Laveda "Sam" (Bowden) Wood

Laveda Wood Passed away on July 8th, 2024… Born January 3, 1936, in Paragould, Arkansas to Nita and Oles Bowden. Graduated from Oak Grove High School. Laveda worked at Englewood Electric where she was nicknamed “Sam” by coworkers. It stuck. She married the love of her life Thomas H. Wood on March 8th, 1974

Between them, Laveda had 2 daughters and Thomas had 3 Sons. They were married 45 years when Thomas passed away on February 3rd, 2019. They loved to travel and got to visit many wonderful places. Laveda owned and operated Sam’s Place in Rockford for many years. She was known for her wonderful cooking. She was the best mom and grandma, wife and friend. She was also the strongest woman we’ve ever known.

We learned so much from her and we miss her dearly. She is predeceased by Thomas and her parents and brother Duane, sister Barbara, and Brother-in-Law James Talley

Survived by daughters Vickie (James) Manthei and Jackqueline Roy.

Grandsons James (Nikki) Manthei and Joseph (Monica) Manthei

Great grandchildren Austin, Olivia, Sterling, and Violet Manthei. Sister Bonnie Talley. She is also survived by nephews and nieces and their families She is also survived by Tom’s extended family. We will be forever grateful to Mom’s caregivers - Tia, Marta, Rhonda and Maria. We also want to thank Sanctuary Hospice who was so kind and compassionate to our mom and our family.

Services will be Wednesday, July 17th at Sundberg Funeral Home 215 N 6th St Rockford. Visitation 10 am-12 pm with a Funeral Service at Noon.

The burial will follow at Arlington Cemetery in Rockford.