Azala "Sally" Cummings

Azala “Sally” Michels-Cummings, 94, was embraced by the Lord and taken to her forever home on Friday, May 6, 2011 at Provena Cor Mariae Center in Rockford. She was born on July 22, 1916 in Bellevue, Iowa to Mary and Harry Michels. She attended Bellevue schools graduating in 1934. Sally worked at her hometown grocer and was also a telephone operator. Sally spent the WWII years living life to the fullest and enjoying many dances with family and friends. She married Clifford Cummings, a high school classmate, June 10, 1947. Together they had two grown children and traveled to landmark sites in the U.S., enjoyed camping, and family get-togethers. After retirement, they lived 5 months out of the year in Harlingen, TX where they had a winter home. Sally was quick to make friends and also gave service with a smile at Gill’s Diner in Loves Park for many years until her retirement. She was full of spunk and would do anything for her family especially her grandchildren whether it was making forts, rootbeer floats, or a walk down to Top Cone for a banana split. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church and in her younger years, belonged to many women’s circles and bible study groups. She enjoyed knitting afghans, cooking, gardening, playing cards, the Chicago Cubs and just being on the go. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Provena Cor Mariae staff for their compassionate care for Sally over the years. You all have become a part of her family just as we are. She is survived by a son, Terry Cummings, and daughter, Vicki Bilodeau, grandchildren; Nicole (David) Traum, Jason (Diane) Bilodeau, Jessica Johnson, Joia Goforth, Jennifer (Shawn) Smith, great-grandchildren; Megan and Logan Traum, Amber bilodeau, Jeremiah and Lucy Johnson, Gavin and Brooke Goforth. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Clifford Cummings.Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until the time of service at 2:00 pm on Monday May 9th at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Rd Machesney Park. Private family burial to follow. Memorials will be accepted to benefit Grace Lutheran Church ministries or Provena Cor Mariae resident activities. Online condolences visit www.sunsetfhmemgardens.com.