DAHLGREN – Nancy Diane Wilton (née Werntz) of Dahlgren, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025. She was born in Rockford, Illinois, on December 1, 1944, to William G. Werntz and Ruth P. Werntz (née Petersen). Nancy enjoyed a life filled with love and dedication to her family.
On April 11, 1970, she married Ralph Edward Wilton of Wayne City, Illinois. They shared 55 wonderful years plus one day together. Throughout their years of marriage, they resided in Rockford, Stillman Valley, and Dahlgren, Illinois.
Nancy’s legacy is carried on by her husband Ralph, her children, Susan (Ray) Williams of Basehor, Kansas, Ralph
Wilton, Jr. of Dahlgren, Illinois, Debra (Joseph) Bafia of St. John, Indiana, and Brian (Wendy) Wilton of Dahlgren, Illinois. Known to many as Mimi, she is also survived by her cherished grandchildren, Mollie (Ethan) Jones, Eric, Cecilia, Caroline, Tucker, Ava, Grady, Wyatt, Jacob, True, Kaedance, Josh, and Caleb, Terra and her great-granddaughter, Piper.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Brian Werntz; and her beloved daughters, Carolyn Diane Wilton and Andrea Dawn Wilton. As the eldest of five children, she is remembered by her siblings, Carol Werntz of Dahlgren, Illinois, Steven (Shirley) Werntz of Chesterfield, Michigan, and Jan (Gary) McGrath of St. Charles, Illinois.
Nancy found immense joy and tranquility in her gardening, and loved nurturing beautiful plants that brought her peace and happiness. Her faith in Jesus was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and providing her comfort. Above all, Nancy cherished her family, dedicating her life to their happiness and well-being. Nancy’s warmth, kindness, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Arrangements are entrusted to Gholson Funeral Home of Dahlgren, Illinois. The services will be held Thursday, April 17, 2025, with the visitation at 10 a.m. and the funeral at noon. Graveside services will follow the funeral immediately at Farnsworth Cemetery, Keenes, Illinois, (south of Keenes). A luncheon is being provided at Long Prairie Missionary Baptist Church, 147 County Road 150, Belle Rive, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at the funeral home for either the McLeansboro Animal Shelter or BJC Hospice Evelyn’s House of Creve Coeur, Missouri, in memory of her daughter, Andrea Wilton.
“Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.” Psalms 1:1, KJV
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.