DIXON — Constance Rose Pankhurst joined her Heavenly Father on May 24, 2019 at her home in Dixon.

Constance was born Jan. 25, 1925, the daughter of Elwin and Lydia (Rose) Bunnell and was one of four children. She joined James W. Pankhurst in marriage on Dec. 12, 1943, in Hannibal, Mo., and were married for 72 years prior to his passing on July 10, 2016.

In her earlier years Ronald Reagan had taught Constance and her siblings how to swim in the Rock River. She was a true farmer and active in the farming community. Constance wasn’t afraid of hard physical work. When she wasn’t working in the fields, she was working side by side with her husband caring for the farm animals. Constance had a special touch tending to her beautiful flower garden and raising chickens. She was tenacious in her beliefs and enjoyed lively discussions. Constance was a successful businesswoman operating Foreign Affairs for several years in downtown Dixon.

In Constance’s retirement years she enjoyed traveling with Jim and continued to enjoy car rides to the farm in her later years and continued to be a true farmer at heart.

She is survived by her children James III, of Dixon, Courtney (Joy), of Mt. Morris, Patricia Lohse, of Dixon, Marshall Pankhurst, of Loves Park, Tammy (Brett) Conley, of Portage, Wis., and Constance (Dennis) Beeson, of Roscoe, S.D.; and 18 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Constance was preceded in death by her parents; son, Harry H. Pankhurst; two brothers Elwin and Marshall Bunnell; one sister Elsie Mae and one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law.

Visitation will be at 10 a.m., on Friday, May 31, 2019 at St. Paul Lutheran Church followed by funeral service at 11 a.m. with reception at noon. Rev. Joseph O’Donnell, pastor will be officiating. Creation rites will be accorded. Burial of cremains in Temperance Hill Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to Serenity Hospice and Home in Oregon.

Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.