March 13, 2025
A sampling of headlines in this week’s Sidell Reporter. To read the stories that go with this, plus many more articles in this week’s issue, subscribe today to read the Reporter in print and/or online. For details click here.
Cemeteries left with no funds to mow grass
Vance Twp. finds out they cannot give money to cemeteries
Catlin Legion’s Sock Hop
The Catlin American Legion will host a Sock Hop Saturday from 6-10 p.m. at the post located at 104 Commercial Street. Price of admission: New men’s socks to be donated to the VA
Candidates for Carroll Road Commissioner introduce themselves to the voters
Candidates on ballot in April 1 election
Auxiliary gives Catlin Fire Board list of upcoming fundraisers and activities
Sports
Indoor track begins with personal records
Salt Fork earns Sportsmanship awards from Principals
Jamison signs with DACC
Junior High Volleyball ends season with loss in Regionals
Salt Fork Schools
Scholastic Bowl ends 23-9 season with loss in Regional Championship
Jr. High spelling team loses championship in overtime
Vermilion County Music Festival
Obituaries
HERCHULEE “HERKIE” (ELLIOTT) BATLEY, 97, of Tilton, passed away peacefully in her home on March 4, 2025. Herkie was born on May 15, 1927, in Winchester to Cedric and Zula (Evans) Elliott but was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents Harlan and Florence Evans. She was also like a daughter to her Aunt Mae (Elliott) Hieronymus. She married Loren E. Batley on Dec. 24, 1945. He preceded her in death on Jan. 8, 2012.
She is survived by her sons, Timmie (Joy) Batley and Skylar Batley/Jacki Batley; daughter, Shanita (John) Reese; daughter-in-law, Ruth Batley; 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
To know Herkie Batley was to love her. She had a deep love for history and a wonderful gift for storytelling. She made her youth come to life with vivid stories of the 1930s, life on the farm and World War II, inspiring her family to cherish history as much as she did. She had a passion for flowers and never met a hanging basket she didn’t like. She also had a special love for her dogs, who were faithful companions.
Herkie was the epitome of kindness and though it may seem cliche – she embodied sunshine to anyone who needed hope. Everyone was “Honey” to her. She and her beloved husband, Loren, served in multiple churches in the area as Pastor and wife, including six years at Sidell Baptist Church and 11 years at Liberty Baptist Church. She was a devoted member to Calvary Baptist Church for over 30 years and when she couldn’t physically attend she continued to be a prayer warrior for those who asked. She loved Jesus and sweetly but boldly told others about Him whenever the opportunity arose. Index cards with scripture could be found throughout her home, her car, even on her answering machine. She knew that heaven is real and wanted everyone she met to join her there some day. Her faith was unwavering and she lived her life as a testament to the love and grace of God.
She was welcomed into heaven by her husband, and her son, Evert “Kip” Batley, as well as multiple family and friends from her long life.
Funeral services were March 10 at Calvary Baptist Church in Danville with Pastor Dan Kitinoja and Isaiah Tidwell officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery west of Sidell. Robison Chapel in Catlin handled the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.comDonations may be made to Calvary Baptist Church.
Herkie’s love and faith will live on in the legacy of those she touched. Her family is thankful for the promise of heaven where they will be reunited one day.
SANDRA “SANDY” KAY SCARLETT, 83, of Danville, formerly of Indianola has peacefully met her Savior, embraced by His love and grace, and is now resting in eternal peace at 1:25 p.m. on March 6, 2025 at home surrounded by her children and husband.
Sandy was born on July 18, 1941, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville. She was the daughter of Don and Florence Jackson Baldwin. She is survived by her husband, Wayne, and five children, Kevin (Laura) Mitchell, Kirk Mitchell, Kristi (Troy) Kirby, Jason (Kathryn) Scarlett, Jeremy (Debby) Scarlett; 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Alan, and her parents Don and Florence Baldwin.
Sandy was married to Wayne C. Scarlett at the Catlin United Methodist church on March 4, 1995. They celebrated 30 years of marriage together bringing two families together as one. Volunteering for her church and community was a central part of Sandy’s life, reflecting her deep love for others and her desire to make a difference. Sandy’s heart was always full as she proudly supported her grandkids, whether at a game, a graduation, or an awards ceremony. She worked at the Catlin School District for 20 years, retiring as the high school secretary, and actively involved with the high school music boosters. For most of her life, Sandy called the family farm home, where she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life during her retirement. For many years, Sandy loved hosting her family for holidays and any occasion that brought everyone together, filling her home with warmth and laughter. Sandy had a unique ability to brighten any space, her spontaneous humor always caught you off guard and made everyone smile. Sandy’s warmth and kindness touched everyone she met; her heart was as genuine as it was giving. She lived with a deep sense of gratitude, and her thankfulness remained unwavering throughout her life.
A celebration of life was held March 12 at the Catlin United Methodist Church with Trevor Oetting officiating. Burial was at Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Catlin United Methodist Church. Robison Chapel, Catlin handled arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com
MAURICE W. ARBUCKLE, 86, of Catlin passed away at 10:07 p.m. on Sat., March 8, 2025, at the Twin Lakes Rehab & Health Care, Paris. Maurice was born May 10, 1938, in Scottsburg, Ind. to Forrest and Beulah Handlon Arbuckle.He married Caroline “Carolyn” Hensler on Nov. 22, 1961, in Lexington, Ind. She survives. Also surviving are: two sons, Michael (June) Arbuckle of Georgetown and John Hubbard of Danville; two daughters, Jana (Joe) Brazas of Danville and Ann Rice of Catlin; three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, Marvin, Forrest Edward, Ivan, and Lester Arbuckle; and one sister, Betty Arbuckle. Maurice graduated from Indiana University where he earned his master’s in education. He was a longtime Oakwood educator and retired from the Illinois Department of Corrections. He enjoyed spending time with his family.
A private family memorial service will be held with Trevor Oetting officiating. Inurnment at a later date at the Sharon Hill Cemetery, Lexington, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the United Way of Danville. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
(OLIVE) JEAN LOMAX, 76, of Fairmount, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on Aug. 23, 1948 in Danville, the daughter of Don and Marcella (Farnum) Hendricks.
Jean is survived by her husband, Oscar; son, Edward (Kim) Lomax; sisters, Nancy Fields, Mary Ingalsbe, Phyllis (Everette) Rice; brothers, Tom (Cathy) Hendricks and Bob (Kathy) Henricks; sister-in-law, Diane Henricks and many nieces and nephews.
Jean was preceded in death by her mother and father, twin brother Dean, brother Don Jr., and brothers-in-law, Larry Ingalsbe and Bill Fields. Jean worked and retired from General Electric. She enjoyed making and decorating ceramics and sewing.
Arrangements are being handled by Rortvedt Funeral Services and Crematory. Per her wishes, there will be no services, but a celebration of life will be held by her family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catlin Fire Department. Online condolences:www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com |
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