Friday, December 12, 2025

Cheryl E. Weisser

Cheryl E. Weisser, 80, of Farmington, formerly of Peoria, passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at Farmington Village Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born November 8, 1945, in Peoria, IL, to Dillard and Ruth (Ballinger) Cosby. Cheryl married Garey Weisser on August 9, 1984, in Peoria. He survives.

Cheryl is also survived by two children, Debra Cheney of Kewanee, and Ruth (Jim) Bill of Williamsfield; four grandchildren, Shona Sears, Nathaniel Ford, Chelsea Howard, and James Bill III; and seven great-grandchildren.

Cheryl is preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Donna Willbanks; and one brother, Errol Cosby.

Cheryl enjoyed crafting and watching late-model dirt racing.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

There will be no services at this time.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge arrangements.

Nancy Louise Evans

Nancy Louise Evans, 90, formerly of Canton, passed away December 9, 2025 at Clayberg Nursing Home in Cuba. She was born on March 15, 1935 in Rushville, IL. to Hal and Orvilla (Salisbury) Simpson. Nancy married Chellis Evans on February 17, 1952 in Canton. He preceded her in death on August 23, 2013.

Surviving is her daughter, Valerie Evans of Canton. She is also survived by three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Nancy was a sixty-year member of Canton Church of the Brethren where she was active in the Ladie’s Quilting Group, Women’s Prayer Group and helped with Bible School for many years. She was a member of Canton Rebekah Lodge, Canton Women’s Club, Red Hat Club, Library Book Club, Wide Awake Community Club and several card clubs. She had volunteered at the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, L.O.V.E. Inc. and the Graham Hospital Service League. She also served as an election judge for many years.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A private burial of ashes with Chellis will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Jimmy G. Holford Sr.

Canton- Jimmy G. Holford Sr. 87, of Canton, formerly of Rockford, Illinois, passed away at 2:32 AM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at Red Oak Estates in Canton. He was born on December 27, 1937, in Hanna City, Illinois, a son of George and Beulah (Snider) Holford. He married Mary Kathryn Wilkins on September 29, 1962, in Louisville, Kentucky. She preceded him in death on November 29, 2002.


Also, preceding Jim in death were his parents.


Jim graduated from Canton High School, class of 1956, went on to establish a successful 42-year career as a barber, owning and operating the 11th Street Barber Shop in Rockford from 1960-2002. He served his country in the United States Army from 1962-1968 and served in Korea.


Jim was a man of simple habits and straightforward ways, but he could spin a tall tale with the best of them and loved a good martini with an anchovy stuffed olive. He enjoyed fishing, attending dog and horse racing with friends, and spending many summers at Jack the Horse lake in Minnesota, even having a grandson spend the entire summer with him before heading away to college. He loved attending hockey, baseball, and softball games of his grandchildren and was so incredibly proud of all his grandchildren. He loved his wife, Kathy, immensely and after her unexpected passing he welcomed his dog, Commodore, into his life for companionship. What followed was a bond that could only be described as extraordinary and they went everywhere together. While others may have seen Commodore as a noisy, smelly companion, Jim loved him until the very end.


Surviving are his children, Tina (James) Walker of Stillman Valley Illinois; Jimmy (Kathleen) Holford Jr. of Janesville, Wisconsin; five grandchildren, Nicholas (Alyce) Walker, Nolan (Anna) Walker, Noel (Travis) Zieman, Jimmy (Michelle) Holford III, Sarah (Tom) Gimmer, eleven great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Aaliyah, Mackenzie, Niko, Parker, Ella, Avery, Nora, Mya, Malea, Keiko, Zeke, Madeline, William, and June; brother, Donald Holford, and sister, Bonnie Griggs, both of Canton.


Per Jimmy’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Burial of ashes will take place at Elm Lawn Memorial Park in Princeton, Illinois at a later date. Memorials can be made to Red Oak Estates, 435 N 16th Ave, Canton, Illinois 61520. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Rebecca Schutte

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Rebecca M. Schutte age 77, of London Mills, who left us peacefully on December 9th, 2025.

Born on September 9, 1948, in Canton, Illinois, Becky was the daughter of the late Max and Betty Davis. She attended Canton High School.

In 1989, Becky married Terry Schutte, and together they shared 40 loving years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Max and Betty Davis, her husband, Terry Schutte, and younger brother Sam (Dixie) Davis. Her surviving siblings include Mike (Mary) Davis and Sarah Waske.

Becky's legacy lives on through her children: Timothy (Sarah) Kerans, Cappi Rensch (Jeff Halverson), Rhondell (Tony)

Cusmano, Kim (Thomas) Locklear, and Kojak (Tonya) Schutte. She found joy in spending time with her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Becky's greatest joys in life revolved around her family and friends. She cherished her children and grandchildren, and found immense happiness in bringing loved ones together for large family gatherings.

Becky also loved boating and fishing on Canton Lake.

Some of her happiest memories were made when she owned Beck's Place bar and grill. She made lifelong friends and often hosted many charitable events that helped to support the community.

Becky was loving and generous to all who knew her, she was one of a kind.

She will be deeply missed and never forgotten.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Compassus Hospice. To view Becky’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Thursday, December 11, 2025

William G. “Yogi” Hamlin

William G. “Yogi” Hamlin, 70, of Rushville, IL, passed away at 9:24 pm on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville. He was born on February 27, 1955 in Peoria, IL, the son of Earl and Emma (Humphrey) Hamlin. Yogi married Sandra Robertson on September 21, 1990 in Browning, IL. She survives.


He is also survived by his son; Joe Hamlin of Beardstown, IL, step-daughter; Stephanie Bainter of Rushville, three step-sons; Chris Gouran of Lincoln, NE, Shawn Gouran of Astoria, IL and Michael Gouran of Yulee, FL, nine grandchildren; Ryder Hamlin, Sydney Hamlin, Gracie Hamlin, Dillan Taylor, Elissa Gouran, Alexis Gouran, Emma Gouran, Keah Gouran and Deegan Bollinger, and two great-grandchildren; Khaleesi Mitchell and Aurora Janis, two sisters; Phyllis Santiago and Pat Jansen, and one brother; Bob Hamlin.

Yogi is preceded in death by his parents.

He worked as a laborer for several different Locals in the area.

Yogi enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors with his grandson.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services have been planned at this time.

Ronald Madden

Ronald Madden, 86, of Canton passed away on December 10, 2025. He was the son of Thomas and Augusta (Bachman) Madden. He grew up in Chicago where he speed skated competitively, and played in the Pony League World Series in PA. In high school, as a member of the All-Star Team, he played baseball in Wrigley Field, N.Y. Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds, in  addition to ISU for 4 years. Ron was a teacher, coach, A.D. , and F.B.I. Agent. He graduated from ISU and the F.B.I. Academy.


Ron married Kathleen Svob in 1963, She survives with 2 children: Timothy (Lori) Madden of IN, Anne (Greg) Kilkenny of CO, 6 grandchildren, Ryan Madden, Caitlin (Cole) Elam, Abigall Kathleen (Connor) O' Brien, Meghan (Alex) Mitchell, Jack Kilkenny, Connor Kilkenny, 2 great grandchildren, Rose and Madden Anne and three more on the way.


Ron was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Tom and John, and nephew Tommy.


The family is grateful to all who visited, called, texted, or sent a prayer. Special thanks to the staffs of Dr. Phillips, Betty’s Garden at The Villages of Farmington, Monsignor Tim Nolan, Traditions Hospice Health Care, and Sedgwick Funeral Homes.


Per Ron’s wishes there will be no services. In hopes of finding a cure for Alzheimer’s, Ron requested that his brain be used for research at the University of Maryland Brain Bank. Memorials may be donated to the Fulton Mason County Women’s Crisis.

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Ann M. Mitchell

Ann M. Mitchell, 68, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 9:18 am on Monday, December 8, 2025 at Carle Memorial Hospital in Peoria, IL. She was born on May 3, 1957 in Rushville, IL, the daughter of Ernest and Jeannine (Powell) Shanks. Ann married Willard Wayne Mitchell on June 24, 1988 in Bernadotte, IL. Willard preceded Ann in death on February 12, 2005. She later married Carl “Bill” Burnham on December 13, 2014. Bill preceded Ann in death on December 28, 2022.


She is also preceded in death by her parents, daughter; Georgia Ann Duckwiler and brother; Duane Shanks.

She is survived by her son, Mylo (and Amanda) Mitchell of Peoria, IL, daughter; Cheyenne (and Craig) Barnette of Astoria, seven grandchildren; Trey, Braden, Jasmine, Hannah, C.J., Allie and Marley, four great grandchildren; Avyanna, Graycen, Harmony and Lylli, three sisters; Vicky (and Dean) Conway of Astoria, Roberta (and Chris) McCormick of Astoria and Phyllis (and Rick) Batterton of Astoria.

Ann graduated from Spoon River College as Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at several area nursing homes.

She was a member of the “Country Duo” band. She enjoyed camping, fishing, anything outdoors, bowling, her job of nursing, and spoiling her grandchildren.

Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, December 12, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Kevin Kessler will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Astoria. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.