The DeKalb County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the St. James Religious Education Fund. Donors Ken and Kathleen Spears created this Designated Fund to provide ongoing financial support to St. James Catholic Church in Lee, Illinois, to cover costs associated with religious education in the parish.

Emiline and William Rood, parents of Kathy Spears.

The St. James Religious Education Fund is a tribute to William and Emiline Rood, parents of Kathy Spears. Her parents modeled serving and wanted to instill this in their nine children from an early age. Children’s spiritual growth and development were essential to them, so Emiline made time to teach religious education classes at the church. The Fund pays for religious education fees for all students at St. James and other related costs per the Fund priorities.

“We learn from our parents and integrate that into our own lives,” said Kathy. “My Dad was a farmer and considered himself lucky to be a steward of the land. Mom was a natural mother, not just to the nine of us but to others who crossed her path. Creating this Fund is a fitting way to honor both of them.”

When asked about additional reasons for creating the Fund, Ken and Kathy went on to say, “Our parish family has embraced us, from our time of being a young family through the child-raising phase to the present. This is one way we can show our appreciation for the community and in some small way assist the young families now.”

Ken and Kathy were married at St. James Catholic Church before relocating to Chandler, Arizona. Ken was a member of the Air Force stationed at Williams Air Force Base. After returning to Illinois in 1975, Ken and Kathy resided in Waterman before moving to Shabbona. The Spear’s continue to call St. James their home parish.

”As long-time supporters and donors to the community foundation, it’s exciting to partner with Ken and Kathy to create a Fund that is so personal and meaningful to them and their goals of supporting their church and the families in the parish,” said Foundation Executive Director Dan Templin.

Donations to any Fund at the Community Foundation, including the St. James Religious Education Fund, can be made online or by mail to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, 475 DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore, IL 60178. For questions or to start your charitable Fund, please contact Executive Director Dan Templin at 815-748-5383 or dan@dekalbccf.org.