E. Ann Elder, 73, of Sycamore, IL died on July 11, 2026 at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

She was born on May 10, 1953 in Sullivan, IL to Levia W. and E. Bernice (Graven) Elder.  She married Douglas J. Elder on August 2, 1975. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2025.

Ann graduated from the Sullivan High School, 1971. She received her BA in Education in 1975 from Eastern Illinois University and her Master's degree in Gifted Education in 1993 from the Rockford College.

She taught kindergarten and first grade at the public schools in Winnebago, IL for 30 years and was the Gifted Education Coordinator for the elementary schools for several years.

Ann played the pipe organ and piano at Faith United Methodist Church, Freeport, IL and for the United Methodist Church, Sycamore, IL.  She was the accompanist for the Shekinah Quartet in Forreston, IL and the Good News Quartet in Sycamore, IL.
and a member of the Sycamore United Methodist Church, serving on several committees through the years.

Survivors include her husband, Douglas; children, Sarah (Eric) Pfeiffer and Michael (Kathryn) Elder; grandchildren, Kaitlin Schweizer, Samantha Schweizer, Nora Elder, Rhett Elder and Eddie Elder; brother, Lynn W.  (Nancy) Elder and sister-in-law, Sharon Elder.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, James H. Elder and sister, Alice Ray.

The family is very grateful for the care that Ann received at the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center for the last 4 years.

Her memorial visitation  will be held on Monday, July 27th from 10:00-11:00 AM at the Sycamore United Methodist Church, 160 Johnson Ave., Sycamore, IL.   The service will begin at 11:00 AM.

Memorials can be made for the Sycamore United Methodist Church- Music Program or the DeKalb County Rehab and Nursing Center.

To sign the online guest book, or share a special memory- to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com