Obituaries 2012
Nola Claire Gustin, 80, of Sidell went home to be with her Lord at 7:44 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Nola was born April 1, 1931 in Sidell to Harold and Bertha Ratcliff Swinford. She married Veit Ivan Gustin on Nov. 9, 1950 in Danville. He survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Larry (Suzanne) Gustin of Fairmount and Bill (Leisa) Gustin of Holt, Mich.; two brothers, Joe (Peggy) Swinford of Pekin and Phil (Aileen) Swinford of Sidell; one sister, Claudine (John) Boen of Oakwood; a sister-in-law, Robbye Lyn Swinford of Tomball, Texas; four grandchildren, Jason (Dara) Gustin, Jamie (Mike) Gensler, Timothy Gustin and Zachary Gustin; and two great-grandchildren, Jairus Gustin and Josslyn Gensler.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Richard Swinford, and one grandson Christopher Gustin.
Nola graduated from Sidell High School in 1950. She was a member of the Sidell Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, knitting, traveling, and collecting tea pots. She loved spending time with her family and researching her family’s genealogy.
Funeral services were Wednesday at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Ed Logan officiating. Burial was in the Fairview Cemetery, Sidell. Memorials can be made to the Sidell Baptist Church. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Emma Loretta Lahne, 73, of Allerton passed away on Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012, at the Newman Rehabilitation Center in Newman,.
Mrs. Lahne was born on Dec. 3, 1938 in Allerton, a daughter of Dolly R. and Mary Brooks Forren. She married Ronald (Rabbit) Lahne on June 3, 1956 in Sidell. He preceded her in death on March 9, 2003. A sister Josephine Brown also precedes her in death.
Survivors include a son Mike (Joyce) Lahne of St. Louis, as well as their son and Emma’s grandson Travis Lahne; a son Gary (Diane) Lahne of Allerton, as well as their children and Emma’s granddaughters Ashley and Taylar Lahne; a daughter Debbie (Randy) Lanter of Champaign, as well as Debbie’s daughters and Emma’s granddaughters, Nicole (Jesse) Johnson, and their son and Emma’s great grandson Grady Lahne Johnson, and Heidi (and her fiancé Tim Lewis) Loos.
A brother Dolly Lee (Mary Jo) Forren of Tuscan, Ariz. also survives.
Mrs. Lahne lived in the Allerton area her entire life. She was a member and very active in the Allerton United Methodist Church and the Allerton United Methodist Women’s group. She was also a member of the Broadlands Red Hat Society and cleaned houses in the Allerton area for many years. She was very devoted to her family.
Funeral services were Monday at Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Rev. Clyde Snyder officiated. Burial was in Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman.
Memorials may be made to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice, the Newman Rehabilitation Center, or to the donor’s choice.
Carl Davis, 85, of Fairmount, well known area farmer, passed away at 1:18 a.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at Carle Hospital in Urbana, after a sudden illness.
He was born May 10, 1926 in Muncie, to Albert and Mary Wise Davis. Carl married Rosemary Salrin on September 18, 1949 at the First Presbyterian Church in Fairmount, with Rev. Lee Smith officiating. Rosie survives as well as two sons, Mike (Marsha) Davis of Danville and Bob (Sally) Davis of Fairmount; one daughter, Connie Fritz Mullen of Fairmount; one brother, Don (Edie) Davis of Covington, Ind.; one sister, Bernice (Bill) Grubb of Covington, Ind.; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Joe and Lloyd, and four sisters, Rose, Laverne, Delores, and Nellie.
Carl was raised on the farm and spent his entire life farming, he did custom bailing and shelling. Rosie was his partner and worked alongside him throughout their married life both on and off the farm. Carl especially loved being with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed coffee with his Oakwood Truck stop buddies, especially Chuck Tiffin. He was an avid Cardinals fan and enjoyed RV traveling and had friends in both the US and Canada.
Carl was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, GAO Grotto, Ansar Shrine, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club and rode the 25 man supercycle. He was also a past member of the Elks Club and had served on the Fairmount Grade School Board.
Funeral services were Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Mike Roberts officiated. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Memorials to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or the Fairmount Rescue. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Glenn L. Swigart, 94, of Georgetown, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at 8:15 p.m. at the Veterans Affairs Illiana Health Care System, Danville.
A memorial service will begin at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 13, at Georgetown United Methodist Church, 400 N. Main St., Georgetown, with pastors Jennie Chin, Matt Filicsky and Mark Wyer officiating. As were his wishes, Glenn was cremated and will be laid to rest in Davis Cemetery in Fairmount.
He was born Oct. 25, 1917, in Camargo, the son of Czerny and Margaret (Stunkard) Swigart, both deceased.
He was married to Betty Van Valkenburg on Oct. 25, 1947, in Danville, until her passing on April 4, 1981.
He leaves behind his son, Alan Swigart of Danville; his daughters Dianna (David) McNeese of Westville, Glenda Fuller of Danville and Lisa (Mark) Wyer of Georgetown; his 11 grandchildren; his 16 great-grandchildren with one on the way; his one great-great-granddaughter; and his sister, Margaret Oakley of Fort Wayne, Ind.
He was preceded in death by his son, David Swigart; his close friend, Edith Rose; his four brothers; and three sisters.
Glenn was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He worked as a farmhand for several years in the Fairmount area. He was a member of the American Legion Dornblaser Post 203. He enjoyed working on cars, fishing and hunting. He loved spending time with his family and friends.
Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.Memorial donations may be given in his name to the VA in Danville.
Please join Glenn’s family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Wanda L. Byrd, 85, passed away Monday, Jan. 9, 2012 at 5:40 a.m. at Champaign-Urbana Regional Rehab Center in Savoy.
There will be a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St. in Champaign, with the visitation being one hour prior to the service. The Rev. Mike Roberts will officiate. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana.
Wanda was born on Sept. 18, 1926, at Fairmount, a daughter of Glenn and Margaret (Sandlin) Moreman. She married Paul E. Byrd on July 19, 1947, in Champaign. He died on Jan. 17, 1990.
Survivors include one stepdaughter, Barbara (Earl) Ohrnstein of Champaign; five stepgrandchildren, Paula Lain of Champaign, Dan Ohrnstein of Glen Ellyn, Lee Ohnstein of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, David Revell of White Heath and Mark Ohrnstein of Springfield; 11 stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Moreman; a sister, Glenna Jean Bradley; a stepdaughter, Connie Revell; and her stepgranddaughter, Beth Lain Biggie.
Wanda graduated from Fairmount High School and Illinois Commercial College. She worked at both Duckett Paper and Murphy-Hughes Inc. Wanda spent the majority of her life employed by the Illinois Department of Employment Security, retiring after 30 years of service. She was also a member of Old Center Point Church.
Memorials may be sent to the Crohns Foundation or the family.
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
Pastor Loren E. Batley, 85, of Tilton, longtime area minister, passed away Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, at 12:35 a.m. at VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville.
He was born Feb. 20, 1926, in Winchester, to Earl C. and Grace M. Iler Batley. Loren married Herchulee “Herkie” Elliott on Dec. 24, 1945, in Jacksonville.
Herkie survives as well as three sons, Tim (Joy) Batley of Boardman, Ohio, Kip (Ruth) Batley of Bedford, Ind., and Sky (Jacki) Batley of Williams, Ind.; one daughter, Shawn (John) Reese of Tilton; one sister, Iota Hammond of Oakwood; 11 grandchildren, Greg McCall, Chad Batley, Skylar Batley Jr., Taylar Batley, Chelle (Brian) Bodart, Josh (Tanya) Batley, Stephanie (Gary) Tidwell, Seth (GB) Batley, Riley (Anna) Reese, Timmie (Amber) Batley and Rozyln (Jeff) Stevenson; and 11 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers.
Pastor Batley served in the Navy. He retired from General Motors in 1991 after 28 years. He served the Sidell Baptist Church from 1969-1975 and Liberty Community Church for 11 years. Pastor Batley was also “Seniors” Minister at Calvary Baptist Church in Danville for 10 years. His ministry spanned 59 years. He enjoyed golfing and shuttling cars for his good friend Larry Bryant.
Funeral services were at 10:30 a.m. today (Thursday) at Calvary Baptist Church in Danville with Pastor Scott McCurdy officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery near Sidell. Memorials in his memory to “Children’s Ministry” at Calvary Baptist Church.
Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling arrangements.
Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Herschel L. Hillery, 84, of Danville, formerly of Allerton, passed away Thursday, Dec. 22, 2011 at 11:15 p.m. at the Danville Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Graveside rites will be Saturday, Jan. 7, at 11 a.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Pastor Gordon Edgington will officiate. Catlin American Legion will provide military honors. Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling service details.
He was born Sept. 13, 1927 in Homer to Elmer and Bertha Street Hillery. Herschel married Barbara Faye Griffith on June 19, 1949 in Sidell. She passed away Oct. 11, 1991.
Survivors include two sons, Larry (Christy) Hillery of Danville and Mark Hillery of Danville; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one sister, Hazel Neibarger and one brother, Donald Clyde Hillery.
Herschel served in the U.S. Navy from 1945 to 1946. He worked for 26 years as a diesel mechanic at John Deere Implement in Allerton and also 20 years at Rucker’s Auto Body.
He was a member of the Sidell Baptist Church and an avid Cubs and Fighting Illini fan, as well as enjoying Nascar. His greatest love was his family, followed closely by his cats.
Memorials may be made to the VA Comfort and Care Ward #4 in care of Robison Chapel. Online condolences may be made at www.robisonchapel.com.
Opal A. Burton, 92, of Roseau, Minn., formerly of Homer, died on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 at Warroad Senior Living Center, Warroad, Minn.
Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon, with the Rev. Mike Jones, pastor of First United Methodist Church, Dixon, officiating. Entombment will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, Dixon.
Opal was born on Nov. 6, 1919, in Fairmount, the daughter of Edward and Opal Sally (Baird) Brandon. She married Doyle Burton on March 11, 1938. He preceded her in death on Sept. 15, 1992.
Survivors include three daughters, Shirley (Larry) Taylor of Dixon, Marlene (William) Schaumburg of Angle Inlet, Minn., and Carol (Charles) Krukewitt of Roseau, Minn.; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Fran Carpenter and Kathryn Parks.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.
She was a clerk for the Agriculture Department at the University of Illinois, Champaign, prior to her retirement.
A memorial has been established to the Homer Fire Department in Homer.
Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschillingfuneralhome.com.
Cathy Jo Green, 59, of Tilton passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011 at 6:40 p.m. at the Danville Care Center.
Cathy was born Oct. 28, 1952 in Danville to Lawrence E. and Patricia A. Smith Williams.
Surviving are her mother, Patricia Williams of Tilton; one son, Darrell Green of Tilton; one daughter, Becky (Kevin) Cunningham of Sidell; eight grandchildren, Peyton Green of Tilton, Jaida Green of Danville, Halle Green of Danville, Austin Cunningham of Sidell, Chelsea Sjoken of Sidell, Odessa Green of Sidell, Amber Cunningham of Sidell, and Devin Goodner of Bismarck; and two sisters, Connie Williams of Tilton and Debbie (Donnie) Anderson of Tilton. She was preceded in death by her father.
Cathy enjoyed playing bingo, going to rummage sales, and spending time with her grandkids.
Funeral services were held December 31 at Robison Chapel, Catlin with Reverend Charlie Graul officiating. Burial was in Songer Cemetery, Tilton. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jack D. Taylor, 78, of Springhill, La. died Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at his home in Springhill. He was born on April 7, 1933 in Danville to the late Sherman and Beulah (Long) Taylor and was also predeceased in death by his brother, William H. Taylor.
Jack retired in 1993 as a Division Manager for Centurytel and was a member of the Walnut Road Baptist Church. He was a Mason and a member of the Scottish Rite and a member of the Master’s Builders.
He is survived by his wife Shirley A. Taylor of Springhill; sons, Bradley Taylor and wife Cheryl of Beaumont, Texas and John Taylor and wife Kim of White Oak, Texas; daughter, Ann Bryant and husband David of Heflin, La; sister, Beverly Glenn of Fairmount; grandchildren, Miles Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Sarah Taylor, Catherine Taylor, Chasity Gorum and husband Brandon, Kirstie Vollmer and Jared Vollmer; step grandchildren, Laurie Linscomb, Megan Bryant, Krystin Bryant and Joshua Bryant; great grandchildren, Grayson Gorum and Eythan Gorum.
Funeral services were held Jan. 14 at the Walnut Road Baptist Church with Bro. Jake Vandenberg officiating. Burial was at the Springhill City Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. of Springhill.
Pallbearers were David Bryant, Jared Vollmer, Adam Walker, Mike Reeves, Eric Simmons and Johnny Edens.
The family would like to say “Thank You” to Mrs. Roy Tubb, Bill and Judy Carter, David and Barbara Sawyer, James and Nelda Barnett and Bill and Sue Johnson for all their kind friendship and helpful generosity during Jack’s illness.
Glen D. “Pappy” Brooks, 93, of the Georgetown/Catlin area, passed away in the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Oct. 30, 1918, in Catlin, the son of Harvey and Mary (Felgenhauer) Brooks, both deceased.
He was united in marriage to Nellie Mae Lambert on Dec. 9, 1937, in Covington, Ind. After 73 years of marriage, she preceded in him in death on March 22, 2011.
Glen was a lifelong farmer of the Georgetown/Catlin area. In his early years, he had worked for Raymond Houghton at the funeral home and with the ambulance service. He also was a dairy farmer and drove a milk truck for Producers Dairy. He also worked as janitor and bus driver for the Georgetown School District.
Glen served as a volunteer firefighter with the Georgetown Fire Protection District for 50 years and was a familiar sight with the department during the Georgetown Fair. He also served on the Civil Defense for Georgetown and Westville.
Glen enjoyed going fishing and playing euchre. He never knew a stranger and was always willing to help anyone who needed it. He cherished his family most of all and knew great joy when he had a great-grandson born on his birthday.
He will be dearly missed by his 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; his special daughter-in-law, whom Glen loved as his own daughter, JoAnn Brooks of Georgetown; his grandchildren, Jeff Brooks, Amy Lutz, Tracie Katavich, Donna Wells, Debbie Ward, Jeanie Sherrill, Chris Ward, Jimmy Dicken, Terry Dicken, Lynn Rohrscheib and Stacey Rickard; his 18 great-grandchildren; his two great-great-grandchildren, with one on the way; his sister, Evelyn ‘Bobbie’ Bonomo; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his son, Marvin; his brother, Wilbur; and his sisters, Edna Jones and Eleanor Jordan.
The family wanted to give a special “thank-you” to his “Angel-caregivers,” Dorie Benting, Donna Cooper and Martha Fortner.
A celebration of Glen’s life was Feb. 11, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Chapel, Georgetown, with Pastor James Blue officiating. He was laid to rest in Pleasant Mound Cemetery, west of Georgetown.
Memorial donations may be given in Glen’s name to the Georgetown Fire Protection District.
Please join Glen’s family in sharing memories through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfunerahome.com.
Wanda D. Gillenwater Glover, 76, of Louisville, Ky., formerly of Monroe County, passed away Friday, March 16, 2012 at Norton Audubon Hospital in Louisville.
She was born August 19, 1935 in Monroe County to the late Eulas “Monk” Deckard and Daisy Bee Gillenwater. She was a retired inspector for Louisville Home Fashions and a member of the Church of Christ. She was united in marriage in 1956 to Lonnie Glover in Celina, Tenn.
She is survived by her husband, Lonnie Glover of Louisville; two sons, Mike Glover of Elizabethtown, Ky. and Jimmy Glover of Jeffersonville, Ind.; three daughters, Judy Foster of Louisville, Ky., Debbie Hobbs of Louisville, and Beverly Hack of Providence, Ky.; two brothers, George Chism of Tompkinsville, Ky. and James Chism of Shepherdsville, Ky.; two sisters, Patricia Jessie of Glasgow, Ky. and Alene Devine of Louisville; 16 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her step father, Willie Chism; one sister, Agnes Williams and a granddaughter, Kristy Lee Bright.
Funeral services were March 19 at Strode Funeral Home in Tompkinsville with burial in the Beautiful Home Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the Beautiful Home Cemetery.
William R. "Bill" Murray, 75, of Normal, died at 10:55 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his home.
Bill was born January 7, 1937 in Dixon, the son of John J. and Lois A. Oester Murray. He married Joyce Wamsley on June 6, 1959 at St. Michael’s Church in Hume. She survives.
Also surviving are a daughter, Michele (Wade) Darnell; three sons, Bob (Jan) Murray, Mike (Anne) Murray and Chris (Kimberly) Murray; thirteen grandchildren, Kelly and Matthew Murray, Laura (Alex) Kashner, Amanda, David and Bryan Murray, Ryan, Courtney, Steven and Terrion Darnell and Brady, Garrett and Logan Murray; three sisters, JoAnn (Glenn) Crull of Winnebago, Rita (Bill) Ortgiesen of Manhattan Beach, CA and Marcela Coots of Winnebago; and two brothers, Ray (Sheryl) Murray of Rockford and Reg (Pat) Murray of Stillman Valley.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Gene Murray; and a sister, Darlene Murray.
Bill received his BA in education from Eastern Illinois University and his MA and advanced certificate in School Administration from the University of Illinois. He began his career as a teacher and coach at Sidell elementary school, later becoming the Principal/Superintendent at Indianola elementary school. He later was principal of MVK High School in Mazon prior to becoming Superintendent there. He retired as the Assistant Superintendent of the Seneca school district in 1993.
Bill was a member of St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington and was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He was also a member of the Illinois Principals Association and other educational associations.
Bill enjoyed attending the various athletic, musical and academic activities of his children and grandchildren.
His funeral was today (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Church of Merna, Bloomington, with Monsignor Gerald T. Ward officiating. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington was in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clare House or the previously established William and Joyce Murray Scholarship Fund at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Kenneth Dewain Neibarger, 91, of Newman, passed away on Wednesday, March 21, 2012, at the Newman Rehabilitation Center in Newman.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Rev. Virgil Haynes will officiate. Burial will be held at the Newman Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. on Friday.
Kenneth Neibarger was born on Dec. 29, 1920 in Casey, a son of Glenn and Jennie May Skipper Neibarger. He married Margie Rigdon on March 12, 2004 in Casey. She survives.
Also surviving are step-children Shirley Luth of Newman, Carolyn Rigdon of Newman, Ann Pollock of Tuscola, Rusty Rigdon and Joe Rigdon both of Newman and five step-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Arthur Todd of Ridge Farm and several nieces and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Forrest Neibarger, and three sisters, Merna Tomaw, Verla Jones and Alta Mae Todd.
He served in the United States Navy for 33 months, serving during World War II and in the Pacific Theater. He farmed in the Newman area for 47 years, retiring in 1987. He was a member of the Newman American Legion post 201.
Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
Ivan G. Easton, 76, of Homer passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at his home in Homer.
Mr. Easton was born May 23, 1935 in Homer, a son of Blanche M. Summers and Nolan Easton. He married Daisy Piercefield on June 1, 1974. She survives.
Also surviving are children Brice, Keith, and Neal all of Homer and a daughter Jennifer of Champaign. A stepsister Carol (Thomas) Pfeffer of Tolono and a step-brother Charles (Patty) Easton of Tolono also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepmother Lois.
Mr. Easton worked at Allerton Implement as a mechanic for 44 years. He loved the outdoors and hunting.
Funeral services were Wednesday at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Pastor Raymond Gordon officiated. Burial was at the Fairfield Cemetery north of Newman.
Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Conservation District.
Dorothy Sessions, 85, of Indianola, passed away at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman.
She was born Oct. 7, 1926, in Tangier, Ind., the daughter of Jay and Dorothy (Hobson) Scott, both deceased.
She was united in marriage to Estel Sessions on June 9, 1955, until his passing.
She is survived by her son, Mike (Cally) Tramte of Terre Haute, Ind.; her daughters, Sandra Kaye (John) Kirschner of Indianola, Donna Muirhead of Port Richey, Fla., and Linda Shimkus of Winfield; her grandchildren, Brian Kirschner, Chris Kirschner, Joel Tramte, Bethany Stanley and Amy Muirhead; her great-grandchildren, Sydney Kirschner, Neil Kirschner and Dylan Kirschner; her sisters, Peggy Eppert of Tangier, Ind., and Myrna Eppert of Bloomingdale, Ind.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, Orville and Kenny, and her sister, Doris "Toots" Neuman.
Dorothy attended Indianola Methodist Church.
She enjoyed knitting, going to garage sales and collecting old glassware. She especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
A celebration of Dorothy's life was Saturday at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Chapel, Georgetown, with George Desmond officiating. She was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorials may be given in her name to Indianola Methodist Church or Pleasant Meadows Christian Village. Please join Dorothy's family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Patsy Robena (Liles) Elliott, age 70 of Metcalf, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, February 17, 2012 while surrounded by her family at her home.
Pat was born August 2, 1941 in Coalfield, Tenn., to Herman Winfred and Thelma Josephine (Turner) Liles. She married Silas Lee "Sonny" Elliott on August 2, 1969.
She lived in Metcalf for over 37 years and was a member of the Brocton Christian Church. She enjoyed crochet, yard sales and gardening. She was also a wonderful cook, and dearly loved her family, friends and neighbors.
Pat is survived by her husband, Silas Elliott of Metcalf; three sons: Donald (Laurie) Elliott of Fayetteville, NC, Jeff Elliott of Metcalf and Tommy (Suzanne) Elliott of Metcalf; four grandchildren: Dustin Elliott, Amber Elliott, Tommy Elliott, Jr. and Hannah Elliott; three great-grandchildren; five brothers and four sisters. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.
Funeral services were Wednesday, at Krabel Funeral Home in Chrisman. Burial was at Young America Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Brocton Christian Church or to Carle Hospice in care of the funeral home. Online condolences and service information are available at www.krabelfuneralhome.com.
Barbara E. Thomas, 59, of Indianola, passed away at 9 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2012 at Kindred Hospital North in Chicago.
She was born May 9, 1952, in Danville to Willis & Ellen M. Hagerman Kistler. Barbara married Ricky L. Thomas Sr. June 16, 1968, in Indianola.
He survives as well as two sons, Ricky L. (Dana) Thomas Jr. of Sidell and Randall S. (Ami) Thomas of Sidell; one daughter, Angela Jolene Hamilton, of Indianola; three brothers, Lewis Kistler of Indianola, Douglas Kistler of Fremont, Ind. and Willis Kistler of Fairmount; one sister, Walisa Evans, of Indianola; and nine grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one daughter, Calista Marie, one brother and one sister.
Barbara enjoyed playing cards and dice and watching the Food Network channel. She was a member of the Sidell Pentecostal Assembly and former member of the Indianola Lioness Club.
Funeral services were Tuesday at the Sidell Pentecostal Assembly in Sidell with Pastor Tim Pearman officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Memorials may be made to the Sidell Pentecostal Assembly or Breast Cancer Awareness.
Robison Chapel of Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com
Beverly Weaver, 83, died at 12:10 p.m. Monday, March 26, 2012, at Champaign-Urbana Regional Rehab Center in Savoy.
Beverly was born Oct. 1, 1928, in Sidell, a daughter of Raymond and Gladys (Mosier) Gaines. She married Keith A. Weaver in Sidell in 1947. He survives and resides in Champaign.
Other survivors include two daughters, Bonnie (Mike) Williams of Champaign and Kathryn (Ty) Joubert of Williamsburg, Va.; and four grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah Williams of Champaign and Ravi and Jina Tanner, both of California.
Beverly and her husband have been members at the Champaign County Club for 25 years, where she loved to play golf with her husband and friends. She also enjoyed reading mystery novels. She was always a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.
Beverly worked the majority of her life as a housewife.
There was a memorial service March 29 at St. John Lutheran Church in Champaign. The Rev. Jeff Caithamer officiated. Interment was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please make a donation in the deceased’s name to the American Lung Association, 1301 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 800, Washington, D.C. 20004.
Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.
Donna L. Fox, 71, of Indianola, passed away at 2:03 p.m. Saturday, April 7, 2012, at her home, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Indianola on Oct. 1, 1940, the daughter of Robert and Silvia (High) Martin, both deceased.
She was united in marriage to Elmer Fox on June 10, 1960, in Georgetown. He will miss her dearly.
Others who will miss her include her children, Jeffrey Fox of Danville, Kenneth (Shelley) Fox of Indianola and Rebecca (Jeff) Landis of Ridge Farm; her grandchildren, Aimee Brink of Lodi, Ind., Brandon Fox of Westville and Christi (John) Roarks of Cayuga, Ind.; her five great-grandchildren; and her brother, Larry (Charlotte) Martin of Rossville.
Her brother, Terry, preceded her in death.
Donna was a certified nursing assistant and retired from Colonial Manor Nursing Home.
She was a member of the Vermilion Grove Friends Church, a past member of the Indianola Lions Club and a member of the Paris Veterans of Foreign Wars Woman’s Auxiliary.
She loved gardening and crafts, but, most of all, Donna loved being with her family and grandkids.
The family wanted to send a special “Thank You” to Provena Hospice for their care of Donna.
A celebration of Donna’s life was Wednesday at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown, with Pastor James Walker and Mervin Fox officiating. She was laid to rest in Michael Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorial donations may be given in Donna’s name to Vermilion Grove Friends Church or donor’s choice of charity.
Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Alice L. Hockett, 90, of Sidell passed away at 6:55 p.m. on Sunday, April 1, 2012 at the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Alice was born November 13, 1921 in Danville to Roscoe and Nellie Jackson Wright. She married Arthur Hockett on August 23, 1940 in Palmyra, Missouri. He preceded her in death on September 16, 1996.
Surviving are one son, Billy Joe (Bev) Hockett of Sidell; one daughter, Cathy (Larry) Troxtell of Sidell; four grandchildren, Allen (Kelly) Hockett of Sidell, Brent Hockett of Taylorville, John Troxtell of Sidell, and Josh (Tammy) Troxtell of Sidell; four great-grandchildren, Travis Hockett of Sidell, Caitlyn, Alex, and Emma Troxtell of Sidell; two step-granddaughters, Dawn (Barry) Eakle of Sidell and Shawn Maskel of Champaign; and three step-great-grandchildren, Bryn, Jordan, and Jared Eakle of Sidell. She was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.
Alice graduated from Sidell High School. She had worked as a clerk for Courson Hardware in Sidell and had sold AVON. She was a deaconess at the Sidell Baptist Church. She was a member of the JFF Euchre Club and the Sidell Historical Society. She enjoyed cooking, camping, fishing, and spending time with her family.
Funeral services were at 10 am today (Thursday) at the Sidell Baptist Church with Reverend Charlie Graul officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation was Wednesday at the Sidell Baptist Church. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Gary D. Page, Sr., 73, of the Tellico Village Community, Loudon, Tenn., formerly of Catlin, passed away at 3:10 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2012 at Ft. Loudon Medical Center, Lenoir City, Tenn.
Funeral services will be Monday at 7 p.m. at the Catlin Church of Christ with Pastor Ramie Gordon officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday at the Catlin Church of Christ.
Gary was born December 9, 1938 in Linton, Ind. to Everett and Evelyn Smith Page. He married Carolyn Knight 54 years ago and she survives.
Also surviving are, one daughter, Dena White; one son, Dr. Gary (JoEllyn) Page, Jr.; three brothers, Alan Page, Jack Page and Eddie Wall; three sisters, Marlene Rudolph, Nancy (Larry) Keller, and Jeannie (Larry) Ohl; six grandchildren, Rachel White, Roby White, Gary (Katie) Page III, Heather Page, Taylor Page and Nathan Vance; three great-grandchildren, Bryar White, Gary Page IV and Keegan Page; several nieces and nephews who knew him as "Uncle"; and three very special friends who shared his passion for music and performance—Renee Anderson, Cobi Singer and Janet Kincaid. He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-mother, Leona Page, who raised him.
Gary attended the Community Church at Tellico Village. He loved all sports and was an avid golfer. He enjoyed rooting for the Cubs and the Packers. Gary enjoyed woodworking, boating and especially attending his grandchildren’s events. Family time was always a priority in his life.
Memorials may be made to the "Gary D. Page, Sr. Memorial Scholarship" for music and athletics in care of the funeral home. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling service arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Shirley M. (Robinson) Summerville, 79, of Mayfield, Ky. died February 27, 2012. She had been living in Mayfield for 12 years, coming from LaPorte, Ind. She was formerly a resident of Fairmount.
She was born January 10, 1933 in LaPorte, the daughter of Jerry and Mildred (Hatfield) Vardaman. Shirley was a great homemaker and a rock to her family.
She was married to Keith Summerville, who survives. She is also survived by her two brothers, James Vardaman of LaPorte and Robert (Pauline) Vardaman, Sr. of Rochester, Ind.; several nieces and nephews; one granddaughter and one grandson, Charles Dalton.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Gary Culvahouse; two sisters, Mary Roach and Darlene Kuta; and a brother, Ross Vardaman.
Arrangements were handled by Haverstock Funeral Home in LaPorte. Services were March 2 with Rev. Ransom Ebersole officiating. Cremation and burial followed at Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City, Ind.
James B. “Jim” Daugherty, 100, of Springfield, formerly of Sidell and Paris, passed away Saturday May 19, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center.
Graveside services will be held 1:30 p.m. Friday in Hoult Cemetery, Chrisman with Rev. Teresa Shane officiating.
He was born in Metcalf April 28, 1912 the son of Benjamin and Ada Colleen Webb Daugherty. He graduated from Metcalf High School in 1930. He married Alberta Tutwiler on October 13, 1934 and she preceded him in death on May 8, 1994. His parents and two brothers, Victor and Howard preceded him in death.
Mr. Daugherty spent most of his life in the Metcalf-Sidell area except during World War II, when he worked at the Republic Aviation Plant in Evansville, Ind. assembling P-47 fighter planes. He managed the Sidell Lumber Company from 1946 until its closing in 1973. After retirement he and Alberta spent 11 years in Tucson, Ariz., then moved to Paris and then finally to Springfield.
He is survived by his son, Bill (Mary) Daugherty of Springfield; grandson, Lee (Barb) Daugherty of Springfield; granddaughter Colleen (John) Hepner of Arlington Heights and two great grandsons Scott and Michael Hepner.
He always enjoyed watching sports, especially the Cards and Cubs baseball games.
Memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurse Association. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Jesse Eldred Venters, 93, of rural Shelbyville died at 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 15, 2012, in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
He was born January 26, 1919 in Sullivan the son of Melvin Tay and Myrtle (Maulson) Venters. He married Virginia May Anderson October 25, 1940 in Rock Island and she preceded him in death February 23, 2010.
He attended country schools around Sullivan, one year at Gays High School and graduated from Windsor High School in 1937. He started farming with his father using a team of horses and farmed until his retirement in 1980. He then enjoyed going to Florida and fishing. He was a member of the Shelbyville Moose Lodge and Shelby County Farm Bureau.
Surviving are daughter, Darlene Woodworth of Springfield; sons, Daniel Venters of Indianola, David Venters of Lawrenceville and Donald Venters of Spaulding; 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, sister, Marie Clark, half-brothers, Royce and Harry Venters and one step-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were May 19 in the Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home, Windsor with Rev. Robert and Rev. Janice Foulk officiating. Burial was in the Windsor Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the March of Dimes.
Condolences at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com
Edith Eileen Pletch, 82, of Fairmount passed away at 5:53 a.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Funeral services are Friday at 10 a.m. at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Reverend Mike Roberts officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery, Fairmount. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Robison Chapel, Catlin, Illinois.
Edith was born March 14, 1930 in Danville to Harvey and Tressie Larrance Holden. She married William Edward Pletch on April 14, 1951 in Fairmount. He preceded her in death on March 26, 2002.
Surviving are one son, Doug (Mollie) Pletch of Sidell; three daughters, Kathy (Duck) Hible of Fairmount, Michelle (Clifford) Crabtree of Hoopeston, and Mary Lou (Dan) Todd of Indianola; three sisters, Fern Priest of Danville, Wilma Ellis formerly of Potomac, and Mary Lou Terry of Hillery; twelve grandchildren, Tisha Brown, Kristopher (Kristina) Kelly, Tony (Tracey) Kelly, Ami (Jeremy) Moody, Jamie (Paul) Spratt, Dana (Scot) Daly, DJ (Jennifer) Pletch, Tonya (Ryan) Taylor, Keith (Sheri) Pletch, Zack Crabtree, Jordan Crabtree, and Katelin Crabtree; and twenty great-grandchildren.
Edith graduated from Oakwood High School. She was a member of the Danville Moose Lodge and the Sarasota Eagle’s Lodge. She spent her winters with her good friends Karen Kepling and Norma Hansgen at the Sun-N-Fun Resort in Sarasota, Florida. She was a dedicated farm wife and Cubs fan who loved karaoke, RV-ing with her husband, camping, shopping, and spending time with her family.
Memorials to Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville; Hawthorne Inn, Danville, Illinois, Fairmount Fire and Rescue, or the organization of the donor’s choice. Online condolences www.robisonchapel.com.
Karen Rochelle Catlett Kepling, 74, of Fairmount, passed away at 5:57 p.m. Friday, May 4, 2012, at home.
She was born Feb. 8, 1938, in Fairmount, to Keith and Viola Fitzsimmons Catlett.
Karen was a lifetime cook starting at age 18 at Kepling Sundries. She also operated The Quarry Café and cooked for Derf’s Pub in Sidell, The Brunswick in Westville and The Fairmount Lounge. She enjoyed winters in Florida with her brother and Sue and Sun-N-Fun friends. She also enjoyed cruising in her Cadillac to visit her many friends.
She is survived by her children, Jon (Sandy) Kepling of Fairmount, Jackie (Ron Ours) Carey of Sidell and Teyet (Lynn) Kepling of Fairmount; four grandchildren, Miranda Carey, Emily Carey, Jonathan Kepling and Jeffrey (Megan) Kepling; two great-grandchildren, Austin Ingram and Brooklynn Kepling; a brother, Gary (Sue) Catlett; and two nieces, Kala Jo Weller and Kim Taylor.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with the Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount.
Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or Fairmount Rescue. Online condolences www.robisonchapel.com.
Gladys M. Hart, 81, of Fairmount, passed away at 1:29 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2012, at the Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Gladys was born April 30, 1930, in Danville, to Roy W. and Daisy Jarvis Knight. She married Robert L. Hart on Aug. 23, 1952, in Nashville, Tenn. He survives.
Also surviving are one son, Jon R. Hart of Fairmount; her girls, Linda (Mario) Biava of Westville and Janet Payne of Westville; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Nancy Jane Hart; three brothers, Clarence, Howard and Ralph Knight; and two sisters, Helen Sheldon and Ruth Piatt.
Gladys was an Eastern Illinois University and Lakeview School of Nursing graduate. She was a registered nurse for over 50 years, including working at the Vermilion County Health Department. She was a member of the Muncie Baptist Church and the Lakeview Nursing Alumni. She enjoyed crafts, mushroom hunting and her animals.
Funeral services were May 2 at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Raymie Gordon officiating. Burial was in
Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Memorials can be made to the Muncie Baptist Church or to the Lakeview School Alumni Association.
Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Ronald Eugene Scholz, 49, of Shelbyville died Monday, April 30, 2012, in an accident in Moultrie County.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday and one hour before service time Saturday. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Pana with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard.
He was born October 27, 1962 in Decatur the son of Carl Robert and Barbara Jane (Hayes) Scholz.
He served in the U.S. Army and was employed at Custom Tanks in Arthur. He was an avid sports fan, coaching baseball, softball, JFL and basketball and was a referee and umpire. He loved spending time on the river, reading, history and motorcycles. Ron’s children and grandchildren were the center of his life.
Surviving are his children, Destany Dawn Lucas of Sidell and Megan Irene Lucas of Shelbyville, Brady Ronald Scholz, Sadie Mae Scholz and Torry Christian Scholz of Carbondale; grandchildren, Ty Zerrusen, Gage Smith and Hadley Smith; mother, Barbara Jane Barror of Assumption; siblings, Carla (Ralph) Wilcox of Los Lunas, N.M., Robert (Jan) Scholz of Decatur, Carl (Connie) Scholz of Moweaqua and Tami (Kent) Smith of Shelbyville; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Carl, grandparents, Carl Christian Scholz, Pauline Schloz Austin, Julia LaVerne Hayes, Herschel V. Hayes and niece, Alison Wilcox.
Memorials may be made to Shelbyville Boys Baseball or Shelbyville High School Athletics.
Condolences at www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com
Gordon H. Moore, 78 of Hume passed away on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at the Newman Rehabilitation Center in Newman.
Funeral services will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Pastor Aaron Bird will officiate. Burial will be held at the Young America Cemetery in Hume. A visitation will be held Thursday evening at the funeral home from 5-8pm.
Moore was born on September 12, 1933 in Danville, a son of Harold & Veva Hamilton Moore. He married Anna Coombes on March 10, 1954 in Hume. Anna, his wife of 58 years, survives.
Also surviving are children Greg (Marlena) Moore of Champaign and Doug (Wanda) Moore of Newman. Grandchildren James (Krystle) Moore of Terre Haute, Ind. and Mindy (Wes) Luth of Newman. Great-grandchildren Marisa Moore, Ian Moore, Austen Moore and Kane Luth, step-grandchildren Haylee and Alyssa Dicus and a sister Janet Nees of Sidell also survive.
Moore was a life long carpenter in the area, as well as an active member of the Hume Christian Church.
Donations may be made to the Hume Christian Church.
Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangments.
Steve Clapp, of Fort Wayne, Ind., formerly of Sidell, died Tuesday, May 15, 2012, at his home. He was valedictorian of the 1964 graduating class at Jamaica.
He is survived by his wife, Sara Sprunger Clapp; two adult children, Holly Sprunger (Terry Zdon) and Michael Sprunger (Jessica Webster); and four grandchildren, Mats, Pavel, Foster and Hudson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Mary Jo Clapp. Private services were held and arrangements were by D.O. McComb & Sons Foster Park Funeral Home.
Memorials may be sent to Lincolnshire Church of the Brethren or to the Humane Society of the United States, 2100 L. St. NW, Washington, DC 20037.
Stacy Ann “Georgia Mae” Murray, 41, of Indianola, passed away at 4 a.m. Monday, July 9, 2012, at the home of her daughter in Danville.
A graveside service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Visitation will be Friday, noon to 2 p.m. at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville.
She was born Dec. 12, 1970, in Danville, the daughter of William Murray Sr. and Iris (Draper) Murray. She was a 1989 graduate of Jamaica High School.
She was married to Nick Blatteau, and she later wed Dennis Chapman until his passing. She then was later married to Arnie Comstock, who also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her father, Bill (Dottie) Murray Sr. of Tuscola; her stepfather, Larry Graham of Indianola; her daughters, Brittany (Jerell) Morris and Taylor Blatteau, both of Danville; her grandchildren, J.J. Morris and Brylee Morris, both of Danville; one niece; and six nephews. She also will be missed by her friends from Julee’s and the Brunswick.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Iris “Janie” Graham; her grandparents; and one niece.
Stacy worked as a certified nursing assistant for Vermilion Manor Nursing Home, Twin Lakes in Paris and Pleasant Meadows Christian Village.
She enjoyed riding Harley motorcycles and Mustangs. She also enjoyed taking cruises in the country and was an avid NASCAR fan as well as a Miami Dolphins fan. She loved being with her family.
Donations may be given to the family to help with expenses.
Please join Stacy’s family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ervin “Tic” W. Lyons, 86, of Sidell, passed away at 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2012 at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Tic was born April 13, 1926 in Sidell to Willis and Blanche Darnell Lyons. He married Peggy Mills on February 14, 1946 in Sidell. She survives.
Also surviving are: two sons, Keith (Kelly) Lyons of Sidell and Steve (Sandra) Lyons of Sidell; one sister, Edna Steinbaugh of Danville; three grandchildren, Kendyl Lyons of Oak Lawn, Tyler Lyons of Sidell, and Trenton Lyons of Sidell; two step-grandchildren, Katy Luth of LeRoy and Corby West of Rantoul. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Lyons.
Tic was a lifelong farmer in Sidell and had assisted the local funeral director for 30 years. He enjoyed traveling, camping and boating. He was a past trustee of the Sidell Township and was a member of the Sidell School Board. He drove a school bus for Jamaica and Sidell Schools for 22-1/2 years. He was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church.
Funeral services were Wednesday, at the Sidell United Methodist Church with Pastor Charlie Graul officiating. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to the Guardian Angel Program at the Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Wanetta M. Freed, 82, of Fairmount passed away at 5:40 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2012, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.
Wanetta was born on April 9, 1930, in Hull, Ill., to Ellis and Ida May Elly Gilbert. She married Jesse Freed in Gessie, Ind., and they were married for 47 years. He preceded her in death on Dec. 25, 2005.
Surviving is one son, Richard (Rose) Summers Jr. of Fairmount.
Wanetta was a nurse for 47 years and had worked at several nursing homes and hospitals in the area. She loved attending Oakwood Nazarene Church, where she was a longtime member. She enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading the Bible, fishing, and camping.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with the Rev. William Connell officiating. Burial was at National Cemetery, Danville.
Memorials to the Oakwood Nazarene Church or to the DaVita Illini Renal 3580. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Virginia “Ginny” Claypool, 71, of Fairmount, passed away at 11:11 p.m. on Monday, August 20, 2012 at her home.
Memorial services will be Saturday, August 25 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Fairmount. Reverend Mike Roberts will officiate. Visitation from 10 a.m. till 11 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
Ginny was born December 3, 1940 in Danville, Illinois to Fred & Alice Ray Smart. She married Daniel E. Claypool on October 30, 1982 in Danville. Dan passed away January 21, 2009.
Survivors include two sons, Darren (Dawn) Richards of Fairmount and Kevin Claypool of Danville; three daughters, Christy (Chris DeMaria) Dawkins of Bement, Kelly (Tony) Walters of Urbana and Debbie (Jeff Gooch) Richards of Sidell; one sister-in-law, Pat Smart of Florida; eight grandchildren, Dustin (Mandy) Claypool, Emily (Noah) Schrader, Zachary (Renee) Claypool, Clayton Dawkins, Jeremy Gooch, Parker Claypool, Danyale Richards and Derrek Richards; three great-grandchildren, Madison Dawkins, Jubilee Schrader and Isaac Claypool; and several nieces. She was preceded in death by one brother and one grandchild.
Ginny worked for a time at the Oakwood Truck Stop and Oakwood Grocery. She delivered newspapers and wrote the “Fairmount News” column for the Sidell Reporter. She enjoyed attending her grandkids’ activities and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Fairmount.
Memorials may be made to the Danville Cancer Center.
Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling the arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Kristen Marguerite Winans, 14, of Indianola, passed away at 11:06 a.m. Thursday, August 2, 2012, in the emergency room of Carle Hospital in Urbana following a brief illness.
She was born October 29, 1997, in Terre Haute, Ind., the daughter of David W. and Annie L. (Peters) Winans.
Survivors include her parents, David and Annie Winans at home; her paternal grandparents, Danny and Brenda Akens of Redmon, and Butch and Pat Winans of Paris; her maternal grandparents, Larry and Jayne Peters of Vermilion; a brother, Carl “Wesley” Winans serving at Camp Carroll, South Korea; a sister, Katherine Nicole Winans at home; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Kristen was a graduate of Jamaica Junior High School where she played saxophone in band and sang in chorus. Enrolled as a freshman at Jamaica High School, she had already become active in the school’s FFA chapter. Kristen was very active in the Top of the Line 4-H Club and the Vermilion County Fair, and loved raising and showing cattle, goats, horses, and rabbits. She had also participated in the Georgetown Ag Fair. She won Grand Champion at the 2012 Vermilion County Fair for her Veterinary Science Project and was looking forward to showing her project at the Illinois State Fair. Kristen loved animals and was a talented photographer.
Services were Tuesday at Templeton Funeral Home in Paris, with the Rev. Jim Walker officiating. Burial was in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Top of the Line 4-H Club or the Vermilion County Fair & Expo. Online condolences at www.TempletonFuneralHome.com
Donald L. Wolfe, Sr., 73, of Fairmount went to be with his Lord Friday, Aug. 24, 2012 at 8:05 p.m. at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
He was born Feb. 12, 1939 in Urbana to Ralph & Evelyn Pierce Wolfe. Don married Betty High on June 15, 1957 in Danville. Betty survives as well as three daughters, Teresa, Deb and Tammy (Danny); two sons, Donnie and Tod (Sue); one brother, Dean (Sue) Wolfe; four sisters, Deloris Shields, Dixie (Carl) Welch, Linda Whington and Nina (David) Keys; eleven grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren.
Don worked as carpenter with his father for 15 years and later became a farmhand for Ralph & Butch Cast of Fairmount for 33 years. Don also enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushrooming, and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Cremation rites were accorded and memorial services will be held at a later date at his daughter’s home in Sidell. Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling the arrangements.
Memorials can be made to the family. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Trena Kay Smith, 69, of Danville, passed away at 4:26 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Trena was born Dec. 6, 1942, in Danville, the daughter of Virgil Manfred and Lois Alberta (Wonderlin) Smith.
She was a graduate of Diamond Grade School, Oakwood High School and Eastern Illinois University. She received her master’s degree in music from the University of Illinois in 1988. She also was a member of the Vermilion County Retired Teachers Association, IEA-NEA and Delta Kappa Gamma.
Trena taught music for eight years in the Amboy, Ill., school district and retired in 1995 after teaching 22 years in the Jamaica school district.
She was a member of the Danville Chapter of the Sweet Adelines for over 30 years. Her quartet, “In Accordance,” was always very well-received.
Trena had an avid interest in history, especially English history. She also loved to travel and planned many trips with family and friends. The Chicago Cubs, Fighting Illini, Green Bay Packers and anything Republican were among her favorite interests.
Trena was known and respected by her friends for her “take charge” personality. You could always depend on her to produce a quality performance or product.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Carol Jane Smith.
Trena is survived by one brother, Daryl W. (Lois) Smith, of Mukwonago, Wis.; one niece, Dustine (Remus) Guillermo, of Muskego, Wis.; and two special grandnephews and niece, Noah, Joshua and Madelyn Guillermo, of Muskego, Wis. Trena also leaves behind her two little cat angels, Sassy and Sammy.
A celebration of Trena’s life was today (Thursday) at Sunset Funeral Home, Danville, with Pastor Patti Wise officiating. Burial was at Oakhill Cemetery in Danville.
Memorials can be made to the Batestown United Methodist Church. Please join Trena’s family in sharing photos, videos and memories through her Tribute Wall, sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Phyllis Jane Cast, 87, of Oakwood, went to be with her Lord Friday, Sept. 14, 2012, at her home.
Phyllis was born on Sept. 17, 1924, in Oakwood, the daughter of Perry “Pudge” and Grace (Oakwood) Wilson, the sixth of nine children.
She is survived by her eldest daughter, Linda (Jack) Carder of Fairmount and their children Doug (Michele) Carder and their sons, Zachary and Nicolas; and Jeff (Toni) Carder and their children Aleah and Owen; her second eldest daughter, Suzanne “Suzie” (Jerry) Hobick and their children Troy (Tami) Hobick and their sons, Drew and Will; and Melinda Morman and her two sons, Cale and Jordan; her son, Ralph Jr. “Butch” (Karen) Cast and their children Adam (Jeni) Cast and his children Becky, John, Sam, and Kali; Robert (Anna) Cast, John Dallas Cast and Alyssa Cast. Also surviving are three sisters, Marion Stevens of Oakwood, Lena Long of Minnesota and Wilma Brandon of Urbana; and one sister-in-law Eileen Cast of Danville.
Greeting her in heaven are her loving husband Ralph of 59 years who preceded her in death on June 24, 2000; a grandson, Cale Dustin Hobick; three sisters, Carole Wilson, Marge McNamara and Betty Wolfe; and two brothers, Perry Eugene and Wendell Wilson.
Phyllis was a graduate of Oakwood High School and soon after married Ralph Cast of Fairmount on Oct. 17, 1942. Together they farmed in the Fairmount area for over 50 years. Phyllis enjoyed bowling, golfing, playing cards with the “girls” and most of all spending time with her much loved children and grandchildren. Phyllis and Ralph spent many years wintering in Florida and fishing in Canada during the summer.
A special thanks to two loving caregivers, Doris Danner and Becky Wendell. She will be greatly missed by her loving family, her nieces, nephews, cousins and all who knew her.
A celebration of Phyllis’ life was Monday at Oakwood United Methodist Church in Oakwood, with Pastors Kim Dancy and Dave Anderson officiating. Burial was at Stearns Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in Phyllis’ name to the Oakwood United Methodist Church, Provena Hospice or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Share memories of Phyllis at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Gary L. Smith, 72, of Fithian passed away at 10:06 a.m. on Sunday, September 23, 2012 at USMC Logan Campus in Danville.
He was born January 4, 1940 in Danville, Illinois to James Albert and Thelma Maxine Hays Smith. Gary married Donna Diane Smith on July 19, 1958 in Williamsport, Indiana. She passed away August 18, 1983.
Survivors include one son, Jay Eric Smith of Danville; two daughters, Joy Elaine (Chris) Kinney of Oakwood and Gayle Lynne (James) Marett of Urbana; two brothers, Gerald (JoAnna) Smith of Georgetown and James (Sundown) Smith of Seville, Florida; three sisters, Nancy (Paul) Evans of Sidell, Diana (Robert) Frazier of Danville, and Kellie (Rob) Howard of Danville; nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one brother-in-law, James (Leigh Ann) Smith of Cayuga, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Mildred Smith of Danville, who he loved and cared for like his own mother; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary had been the longtime Parts Department Manager at Koehn Motors in Danville.
Graveside rites were today (Thursday) at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Pastor Dave Birch officiated. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Vermilion County Humane Society. Robison Chapel of Catlin is handling arrangements.
Online condolences at www.robsionchapel.com.
Barbara J. Mauck, 80, of Fairmount, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville.
She was born Dec. 21, 1931, in Danville to Ralph and Elizabeth Gebhardt Richter. Barb married Kenneth D. Mauck, and they later divorced.
Survivors include one son, Scott (BJ) Mauck of Dawson; one daughter, Sandra (Dick) Gabriel of Rochester; one brother-in-law, Ronald Mauck of Oakwood; one sister-in-law Rita (Roy) Patten, of Catlin; and several nieces and nephews.
Barb was preceded in death by her twin daughters, Kathy in 1995 and Christy in 2011; as well as her parents and stepfather, John Skinner; and two sisters, Betty Johnson and Judy Sandlin.
Barb worked at several local nurseries and garden centers both in Danville and Champaign. She loved gardening, garage sales and all animals and trees.
Her wishes for cremation were honored and a memorial visitation was Saturday at Robison Chapel in Catlin.
Memorials may be made in her memory to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Online condolences at: www.robisonchapel.com.
Joan Dorsett, 81, of Newman, passed away at her home Thursday, Sept. 27, 2012.
Joan was born July 14, 1931, in Cissna Park at her grandmother’s house, a daughter of Ross and Lozinka Pilch Biddle.
She married Carl F. Dorsett on July 3, 1949, in Newman. He preceded her in death on June 27, 2008.
Also preceding her in death are two sons; Carl Wayne and David Dorsett, as well as a sister Patty Sue.
Survivors include a son, Rick (Kathy) Dorsett of Newman; grandchildren, Ricki Dorsett of Newman, Skyler Dorsett of Fort Polk, La., Summer Burnett of Champaign; and a brother, Gene Biddle of Paris.
She was a member of the Fairmount Evangelical Church in Fairmount. She loved and enjoyed her grandchildren.
Funeral services were Monday at Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Burial was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery north of Newman.
Memorials may be made to the Fairmount Evangelical Church. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
Leona M. Heath, 100, of Tuscola passed away on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2012 at the Heartland Healthcare Center in Champaign.
Leona was born on June 16, 1912 in Waterman, a daughter of Benjamin and Dora Bermiester Alford. She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Clark of Fairmount; step-son, Jerry Heath of Irving; and step-daughter Diane Haffermon of Edgar, WI. A granddaughter Carol Clark of Fairmount, four step-grandchildren, and several great grandchildren also survive. She was preceded in death by a son Roger Vaughn.
Leona was an avid card player. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them.
A funeral service was today (Thursday) at 4 p.m. at the Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. A private family burial will be held in Bradenton, FL at a later time.
Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rhonda K. Cook, 64, of Catlin, passed away at 5:24 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
Rhonda was born July 6, 1948, in Danville, to Clifford and Margaret Pool Boehme. She married Thomas G. Cook on Dec. 22, 1966, at St. Mary’s Church in Westville. He survives.
Also surviving are her mother, Margaret Boehme of Danville; one son, Robert (Dana) Cook of O’Fallon, Mo.; one daughter, Lisa Cook of Danville; seven grandchildren, Skylar Cook, Braydon Cook, Kendra Pittman, Timothy Pittman II, Jalen Pittman, Kay Anna Pittman and Kendrick Pittman; and her special friend, Linda Rollins.
She was preceded in death by her father; one son, Randall; one brother, Robert; and granddaughter, Kaitlyn.
Rhonda was a former manager of Kristen’s Shoes in Danville. She worked at Knoll’s Oakwood Truck Stop. She was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, Vermilion County Pork Producers, Bunko Club, Catlin Women’s Club and Young at Heart Red Hat Society.
She enjoyed baking, cooking, crafts and was a devoted mother and wife. She was the Vermilion Manor greeter always with a smile and the wave of her hand.
Funeral Mass was Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westville, with Father Timothy Sauppe officiating. Entombment was in the mausoleum at Resurrection Cemetery, Danville.
Memorials may be made to MS Foundation or the Vermilion Manor Nursing Home.
Robison Chapel, Catlin was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Russell L. Parliament, Jr., 75, passed away on Sept. 30, 2012, in Spring Hill, Tenn. He was born in Sidell, on March 27, 1937, to the late Russell Leroy and Etta Reed Parliament.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Elizabeth; son, Eric (Misty); grandchildren, Caroline and Matthew Parliament; sister, Mary Alice Davis; and many loving friends and family.
Russell served his country in the U.S. Army Reserves. He owned and operated Parliament’s House of Colors where he restored furniture for over 40 years. He was a member of Garfield Heights Church of Christ.
Funeral services were Oct. 5. Burial was at Orchard Hill Cemetery, Wanamaker, Ind. Shirley Brothers Mortuaries were in charge of arrangements
Mary B. “Spires” Korb, 70, of Ridge Farm, passed away at 1:03 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 2012, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
She was born Sept. 27, 1942, in Sidell, the daughter of Clarence “Slim” and Imogene Owens Maring. Mary first married Paul E. Spires on Dec. 21, 1963; he preceded her in May of 1997. She later married Leon Korb on Aug. 19, 2000; he survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Jim (Heather) Spires and Greg (Rebecca) Spires, both of Ridge Farm; two stepsons and four stepdaughters; five brothers, Chuck Maring of Sidell, Art Maring of Mahomet, Kenny Maring and Paul Maring both of Danville, Bobby Maring of Catlin; six sisters, Shirley Whaley of Sidell, Alice Lamb of Rolla, Missouri, Peggy Miller of St. Joe, Judy Reed of Mason City, Connie Anderson of Virginia, Mabel Herbert of Texas; one half-brother, Chester Maring of Elkhart, Ind.; three half-sisters, Rose Carter of Manteno, Ellen Bollin of Kansas City, Helen Wilson of Paxton and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers, Frank Maring Ralph Maring and Jack Maring; one sister, Millie Maring; three half brothers, Bill Maring, Pete Maring and Delano Maring; and one step-grandson.
Mary had worked at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village in Chrisman as a cook for 14 years, and also for the Zenith Company in Paris and Chicago Molding Plastic Factory in Georgetown. She was a member and treasurer of Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Georgetown.
Mary had a passion for cooking and baking for her family and friends. “Nobody’s cooking was as good as Mom’s.” She enjoyed paint by numbers and puzzles as well as watching American Pickers, Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune with Leon. Most of all she loved her family and grandkids.
A celebration of life funeral service for Mary Korb was Monday at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure funeral home in Georgetown. Officiating was Pastor James Blue. Burial was in the Georgetown Cemetery.
Sharing memories and photos at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Mary Lou Atkins, 72 of Maroa died Aug. 30, 2012 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Mary was born May 17, 1940 in Fairmount to Vernon C. and Nellie E. Strohl Pletch. She was a 1958 graduate of Jamaica High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree from Illinois State. Mary was an educator for about 50 years serving as a teacher at Stephen Decatur High School, Director of Futures Unlimited, and Director of Education at Richland Community College. She was past president of the Illinois Alternative Education Association. Mary was member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.
She married Thomas A. Atkins on April 28, 1978 in Decatur.
Surviving are her husband, children, Sarah Jean Atkins of Chicago, Daniel Clay Atkins of South Korea, Elizabeth Ellen Atkins of Maroa; one grandchild; two sisters, Norma Jean Chow of Georgetown and Bonnie Lee Miles of Decatur. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Mary was a great wife, mother and grandma and she will be deeply missed.
Funeral services were Sept. 4 at Tabernacle Baptist Church 650 N. Wyckles Road, Decatur with Rev. Jack Cluney officiating. Burial was in Long Point Cemetery Niantic. Memorials may be made to New Life Pregnancy Center 1698 E. Pershing Road, Decatur, IL 62526. Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care was in charge of arrangements.
Kathryn R. Banta, 79, of Ridge Farm passed away at 10:58 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
She was born April 30, 1933, the daughter of Kenneth and Celma (Swaim) Van Allen, both deceased. She was united in marriage to Robert ‘Terry’ Banta on Feb. 17, 1963. He will miss her dearly.
Others who will miss her include her daughter, Kathy Banta of Chicago; her brother, Donald (Sharon) Van Allen of Bismarck; her brother-in-law, Tom Wiener of South Bend, Ind.; her sister-in-law, Barbara (Bob) Zamen of Austin, Texas; and her nephews, Thomas Wiener of South Bend, Ind., Philip Van Allen of Evansville, Ind., Bob Zamen of Austin, Texas, and Steven Zamen of Austin, Texas. She was preceded in death by her sister, Gae Wiener.
Kathryn was a graduate of Lakeview College of Nursing and worked as an Registered Nurse for Lakeview Hospital and the Danville Veteran’s Administration. She was active in the County and State Boards of Health for 24 years and received the Illinois Public Health Association’s Everett L. Hageman Volunteerism Award.
She enjoyed antiques and golfing as well as cooking and gardening. She also avidly watched the Fighting Illini and cheered them whether they won or lost.
A celebration of Kathryn’s life was Tuesday at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown, with Pastor James Blue officiating. Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery, Ridge Farm. Memorial donations may be given in her name to: American Cancer Society, 2509 S Neil St, Suite 1, Champaign, IL 61820, or Lakeview College of Nursing, Danville. Please join Kathryn’s family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Luann Torbit, 66, of Westville, passed away peacefully at home with her husband early Friday morning, Oct. 19, 2012.
She is the beloved wife of Jimmy Torbit, the oldest daughter of Stanley and Lucille Valantas, the cherished sister of Dorothy Lewis and the most wonderful mother to Lori Harris and Lisa Innes. Her two grandchildren are Jordan and Eric Harris of Mahomet, all of whom survive her apart from her father, Stanley, whom she’s gone to meet in heaven.
Luann and her husband, Jim, celebrated 47 anniversaries together. They married shortly after high school and started a family. Luann dedicated herself to raising her girls until they were both in school, and then she rejoined the work force.
She retired from Judith Giacoma Elementary School where she was a secretary for the Westville School District for 25 years. Everyone there loved her and appreciated her. She worked very hard and loved the kids beyond reason.
Luann and Jim loved to fish, travel and explore new places. They spent many happy weekends and summers traveling to 46 of the 50 states. She enjoyed and lived life to the fullest. Luann was an eternal optimist.
Luann was a loyal parishioner to St. Mary’s Church for her entire life. She sang in the choir, volunteered for numerous activities and was always willing to help out in any way.
Visitation and rosary will be 4-8 p.m. Monday evening, Oct. 22, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Home. A Mass will be held in her honor at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, at St. Mary’s Church. It will be followed by an interment ceremony at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, east of Westville. The Altar and Rosary Society will be providing a meal in the gymnasium of St. Mary’s for her friends and family to celebrate her life and love following the interment.
Luann requested memorials be made to The American Cancer Society, www.cancer. org.
Please join Luann’s family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Ralph A. “Butch” Cast Jr. went to be with his Lord on Tuesday morning Nov. 20, 2012.
His father, Ralph A. Cast Sr., and his mother, Phyllis J. Cast, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, and their four children, Robert J. (Anna) Cast, John D. Cast, Alyssa R. Cast and Adam (Jeni); and Adam’s children, Becky, Sam, John and Kali.
Butch wished to acknowledge four special angels whom God sent his way to help him when he was down: First, his life-long friend, Lew Lane, who was always willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed; secondly, his son Robert “Bob,” who stood by his side and always made sure the farm was taken care of; thirdly, his son John, who literally carried him wherever he needed to go when he had no strength left in his legs; and fourth, his loving and gracious daughter Alyssa, whose choice in music and delightful spirit brought constant joy to his heart.
Butch wished to thank all those who faithfully prayed for him. Your prayers strengthened him and his family throughout many years of illness. He wished to send a special thank you to his friend Steve Young, who brought him many days of laughter and fun. To he and Karen’s special friend, Donna Murray-Tiedge, he wished to say thank you for some of the best memories of his life.
Butch always will be remembered for his kind, gentle ways and tender heart. He loved spending time in his cabin in Canada with his wife, mother, children, grandchildren and many friends.
Butch had a very special place in his heart for those who were less fortunate.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Danville Rescue Mission.
A celebration of Butch’s Life was Friday at Sunset’s Oakwood Chapel. Burial was at Stearns Cemetery in Fithian.
Please join Butch’s family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Thomas G. Cook, 65, of Catlin, passed away at 6:13 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2012, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, Danville.
Thomas was born Sept. 1, 1947, in Danville, to Wesley and Marjorie Thomas Cook.
He married Rhonda K. Cook on Dec. 22, 1966, at St. Mary’s Church in Westville. She preceded him in death on Oct. 5, 2012.
Surviving are his father, Wesley Cook of Westville; one son, Robert (Dana) Cook of O’Fallon, Mo.; one daughter, Lisa Cook of Danville; one sister, Mary Ann (Jim) Thomas of Catlin; seven grandchildren, Skylar Cook, Braydon Cook, Kendra Pittman, Timothy Pittman II, Jalen Pittman, Kay Anna Pittman and Kendrick Pittman; and family friend, Linda Rollins.
He was preceded in death his mother; one son, Randall; and his granddaughter, Kaitlyn.
Thomas graduated from Catlin High School. He served in the U.S. Army. He was a farmer in the Catlin area for 42 years.
He was a member and past commander of the Davis Busby Catlin American Legion Post 766. He was a member of the VFW and also 40/8. He enjoyed taking care of his wife and his family.
Funeral Mass was Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westville, with Father Timothy Sauppe officiating. Entombment in the mausoleum at Resurrection Cemetery, Danville, with military honors by the Davis Busby Catlin American Legion Post 776.
Memorials may be made to Vermilion Manor Nursing Home or St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westville. Online condolences at: www.robisonchapel.com.
Harry F. Reed, 94, of Catlin, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, at the Hawthorne Inn in Danville.
He was born Sept. 15, 1918, to Harry and Eva Mae (Tabor) Reed in Danville.
He married Veda Mae Byerly on Feb. 14, 1943, in Washington, D.C. She preceded him in death on March 27, 2011.
Harry is survived by three sons, James (Marcia) Reed, of Champaign, David Reed and Richard (Mert) Reed, both of Danville; two grandchildren, Angela (Jonathan) Kerr and Brian (Stacey) Reed of Champaign; and five great-grandchildren, Caroline, Addison and Julianne Kerr and Carson and Haley Reed.
A graduate of Danville High School, Harry was the last survivor of the 1936 second-place championship Silver Streaks basketball team.
After high school, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in the Army Air Corps as part of the Air Transport Corps. As part of his service, he flew dignitaries, American and foreign, to various locations around the world including the Yalta Conference in 1945. Harry’s unit set a world record by flying from Washington, D.C., to Paris and back in 40 hours and 15 minutes.
After the war, he worked as a store manager for Woolsworth’s in Chicago, Muskegon, Mich., and Mattoon. Harry later became the sales manager for Trisler Seed Farms in Fairmount and retired from there after three decades.
Harry was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ, a charter member of Vermilion Hills Country Club, Elks Club, American Legion Post 210 and Danville Boat Club.
A celebration of Harry’s life was Tuesday at Sunset Funeral Home. Entombment was at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum in Danville, with military honors performed by the Danville American Legion Post 210.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Harry’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Join Harry’s family in sharing memories at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Robert (Bob) Bennett, 90, of Sidell, passed away at 6:45 p.m. on Friday, October 26, 2012 at the Provena United Samaritans Hospital in Danville.
Mr. Bennett was born November 16, 1921 southeast of Sidell, a son of Franklin Odbert and Evelyn Molt Bennett. He married Betty Retzolk on November 4, 1950 in Urbana. She preceded him in death in 2008.
Mr. Bennett is survived by a sister, Rhea Guthrie of Danville, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Ralph & Raymond.
Mr. Bennett was a veteran of WWII serving in the Army.
He attended eight years at Barnett Grade School and graduated from Sidell High School in 1939. He participated in football and track and attended the University of Illinois for one semester. He ran the family farm for his mother until her death in 1945. He graduated from the Counter Intelligence Corps, but worked in the mess hall as a meat cutter until 1947. He worked several years until retirement as a self-employed carpenter and construction worker.
He was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church where he served as an usher for 21 years. He was a charter member of the Sidell Historical Society and a member of the Sidell American Legion Post 530, where he served as Chaplain for several years.
Funeral services were Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the Sidell United Methodist Church in Sidell. Burial was at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials can be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church and/or the Sidell Historical Society.
Charles Fred Albert, 86, of Danville, died Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville.
Born Feb. 10, 1926, in Collison, Charles graduated from Newman High School, attended U of I Extension and graduated from Worsham Mortuary School class of 1948.
He served in the Navy in WWII aboard the USS Union AKA106 cruiser in the Pacific. Upon returning, he met and married Alice Maudlin of Georgetown in 1952. The couple recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.
They have two sons, Fred A. Albert of San Diego and Jim E. Albert of Suwanee, Ga., and a daughter, Anne (Albert) Gregorie of Lawrenceville, Ga.
A Danville funeral director for more than 50 years, Charles was most recently with Sunset Funeral Home in Danville, but worked many years for Barrick Funeral Home before that. He owned and operated the Sidell Funeral Home from 1950-1956.
Charles was a member of St. James Methodist Church where he served on many committees, including the board of trustees. He was a member of Anchor Lodge, the Elks, the Kiwanis Breakfast Club, Danville Consistory, Toastmasters Club, Apollo Great Lakes Camping Club, VFW, Eastern Illinois Shrine Club, Ansar Shrine Club and was formerly on the board of the Salvation Army. He spent a good deal of his spare time supporting other Vermilion County charitable organizations, including the Red Cross.
He is survived by his wife, children, six grandchildren and three sisters, Norma Jo Pyle of Houston, Texas, Creta Arlington of Marion, Ind., and Alice Snyder of Danville. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Estella Barkman Albert, two brothers and three sisters.
A celebration of Charles’ life was Saturday, Nov. 3, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Danville, with the Rev. Randy Robinson officiating. Entombment was at Sunset’s Swan Court Chapel Mausoleum.
Please join Charles family in sharing photos, videos and memories of him through his Tribute Wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be made to the St. James Methodist Church of Danville, or any organization of choice.
Gary D. Gooch, 56, of Fairmount, passed away at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, December 9, 2012 at his home.
Gary was born July 17, 1956 in Danville to Darrell and Bessie Evans Gooch. He married Karen Simpson on November 15, 1996 in Morris. She survives. Also surviving are one step-daughter Laurie Richter of Sidell; one brother Dale Gooch of Morris; two grandchildren Dale and Abi Richter; one nephew, Mike (Marge) Smith of Seneca; two nieces, Debbie (Daryl) Punke of Mazon and Tina (Mark) Brookman of Mazon; and a special cousin, Patty Aldrich-Barnett of Indianola.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Paul, and one sister Marlene.
Gary had been a truck driver for the Trisler Seed Farms in Fairmount for several years. He loved to barter and trade things. He enjoyed camping, collecting guns, and target shooting.
Funeral services were today (Thursday) at 10 a.m. at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in Greenview Cemetery, Fairmount.
Memorials to the American Diabetes Association. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.
Loretta Marie Schultz, 87, of Allerton, formerly of Homer, passed away at 9:42 a.m. Sunday (Dec. 9, 2012) at Springfield Memorial Medical Center, Springfield.
Mrs. Schultz was born Dec. 26, 1924, at the farmstead home of her parents at rural Broadlands, a daughter of Clarence and Bertha Rahn Wienke. She married Harley John Schultz on Oct. 9, 1949, at Immanuel Broadlands, and they farmed in the Allerton-Sidell area for over 45 years. Harley passed away May 28, 1998.
Survivors include one daughter, Deborah Lynn (Kevin) Block of Allerton; three grandchildren, Shawn Patrick McGarigle of Sidney, Danielle Marie (Monte) Ireland of Homer and Kristin Nicole Block of Homer; one great-grandson, Tucker Layne McGarigle; and three sisters, Helen Luth of Newman, Doris (Danny) Freeman of St. Joseph and Deanna Dohme of Naples, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a son, Douglas John Schultz; two brothers, Wayne and John Wienke; two sisters, Beulah Potter and Alice Mohr; and a sister-in-law, Wilma Schultz Luth of Broadlands. She leaves with her daughter her companion dog, Mr. “Yogi” Bear.
She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands, where she was baptized into the Christian faith. She also sang in the church choir. She was a member of the Red Hat Ladies in Broadlands and a former member of the Allerton Women’s Club.
She was a former cook and manager at the King Pin Lanes in Homer. She sold Avon for many years and she worked for more than 20 years at the Champaign County Courthouse in the offices of the board of review and supervisor of assessments.
She was a graduate of Allerton High School.
She was an excellent cook and was known for baking wonderful pies. Her grandchildren loved her mashed potatoes and her stories of the past, including riding the Interurban and attending the Charles Ritz School of Cosmetology in Chicago.
Funeral services were this morning (Thursday) at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. The Rev. John W. Sharp officiated. Burial was in Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery. Kirby Funeral Home in Homer was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Lutheran Church.