Patrick A. Lewis, 39, of Fairmount, died at 8:15 p.m., Jan. 26, 2008, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urban. Funeral Services were 11:00 a.m. on Wed. Jan. 30 at Kirby Funeral Home; 708 S. Main St; Homer. Rev. Jennie Chin and Fr. Jeffrey Lawrence officiated. The burial was in Old Homer Cemtery in Homer.
Mr. Lewis was born on Dec. 15, 1968 in Danville, a son of Phillip R. and Gloria Buck Lewis. He married Barbara Yeazel on Jan. 28, 1995 in LasVegas, NV. She survives. Also surviving are four children; Allie; Jacob; Lindsay and Tyler Lewis all at home. His mother; Gloria Lewis of Homer; a brother; Paul (Kristi) Lewis of Sidney; sister; Annette (Kris Bolt) Livingston of Sidney; a brother; Bill (Melissa) Lewis of Clarksville, Tenn. He was preceeded in death by his grandparents and his father (Phillip R. Lewis).
Mr. Lewis was a 1993 graduate of SIU. He worked as a project manager for the University of Illinois. He was a Professional Engineer for the State of Illinois. He was a member of the Illinois State Rifle Assoc.; National Rifle Assoc.; Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources; North American Hunting Club; and Guns Save Life Organization. He was a volunteer basketball coach for the young children 'Shooting Stars' at the Jamaica schools.
His hobbies included collecting guns; camping and being outdoors with his wife and children.
John Marion Walters, 86, of Normal, died Jan. 24, 2008 at 5:33 p.m. at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.
John was born Nov.11, 1921 in Fairmount, a son of Paul Nye Walters and Florence Tracey Walters. He grew up in the Fairmount/Homer area and attended school there. In May of 1942, he joined the US Navy and served as an Aviation Ordnanceman, First Class, in the Hawaiian Islands. In January of 1946, he returned home and married Ruth O. Burton Dec. 12, 1948, in Homer.
John attended the University of Louisville in Kentucky and was a Linesman and a trouble-shooter for CILCO, retiring in 1979. He was a member of the Peoria Temple of the Scottish Rite and a Shriner, a member of the Masonic Temple in Atlanta, Ill., a member of the American Legion and a member of IBEW for 60 years.
After his retirement, John and his wife moved to Thunderbird Park in Ft. Myers, Fla., where they lived 25 years before returning to Illinois. John was an avid Euchre and Cribbage player. While in Florida, he taught Euchre and the fineries of the game to other residents in the community where he lived.
He loved fishing with his grandsons, boating and waterskiing and had an extraordinary sense of humor. He always had jokes or stories at the ready and would crack himself up as often as he did others, laughing too much to finish his story. With his outgoing and warm personality, John made many friends both in Florida and at home in Illinois. While he treasured his friends and family, he especially loved his two grandsons, they were a very important part of his life.
In addition to his wife Ruth, John is survived by a daughter, Becky (Bob) Burden of Bloomington; his two grandsons, Jonathan (Sarah) Burden of Oak Park, and Joel Burden of Normal; a sister, Leona Mae Benner of Homer, and a brother, Everett Walters of Homer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Bob, Glenn and Carl Walters; sister Selma White and an infant sister Lois Iona Walters.
John's family wish to offer special thanks to the staff and nurses at Evergreen Place and Heritage Manor, who gave such loving care during his last year there. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend, John will be sadly missed.
Funeral services were at Kibler-Smith Memorial Home with Pastor Mary Armstrong-Reiner officiating. Military honors were accorded by the Carl S. Martin Post 635 Honor Guard, Normal, American Legion. Masonic rites were accorded by the Atlanta Lodge #165. Interment was in Funks Grove Cemetery, McLean. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL, 33607-1460 in his memory.
Charles M. "Pat" Patterson, 92, of Georgetown, passed away at 12:57 a.m. Jan. 28, 2008, at his home. He was born in Georgetown on Feb. 8, 1915, the son of Charles A. and Lenora (LaMar) Patterson, both deceased.
He was united with Madonna Maskel on Feb. 1, 1936, in Georgetown until her death on July 6, 2005.
Survivors include his sons, Robert Patterson, Richard Patterson and John Patterson, all of Georgetown; his daughters, Donna (Robert) Brimner of Grandview, and Bonita (Stephen) Cook of Cayuga, Ind.; his 11 grandchildren; and his many great-grandchildren, as well as several great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his five brothers, James, Kenneth, Glen, Wayne and Tom Patterson; and his sister, Elizabeth Ridge.
Pat was a member of the First Church of Christ in Georgetown. He had worked for International Harvester in Ridge Farm and Allerton. He had also worked for Bennett/Emmert Lumber Company, the Grab-It-Here Store, as well as the Georgetown IGA and Biggs Marathon.
A celebration of Pat's life was at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31 at Sunset's Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. Rev. Leon Korb officiated. He was laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in his name to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or Carle Hospice or donor's choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Bessie L. Anderson Campbell, 101, of Cullman, Ala., formerly of Fairmount, died at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, 2008, at Woodland Village Health Care Nursing Home in Cullman, Ala.
Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008, at the Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial in Greenview Cemetery.
Bessie was born May 18, 1906, in Edwards County, Shelby Precinct in Illinois, the daughter of Otis and Jessie Belle Alexander Peters. She married John Anderson, and after his death, later married Clarence Campbell, who also preceded her in death. Survived by two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren; and a nephew, Warren Peters of Georgetown. She was preceded by a son, Lawrence Anderson; stepson, Rex Anderson; stepdaughter, Irene Peters; and two brothers Raymond and Lyle Peters.
Bessie moved from Fairmount in 1962 relocating in Lafayette, Ind. Bessie enjoyed playing the piano, reading and attending the Church of Christ in Lafayette.
Memorials to the donor's choice. Arrangements entrusted to Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount.
Shirley Elizabeth Forshier Tighe, 84, of Nogales, Ariz., formerly of Homer, died Jan. 6, 2008, at her home. Her body was cremated. She had been declining in health since 2003.
There will be a memorial Mass at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 at St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Homer. Father Jeffrey Lawrence will officiate. Visitation will be from 8:30 to 10 a.m. before Mass. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery in Homer. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Tighe was born on March 9, 1923, in Danville, a daughter of Claude R. ³Cap² and Edith G. ³Chick² Johnson Forshier. She married Joseph F. Tighe. He passed away June 1999.
Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Carolyn Tighe (Dr. John) Wemlinger of Nogales, Ariz.; one brother, William (Charlene) Forshier of Danville; niece, Deborah Dawson of Danville; nephews, William Robert (Brenda) Forshier and Charles Lee (Tina) Forshier, both of Danville. Other nieces and nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews living in the Danville and Champaign areas.
She was a 1941 graduate of Danville High School where she was involved in basketball, soccer, a GAA tennis champion, a swimming champion and synchronized swimming with her brother, Bill. She was a member of Pi Epsilon Pi Sorority and Senior Standard Bearer of St. James Methodist Church in Danville.
Organizations and hobbies as an adult included being a 47-year member of St. Charles Borromeo Roman Catholic Church in Homer; Fairmount Home Bureau (former chairperson and member); Daughters of Isabelle Circle 40 in Danville; Fairmount Legion Auxiliary; Fairmount Women¹s Club (member and officer); St. Charles Borromeo Volunteer of the Year, Diocese of Peoria Council of Catholic Women.; St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church Altar Guild; Homer Lions Club Auxiliary; and Muscular Dystrophy Association fundraising.
Her hobbies were visiting friends who were homebound, hospitalized or in care facilities.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Nogales Hospital Building Fund or Carondelet Hospice Santa Cruz County, both in Nogales, Ariz.
Gary L. Hooker, 63, of Kingman, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2008, at his home.
He was born on June 2, 1944, in Danville, the son of Leon Hooker and Elizabeth Ellen (Yowell) Hooker.
He was a 1962 graduate of Jamaica High School.
He will be missed by his sons, Barry (Marsha) Hooker of Bloomington, Brad (Leisa) Snoke of Ohio and Bret (Christi) Snoke of Arkansas; his daughter, Becky Davis of Ridge Farm; his three stepchildren, Vanessa (Randy) Purple of Covington, Julie Lawson of Kingman and Wesley (Rachel) Lawson of Ridge Farm; and his 21 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three grandchildren.
Gary was a farmer who raised sheep and showed them at county and state fairs. He also enjoyed spending time with the friends he made at those fairs over the years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Danville. He enjoyed his breakfast group at the Apple Tree restaurant in Veedersburg. He enjoyed watching sports and especially when his grandkids played. He really cherished the time he spent playing with his grandchildren.
A celebration of Gary¹s life was Jan. 22 at Sunset¹s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home in Georgetown with Jerry Cum-mins and Mark Bouslog officiating. He will be laid to rest in Sunset Memorial Park in Danville, Ill.
Memorial donations may be given in his name to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Gary Lee "Tiny" Whitington, 63, of Wapello, Iowa, formerly of Fairmount, died Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at the Henry County Health Center at Mount Pleasant.
The son of Charles E. and Ella Rose Collins Whitington, he was born Jan. 1, 1945, at State Line, Ill. He married Linda Sue Wolfe on Sept. 22, 1966, at Fairmount.
Tiny graduated from Jamaica High School in 1963. He was an over-the-road truck driver for 21 years and had worked at Trisler Seed Farms.
He was a member of the Evangelical Methodist Church at Fairmount and had been a volunteer fireman. He enjoyed trucking, gambling and a good joke.
Survivors include his wife, Linda; two sons, James (Jenifer) Whitington of Oakwood and John (Audra) Whitington of Eagle Lake, Minn.; two daughters, Lee Ann (Mike) Lihs of Wapello and Shannon (David) Williams of Alton, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; four brothers, Jim Whitington of Danville, Terry (his twin) Whitington of Covington, Ind., Danny Whitington of Danville and Russ Whitington of Charleston; and two sisters, Barbara White of Sampson, Ala. and Neomi Freezer of Gary, Ind.
He was preceded in death by parents and four brothers, Charles, John, Larry, and Ronnie.
Memorial services were Jan. 20 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wapello. The Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home at Wapello provided arrangements. He has been cremated. The Rev. James H. Huston officiated the service.
Violet E. Gilroy, 85, of Sidell, passed away at 12:20 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
She was born on Feb. 7, 1922, in Georgetown, the daughter of Charles and Grace (Morgan) Hewitt, both deceased. She was wed to Paul Walker Gilroy on Feb. 7, 1942, in Sidell. He preceded her in death in 2000.
Those who will miss her include: her sons, David (Linda) Gilroy of Ridge Farm and Charles Gilroy of Sidell; her daughters, Sandra Thornton of Ogden, Anita Schmidt of Tilton, Elaine (Kevin) George of Veedersburg, Ind., and Janice Wade of Sidell; her 16 grandchildren; her 23 great-grandchildren; and her three great-great-grandchildren. Her sister, Ruth, preceded Violet in death.
Violet was a school bus driver for the Jamaica School District for several years.
She was a member of the Pleasant Mound Church of Christ. In her spare time, she enjoyed gardening, canning, and she enjoyed tending flowers.
She loved to be outdoors and spending time with her cats and feeding the squirrels.
A celebration of Violet’s life was at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2008, at Pleasant Mound Church of Christ, east of Georgetown. Paul Kent will officiate the service. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12 at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E West St. in Georgetown. She will be laid to rest in Pleasant Mound Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in her name to Pleasant Mound Church of Christ. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Betty M. Bennett, 81, of Sidell, died at 3 p.m. Sat., Jan. 5, 2008, at the Danville Health Care Center in Danville.
Mrs. Bennett was born on Jan. 26, 1926 in Urbana, a daughter of William and Myrtle Maxfield Retzolk. She married Robert J. Bennett on November 4,
1950 in Champaign. He survives.
Also surviving are two cousins and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Bennett was a member of the Sidell United Methodist Church, and a member of the Sidell Historical Society.
She worked for GTE and for Illinois Bell for many years. She also attended and graduated from Urbana High School.
Memorials may be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 8, at the Sidell United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dennis Fager officiating. Burial was at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Sidell, is in charge of arrangements.
Ralph L. “Cotton” Hooker, age 85, of Sidell, passed away Thurs., Feb. 21, 2008 at the VA Illiana Health Care System in Danville.
He was born Dec. 1, 1922 in Effingham, the son of John and Daisy (Steambrook) Hooker. He married Lena Hires on May 27, 1959 in Metcalf. She preceded him in death.
Ralph is survived by two sons: Greg (Kathy) Hooker of Sidell and Eric (Tammy) Hooker of Fairmount, one daughter: Sue (Tod) Wolfe of Sidell, one brother: Verlie Hooker of Indianola, one sister Billie Baier of Hoffman Estates, five grandchildren: Jessica, Justin, Adam, Ashley, Daniel; and one great grandchildren: Shaelynn and one expected granddaughter: Alivia Marie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son: Joe Hooker and several brothers and sisters.
Ralph served in the United States Army during WWII. He worked as a self-employed carpenter doing jobs for many people around the area. He really loved hunting, fishing and tending to his garden. Ralph also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, great grandchild and the kids in his neighborhood. He will be sadly missed by everyone that knew him.
A memorial service for Ralph Hooker was held from 2 - 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008 at the Sidell Assembly Church in Sidell.
Memorial donations may be made in Ralph’s name to the organization of the donor’s choice. Email condolences may be sent to Ralph’s family at: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. Sunset’s Community & Life Tribute Center is handling arrangements.
Frederick Henry Dohme, 70, of Broadlands, died at 8:28 a.m. Tues. Feb. 12, 2008 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Fred was born on July 5, 1937 in Broadlands. A son of George and Kathryn Krukewitt Dohme.
He is survived by a daughter, Libby Dohme of Naples, Fla.; a son, Darren (Julle) Dohme of Broadlands; three grandchildren, Caroline, Jacob and Dylan, all of Broadlands; three sisters, Frances Jervis of St. Joseph, Marion (Maurice) Wienke of Homer, Ilene Boudreaux of Willow Springs; one brother, Henry Paul (Karen) Dohme of Champaign.
Fred was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Karen Dohme.
He was a 1956 graduate of ABL High School. He then spent two years in the Illinois National Guard. He was a retired farmer and Ayers Township Road Commissioner for over 20 years. He loved to show cattle back in the 1970¹s and early 1980¹s. His prize shorthorn cattle won many championships at the Champaign County Fair and Illinois State Fair. He even had a steer named ŒFred¹ that won the North American Livestock Expo in 1982. He was a longtime member of the Broadlands card club and member of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Broadlands.
Fred lived life for his grandchildren up to his final moments. He enjoyed being with his grandchildren every day, and taking part in all activities they were involved in. He was very outgoing and social and had many friends throughout Champaign County and never knew a stranger. He was a wonderful father, brother, uncle, friend and beloved grandfather. He is sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Funeral Services were Feb. 16, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Broadlands with Rev. Lynn A. Podoll officiating. Burial was in St. John¹s Cemetery in Broadlands.
Treva E. Andersen, 80, passed away, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2008 at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Ind.
She was born March 3, 1927, in Indianola, the daughter of Louis Frederick and Sibby Goaldia Willison Ward, and graduated from Indianola High School in 1945. She later lived in Chicago where she worked for the government processing war and savings bonds.
While living in Chicago Treva met, and then married, Andrew L. Andersen on June 19, 1948. In 1959 she and her family moved to Cowan, Ind.
Mrs. Andersen was a member of Cowan United Methodist Church where she was a former Sunday School Superintendent, Church treasurer and president of the WSCS.
She was active in Girl Scouts having served as the Cookie Chairman for many years.
Surviving are six children: Glenna (Gary) Divine, Cowan; Judy (Allen) Stewart, Janice (Byron) Ritchie, Springport; Nancy Andersen, Indianapolis; David (Anna) Andersen, Murfreesboro, Tenn.; and Laura (Brian) Andersen-Bales, Noblesville; 10 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Joyce Ward, Chicago; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Andrew L. Andersen, who died in 1996; her brothers, David, Benson and William Ward; and her sisters, Arleigh Spessard and Theresa Drzal.
Services for Treva were Feb. 16 at Parson Mortuary with Pastor Matthew Todd officiating. Burial followed in Tomlinson Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, 6415 Castleway W. Drive, Suite 114, Indianapolis, IN 46250.Condolences may be sent to www.parsonmortuary.com.
Mary Margaret Downey, 94, of Charleston and formerly of Oklahoma City, Okla., passed away Sunday, Feb.17, 2008, at Hilltop Convalescent Center in Charleston. A Memorial Service will be held at the Sidell United Methodist Church at a later date. Inurnment will be at the Resurrection Memorial Cemetery in Oklahoma City.
Margaret, as she was affectionately known, was born in St. Louis, Mo. Sept. 24, 1913, a daughter of Otis and Carrie (Sproul) Downey. She loved children and spent a portion of her life as a nanny for Dr. and Mrs. Lehmann of Sorocco, New Mexico. She later moved to Oklahoma City where she worked at Memorial Hospital for 26 years before retiring in 1978.
She enjoyed her retirement, visiting friends and relatives and traveling. In 1994 she relocated to Prairie Village in Rantoul, to be closer to family. She remained there until entering Hilltop Convalescent Center in Charleston. Margaret also enjoyed such hobbies as embroidery and cross stitch and was an avid reader.
She leaves her cousin, Barbara and her husband, Lyle, Knott of Sidell, and their children, Mike and Becky Lord and family, Lyle A. and Patti Knott and family and Dan and Helen Knott and family. Also surviving are the children and families of her late cousin Evelyn Johns; Bitsy Mourning and Phil, and Bob and Diana Johns and their family; and two very special friends, Bower Knight and David Flight. Margaret was also preceded by her stepmother, Mary Downey.
Margaret's family has requested that Memorials in her honor be made to the Sidell United Methodist Church, P.O Box 49, Sidell, IL 61876.
Paul Elias Frederick, age 64, of Sidell passed away at 9:35 a.m. Jan. 25, 2008 at Provena USMC of stroke and diabetic related complications.
Paul was born May 7, 1943 in Anoka Minn., the son of Ted and Coral (Playle) Frederick. He married Marilee Kay Jennings Nov. 2, 1964 in Osseo, Minn.
He is survived by his wife and daughter, Pauletta Kay (Ron-dall) Burgess of Hendersonville Tenn.; and two brothers, William ³Bill² Henry (Barbara) Frederick of Ontario, Calif. and Arnold Joy (Sharon) Frederick of Las Vegas, Nev.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Dora Mae (Frederick) Stofferahn.
Paul worked nights in the custodial department at Danville Area Community College for 26 years (1975 2000). He loved to repair bicycles for local children and was nicknamed the ³Bicycle Man.² He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.
Per his wishes, he was cremated. A memorial service was held at East Park Church of Christ, Danville with Ray Nasser officiating. Paul had fond memories of driving the bus for the Church and delivering tapes to the shut-ins many years ago.
Memorial donations may be given in his name to East Park Church of Christ, 1224 E. Voorhees Street, Danville, IL 61834 or a favorite charity. Email condolences to sunsetfuneralhome.com. Sunset¹s Community & Life Tribute Center assisted the family with the arrangements.
Martha A. Hart, 77, of Georgetown passed away at 11:15 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
She was born March 22, 1930, in Indianola, the daughter of Byrd and Frances Johnson Caudill.
Martha married Robert L. “Bob” Hart on Nov. 15, 1950, in Robinson. He preceded her on Aug. 18, 2006. Others who will miss her include her children, Randy (Debbie) Hart of Georgetown, Steve (Melanie) Hart of St. Louis, Mo., Susan (Larry) Glasscott of Georgetown, Tim (Lois) Hart of Olivet, Bryan (Renee) Hart of Georgetown, Betsy (Tim) Serd of Walker, La., and Ted (Kelly) Hart of Charleston, her 17 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren and her cat Mitzie.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one grandson, Travis.
Martha attended Vermilion Grove Friends Church, and her hobbies included bird watching and wildlife, collecting antiques, reading, baking, working crossword puzzles and going on drives, but most of all she loved and cherished her entire family.
A celebration of life was Tuesday, Feb. 12, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure funeral home in Georgetown. Officiating was Rev. James Walker and Rev. James
Blue. Visitation for family and friends will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 11, at the funeral home and one hour prior to the funeral on Tuesday. Place of rest will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Vermilion Grove Friends Church. Condolences can be e-mailed at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Jerry Lee Murray, 55, of Danville passed away Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2008, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center.
Jerry was born Nov. 18, 1952, in Danville, the son of Floyd Arnold and Pauline Ruth Burke Murray. He married Debbie Ann Martin on Oct. 23, 1973, in Indianola. She survives along with son, Adrian Murray; and a special grandson, Skye Murray; one sister, Donna (Roy) Kindred; one brother, Steve (Teresa) Murray; a special niece, Brandy Pacheco and several other nieces and nephews and dozens of close friends.
Jerry attended Indianola Grade School and Jamaica High School.
He enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in Vietnam. Jerry worked as a roofer for Berlines and later for Local 97.
He enjoyed NASCAR, listening to "The Who" and the scanner, but most of all spending time with his family and friends.
A celebration of Jerry¹s life was held at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Danville with Pastor James Blue officiating. He was laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Steven Curtis Dalbey, 55 of Ogden, died at 6:22 a.m. Sunday, March 23, 2008 at his home.
Mr. Dalbey was born on Jan. 1, 1953 in Danville, a son of Curtis and Helen Cole Dalbey.
Survivors include his mother Helen Dalbey of St. Joseph; two daughters, Brandi Dalbey of Ogden and Brenda (Jeff) Adolph of Fithian; one brother, Tommy (Kristy) Dalbey of Cameron, Texas; two sisters; Susan (Terry) Carpenter of Danville and Judie (Jay) Puzey of Fairmount; two grandsons, Cole Mohr and Curt Adolph; eight nieces and nephews; one great-niece and one great-nephew.
Mr. Dalbey was preceeded in death by his father and one nephew.
He was a farmer all his life. He was a member of the Vermilion County Farm Bureau; former township trustee for Oakwood Township and a former Vermilion County 4-H board member.
Funeral services were Wednesday at Kirby Funeral Home, Homer, with Rev. Allen Miller officiating. Burial was in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian.
Memorials to his grandsons, Cole Mohr and Curt Adolph, in care of Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, IL, 61849.
Billy G. Johnson, 58, of Fairmount, passed away suddenly at 12:56 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2008, in the emergency room at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
He was born June 16, 1949, in Frankfort, Ind., to Don and Norma Jean Thurman Johnson. Billy married Shirley Wade on May 18, 1983 in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving are three stepsons, David (Kelly) Wade of Bloomington, Rick (Chris) Wade of Westville and Steven (Jodi) Wade of Fairmount; one stepdaughter, Diana Davis of Tilton; two brothers, Mark (Lynn) Johnson and Jay (Judy) Johnson, both of Indiana; and 11 grandchildren.
Billy had been working in the maintenance department at the University of Illinois. He was a Vietnam Army veteran and a member of the Davis-Busby Post of Catlin Legion. He enjoyed football and was a Cubs fan. He especially enjoyed riding his Harley with Tia and found great enjoyment in watching NASCAR races with Jacob.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Gary Menard officiating. Burial was in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Davis-Busby American Legion provided military graveside rites.
Marjorie Moreman, 83, of Fairmount, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville.
Marjorie was born Aug. 16, 1924, in Danville, to Orville and Lucy Smith Pletch. She married Kenneth Moreman on March 22, 1945, in Danville. He passed away in 2003.
Survivors include two sons, Terry (Brenda) Moreman and Randy Moreman Sr., both of Fairmount; four grandchildren, Kevin (Molly) Snack of Catlin, Holly Moreman of Bloomington, Heather (Tommy) Dongarra of Loveland, Colo., and Randy Moreman Jr. of Danville; four great-grandchildren, Dalton and Brady Snack, Domenic Dongarra and Donavan Wade; and one son-in-law, Wayne Hoskins. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Vicki Hoskins; two brothers, William and Howard Pletch; and one granddaughter, Kelly Snack.
Marjorie was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ. She worked for a time at Carson Pirie Scott department store and Provena Hospital. She was a member of Vermilion County Farm Bureau and enjoyed playing cards, doing puzzles and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services: 10 a.m. Friday at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount. Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial in Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Carrington's in Fairmount.
Memorials to the Fairmount Rescue or donor's choice.
William E. Witherspoon, 78, of Prescott, Ariz., formerly of Fairmount, died Friday, Feb. 29, 2008 at the Veterans Hospital in Prescott. Graveside rites will be held in the late spring at Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.
Arrangements by Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount.
Blaze Allyn McLain, 11 months, passed away at 12:49 p.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2008, at home. He was born March 12, 2007, in Danville, to Courtney Jones and Zack McLain.
Blaze was much loved and will be greatly missed by his mother, Courtney Jones of Indianola; his father, Zack McLain of Danville; his big brother and best friend, Zacheriah R. "Boodgy" McLain of Indianola; his grandparents, Suzanna and Hugh E. Jones of Indianola and Pepper and Earl McLain of Defiance, Ohio; his great grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. Fredrick H. Pierce of North Salem, Ind; his great-great grandmother, Rosene E. Pierce of Richmond, KY; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of Blaze's life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at Bethel Baptist Church, 501 S. Main St, Georgetown. Pastor Gerald McPhillips will officiate.
Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the church prior to the service. He will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola.
Memorial donations may be made in Blaze's name to the Education Fund and Care of Bethel Baptist Church, Georgetown.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Phil A. Dillon, 58, of Sidell, died at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 28, 2008, at his home in rural Sidell.
Mr. Dillon was born on July 15, 1949, in Danville, a son of Hugh L. and Helen G. Anderson Dillon. He married Ann McDade on Feb. 12, 1989, in Independence, Mo. She survives.
Also surviving are his mother, Helen Dillon of Sidell; a brother, Alan E. Dillon of Danville; stepchildren, Eric and Tara McDade; and a nephew, Matt Dillon.
Phil was a 1972 graduate of Eastern Illinois University earning a degree in psychology. He farmed with his father for many years, and then by himself after his father passed away.
Phil became a pilot in May of 1987 and later became a high performance pilot in August of 1987. Phil was an avid fisherman.
Memorials may be made to the Carle Hospice Memorial Fund.
Funeral services were Monday, March 3, 2008, at the Joines Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. The Rev. Leslie Bone officiated. Burial was held at the Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.
Wilmetta Rowand Madden, 97, of Johnson City, Tenn. passed away on February 28, 2008. Born in Sidell, she was the daughter of C. Dale and Carrie Myrtle Rowand.
Mrs. Madden was a member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church.
She graduated from the University of Illinois where she was a member of the Tri-Delta Sorority. She then attended graduate school at Columbia University in New York.
She was employed by the Credit Bureau in Florida from 1965 through 1985. She belonged to the Daytona Beach Credit Bureau Women¹s Club. Mrs. Madden owned and operated Kitty¹s House of Fashion in Daytona Beach in the 1950¹s. She was a member of the Eastern Star for 60 years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Dale A. Madden; brother, Curtis Rowand; two grandsons, Joe Walton, III and George Madden.
She is survived by a daughter, Doris A. Walton and husband Joe of Johnson City; grandchildren: Sonja Walton Hadad and husband Gary, David Alan Madden, Paul Rowand Madden and Carla Baster; great-grandchildren: Kevin and Kyle Madden, Andrew Madden, Anabel Catherine and Jonathan Lucas, Joe Walton IV and Maggie Walton.
A Celebration of Life service was held on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Tetrick Funeral Services with Rev. Dennis Hamm officiating.
Memorial donations may be made in Mrs. Madden¹s name to Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church, 201 E. Market St., Johnson City, TN 37601.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com <http://www.tetrickfuneralhome.com/> or faxed to (423) 610-7177.
Arrangements for the Madden family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604. (423) 610-7171.
LENNIE L. MONROE
Lennie L. Monroe, 65 of Sidell died at 1:35 p.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008, at her home in Sidell.
Mrs. Monroe was born on October 26, 1942 in rural Newman, a daughter of Earl and Marcella (Sally) Cox Loop. She married Allan Monroe on May 27, 1961 in Newman. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her parents and a nephew.
Surviving are two brothers Kenneth and Barry (Peg) Loop of Sidell, three sisters Cinda Sue (James) Pope of Danville, Lisa (Kevin) Mackey of Urbana, and Sheree (Rodney) Deffenbaugh of Sidell, five nieces and six nephews.
Mrs. Monroe was an active member of the Metcalf Christian Church. She was an avid NASCAR Racing and Chicago Cubs fan. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, and hummingbirds.
A memorial service was held Wednesday at the Metcalf Christian Church. The Rev. Don Pruitt officiated. Burial was at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery near Newman.
Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Sidell was in charge of arrangements.Memorials may be made to the Metcalf Christian Church or the American Cancer Society.
WAYNE FRANK REED
Wayne Frank Reed, 64, of Eureka, IL died unexpectedly at 1:44 p.m. on Monday April 21, 2008 at BroMenn Regional Medical Center, Normal. He was born on March 20, 1944 in Danville to Jacob Junior (J.J.) and Ruth Davis Reed. He married Sandra Walters on July 8, 1967 in Newell, West Virginia. They celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last year.
Surviving are his wife; one son, Matthew (Kara) Reed of Decatur; one daughter, Brooke (Brandon) Beck of New Albany, Ind.; six beloved grandchildren, Ashlyn, Kaile, Lexi, Brayden, Brinley and Brielle; one brother, Terry (Christine) Reed of Monticello and two nieces also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
He was raised near Fairmount and graduated from Jamaica High School where he lettered in football, basketball and track. He briefly attended Illinois State University.
Frank served his country in the U.S. Army during Vietnam from May 1965 to 1967 as an Inventory Control Instructor in the Washington, D.C. area.
He was employed by Hupp Toyota Lift in Peoria as branch manager from April 2002 to present. He previously had worked for M.H. Equipment in Peoria from October 1992 to April 2002 in various management positions. Frank started his career in the forklift business at Hyster Company in Danville.
He was a member of the Eureka Church of the Nazarene where he was actively involved in serving.Frank will be greatly missed by family and many friends.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Eureka Nazarene Church,the Rev. Gordon Barrick officiating. Visitation will be 4-8 p.m.Thursday at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka and one hour prior to services on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Hoult Cemetery in Chrisman with a graveside service at 3:00 p.m. on Friday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Eureka Church of the Nazarene or Eureka Community Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
Rev. Mary Vick Roth
Rev. Mary Vick Roth, 69, of 2652 Manor Hill in Quincy, died Monday, April 14, 2008, in Blessing Hospital.
She was born Jan. 30, 1939, in Ft. Sill, Okla., the daughter of Kenneth and Evelyn Pilch Vick. On Aug. 25, 1957, she married Merlin Roth in Arcola.
She received her bachelor¹s degree, master¹s degree and specialist degree in guidance and counseling from Eastern Illinois University. She received her master of divinity degree from Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary where she was voted "Top Preacher" in her class.
Mary served as a teacher in Indianola, then Jamaica High School in Sidell where she taught English, speech and rhetoric. She was head guidance counselor at Southeast Fountain School District, Veedersburg, Ind. She served Methodist churches in Batestown, Union Corner and Macomb. She was then named superintendent of the Springfield District and then superintendent of the Decatur District where she served for six years.
She served churches in Normal, Union Methodist Church in Quincy and then Knoxville, Ill. She retired in 2004 and returned to Quincy. Mary was involved in numerous conference task forces and retreats, and was always active in outreach efforts which focused on teaching and counseling.
She currently attended church at Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church in Quincy. She and her friend Sidney Crowcroft began ³Sharing the Loaf² which was a counseling, mentorship program.
Survivors also include, three children, Marti E. (Tom) Deighan of Bloomington, Marilyn E. (Edward) Kuper of Maryland Heights, Mo., Mark E. (Peiyu) Roth of Salinas, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Michael and Patrick Deighan, Sarah, Mary, Hannah and Leah Kuper and Sid Roth. She also was preceded in death by her parents and a half sister, Ann Jobie Vick.
Services were held April 18 at Melrose Chapel United Methodist Church in Quincy with the Rev. Wally Carlson officiating. Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Milford. Memorials may be made to Garrett Seminary Tribute Scholarship.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Web site: http:// www.hansenspear.com.
Marshall Allen Grissom
Marshall Allen Grissom, 57, of Fairmount, passed away at noon Friday, April 18, 2008, at home. He was born November 5, 1950, in Newman, a son of Jesse Lester and Ruby Fern Bishop Grissom.
He is survived by: a son, Cory (Kim) Grissom of Westville; a daughter, Dawn Grissom of Janesville, Wis.; three brothers, Wayne (Sallie) Grissom of Chrisman, Bob (Barbara) Grissom of Mt. Pulaski, and Jim (Robin Rife) Grissom of Indianola; four sisters, Lillie (Dick) Rodeffer of Catlin, Lynn West of Tilton, Peggy (Warren) Hack of Danville and Katie Hoggatt of Chrisman; eight grandchildren, Kaleb, Sarah, Natalie, Cassie, Kodie and Ally Grissom, and Dylan and Alexis Kuhl.
A sister, Nina Skovira, preceded him.
Mr. Grissom was a semi driver. He enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and was an avid NASCAR fan.
Funeral services were at Tuesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Darren Johnson officiating. Burial was in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Carle Home Care and Hospice
BRENDA GRAY
Brenda Gray, 58, well known Catlin resident, active in church, civic, and community affairs, passed away suddenly at 8:37 a.m. Monday, April 21, 2008, in the emergency room at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville. Brenda was born Oct. 7, 1949, in Springfield, Ohio, to Kenneth and Lu McFarland Shook. She married Dale Gray July 28, 1973, in Danville. Dale survives as well as her mother, Lu (Les "Bud") Willsey of Rockford, Ill.
Brenda is survived by one son, Mark (Maurie) Gray of Dallas, Texas; one daughter, Kelli (Matt) Merold of Washington, Ind.; two brothers, Gary (Carol) Shook of Rockford, and Bob (Jennifer) Shook of Littleton, Colo.; and four grandchildren, William Merold, Harrison Merold and Benjamin Merold and Gunnar Gray; and her mother-in-law, Dorothy Gray of Tilton.
Brenda had been a receptionist at the Danville Polyclinic for more than 15 years. She was an active member of the Catlin Church of Christ and church choir. She served on the Catlin School board, member of the Catlin Junior Women's Club and the Red Hat Society "Dazzling Dames."
She enjoyed yard work, boating, the Illini and the family pool. Her greatest joy was being with her grandkids.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Catlin Church of Christ. Dave Burger and Darren Johnson will officiate. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Thursday at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Catlin Church of Christ, c/o Robison Chapel in Catlin.
Fred Hancock, 65, of Champaign, formerly of Fairmount, passed at 7:56 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2008, in the emergency room of Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Fred was born July 26, 1942, in Fairmount to George and Georgia Turpin Hancock.
Survivors include his father, George Hancock of Fairmount; his companion of 26 years, Kathy Carlson of Champaign; a sister, Diane (Irvin) Summers of Fairmount; a niece and a nephew.
Fred was a graphic artist, having worked for a time with General Dynamics of Quincy, Mass., designing nuclear submarines. He later joined the office of Planning and Budgeting at the University of Illinois in Champaign, where he worked for 35 years. Fred enjoyed antiques, furniture refinishing and gardening.
Funeral services were April 1 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Jim Blue officiating. Burial was in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Memorials may be made to the Fairmount and Jamaica Historical Society in his memory.
TERRY WHITINGTON
Terry Gene Whitington, 63, of Covington, passed away at 8:40 a.m. EDT Saturday, May 3, 2008, at Home Hospital in Lafayette, Ind.
He was born Jan. 1, 1945, in State Line, the son of Charles and Ella (Collins) Whitington. He married Nancy Owens in 1966. They later divorced. He then married Judy Lowe on June 6, 1970, in Fairmount. She survives.
Terry is also survived by one son: Charles (Colleen) Whitington; one daughter: Traci (Jim) Mosley; three brothers: Russell (Lynda) Whitington, Jim (Charlotte) Whitington and Danny Whitington; two sisters: Naomi Feezor and friend, Stan Valrich, and Barbara (CR) White; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild with two great-grandchildren on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers: Charles, John, Gary, Larry and Ronnie Whitington.
Terry worked for GM in Danville for 25 years, retiring in 1990. He loved listening to classical country western music, especially George Jones. He liked to watch TV and travel. His favorite pastimes were playing bingo and going to casinos. He got pleasure from spending time with family, friends and his dog, Pebbles. He enjoyed joking with people.
A memorial service celebrating the life for Terry Whitington was held May 7 at Sunset's Covington Chapel in Covington.
Memorial donations may be made in Terry's name to the organization of the donor's choice.
E-mail condolences to: www. sunsetfuneralhome.com.
FERN ALEXANDER
Fern Alexander, 95, of Fairmount, passed away at 11:11 p.m. Wednesday, April 30, 2008, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center in Danville.
She was born June 13, 1912, south of Sidell to Freddie and Myrtie Turner Brooks McNees. She married William D. Alexander in Indiana March 2, 1931. He passed away Sept. 2, 1978.
Survivors include: three sons: Clifford (Genie) Alexander of Converse, Texas, Freddie (Karen) Alexander of Fairmount and James (Shirley) Alexander of Danville; one daughter: Betty (Jim) Salladay of Fairmount; one daughter-in-law: Pat Alexander of Fairmount; and two sisters: Lorena (Rev. Charles) Pearman of Indianola and Bonnie Carter of Fairmount. She was preceded by an infant daughter and one son, Bill Alexander. Survivors also include 16 grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, six stepgreat-grandchildren and 16 great-great-grandchildren.
Fern's family and children were her greatest pride and concern. She enjoyed flowers, active in the Fairmount Ball Association, helped with the Fairmount Boy Scouts, member of the former Fairmount Presbyterian Church, later New Hope Community Church. She attended Sidell Grade School, Galloway School and Barnet School. She had been a homemaker and a loving and caring person.
Funeral services were Monday at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Rev. Ron Weishaar officiating. Burial was in the Greenview Cemetery, Fairmount.
Memorials to the Fairmount Ball Association or American Cancer Society.
Mary Burke, 86, of Champaign, formerly of Fairmount and Danville, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at Illini Heritage Nursing Home, Champaign.
Mrs. Burke was born April 24, 1921, in Danville, a daughter of William and Nell Tighe McCormick. She married Joseph Burke in 1950 in Chicago. He preceded her in death in 1953.
Survivors include two nieces, Janet (Bruce) McCormick of Tiburon, Calif., and Sharon (Robert) Ward of Los Osos, Calif. She was preceded in death by her parents, a son, Billy McCormick, and a brother, Dennis McCormick.
She was employed in Chicago as a telephone operator, at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Danville, and she also owned and operated the Fairmount Tavern with her brother.
She enjoyed traveling, collecting silverware and buying and selling houses, moving many times in her life. She also enjoyed playing cards and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.
Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. April 19, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo, with Rev. Keith Walder officiating. Burial was at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bongard.
Memorials may be made to St. Thomas School.
Dale L. Lamb, 61, of Oakwood, passed away at 5:49 p.m. Wed., April 23, 2008, at home.
He was born April 27, 1946, in Danville, a son of Ralph and Florence Thomas Lamb. He married Beatrice Fout Sept. 14, 1968, in Fairmount. She survives.
Also surviving: three daughters, Rebecca (Craig) Eitel, Janet (Rick) Lamb and Cindy (Anthony) Swaney, all of Oakwood; two brothers, Frank Lamb of Sidell and Wayne Lamb of Danville; two sisters, Donna Fultz and Judy Arnett, both of Fairmount; and seven grandchildren.
Dale retired from General Motors and worked at Jamaica Unit 12 School. He was an avid fisherman and a Cubs fan. He served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.
Funeral services: 10 a.m. Monday, April 28 at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial: Davis Cemetery, west of Fairmount. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 27 at Carrington Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Colon Cancer Alliance.