Vada Marie Waites

Vada M. Waites, 91, of Dubuque, IA and formerly Galena, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at Stonehill Health Care Center, Dubuque. A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena, IL. Burial will be in St. Michaels Catholic Cemetery, in Galena. Friends may call from 5 to 7 PM, on Wednesday, July, 1, 2026, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel. She was born May 1, 1935, in Thomson, IL the daughter of Charles and Lenna (Rice) Spencer. Vada was a graduate of Thomson High School. On July 31, 1954, she married the love of her life, Dr. Frank Waites, in Benton Harbor, MI. Together they built a life centered on service, family, and lasting friendships. She enjoyed many hobbies and interests throughout her life, including genealogy, sewing, knitting, ceramics, and singing at church with her daughters. She found great joy in preserving family history, creating beautiful handmade items, and sharing her faith through music. Vada will be remembered for her devotion to family, faith, and community. A dedicated community volunteer and leader, she was actively involved in numerous organizations. Vada was a member of Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and served as Regent in Jo Daviess County. She also served as president of the Hospital Auxiliary and was a member of Altar and Rosary and Fort Nightly of Galena. Her commitment to service touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her community. Vada is survived by her daughters, Barbara (Bill) Smith and Pamela (Rick) Hillard; grandchildren Rebecca (Melanie) Diercks, Matthew (Mandy) Diercks, Michelle (Nate) Sproule, and Michael Smith; great-grandchildren Ashton and Alex Sproule, Franklin and Ellie, Caleb and Charlie Diercks; three sisters, Pat, Joyce, and Bonnie; as well as many beloved nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; four sisters; and two brothers. Vada will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, strong faith, devotion to family, and dedication to serving others. Her legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the family she cherished so deeply. Memorial contributions may be made to Stonehill Health Center or Hospice of Dubuque in memory of Vada.