Lydia Marie Ventura, 70, of Poplar Grove, IL, passed away peacefully, Thursday, September 28, 2017 in her home.  She was born August 23, 1947 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Abel and Guadalupe (Cahue) Mendez. Lydia married Fernando Ventura on April 22, 1976 in Chicago, IL. She received her associate's degree from Rock Valley College. Lydia was a former realtor in Chicago, but most of all she loved caring for her family. She enjoyed doing arts and crafts and shopping on Ebay. Lydia loved talking about the bible.

Lydia is loved and missed by her husband, Fernando; her children, Karen I. Almendarez, Arthur F. Almendarez, Michael J. (Desiree Galvan) Almendarez, Laura K. (Ramon) Guevara, Lydia C. (Jose) Villalobos, and Fernando R. (Juliann) Ventura; 16 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and siblings, James Cahue, Elvera (Glenn) Jedlowski, and Diana (Mark) Crudo, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Abel Mendez, Jr.

A memorial visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2017 with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m., at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave, Belvidere, IL 61008. Cremation rites have taken place. Memorials may be made to the family. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.andersonFCS.com.