Obituaries 2011
Naomi M. High, 86, of Indianola, passed away at 6:05 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, with her husband and daughter at her side.
She was born Nov. 14, 1924, in Georgetown, the daughter of Bert and Nancy White McNeese. She married Cleve High Sr. on Dec. 11, 1940, in Ridge Farm. He survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Cleve (Darlene) High Jr. of Fairmount and Charles (Teresa) High of Longview; two daughters: Nancy Setser of Indianola and Betty (Don) Wolfe of Fairmount; 11 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons, nine brothers and one sister.
Naomi was a homemaker and loved working outdoors and visiting with her family and her dog, Becky.
Funeral services were Jan. 14, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home with Rev. Leon Korb officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences to her family can be made at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ruth White, 89, of College Place, Wash., and formerly Sidell, died Sept. 18, 2010 at her home.
Ruth was born March 3, 1921 in Moselle, Mo., the daughter of Charles and Arrilla Collins Long. She married Paul White in 1941. He preceded her in death in 2001.
Ruth and Paul lived in Sidell 1983-1985 as Paul was interim pastor of the Sidell First Baptist Church.
Ruth is survived by two sons, Larry and Ron; two daughters, Paula and Vicci, three sisters, and 10 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathleen, in 2004.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Memorial Fund in Milton-Freewater, through the Munselle-Rhodes Funeral Home, 902 S. Main, Milton Freewater, OR 97862.
Eulas “Monk” Deckard, 95, well known Indianola resident and longtime Carroll Township Road Commissioner, passed away at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2010, at Provena USMC in Danville.
He was born December 27, 1914 in Thompkinsville, Ky., to Clayton and Donnie C. Kingery Deckard. “Monk” married Willodean Copas on September 10, 1939, she passed away in 1998.
Survivors include one son H.B. (Lou) Cary of Edmonton, Ky.; two daughters, Pat (Robert) Constans of Danville and Ella “Mickie” (Bill) Wyant of Allerton; one sister-in-law Moda “Adell” Wethington of Indianapolis, Ind.; one special great nephew Eddie Crowe of Tompkinsville, Ky.; nine grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and his cat Tiger, who was always by his side.
“Monk” enjoyed eating out, wheeling/dealing, and was a noted accumulator of stuff. He was fondly known as the “Indianola Jew”.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 27, 2010 at Robison Chapel in Catlin, burial was at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials to the donors choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Dean “Ralph” Warters, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, of Allerton, died Dec. 21, 2010 at Naples Community Hospital, Florida.
Dean was the son of the late Kemp and Ora Warters of Allerton. He was a graduate of Allerton School, and attended the University of Illinois. Dean married Madge Trimble of Newman in 1952. He was in the Army from 1954-1956. Dean and Madge celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary in Sept., 2010.
Dean was a purebred Polled Shorthorn cattle breeder and life long gain farmer. He was a member of the East Central and National Shorthorn Cattle Association and served on the board of both Associations. Dean showed and was honored for showing Shorthorn cattle for 60 consecutive years at the Illinois State Fair. He was beef cattle judge at local county fairs. He was on the Vermilion County Fair board for 20 years.
Dean was a member of the Allerton Methodist Church, the Allerton Lions Club (Pres. for 2 terms), and served as Little Vermilion Drainage Commissioner for many years. Dean was a 4-H Leader for over 25 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Madge Warters; daughter, Ginger (Mike) Stanfield of Charleston; daughter, Tammy (Gary) Frick of St. Joseph; eight grand children and eleven great-grandchildren.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Kim and Timothy Warters all of Allerton.
There will be no funeral services. A memorial service is pending for late spring.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church of Allerton.
Lowell Dean Pankey, 81, of Danville, died 11:05 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 25 at Vermilion Manor. Family received friends from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pape Funeral Home, Danville. Family would prefer that memorials be made to the Vermilion County Museum Society, 116 N. Gilbert, Danville, IL 61832 or Sidell Historical Society, P.O. Box 434, Sidell, IL 617876. Entombment was in Spring Hill Cemetery.
Lowell was born March 23, 1929 in Coles County, IL to Lowell Dudley and Ethel Belle Busick Pankey. He attended Mt. Olive grade school and Ridge Farm and Sidell high schools graduating in 1947. He also attended the University of Illinois. He returned to Sidell to farm with his father. A retired Sidell area farmer since 1989 and Director Emeritus of the Sidell State Bank, he was active in community affairs and fraternal organizations in Danville, Sidell and Vermilion County. Proficient in woodworking, he was also an accomplished artist who enjoyed travel in Europe, across North America and to Captiva Island, Fla., and Sun City West, Ariz.
Lowell married Florence Pierce on February 17, 1952 and she survives. Also surviving is a daughter: Marcia (George) Beard of Portland, Ore., two grandsons: Lucas (Lacey) Darr of Fairmount and Eamon Beard of Portland, Ore., a granddaughter: Molly Beard of Portland, Ore., and a son-in-law: James Darr of Fairmount. Lowell was preceded in death by his daughter: Melanie Darr.
Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
Robert K. Waltz, 76, of Danville passed away at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010 at Mease Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, Fla.
Robert was born February 9, 1934 in Hume, to Samuel L. and Eva Jane Glick Waltz. He married Clyo Cheek in 1958 and she was the mother of his children, that marriage ended in 1971. He later married Wanetta Gossett in 1975, they both survive.
Also surviving are one son, Jerry Waltz of Patascala, Oh.; two daughters, Eva Williams of Georgetown, Tammy Dixon of Fairmount; five step sons, Mark Cross of Milford, Steven Cross of Milford, Rodney Cross of Woodland, Pastor John Cross of Bonfield, and David Cross of Elkhart, Wis.; two brothers, Samuel L. Waltz of Wilmington, De., and Richard Waltz Sr. of Hendersonville, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; 12 step grandchildren; 10 step great grandchildren. He was preceded by one great grandson.
Robert graduated from Young America High School in Metcalf, earned a BS and MS degree in education from the University of Illinois, he had worked toward EdD degree from Walden University. He was a Korean war veteran serving in the Army, in post war Japan. His career was in primary-secondary education, as teacher and principle, later as superintendent, he retired from Pekin schools.
Robert was a member of the Hume Christian Church. He attended the Rock Church in Danville and Shepherd’s Heart Ministry in Clearwater, Fla. He was past master-life member of Edgar Masonic Lodge #829 in Hume and past Monarch of the GAO Grotto in Danville. He was active in the BPOE and Moose Lodge.
He enjoyed gospel music and about 25 weeks of travel timeshare, bowling, fighting Illini sports and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin, Pastor Randy Downing officiating. Burial with military honors was in the National Cemetery in Danville. Memorials to the Hume Christian Church in care of Robison Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Edna M. Underwood, 85, of rural Fairmount, passed away at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 25, 2010, at North Logan Healthcare where she had resided for a short time. Edna was born October 9, 1925, in Jamaica township to Henry Alva and Dora Elizabeth Coleman Underwood.
She helped her father on the family farm, was a cook at the Fairmount Grade School in 1978-79, worked at the Catlin IGA from 1980-81, and a child care cook at The Center for Children’s Services from 1981-90. Edna was a charter member and past president of the Fairmount and Jamaica Historical Society, Vermilion Manor Auxiliary, First Baptist Church of Fairmount, Fairmount 60 Plus Club.
She was a great believer in literacy, having received her GED at age 54. Edna went on to tutor for 10 years with the Reader’s Route Adult Literacy Program at Danville Area Community College, and was honored as being one of the top 10 tutors in Illinois. Edna enjoyed reading, sewing, cooking, visiting family and friends.
Survivors include two brothers, Ralph (Jan) Underwood of Danville, George (Karen) Underwood of Ft. Worth, TX; two sisters, Emma Cromwell of Danville, and Helen Estep of Fairmount; and her many students she tutored. She was preceded in death by four brothers.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Wednesday at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount, Rev. Mike Roberts officiating, burial was in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Memorial to the First Baptist Church of Fairmount.
James O. Salladay, 81, well known Fairmount resident and owner of Salladay Masonry and Concrete, passed away at 1:43 p.m. Saturday, January 1, 2011, at Provena USMC in Danville.
Jim was born August 18, 1929 in Fairmount to Joseph Bennett and Edna Marguerite Cates Salladay. He married Betty Alexander October 29, 1950 at the Presbyterian Church in Fairmount. The couple celebrated a 60th wedding anniversary last October. Betty survives as well as one son, Joe Salladay of Fairmount; three daughters, Christy (John) Hott of Collison, Linda (Dale) Baldwin of Fortine, Mt., Sandy (Brian) Judy of Potomac; four grandchildren, Jennifer (Jeremy) Miller, Erin Judy, Jeremy Hott, Jessie (Chip) Mattis; three great grandchildren, Lily, Sophie, Olen. He was preceded by one son James Brent Salladay.
Jim served in the Korean War, he was a member and elder of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church, now called New Hope Community Church. He served on the Vance Township Board, as well as serving on the school board, also coached youth baseball for many years. He was currently president of the Davis Cemetery Board.
Jim started Salladay Concrete and Masonry in 1955 and later worked with Carl Hepburn and Sons. Jim was always very conscientious about his work. He was active in the planning and construction of the Vance Township War Memorial built by volunteers and dedicated in 1997, a project totally funded through donations.
Jim loved the outdoors and nature, was an avid fisherman, mushroom hunter and enjoyed animals. He was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, loved his family very much and above all else loved JESUS CHRIST.
Funeral services were 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the New Hope Community Church in Fairmount, burial in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Robison Chapel in Catlin handled service arrangements. Memorials to the New Hope Community Church or the Vance Township War Memorial in care of Robison Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com
Ruth F. (Dalbey) O’Laughlin, 89, of Fort Wayne, Ind., died Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, Fort Wayne, Ind.
Born Dec. 10, 1921, in Fairmount, she was the daughter of Oliver N. and Zella M.(Ogg) Dalbey.
She was a 1940 graduate of Fairmount High School and member of the First Christian Church in Fort Wayne.
She is survived by two sons, Daniel R. O’Laughlin of Severna Park, Md., and Michael P. O’Laughlin of Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; three sisters, Mary M. Shanks of Indianapolis, June R. Summers of North Carolina and A. Maxine Davis of Fairmount; and one brother, Bob Dalbey of Urbana.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elbert M. “Bud” O’Laughlin, March 1, 2009; two brothers and two sisters.
Graveside funeral services were at 2 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011, at the Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Memorials may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home 5910 Homestead Rd Ft. Wayne, IN 46814.
Rebecca Williams, 58, of Indianola, died at 12:19 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011 at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, Tilton. Arrangements are pending at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville.
David Roberts, 58, passed to his eternal life at 11:05 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, at his home in Hampshire, with his loving family by his side.
He was born on January 19, 1953 in Chicago. David was a graduate of Larkin High School, where he was co-captain of the swim club, and received his bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater. During his summers, he was a camp counselor for Camp Edwards YMCA, and a leader of Nani ba zhu. He was the current president of No Pi Ming Assoc. in Hayward, Wis., and the owner of Wm. Roberts & Son Construction.
David had a passion for life and made the world a better place for all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He enjoyed bowling, skiing, fishing at his cabin in Hayward, Wis., loved to take his friends and family there, to just hike thru the woods, snowmobiling, traveling with his wife, going antiquing with her. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and being anyplace they were, always being the family photographer, always providing the musical soundtrack for parties and family gatherings.
He met Mary, his soul mate and the love of his life and they were married on September 30, 1984. He is survived by his parents, Bill and Shirley Roberts of Elgin, his wife Mary, of Hampshire, four stepchildren, Ron (Raymie) Ellett of Phoenix, Ariz., Doug (Sue) Ellett of Hampshire, Amy (Ken) Johnson of Hampshire, and Matt (Jen) Ellett of Sleepy Hollow.
He was Grandpa Day-Day to 11 grandchildren, Taylor and Connie Ellett, Michael Seyller, Payton Johnson all of Hampshire, Matthew and Madison Ellett of SleepyHollow, Ron, Lucas, Meghan, Duncan, Ellianna Ellett of Phoenix, Ariz. and number 12 is on the way!! He also is survived by two sisters, Ellen (Holger) Vogel of Elgin, Anne Huerth of Prairie Grove, a brother John of Bankok, Thailand, three nieces and four nephews, and a host of many friends.
Funeral services were held today, Thursday, Feb. 24, at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St. in Elgin at 10 a.m., where the Rev. Tom Walker officiated. Interment was in Hampshire Center Cemetery immediately following services. Donations can be made in his name to YMCA Camp Edwards. For information, 847-741-8800 or online condolences to www.lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com
Harold Baldwin, 90, of Indianola, passed away at 1:45 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at Carle Hospital, Urbana.
He was born Dec. 13, 1920, in Indianola, the son of Russell and Mabel (Brooks) Baldwin, both deceased.
He was united in marriage to Thelma Taylor on Dec. 13, 1941, in Oakland. After 69 years of marriage, Thelma will miss him very much.
He will also be missed by his son, Steven (Marianne) Baldwin of Ridge Farm; his daughter, Joan Weir of Danville; his grandchildren, Stephanie Miles of Danville, Scott (Paula) Weir of Coulterville, Heather (Chris) Woelich of De Soto, Mo., and Alan Baldwin of Ridge Farm; his great-grandchildren, Kayla Weir, Tanner Weir, Trevor Miles, Steven Woelich and Elizabeth Woelich; his brother-in-law, Joe Taylor; his sister-in-law, Donna Taylor; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his grandson, Craig Baldwin; his son-in-law, John Weir; and his sister, Susie Knight.
Harold was a lifelong farmer in the Indianola and Ridge Farm area. He was a member of the Farm Bureau. He enjoyed getting together with his family and spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
A celebration of Harold’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Chapel, A Life Celebration Home, Georgetown, with visitation from 9:30-11 a.m. before the service. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorials may be given in Harold’s name to Indianola United Methodist Church. Condolences may be sent to www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Russell “Russ” Lynch, 78, of Westville formerly of Homer passed away at 2:25 PM Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2011 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011 at Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main, Sidney with Pastor Mike Roberts officiating. Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer with military rites being according. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
Russ was born August 25, 1932 in Homer, a son of Raymond Russell and Mary Manning Lynch, Sr. He married Marilyn White on July 12, 1953, she survives in Fairmount.
Also surviving are five children; Julie (Steve) Price of Hays, Kansas, Joni (Bill) Markel of Sidell, Jayne Lynch of Savoy, Kenny (Jennifer) Lynch of Fairmount, and Kerry Lynch of Menomonee Falls, Wis., 10 grandchildren; Angie Luhrsen, Joshua Price, Uriah Price, Lindsey Markel, Jessi Gawthorp, Branden Markel, Kaleb Shields, Keith Shields, Abigail Lynch, and Anna Lynch, six great-grandchildren, a sister, Angie McKenzie of Sidney and a brother, Jim Lynch of Newman.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Deanna Lynch, a son, Keith Lynch and a great-granddaughter, Macey Duewer.
Russ served in the United States Navy, during the Korean Conflict from 1951-1954. He farmed in the Homer area and retired from University of Illinois 1992 from the Steam Distribution Plant. He was a lifetime member of Homer American Legion and was a 32nd degree Mason in the Homer Masonic Lodge. He also possessed a pilot’s license. Memorials may be made to GAR Cemetery, Homer.
Pearl William “Bill” Dowers Jr. passed away at 7 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born Sept. 10, 1923, in Fairmount, to Pearl and Cleo Dowers.
He married Frances Doyle on Oct. 27, 1945, in San Francisco, Calif. She died Aug. 25, 2010. A brother, Harold, also preceded Mr. Dowers.
Surviving are a brother, Dale Dowers of Danville, and a sister, Patricia (Joe) Fox, also of Danville. Bill leaves three children: Jim (Sandy) Dowers, Sharon Hall (Bill Houpt) and Barbara (Bill) Gall; and five grandchildren, Ben Dowers of Danville, Allen Gall of Vernon Hills, Rachel Hall (Dustin Howes) of Baton Rouge, La., Sarah Hall (Chris Harpst) of Champaign and Dan Hall of Chapel Hill, N.C. Two great-grandchildren, Madeline and Henry Hall-Howes, also survive Mr. Dowers.
He served in the Coast Guard and landed troops in the Pacific Theater during World War II. Later he served as commander of the Navy Club in Danville. He made great efforts to reconnect regularly with his fellow veterans by phone and in person throughout his life.
Bill worked at Allied Chemical for many years and in retirement loved camping and fishing with his wife. He could fix anything, even if parts were not available. His family marveled at his ingenuity for making things work. He took great care of his beloved wife during her recent extended illness. He is cherished and will be greatly missed by his family.
Visitation was 4-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, Danville. Memorials may be made to any veterans‚ organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Raymond Curtis Whaley, 83, of Sidell, passed away at 9:15 a.m. April 2, 2011 at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Ray was born on July 13, 1927 in Benton, a son of Elmer and Clara Olgesby Whaley. He married Shirley Maring on March 29, 1959 in Sidell. She survives.
Also surviving are two children; daughter, Cathy (Allen) Orndorff and son, Jeff Whaley, both of Sidell; a granddaughter, Lisa (Brad) Wilson of Homer; five grandsons, Ryan (Jennifer) Orndorff of Danville, Todd & Brett Orndorff of Sidell, Steven Whaley of Sidell and Brandon Whaley of Catlin; five great-grandchildren, Nathan and Nickolas Whaley, Adrien, Timothy and Madisyn Wilson and Stella Rose who is due in June; sisters, Anna Mae Dillon of Benton, Shirley Winters of Denver, Col.; brothers, Donald (Betty) Whaley and Max Whaley, both of Benton; and sisters-in-law, Colleen and Irma Whaley.
Ray is also survived by his beloved “grandanimals” Miss Kitty, Walter and Morgan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a son, Timothy Whaley and brothers, James, Kenneth, Howard, Charles, Duane and sisters Grace, Patsy and Margaret.
Ray was a United States Army Veteran having served during Korea. He retired from General Motors in 1989. He adored his wife and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, always putting his family first. He was also a die hard Green Bay Packers fan.
Ray fought hard until the very end, never giving up and, as always, worrying about and putting everyone else first. He passed away peacefully, he loved to garden every spring and had been fretting all week long on getting it tilled up and the seeds in the ground.
To honor Ray his family requested everyone attending wear Green Bay Packers or green and gold attire.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, April 5 at the Sidell United Methodist Church in Sidell. Rev. Leon Korb and Don Hepburn officiated. Burial was at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman handled arrangements.
Jack M. Thompson, 83, of Newman, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, April 4, 2011, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Jack was born on Sept. 22, 1927, in Allerton, a son of Lert V. and Elanor Williams Thompson. He married Janice Koerner on June 7, 1980, in Newman. She survives.
Also surviving are children, Robert M. (Rita) Thompson of Fairmount and Doug Thompson of Allerton; stepson, Michael (Jackie) Joines of Brocton; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Jack was preceded in death by a stepson, Kim Joines, and a great-grandson, Caleb O’ Neill.
Jack was a veteran of World War II. He was employed by Allerton Implement in Allerton for 43 years. He was a former member of the Allerton Village board and the Allerton Fire Department board, a former member of the Douglas County Cemetery board and a former member of the Broadlands Masonic Lodge.
He was a member of the Newman American Legion, an avid golfer and enjoyed hiking and traveling.
Memorials may be made to the Newman American Legion.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Pastor Joy Starwalt officiated. Burial was at Newman Cemetery.
Bertha E. Conant, 101, of Georgetown, passed away at 12:15 a.m. Wednesday, March 30, 2011, at the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
She was born on September 4, 1909, in Palermo, the daughter of Charles Isaac and Bessie (Lewis) Weaver.
She married Virgil Gannon on April 7, 1929. He preceded her in death on March 18, 1974. She later married George Conant on Nov. 15, 1975. He preceded her in death on June 5, 1982.
Survivors include her nieces and nephews, Janet (Larry) Moss, Mike (Patty) Kelley, Barney (Peg) Kelley, Patty Puryear, Bud, Chuck and Terry Fonner, Roger Weaver and Nancy Fictum; many great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews and great-great-great-nieces and great-great-great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers and two sisters.
Bertha was a member of the First Church of Christ in Georgetown. She worked at the Sidell Journal back in the 1920s. She loved spending her summers with her husband at their cabin in Wisconsin, hosting many friends and family. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and fishing at their cabin.
A celebration of her life was April 2 at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel in Georgetown. Steve Rutter officiated. She was laid to rest at Georgetown Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Emma I. Cromwell, 79, of Danville, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Monday, April 4, 2011, at home.
She was born April 17, 1931, in Fairmount to Henry Alva and Dora Elizabeth Coleman Underwood.
She married Joseph Blaine Cromwell. He passed away in 2008. Survivors include one son, Joe (Sally) Cromwell of Danville; one daughter, Holly Cromwell of Danville; two brothers, Ralph (Jan) Underwood of Danville and George (Karen) Underwood of Fort Worth, Texas; one sister, Helen Estep of Fairmount; and three grandchildren, JB, Casey and Nora.
Emma was preceded in death by four brothers, John, Willard, Henry and Joseph; and one sister, Edna Underwood.
She enjoyed reading, music, traveling, dining out and, most of all, her grandchildren.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) at Robison Chapel in Catlin. The Rev. Mike Roberts officiated.
Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jessie E. Nichols, 73, of Indianola, passed away at 1:45 a.m. Monday, April 4, 2011.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Robison Chapel. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial will be in Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck.
Jessie was born Feb. 20, 1938, in Danville to V. Earl and Iva Neff Baker.She married Bennie Nichols on March 1, 1980, in Danville. He survives.
Also surviving are three sons, Kevin Drennan of Hoopeston, Mike (Rita) Drennan of Alvin and Tim (Chris) Drennan of Indianola; four stepsons, Kenny (Carla) Nichols of Perrysville, Rodney Nichols, Indianola, Brian (Christy) Nichols of Maryville, Tenn., and Darin Nichols of Danville; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Raymond Baker; one sister, Lucille Mock; and one granddaughter, Amber Drennan.
Jessie enjoyed fishing, swimming and had a special passion for painting, especially painting pictu res and giving them to family.
Memorials may be made to the Sidell Baptist Church. Online condolences: www.robisonchapel.com.
Charles Richard Dalbey, 97, of Desert Hot Springs, Calif., passed away Sunday, Feb. 6, 2011.
He was the son of James Richard and Coral Ann Huffman Dalbey. He was born Jan. 4, 1914, in Grafton, N.D.
Charles graduated from Catlin High School with the Class of 1932. He was a landscape artist and the owner of Dalbey Realty Co., Huntington Beach, Calif. Charles married Lillian A. Brasel in Chicago in 1933. His date of enlistment in the Army Air Force was Dec. 15, 1942, with airplane electrical mechanic as his specialty.
Charles was preceded in death by his father, mother, his stepmother, Frances Richardson, three sisters and four brothers.
He is survived by a sister, Evelyn (David) Darr, Fairmount; a special friend, Judy Sanders; and many nieces and nephews.
Private family services will be at the Ardoch Cemetery, Ardoch, N.D., in the summer.
Jack D. Biggs, 89, of Georgetown, passed away at 4:12 p.m. Saturday, March 26, 2011, at VA Illiana Health Care System, Danville.
He was born July 13, 1921, in Georgetown to Charles and Lena Shepler Biggs. Jack married Patricia A. Baldwin July 7, 1947, at the Sidell Baptist Church. She survives as well as a son, Mark (Jackie) Biggs of Georgetown; three daughters, Sandra Krabel of Chrisman, Deborah (Bob) Siefert of Danville and Becky (Greg) Pribble of Westville; 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Jack, two brothers and six sisters.
Jack served his country in the United States Army and received a letter of commendation from Brigadier General H.S. Hansell for assisting in the building of a vital airstrip in Saipan, built with hard labor and stubborn ingenuity that typified the American spirit. After the war Jack worked at Bohn Aluminum and was a truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, camping, woodworking and carpentry work. He was a member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Church.
Funeral services were at Vermilion Grove Friends Church with Rev. Jim Walker officiating. Burial with military honors were at Forest Park Cemetery in Georgetown. Robison Chapel handled arrangements. Memorials may be made to Vermilion Grove Friends Church or Dornblaser American Legion. Online condolences: www.robisonchapel.com.
Nellie Mae (Lambert) Brooks, 93, of Georgetown, went to be with the Lord on the morning of March 22, 2011, at home with her family by her side.
Nellie was born March 23, 1917, in Georgetown, the daughter of Erastus and Stella Mae Martin Lambert. She married Glen Brooks on Dec. 9, 1937, in Covington, Ind., by the Rev. Dan Mathis. Glen and Nellie were married for 73 years.
Glen survives, as well as a daughter-in-law, JoAnn Brooks of Georgetown; four daughters, Charlotte (Kirby) Jones of Georgetown, Joan (Dave) Sherrill of Danville, Glenda (Gary) Van Sickle of Kingman, Ind., and Mary Mae (Vern) Rohrscheib of Fairmount; 11 grandchildren, Jeff Brooks, Amy Lutz, Tracie Katavich, Donna Wells, Debbie and Jennie Sherrill, Chris Ward, Jimmy and Terry Dicken, Lynn and Stacey Rohrscheib; also 18 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandson and one great-great-grandchild on the way and several nieces and nephews.
Nellie was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Marvin Brooks; two sisters, Coleta Reid and Alberta Jameson; and four brothers, Dwight, Herbert, Howard and Lloyd Lambert.
Nellie was a lifelong farmer in the Georgetown and Catlin areas. She was a member of the First Church of Christ and Truth Seeker Sunday School class in Georgetown. Nellie served on the Georgetown Fire Department’s Women’s Auxiliary for 50 years. She also volunteered at the Georgetown Fair in the culinary department for a countless number of years. She was best known for her quilt making. She loved talking on the phone, traveling, gardening and sharing her birthday with her niece, Stella Jo. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.
A celebration of life service was held at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Phil Miller and Steve Rutter officiating. Burial was in the Pleasant Mound Cemetery, west of Georgetown. Memorial contributions may be given to the Georgetown Fire Department or the Georgetown Fair. Condolences to her family can be made at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Jim Bosco Evelyn Darr received word that Jim Bosco of Los Gatos, Calif. passed away and a memorial service will be April 15 in Los Gatos. Jim’s wife, Mariana was a 1948 graduate of Catlin High School and is the daughter of Ted and Marie Byerly. Jim played in badminton tournaments all over the United States and Mariana went along with him. Jim left this world doing what he loved – playing in a badminton tournament.
Howard Gene Spesard, 78, of Indianola, entered into eternal peace surrounded by the love of his family at 1:10 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2011, at his home.
He was born Jan. 5, 1933 in Allerton, to Howard and Thelma Turpin Spesard. Gene married Gayle Larrance on Sept. 25, 1955, at St. James United
Methodist Church in Danville. Gayle, his wife of 55 years, survives and will miss him dearly.
Also surviving are a son, Bruce (Sandy) Spesard of Wake Forest, N.C.; two daughters, Karen (Ferron Switzer) Wolfe of Paris, Ill. and Althea (Wayne) Ramsbottom of Rishton, England; a brother, John (Beverly) Spesard of Chrisman; five grandchildren, Jorie Spesard, Carey Spesard, Tamisha Wolfe, Ryan Ramsbottom and Greg Ramsbottom; and a great-granddaughter, Phoebe Ramsbottom. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Geraldine Handley.
Gene served 22-1/2 years in the United States Air Force retiring as a Master Sergeant. He also farmed for 25 years. He was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge 632 and Scottish Rite, Order of Eastern Star Chapter 854, Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society, charter member of the Indianola Historical Society and he served as trustee of the Woodlawn Cemetery Association.
He was a member of the Kickapoo Woodcarvers and Pioneer Creek Woodcarvers in Florida. Gene also was a former Carroll Township board member
and held membership in the Wells Fargo Camping Club and the Ridge Farm United Methodist Church. He enjoyed wintering in Florida and playing bocce ball and NASCAR racing.
Funeral Services were Wednesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin, with Rev. Matt Filicsky, Rev. Dennis Divan and Rev. Jim Williams officiating. Burial with full Military Honors followed in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Memorials may be made in Gene’s memory to Woodlawn Cemetery Association. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Paul R. Cook, 59, of Byron, Ga., died Friday, March 11, 2011.
He was born in Danville, Ill., and graduated from Jamaica High School in Sidell. He had lived in Indianola, and was retired from the U.S. Air Force. He enjoyed golf, bowling, any kind of ball and NASCAR, and was a “Packer Backer” and Cubs fan.
Survivors include his wife of 27 years, Joan Cook of Byron; children, Jason (Kathleen) Cook of Wilmington, Del., Jarrod (Sandy) Cook of Chicago and Amy (Mike) Both of Chicago; five grandchildren; brothers, Steve White of Byron and Kevin (Tina) White of Athens, Ala.; sister, Penny Snoke of Effingham, Ill.; stepchildren, Kim (Mike) Griffith of Union Point and Dodd Evans of Atlanta; eight step-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Ella White.
Services were at noon Tuesday, March 15, 2011, in the chapel at Rooks Funeral Home, 109 W. White Road in Byron with the Rev. Jesse Fortson officiating.
Ronald L. Estock, 84, of Sidell, formerly of Danville, passed away at 2:56 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
He was born Aug. 17, 1926 in Danville to George and Bertha Wauquier Estock. Ron married Norma Wells on Aug. 30, 1952; she passed away Aug. 22, 1999.
Survivors include one son, John Fitzgerald Estock of Westville; four daughters, JoEllen (Roger) Jones of Danville, Sheila Howe of Danville, Lin (Terry) Bates of Sidell and Tami (Bob) Hawkins of Sidell; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and one on the way. He was preceded in death by one grandson and three brothers.
Ron worked for more than 30 years for Farm Services, and was a life member of the Moose Lodge. His life was his family, and he was a hardworking husband and father. He also served his country both in the United States Navy and Army.
Funeral services were Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Naomi Livingston officiating. Private family burial was in Greenwood Cemetery in Danville. Memorials to the donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Steven Samuel Maddox of rural Sidell died unexpectedly at 8:08 p.m. Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at Carle Hospital. He had visited his doctor earlier in the day after not feeling well and was sent to the emergency room for more tests. He suffered a series of cardiac arrests a short time later.
Funeral service and visitation will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 30, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Sidell with Reverend Ralph Deming of Ottawa officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell. Visitation will be from Noon to 2:00 with the service at 2:00.
Steven was born May 18, 1952, the son of Boyd W. and Wilinore Ann (Moreman) Maddox of rural Fairmount and lived his entire life within two miles of his birthplace in Jamaica Township. He attended Jamaica High School, Class of 1970, Danville Junior College and Eastern Illinois University. He married Rinda Mae Todd on Aug. 25, 1974 in Ridge Farm. They have one daughter, Amanda (Jon-Michael) Rull of rural Fairmount. They survive.
Survivors also include his brother, David (Nancy) Maddox of Warm Springs, Ga.; his older sister, Marcia Gillis of Georgetown; nephews Doug (Cathy) Maddox of Warm Springs, Ga., Gavin Maddox of Champaign, Jimmy (Johna) Bolton of Potomac, Greg (Kim) Bolton of Danville, Lonnie Bolton of Westville, Garrett Pierce of Danville; nieces Lynne Ellen (Stanley) Jones of LaGrange, Ga., Annette (Tim) Tingley of Chrisman and Jessica (Wayne) O’Brien of Cayuga, Ind.; several great- and great-great nieces and nephews; and his father-in-law, Arthur Todd of Ridge Farm.
Preceeding Steven in death were his parents and sister, Anita Lynn.
Steven worked 27 years at Trisler Seed Farms until a battle with diabetes forced him to retire. He then became a very valuable part of his wife’s newspaper, The Sidell Reporter, taking on the job of ad sales and seeing that the papers were in the mail and newsstands every Wednesday. He also sold advertising nationwide for three livestock associations’ magazines that they publish.
Steven raised purebred Shropshire sheep his entire life. The highlight of that hobby was when he and his father raised the 1984 National Champion Ram at the International Livestock Show in Louisville, Kentucky during the 100th Anniversary show of the American Shropshire Association.
Steven was a member of the Sidell First Baptist Church where he had been the high school Sunday School teacher and a deacon for many years. He was an active member of the Sidell Community Historical Society. He loved to reminisce about his years at Jamaica High School where he was noted for his talents on the track team, especially the 100 yard dash.
Steven was a quiet man with a big sense of humor that only those that knew him well witnessed. He had deep affection for his three house cats that were part of his family over the years. Two have predeceased him and one who will be looking for him every night at his chair.
Steven loved his Baptist upbringing and walked a personal pathway with the Lord his entire life. He faced physical cruelty from the diabetes but was an inspiration to many who knew the battles he was challenged by every day.
Memorials can be made to the Sidell Historical Society. Robison Chapel is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Susie M. Pearman, 86, of Indianola, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Susie was born Jan. 17, 1925, in Waynesburg, Ky., to Sherman and Margaret Hayes Bowling.
She married Paul Everett Pearman on Feb. 23, 1946, in Henderson, Ky. Paul passed away Aug. 4, 1990.
Surviving are two sons, Buddy (Lori) Pearman of Indianola and David (Maria) Pearman of Westville; one daughter, Christy (Lewis) Kistler of Indianola; two brothers, Roger and Larry Bowling, both of Henderson, Ky.; four sisters, Tennie Powers and Elaine Staples of Henderson, Ky., Marti Dixon of Bethalto and Beulah Chadwell of Alabama; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters and one grandchild.
Susie had been employed at Serville of Evansville, Chicago Molded of Georgetown, and worked for a time at Jamaica schools. Susie enjoyed mushroom hunting, cooking, camping and spending time with family and friends. She was an avid Illini basketball fan.
Funeral services were Tuesday, April 26, at Robison Chapel, Catlin. Burial was in Michael Cemetery, Indianola. Memorials to Indianola United Methodist Church. Online condolences to www.robisonchapel.com.
The Rev. Charles E. Pearman, 95, of Indianola, went to be with his Lord at 8:50 a.m. Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, Danville.
He was born in Gordon, the son of William C. and Louisa (Robinson) Pearman on Jan. 24, 1916.
He was united in marriage to Lorena T. McNees on Nov. 5, 1934, and after 76 wonderful years of marriage she will dearly miss him.
Others who will miss him include his daughter, Beverly Ann (Dominic) Bildilli of Indianola; his grandchildren, Pam (Kim) Linne of Danville and Steve (Jeanie) Bildilli of Carbondale, Ind.; his great-grandchildren, Allison Watson of Danville, Aimee (Jay) Miller of Catlin, Ryan Bildilli and Kelsey Bildilli, as well as many step-great-grandchildren; his great-great-grandchildren, Alec, Julia and Gavin; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Charles Loren Pearman; and one sister.
Charles was the preacher at Indianola Baptist Church for 25 years, as well as preaching at a number of other area churches. He was a member of the DAV Champaign County 8. Charles enjoyed going fishing and enjoyed going to have coffee and talking with people, especially with his cousin, Arnold Pearman.
A celebration of Charles’ life was at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, April 21), at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel, A Life Celebration Home, in Georgetown, with Pastor James Blue to officiate. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Memorial donations may be given in Charles’ name to a church of donor’s choice or American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to his family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Mary S. Turner, 64, of Indianola, passed away at 10:28 a.m., Tuesday, April 19, 2011 at her home.
A Celebration of Life Graveside Service will be held for Mary at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 23 at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, with Tim Pearman officiating. Visitation will be 5-7 p.m., Friday at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Chapel, Georgetown.
She was born Oct. 4, 1946 in Danville, the daughter of Leslie and Imogene (Baird) Erp, both deceased. She was wed to William A. Turner Feb. 23, 1964 in Indianola until his passing Jan. 31, 2007.
Mary will be missed by her sons, Donnie Turner and Scott (Amanda) Turner, both of Indianola; her daughter-in-law, Rhonda Johnson of Danville; her grandchildren, Mathew Turner and Nathaniel Turner, both of Indianola, and soon-to-be-born, Colton Turner; her step-granddaughter, Katlin O’Herron; her sister, Darlene (Cleve) High Jr. of Fairmount; her brothers, John (June) Baird of Ridge Farm, Lowell Erp of Fairmount, Kevin (Linda) Erp of Danville, Orval (Doris) Erp of Indianola, and Gerald (Sherrie) Erp of Ridge Farm; and her special friend, Donna Edwards of Danville. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jayden Turner.
Mary was a member of the Moose Lodge #1001 and a Lioness with the Indianola Lions Club. She enjoyed listening to her police scanner and was an avid Illini and Cubs fan. Most of all, Mary was devoted to her family and loved her grandkids dearly.
Memorial donations may be given in Mary’s name to Ronald McDonald House in Springfield. Condolences may be sent to her family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Mary Louise (Swank) Porter, 88, of Hume, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 15, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
Louise was born Feb. 12, 1923, in Indianola to Archibald Phillip and Sarah (Cope) Swank. She married Orville Richard Porter Sr. on Feb. 2, 1940, in Porter County, Ind. She was a homemaker, and enjoyed camping and fishing, and traveled to Canada and Florida. She was a member of the Metcalf Christian Church.
She is survived by one son, Donald (Bonnie) Porter of Rockville, Ind.; one daughter, Sandra (Mike) Thompson of Hume; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; one son, Orville Richard “Dick” Porter; two brothers; five sisters; and two grandchildren.
Funeral services were April 19 at the Metcalf Christian Church. Burial followed at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Metcalf Christian Church. Krabel Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Jane Tittsworth Coggeshall, 85, of Danville, formerly of Indianola, breathed her last breath here on earth at 8:10 a.m. on Friday, April 8, 2011, at Hawthorne Inn, Liberty Estates. She was born Jan. 25, 1926, in Baltimore, Md., the daughter of William Buford Tittsworth and Helen (Bastian) Tittsworth. She married Arnold Barton Coggeshall on Feb. 1, 1947, in Baltimore, Md.
Mary is survived by her son, Arnold Barton Coggeshall, Jr. and wife Diane of Redondo Beach, Calif.; her daughter, Alice Jean Houser and husband David of Spruce Pine, N.C.; four grandchildren: Pete, Ian, Chelsea and Britt; four great-grandchildren: Joshua, Hannah, William and Cora; her brother, William B. Tittsworth, Jr. of Stevensville, Md., and her sister, Patricia Fox of Charlotte, N.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, a twin brother who died at birth, and her husband.
Mary attended Stratford College in Danville, Va. At that time, she met her future husband at a social gathering for soldiers during World War II. The letters that they wrote to each other kept the flame alive through Bart’s duty in the European and Pacific theatres. As soon as Mary turned 21, they were married in a small home ceremony. After living a few years in Baltimore, they moved to Illinois in the early 50’s so Bart could join his father on the family farm. Ridge Farm became the center of their social and religious life, and continued to be so even after they moved onto the Indianola farmstead in 1956.
Mary was active during these years, raising their two children, participating in the Jr. WSCS and teaching Sunday school at the Federated Church in Ridge Farm. She also enjoyed belonging to a women’s bridge club and a couple’s bridge club with her husband. Having learned to knit from her mother, she continued to knit all during those years, a skill that she passed down to her daughter and granddaughter.
Mary loved greatly and generously, which was exhibited in the hundreds of baby blankets that she knit for family, friends and strangers.
Buckets of cookies at Christmastime were also received in banks and offices, and at holiday gatherings. It has been said that “you can’t out give God,” but Mary certainly tried.
In her empty-nest years, she fulfilled a lifelong dream to become a nurse and worked as a CNA in the emergency room at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Danville. She also enjoyed her retirement years traveling with her husband, and staying in touch with others through cards and letters. Their travels took them to China, Greece, the Seychelles, England and the Scandinavian countries.
The family is requesting that memorials be made to the United Methodist Church in Indianola, or to the First Presbyterian Church of Danville.
A celebration of life funeral service for Mary Jane Coggeshall was at 10 a.m. Monday, April 11, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church in Danville. Officiating were Pastors Jimmy and Katie Hopper. Condolences to her family may be sent at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Dan Franklin Knight, 73, longtime well known area farmer, passed away at 2:21 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 2011 at his home. He was born Jan. 4, 1938 in Jamaica Township to Walter Dewey and Odessa Olive Simpson Knight.
Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 15 at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Reverend Cheryl Peterson-Karlan and Pastor Chuck Powell to officiate. Burial in the Oakridge Cemetery at Catlin. Visitation is from 4 – 8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Robison Chapel in Catlin.
Dan married Judith M. Puzey October 5, 1957, she passed away July 21, 1991. He later married Joan M. Cole November 2, 1991. Joan survives as well as three sons, Ronald Kent (Jaime) Knight of Naples Florida, Walter Mark (Janet) Knight of Westville, and Todd Michael (Tamara) Knight of Westville, one step-daughter, Teresa (Jeff) Chaney of Westville, one brother, Bill (Lynda) Knight of Jamaica, three sisters, Norma Miller of Indianola, Alice (Jim) McDowell of Catlin, and Helen (Virgil) Ross of Arvada, Colorado, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Dan is also survived by his longtime friend Mike Black.
He was preceded in death one son, Vincent, three brothers, Lee, Harl, Paul “Red” Knight, and two infant sisters Kathleen and Susan, and by his favorite dog “Hampton”. Farming was Dan’s entire life. He was active in the agricultural movement of the 1970’s. He was an avid storyteller, he enjoyed working on things, and never met a stranger. Dan was a 40 years Mason and member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge #285 and Danville Consistory. He enjoyed helping people and being outdoors, and especially his morning coffee with the guys.
Memorials to the University of Illinois Small Animal Clinic in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Donald Laverl Hooker, 94, passed away on Monday (April 11, 2011) at 9:45 p.m. at the Veteran Affairs Medical Center in Danville. Funeral services were held today (Thursday, April 14, 2011) at 12 p.m. at the Sidell Assembly United Pentecostal Assembly Church in Sidell. Pastor Tim Pearman officiated. Burial was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell.
Verly was born April 3, 1917 in Gila, a son of John and Daisy Stainbrook Hooker. He married Betty Jane Kincaid on July 18, 1941 in Greenup. She preceded him in death Feb. 21, 2000.
Survivors include six sons, Donald (Sharon) Hooker of Decatur, Russell of Fairmount, Bernard (Maria) of Sidell, Robert (Beth) of Sidell, Roger (Evelyn) of Hume, and Keith (Theresa) of Sidell. Daughters, Edna Hackney of Indianola, Patricia Hooker of Missouri and Audrey (Belen) Torres of Arlington, Texas, also survive.
He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as well as a half-sister Billy (Friz) Baier of Chicago.
Verly was preceded in death by his wife, Betty, a daughter, Daisy White, and two sons, James and Delbra. Verly was a United States Army Veteran, serving as a 1st class Private in World War II.
Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Newman, is in charge of arrangements.
Jerri C. Harris, of Indianola, was lifted on the wings of angels to Heaven at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2011.
Jerri was born May 25, 1944, to Ruth Iona (Butts) Harris and Orie Edward Harris in Danville.
He attended Westville schools and lived in Home Gardens. Later he entered the US Army. Jerri served four years active duty and six years in the reserves as a drill instructor.
Jerri married Sharon Kay Huttsell on June 8, 1968. They had two daughters from this marriage, Kari Sue Harris-Coe and Christy Harris. Sharon preceded Jerri in death from a long battle with cancer. They were married for 17 years.
Jerri later married Shirley (Curtis) Harris. With this marriage, Jerri became father to two sons, Robert Wolcott and Gregory (Ashley) Harrier; and two daughters, Carolyn (Ray) Jackson and Kristina (Scott) Jones.
Jerri loved all of his children very much. He has 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His grandchildren are Ashlee (Wolcott) Gonzalez, Corey Wolcott, Zachary and Carissa Schumacher, Hannah and Hope Johnson, Abby and Ethan Jones, and Reese and Caden Harrier. Great-grandchildren are Lillianna and Raulan Gonzalez.
Jerri was an auto body specialist for over 30 years. Jerri loved to cut up, tease and joke. He especially liked to dance, drink beer, fish, fix anything, cut down trees and, most of all, spend time with family and friends. Jerri was very kind, caring and loving husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and friend. He liked to help others very much and will be missed deeply by all who knew and loved him.
Jerri is survived by his wife, Shirley, of almost 26 years; brother, Mark (Lillian) Harris; and two sisters, Sharon (Mike) Hoskins and Andrea Harris and Mike Bernardi. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Carolyn (Rick) Alley.
Jerri considered Mike Curtis, Larry (Jadaun) Curtis, Kenneth (Susan) Curtis as his brothers, also. Jerri also considered Barbara (Mark) Thiede as a sister.
Jerri leaves behind many special nieces and nephews, cousins, aunt and uncles, and friends whom he loved very much.
Services were May 16 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. Pastor Darren Johnson officiated. Burial was at Danville National Cemetery. Per Jerri’s wishes, in lieu of regular florals, please send donations to Sunset in Jerri’s memory or perennial flowers or bushes to be planted in a memory garden. Condolences may be sent at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Opal M. Ingersoll, 92, of Fairmount, passed away at 7:15 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 2011, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Opal was born March 26, 1919, in Fairmount, to Wilbur and Lula Smothers Price. She married Don Ingersoll on Jan. 21, 1951, in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Sept. 9, 1983.
Surviving are: one nephew, Ronald (Maxine) Davis of Fairmount; one niece, Pat (Russ) Peterson of Shelbyville; and several great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by one brother, Austin Price, and one sister, Hazel Davis.
Opal had retired from the Kroger Grocery in Chicago and had cared for the sick and elderly in Fairmount. She was a member of the Fairmount United Methodist Church, the Fairmount Sixty Plus Club and was a lifelong Cubs fan. She enjoyed playing dominoes with friends and socializing.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) at Carrington Funeral Home, Fairmount. Burial was in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount. Memorials to the Fairmount United Methodist Church.
Hilda Ann McDaniel, 89, of Fairmount, passed away at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Hilda was born Feb. 8, 1922, in Knightstown, Ind., to Hobart McKinley and Myrtle Maxine Clark Hamm.
She married William B. McDaniel on June 18, 1944, in Danville. He passed away July 30, 1980.
Surviving are one son, William Ray (Dot) McDaniel of Fairmount; three daughters, JoAnna (Gerald) Smith of Georgetown, Brenda Sue (Gerald) High of Danville and Nancy Lee Buryette of Pendleton, S.C.; two brothers, Douglas and Laverne Hamm of Danville; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, one sister and one son-in-law, Joe.
Hilda worked at Rose Packing Plant in Danville. She enjoyed flowers and birds.
Graveside services were at 1:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, at Greenwood Cemetery, Danville, with the Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Memorials to Alzheimer’s Research. Robison Chapel handled the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Donna Maurine (Rogers) Broderick, 70, of Catlin, passed away at 9:57 p.m. Sunday, June 26, 2011, at the Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Donna was born Feb. 27, 1941, in Danville to Roy D. and Mabel Harrison Rogers.
She married Richard Allen Broderick on Sept. 14, 1963, in Covington, Ind. He survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Monica (Dave) Faye Gambrel of Greenville, Ohio; one sister, Barbara (Forrest) Gurley of Covington, Ind.; two grandchildren and one grandson to be born in August; six brothers-in-law, Rex Hagen of Tilton, William Burkholder of Covington, Ken (Paula) Broderick of Danville, John (Sue) Broderick of Bismarck, James Broderick of Catlin and Don (Carol) Broderick of Danville; one sister-in-law, Ann (Bill) Lattrell of Westville; and her very special friend, Janice (Dick) Elwell of Danville. She was preceded in death by her son, Clark Allen Broderick; her sister, Eleanor Burkholder, just six weeks ago; brother-in-law, Roy Broderick; and sister-in-law, Linda Hagen.
Although Donna was raised in Indiana, she made her home with her husband in Catlin for many years. She was the Catlin village clerk 25 years and the whole village had the benefit of her kind and caring heart. She never had a cross word to say about anyone.
She and Dick were blessed with a young son named Clark Allen Broderick, who had very special needs. Donna not only met those special needs, but for every day of Clark Allen’s 21-year tenure on this earth, everyone knew and understood how very special Donna was. Not only was she a wonderful mother but she was a perfect mother and role model to her daughter as well. She devoted her life to helping others.
Throughout her life and all of its trials and tribulations, she remained strong in her faith. She believed that faith conquered all.
Donna enjoyed knitting, playing euchre and reading the Bible. She loved kids, her nieces and nephews, her family and friends.
She was an avid tennis player who had the honor of the Catlin Tennis Courts being named after her.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Pastor Drew Mentzer officiating. Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Covington, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Second Church of Christ, 3350 E. Voorhees St., Danville, IL 61834 or to the organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences to www.robisonchapel.com.
Vernal L. Bush 77, of Fairmount, passed away at 2:34 a.m. Sunday, June 12, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Mrs. Bush was born Dec. 11, 1933, in Danville, to Charles and Sahara Cletta Andis Copeland. She married Alfred Don Bush on March 7, 1952, in Georgetown. He preceded her in death on March 13, 1996.
Surviving are two sons, Harold (Kathy) Bush of St. Joseph and Mike Bush of Fairmount; and five grandchildren.
Mrs. Bush was a homemaker who enjoyed reading, sewing and cross-stitching. She loved spending time with her family.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount, with Pastor James Blue officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount. Memorials to the American Red Cross.
Sharon K. Wilson, 67, of Springfield, passed away on Wed., June 1, 2011, at Memorial Medical Center.
Sharon was born on April 26, 1944 in Louisville, Ky., the daughter of Donald and Wanda Boylan Meece. She married Donald Edward Wilson on Aug. 29, 1981 in Tallula; he preceded her in death on Sept. 12, 2005.
She was also preceded in death by her mother, Wanda; her father, Donald Meece; stepmother, Leota “Doty” Meece; and infant brother, Sonny.
She is survived by son, Keith; daughter, Cindy; and sister, Rita Harmon of Springfield.
Cremation was accorded by Springfield Crematory.
Private family services were held.
Ellinger-Kunz & Park Funeral Home, 530 N. 5th St., Springfield, was in charge of the arrangements.
William Edgar Richter, 83 of Sidell passed away on June 4, 2011 at 3 a.m. at the Provena Hospital in Danville.
Mr. Richter was born on October 29, 1927 in Oakwood, a son of Edgar and Sophie Melton Richter.
He is survived by two sons; Darryl Richter of Minnesota, Bruce Richter of Singapore; daughter Vickie Walker of Arlington Heights, and grandsons Jonathan, Michael, and Daniel.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Roy Arnold, James Ivan, Mary Kathleen, and Richard Thomas.
Mr. Richter was a Veteran of World War II. He loved gardening.
Harold Eugene Jenkins, 67, of Temple, Georgia formerly of Fairmount, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2011 after a three year battle with cancer.
Harold was born in Fairmount January 10, 1944. He was the son of the late Harold Jenkins and Meredith Crawford Jenkins.
He was a retired concrete truck driver. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Cravens Jenkins of Temple; one daughter, Jessika Jenkins of Fairmount; three stepdaughters, Brenda Hopper of Temple, Geo.; Julie Rigdon of Ridge Farm; and Jennifer Victory of Somerset, Ken.; one son, Walter Jenkins of Hayworth; one stepson, Mark Glispie of Kingston, Wash.; mother, Meredith Crawford Jenkins of Venice, Fla.; one sister, Karen Okeson of Venice, Fla.; two grandchildren, Cory Glispie of Georgetown and Emily Victory of Somerset, Ken.; and a number of other relatives.
Private memorial services will be conducted at a later date in Florida. Hutcheson’s Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Buchanan is in charge of the arrangements.
Barbara L. Rothermel, 81, passed away on Wednesday (May 25, 2011) at the Pope County Care Center, Golconda.
Mrs. Rothermel was born Nov. 23, 1929, at Sidell, the daughter of Ernest and Piccola Leasure Guthrie. She married Kenneth J. Rothermel on Feb. 15, 1948, at Allerton. He preceded her on March 11, 2007.
She is survived by daughters Joann Stahl of Savoy and Sharon (Bob) Buchanan of Herod; son, David (Susan) Rothermel of Bradenton, Fla.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Todd) Buchanan of Golconda, Steven (Jenn) Ambler of Tampa, Fla., Trisia Rothermel of Champaign and Christine Rothermel of Urbana; great-grandchildren, Morgan Buchanan, Cydni Buchanan and Ella Lam Ambler; step-grandchildren, Barry Buchanan of Paducah, Ky., Brent (Ericia) Hotsinpiller of Charleston, Jana (Don) Nacino of Homer Glen; two step-grandchildren, Elisabeth and Nathan Nacino of Homer Glen; and one brother, Wilbur (Agnes) Guthrie of Texas.
Mrs. Rothermel was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. She enjoyed spending winters in Clewiston, Fla. She liked tending her flower gardens and painting. She went to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Golconda ,the past three years.
Funeral services were Wednesday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, with the Rev. John Sharp officating. Burial was in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Broadlands. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph, was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.
Marie Francis Myers, 101, of Fairmount, passed away at 1:32 a.m. Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the North Logan Health Care Center, Danville.
Marie was born Oct. 27, 1909, in Tuscola to Grover and Flora Roberts Elder.
She married Raymond W. Myers on Aug. 5, 1929, in Effingham. He preceded her in death on Feb 4, 1977.
Surviving are two sons, Stephen Ray (Marilyn) Myers of Danville and Darrell Wayne (Kathy) Myers of Fairmount; five grandchildren, Doug Myers of Bloomington, Andrea (Scott) Casper of Carmel, Ind., Christine Plotner of Oakwood, Theresa (Wayne) Brazelton of Danville and Kim (Cade) Potter of South Beloit; seven great-grandchildren; a special nephew, Ronald (Marge) Gaffney of Fairmount; and a special friend and neighbor, Sue Hepburn Colwell.
She was preceded in death by two brothers, Orville and Webster Elder; and her sister, Opal Gaffney Harris.
Marie graduated from Villa Grove High School. She was a substitute mail carrier and was a former teller at the First National Bank of Fairmount for many years. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Fairmount. She was a Gold Star Sister to her brother Webster who was killed in World War II.
Later in life, she was a volunteer at the Vermilion County Nursing Home. She loved her family, the outdoors, crocheting and her garden.
Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Pastor Mike Roberts officiating. Burial will be at Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
Memorials to the First Baptist Church of Fairmount or to the organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences at: www.robisonchapel.com.
Betty Lou Ward, 84, of Chrisman, formerly of Danville, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2011, at Provena USMC in Danville. She was born on Aug. 6, 1926, in Danville, the daughter of Benjamin H. and Viola E. (Wilson) Cage. Both are deceased.
Betty first married Paul Knight in 1943. Later marrying Robert Lucas in 1959 and Joel Ward in 1972. All three of her husbands preceded Betty in death.
Survivors include her son, Lawrence ‘Larry’ (Carol) Lucas of Ingleside, and her two daughters, Paula Stoaks of Sidell, and Mary (Don) True of Fort Wayne, Ind. Her six grandchildren, David (Leah) Stanton of Brownsburg, Ind., Donnie Stoaks of Sidell, Angi Fugler of Longview, Tx., Betsy (Dan) Williamson of Ft. Wayne, Ind., Ben Knight of Catlin and Jordan Knight of Danville; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren, and her sister, Joan Laird of Danville, also survive her. In addition to her parents and three husbands, her brother, John Cage, and her son, John Knight, preceded Betty in death.
She was a Danville High School, and Utterback Business College graduate. She worked for Western & Southern as an office manager and also as a medical secretary at the former Danville VA Medical Center for 25 years.
She was a faithful member of the Cornerstone Church of Christ, formerly known as, the First Church of Christ in Danville. She was a key woman for both the Pleasant Meadow Christian Village Auxiliary in Chrisman and Hanging Rock Camp. She was on the church board as treasurer for six years, enjoying the fellowship with her church family, as well as spending her time doing needle work and being with her family. She will be sadly missed by all that knew her.
Per Betty’s wishes, cremation rites will be performed at Sunset’s on-site Crematory under direct supervision of Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center. A memorial service celebrating the life of Betty Lou Ward is today (Thursday, July 28, 2011), at 10 a.m., at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, located at 3940 N. Vermilion St. in Danville with inurnment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pastor Kevin Cox has been asked to officiate the service.
A gathering for family and friends was held Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made in Betty’s name to the Cornerstone Church. E-mail condolences to www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Lawrence “Larry” Alden, 70, formerly of Fairmount, passed away on March 4, 2011.
Larry was born July 27, 1940, in Long Island, N.Y., the son of Clifton Travis and Elizabeth MacDougal Alden. Larry was proud to be a direct descendent of pilgrims John and Priscilla Alden and was a member of the Alden Kindred of America.
He attended the University of Illinois, earned a BS from Cornell University and was a self-employed engineer.
He was a member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. He married Carolyn Burgess on June 8, 1968, in Sidell. They were married 42 years and eight months.
Larry volunteered with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts of America in Illinois and Mississippi also serving as a Scout Leader and Master in Texas. He attended Philmont Boy Scout Trail Drive and Training and earned his Wood Badge with the East Texas Area Council. He was also a member of the Order of the Moose.
Larry enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling, reading, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles and leather working.
Larry is survived by his wife Carolyn; three sons, Lawrence Cameron (Kellie) Alden, Jr. of Kankakee, Louis Clifton (Amanda) Alden of Arlington, Texas, and Donald Wayne (Dusti) Alden of Colorado Springs, Colo.; a daughter, Linda Carol Alden of Tupelo, Miss.; seven grandchildren, D.J., Kyle, Rochelle, Phillip, Bryan, Ryan and Natalie; two brothers, John R. (Chris) Alden and Clifton T. Alden; and a sister, Joan (Dexter) Stone.
Graveside rites were at 4 p.m. July 27, 2011, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Robison Chapel of Catlin handled arrangements. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Darrell E. Cope, 68, of Fairmount passed away at 10:20 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2011 at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman, Illinois.
Darrell was born November 26, 1942 in Vermilion Grove, to Elihu and Lois Stark Cope. He married Mildred Shields on December 23, 1963 in Georgetown. She survives.
Also surviving are: two daughters: Kathy (Trever) Blankenship of Ridge Farm and Katrina Cope of Urbana; two sisters: Inez Wheeler of Attica, Ind., and Donna (Jerry) Cooper of Tilton; four grandchildren: Dustin (Ashley Hardesty) Blankenship of Tilton, Mariah Blankenship of Ridge Farm, Russell Cafin of Urbana, and Kia Cafin of Urbana; great-granddaughter: Emma Blankenship of Tilton; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Darrell Elihu Cope, II, four brothers: Allen, Danny, Dean, and Wayne Cope, and three sisters: Eva Hubbard, Doris Spires, and Evelyn Gaylor.
Darrell was a core setter at General Motors for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He was a farm hand who enjoyed mushrooming, fishing, woodworking and riding around looking for deer.
Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Pastor Scott McCurdy officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount. Memorials to the organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Gavin Boyd Maddox, 43, of Champaign, formerly of Sidell and Dwight, passed away at 9:10 p.m. Monday, July 4, 2011 at the Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 8 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. till service time on Friday at Robison Chapel.
Gavin was born May 14, 1968 in Danville to David and Nancy Tomaw Maddox.
Survivors include his parents of Warm Springs, Geo., one brother, Douglas (Cathy) Maddox of Warm Springs, Ga.; one sister, Lynne (Stanley) Jones of LaGrange, Ga.; two nephews, Logan Maddox and David Blumenthal; two nieces, Elizabeth Ann Maddox and Amy Blumenthal; grandparents Paul and Merna Tomaw of Danville; and three aunts, Marcia Gillis of Georgetown, Yvonna Orwig of Sidell and Rinda Maddox of Sidell.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Boyd and Wilinore Maddox; an aunt, Anita Lynn Maddox and two uncles, Steven Maddox and Kenny Orwig.
Gavin had been a resident of the Fox Development Center in Dwight, and later the Swann Care Center in Champaign. He enjoyed music, church services, and field trips.
Memorials may be made to the Fox Development Center in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences can be made at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jill J. Guthrie, 54, of Danville, Ind., formerly of Rankin and East Lynn, passed away at 2:33 p.m. Saturday, July 2, 2011 in Danville, Ind. after being involved in an automobile accident.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 8 at the Bowman Avenue United Methodist Church in Danville, Ill. with Dr. Phillip Icenogel and Rev. David Powell officiating. Burial will be in the Floral Hill Cemetery at Hoopeston. Visitation is from 9:30 a.m. till service time on Friday at the church.
Jill was born June 20, 1957 in Paxton to Oscar and Vera Raymond Johnson. She married Gene Allen Guthrie Feb. 2, 1985 in East Lynn.
Gene survives as well as three sons, Geoffrey A. Guthrie of Danville, Ind., Greggory A. Guthrie of Danville, Ind., and Gary A. Guthrie of Danville, Ind.; two daughters, Gretchen A. Guthrie of Indianapolis, Ind., and Gina A. Guthrie of Danville, Ind.; three brothers, Richard (Beulah) Johnson of Taylorville, Marvin Johnson of Danville, Ill., and Larry (Sherry) Johnson of East Lynn; one sister-in-law, Christine Johnson of Savoy and her mother and father-in-law, Clifford and Rhea Guthrie of Danville. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother,
DeWayne.
Jill was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church and the YMCA of Avon, Ind., and enjoyed shopping, cooking, gardening, swimming and photography. She was currently on the staff of Hendricks Regional Hospital in Danville, Ind. as a dietary aide.
Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling the service arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Jill Guthrie Memorial Fund in care of Robison Chapel in Catlin. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Douglas W. Hamm, 87, of Danville, passed away Thursday, August 4, 2011 at the Danville VA.
Douglas was born Nov. 12, 1923 to Hobart and Myrtle (Clark) Hamm.
He is survived by his wife, Ella (Evans) Hamm, his children, Glen (Carol Fonner) Hamm of Sheridan, Sandy (Jim) Brown of Willow Springs, grandchildren, Michele Hamm, Doug (Tiffany) Hamm, Ella (Chad) Brown Dunn, Caralee Brown, Justin Brown, Jessica Dungan; great-grandchildren, Erin Hamm, Meagan Hamm, Mitch Hamm, Zoe Dunn, Bradyn Kirts; great-great-granddaughter LilaRay Hamm, his brother Laverne (Betty) Hamm, Sharon Tester, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Caralena (Mike) Dungan, his great-great-granddaughter, Lilly Ann Hamm, his brother, Raymond Hamm, and his sisters, Hilda McDaniel and Wilda Jean Smith.
Mr. Hamm served in the 12th Army Corps in an artillery battalion during WWII landing at Utah beach at Normandy. He was involved in many battles through France, Belgium, Germany, Czechoslovakia and Austria and saw many of the atrocities that the war created. Although he seldom ever spoke of the war his experiences made him appreciate the freedoms that we have and he flew an American flag in his front yard every day of his life because of it. He was employed at General Motors after the war and then worked at Bohn Aluminum over 30 years as the supervisor of the R & D lab before retiring. During his years at Bohn he was instrumental in the design of an expansion valve that was used in thousands of Bohn Aluminum refrigeration units.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made to the donor’s choice or the American Heart Association or the St. James United Methodist Church.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 13, 2011 at Greenview cemetery, Fairmount. Catlin American Legion will provide full military honors. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
John Richard Nesbitt, 78, of rural Indianola, passed away at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman, following a lengthy illness.
He was a beloved husband to the late Shirley Nesbitt; loving father of David (Sandy) Nesbitt of Georgetown, Doug (Lisa) Nesbitt of Bringhurst, Ind., and Nancy (Roger) Burris of Ridge Farm; and proud grandfather of Chelsea Nesbitt of Lincoln, Haleigh Nesbitt of Indianapolis, Lauren and Noah Nesbitt of Bringhurst, Ind., and Danielle, Bryant and Megan Burris of Ridge Farm.
John was born July 29, 1933, the third of four children born to Herbert and Martha (McCoy) Nesbitt. John graduated from Indianola High School in 1951, where he was the only boy in his class. He attended Eastern Illinois University and graduated from the University of Illinois before entering the Army.
After his military service, John married Shirley Ann Gardner on Dec. 27, 1959, in Georgetown at the First Church of Christ, where they were both members. John returned to the family farm where he raised grain and Angus cattle and chickens and never officially retired from farming. Early in the marriage, John and Shirley delivered eggs to area businesses.
A good neighbor and friend of many, John was known for being generous and involved in his community. He served on the Jamaica Consolidated School Board for 16 years as well as the Production Credit Association Board, Vermilion County Farm Bureau and Indianola Volunteer Fire Department Board. He was a member of the Indianola Lions Club and Illinois Farm Bureau.
John enjoyed traveling, Illini sports and being a dedicated fan of all his grandchildren's sports and activities.
John was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Nesbitt, on Nov. 21, 2002. He also was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Nesbitt; and sister, Janet Nesbitt Clevenger.
Along with his children and grandchildren, John is survived by a sister, Judy Nesbitt of Catlin; a niece; three nephews; and their families.
John's body lost its battle with cancer, but his soul is celebrating victory with Jesus.
A celebration of John's life was held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, at First Church of Christ, Georgetown, with Steve Rutter and Pastor James Blue officiating. Honoring John's wishes, he will be cremated with a private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial donations may be given in his name to Pleasant Meadows Christian Village or to Vermilion County Relay for Life.
Please, join John's family in sharing memories of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Glenn Allen Baird, 77, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Glenn was born March 17, 1934, in Indianola to Verne and Delora Prunkard Baird.
He married Sona Miles in April 1989 in Las Vegas, Nev. She survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Porter (Christine) Baird of Ridge Farm and Rodney Miles of Vienna; one step-son: Marvin Personette of Ridge Farm; seven daughters, Debra Hall of Kingman, Ind., Carol Smith of Fresno, Calif., Becky Reed of Fresno, Calif., Carla (Mark Mershon) Tangier, Ind., Kimberly Whitney of Leesville, La., Kathy (Terry) Jacobs of Danville and Nancy Wallace of Bloomington; one step-daughter, Carla Ogle of Hillsdale, Ind.; one sister, Lena Shepherd of Veedersburg, Ind.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Kremitzki, two brothers and two sisters.
Glenn was a Korean War veteran. He was an iron worker and a jack of all trades. He enjoyed traveling, fishing, playing cards and telling his stories to all who would listen, and there were many who did.
He will be greatly missed by his wife who considered him a legend of his time and a loving husband.
Graveside rites were Sept. 26 at Vermilion Grove Cemetery with Rev. Gary Farris officiating. Robison Chapel, Catlin was in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences can be made at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jessica Lynn Wagle Curry, 29, of Jamaica passed away at 9:16 am on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 at her home.
Funeral services will be 12 noon Friday at the First Baptist Church in Fairmount with Reverend Mike Roberts officiating. Burial in Oak Hill Cemetery, Danville. Visitation from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the church.
Jessica was born on Sept. 14, 1982 in Danville to Richard and Toni Lomax Wagle.
Surviving are her parents of Fairmount; two brothers Richard (Sharlotte) Wagle of Indianola and Cory Wagle of Las Cruces, New Mexico; one sister Kayce Wagle of Jamaica; and maternal grandparents William and Mildred A. Lomax of Oakwood, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Kenneth H. and Louise M. (Meithe) Wagle.
Jessica had formerly worked at Pet World since high school and later joined Pet Supplies Plus, as manager, currently serving in that position. She enjoyed origami, collecting butterflies, reading, cross stitching, baking cakes, pies and cookies, decorating cakes and loved animals.
Memorials may be made to Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Thomas Rodney Crawford, 78, of Catlin, passed away at 3:35 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at his home.
Rodney was born Nov. 26, 1932, in Fairmount to Harold “Hezzy” E. and Frances R. Puzey Crawford.
He married Elinor Valentine on Feb. 12, 1956, in Catlin. She preceded him in death Sept. 10, 2004.
Surviving are two sons, Scott A. (Lynne) Crawford of Ridge Farm and Steven (Tammy) Crawford of Catlin; one daughter, Sue Lynn (Louis) Herdle of Catlin; one brother, Kerry (Cathy) Crawford of Fairmount; eight grandchildren, Thomas Earl Crawford, Justin Alan White, Perry Earl White, Noah Edward White, Haley Rebecca Crawford and Matthew James Crawford; one step-grandson, Barry D. LaFond II; and one step-granddaughter, Bridget Deitz.
Rodney served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer who was a member of the Catlin Lions Club, the Antiquarians, the Catlin Historical Society and a trustee of the Catlin United Methodist Church.
He enjoyed spending time with his family, antiquing, going to tractor shows and having coffee with his friends.
Funeral services were Thursday at Catlin United Methodist Church, with Pastor Jan Miller officiating. Burial was at Jones Grove Cemetery, Catlin. Robison Chapel, Catlin was in charge of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Catlin UMC or the Catlin Historical Society.
Online condolences at: www.robisonchapel.com.
Paul J. “Tom” Tomaw, 86, of Sidell, passed away at 11:21 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 16, 2011, at the Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Merna Tomaw, 88 of Sidell, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 18, 2011, at the Hawthorne Inn Nursing Care facility in Danville.
Paul was born on Sept. 19, 1924 in Metcalf, a son of Charles Henry and Cora Verlie Hart Tomaw.
Merna was born on Feb. 23, 1923 in Casey, a daughter of Glenn Sylvester and Jennie May Skipper Neibarger.
They were married May 27, 1950 in Sidell.
Surviving the couple are two daughters, Nancy (David) Maddox of Warm Springs, Ga., and Yvonna Orwig of Sidell; grandchildren Lynne (Stanley) Jones of LaGrange, Ga., Douglas (Cathy) Maddox of Warm Springs, Ga., and Kyle (Carrie) Orwig of Sidell; great-grandchildren David and Amy Blumenthal, Beth Ann and Logan Maddox, and Connor Bond.
Survivors also include Paul’s sister-in-law Roberta Tomaw of Sidell and Merna’s brother, Kenneth (Margie) Neibarger of Newman and brother-in-law Arthur Todd of Ridge Farm.
Paul and Merna were preceded in death by a grandson, Gavin Maddox and their son-in-law Kenneth Orwig. Also preceding them in death were Paul’s brothers, Ronald and Deward and his sister-in-law Rena Tomaw and Merna’s brother, Forrest Neibarger and sisters Verla Jones and Alta Mae Todd.
Paul was retired from General Motors and a member of the UAW Retiree’s Local 579.
A funeral service for Paul and Merna was held Wednesday at the Sidell Baptist Church with Pastor Tim Pearman officiating. Burial was held at Fairview Cemetery in Sidell. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials to the couple may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association.
Larry L. Dillman, 69, of Pataskala, Ohio, passed away on Sept. 9, 2011 after an accident.
He was born to the late Leon and Thelma (Mingee) Dillman on Aug. 22, 1941 at Lakeview Hospital in Danville.
He was raised in Sidell with his brothers Jim Evans and Don Dillman. He was a member of the Sidell Baptist Church. He graduated from Jamaica High School in 1960.
Right after graduation he and his brother Don joined the U.S. army on the buddy system and served proudly during Vietnam. He retired from Defense Finance and Accounting Services (DFAS) and was a member of Capital City Baptist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife, Peggy (Elswick) Dillman; children, Mark (Angela) Gohring and Angela (Roger) Bias; grandchildren, Brittany, Roy III and Becca Bias and Carley Gohring; great-grandchildren, Madalyn Rae, Roy IV and Aubrina; brothers, Jim (Jan) Evans and Don (Barbara) Dillman; dear and faithful cousin, Judy Mitchell, and daughters, Sherri and Tina; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded by four infant brothers.
Burial was Sept. 12 at Pataskala Cemetery with Pastor Mark Carpenter officiating. Pfeifer Funeral Home, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, was in charge of arrangements.
Donations may be made to Capital City Baptist Church. Condolences may be offered online at www.pfeiferfuneral.com.
Roger F. Lohrmann, 86, longtime Fairmount resident, most recently of Liberty Estates, passed away at 7:48 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 31, 2011 at the USMC Logan Campus, Danville.
Roger was born Feb. 26, 1925 in Hillsdale, Ind., to James E. and Hazel Crane Lohrmann. He married Millicent Cobb on Oct. 8, 1949 in Henderson, Ky. She survives. Also surviving are: two daughters: Janet (Harold) Puzey of Berea, Ky., and Cindy (Brian) Cast of Billings, Mont.; three brothers: Robert (Mary Lou) Lohrmann of Rockville, Ind., Charles “Bud” Lohrmann of Montezuma, Ind., and Mike Lohrmann of Brazil, Ind.; two sisters: Donna Sears of Rockville, Ind., and Bonnie (Jim) Watts of Mt. Pleasant, S.C.; five grandchildren: Suzzanne Williams, Mark Puzey, Joe Puzey, Carl Hawthorne, and Chris Cast; and four great-grandchildren: Harrison Cast, William Cast, Cooper Williams, and Will Puzey. He was preceded in death by one daughter: Victoria Southall; four brothers: Virgil, Rex, Frank, and Joe; two sisters: Virginia and Betty Jean.
Roger served in the US Navy. He graduated from Indiana State Teachers College. He was the business manager for the Trisler Seed Farms in Fairmount for 40 years. He was an avid walker who taught his daughters to fish. He enjoyed sports, parks and woods, and was an avid reader.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Tues., Sept. 6, 2011 at Robison Chapel, Catlin with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Entombment in Sunset Mausoleum in Danville. Memorials to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Ronald Allen Jones, 64, of Sidell passed away Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 1:14 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born May 25, 1947 in Tuscola, the son of Charles and Maxine Porter Jones. He married Marsha Thomas, April 10, 1976. She survives.
He is also survived by two daughters, Crystal Jones, of Ridge Farm, and Jessica Stonebraker, of Hoopeston. He has 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
Ron has two special brothers, Roger Eugene (Jo Ellen) Jones of Danville and Hugh Elmer (Suzanna) Jones of Georgetown.
Ron served in the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970. He was employed at Dyna Chem of Georgetown.
He was preceeded in death by his parents, a sister, Barbra Kay, and a grandson, Lance Allen Jones.
He was loved and will be missed.
Nellie Ellen Pletch, 98, of Decatur, was welcomed home into the loving arms of our Lord and Savior Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011.
Nellie was born Oct. 24, 1912, in Neoga, daughter of Joel and Hattie White Strohl. She married Vernon Clay Pletch of Fairmount on March 12, 1932. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother because of her love for the Lord. She was equally loved by her family.
She is survived by three daughters, Mary (Tom) Atkins of Maroa, Norma (John) Chow of Georgetown and Bonnie (Reggie) Miles of Decatur; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Dona Petty.
She was preceded by her husband, granddaughter Tatiana and nine siblings.
Services were August 29 at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial was at Davis Cemetery, Fairmount.
Memorials may be sent to Men’s Ministry at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care of Decatur was in charge of arrangements.
The family wishes to thank Dr. G. Patel and the fourth-floor staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Guestbook available at www.leavememoriesnotdebt.com.
Bud Mitchell, 70, of Fairmount, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2011, at Cape Coral Memorial Hospital, Cape Coral, Fla. Visitation will be this Sunday, Nov. 6, from 2-4 p.m. at Robison Chapel, Catlin.
He was born Dec. 4, 1940, to George Harlan “Pat” and Dorothy Richter Mitchell.
Surviving are two sons, Kevin Mitchell of Danville and Kirk Mitchell of Anna; one daughter, Kristi (Troy) Kirby of Fairmount; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one sister, Charlotte Willoughby; and one niece, Sue McIntosh.
Bud enjoyed golfing, fall mushroom hunting and loved eagle memorabilia. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion and owned and operated Bud’s Heating and Cooling from 1972 to his retirement in 1994.
Online condolences at: www.robisonchapel.com.
Kenneth Clarkston, 53, of Indianola, passed away at 4:06 p.m. Monday, Oct. 17, 2011, at home.
He was born Feb. 2, 1958, in Clinton, Ind., the son of Lawrence and Juanita Burke Clarkston.
Ken married Marty Bennett on May 6, 1989, in Georgetown.
She will miss him along with his mother, Juanita Murray of Indianola; three sons, Kenneth (Chrissy Martin) Clarkston II of Westville and Kacy Clarkston and Wyatt Clarkston, both of Indianola; two daughters, Kalona (Mark) Forman of Danville and Ashley (Charles) Terry of Chrisman; one sister, Dixie (David) Sowers of Bloomingdale, Ind.; three brothers, John (Wanda) Clarkston of Cates, Ind., Howard (Shirley) Clarkston of Advance, Mo., and Jack (Laura) Clarkston of Kingman, Ind.; also five grandchildren, Ashland, Kenneth III, Ariel, Daniel and Dakota.
He was preceded by his father; stepfather, Floyd Murray; and one brother, Larry.
Ken had previously worked for Mitsubishi Motors in Bloomington and was a member of the U.A.W. Local 2488.
He enjoyed working on cars and was known as “Mr. Fix It.”
He loved horseback riding and going to antique auctions. Most of all, he enjoyed his family and grandkids.
Services were Oct. 22 at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown, with Pastor Paul Kent officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Memorials may be given to an education fund for his sons, Kacy and Wyatt, c/o Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home.
Please, join Ken’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos of his life through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhomes.com.
Cathy (Cunningham) Kirby died Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 2:30 a.m. with her family present.
She was born May 24, 1974 to Howard Cunningham and Candace (Gossett) Cunningham.
Surviving is her mother, brothers Dwain (Jamie) Cunningham of Sidell, Kevin (Becky) Cunningham of Sidell, Chris (Jessica) Cunningham of Sidell, stepfather Stewart Widlund, five nephews, six nieces and one great nephew.
Cathy was preceded in death by her father Howard Cunningham.
Cathy loved all children, dogs and cats. Her favorites were spending time with her family, karaoke, bingo, telling jokes and laughing. She will be missed by all who knew her.
There will be a dinner in her memory Saturday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. at the Sidell Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome.
Julie Ann Glispie Rigdon of Temple, Ga., passed away at Emory University Hospital, Decatur, Ga., September, 10, 2011. She was formerly of Fairmount, and Ridge Farm.
Born in Paris on June 21, 1960, she graduated from Jamaica High School. She retired from Danville Correctional Department. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Rigdon, who passed away August 15, 2011.
She is survived by her son, Cory Glispie, mother, Shirley Jenkins, sisters, Brenda Hopper of Temple, Ga., Jennifer (Mark) Victory, loving niece, Emily Victory, of Somerset, Ky., and brother Mark (Melody) Glispie of Kingston, Wa. Two step-children of Paris and step-grandchildren Hannah, Jared, and Lauren Bowers, Madyson and Jackson Rigdon also of Paris.
Julie was cremated at Hutchinson Memorial Chapel in Buchanan, Ga. Friends and relatives are invited to a Memorial Service for Julie at Edgewood Center at Forest Glen County Park, Westville, Oct. 29, at 5:00 p.m. A cookout will follow the service.
Bennie E. Nichols, 69, of Indianola, passed away at 3 a.m. Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at his home.
Bennie was born July 9, 1942, in Cates, Ind., to Fred and Lena Jean Walters Nichols. He married Jessie Evelyn Baker on March 1, 1980, in Danville. She preceded him in death on April 4, 2011.
Surviving are: four sons, Kenny (Carla) Nichols of Perrysville, Ind., Rodney Nichols of Indianola, Brian (Christy) Nichols of Maryville, Tenn., and Darin Nichols of Indianola; three stepsons, Kevin Drennan of Hoopeston, Mike (Rita) Drennan of Alvin and Tim (Chris) Drennan of Indianola; three brothers, Les (Freda) Nichols of Hot Springs Village, Ark., Earl (Sandy) Nichols of Bloomington, Ind., and Murray Nichols of Perrysville, Ind.; one sister, Joyce Nichols of Kingman, Ind.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Amber Drennan.
Bennie worked at General Motors for 19 years. He enjoyed going to auctions and gardening.
Funeral services were Thursday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial was at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck.
Memorials to may be made to the Sidell Baptist Church. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Meredith L. Jenkins, 93, of Venice, Fla., formerly of Fairmount, died on November 11, 2011. She was born on September 14, 1918.
Survivors include her daughter Karen J. (Ed) Okeson of Venice, Fla.; two grandchildren; four step grandchildren; and three step great grandchildren. Meredith was predeceased by her husband, Harold, and by her son, Harold, Jr.
A gathering took place on Wednesday, November 16 from 2-3 p.m. at Farley Funeral Home Venice Chapel with a funeral service beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at a later date at Venice Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to TideWell Hospice, Inc., 5955 Rand Blvd., Sarasota, FL 34238.
To send condolences visit www.farleyfuneralhome.com.
Dorthia Atkinson, 97, longtime Sidell area farm wife and homemaker, passed away Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at 4:35 p.m. at Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.
Dorthia was born Oct. 7, 1914 in Indianola to Ernest S. and Hattie Knight VanVolkenburg. She married M.M. “Pete” Atkinson Nov. 22, 1930 in Urbana. Pete passed away June 6, 1993.
Survivors include two daughters Frances Wilson of Lincoln and Sara (Dick) Starkey of Sidney; five grandchildren, Rick Spesard, Randy Spesard, Ray Spesard, Tom Peters, and Julie Pioletti; 16 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one son Montell Eugene Atkinson, one half brother, one step brother, one sister, and two step-sisters.
Dorthia worked as a secretary for the Health Improvement Association in Danville for several years, had been a telephone operator in Sidell, as well as a Red Cross Gray Lady. She was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church and enjoyed ceramics, sewing, cooking, as well as being a 4-H Leader. She especially liked being a grandmother and was an avid watcher and supporter of Illini Basketball.
Funeral services were Wednesday at the Sidell United Methodist Church, with Rev. Charlie Graul officiating. Burial was in the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Memorials to Sidell United Methodist Church or Coaches-vs.-Cancer in care of Robison Chapel, Catlin. Robison Chapel is handling the service details. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Herschel L Hillery, 84, formerly of Allerton, died at 11:15 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 at the VA’s Illiana Health Care System in Danville. Services will be in January. Robison Chapel is handling the arrangements.
Juanita Brown, 81 of Urbana, formerly of Sidell, passed away Sat., Dec. 10, 2011, at noon at Carle Hospital. Mrs. Brown was born Sept. 1, 1930 in Allerton, a daughter of Walter and Ninnie Banner Smith. She married Glenn Brown who preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death are three brothers and two sisters.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Brown was an avid bowler and enjoyed crafts. She worked for 40 years as a bookkeeper for Hooker & Sons in Sidell. She also worked for the Village of Sidell for 10 years.
Funeral services were Tuesday at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Burial was at the VA National Cemetery in Danville.
Clifford D. Guthrie, 84, of Sidell passed away at 7:24 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Clifford was born Sept. 14, 1927, in Indianola. He was the son of Charles and Fern Place Guthrie, but was raised by his stepfather, T.O. Dillon. He married Rhea Bennett on March 19, 1950, in Sidell. She survives of Danville.
Also surviving are one son, Gene Guthrie of Danville, Ind.; two daughters, Sue (John) Batts of Yucca Valley, Calif., and Leslie (Henry) Vasquez of Weston, Fla.; one brother, Ray (Kaye) Dillon of Veedersburg, Ind.; 10 grandchildren, Chad Batts, Brandon Batts, Geoffrey Guthrie, Ryan Vasquez, Greggory Guthrie, Gretchen Guthrie, Brittany Vasquez, Gary Guthrie, Gina Guthrie, and Gabriela Vasquez; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one daughter, Fae Guthrie; one brother, Gene Allen Guthrie; and daughter-in-law, Jill Guthrie.
Clifford graduated from the University of Illinois with bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was a teacher at Fairmount for one year. He taught and was an administrator at the Danville Public Schools for 12 years. Then, he was a teacher and administrator for the Bassett Unified School District in California for 20 years. After retiring in California, he returned to Illinois and taught at Jamaica School for nine years.
He also coached elementary basketball and Little League baseball. He taught night school and worked recreation on the weekends.
He was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church, was a 50-year Mason, and was a life member of the California and Illinois Teachers Associations. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Cubs and Illini fan. He enjoyed spending time with his family.
Funeral services were Tuesday at the Sidell United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlie Graul and Pastor Gene Guthrie officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorials to Sidell United Methodist Church. Robison Chapel, Catlin handled arrangements www.robisonchapel.com.
Michael Casey, 67, of Fairmount, formerly of Mark, passed this life at 6:55 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Mike was born Aug. 14, 1944, in Knoxville, Tenn., the son of Louis “Dunny” and Helen (Siebert) Casey.
Mike is survived by his wife of 12 years, Susie Dodd-Casey. Mike and Susie were married March 25, 2000, in Savoy. He is also survived by stepsons, Jeff (Amber) Dodd and Kevin (Tami) Dodd of Fairmount; three sons, Michael (Maria) Casey Jr. of Phoenix, Ariz., Anthony Casey of Kentucky and Mitch (Heather) Casey of Plano, Tx.; daughter, Michele (Craig) Nighsonger of Mark; brothers, Louis (Barb) Casey and Dean Casey of Hennepin; sister, Glenda Casey of Corona, Calif.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.
Mike was an avid woodworker and NASCAR fan. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and family. Mike was a union iron worker out of Local 386 in LaSalle. He retired from the Athletic Department (DIA) at the University of Illinois on June 1, 2010.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Debbie Casey of Hennepin; and beloved pet, Molly Mae Casey.
Per Mike’s wishes, a memorial service will be held in his honor at 11 a.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 2011, at Faith Church in Fairmount, with casual dress requested. Donations may be made to Faith Church or family for further memorial to Mike and Molly. Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.
Wilma B. Meehan, 97, of Newman, formerly of Allerton, passed away Sunday, Dec. 4, 2011, at 8:35 p.m. at Newman Rehabilitation Center in Newman.
Mrs. Meehan was born April 10, 1914, in Hunt City, a daughter of Jake and Edna Neibarger Seaton. She married Owen Meehan on May 3, 1931. He passed away.
Survivors include two daughters, Alice Toppe and Leah (Robert) Darley, both of Allerton; one daughter-in-law, Terry Meehan of Bedford; two sisters, Margaret Trizzle of Oakland and Mattie Hutson of Prairie Du Chien, Wis.; six grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, two sons, two sisters and one son-in-law.
Mrs. Meehan was a restaurant cook for many years. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and working puzzles. She lived with her daughter, Alice, for the past 7 1/2 years before recently going to the nursing home.
Funeral services were Wednesday at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Burial was in St. Mary’s Cemetery in Paris.
Gerald Swank, 71, of West Carrollton, Ohio, formerly of Danville, was born Oct. 16, 1940, in Indianola, to Ruth W. Franzen.
He passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in his home.
He graduated from Jamaica High School in 1959 and spent two years at Eastern Illinois University where he played football. He served in the United States Army from 1961-1964, during the Vietnam War era.
He married the love of his life, Barbara Sutherland, on Nov. 24, 1986. He loved football, bowling and playing euchre.
Gerald is survived by his wife, Barbara; one son, Rick (Kristi) Swank; four daughters, April Nowak, Lisa (Johona) Sutherland, Wendi (Timothy) Walsh and Tammy (Brian) Leigh; 11 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
A celebration of Gerald’s life was Monday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville, with Pastor Jim Blue officiating. Burial was at Oak Hill Cemetery in Hillery.
Memorials can be made in Gerald’s name to Children’s Hospital of Dayton.
Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ruth A. Snook, 80, of Sidell, passed away at Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at 1:41 p.m. at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
Ruth was born March 17, 1931, to Albert C. and Reba (Bettice) Rogers in Lafayette, Ind.
She married Earl B. Snook on June 18, 1962, in Urbana. He preceded her in death in December of 2001.
She is survived by one son, Charlie (Susie) Koss of Sidell; and four daughters, Treva (Jim) Simmons of Sidell, Reba (Don) Haun of Westville, Ruthie Koss of Westville and Connie Weidenburner of Ridge Farm; 14 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
She was known to many as mom or grandma. She leaves behind two very special friends, Joyce Rogers and Rowena Rogers, and two friends who were like sons, George Rogers and Tim Atkins.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three sons, Jimmy, Frank and Ricky Koss; six brothers; and one sister.
Ruth earned her GED in 1981 and spent two years at Danville Area Community College. She was a member of St. Isaac’s in Georgetown.
Ruth enjoyed spending time with family and friends. When at home, she enjoyed watching the Western channel with her son-in-law Slim. She has a very special great-granddaughter, Audrey, with whom she had taken up painting and coloring and watching Walt Disney movies.
A celebration of Ruth’s life was Wednesday at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home, in Danville, with pastors Kevin Cox and Randy Taylor officiating. Entombment was at Sunset Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made in Ruth’s name to an education fund for her granddaughter.
Condolences may be left at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Linda Kay Emerick Miles Calloway of Chiefland, Fla. went to heaven on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 at 8 a.m. after losing her battle to cancer.
She was born in Paris, Ill. on July 16, 1963 to Cecil Emerick Jr. and Martha Jean Emerick.
Survivors include her husband, Donald Calloway Jr.; three children, Justin Calloway of Chiefland, Bruce (Michelle) Miles of Georgetown and Robyn (Bobby) Skinner of Louisville, Ky.; father Cecil Emerick of Sidell; brothers, Bill (Judy) Emerick and D.J. (Billie Jo) Emerick, all of Sidell and Rick Miles of Danville, father of her two oldest children.
Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Martha Jean Emerick, and four grandchildren.
Linda’s pride and joy were her two grandchildren, Bryson Miles and Madyson Skinner.
Linda was a graduate of Jamaica High School, Class of 1981. She was a former employee of Pleasant Meadows nursing home of Chrisman and Vermilion Manor nursing home of Danville. She enjoyed arts and crafts, going to flea markets, and reading.
Linda resided in Chiefland with her husband, Don and son, Justin.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown to them during this time to Haven’s Hospice of Chiefland.
Arrangements were made by Krabel Funeral Home. Services were at the Sidell United Methodist Church Wednesday. Linda was laid to rest at Fairview Cemetery, Sidell.
Shirley Voight, 74, of Fairmount, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011 at 11:15 p.m. at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
Shirley was born Feb. 16, 1937 in Hazard, Ky. to Lester and Bessie Whitt North. She married Jack Voight March 30, 1957 in Reno, Nev.
Jack survives as well as one son, Jeffrey S. Voight of Arlington, Va.; one daughter, Nancy Jo Jacobs of Champaign; two brothers, Jim (Samiko) North of Bloomington, Ind. and Arnold (Cheryl) Towner of San Antonio, Texas; one sister, Nancy (Keith) Carter of Fairmount; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Jo.
Shirley was a certified operating room technician and had worked in the health care field. She was a master quilter and designed many quilts.
In keeping with Shirley’s wishes no services will be held. Burial will be at a later date.
Memorials in her memory to the American Cancer Society. The Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
John M. Fisher, 68, well-known, long time Indianola farmer, more recently of Tavares, Fla., and Danville, passed away suddenly Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011 at 1:07 p.m. at Leesburg Regional Medical Center in Leesburg, Fla.
Funeral services are Saturday at 1:30 p.m. and visitation is Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., both at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Drew Mentzer will be officiating. Burial is in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola with military honors by the Catlin American Legion.
John was born July 29, 1943 in Danville to S. Deneen and Violet Evelyn Harrier Fisher. John married Paula Cunningham May 21, 2004.
Paula survives, as well as two sons, John Michael (Missy) Fisher of Danville and Scott A. Fisher of Alvin; one brother, Lee (Bette) Fisher of Ft. Myers, Fla.; two grandchildren, Amber and Michelle Fisher; one great-granddaughter, Emma Fisher; cousin, Carol Jo Holaves; and special friends, Tinker Tate and Carl Satterwhite. He was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt Marjorie Kavanaugh.
A 1961 Jamaica High School graduate, John enlisted in the U.S. Army that same year. He was stationed in Germany where he was an atomic demolition/munitions specialist and an expert M-14 rifleman.
After returning to Indianola, he began his farming career, operating a cow and calf operation, while pursuing his love of horses. He acquired and trained cutting horses and competed in several team roping events at the Will Rogers Coliseum in Fort Worth, Texas.
He was one of the first farmers to practice no-till farming, along with his partner Bill Stine. He moved to Oklahoma in 1998 to enjoy the western culture, but remained active in farming till 2005.
John enjoyed fishing, and collecting Oliver Tractors. He had a dry sense of humor and quick wit. His favorite saying, “You don’t know what you like, you like what you know.”
John was always just a “Farmer and Cowboy.”
Memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.