Emma Villarreal

Emma Villarreal

(nee Thatcher)

Age 76 of Morris, formerly Verona and Cuevitas, Texas, passed away Saturday May 19, 2018 at Morris Hospital.

Born November 21, 1941 in Cuevitas, Emma was a daughter of George and Francisca (nee Farias) Thatcher. She was raised in Cuevitas, and on December 18, 1959 she married Inez Villarreal, Jr. They would relocate to Verona in 1966, where they would make their home together and raise their children.

Emma was a devoted wife and mother, who made her top priority the raising of her children and providing a warm and loving household for them to be raised in. She put her family’s needs before her own, and will be missed dearly by those whom she loved and cared for.

Survivors include eight children: Ruben Villarreal of Mandan, North Dakota, Fernando "Ponch" (Carla) Villarreal of Morris, Daniel (Barb) Villarreal of Omaha, Nebraska, Armando Villarreal of Omaha, Nebraska, Rosa Villarreal of Morris, Elda (Samantha Collins) Villarreal of Morris, Orlando (Patricia) Villarreal of Omaha, Nebraska, and Monica Gonzalez of Omaha, Nebraska; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Clyde, George, and Leo Thatcher, Blanca Gonzalez, and Dora Beattie; as well as many nieces and nephews

Emma was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Inez on March 26, 2013; her daughter: Minerva Villarreal; two brothers: Joe and Roy Thatcher; and two sisters: Ruth and Francisca Thatcher.

Visitation and video tribute will be Wednesday May 23, 2018 at Reeves Funeral Home, 408 East Washington Street (one block east of Illinois Route 47), in Morris from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral service, at 11:00 a.m. Reverend Ed Howe, CR will preside, and burial will follow the funeral in Ward Cemetery, Verona.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Emma’s memory to Joliet Area Community Hospice or to Morris Hospital Foundation.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs, or share Emma’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris (815) 942-2500.