilting and attending quilt retreats with friends Kathy Stille and Donna Blackwell. She collected Santa Clause figurines and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals baseball, her grandsons run track and cross-country, and her granddaughter playing hockey. Deb was also the Assistant Leader of the Alhambra Morning Glories 4-H Club and President of the Madison County Extension Education Foundation.
After retirement Deb & Dale moved back to her family farm in Alhambra in July 2021.
Survivors include: Spouse - Dale C. Stocker, Alhambra, IL
Daughter - Amber L. (Eric) Kesler, Champaign, IL
Daughter - Heather MS. Britsky, Champaign, IL
Grandchild - Nikolas C. Kesler
Grandchild - Parker A. Kesler
Grandchild - River L. Kesler
Brother - Lee (Life Parter: Dawn Gray) Stille, Dearborn, MI
Sister-In-Law - Barbara K. Stille, Cottage Grove, MN
She was preceded in death by:
Father - Marvin L. Stille (died 9/22/2012)
Mother - Darlene Stille (died 4/14/1999)
Brother - David Stille (died 12/18/2017)
Stepmother - Elinor M. Stille (died 12/5/2018)
Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, June 20, 2025, and from 9:00 am to 11:00 am on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Salem UCC in Alhambra, Illinois.
Funeral Service will be at Salem UCC on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 11:00 am in Alhambra, Illinois, with Rev. Jeremy R. Wood, Pastor, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to U of I: 4H Foundation Youth Scholarships, the Salem UCC Ringers, or plants.
