Caroline Marie Costello, 99, of Mendota, passed away, January 1, 2022 at her daughter's home in Dixon.

Funeral services will be Saturday, January 8, 2022 at 1:45 p.m. at the Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota with Rev. Betty Delgado officiating. Burial will be at Restland Cemetery, Mendota. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:00 until 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Mask wearing is appreciated by the family.

Caroline was born February 21, 1922 in Rochelle to William and Mary (Zinke) Eich. She married Frank Costello June 11, 1947 at St. Paul Evangelical Church on Chicago Road near LaMoille. They were married for 49 years before he passed  on December 31, 1996.

Caroline was a member of St. Paul Evangelical and Reform Church of LaMoille and Trinity United Church of Christ, LaSalle. She was an amazing farmer's wife and helped carry on, managing the farm in 1997. She was an excellent card player. Her favorite card games were Pinochle, 500 and Euchre. She attended Happy Monday and Happy Thursday Clubs plus regularly attended card games in Troy Grove, Tonica, Sublette and Thursday night at Mendota Moose Lodge. She often gave her card playing friends rides to her card party. She loved cooking and serving family and friends. She hosted many parties for family and friends over the years which included frying chicken on the 4th of July and making big meals for Christmas and New Years. She was a friend of many and loved all her family and friends dearly.

She is survived by her children David Costello of Mendota, Dean (Cathy) Costello of Metamora, Ruth (Ron) Straw of Dixon and Anthony (LuAnn) Costello of Arlington; 16 grandchildren, Andrea (David) Pierre, Allison (Robert) Qualkinbush, Anthony (Heather) Costello, Ashley (Brad) Follmer, Adam (Brittany) Costello, Joseph (Christine) Costello, Michael Costello, Stefanie Straw, Veronica Straw and Caroline Straw; 15 great grandchildren; one great great grandson; nieces Marla (Roger) Somerville, and Darlene (Jerry) Lee and nephews Bob (Janet) Pioli, Edward (Debbie) Gehant, Larry Gehant and Dominic Gehant.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brother Clarence Eich and his wife Dorothy and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be directed to Trinity United Church of Christ 829 4th St. LaSalle, Il. 61301. Online condolences may be left at www.merrittfh.com