January 14, 2021

A sampling of headlines in this week’s Sidell Reporter. To read the stories that go with this, plus many more articles in this week’s issue, subscribe today to read the Reporter in print and/or online. For details click here.

Office assistant loses battle with Covid
Vicki Delhaye’s smile greeted Reporter customers

Weathered flag dedicated to Class of 2020

Sidell village holds moment of silence for Wills

Grant purchases equipment for Carroll Twp. Fire Dept.

Amy Thomas pens this week’s Recipe Box.

New assistant pastors at UPC

Great-great-grandmother Ruby Martin poses in not one, but two five generation photos only in this week’s Sidell Reporter.

Obituaries
SIDELL REPORTER STAFF MEMBER DIES
    Vicki S. (Finley) Delhaye was ushered into Glory on Jan. 11, 2021, surrounded by her children Leah, Ricky, Mike, and Cammy. She was welcomed at Heaven’s Gates by her beloved mother and her grandson, Shane, who she got to hold in her arms for the first time.
    Vicki was born on March 27, 1950 to John and Donna Finley and was a lifelong resident of Georgetown. Her siblings, Karen (Bill) Smith, Donna Kay Meeker and Gary (Laura) Finley, survive, along with many special nieces, nephews, and cousins. Also surviving, her Aunt Jodi (Ken) Windle and Uncle Art (Carol) Finley. She also leaves behind lifelong friend, Brenda (Mike) Larson.
    Vicki coveted time spent with her children, Leah (Mike) Warren and Richard (Cammy) Delhaye. Words cannot express the pride and joy she possessed for her three grandsons, Justin Warren, Kaleb and Chase Delhaye, all of whom were extremely close and deeply devoted to their Nana. Her kids and grandsons were her world and her life was dedicated to making them happy – it was never about herself.
    She was adventurous, and loved to travel. She would spend months planning family vacations and looking forward to their time together at destinations such as Walt Disney, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Destin and Mackinac Island. She was fortunate to enjoy many adventures with her mother and sisters in Branson and Tennessee. She had a lifelong passion for the piano and enjoyed several concerts with her family. She also looked forward to “Sister’s Night,” when they would watch movies and have dinner together.
    She was truly a beautiful and gifted woman, placing her special touch on multiple weddings, birthdays and showers. She was the life of the party and her sweet smile lit up the room and brought joy to those who saw it.
    She was very imaginative and was always looking for the latest craft designs (from macramé, to quilted bricks, to sweeper bunnies! You never knew what she would be gifting you with next!)
    Vicki’s long career in the newspaper business began at the Georgetown Independent News, founded by her long-time friends Hubert and Jill Hotchkiss. She enjoyed working at the paper with her special friend and cousin, Linda Dyer Cummins.
    After the paper sold to the Lenhart family, she advanced to the position of editor, and was blessed to be able to work with them for many years (still helping type auction listings for Kerry Lenhart, clear up until she became ill in October).
    After she retired from the News-Gazette, she was fortunate to continue working at The Sidell Reporter until October. Over the years, Vicki won many awards and accolades for her creative writing and flair for ad design. For many years she penned a column “From Where I Sit” – filled with humorous or thought-provoking articles. One of the exciting elements of working for a newspaper was getting to interview up-and-coming artists– one of them being Garth Brooks!
    Vicki had a beautiful sense of humor and was a wonderful friend and great companion who loved helping others. She was supportive of anyone who just needed to talk– offering sound advice and comfort. Vicki was a wordsmith, she was the first person to call when searching for the perfect word.
    Her presence will always be remembered while sharing family stories at the dining room table. There are so many wonderful memories to cherish, and to say she will be missed greatly underestimates her role in the lives of those she leaves behind.
    A private celebration of Vicki’s life with immediate family members will be held Saturday at Liberty Independent Church in Georgetown where she was a member for many years.     Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Please join her family in sharing memories through her Tribute Wall at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

    WILMENA A. McNEESE, 77, passed away at 11:25 p.m. on Sat., Jan. 9, 2021 at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville.
    Wilmena was born on Dec. 28, 1943 in Danville to Jesse and Lucille Morgan Sigman. She married Carl O. McNeese, Jr. of Jamaica on Sept. 5, 1964 in Danville. He survives.
Survivors also include two sons, Carl O. (Don Buskirk) McNeese III of Indianapolis, Ind.; Christopher McNeese of Pilot Point, Texas; two daughters, Cheryl (Rick) Marteeny of Glen Carbon, Cathy McNeese of Stauton; one brother, William (Sue) Sigman of Georgetown; and six grandchildren.
    Wilmena worked at the U of I Cooperative Extension office as a secretary for over 15 years. She attended the Central Park Church of Christ in Tilton. Wilmena was in Home Extension and also a 4-H leader in Georgetown.
    In lieu of flowers memorials to the American Diabetes Association. Robison Chapel in Catlin is assisting the family. On-line condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

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For Sale

FOR SALE— Star Spangled Recipes cookbook — 545 recipes and 37 pages honoring local veterans are included. $17.50 includes postage. Make check payable to Sidell Veteran’s War Memorial. Mail c/o Sidell Reporter, P.O. Box 475, Sidell, IL 61876. Proceeds from the book support the upkeep of Sidell Veteran’s War Memorial Board.

FOR SALE—GREAT FOR JAMAICA ALUMNI—“A Look Back At 39 Years of Cardinal Pride.” 40 pages covering Jamaica sports from 1955-1995. Lots of pictures, stats and memories from fans and athletes. $12.50 includes postage. Make check payable to Sidell Reporter. Mail to P.O. Box 475, Sidell, IL 61876. Click here to order.
   “The 50th Anniversary of Jamaica High School – 1955-2006” commemorative issue. 32 pages with over 100 photos depicting the first 50 years of Jamaica High School. Includes a list of all graduates and teachers. $12.50 includes postage. Make check payable to Sidell Reporter. Mail to P.O. Box 475, Sidell, IL 61876. Click here to order.