Margaret J. Schwab

Rock Falls, Illinois/Chesterfield, Michigan — Margaret (Margy) J. Schwab (Challand), 85, died Tuesday evening, January 6, 2026. She was born June 3, 1940, in Sterling, the daughter of Harold and Anne (Wiberg) Challand. After graduating from Sterling High School, she earned her teaching degree from Illinois State Normal University in 1962.

On June 23, 1962, she married Robert (Bob) Schwab. Their family was complete upon the birth of their son, Rob, in 1964. Together, Bob and Margy owned and operated City Answerphone in Sterling and The Garden Shop in Rock Falls.

Margy was an avid card player and a talented needleworker. She taught at East Coloma Elementary School and carried her love of teaching into all areas of her life, especially at home. She used card games to teach her grandchildren and neighborhood children foundational math, along with patience, strategy, and life lessons. She also shared her skills through many hands-on creative projects, encouraging learning by doing. It always started with, “Who’s playing!?”

She is survived by her son, Rob Schwab, and daughter-in-law, Sharon Schwab; grandchildren Ben Schwab, Matt (Kristin) Schwab, Halley (Mike) Schwab, Andrew (Lisa) Peace, and Ryan Peace; and great-grandchildren Liliana and Gavin Peace.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Schwab; her sister, Carol Hubbard; and her parents, Harold and Anne (Wiberg) Challand.

In celebration of Margy's beautiful life, the family will hold a private memorial service for immediate family members only. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this time of remembrance. Margy’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her laughter, wisdom, and love will forever echo in their lives.

“I only have a kitchen because it came with the house” — Margy