Mary Margaret Fritts

Mary Margaret Fritts, 97, passed away in her home Wednesday, June 12th, 2013. Margaret was born June 10, 1916 in Dixon the daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth (Lauer) Prindaville. She married Fred O. Fritts on February 25, 1936. He preceded her in death on March 3,1975. She is survived by one sister Jovita Burke of Aurora; two sons, Jim (Mary) Fritts, Ed (Nancy) Fritts, both of Dixon, four daughters, Kay Sholders of Ottawa, Carol (Frank) Friet of St. Louis, Missouri, Mary Frances Fritts of Peoria and Janet (John) Payne of Dixon. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren; 38 great grandchildren; and 11 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Ray and Daniel Prindaville, and her sisters Frances Fritts and Pauline Hermes. Margaret was a hard-working, loving, faith-filled person. She grew up on a farm. She loved helping her husband manage and work their family farm. Margaret was a life long member of St. Patricks Catholic Church which was an integral part of her life. She cleaned the church, washed and ironed the altar linens, helped with funeral dinners, and took communion to shut-ins. She belonged to the Catholic Women's Club from which she was named Catholic Woman of the Year in 2002. Margaret was a great cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. She would attend their games, celebrate their successes, and share in their defeats usually with one of her famous homemade chocolate chip cookies. Everyone knew that they were Grandma's favorite! Margaret believed in the power of volunteering. She was committed to the pro-life cause and opened her home to young expectant mothers needing shelter. She was one of the charter members of the Dixon Meals on Wheels program. She enjoyed delivering the meals and visiting with everyone on her route. Visitation will be from 3 to 8 P.M. Sunday, June 16th, at the St. Patrick's Hollaway Center in Dixon with prayers and the rosary starting at 2:00 P.M. The funeral will occur on Monday, June 17th. Prayer services will begin at 10:30 A.M. at the Jones Funeral Home. The funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 A.M at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Dixon with Monsignor Dan Hermes officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Dixon. A luncheon will follow at the St. Patrick's Holloway Center. In lieu of flowers, the family has established memorials to Margaret's two favorite charities; Dixon Meals on Wheels and St. Mary's Catholic School in Dixon.

Mary Margaret Fritts

June 10, 1916 - June 12, 2013