Obituaries 2007

PATRICIA ANN RHODES
   Patricia Ann Rhodes, 71, of Danville, passed this life after a long illness at 4:02 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
   She was born July 9, 1935, in Catlin, the daughter of Glenn and Bertha Smoot Yeazel. She was formerly married to Francis Moreman, later to Herman Duckworth and George Nelson Rhodes. They all preceded her in death.
   She will be loved and missed by her four daughters, Teresa Moreman, Debbie Moreman-Burton, Mary Jo Moreman and Billie Jo Duckworth (Eric Hansbrough), all of Danville; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth (Francisco) Ramirez and Karen (Bill) Smith; two brothers, Richard Yeazel and Wallace (Carol) Yeazel; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, a sister, two brothers, a nephew and a great-niece.
   Patricia enjoyed playing bingo, bunco, being with her family and working puzzle books. She collected tigers and was a member of Abundant Life Church. She will be loved and missed by everyone.
   Services: noon Monday, Jan. 22, 2007, at the VA Protestant Chapel; Visitation: 11 a.m. until the service at the VA Protestant Chapel. Officiating: Pastor James Ford; Interment: Danville National Cemetery. Leek & Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

SAM McCARTY 
  Sam McCarty, 56, of Oakwood, passed away at 8:27 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at his home in Oakwood.
   Sam was born Oct. 26, 1950, in Paris, Ill., to Jack and Lida Bell Wilson McCarty. He married Sandra Lutz Sept. 5, 1969, in Brocton, Ill. She survives as well as: two sons: Patrick (Vickie) McCarty of Catlin and Austin McCarty of Oakwood; three daughters, Tracey (Lance) Flock of Springfield, Ill., Norma (Michael) Hoepner of Catlin and Gabby McCarty of Oakwood; two brothers, Jack McCarty of Paris, Ill., and Stanley McCarty of Texas; two sisters, Sharon Williams of Decatur and Louise Jones of Decatur; 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one brother.
   Sam served in the Army and was a self-taught auctioneer, having worked at the Fairmount Auction and Homer Auction. He was baptized in the Sidell Pentecostal Church. Sam enjoyed mushroom hunting.
   Funeral services: 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Tim Pearman to officiate. Private family burial will be in the Greenview Cemetery in Fairmount. Catlin American Legion will perform military graveside rites. Public visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, at the funeral home.

Keith Jolley
   Keith Jolley, 77, a well-known Jamaica-area farmer who lived his entire life on the farm in Jamaica Township, passed away at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville with his wife and children at his side. It has always been his hope to die at home.
   Myron Keith was born Oct. 21, 1929, in Jamaica Township to Paul C. and Alma Jeane Finney Jolley. He married his wife of 55 years, Barbara Wood, on May 27, 1951 at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville.
   She survives, as well as one son, Kim (Janey) Jolley of Fairmount; two daughters, Karla (Mike) Mullins of Oak Ridge, Tenn., and Leslie (Jim) Barnett of St. Charles, Mo.; one brother, Clifford (Nora) Jolley of Fairmount; four grandchildren, Kevin (Kara) Jolley, Aaron Ferber, Austin Ferber and Kennedy Barnett; one great-granddaughter, Kya Jolley; one niece, Kathy (David) McGee and children, Betsy and Christian; and one nephew, Dana (Judy) Jolley and children Stacey and Brad.
   Keith was active in many organizations, including Boy Scout counselor, and several boards, including the Jamaica Grade School, American Red Cross, Vermilion County Extension and 24 years on the Vermilion County Board. He was president of Vermilion Nitrogen Company, the Jamaica Farmers Elevator and 4-H Federation.
   He was also named Outstanding Jaycee and Outstanding Young Farmer. He was past president of the Sidell Lions Club and co-founder of the annual Sidell Chicken Barbeque. He served as Jamaica Township supervisor for eight years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the former Jamaica Methodist Church and served for a time as Sunday school superintendent of the Sidell Christian Church.
   Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2007, at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Joe Eakle and Mike Cox officiating. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army or the donor's choice in Keith's memory.  

Barbara Jean Hughes
   Barbara Jean Hughes, 54, of Bismarck, passed away Jan. 9, 2007, in Oakland, Calif.
   Barbara was born June 17, 1952, in Chicago, the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Gooch) Hughes Sr. She married Brian Shelato Sr. He preceded her in death on Aug. 13, 1998.
   She is survived by her one son, Brian Shelato Jr. of Bismarck; two daughters, Lisa (Vinny) Belluci of Sarasota, Fla., and Melissa (Michael) Hillard of Bismarck; two brothers, Robert Hughes Jr. of Tilton and Paul Hughes of Camargo; three sisters, Pat (Jim) Barnett of Indianola and Kathy Cook and Jenny Carter, both of Villa Grove; four grandchildren, Amber Kostura of Fort Myers, Fla., Erik Belluci of Sarasota, Fla., Jonica Hillard and Katarina Johnson, both of Bismarck; one special brother-in-law, Aden Serepin Sr. of Kingman, Ind.; special friends, Cindy (Jay) Johnson of Danville, Barry Smith of Charlotte, N.C., Dr. Keval Patel of Danville, and Mike Harroun of Onarga; and several nieces and nephews.
   She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
   Barbara graduated from Jamaica High School in 1970. She attended Danville Area Community College and Parkland College where she obtained her degreee in nursing. Barbara truly loved her job and her career.
   Barbara also dearly loved her friends and family. She enjoyed going shopping and buying jewelry. She loved to spend her time decorating her house and gardening. There was always a special place in Barbara1s heart for all of Shelato1s friends.
   She was a member of Moose Lodge No. 1001.
   A tribute to the life of Barbara Jean Hughes was held Tuesday, Jan. 18 at Sunset1s Community and Life Tribute Center, Danville, with Pastor Miles Clark officiating. Burial was at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery in Westville. Memorials may be made to the Crossroads Christian Church in Danville.
   E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

MERLE A. BROWN
Merle A. Brown, 89, of Fairmount, died at 12:40 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2007 at Proctor Hospital n Peoria.
   Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 13 at the United Methodist Church in Allerton with Brian Thiessen officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. There will be a visitation from noon until service time at the church.
   Kirby Funeral Home, Homer, is in charge of arrangements.
   Mr Brown was born Aug. 31, 1917  in Catlin, a son of Fred and Mabel Fockler Brown. He married Dorothy Baker on Aug. 30, 1945 in Covington, Ky. She passed away on Jan. 31, 1987.
   Survivors include a daughter, Debra Elaine White of East Peoria a half sister, Helen Pederson of Mesa, Ariz.; three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
   He was proceeded in death by one half sister.
   Mr. Brown was a WWII Army Veteran. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion in several different posts. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge. He worked as a pit boss for Midland Coal co. which is now Asarco Mining Co. in Middle Grove.
   He was a graduate from ABL High School in 1936. Many years ago he belonged to the Allerton Presbyterian Church which is now the Allerton United Methodist Church. Hobbies included playing and watching many sports such as bowling, golfing and basketball.      
   Memorials may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church.

HERBERT J. FERBER
   Herbert J. Ferber, 77, well-known Fairmount businessman, passed away at 7:02 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2006, at Manor Care Nursing Home in Champaign. Herb was partner in George Ferber & Sons and a founding member of Fairmount Redi-Mix since 1947.
   He was born Jan. 25, 1929, in Fairmount to George and Mary Gertrude DeWitt Ferber. He married Shirley Lorraine Cook on May 24, 1952, in Santa Barbara, Calif. She passed away in 1993.
   Survivors include four sons, Stephen (Tamara) of Statesville, N.C. and David (Karen) Ferber, Michael (Jane) Ferber and Kurt Ferber, all of Fairmount; one daughter, Jerri Lynne (Steve) Richardson of Concord, N.C.; one brother, Phil Ferber of Dyer, Ind.; 13 grandchildren; one step grandchild; seven great-grandchildren; and two step great-grandchildren.
   He was preceded in death by three brothers, Glen, Clyde and George, and one sister, Darlene Turpin.
   Herb was a graduate of Fairmount High School. He served in the Army and was a Bronze Star recipient as well as active in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of the New Hope Community Church of Fairmount.
   Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 24, 2006, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery  west of Fairmount. Memorials may be made to the New Hope Community Church in Fairmount.

CATHERINE "CATHY" NEWELL
   Catherine "Cathy" Newell, 51, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 5:23 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22, 2006, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
   Mrs. Newell was born on July 22, 1955, in Danville, the daughter of Martin and Winifred (Johnson) Sollars. Both her parents precede her in death.
   On Feb. 22, 1975, Cathy married Randy Newell in Georgetown. He survives. Other survivors include a son, Randy (Nickie Miller) Newell II of Veedersburg, Ind.; two daughters, Crystal (James) Osborn of Sidell and Tracy Newell of Danville; nine grandchildren, Courtney Osborn, Mikey Stevens, Katherine Newell, Dylan Newell, Randy Newell III, Christian Newell, Nicholas Newell, Nathan Newell and Daniel Newell; four brothers, Martin (Sandra) Sollars of Westville, Charles Sollars of Laguna Niguel, Calif., Texas (Terri) Sollars of Williamsport, Ind., and Mark (Rhonda) Sollars of Grape Creek; one  sister, Shirley Morgan of Grape Creek.
   One brother and two sisters-in-law precede Cathy in death.
   Cathy was a housewife that enjoyed gardening, sewing, baking, playing bingo, listening to the music of Elvis Presley and spending time with her family. She will be sadly missed.
   A celebration of life was held at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel of Westville, Rev. Chuck Powell officiating. Burial at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville.

WILLIAM E. SKINNER
   William E. Skinner, 84, of Effingham, formerly of Tuscola, died on Fri., Dec. 22, 2006 at his daughter1s home in Greer, SC. Mr. Skinner was born May 1, 1922 in Sidell, the son of Elmer S. and Olive A. Ayers Skinner.
   He was a 1940 graduate of Sidell High School. He married Helen Flesor in Tuscola Jan. 15, 1947. She survives.
   Also surviving is a son, Gregory Gus Skinner of Waterloo; a daughter: Esther Louise (Brad) Boyer of Greer, S.C.; and two grandchildren, Jamie M. Skinner and Brian W. Skinner, both of Waterloo.
   He was preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter, Stacey
Skinner.
   Bill was employed as a candy maker for Gus Flesor and Company for 19 years. He was formerly employed by Champion Federal in Champaign and Charleston. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Effingham, Tuscola Masonic Lodge #332, Royal Arch Masons #66 and Militia Commandery #27. He served in the Navy during World War II in Europe and the Pacific.
   Memorials may be made to: Cystic Fibrosis Association of Missouri c/o Mark Toomey, 214 Valleyview Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109. Condolences may be sent to hilligossshraderfh.com.
   Graveside services were held at the Tuscola Township Cemetery in Tuscola. Hilligoss Shrader Funeral Home in Tuscola handled arrangements.

[Back To Top]

---

February 2007

Gwen Taylor
Gwen Taylor, 86, of Catlin passed away at 9:34 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2007 at the Hawthorn Inn in Danville.
Gwen was born June 21, 1920 in rural Catlin to Roy E. and Mabel Church Clark. She married Norman “Short” Taylor March 4, 1945 in Catlin. They were married 60 years. Short passed away March 10, 2005.
Survivors include: two sons, Richard (Mary) Taylor of Sidell and Jeffrey Taylor of Tempe, Ariz.; two daughters, Diane (James) Russell of Bloomington and Emily (Tom) Barr of Bloomington; eight grandchildren, Jason (Kerri) Couillard, Seth Couillard, Taylor Russel, Ben Taylor, Daniel Couillard, Hannah Russell, Jennifer Taylor and Lauren Barr.
Gwen was a lifelong member of the Catlin United Methodist Church, a 1937 graduate of Catlin High School and 1941 graduate of the University of Illinois. She taught home economics in Bureau and Niantic Townships and managed Wiebolt’s Restaurant in downtown Chicago during WWII.
She was a homemaker and she and Short farmed in rural Catlin. Gwen retired from the Vermilion County Extension Service in 1979. Gwen enjoyed people, calling hundreds her friends. She enjoyed spending time with them both in Illinois and in Texas where they wintered for 19 years.
Funeral services are 12:30 Saturday at the Catlin United Methodist Church with Rev. Janet Roy officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 10:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church.
Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling service details. Memorials may be made to the Catlin United Methodist Church, Catlin Historical Society or American Cancer Society in care of Robison Chapel.

Helen E Eyestone
Helen E Eyestone, 81, of Urbana, passed away March 21, 2007.
She was born May 13, 1925 to Dorthea and Geroge Davis. She married Robert W. Eyestone on Sept. 14, 1946. He passed away July 1, 1985.
They had two children, Larry Eyestone and Linda Eyestone Shelly. Larry passed away February 14, 2002.
She was also preceded in death by her mother and father and a sister, Lois Pitstick.
She is survived by her daughter Linda (J.D. Lane), brother Noel (Janet) Davis of Connersville, Ind.; four grandchildren, Dawn Shelly of Urbana, Amanda (Kevin) O’Brien of Catlin, Kelly (Tod) Compton of Mahomet and Robert Lane of Indianola; three great-grandchildren, Cameron Eyestone of Mahomet, Addison O’Brien of Catlin and Tristan Compton of Mahomet; a fourth great-grandchild is due in June. She is also survived by a very special friend, Angela Williams of Urbana.
Helen loved the Chicago Cubs and Illini basketball. Her fondest memory was attending a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Helen will be missed by her family and friends.
There was no visitation. Graveside services were held at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Mahomet on Saturday, March 24, 2007. Heath and Vaughn Funeral home helped with the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

MARY R. COOMBES
   Mary R. Coombes, 85, of Metcalf, died at 6:11 p.m., Thursday, March 15, 2007, at the Carle Hospital in Urbana.
    Mrs. Coombes was born on July 1, 1921 in Tuscola, a daughter of Milford and Daisy Maude Hiler Coombes. She married Paul E. Coombes on December 28, 1946 in Tuscola. He survives.
   Also surviving are four children; two sons; Raymond (Paula) Coombes of Paris,   Larry (Cindy) Coombes of Villa Grove;  two daughters Margaret (Kim) Snyder of Paris, and Kay Donaldson of Paris;  seven grandchildren; Brad Fay of Walnut, Stephen (Jill) Coombes of Paris, Cara (Ryan) Roberts of Shorewood, Holly Coombes of Carpentersville, Mary (D.R) Cox of Hume,  Ryne and Cole Donaldson both of Paris;  seven great-grandchildren, and four sisters; Florence Smith of Indianapolis, Ind., Bessie Preston of Bloomington, Norma Ramp of Newman, and Shirley Brewer of Tuscola.
   Mrs. Coombes was preceded in death by her parents, and three sisters.
   Mrs. Coombes was an active member of the Hume Christian Church, and a  sixty-year member of the Hume Legion Auxiliary.  Her hobbies included sewing, canning, and gardening. She loved music of all kinds and her family.
   A celebration of her life was held at 10 a.m. March 19, at the Joines Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Burial was held at the Young America Cemetery in Hume.
   Memorials may be made to the Hume Christian Church.
   Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Newman, is in charge of arrangements.

MARGERY ANN BUCK
   Buck, Margery Ann, 80, of St. Petersburg, Fla., died Wed., Mar. 14, 2007. Born in Jamaica, she moved to Florida in 1991 from Danville. She was an X-Ray Technician for 30 years. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella, a catholic and enjoyed writing poems.
   She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Gordon; two sons, Joe Buck (Louise), of  Rossville, and Larry Buck of St. Petersburg, Fla., a daughter, Laurie Barlik (Rick), of St. Petersburg, Fla.; seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and a dear friend, Virginia Bailey.
   She was preceded in death by her brother John Simon Baird and a grandson Jacob Spicer.          
   Anderson McQueen Funeral Homes, St. Petersburg, FL handled arrangements.

Larry L. Corbin
   Larry L. Corbin, 68, of Catlin, passed away at 7:20 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
   Larry was born Feb. 19, 1939, in Carroll Township, Vermilion County, the son of Ross and Ellen Hagerman Corbin. Larry married Lola Marlene Harris Lovell on July 3, 1978, in Danville. Marlene survives as well as two sons, Terry (Vicki) Corbin of Paris and Robert (Teresa) Lovell of Danville; one daughter, Lisa (Mark) Howle of Thomasboro; three brothers, Lewis (Christy) Kistler of Indianola, Douglas (Sherri) Kistler of Freemont, Ind., and Willis (Gala) Kistler of Jamaica; two sisters, Willisa (Ray) Evans and Barbara (Rick) Thomas, both of Indianola; and three grandchildren, Bradley Howle, Davis Howle and Jacob Lovell. He was preceded in death by a son, Larry Lee, Jr., and a sister, Sally Hollingsworth. Larry is also survived by his friend and camping buddy, Darrell Myers of Fairmount and several other horse riding pals.
   Larry graduated from Jamaica High School in 1958 and served in the Army from 1961-1965 stationed in Germany. He farmed for many years.
   He worked for Schomburg Construction. He was a member of Ridgeview Baptist Church. He was a member of Laborers Union 703 and Catlin American Legion. He enjoyed his grandchildren, fishing and riding horses. He team roped for several years with his horse, Poke. He owned Poke for 25 years. To ensure that Poke had a good home, he gave the horse to a 12-year-old girl who wanted to learn to team rope.
   Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin with military rites provided by Catlin American Legion. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Robison Chapel. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in care of Robison Chapel.

Robert Lewis Woolverton
   Robert Lewis Woolverton, 80 of Allerton died, Sunday, March 11, 2007 at his home in Allerton.
   Funeral services will be held Friday (March 16, 2007) at 1:30 p.m. at the Joines Appleby Funeral Home in Newman.  The Rev. Kevin Nourie will officiate. Burial will be held at the Oakland Cemetery in Montezuma, Ind.
   Visitation will be held from 12:30 1:30 at the Funeral Home with military rites at 1:30; Masonic Rites to follow.
   Mr. Woolverton was born Jan. 26, 1927 in rural Parke County, Ind. a son of Thomas and Mae Campbell Woolverton. He married Nola Pauline Watson on Sept. 28, 1961. She preceded him in death on Oct. 20, 1990.  Mr. Woolverton was also preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and a sister.
   He is survived by two nephews, Andy (Phyllis) Woolverton of Newman and Jim Gerth of Evansville, Ind.; two nieces, Sandra DeVries of Naples, Fla. and Nel Truitt of Evansville, Ind.; several great-nieces and great-nephews.
   Mr. Woolverton joined the Military right out of high school serving in the Navy from 1944-1946 and then serving in the Marine Corp from 1947-1957.  He saw action in the Korean War, and he was very proud of his service to his country. Mr. Woolverton was also chosen to serve on a special military detail during President Harry Truman's inauguration.
   He joined the Eaglewood Masonic Lodge # 715 in Indianapolis, Ind. on May 30, 1968 and currently was a member at Broadlands, Lodge # 791. He was a member of the Stanton Burgett Post # 201 American Legion at Newman.
   He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed college basketball, professional baseball and the Indianapolis Colts. He was a very caring and special person and he will be missed by all of his family.
   Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.

Susie Baldwin
   Susie Caroline Baldwin, 103, of Georgetown, formerly of Sidell passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2007, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, at 11 a.m. the Friends Church in Vermilion Grove.  The Rev. Jim Walker will officiate. Burial will be held at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
    Visitation will be held from 10 - 11 a.m. March 3, at the Church.
   Mrs. Baldwin was born on January 21, 1904 in Iuka, a daughter of W.T. Butler and Volley Greenwell Butler, she married Basil W. Baldwin in 1922, he preceded her in death in 1981.
   Survivors include two sons; David (Jean) Baldwin of Perrysville, Ind., and Gerald (Peggy) Baldwin of Bismark,  and three daughters Deloris Williams of Florida, Patricia (Jack) Biggs of Georgetown, and Dorothy (Fred) Bennett of Oakwood. Fourteen grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 19 great-great grandchildren.
   Mrs. Baldwin was preceded in death by one sister.
   Mrs. Baldwin was a retired school teacher and social worker, and a former member of the Sidell Baptist Church  where she always enjoyed serving and working in the Church. She enjoyed crafts and traveling.
   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Friends Church in Vermilion Grove.
   Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Sidell is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond C. Hillary
   Raymond C. Hillary, 89, of Sidell, went to be with his Lord at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, February 21, at the VA  Medical Center in Danville.
   Celebration of his life was at 1 p.m. on Feb. 24, 2007, at the Faith Evangelical Methodist Church (107 East Vance Street) Fairmount. The Rev. Charles Powell officiated. Burial was  at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Sidell was in charge of arrangements.
   Mr. Hillary was born on January 30, 1918 in Jamaica, to Daniel and Margaret Street Hillary. He married Ailene McDaniel on May 29, 1941 in Dresden, Tenn.  She preceded him in death on June 5, 2004.
   He is survived by three sons; Richard (Mattie) Hillary of Mountain Home, Ark., Danny (Linda) Hillary of Catlin, and Gary (Debra) Hillary of Sidell,  and one daughter Sharon (Albert) Riggle of Sidell. Mr. Hillary is also survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, and sister-in-law Eloise Hillary.  
   He was preceded in death by two brothers, Ernie and Donald, and three sisters, Irene Troxel, Elsie Pruitt, and Helen Torbit.
   Mr. Hillary worked for thirty years at the Jamaica farmers elevator and the Sidell elevator.
   He also served as a Sgt. in the Army during WWII in the Pacific. He was awarded many medals and awards for his bravery and heroism.  He enjoyed raising and riding horses, and square dancing earlier in his life. He was a member of the Sidell American Legion Post 530.
   Memorials may be made to the Sidell Veterans Memorial Board, P.O. Box 381, Sidell, IL 61876, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Dale Owen Rosnett
   Dale Owen Rosnett, 70, of Oakwood, passed away at 5:48 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 25, 2007, at his home.
   Dale was born on May 25, 1936, in Danville, the son of Eldon and Ruth (Lane) Rosnett. He married Geraldine Catlett on May 15, 1954, in Fairmount. She survives.
   He is survived by his one son, Gregory Rosnett of Crescent City, Calif.; one daughter, Christine (Sean) Cassidy of Champaign; four grandchildren, Adrian Morehouse of Champaign, Andrew Cassidy of Champaign, Nicholas Rosnett of Crescent City, Calif., and Michelle Rosnett of Crescent City, Calif.; and very special friends, Mary Ann and Paul Cline of Oakwood. Dale was preceded in death by his parents.
   Dale was raised in Fairmount, graduating from Fairmount High School in 1954. After high school, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served from 1954 to 1981. He was a retired chief master sergeant with the Air Force, and served in Vietnam and all over the world, where he was an in-flight air fueling technician with the Strategic Air Command. After retiring from the Air Force in 1981, Dale came back to Danville. He worked for Advance Office Machines in Champaign until he retired in 1995. Dale enjoyed spending his time fishing, hunting, snowmobiling and being outdoors in general.
   Per Dale's wishes, there will be no services. Sunset's Community and Life Tribute Center is in charge of arrangements. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

[Back To Top]

---

April 2007

Mary Lillian Byerley
    Mary Lillian Byerley, 91, formerly of Georgetown and Sidell, passed away at 11:35 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2007, at Country Health Nursing Home in Gifford.
    She was born Sept. 26, 1915 in Willow Hill, the daughter of Rollie and Fannie (Sanders) Dillman. In 1919, the Dillman’s moved to Sidell where her father ran a harness/shoe repair business for 42 years.
    She was married to Russell Byerley in April 1935, in Georgetown. He survives in Gifford.
    Other survivors include her son, David Byerley of Urbana; her grandchild, Ryan Byerley of Urbana; and her two great-grandchildren, Nolan and Mary. A sister and three brothers preceded Lillian in death.
    She was retired from GE, and she was a member of the First Church of Christ of Georgetown.
    A celebration of Lillian was held April 13, 2007, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. Pastor Marcy Clements officiated. She was laid to rest at Georgetown Cemetery.
    Memorial donations can be made in her name to the American Heart Association, 208 S. LaSalle St., Ste. 900, Chicago, IL 60604-1197; or Country Health Nursing Home, 2304 County Road 3000N, Gifford, IL 61847.
    Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Virginia G. Williams
    Virginia G. Williams, 92, of Indianola, passed away at 1:35 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2007, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
    She was born May 16, 1914, near Mooresville, Ind., to James and Laura Johnson Winkler. She was the youngest of 11 children. The family moved to a farm near Indianola. She has resided in the area since then. She married Dale Williams on May 25, 1946. He passed away in 1979.
    Mrs. Williams taught school for 40 years, starting in 1933, 13 years in a one-room school, 23 years at Indianola and four years at Georgetown. She later worked at the Clothes Line in Catlin.
    Virginia was a member of the Indianola Church of Christ, Indianola Royal Neighbors and Georgetown Women’s Club. Her hobbies included fishing, bowling and playing Bingo. She followed the Cubs and was an avid Illini fan.
    Survivors include a nephew, Bruce Miller Jr. of Anderson, Ind.; three nieces, Wanetta Yapp of Belleville, Wash., Rosemary Allen of Plainfield, and Jacqueline Smith of Thayne, Wyo.; two brothers-in-law, Glen Williams and Wade Williams, both of Indianola; two sisters-in-law, Toby Williams of Catlin and Mary Williams of Tuscola; and several nieces and nephews of the Williams family.
    Funeral services were at noon Tuesday, April 24, 2007, at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Greg Robbins officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials may be made to the Woodlawn Cemetery Association.

Mabel D. Guthrie
    Mabel D. Guthrie, 98, of Sidell, passed away at 3:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, 2007, at the Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville.
    A celebration of Mabel’s life is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday, April 27, 2007, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home at 200 E. West St. in Georgetown. Officiating the service will be Pastor James Blue. Final resting place will be at Fairview Cemetery in Sidell. Visitation will be held from 9-11 a.m. Friday, April 27, at the funeral home.
    She was born on April 16, 1909, in Danville, the daughter of Edward and Bertha (Martin) Irwin. Both her parents preceded her in death. Mabel married Thomas Guthrie on Jan. 24, 1940, in Covington, Ind. He preceded her in death.
    Mabel is survived by: her stepdaughter, Betty Frankino of Westville; her five nieces, Rosalie Smith of Tilton, Marian Lumsargis of Westville, Marilyn (Raymond) Parrish of Muncie, Carla (Tony) Wade of Oakwood and Lona Reed of Henning; and her nephew, Jerry Irwin of Danville. Her two brothers and three sisters preceded Mabel in death.
    Mabel was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, knitting, working puzzles and reading. She lived most of her life in the Sidell area.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

MARY ELIZABETH "BETSY" TORBIT
    Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” Torbit, 64, well known Fairmount resident and village board trustee, passed away suddenly at 4:50 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at her home.
    Mary Elizabeth was born July 3, 1942, in Danville, to Michael and Mary Shadley Tighe. “Betsy” as she was fondly known, married Donie D. Torbit Nov. 17, 1962, at St. Patrick’s Church in Danville. Donie passed away Sept. 13, 1987.
    Betsy is survived by her mother, Mary of Savoy; as well as two sons, Tighe (Virlane) Torbit of Green Valley, Ariz., and James (Elizabeth) Torbit of Tuscola; one brother, Tim (Pamela Kay) Tighe of Homer; one sister, Sally (Joseph) Thomas of Champaign; and two grandchildren, Ryan and David.
   Betsy had been a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville and most recently attended St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at Homer. She was president of the Fairmount Library Board and a member of the Fairmount Women’s Club, Fairmount-Jamaica Historical Society and had been an active part of the Fairmount 4th of July activities. She enjoyed entertaining, antiques, garage sales, e-mailing friends and family on her computer and traveling to Arizona to be with Tighe and his family.
   She had also served as librarian at Jamaica High School for several years.
   Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville with Father Ted Pracz as celebrant. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery in Danville. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with rosary at 3:30 p.m. Memorials in Betsy’s memory to the Fairmount Library c/o Robison Chapel.

CHARLES FRANK RICE
   Charles Frank Rice passed on April 13, 2007 at his home in Sweet Home, Oregon in the care of his wife, Susan and with his furry companion, Zeke. He had been in ill health for a few years.
   Frank was born in Georgetown, the son of Frank and Ino (Ramsey) Rice. H e was a graduate of Catlin Township High School with the Class of 1946. He served in the Army, 40th Infantry Division during the Korean Conflict. He retired from AT&T in 1987 after 34 years.
   Frank moved from Illinois to ARizona and then to Sweet Home, Oregon. His interests included woodworking, motorcycling, gardening and reading. He and Susan belonged to the Sweet Home evangelical Church where they attended.
   He leaves behind his wife of 24 years; sons, Tim (Nancy) of Pleasant Plain and Tad (Vicki) of Springfield; daughters, Sheila (Rick) of Ramona, Calif., and Amanda (Ted) of Phoenix, Ariz.; three grandsons and three granddaughters.
   There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14 at the Sweet Home Evangelical Church. Memorials may be sent to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice in care of Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long Street, Sweet Home, Or 97386.
   Remembrances may be sent to the family at P.O. Box 141, Sweet Home, OR 97386.

[Back To Top]

---

May 2007

Ethel May Fox
  Ethel May Fox went to her eternal home at 9:45 p.m. Monday, May 28, 2007, at her home in Indianola at the age of 93.
   Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 1, 2007, at the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston with Pastor Steve Nelson officiating. Burial will be Sunset Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at the church and one hour prior to the funeral Friday. Wolfe Funeral Home in Rossville is coordinating the service.
   Mrs. Fox was born Jan. 23, 1912, in Turkey Creek, (Trigg County) Ky., to John and Nancy Henry Snyder. She married Corbit Fox on Feb. 11, 1931, in Eddyville, Ky. They moved to Danville that year where they have lived for most of their 76 years of marriage.
   Ethel is survived by her husband, Corbit; five sons, Elmer (Donna) of Indianola, Mervin (Norma) of Chesapeake, Va., David (Luetta) of Poplar
Bluff, Mo., Larry of Rossville and Carl (Rosemary) of Bismarck; one daughter, Debbie (Bobby) Key of Indianola; one niece, Myrtle Rogers (Alton)
of Greenwood, Ark., whom lived with Ethel and family two years as a child; and sister-in-law Beulah Bright of Downey, Calif.
   She is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and nine great-great-grandchildren.
   Ethel’s family was her life. She was a homemaker and enjoyed cooking and baking for her family. She loved the Lord and her church family of First Baptist in Hoopeston.
   Ethel was preceded in death by a son, Cecil; 13 brothers and sisters, including her twin brother, Jesse; a grandchild, Marty Boothe; and
daughter-in-law, Lorettia “Lou,” wife of Larry Fox.
   The family extends a very heartfelt thanks to the hospice team who was so caring and loving to their mother and to Chaplin Tony, Nurse Donnetta and Janna.
   In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be given to First Baptist Church in Hoopeston.

Brett J. Ferber
   Brett J. Ferber, 2, of Fairmount, passed away at 10:31 p.m. Sunday, May 20, 2007 in the emergency room at USMC Logan Campus in Danville.
   "Bretters" was born Aug. 3, 2004 in Urbana to Colby J. and Abigail Howard Ferber. Survivors include his partners of Fairmount, one brother, John; two sisters, Cassie and Kaylynn; his maternal grandmother, Martha Brewer of Ridge Farm; his paternal grandparents, Dave and Karen Ferber of Fairmount; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
   Bretters enjoyed mowing the yard with his father and shopping with his mother. He was fascinated with trains.
Private visitation was held. Public graveside rites will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Rev. Mike Roberts will officiate. Robison Chapel of Catlin is assisting the Ferber family.

Gracie Elizabeth Ferber
    Our little angel, Gracie Elizabeth Ferber, infant daughter of Sara Hopkins and Corey Ferber of Fairmount, was stillborn Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
    Surviving are her parents; three brothers, Shawn, Jacob and Riley; her maternal grandparents, Mark and Shelli Pettigrew of Westville and Wesley and Angie Hopkins of Indianapolis; and paternal grandparents, Dave and Karen Ferber of Fairmount.
    Gracie was preceded in death by one infant brother, Dakota.
    Funeral services for Gracie were at Monday, May 21, at Sunset Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park.
    Memorial contributions may be given to the family for the purchase of a headstone.
  Arrangements were by Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Condolences to the family may be e-mailed to www.sunsetfuneralhome.com,

Dorothy G. Meharry
   Dorothy G. Meharry, 89, of Catlin passed away at 12:33 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville.
   Dorothy was born May 5, 1918, in Collinsville to Christian and Nellie Gerstenecker Gunkel. She married John F. Meharry on Sept. 27, 1942, in Collinsville. He passed away Nov. 27, 1973.
   Survivors include: two sons, Jim Meharry and Tom (Janis) Meharry, both of Catlin; a daughter, Jane (Steve) Aufmuth of Woodbury, Minn.; and three grandchildren, John (Monica) Meharry, Elysia Aufmuth and Susan DeMoss.
   Dorothy was a graduate of the University of Illinois. She taught at Westville High School and Oakwood High School until her retirement in 1986. She was active in several organizations, including the Danville Garden Club and the YWCA. She had served as president of both. She was a life member of the United Methodist Church. She dealt with various medical problems over the last 20 years, most significantly Parkinson1s disease.
   Funeral services: 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 16, at the Catlin United Methodist Church. Officiating: the Rev. Patti Wise and the Rev. Janet Roy. Entombment: Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in Champaign. Visitation: 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at Robison Chapel in Catlin.  
   Memorials to Catlin United Methodist Church or Rush University Medical Center Movement Disorder Section in care of Robison Chapel.

Pearl A. Rohour
   Pearl A. Rohour, 83, of Newman, formerly of Jamaica, died at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2007, at Peterson Health Care Facility in Newman.
   She was a nurse at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Danville until retirement. She loved to go to rummage sales and play with her grandkids.
   She was born July 27, 1923, in Shenandoah, Ia., the daughter of Ray and Ruth Eaton Boen. She married William P. Rohour in 1942. He preceded her July 1978. Survivors include: a son, Michael Rohour of Jamaica; a brother, Keith Boen of Danville; a sister, Sherri Kobie; two grandsons, Cody Rohour of Indianola and Jarrod Kemper of Danville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her husband and one daughter, Robin Kemper, on Aug. 23, 2002.
   Funeral services were Saturday, May 5, 2007, at Hall Funeral Home in Kingman, Ind., with Pastor Tim Lyons officiating. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.

JOHN EDWARD JURAS
   Graveside services for John Edward Juras, 60, of Jonesboro, Ark., formerly of Georgetown, will be conducted on Saturday, May 5, at 10:30 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.  Pastor James Blue will officiate the service. Immediately following the service, family and friends are invited to the home of Tom and Karen Juras, Georgetown, for a time of remembering and sharing.
   Mr. Juras passed from this life at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2007, while a patient at Barnes Jewish Hospital of St. Louis.  
   He left behind two brothers, Thomas (Karen) Juras of Georgetown and Ronald (Patricia) Juras of Jonesboro, Ark.; his children, Sandy Jo Juras, Ohio; John Anthony (Tony) Juras, of Bradington, Fla.; and Melissa Kay (Michael Van Camp) Juras, of Tilton; and grand-children, Haley Joanne See, Hannah Gordan Van Camp-See, Haleigh Van Camp, Hope Van Camp and Dolton Blaine Juras.
   Mr. Juras was born November 19, 1946, Danville, the third child of Theodore and Veda Rae (Swank) Juras.  They preceded him in death as well as one sister, Sandra Jo Juras, and one son, John Charles Juras. Mr. Juras' favorite pastimes were playing cards and watching baseball.

[Back To Top]

---

June 2007

ROBERT G. TOY
   Robert G. Toy, 72, well known Fairmount resident and former vice-president of the First National Bank of Fairmount, passed away at 7:56
p.m. Thursday, June 14, 2007, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
   Bob was born Oct. 18, 1934, in Danville, the son of Lyle and Vera Mumm Toy. He married Barbara Sue McNees on May 17, 1958. “Bobbie” passed away Aug. 1, 2005. Survivors include a son, James R. (Mary) Toy of Fairmount. He was preceded by his brother, Kenneth.
   Bob served in the Army and began his banking career at First National Bank in Danville. He was in charge of daily operations for 25 years. He
joined the First National Bank in Fairmount in 1982 and retired as vice-president in 1997. Bob enjoyed gardening and coin collecting, antiques,
and dog sitting with Jim’s dog.
    Graveside rites were at 10 a.m. Monday, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Catlin American Legion provided military rites. Memorials to Bob’s memory may be sent to the Fairmount Library or the Fairmount Rescue in care of Robison Chapel.

Robert James Young
    Robert James Young, 59, of Danville Care, died at 12:53 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2007, in Terre Haute, Ind.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams St., Danville, IL 61832, with Pastor Raymie Gordon officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Memorials may be made to donor1s choice. Burial will be in Sunset Cemetery.
    Jim was born Oct. 6, 1947, in Marietta, Ga., to Newell Franklin and Anna Jane Rumbaugh Young. He attended Fairmount Grade School and graduated from Jamaica High School in 1965.
    Survivors include: a sister: Carolyn (Bob) Eckerty of Port Richey, Fla.; a brother: Newell 3Butch2 (Paulette) Young Jr. of Tucson, Ariz.; a brother-in-law: Jerry Smith of Danville; four nephews: Robert H. Eckerty of Villa Grove, Mark (Dawn) Eckerty of Tampa, Fla., Barry (Kim) Eckerty of Casey, Fla., and Tim (Tricia) Young of Edwardsville; three nieces: Kerri Wade of Upland, Calif., Keri (Jeff) Stepp of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Kimberly Smith of Topeka, Kan.; five uncles: Keith Young of Speedway, Ind., Bill (Charlene) Young of Napoleon, Ohio, Gene (Janet) Young of Plainfield, Ind., Earl Rumbaugh of Danville and Glenn Covert of Crete; and two aunts: Marigene Hutton of Hoopeston and Marjorie Carter of Danville. He was preceded by his parents; a sister, Janice 3Susie2 Smith; and two uncles, Herb and Floyd Young.
    Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.

[Back To Top]

---

July 2007

Jonathan "J.D." Lane
Jonathan "J.D." Lane, 26, of Indianola, passed away 4:38 a.m. Sunday, July 15, 2007, in the emergency room at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Logan Campus, in Danville.
"J.D." was born Nov. 3, 1980, in Terre Haute, Ind., to James "J.D." and Jeannie Haseman Lane.
Survivors include his father, James "J.D." (Linda Shelly) Lane of Indianola; his mother, Jeannie Corbin of Lakeland, Fla.; two brothers, Isaac and Robert Lane, both of Indianola; three sisters, Jimmi Munch of Lakeland, Fla., Amanda (Kevin) O'Brien of Catlin and Dawn Shelly of Rantoul; two nieces; and one nephew.
He was an installer for American Eagle Auto Glass in Danville. He enjoyed Harley Davidson motorcycles and muddin' in his jeep.
Services were today at 10 a.m. (Thursday) at Robinson Chapel in Catlin, with Angela Williams officiating. Memorials may be made to the family.

Edith "Allen" Kirby
Edith "Allen" Kirby, 87, lifelong Fairmount resident, passed away at 5:25 p.m. Friday, July 13, 2007, at Helia Healthcare in Urbana. Allen was born Nov. 11, 1919, in Fairmount, to Allen Edward and Edith Higgins Goodwin. She married Harold D. "Peck" Kirby Nov. 9, 1935, in Fairmount. Peck passed away Sept. 24, 1982.
Survivors include: three sons, Oran (Vonda) Kirby of Fairmount, Bert Kirby of Fairmount and Frank (Patsy) Kirby of Fairmount; two daughters: Glona (George) Howe of Fairmount and Karen (Dave) Ferber of Fairmount; 14 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Glenda Eaton; and one brother-in-law, Rollie Kirby. She was proceeded in death by two great-great-grandchildren and three sisters.
Allen was a longtime Fairmount area housekeeper. She worked in several local establishments, including 38-1/2 years at the First National Bank of Fairmount and 30 years with Carrington Funeral Home, where she assisted with answering telephones. She also worked for the S.T. Catlett family.
Allen enjoyed country music and watching the Grand Ole Opry. She liked flowers and working on her scrapbooks. She attended the former Fairmount Presbyterian Church for 10 years.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. July 17, 2007, at Robison Chapel in Catlin, with Rev. Mike Roberts to officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Memorials in Allen's memory may be made to the Fairmount Rescue.

[Back To Top]

---

August 2007

PAUL GOOCH
Paul D. Gooch, 65, of Fairmount died at 3:07 p.m. Thurs. (Aug. 23, 2007) at home.
Born Feb. 19, 1942, he was the son of Darrell and Bessie (Evans) Gooch of Fairmount. He attended Fairmount schools.
Paul is survived by two brothers, Dale (Judy) Gooch of Morris and Gary (Karen) Gooch of Fairmount, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Carrington Funeral Home, 110 E. Court St., Fairmount. Pastor Mike Roberts officiated. His remains were cremated.

Helen R. Berlin
Helen R. Berlin, 84, of Danville, formerly of Sidell, passed away at 11:55 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 5, 2007, at the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home in Tilton.
Helen was born on Aug. 8, 1922, in Bellflower, the daughter of Joseph and Nellie Smith Robbins. Both of her parents preceded her in death. On Aug. 21, 1943, Helen married Herschel ³Bill² Berlin in Sidell. He preceded her in death in 1984.
Helen leaves behind and will be missed by: her son, Mike (Pam) Berlin of Hoopeston; her two grandchildren, Michael (Mechelle) Berlin of Hoopeston and Tamara (Bruce) Drake of Decatur; five great-grandchildren, Laina Williams, Geoffrey Berlin, Courtney Williams, Alexis Berlin and Payton Berlin; her brother, Charles (Ruth) Robbins of Fisher, Ill.; and her sister, Mary Aldean Pickering of Decatur.
One brother and two sisters preceded Helen in death.
Helen was a member of the Methodist Church in Fisher. She enjoyed crocheting, embroidery, journal keeping and genealogy.
She dearly loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She forever loved her son, Mike, and daughter-in-law, Pam. They were the love of her life.
A celebration of the life of Helen Berlin is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2007, at Sunset¹s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. Officiating the service will be Pastor Leon Korb. Final resting place will be Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Visitation was from 10 a.m. until time of service on at the funeral home.
Condolences may be sent to her family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Lois I. Thomas
Lois I. Thomas, 70, of Sidell, passed away at 2:38 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2007, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Lois was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Danville, to Ralph and Stella Tapscott Brewer. She married Ernest Thomas Oct. 19, 1953, in Tilton. He passed away Jan. 2, 1993.
Survivors include: two sons, Ernest (Penny) Thomas of Indianola and Albert Thomas of Sidell; three daughters, Connie (Bob) Maring of Catlin and Dorie Grubbs and Diana (Larry) Endsley, both of Sidell; one brother, Bernie Brewer of Tilton; three sisters, Esther Katavich of Rantoul, Wilma Cox of Westville and Char Lamb of Sidell; 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded by one brother, Dean Brewer.
Lois had been a dietary aide at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home for 11 years.
She enjoyed flowers, bowling, her card club and being with family and grandkids. She was a Daniel School alumni.
Funeral services: 10 a.m. Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial: Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Robison Chapel. Memorials to American Cancer Society.

Anna Pallas
Anna Pallas, 89, of Fairmount died at 12:15 p.m. Saturday (July 28, 2007) at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville. Formerly of Ohio, Anna was living with her daughter, Jeanne (Mike) Roberts in Fairmount at the time of her death.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 129 N Riverside Ave., Loveland, Ohio. Pastor Mike Roberts will officiate. There will be no visitation.
Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park, Blue Ash, Ohio. Carrington Funeral Home, 110 E. Court St., Fairmount, is in charge of local arrangements.

[Back To Top]

---

September 2007

Stanley Andrew Johnson
Stanley Andrew Johnson, 72, of Orlando, Fla., passed away early the morning of Sept. 11, 2007. Stanley had been a patient at Dr. Phillips Hospital in Orlando since Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2007.
He was born on Dec. 23, 1934, to Argie and Elmo Johnson of Catlin. Elmo preceded him in death on Jan. 24, 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Judy, and daughter, Leanne (Eric) Black of Plainfield, Ind. Also surviving is Stanley¹s mother, Argie, at the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, and a brother, Steven (Patricia) of Aurora.
Mr. Johnson graduated from Lincoln Christian College in 1958 and married Judy Chamness of Indianapolis on March 21, 1958.
He ministered to several local communities including Indianola, Homer, Prairie Green, Clarendon Hills, Green Bay, Wis., and Danville and Angola, Ind. It was during those years in Green Bay that he became an avid Packer fan. He was a great sports fan.
Stan and Judy had just celebrated 20 years of ministry at West Orange Christian Church in Orlando, Fla. His ministry touched many souls beginning in his hometown of Catlin.
A memorial service was held Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, in Orlando.

Keith Harold Ongman
Keith Harold Ongman, 79, of Shelbyville, formerly of Fairmount, died at 2:48 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2007, in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Ongman was born March 26, 1928, in Chicago, the son of Harry D. and Phoebee Peterson Ongman. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran of WWII and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his service in the Korean War. He was a manufacturing supervisor for General Motors in Tilton until his retirement. He was active in the Republican Party and the Masonic Lodge in Chicago.
Surviving are his sons, Kenneth A. Ongman and wife, Sharon, of Collinsville, Keith J. Ongman Sr. and wife, Linda, of Harvard and H. Patrick Ongman and wife, Heidi, of Draper, Utah; daughter, Cynthia J. Bromir and husband, Bradley, of Crystal Lake; stepchildren, George Schaffer, Brenda Hopper, Mark Glistie, Julie Rigdon and Jennifer Victory; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.
Memorial services will be in Naperville. Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville. Memorials may be given to VFW Post 4829 of Shelbyville.

Madeline Porter
Madeline Porter, age 89 of Metcalf, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman. She was born June 7, 1918 in Sidell, to James William and Anna (Palmer) Sawyer. She married James Harold Porter on
April 1, 1938 at Sidell.
Mrs. Porter was a lifelong resident of Edgar County and was a member of the Metcalf Christian Church. She enjoyed bowling, fishing and playing bingo. She especially loved baking, and used her skills baking pies at the Colonial Kitchen in Chrisman for twenty-five years.
She is survived by two sons, Ernest (Jeanette) Porter of Champaign and Randy (Connie) Porter of Sidell; one daughter, Patricia Myers of Allerton, five grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, five brothers and two sisters.
Funeral services were held on Monday, Sept. 24, 2007 at 11 a.m. at the Metcalf Christian Church with Pastor Don Pruiett
officiating. Interment was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Metcalf Christian Church or the Pleasant Meadows Christian Village Activity Fund.

Leona B. Woodard
Leona B. Woodard, 89, of Fairmount, passed away at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, at her home.
Mrs. Woodard was born April 29, 1918, in Perrysville, Ind., to Charles R. and Ella Swaney Ellis. She married Jesse Woodard Dec. 10, 1938. He passed away May 12, 1987.
Survivors include: one son, Rodney (Clara) Woodard of Fairmount; one daughter, Doreene (Charles) Knight of Fairmount; one brother, Charles (Norma) Ellis of Danville; one sister, Violet Ramsey of Danville; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by one son, Jimmie Lee, and two sisters.
Mrs. Woodard was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and attended Fairmount Baptist Church. She enjoyed gardening, reading, quilting and crocheting.
Services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26, at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was at Mt. Vernon Cemetery, west of Catlin. Memorials to the Vance Township Library or Fairmount Rescue c/o Robison Chapel.

Marsha L. Jeffries
Marsha L. Jeffries, 48, of Hume, passed away at 11:34 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, 2007, in the emergency room at Provena Covenant Hospital in Urbana.
Marsha was born Jan. 13, 1959 in Danville to Curtis and Margaret Fleming Moore. She married Thomas L. Jeffries on March 22, 1991 in Sidell. He survives.
Other survivors include: one son, Brandon Prunkard of Ridge Farm; three step-sons, Robert Jeffries of St. Joseph, Matthew Jeffries of Paxton, and Brian Jeffries of Topeka, Kan.; one daughter, Shannon Bishop of Hume; one sister, Kathy Hunter of Sidell, and 10 grandchildren.
Marsha enjoyed crafting, flowers, gardening, and playing with her grandchildren. She was a member of the Sidell Baptist Church.
Funeral services were held Monday, Sept. 17, 2007, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Phil Jackson officiated. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery west of Sidell. Memorials can be made to the American Heart Assn. or the Diabetes Assn.

Russell C. White
Russell C. White, 79, of Tilton, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Russell was born July 30, 1928, to James and Harriett White in Indianola. He married Mallie M. Ewell On June 11, 1947, in Danville. Russell was the youngest of six children and was preceded in death by his brothers, Alvie, Clarence "Speed" and Bill and sisters Vergie and Naomi. Russell has one daughter, H. Michelle "Micki," and she preceded her father in death in 1986. Russell is survived by his wife, Mallie, and several nieces and nephews.
Russell was a 1946 graduate of Indianola Community High School. He began working at S.S. Kresge right out of high school. Later he worked for W.T. Grant Stores in Joliet before being transferred to their store in Inglewood, Calif. Later he was employed by Motor, Rim and Wheel of Los Angeles, Calif. After retiring, he worked as typesetter for Viking Typographers of Orange County, Calif. In 1996, Russell and Mallie returned to Tilton, and he was employed by 980 WITY radio.
Russell was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, Danville, and served as a deacon. He was coordinator of Lay Renewal Ministries for California and was a current team member of "Experiencing God" weekends for Living Water Ministries of Mayfield, Ky.
Russell was a devoted husband and served the Lord faithfully since receiving Christ as his personal Savior in 1958. He loved studying and teaching God's word. He also had served as an interpreter for the deaf in his church in California and hosted foreign students in his home as they came to study in the United States. He was a Los Angeles Dodger, Chicago Cubs and Bears fan and loved doing crossword puzzles.
Russell had served the local community in the past several years as Santa Claus in the Downtown Danville Inc. Christmas parade and the AMBUCS children's Christmas parties. He also was a past recipient of the Downtown Danville Inc. Volunteer of the Year Award.
A celebration of life for Russell will be Saturday, Sept. 22, 2007, at 11 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Danville. Memorials can be sent to Living Water Ministries.
E-mail condolences may be sent to Russell's family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Danville handled arrangements.

Orval J. Proffitt
Orval J. Proffitt, 85, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 9:25 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2007, at VA Illiana Health Care System of Danville.
He was born on Oct. 29, 1921, in Barren County, Ky., the son of Hiley and Ellie (Gramlin) Proffitt, both deceased. He wed Elizabeth Harrison on Nov. 1, 1945, in Cave City, Ky. She preceded him in death in June of 1999. He later married Lois (Ankrum) Lewis on Jan. 19, 2001, in Danville. She survives of Ridge Farm.
He will also be missed by: his son, Rondal Proffitt of Danville; his daughters, Sara (Carroll) Baird of Indianola and Rebecca (Jeff) Williams of Williamsport, Ind.; his stepsons, David (Valarie) Lewis of Georgetown and Terry (Valarie) Lewis of Vero Beach, Fla.; his stepdaughter, Brenda (Chuck) Langloss of Clarksville, Tenn.; his daughter-in-law, Cindy Proffitt of Colorado Springs, Colo.; his five grandchildren, Nathan Baird, Gary Baird, Erin Baird, Christopher Proffitt and Carissa Proffitt; his 14 stepgrandchildren; his five stepgreat-grandchildren; his brothers, James Proffitt of Glasgow, Ky., and Paul (Wanda) Proffitt of Cave City, Ky.; and his sisters, Zada (Arnold) Mansfield of Glasgow, Ky., and Kathryn Thomason of Bowling Green, Ky.
His son, Charles "Chuck" Proffitt, his three brothers, Ray, Alvin and Charles, his sister, Christine, and two infant siblings preceded Orval in death.
Orval was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in WW II during the European Theatre. He was a farmer and had also worked for Danville Metal Stamping. He was a member of the East Park Church of Christ. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and storytelling. Orval was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. He also enjoyed playing cards with family and friends.
His funeral was held Sept. 1 at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. Dennis Floyd officiated.
Memorial donations may be given to the East Park Church of Christ, 1224 E Voorhees St, Danville, Ill. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.

[Back To Top]

---

October 2007

David ‘Pop’ Wilbern Baldwin
   David ‘Pop’ Wilbern Baldwin, 76, of Perrysville, passed away at 4 a.m. EDT Saturday, Oct. 20, 2007 with his family by his side.
   David was born June 18, 1931 in Sidell, the son of Basil and Susie (Wilkins) Baldwin. He married Wilma Jean Stahl on Aug. 20, 1955 in Georgetown. She survives. He is also survived by: his two sons, David William (Ronda) Baldwin and Basil W. (Debra) Baldwin both of Perrysville; one daughter, Kathy Sue Baldwin of Perrysville; one brother, Gerald (Peggy) Baldwin of Stateline; three sisters, Delores Williams of Punta Gorda, Fla., Patricia (Jack) Biggs of Georgetown and Dorothy (Fred) Bennett of Oakwood; five grandchildren, Shawn P. (Trish) Baldwin, Katie N. Baldwin and Mitchell Parrett all of Perrysville, Melissa (Marty) Ockels of Seaford, Del. and Roxann (Mike) Dreher of Dana; five great-grandchildren, Avery Blaine Baldwin of Perrysville, Alexandria Dreher of Dana, Nicole Dreher of Dana, Sidney Ockels of Seaford, Del. and Coleton Hudson of Perrysville; one brother-in-law, Arthur (Joy) Stahl of Saukville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews.
   David was preceded in death by his parents.
   David graduated from Sidell High School. He served in the United States Marines from 1952-1954. For 15 years, he worked as a conductor and a brakeman for the C& EI railroad. After working for the railroad, he worked at Anchor Hocking for 15 years. David farmed around the Perrysville area for several years. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church. Several years ago he was a member of the Mason’s in Sidell. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, horses and being around his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. David was very involved in church and worked in the horse ministry at Camp Assurance.
   A Celebration of the Life of David ‘Pop’ Wilbern Baldwin was at 10 a.m. Oct. 23, 2007 at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Joe Humrichous and Pastor Herb Smith officiating. Burial was in Sunset Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Serenity Hospice Foundation, 103 S. Grant Ave. P.O. Box 436, Fowler, Ind. 47944 or to the Calvary Baptist Church, 1632 Georgetown Rd. Danville, Illinois 61832.
   E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Dolores I. Carter
   Dolores I. Carter, 91, of Fairmount, passed away at 4:10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
   She was born March 19, 1916, in Leitchfield, Ky., to William V. and Essie Ovius Mullen Ramsey. Dolores married Floyd A. Carter in 1934 in Leitchfield, Ky. He passed away Jan. 17, 1974. Survivors include two sons: Robert (Rose) Carter of Catlin and Rodney (Beverly) Carter of Seguin, Tx.; one daughter: Carolyn Sue (Bob) Crane of Kempner, Tx.; one brother, Robert B. Ramsey of Leitchfield, Ky.; 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded by one son, Randolph and one infant son, Harold Ray; three brothers; and three sisters.
   Dolores was a cook at Fairmount Grade School and Jamaica High School for 22 years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairmount, Fairmount Sixty Plus Club, Senior Spirit, a Strawberry Patch volunteer and CRIS Meals on Wheels volunteer.
   Funeral services: 10 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Fairmount. Rev. Mike Roberts to officiate. Burial in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount.
Visitation will be today (Thurdsay) 4-7 p.m. at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Memorials to the Floyd and Dolores Carter Scholarship Fund.

Alberta Maxine Snoke
   Alberta Maxine Snoke, 82, of Indianola, passed away at 3:38 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 2007, at the Newman Care Center in Newman.
   She was born June 14, 1925, in Indianola, to Lewis and Letious Cook Hagerman. She married Cecil H. Snoke in 1941. He died in 1988. Survivors include: four sons: Gene (Kris) Snoke of Memphis, Tenn., Gary (Sondra) Snoke of Sidell, Ronald (June) Snoke of Ridge Farm and Elmer (Cheryl Gill) Snoke of Metcalf; one daughter, Letious (Kenneth) Hubbard of Indianola; 12 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; a special friend and neighbor, Ann Lee. She was preceded in death by five brothers and seven sisters.
   She enjoyed writing poetry and karaoke and was a member of the former Indianola Lioness Club and Bethel Baptist Church.
   Funeral services were 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials to Alzheimer’s Research.

Max C. Jones
    Max C. Jones, 81, of Tilton, passed away at 3:35 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2007, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
    Max was born June 7, 1926, in Allerton, the son of Jasper C. and Mary Mae (Archer) Jones. He married Ruth M. (Dolbee) Rosnett on Sept. 5, 1964, at the
First Church of Christ in Danville. She survives. Mr. Jones is also survived by a son, Terry A. (Pam) Jones of Tilton; a daughter, Sharon K. (Floyd) Meeker of Danville; four grandchildren, Brent Jones, Traci Jones, Rob (Kelly) Meeker and Tammy (David) Harper; four great-grandchildren, Ashley, Mitchell, Mikayla and Rhett Harper; a sister, Florence McMasters of Danville; a sister-in-law, Esther (Bob) Larsen of Danville; and numerous nieces and nephews.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and John; and two sisters, Mildred Zenke and Frances Applegate.
    Mr. Jones attended Allerton schools and joined the Navy in 1944, serving on the USS Nicholas DD4499. He was honorably discharged in October of 1945.
He worked at Sugar Creek Creamery until 1960 and retired from Bohn Aluminum in 1992, after 27 years of service. Max was a member of First Church of
Christ in Danville, serving as an elder and trustee for several years.
    Mr. Jones enjoyed fishing, particularly his trips to Minnesota, working in his yard and feeding the birds, squirrels and rabbits. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, more than ever during the holidays when he loved decorating and wrapping gifts with his special touch.
    A celebration of his life was held Oct. 10 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Danville with Don Thorton officiating. He was laid to rest at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice and online condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Waynetta “Jody” King
Waynetta “Jody” King, 70, of Sidell, passed away at 9:11 p.m. Thurs., Oct. 4, 2007, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Jody was born on Aug. 30, 1937 in Danville, the daughter of Alice Mullins. She married Larry King in 1961 in Danville and they were married until 1975. He survives.
She is also survived by her one son, William (Debbie) Turner of Waukegan; three daughters, Bobbie Jo (Rick) Linne of Oakwood, Christy Lynn (Brad) McDowell of Sidell and Lori Ray (Greg) Kite of Sidell; 13 grandchildren; one brother, Wayne “Uncle Sonny” Sergent of Sidell; one sister, Willa “Aunt Sissy” Charlene (Paul) Warner of Hoopeston; several nieces, nephews, cousins, beloved friends at the Brick Street Café and her puppy Charlie, the love of her life.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alice Mullins.
Jody worked at Hysters, R&S Printing and Kowa Graphics. She retired from R&S Printing in 1996. She then worked part time for her daughters at their restaurant, Brick Street Café in Sidell. She lived in Sidell for 43 years.
Her passion was Elvis Presley music, in which she requested his songs for her funeral. She also enjoyed bike riding, puzzles and walking her daughter’s dog “Chubbs.” Another passion was listening to her grandson’s band, her nickname from the band was G-Ma and she really enjoyed hearing that. Jody most of all enjoyed being around her family, friends and especially her grandchildren.
A Celebration of the Life of Jody King was at 2 p.m. Oct. 8, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville with Pastor Tim Pearman officiating. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Park in Danville following the service on Monday. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the St. Louis Children’s Research Hospital or to Make A Wish Foundation.
E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Albert L. Reed
Albert L. Reed, 74, of Tilton, passed away at 4 a.m. Sat., Oct. 6, 2007 at Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System.
He was born Jan. 31, 1933, in Allerton, the son of Frank and Esther Alley Reed.
He is survived by two sons, Robert Wayne (Loretta) Reed of Texas, and Monte (Tammy) Reed of Danville; three sisters, Dorothy (Robert) Ellis of Rossville, Margaret (Ted) Gernand of Potomac and Marilyn (Bill) Boen of Oakwood; five brothers, Joseph (Susan) Reed of Collison, Harold (Sue) Reed of Homer, Frank (Sharon) Reed of Bloomington, Ralph (Diane) Reed of Danville and Kenneth (Donnelle) Reed of Houston, Texas; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Rosalind Reed.
Albert retired from General Motors. He had worked in the finishing department for several years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving in the military police during the Korean War, earning the Medal of Honor and the good conduct medal. He was an avid sports fan and enjoyed listening to country music.
A celebration of life graveside service was held at Danville National Cemetery. Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center handled arrangements.
Condolences to the family can be e-mailed at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

[Back To Top]