CHANA — Cindy Sweger, 91, of Chana, passed away Monday, May 20, 2025, at the OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. She was born December 12, 1933, in Stafford County, Virginia, the daughter of John and Lottie (Woodell) Ellington. She married Ralph “Bud” Sweger Sr. on November 3, 1951, in Falmouth, Virginia. 

Cindy loved being a farmer’s wife and tending to the livestock. She was especially fond of her dogs and cats. She was a fan of country music and dancing. Later in life, she enjoyed going around the Rochelle area playing slots and meeting new people. Cindy was an extremely hard worker who fought for everything she had. She overcame many hardships in her life and came out better on the other side of every challenge she faced. 

Cindy is survived by four children, Ralph Sweger Jr. of North Carolina, Ray (Sandy Kaye) Sweger of Chana, Linda Pfister of Chana, and Cynthia Sweger of Rochelle; eight grandchildren, Debra, Rebekah, Patricia, Stephanie, Jason, Matthew, Elizabeth, and Christopher; numerous great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents, Cindy is preceded in death by her husband, Ralph “Bud” Sweger Sr.; a son, Gary Sweger; and six siblings, John Ellington, Hansford Ellington, Frances Dillard, Clara Lee, Bernard Ellington, and Virginia Atkins. 

Cremation care has been provided by the Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle. A graveside funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, May 30, 2025, at White Rock Cemetery in Kings with Pastor Rodney Caldwell officiating. Please visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.