ROCHESTER, IL - LaVella M. Upchurch, 81, of Rochester, died Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village.

LaVella was born Oct. 23, 1934, in Medora, the daughter of Harry and Emma Johnson. She married Lloyd Upchurch on May 14, 1952; he preceded her in death on June 6, 1994.

LaVella operated a home daycare in the Rochester area for nearly 40 years. She loved, cared for, and impacted the lives of hundreds of children (and their parents). Later in life she helped start a ministry to widows in the Rochester community. She was a member of Rochester Christian Church.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; one son, William Lloyd Upchurch; one sister, Edith Smith; five brothers: Warren, Dwight, Doyle, Bruce and Calvin; and granddaughter, Shayla Upchurch.

She is survived by three sons: Mike (Denise) of Flower Mound, Texas, Mark (Paula) of Houston, Texas, and David (Cindy) of Rochester; one daughter, Jill (David) Rose of Gonvick, Minn.; one sister, Mary Lawson of Medora, Ind.; 12 grandchildren; 18 greatA