Obituaries 2010
Nina J. Ehler, 78, of Thomasboro died on the evening of Monday, Dec. 21, 2009, at Heartland Health Care Center, Paxton.
Mrs. Ehler was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Danville, a daughter of Oral and Delia (Owens) Bullerdick. She married Ray J. Ehler Sept. 7, 1952, in Flatville. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2001.
She is survived by a sister, Betty Meece of Rantoul; a daughter-in-law, Bev Ehler of Thomasboro and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son, Duane A. Ehler.
Mrs. Ehler worked as a registered nurse for a number of years . She was a member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul. She was an avid fan of both the Cubs and the Illini.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Dec. 23, 2009, at the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul. The rev. Jeffray Greene officiated. Burial followed at Eden Park Cemetery, Rantoul. Lux Memorial Chapel of Rantoul was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to her church.
Robert Dean Richards, 81, of Ogden, died at 1:42 p.m. on Wed. Jan. 20, 2010 at the Champaign County Nursing Home in Urbana.
Funeral services were Jan. 23 at Kirby Funeral Home; 708 S. Main St.; Homer. Pastor Dave Garver will officiate. Burial was in the Stearns Cemetery in Fithian.
Mr. Richards was born on Aug. 26, 1928 in Muncie, a son of Sherman and Pearl Rueb Richards. He married Joan Willard in 1950. She passed away on June 2, 1964. He later married Anna Jane Douglas on Aug. 14, 1966. She passed away on Feb. 14, 2004.
Survivors include two daughters, Karen Richards of Ball Ground, Ga. and Julie (Ron) Humphrey of Homer; three sons, John Douglas of Urbana, Jeff Douglas of Mahomet and Joseph Douglas of Fairmount; six grandchildren, Heather (Chip) McArty, Kyle Douglas, Rachel Douglas, Jason Douglas, Holly (Wayne) Allen, Hanna Humphrey; four great-grandchildren, Shelby, Glendon, Olivia and Hayden; one sister, Florence Michener of Fithian; one sister-in-law, Carolyn Richards of Novi, Mich.; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Renay Richards Rossi; a grandson, Adam Humphrey and a brother, Wayne Richards.
Robert was a great basketball player at Oakwood High School where friends and classmates knew him as “Sleepy Richards.” He had a lifelong passion for farming and retired from the University of Illinois in the Dairy Division. He raised livestock and had a great appreciation for draft horses.
He was a member of the United Methodist Church, member of the Stearns Cemetery Board since 1960 until present, member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau. He was an avid Illini sports fan. He enjoyed gardening, feeding the birds and meeting his friends on Tuesday morning for coffee club and knife swap in Ogden. He also enjoyed listening to Big Band music. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.
Katheleen Courson, 91, of Allerton passed away on Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009, at the Paris Community Hospital.
Mrs. Courson was born on June 28, 1918, in Brown County, Ind., a daughter of Ralph and Oakie McKee Rudder. She married Loren T. Courson on May 9, 1941, in Allerton. He preceded her in death on Dec. 26, 2003.
Also preceding Mrs. Courson was a daughter, Carol (Suzie) Ramsey, and a great grandson, Alex Smith.
Surviving are three children, a daughter, Barbara (Bill) Morris of Hume, a son, James (Bev) Courson of Allerton and a daughter, Marjorie (Paul) Wilson of West Union; 12 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Roger (Mary) Rudder of Villa Grove.
Funeral services were Dec. 23, 2009, at Joines-Appleby Funeral Home, Newman with Rev. Virgil Haynes officiating.
Memorial may be made to the Allerton United Methodist Church and to the Newman Rehabilitation Health Care Center.
Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman was in charge of arrangements.
Keli Marie Hardman Nelson, 40, of St. Louis, Mo., formerly of Homer, died at 6:26 p.m. Jan. 16, 2010 at St. Anthonys Hospice Center after bravely battling cancer. She has left this world with a grace rarely seen.
Funeral services will be at 12:30 p.m. on Friday; Jan. 22, at Countryside United Methodist Church, west of Sidney. Burial will be in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until service time at the church. Kirby Funeral Home in Homer is in charge of arrangements.
Keli was born on June 8, 1969, a daughter of Richard Hardman and Sharon Beekman Major. She married Jeff Nelson in 1998. He survives. Also surviving is her daughter, Jordan at home; mother and step-father; Sharon and Tom Major of Sun City, Ariz.; father and step-mother; Richard and Marsha Hardman of Fairmount; brother; Brian (Joelle) Hardman of Evansville, Ind.; niece and nephew Delaney and Dan Hardman; and many lifelong friends.
Keli was a Homer High School graduate in 1987 where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Southern Illinois University in 1991. She began her career with Barb Mueller in Champaign and later became a Senior Designer for Diane Breckenridge Interiors. Her work has been published in St. Louis Homes & Lifestyle magazine and includes the Sheraton Hotel in downtown St. Louis. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jordan K. Nelson Fund at Business Bank of St. Louis, Attn: T. Sutton Reed; 8000 Maryland, Suite 100, Clayton, MO 63105.
Frieda E. Tracey, 91, of Danville, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, 2010, and went to be with family and friends.
She was born Dec. 6, 1918, in Fairmount to Irvin “Jack” and Julia Lewis Reeder. She married Ross “Dick” Tracey. He preceded her in death. Survivors include a daughter, Patricia Tiffin; two granddaughters, Becky Green and Tina Gregory; three grandsons, Richard Armes, Thomas Armes and James Reffett, as well as several great- and great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Jewel Ann Armes Crowder; two brothers, Ralph Reeder and Louis “Buster” Reeder; two sisters, Ellen Smith and Wilda Alderson; three nieces, Thieda Hastings, Marjorie Rodgers and Lucille Reeder; and a great-great-granddaughter, Reagan Williams.
Frieda attended Fairmount schools and graduated from Oakwood High School. She attended Utterback Brown Business College. She worked for many years with her sister, Ellen, at Smith’s Floral Shop on South Bowman Avenue in Danville, making grave sprays and blankets.
Funeral services were Tuesday at Carrington Funeral Home in Fairmount with Dave Burger officiating. Burial was in Greenview Cemetery in Fairmount. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter or American Cancer Society.
Glenna Jean Bradley, who was a good neighbor, loyal friend and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, passed away Jan. 9, 2010, in Naples, Fla. She was 94.
She is survived by her sister, Wanda (Byrd), and by her four children.
The daughter of Glen and Margaret Moreman, Mrs. Bradley lived on a farm in rural Fairmount until her marriage to Elwood Bradley in 1932. In 1936 she moved with her husband and young family to Indiana where she worked as an inspector in a war plant. They returned to Illinois in 1945 and lived in Homer where she and Elwood raised their children Marilyn (Didrichsen), Patricia (Barham), Ronald Bradley, and Sandra (McKee).
Their home was always open to their children’s friends. She was a Girl Scout leader, president of the PTA, ran a small bakery, and opened an appliance and gift shop. She was also an active member of Homer Presbyterian Church. After their children were grown, they sold their home in Homer and settled in Urbana.
She and Elwood enjoyed camping, often taking one or more of their grandchildren with them. In the winters they took flight as snowbirds, pulling their camper down to Florida. Mrs. Bradley took her role as a grandmother to her seven grandchildren (and eventually six great-grandchildren) seriously. She was also the unofficial grandmother to many more, including young men she and Elwood mentored from Christian Campus House. She crocheted afghans, made cross-stitch baby blankets, sewed children’s dresses, baked birthday cakes, and hosted family gatherings.
When Elwood died in 1997, she moved to a smaller home, but her life remained large.
She was prolific writer of notes and cards, never forgetting a birthday and diligently mailing get-well and Christmas cards as well as newsy letters and notes of encouragement. She remained a devoted Christian and was member of First Christian Church, Champaign. She took part in Senior Saints and other ministries and visited friends (often younger than her) at local nursing homes.
After a lifetime of living in the Midwest, she moved to Naples in the fall of 2009.
Though saddened, her family and friends are deeply grateful that she was able to bless all of our lives for so long and so well.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, at the First Christian Church, 3601 South Staley Road, Champaign, with Reverend Tim Barber officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday at the church. Memorial contributions can be made to Restoration Urban Ministries or Salt & Light.
Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, is handling the arrangements.
Albert Wayne Cordes, 73, of Fairmount passed away at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010, at Provena United Samaritans Medical Center, in Danville.
He was born June 3, 1936, at Crumbstown, Ind., to Claude and Bertha Hendricks Cordes. He married Martha Surr on Aug. 4, 1957, at Danville. She preceded him in death in 1999.
Survivors include one son, Ronald of Victorville, Calif.; one daughter, Vanesa Jones of Fairmount; three brothers, Tom Cordes of Danville, Don Cordes of Tilton and Gene Cordes of Florida; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Bill Cordes.
Albert enjoyed fishing, camping, NASCAR and watching the grandchildren’s activities. He was a retired farmer and had previously been the Vance Township road commissioner.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 5, at Robison Chapel in Catlin, with Rev. Mike Roberts officiating. Burial was in the Davis Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for great-granddaughter Brooklynn Kay. Online memorials may be sent to the family at www.robisonchapel.com.
Audrey (Jordan) Miller, 89, of Indianola, passed away at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009, at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village, Chrisman.
She was born on May 23, 1920, in Warren County, Ind., the daughter of Carl and Ruth (Lucas) Brandenburg, both deceased. She was united in marriage to John Jordan in 1940 until his death in 1958. She later married James A. Miller on Oct. 21, 1961, in Jamaica, until his passing on Jan. 11, 1991.
Those who will miss Audrey include her children, John David (Charlotte) Jordan of Owasso, Okla., Arthur (Valerie) Jordan of Charleston, Tenn., Roy Michael (Peggy) Jordan of Maiden, N.C., William (Becky) Miller of Indianola, Barbara Gail Pereira of Winslow, Ark., JoAnne (Roy) Johnston of Indianola, Rhonda (Hal) Doyle of Henderson, Nev., Janet (Jeff) Poynter of Paris, and Joyce (Theo) York of Palestine; her 17 grandchildren; her 15 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two infant daughters; one brother, Charles Brandenburg; and two sisters, Laura Bahrns and Musetta Taylor.
Audrey was a homemaker who enjoyed tending her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed mowing her lawn and other outdoor activities. She was well-known for her cooking and used to can her homegrown vegetables. She was an active member of the Bethel Baptist Church in Georgetown. Audrey especially loved being a grandmother and spending time with her family. She found it rewarding to be a volunteer for hospice.
A celebration of Audrey’s life was Jan. 2 at Sunset‚ Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown, with Pastors Gerald McPhillips and Ray Silvers officiating. She was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Memorials may be given in Audrey’s name to Camp Assurance in care of Bethel Baptist Church. Condolences: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Geraldine R. Handley, 79, of Sarasota, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2010, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
She was born Aug. 22, 1930, in Allerton, to Howard Gene and Thelma Spesard. She married Robert G. Handley on Aug. 15, 1948, in Ridge Farm. He preceded her in death in 1990.
Survivors include a daughter, Susan Cordes of Sarasota; a son, Michael Handley of Bradenton, Fla.; two brothers, Gene Spesard of Indianola and John Spesard of Chrisman; five grandchildren, Mellisa, Jeremy, Ryan, Jessica and Travis; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Geraldine enjoyed ceramics, sewing and reading. She was a graduate of Ridge Farm High School. Geraldine retired from Hurletron Inc. in Danville. After moving to Florida, she worked for Bausch and Lomb Inc. for 20 years, retiring on Feb. 4, 2000.
Funeral services were Feb. 23, at Pape Funeral Home with burial at Springhill Mausoleum. Pastor Ron Godley officiated. Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
Louis Vernon Cramer, 97, of Fairmount, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 19, 2010, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home in Danville. He was born Dec. 6, 1912 in Grant County, Indiana to Albert and Sarah Bloom Cramer. He married Dorothy Washburn Feb. 19, 1938, she preceded him in death.
Survivors include two sons, David (Marilyn) Cramer of Morrisonville, Henry (Dianna) Cramer of Fairmount; two daughters Beverly (Darwin) Cook of Tuscon, Ariz., and Bernice (Leonard) Zebas of Bloomington; one brother, Gerald Cramer of Michigan; 14 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son Louis W. Cramer, one brother, and one grandchild.
Louis worked at the Myers Industry in Lincoln, Illinois. He enjoyed fishing and RC airplanes. Graveside rites were held Feb. 24, 2010 at East Lawn Cemetery in Bloomington.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com
Herbert E. Smith Jr., 81, of Hoopeston died at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2010, at his home.
Mr. Smith was born Feb. 26, 1928 at Indianola, the son of Herbert E. and Florence (Murray) Smith Sr. He married Bette Miller on March 11, 1960, in Danville. She survives.
Mr. Smith was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters.
He had worked as an accounting supervisor at the FMC Corp. in Hoopeston for 31 years, retiring on May 1, 1985. Mr. Smith served in the US Army from 1947 until 1950. He was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church and was a past post commander of VFW Post 4826 in Hoopeston. He enjoyed fishing, gardening and traveling.
Graveside services were Feb. 16 at Floral Hill Cemetery, Hoopeston with Rev. Janet Eggleston officiating. Military rites were by the Hoopeston American Legion and VFW posts.
Memorials may be made to the Carle Hospice, 206 A. W. Anthony Dr., Champaign IL 61821. The Brown-Alkire Funeral Home in Hoopeston was in charge of the arrangements.
Lois A. (Draper) Sheffer, 85, of Tilton, went to be with the Lord, at 9:34 a.m. Feb. 3, 2010, at Provena USMC, Danville.
Lois was born at home in Jamaica, to Arley and Fay Draper Aug. 5, 1924. She graduated from Allerton schools. She married Walker Sheffer on Oct. 9, 1945. He preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 1996.
Survivors include two daughters, Cheryl (Gary) Johnson of Georgetown and Vickie Prentice of Tilton; a grandson, TSgt. Justin Johnson, stationed at Mountain Home, Idaho, currently on TDY at Kunsan AFB, South Korea; two great-grandchildren, Eri Michelle and Yuuri Walker of Misawa, Japan; a sister, Martha James of Brownsburg, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews of Indianapolis, Ind. Special neighbors Caroll and Caroline Wernigk of Tilton also will miss her. A sister, Katherine Hogue preceded her in death.
She was a gentle soul who never had an unkind word about anyone; she always managed to see the good in humanity. She loved animals and especially enjoyed feeding the many fat squirrels and numerous birds in her yard.
She worked for over 20 years as the kitchen manager at Jocko’s Pizza Inn, prior to that she worked at Chuckles. Lois enjoyed attending the Catlin Church of Christ, working crossword puzzles and was an avid Cubs fan.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial followed in the Sunset Cemetery in Danville. Memorials to the Catlin Church of Christ or Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jackie P. “Jack” Dodd, 75, well-known Sidell resident and former grain elevator manager, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Sunday, March 21, 2010, at Provena Covenant in Urbana.
He was born June 26, 1934, in Homer to Wilbur and Berniece Gurnea Dodd. Jackie married Sara Hanks on Aug. 5, 1956, at the Sidell United Methodist Church.
Sara survives, as well as two brothers, Ronald R. Dodd of Urbana and Byron W. (Carolyn) Dodd of Homer. He also had three brothers who preceded him in death, Elmer Dodd, Max Dodd and David Dodd.
Jackie served in the United States Army, was manager of the Sidell Grain Elevator for 17 years, and Homer Grain Elevator, Allerton Division, for 25 years. Jackie was a member of the Illinois Harness Horseman Association, charter member of the National Bird Hunters Association, and past president of Sidell Lions Club. He had been a Mason for 30 years, and currently belonged to the Ogden Masonic Lodge 754. He was a proud Illini and Salt Fork Storm fan. He attended the Homer and Sidell United Methodist churches.
Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin; burial in the G.A.R. Cemetery at Homer. Memorials to the Jackie Dodd Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund in care of Robison Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Robert (Tommy) Eakle, 61, of Metcalf passed away on Thursday (March 11, 2010) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 15, at the Joines Appleby Funeral Home in Newman with Pastor Tim Pearman officiating. Burial was held at the Young America Cemetery in Hume.
Mr. Eakle was born on May 16, 1948, in Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., a son of Robert Loyal and Lula B. Evans Eakle. He married Frances M. James on May 15, 1965, in Gainesboro, Tenn. She survives.
Also surviving are children Tammy L. Pridemore of Metcalf, Robert Thomas (Melinda) Eakle of Mattoon, Timothy L. (Gina) Eakle of Villa Grove and Charles R. (Tara) Eakle of Metcalf. Eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, a brother, Ralph Leon Eakle of Tennessee, and a sister, Christine Kirby of Tennessee, also survive.
Mr. Eakle was preceded in death by a son, Robert Eakle Jr., a daughter, Carol Eakle, a brother, Eugene Eakle, and sister, Ruthie Lee Eakle.
Donations may be made to the donor’s choice.
Joines Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements
Thomas John Nathan “T.J.” Merz, 14, of Bloomington, died Saturday, March 6, 2010, at his home.
The funeral was at 10 a.m. today (Thursday, March 11, 2010) at Carmody-Flynn Williamsburg Funeral Home, Bloomington, with Rev. Vaughn Hoffman officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Bloomington.
T.J. was born August 29, 1995 in Bloomington, the son of Thomas B. Merz and Jane E. Underwood
He is survived by his mother, Jane (Don) Underwood; his father, Tom (Denise Schaefer) Merz; two sisters, Laurel Merz and Kristi Merz, all of Bloomington; his grandparents, Darrel and Norma Kline, Bloomington, Kent and Sharon Flora, Champaign, Neal and Nikki Underwood, Georgetown, Tx., and Dave and Nancy Merz, Urbana; two great-grandmothers, Juanita Underwood and Odell Bray, both of Fairmount. Also surviving are eight aunts and uncles, Nancy (Jim) Mitchell, Suwanee, Ga., Darrel (Maggie) Kline, II, St. Louis, Mo., Deborah (Mark Behrens) Kline, Greenwood Village, Colo., Brent (Steve Papka) Flora, Champaign, Chris (Sonya) Underwood, Leander, Tx., Debra Merz, Urbana, Bill Merz (Linda Franklin), Urbana and Susan (Rick) Dermer, Edmund, Okla.; sixteen cousins, Amy and Sarah Mitchell, Suwanee, Ga., Jamie (Ryan) Noirfalise, Hazelwood, Mo., Lindy and Jaclyn Kline, St. Louis, Mo., Everett and Whitaker Behrens, Greenwood Village, Colo., Michael and Andrew Underwood, Leander, Tx., Carrie, Kate, Emily Merz, Urbana, Sarah (Derek) Deitrich, Urbana, and Stephanie and Catherine Dermer, Stillwater, Okla.; and his lifelong best friend, Max Papineau, Normal.
T.J. was an eighth grader at Bloomington Junior High School and was a percussionist in the band. He recently became interested in drama and had the role of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in the BJHS version of the play “Annie.” His passion was video games and he played them at any opportunity. T.J. was a very affectionate child and was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He will be missed by all those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the T.J. Merz Memorial Fund, c/o any Busey Bank, to be used to support the District 87 music and drama programs.
Barbara Mosier, 81, formerly of Indianola, passed away at 10:47 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010 at Windsor Woods Nursing Home in Hudson, Fla.
She was born in Indianola on June 1, 1928, the daughter of Orville and Jennie (Peters) Mosier. She was a 1945 graduate of Indianola High School.
On Dec. 21, l945, Barbara married Dixon Redfern Asquith. From that marriage came Judith (Tim) Tuggle of Hudson, Fla., and Britt (Karen) Asquith of Urbana. Later she married Clayton Eugene Martyn. Both husbands have preceded her, as well as her parents; sisters, Beverly Acord, Amber Williams, Shirley Trede and Sharon Coburn; and brother, Robert Mosier Sr.
Barbara is survived by her two children; five grandchildren, Andrea King of Gainesville, Fla., Brandon Shepherd of Indianapolis, Derrick Shepherd of Danville, and Quinn and Aaron Asquith of Urbana; a sister, Lulabelle (Robert) Shrout of Georgetown; a brother, Orville (Linda) Mosier Jr. of Danville; a brother-in-law, Wade Williams of Indianola; sister-in-law, Marjorie Goulding of Spring Hill, Fla.; and many nieces, nephews and friends, including Marlene Campbell, Sonna Montgomery and Norma Davis.
Barbara was an excellent secretary all her life, insisting on correct grammar and spelling from her children. She was employed first at Webster, Heskett, Mauerman Insurance, United States Atomic Energy Commission in Newport, Ind., and the V.A. Hospital in Columbia, Mo., and Danville, from which she retired with awards.
Barbara was happiest working in her yard, garden and amongst her many and varied flowers. She loved games, board, card and bingo. Also a sportswoman, she loved bowling and golf, receiving many trophies. She especially enjoyed her dogs, Rockie and Susie, and her bird feeders. Barbara was a member of TOPS and enjoyed her many friends there.
Toni D. Brutlag, 57, of Petersburg, formerly of Catlin-Westville, passed away at 3:25 a.m., Thursday, April 22, 2010 at her home. Toni was born Nov. 25, 1952 in Danville to Jack and Lleana Smalley Wright.
She married Charles W. Brutlag March 18, 2000. He survives, as well as two sons, Chuck (Jeni) Wells of St. Joseph and Doug (Missy) Brutlag of Springfield; four daughters, Kim (Damon) Wright of Potomac, Jessica (Mark) Ritter of Oakwood, Emily (Kawquaun) Newton of Danville, Kaleigh Brutlag of Springfield; one brother Sandy (Gwen) Wright of Canada and one sister Lana (Randy) Curry of Tilton. Toni was “Grannie” to 10 grandchildren, Hunter, Zane, Dillon, Jodi, Erin, Zander, Renae, AJ, Levi, and Taylor; good friends Dee, Fran, and Susie also survive.
Toni enjoyed writing, taking rides, wildlife, and most of all her grandkids. Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, April 26 at Robison Chapel in Catlin, Dustin Wells officiated. Burial was in the Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin. Memorials may be made to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com
Stacey M. Key, 38, of Georgetown passed away at 9:21 a.m. Monday, April 12, 2010, at her home.
She was born Aug. 9, 1971, in Danville, the daughter of Michael and Penny Cook McBroom.
She was married to Brett Key on Sept. 27, 1997, in Ridge Farm. He will miss her dearly.
Other survivors include her mother, Penny Snoke of Effingham; her father, Michael McBroom of San Diego, Calif.; her stepdaughters, Kacey and Katey Arnett of Westville; her stepson, Tyler Key of Georgetown; her brother, Larry McBroom of Mesa, Ariz.; her sisters, Amy (Nick) Gonzales of Mesa, Ariz., Brittany McBroom of Mesa Ariz., and Jamee Thomas of Effingham; her stepmother, Lisa Zielinski of Mesa, Ariz.; her mother-in-law, Nancy Key; her father-in-law, Robert Key of Sidell; her sister-in-law, Amy (Sam Fourez) Key of Oakwood; her numerous nieces & nephews; and her best friend, Arthetta Broom of Danville. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Marvin and Phyllis McBroom, and her maternal grandparents, Jerry and Ella White.
Stacey loved to play Sudoko and really enjoyed babysitting her niece, Jordyn. She will be missed by those who loved her.
A celebration of Stacey’s life was held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 19, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, 200 E. West St., Georgetown. Phil Miller officiated the service. She was laid to rest in Georgetown Cemetery. Memorial donations may be given in Stacey’s name to American Kidney Foundation or Breast Cancer Research. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Claud Vincent Jinks, 62, of Olympia, Wash., died Sunday, April 4, 2010 in Seattle, Wash.
Services will be held at Homer First United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. Saturday April 17. Arrangements will be handled by Kirby Funeral Home.
Claud was born March 14, 1948 in Champaign to Robert Henry Jinks and Jean Evelyn McKean Jinks. He married Anita Diane Primmer, June 18, 1971 in Urbana.
Claud was raised on the family farmstead in Homer in a home built by his great-grandfather, Claud Valentine Jinks. Claud attended Jamaica High School, where he participated in football, basketball, track, musical theater, and student government before graduating in 1966. He earned his BA in Physical Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he also pledged Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, played football, and met his future wife, Anita.
Claud enjoyed a long career in the motorcycle industry, first playing a vital role in the opening of a Milwaukee-area Harley-Davidson dealership, then as the owner/manager of Harley-Davidson of Lincoln, Neb. Claud served as District Sales Manager for Harley-Davidson Motor Company from 1983-2003, during which time he was selected District Manager of the Year (1997) and earned his MBA from City University, Seattle. In recent years Claud founded Dynamic Dealer Strategies, a consulting firm serving motorcycle dealerships.
In recent years, Claud was active in many organizations including the Washington Motorcycle Road Racing Association (where he served as Chief Technical Inspector and on the Board of Directors), Indian Summer Golf and Country Club, Gyro Club of Olympia, squash at a local athletic club, two model railroad groups and various motorcycle rider associations. Claud had checked several things off of his “bucket list” in the last decade including a motorcycle tour and golfing trip with his wife to Scotland in 2005; adventure bike rides in the American Southwest; trips to MotoGp at Laguna Seca, Calif. with his son; and a 2008 motorcycle tour of Chile and Peru. Claud had also embraced his role as Grandpa to Mira and Celeste and companion to his new “owner,” Lucy, a Wire Fox Terrier puppy.
Claud is survived by wife Anita; son Ryan of Milwaukee, Wis.; daughter Erin (Dan) Winemiller and granddaughters Mira and Celeste, all of Gresham, Ore.; sister Terry (Don) Danner of Rochelle, IL; sister Tammy (Jim) Craddock of Columbus, Miss.; brother-in-law John (Barbara) Primmer of Mahomet; and a large extended network of family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father and mother and brother, John McKean Jinks.
Claud will always be remembered fondly for his wisecracks and wordplays, confidence, competence and perfectionism, and his gift of song.
As someone who enjoyed every aspect of motorcycle sport, Claud was passionate about promoting safe and responsible ridership. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the National Motorcycle Safety Foundation at http://www.msf-usa.org/nmsf/index.html
Mary Alice Williams Graham, 86, of Mulberry, Fla. passed away Monday, April 12, 2010 at Kindred Hospital Central in Tampa, Fla.
Mary was born and raised in the Jamaica, Illinois area. She was a secretary in insurance sales. She loved her family and traveling. Mary was a veteran of the U.S. Navy WAVS and a member of Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Jan (Jay) Burnett; sons, John (Kelly)Graham and Tom (Denise) Graham; sisters, Jane Cox of Sidell and Helen Pate; brother, Jim Williams; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Graham and sister, Dottie Akers.
Memorial services will be held April 17 at Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church. The family has requested memorials be made in Mary's name to Shepherd Road Presbyterian Church, 1217 Shepherd Road, Lakeland, FL 33811.
Robison Chapel in Catlin is assisting the family with local arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at robisonchapel.com.
Nellie Mae McCoy, 76, well known Catlin resident, passed away suddenly at 3:08 p.m. Thursday, April 1, 2010 in the ER at Provena Covenant Hospital in Urbana.
Nellie was born Nov. 6, 1933 in Jamaica, Ill. to Albert and Mary Wise Davis. She married Davey L. McCoy Jan. 10, 1954 at the Catlin United Methodist Church.
Davey survives, as well as two sons, Thomas A. McCoy of Catlin, Douglas L. (Denise) McCoy of Batavia; one daughter, Paula Kay (Barry) Lyons of Covington, Ind.; two brothers, Carl (Rosemary) Davis of Fairmount and Don (Edith) Davis of Covington, Ind.; and one sister, Bernice (William) Grubb of Covington, Ind., 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded by two brothers and three sisters.
Nellie was a member of the Catlin United Methodist Church; served as treasurer for the Catlin Fire Protection District for several years; was assistant golf coach to her husband; and enjoyed bowling, as well as camping and wintering in Ft. Myers, Fla.
Nellie especially enjoyed her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Funeral services were Tuesday at Catlin United Methodist Church with Rev. Janet Miller officiating. Burial was in the Oakridge Cemetery in Catlin.
Memorials may be made to the Catlin United Methodist Church or Catlin Fire Protection District. Robison Chapel, Catlin handled arrangements. Condolences may sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Robert Kent Briggs, 71, of Indianola, passed this life at 12:17 p.m. Sat., April 3, 2010, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Robert was born March 22, 1939, the son of Robert R. and Evelyn Prouty Briggs in Danville. He married Sara Sinclair in 1969. She survives.
Also surviving along with two sons, Terry K. Briggs of Rantoul and Danny R. Sinclair of Knoxville, Tenn.; and three daughters, Pamela S. (Robert) of New Fairmount, Cathy A. (Steve Dickerson) Sinclair of Danville and Sandra K. Fawley, Indianola.
Other survivors include one brother, David (Joyce) Briggs, Westville; sisters-in-law, Georgia Parmley and Doris Rouse; and brothers-in-law, Edward McDaniels, Kenneth Parmley and Ralph Johnson. Robert was blessed with 13 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Candy Johnson.
He worked at GM Central Foundry in Tilton, retiring in 1995 after 30 years. He later drove for the trucking industry 10 years before retiring due to ill health.
He loved spending time with his family, and especially his many grandchildren, whom he loved very much. They will miss him always. When at home, he enjoyed his computer, communicating with his many friends and family.
He also will be missed by many friends, especially Mark, Diana and Matthew Saults, Jim and Patty Barnett, Bill and Connie Langford and John and Ramona McCabe
Per Robert’s wishes, he will be cremated, with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola.
Eva M. Hubbard, 78, of Indianola, passed away at 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 24, 2010, at Provena USMC, Danville. She was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Delphi, Ind., the daughter of Elihu and Lois (Stark) Cope, both deceased. She was married to Jesse Hubbard on June 3, 1949, in Terre Haute, Ind., until his passing on June 28, 1979. Those who will miss her include: her children, Ronald (Linda) Hubbard of Indianola, Kenneth (Letious) Hubbard of Indianola, Jesse Jr. (Kimberly) Hubbard of Bonnie, Ill., Timothy Hubbard of Danville, Larry Hubbard of Indianola, Barbara (Michael) Lewin of Sullivan, Ind., Eva Darlene (James) Snider of Georgetown and Nancy Glidewell of Danville; her 18 grandchildren; her 18 great-grandchildren; her four great-great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Darrell (Mildred) Cope of Fairmount, Inez (Edwin) Wheeler of Attica, Ind., and Donna (Jerry) Cooper of Tilton. She was preceded in death by four brothers, two sisters, one granddaughter, and one grandson. Eva was a home health-care giver and a homemaker. She attended Olivet Church of the Nazarene. She enjoyed reading, crocheting and cooking. Eva’s family was most important to her in her life. A celebration of Eva’s life will be at 1 p.m., Saturday, March 27, at Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, Georgetown. Pastor James Blue will officiate. Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. before the service at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunset funeralhome.com
Virginia I. Cherry, 79, of Fairmount, formerly of Ft. Pierce, Fla., passed away at 8:58 a.m. Friday, March 26, 2010, at her son’s home in Fairmount.
Virginia was born Oct. 23, 1930, in Marshfield, Ind., to George and Dora Lourance Talbert. She married Frank Davis, and he preceded her in death. Survivors include two sons, Robert E. (Pamela) Depratt of Fairmount, Larry Depratt of Salem, Ill.; one step-daughter, Libby DelValley of Jacksonville, Fla.; one brother-in-law, Jack Leach of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; six grandchildren, Matt, Gracie, Abby, Ashley, Andy and Katie; five great-grandchildren; and special friends, Ted and Joyce Thomas of Ft. Pierce, Fla., and Jo Conrad of Ft. Pierce, Fla.
She was preceded by two brothers and one sister.
Virginia was employed by Illinois Bell Telephone for 21 years as an operator and later a service representative and worked in the tax office in Ft. Pierce, Fla. She was a member of the Catlin Church of Christ, and enjoyed puzzles, word searches and working on plastic canvas. She returned to the area in 2009 to be with family.
Funeral services were March 29 at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Dave Burger officiating. Burial was in the White City Cemetery in Ft. Pierce, Fla. Memorials to the Oakwood Fire & Rescue, or Fairmount Fire & Rescue in care of Robison Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Jean E. Baird, 85, of Fairmount, passed away suddenly at 4:01 p.m. Monday, March 29, 2010 at her home.
Jean was born Jan. 17, 1925 in Danville to William Clarence John and Lela Dell Massey Martens. She married Everett Leo Greer. He passed away in 1959. She later married John S. Baird in 1960. He passed away in 1992.
Survivors include two daughters, Cheri Voorhees of Oakwood and Jill Hodge of St. Charles, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Shanna, Barry, Justin, Tom, Erick, Austen, Aubri; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Martens and George Martens. Jean had been an Illinois Bell telephone operator in the 1940’s and a secretary for the director of nursing at Lakeview Hospital, and also for Jamaica Schools. She had also been a licensed beauty operator. Jean was active in the Order of the Easter Star, first with the Fairmount Chapter, and later with Iris Chapter 307 of Danville, she had been a Past Worthy Matron. She was a member of the former Jamaica United Methodist Church, served for a time on the Fairmount Library Board, enjoyed reading, sewing, and crocheting. Funeral services 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Robison Chapel in Catlin, Rev Mike Roberts to officiate, burial in the Sunset Cemetery in Danville. Visitation is from 5-7 p.m. on Friday at Robison Chapel. Memorial to the American Diabetes Association. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com
Albert Richard Koss joined our Father in heaven at 11:33 p.m. Friday, May 21, 2010, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
He was born Oct. 26, 1948, in Danville, to Frank Koss and Ruth Rogers Koss. He was married to Nancy Carol Hix on Sept. 15, 1973, and they lived many happy years in Catlin.
He was a beloved father to Connie Bartos and grandfather to William Bartos and Jennifer Bartos. Siblings include, Ruth, Connie, Reba, Treva and Charlie and Suzie Koss of Sidell.
He was preceded in death by his father and brothers, James and Frank Koss.
Mr. Koss was a proud United States Marine who served his country in the Vietnam War from July 1967 to August 1968 in the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Division. Staff Sgt. Koss participated in battles at Con Thien, Khe Sahn, Hill 881 and Hue City as well as participating in Operation Peagasus and Scotland. Staff Sgt. Koss was wounded Jan. 22, 1968, at Con Thien and May 19, 1968, at Khe Sahn, receiving two Purple Hearts, a Presidential unit citation with a Bronze Star and many other meritorious unit citations. He went on to serve the Marine Corps Reserve for 10 years following active duty.
Staff Sgt. Koss also founded and served as vice president of the Danville Chapter of VietNow, a national Vietnam veteran’s organization, whose only goal was to support veterans and their families in any way possible. He helped raise money for the erection of the Vietnam Wall Memorial in Washington, D.C., and the Illinois Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Springfield. He also was one of the founding members of the Kenneth D. Bailey Marine Corps League in Danville and was a member of the National Marine Corps League.
Mr. Koss had retired from General Motors, where he had worked for 25 years at the Tilton Central Foundry Plant.
He was very proud of his daughter, grandson and granddaughter, treasuring every moment he was able to spend with them. He enjoyed his long-standing friendships with Robert Cole and Johnny McMahon and so many more. Mr. Koss loved working in his yard, his fish pond and watching football. He attended every Salt Fork Storm football game he was able to, being recognized by the team as the number one fan last season.
Mr. Koss lived his life by the belief in God, family and country. He made an enormous difference in this world and touched the lives of more people than he was ever aware of. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 28, 2010, at Danville National Cemetery for family and friends. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be conducted at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Midwest Dachshund Rescue at www.mwdr.org.
E-mail condolences to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Colin James “Sparky” Fisher passed away Thursday May 13, 2010, at Provena USMC. He was born Jan. 13, 2010, in Urbana, the son of Bill T. Welsh and Autumn Fawn Fisher.
Survivors include his parents, of Indianola; his three brothers, Andrew Welsh, Matthew Welsh and Matthew Fisher; his three sisters, Amanda Welsh, Alli Gray and Melody Fisher; grandparents, Peggy and John Welsh of Coitsville, Ohio, and William T. Welsh Jr. of Youngstown, Ohio; aunts, Heather Hagens of Pulaski, Pa., Suzanne (Jason) Perkey of Youngstown, Ohio, and Jennifer (Jay) Delfosse of Farrell, Pa.; a great-great-aunt, Dolores S. Nech of Coitsville, Ohio; and many cousins.
Sparky is a little angel and is living among them now. He exemplified perfect love. He was a beautiful and happy baby. He will be missed very much by his mommy and daddy. The family would like to thank all of the neighbors and everyone else who has helped in their time of grief.
A celebration of Colin’s life was May 17, at the United Methodist Church in Indianola with Matt Filicsky officiating. Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, Westville was in charge of arrangements.
Mary Elizabeth Sexton, 105, passed away May 18, 2010. She was raised in Kansas, Ill., one of eight children born to Robert and Hattie May Sexton.
She is survived by several nephews and nieces, including Pat (Don) Crowe, Indianola.
Mary graduated from Kansas High School and Eastern Illinois State Teacher’s College. She taught school in Kansas, Catlin and Mattoon before retiring in 1970. She has been a member of the Eastern Star for 84 years.
Visitation was today (Thursday) at Caudill King Funeral Home in Charleston at 11 a.m. with services at noon. Burial is to be at the Kansas cemetery.
Lucile Berbaum, 95, of Danville, passed away at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, May 4, 2010, at the Hawthorne Inn in Danville, with her family by her side.
A daughter of Bessie McDonald Sylvester and E. Blaine Sylvester, Lucile was born Sept. 14, 1914, on a farm southwest of Homer. She married Louis Carl Berbaum on Feb. 6, 1937, in Champaign and he passed away following a lengthy illness on July 3, 1970.
Surviving are a daughter, Vergene (Robert) Rodman of Danville; a son, Kemp Lee (Lynda) Berbaum of Danville; three grandchildren, Troy (Jean) Rodman of Wheaton, Tracie (Richard) Dunham of Madison, Wis., Bradley Berbaum of Austin, Texas; and a great-granddaughter, Lauren of Wheaton. Also surviving is a brother, George Blaine Sylvester of Urbana; a sister, Verniece Krukewitt of Gifford; a cousin, Imogene Dillman of Charleston; sister-in-law, Delores Berbaum of Homer; and nephews, Gene (Susan) Yeazel of Sidney, Bob (Diane) Yeazel of St. Joseph, Udell (Diane) Strack of Sidney, Ferrell (Anita) Strack of Tolono and Jerry Berbaum of Homer.
Lucile lived on a farm southwest of Homer and was one of only two girls driving to Homer High School, where she graduated in 1932. Following her marriage in 1937, she and her husband farmed in the Fairmount area. After her husband’s illness in 1966 she moved to Danville where she worked for Carson Pirie Scott and Harding Pharmacy. She was a member of St. James United Methodist Church and a life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Following her retirement she was very involved with many activities and friends keeping busy daily. She also enjoyed travels throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico with her good friend, Mary Burke. She was a very accomplished euchre player, playing whenever possible.
The family would like to thank the Hawthorne Inn, especially the Alzheimer’s Unit, for their great care during the last years of her life.
Services for Lucile were Saturday, May 15 at Homer United Methodist Church in Homer with Pastor Ken Cox officiating. Burial was at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.
Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Mary Bretz, 97, of Sidney died at 10:55 p.m. Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Newman Rehab and Healthcare Center.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 22 at Kirby Funeral Home, Homer. Larry Fogerson will officiate with burial in the Fairfield Cemetery in Newman. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Bretz was born on December 29, 1912 in Louisville, Ill. A daughter of Laban and Ada Eastin Fogerson. She married Orville Phillip Bretz on Dec. 21, 1932 in Broadlands. He passed away on April 11, 1982.
Survivors include several nephews and nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.
She was preceeded in death by her parents; two brothers, Thomas and James; four sisters, Ruth, Helen, Geraldine and Lucille.
After marriage Mary and Orville lived in Broadlands for nine years then moved south of Sidell where they farmed for 29 years. Upon retiring they moved to Sidney. Mary has been residing in the Newman Rehab and Healthcare Center since 2001. She was a member of the Sidney United Church, loved gardening, sewing and spending time with her family.
Memorials may be made to Sidney United Church or Gideon Living Bible Plan.
Bobby Littlefield. Funeral services for Bobby Ray “Bob” Littlefield were May 10 at Shackelford Funeral Directors of Adamsville, Tenn. Mr. Littlefield passed away after an extended illness on May 7, 2010 in Selmer, Tenn.
He was born on June 1, 1921, in Adamsville, Tenn., to the late Henry E. and Maxie Pettigrew Littlefield. He was united in marriage to the former Madeline Phillips on Sept. 24, 1949.
Mr. Littlefield was honorably discharged after serving three-and-a-half years in the U.S. Navy during World War II where he served as an aviation machinist. His chosen career was as an educator, in which he spent 31 years teaching agriculture and earth science, as well as serving as FFA adviser, at ABL and Jamaica school districts in Illinois. At retirement, he moved back “home” to Tennessee, where he lived the past 28 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Madeline (Phillips) Littlefield of Stantonville, Tenn.; two sons, Larry (Kathy) Littlefield of Gibson City and Steve (Rhonda) Littlefield of St. Joseph; two daughters, Dianne (Jeff) Kincaid of Newman and Marcia (James) Mullikin of Jackson, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Littlefield was preceded in death by a son, Richard Allen Littlefield; a sister, Betty (Littlefield) Blanton; and two brothers, Luther Lee Littlefield and Henry E. Littlefield Jr.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Stantonville First United Methodist Church, the Adamsville Eastern Star 330, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Leo Berlin Jr., 83, of Westville, died at 4 a.m. Monday, April 26, 2010, at the VA hospital in Indianapolis.
He was born April 2, 1927, in Sidell, the son of Leo and Bessie (Hicks) Berlin. He married Mary McCormick on Jan. 1, 1951, in Danville. She will miss him dearly.
Other survivors include his children, Gloria Berlin of Westville, Terry Berlin of Westville, John (Marla) Berlin of Westville, Richard (Squeek) Berlin of Florida, Darrell (Ann) Berlin of Danville and Judy (Doc) Watson of West Union, Ill.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild on the way.
Leo worked for Bohn Aluminum for nine years and Holmes Bros. for seven years. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and had served during World War II. He was a member of the VFW. Leo enjoyed playing euchre and Bingo. He loved spending time with his family.
A celebration of Leo’s life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 30, at Sunset-Urbas Funeral Chapel, 414 S. State St., Westville. Doug Hickman will officiate. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Thursday, April 29, at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest in Danville National Cemetery. Condolances: www.sunsetfuneralhome.com
Lucile Berbaum, 95, of Danville passed away at 4:55 AM on Tuesday, May 5, 2010 at the Hawthorne Inn in Danville with her family by her side.
Services will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, May 15 at Homer United Methodist Church with Pastor Ken Cox officiating Burial will follow at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. A visitation will be held an hour prior to services at the Church. Dinner will be held following the services in the community room at the church. Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. A full obituary will be published next week.
Hilma L. Wax, 90, of Mattoon, formerly of Sidell, passed away at 10:10 p.m. Thursday, June 17, 2010, at Mattoon Health Care Center.
Mrs. Wax was born in Broadlands, Ill., on May 24, 1920, the daughter of Ora E. and Lutie B. (Darnall) Timmons. She married Cletus C. Wax in Sidell, on Aug. 9, 1941. He passed away Jan. 12, 2005.
Survivors include their daughters, Sandra Gourley and husband Eldon of Mattoon and Norma Hoag and husband Terry of Columbus, Oh.; five grandchildren, Robyn Wolters and husband Mike of Dallas, Texas, Kara Jo Johnston and husband Jeff of Decatur, Paula Jean Pellegrino and husband Andy of Pittsburgh, Pa., Thad Gourley of Rockford, and Christopher Hoag of Columbus, Oh.; and 16 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by both parents and two brothers, Harold and Gene.
Hilma graduated from the Sullivan Academy of Beauty in Chicago, where she worked in a salon on the outer drive. She later owned and operated Hilma’s Beauty Salon in Sidell. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Mattoon, where she was a member of Mary’s Circle, First United Methodist Women and had been active in many Bible study groups over the years. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
Hilma was an avid gardener and enjoyed making greeting cards for friends and family with her flowers. She loved to read and do needle work and was an excellent Chinese Checkers player. She had abundant enthusiasm for life and looked forward to each new day. She will always be remembered for her love and kindness to family and friends.
The funeral service in her honor was at 1 p.m. Monday, June 21, 2010, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Ave., in Mattoon, with Reverend Ken Hutchins officiating. Interment was in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 1601 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com to view the memorial video, light a virtual candle in her honor, or share a memory with her family.
Viola Etta (Smith) Greenlee, age 93, of Chrisman, passed away on Monday, June 21, 2010 at Pleasant Meadows Christian Village.
Mrs. Greenlee was born October 30, 1916 in Shiloh Township, Edgar County, to Virgil L. and Zella Rose (Ketchum) Smith. She was a homemaker and also cleaned houses. She enjoyed going to ball games and loved to crochet.
She is survived by two sons, Dale Greenlee of Snellville, Ga., and Allen Greenlee of Danville; two grandchildren, Scott Greenlee of Tilton, and Susan Mixon of Loganville, Ga.; two great grandchildren, Madison and Makenna Greenlee; one brother, Ernest Smith of Sidell; and one sister, Virginia Stanton of Bakersfield, Calif. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Earl Nickles and Harrison R. Greenlee.
Funeral Services were today (June 24, 2010) at 2 p.m. at Krabel Funeral Home in Chrisman. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service, beginning at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Hoult Cemetery. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Pleasant Meadows Christian Village Activity Fund in care of the funeral home.
Jeffrey Scott Douglas, 53, of Mahomet, died at 11:09 a.m. Thurs., June 10, 2010 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.
Mr. Douglas was born Feb. 23, 1957, a son of John S. and Anna Jane Fieldbinder Douglas. Survivors include one son, Kyle Douglas of Mahomet; two brothers, John Douglas of Urbana and Joseph Douglas of Fairmount; one sister, Julie Humphrey of Homer. He was preceeded in death by his parents.
Mr. Douglas enjoyed the outdoors, where he loved to go fishing, camping and hunting.
There was no visitation and no services. Kirby Funeral Home of Homer was in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Jeffrey S. Douglas Memorial Fund in care of Kirby Funeral Home.
Lucille “Lucy” Ross, 84, of Fairmount, passed away at 2:05 a.m. Thurs., June 10, 2010, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home.
She was born May 8, 1926, in Oakwood, to Jesse and Etta Miller Wilson. Lucy married Merrill G. Ross on Feb. 2, 1963, in Danville. He passed away March 24, 1990.
Survivors include three sons, William (Jane) Lamb of Potomac, Larry (Annie) Lamb of Guam and Donnie (Missy) Lamb of Manhattan, Kan.; two daughters, Dot (Bill) McDaniel of Fairmount and Dee (Wayne) Huchel of Conyers, Ga.; one sister, Helen (Phil) Zindars of Armstrong; a special friend, Annie T.; 21 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild and two on the way. She was preceded by one son, Jerry, three brothers and four sisters.
Lucy had worked at Bonn Aluminum and enjoyed gardening, fishing, singing, dancing, watching wildlife and she loved her family, especially her grandkids.
Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Monday, June 14, at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Chuck Powell officiated. Burial was in the Mt. Vernon Cemetery, west of Catlin. Memorials to the Oakwood Fire and Rescue. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Betty L. Sherman, 87, passed this life at Provena USMC on June 5, 2010.
She was born in Fairmount on Aug. 5, 1922, to Clifford J. and Ethel Banta Nichols. She was one of 13 children. The family moved southeast of Ridge Farm.
Betty attended all grades at Quaker Hill in a one-room school. She graduated from Ridge Farm High School. Betty worked as a waitress and bookkeeper at the F.W. Woolworth Co.
Betty married John H. Sherman on April 7, 1952. He preceded her in death on Feb. 25, 1984.
Together they raised four boys by John’s previous marriage; Larry H. Sherman, H. David Sherman and Robert C. Sherman, all deceased. Surviving is Thomas R. Sherman in South Carolina.
Survivors include a daughter, Joan (Donald) Thompson of Danville; a special grandson, Todd (Michelle) Hawkins of Catlin; granddaughters, Monica (Paul) Moretto and Marcy (Brad) Englert, both of Westville; great-grandsons, Trevor J. Hawkins and Bradley Englert; and a great-granddaughter, Olivia Moretto.
She also is survived by three sisters, Thelma Galyen of Bedford, Ind., Sarah Wheeler of Westville and Barbara Richardson of Ridge Farm; and a brother, Jimmie (Karen) Nichols of Ridge Farm. Betty also is survived by several step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Scott.
She also was preceded by four sisters, Cora Murray, Grace Becker, Maxine Wimsett and Bonnie Hoskins; and four brothers, Jack Nichols, Harold Nichols, Donald Nichols and Johnnie Nichols.
Betty was past Commander of the Navy Mother’s Club 394 in Danville, past Chaplain of Navy Mothers Club, State of Illinois, and a Gold Star Mother in local and state clubs.
Her son Robert C. Sherman was POW and died in a prison camp during the Vietnam War.
Her hobbies were babysitting for many years, embroidering scarves and dish towels and working word search puzzles.
Visitation was Wednesday, June 9, at Pape Memorial Home, 10 E. Williams St., in Danville. Services were at 1 p.m. with Pastor Dave Burger officiating. Burial was in Crown Hill Cemetery in Ridge Farm. Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
Clara D. Church, 84, well known Catlin resident, passed away at 9:10 a.m. Sunday, June 13, 2010, at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville. Clara was born April 23, 1926, in Tallassee, Ala., to Osie W. and Sadie B. Strickland Darnell. She married William C. Church on July 1, 1947, in the Catlin Methodist Parsonage with Rev. Clarence Hall officiating.
Bill survives as well as three sons, Scott (Jeanie) Church of Catlin, Brian (Julie) Church of Princeton and John (Andrea) Church of Batavia; six grandchildren, Jared, Darcy, Sarah, Courtney, Jordan and Jack; two great-grandchildren, Grace, Ian and one on the way; three nieces, Martha Ann Waller, Dolores Malone, Charlotte Davis and Teddy the cat. She was preceded by two brothers and one sister.
Clara was a devoted farm wife and enjoyed baking and cooking for all her family. She was an active member of the Catlin United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school in the early years. She had served as secretary and treasurer of the United Methodist Women, as well as being a Cub Scout Den Mother and was active with PTA. Clara also served on the research committee for the Catlin War Memorial and was a member of the Catlin Historical Society.
Funeral services were today, (Thursday, June 17) at 10:30 a.m., at the Catlin United Methodist Church, with Rev. Janet Miller and Darren Johnson officiating. Burial followed in the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Catlin. Robison Chapel of Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Memorials in Clara’s memory to the Catlin United Methodist Church or Catlin Historical Society. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com.
Alan Lee “Bub” Brown, 53, of Danville, passed this life at 6:31 a.m. Friday, June 4, 2010, at his residence.
He was born Sept. 8, 1956, in Danville, the son of Ronald A. and Janet L. (Burnworth) Brown.
On Dec. 27, 1982, Alan married Cathy Reifsteck in Danville. She survives, along with his parents, Ron and Janet Brown of Sidell; three children, Stephen (Shannon) Rannebarger of Danville, Amy (Bill) Hudelson of West Lafayette, Ind., and Sara Jo Brown of Danville; six grandchildren, Abby, Alex, Kendall, Emma, Jake, Addison; two sisters, Becky (Bruce) Stark of Danville and Lori R. Brown of Danville; his special nephew, Cole Stark; his special niece, Kate Stark; his great-niece, Isabella; and his three special buddies, Gracie, Pappy, and Boody.
His maternal and paternal grandparents preceded Alan in death.
Alan was a 911 communications specialist with the Danville Police Department, and part-time for the Georgetown Police Department. He was a 32nd Degree Mason with the Valley of Danville Olive Branch Masonic Lodge 38.
He enjoyed working on computers, had a love for trains, photography, bird watching and various music genres. He was an avid Illini, Bears, and St. Louis Cardinals fan. Alan always looked forward to his visits with friends in Michigan and the time he spent with his family. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Celebration of life was at 11 a.m. Monday, June 7, 2010, at the Sidell United Methodist Church in Sidell with Pastors Jim Russell and Charlie Graul officiating. Burial followed at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to: Kanzius Cancer Research Center.Com, Provena Cancer Center, and/or the American Cancer Society. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
John C. Kagy 55 of Fairmount, formerly of Danville passed away at 5:23 p.m. Thursday, May 20, 2010 at his home. He was born June 30, 1954 in Danville to Charles W. & Donna May Vonderhiede Kagy.
Survivors include one sister, Debra Krabel of Danville; three nieces, Rebecca Brim of Danville, Sarah Krabel and Kacie Krabel both of Chrisman; one great niece, Arianna Rogers of Danville. John was an accomplished and talented musician.
Memorial mass was at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 8 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville. Inurnment followed at Resurrection Cemetery in Danville. Robison Chapel in Catlin is assisting the Kagy family. Memorials in John’s memory may be made to the family, condolences may be sent online to the family at www.robisonchapel.com.
Keith Neal, 48, formerly of Fairmount, passed away at 2:09 p.m. Saturday, May 29, 2010 at Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. He was born August 11, 1961 in Gary, Ind., to Hubert A. and Mabel Clair Guthrie Neal. Survivors include two sons, Daniel Neal and Christopher Neal both of Fairmount; one daughter Lisa Neal of Fairmount.
Keith had been an industrial electrician. A memorial service was held at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Mike Roberts officiated, cremation rites were accorded. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.robisonchapel.com
Viola Curtis – The Lord called Viola home at 9 a.m. Wednesday, July 21, 2010. She passed on peacefully at her home in Indianola. She was formerly of Danville.
Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 24, at Pape Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams, Danville, with Pastor Darren Johnson officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Friday at Pape’s. Memorials may be made to Catlin Church of Christ, 715 W. Vermilion, Catlin, IL 61817. Burial will be in Walnut Corner Cemetery, Danville.
Viola was born May 14, 1925, in State Line, Ill., to Henry Allen and Nancy Melvina Sanders Carter.
She attended Grange Hall grade school and graduated from Bismarck High School in 1943. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, bowling, country music and shopping. She also loved talking and spending time with loved ones.
Viola married Robert Henry Curtis on April, 15, 1944, and he preceded her June 22, 2001. They were happily married for 58 years.
Survivors include two daughters, Shirley (Jerri) Harris and Barbara (Mark) Thiede; three sons, Michael Curtis, Larry (Jadoun) Curtis and Kenneth (Susan) Curtis; 12 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two brothers, Lowell (Nita) Carter and Kenneth (Joyce) Carter; and two sisters, Evelyn June Bell and Helen Marie Fritz. She was preceded by her parents; her husband, Robert; and two brothers, Charles and Harold Carter.
She was a loving, kind and generous person. She was the best mother in the world and the best friend to all her children. She will be greatly missed by all.
Guest register: www.papemortuary.com.
Thelma I. Mercer, 45, of Indianola, died at 12:33 a.m. July 14, 2010, in Danville.
She was born on Dec. 25, 1964, the daughter of Harold and Imogene (Wilson) Murray.
She is survived by her mother, Imogene Murray of Indianola; her sons, Travis Mercer, Justin Mercer and James Mercer, all of Peoria, Ariz.; her aunt, Ruby Martin of Indianola; her brother, Darold Murray of Peoria, Ariz.; her sisters, Frances Wenz of Glendale, Ariz., and Ruth James of Phoenix, Ariz.; and several nieces and nephews.
Thelma enjoyed fishing and will be missed by her family and friends.
A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday, July 19, at Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola. Sunset’s Houghton-Leasure Funeral Home, a Life Celebration Home, was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.
Laura Doggett, 66, of Catlin passed away at 3:14 a.m. Sunday, July 18, 2010, at Vermilion Manor Nursing Home in Danville.
Laura was born Jan. 4, 1944, to Elbert O. and Aileen (Thomas) Lovett. Survivors include her parents of Catlin; one son, Claude Doggett of Westville; and one brother, Lawerence (Ann) Lovett of Jamesville, Md.
Laura had been employed at Local 579 Credit Union as both teller and bookkeeper, and at Danville Bell Credit Union. She enjoyed bowling and was active in the leagues. She loved to attend flea markets, auctions, and collecting antiques. Laura was a lifelong member of the Catlin Church of Christ.
Funeral services were Wednesday at the Catlin Church of Christ with Darren Johnson officiating. Burial was in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin. Robison Chapel in Catlin was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials in Laura’s memory may be made to the Catlin Church of Christ or Breast Cancer Research in care of Robison Chapel. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.robisonchapel.com.
Lisa Jo Pirie, 50, of Ludowici, Ga., formerly of Sidell, passed away at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, July 6, 2010, at her home.
Lisa was born April 17, 1960, in Danville, a daughter of Charles and Marion (Ware) Wright. She married John Mathieson Pirie on Sept. 12, 1996, in Champaign. He survives.
Survivors include two sons, Jeramey Curry of Ludowici, Ga., and Justin Edgerson of Rock Island; two daughters, Jessica McNeal of Rock Island, and Shonna Thompson of Bismarck; 10 grandchildren, Jacquez 10, Justin II 2, Alayah 8, Doniere 6, Jaleeyah 3, Jossah 2, Jomi 1, Logan 8, Noah, 6, and Blake 5; two brothers, Floyd Oliphant of Missouri and Gary Schraeder of Danville; one sister, Carole Kelly of Paris; and her mother-in-law, Barbara Pirie of Savoy. She also is survived by Aunt and Uncle Phil and Aileene Swinford of Sidell, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that will love and miss her.
Her parents and her biological mother, Shirley Arnett, preceded her in death. One daughter, Danelle, and her father-in-law, James Pirie Sr., also preceded her.
Lisa worked as a CNA for 32 years. She was a member of Harvest Church in Urbana and Christ the Rock Ministries in Hinesville, Ga. She was a member of the Army Family Support Group. She enjoyed Bible study and was a collector of Christian Music and angel figurines.
Funeral services were Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Sidell Baptist Church, Sidell. Pastor Jon Callahan of Harvest Church of Urbana officiated. Burial was in Fairview Cemetery, Sidell.
Memorial contributions may be made to benefit pancreatic cancer research at the Lustgarten Foundation, 1111 Stewart Ave, Bethpage, NY 11714.
Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Dr. West, Savoy is handling arrangements.
Byron W. “Barney” Dodd, 73, of Homer died at 6:20 a.m. Thursday, July 8, 2010, at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, Ky.
Mr. Dodd was born on May 31, 1937, in Homer, a son of Wilbur P. and Bernice Gurnea Dodd. He married Carolyn Rexroat on Nov. 24, 1965, in Champaign. She survives.
Also surviving are a son, John (Kelly) Dodd of Louisville, Ky.; a daughter, Jill (Stan) Prosser of Goodfield; six grandchildren, Kiel, Kohl and Kaci Dodd, and Chelsea, Jordan and Joshua Prosser; and a brother, Ronald Dodd of Urbana.
Mr. Dodd was preceded in death by five brothers, Elmer, Charles, Max, Jack and David Dodd.
Barney was an Army veteran, serving in Germany from 1960-1962. He was a member and former commander of the Homer American Legion Post 290, and member of the VFW.
He was a commissioner for Homer Little League Baseball in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was a member of the Marathon Bowling Team with his brothers that was sponsored by his father. He retired from Collegiate Cap & Gown after 37 years of service.
For those who really knew Barney, he was the Mayor of Hesterville. His hobbies included fishing, small-engine repair and camping.
Funeral services were Tuesday, July 13, at Kirby Funeral Home in Homer. Rev. Linda McKinney officiated. Burial was in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.
Memorials may be made to G.A.R. Cemetery or Homer Fire and Rescue.
Ellen M. Walters, 86, of Savoy, formerly of Champaign and Allerton, died at 3:30 a.m. on Wed., July 7, 2010 at her son’s home in White Heath.
Ellen was born on October 19, 1923 in Sidell, the daughter of Ernest B. and Mollie Southworth Guthrie. She married Carl R. Walters on October 23, 1943 in Allerton. He passed away on December 6, 2006.
Surviving is a son; Darryl R. “Rick” Walters and (Sue) of White Heath; two sisters; Jennie (Ralph) Tyler of Tilton, and Kathy (Harry) Voorhees of Fairmount; 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a daughter; Paula D. Cox; brother; Philip Guthrie and two sisters; Mabel (Jakie) Neal and Ida Houchins.
Ellen was a graduate of Allerton High School. She worked at Magnavox in Champaign for 10 years; she owned and operated the “Tip & Tint” Cake Decoration & Candy Supply Shop for 20 years. She loved teaching Cake Decoration for 20 years at Urbana Adult Education.
Ellen was member of the Allerton United Methodist Church where she played the organ for many years. Ellen loved spending time with her family; her cake shop; and spending summers at her Minnesota cabin.
Funeral services were Sat. July 10, 2010 at Kirby Funeral Home; 708 S. Main St. Homer, with her nephew Randy Walters officiating. Burial was in the G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.
Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, Carle Hospice or the Vermilion County Humane Society.
Wayne Franklin Lareau, 78, of Homer, died at 6:44 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, 2010 at Provena Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 9 at the Sidney United Church. Pastor Mike Picklesimer will officiate. Visitation is from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday at the church. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer is in charge of arrangements. There will be a private burial later.
Mr. Lareau was born on May 26, 1932 in Hoopeston. A son of Harvey John and Opal Claire Youngblood Lareau. He married Mary Morris on June 8, 1952 in Palarmo. She survives. Also surviving are three daughters; Cherie Libka of Homer, Susan (Michael)Scruggs of Parker, Colo., Michele Lareau of Savoy; three sons David (Phyllis) Lareau of Allerton, Daniel Lareau of Urbana, and Dane Lareau of Silversprings, Md.; 14 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; one brother, Harold (Betty) Lareau of Sidell.
Mr. Lareau was a farmer in the Allerton area for many years. He was affiliated with the Sidney United Church. He was a Masonic Blue Lodge in Broadlands and a thirty second degree Mason with the Danville lodge where he often sang with the group. He was a member of the Allerton Lions Club. Wayne’s hobbies where flying his airplane that he had co-ownership in, boating, camping and traveling. Memorials may be made to Sidney United Church, American Cancer Society, Homer Peace Meals or donor’s choice.
Samuel C. Draper, 86, of Fairmount, died on Saturday, June 26, 2010, in Fairmount. He was a veteran of World War II, retired from General Motors and was of the Christian faith.
Funeral services were June 29, 2010, in the Chapel of the Rankin Funeral Home with burial in the Christian Home Cemetery.
Martha Jean Emerick, 67, of Sidell, passed away at 9:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2010, at the Newman Rehabilitation Center, in Newman, IL.
Mrs. Emerick was born on October 17, 1942 in Paris, a daughter of Roy F. and Esther C. Jones Gill. She married Cecil Emerick on October 15, 1962 in Paris. He survives.
Other survivors include three children; Linda K. (Don) Calloway of Trenton, Fla., Bill (Judy) Emerick of Sidell, and DJ (Billie Jo) Emerick of Sidell. One sister Nora Ellen (David) Daugherty of Paris, two brothers Bill (Libby Brown) Gill of Scottland, and Frank (Rose) Gill of Paris. Six grandchildren and one great grandchild also survive.
Martha was a homemaker, she was a very caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She enjoyed her family, camping, soaps, puzzle books, and country music. Martha was greatly loved and will be deeply missed. May she rest in peace with the loved ones who have preceded her in death, which includes her mother and father, one brother, one sister, many nieces and nephews, and five great grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 5, at the Sidell United Methodist Church in Sidell with Rev. Randy Porter officiating. Burial was held at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman was in charge of arrangements.
Brenda C. Ribbe Maring, 51, of Danville, passed away at her home in Danville surrounded by her family on Sunday, July 4, 2010. Funeral services will be held today (Thursday, July 8, 2010) at 1 p.m. at the Sidell Baptist Church in Sidell. Pastor Dave Garver will officiate. Burial will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Sidell.
Visitation will be held at the church on Thursday from 11-1 p.m.
Mrs. Maring was born on May 8, 1959 in Champaign, a daughter of Raymond W. and Erlene E. Taylor Ribbe, she married Kenneth Maring on May 8, 1976 in Sidell. He survives.
Also surviving are a daughter Amanda S. (Joseph) Maring Tabels of Danville; grandchildren Emmy Jade, Matthew Robert, Sarah Beth, and Aaron Joseph Tables; brothers Ray “Bubby” Ribbe of Peoria Heights, Mark (Chris) Foote, Carmen “Doc” (Delores) Ribbe of Saint Joseph, Tuck (Evelyn) Miller of Danville, Greg (Billie) Miller of Danville, Robin (Beth) Miller of Danville, Ray Jr. (Kathy) Miller of Urbana, and sisters; Ruth Anne (Morris) Miller of Arizona, Ida Carpenter of Peoria, Channa (Steven) Cales of Georgetown, and Yvonne (Robert) Jayne of Urbana.
Brenda was preceded in death by sisters Judy Stewart and Lisa Ribbe, her parents, and her in-laws Clarence and Imogene Maring.
Brenda was placed with Harvey & Shirley Miller at the age of 7 where she found her home, she loved being with her husband, daughter, and her “babies” and she was loved by everyone who knew her. Brenda was always happy with family and the simple things of life and requested that everyone who attends her funeral services come dressed casually and comfortably.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.
Donald Dean Elliott of Salesville, Ark., died Monday, June 21, 2010, at Good Samaritan Village, at the age of 86. He was born Nov. 15, 1923, in Sidell, the son of Charles and Ethel Woodard Elliott.
He married Katherine “Kitty” Griffin on Oct. 20, 1946, in Danville, and worked as a machinist for General Motors for 32 years.
Donald lived in Salesville, Ark., since 1978, moving from Oakwood. He was a life member of the BPO Elks and Moose. He was chairman of the UAW Local 579, Danville, and founder of the Retired UAW in Mountain Home.
He was on the Salesville City Council for 20 years and was a volunteer fireman. He was active with the Democratic Party and was a precinct committeeman. He was a member of the Vermilion County Museum Society.
Donald was a Golden Gloves boxer in his youth.
Survivors include his wife, Kitty; son, Phillip (Alice) Elliott of Acapulco, Mexico; daughter, Glenda (Bob) Layden of Hoopeston; four grandchildren, Glenn Vines and Greg, Cheri and Steve Elliott; five great-grandchildren, Carly Vines and Steve, Michael, Austin and Brandon Elliott.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and two sisters.
Celebration of life and Elks Service was held at Kirby Family Funeral Home Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the charity of choice. Arrangements are by Kirby Family Funeral Cremation Services. Visit an online obituary and guestbook at www.kirbyandfamily.com.
