Leonard E. "Len" Allen

Leonard E. “Len” Allen, 83, of Rushville, IL, passed away at 7:28 pm on Thursday, October 27, 2022 at Jacksonville Skilled Nursing & Rehab in Jacksonville, IL. He was born on July 31, 1939 in Jacksonville, the son of James and Marie (Davis) Allen. Len married Patsy Tomlinson on June 7, 1958 in Jacksonville. He later married Linda Sue Derry on March 23, 1984 in Rushville. Linda preceded Len in death on July 26, 2016.

Also preceded him in death are his great-granddaughter, Sophia Sherrod, 2 brothers, James and Donald Allen, and 3 sisters, Donna Edminston, Virginia Couch and Barb DeOrnellas.

Surviving is his son, Kent (and Debra) Allen of Jacksonville, daughter, Kelley (and Roger) Dunning of Petersburg, IN, 6 grandchildren, Tara (and Damon) Sherrod, Nathan (and Sarah Martinez) Allen, Miranda (and Jacob) Hoppock, Brenton (and Jenna) Allen, Brandy (David) Salmon and Jeremy (and Nicole) Bollinger, 14 great grandchildren, brother, Bill Allen of Jacksonville, sister, Judy (and Jim) DeOrnellas of Fairfield, IA, and special friend, Karen Diseron of Rushville.

Len owned and operated Len’s Autobody and Allen’s Auto Sales, both in Rushville. He later went on to work at Cargill in Beardstown, IL.

Len was a member and past Governor of the Moose Lodge of Rushville. He was also a member of the Rushville Chamber of Commence, where he served as past president. Len enjoyed working on cars in his garage in his later years. He also enjoyed drag races, watching races of all kinds, riding motorcycles and tractor pulls.

A graveside service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, November 5, 2022 in the Summum Cemetery. Pastor David Haney will officiate. A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on Friday, November 4, 2022 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Katherine E. Oest

 

Katherine E. Oest, 94, of Havana passed away at 10:17 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Mason District Hospital. She was born on April 30, 1928 in Bath Township to August and Catherine (Bryant) Oest.

Katherine is survived by her sister, Clarice Oest of Havana and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Emma Raguet, Vernice Wallace, and Pauline Hackman; and three brothers, Wilbur Oest, Raymond Oest, and August Oest, Jr.
Katherine was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Havana. She owned and operated Super Savings in Havana for many years. She enjoyed traveling, taking short trips, and gardening. She also liked doing puzzles and crossword books, and she loved cats and dogs.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 31, 2022 at Noon at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. until noon. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial donations may be made in Katherine’s name to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Helen B. Longrie

Canton- Helen B. Longrie, 99, of Canton, passed away at 3:57 PM on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at The Loft Healthcare Center in Canton. She was born on January 13, 1923 in Chicago, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Siergiej) Karkocki. She married Walter Human, and later married Lyle Longrie. They both preceded her in death.

Also preceding her in death are her parents, and one son, Keith Longrie, one brother, Edward Karkocki, and one sister, Ann Eiebert.

Surviving are her children, Marica (Steve) Ward; Mark (Vicki) Longrie; Chuck (Rebecca) Human; eight grandchildren, Kevin (Carrie) Human, Melissa Human, Kristin (Tim) Leininger, Joseph Human, Carla (John) Kriegbaum, Christa (Josh) Levine, David (Lindsey) Longrie, Ashley Longrie, and thirteen great-grandchildren.

She was a member of Saint James Parish in Arlington Heights, Illinois, she loved dancing, listening to music, and was a fun-loving energetic mother.

Per Helen’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Memorials can be made to Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Janice T. Fechter

Janice T. Fechter, 81, of Hanna City, IL, passed away at 10:32 p.m., on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Unity Point Methodist in Peoria. She was born April 28, 1941, to John and Martha (Siepel) Haynes in Mapleton, IL. She married Frederick W. Fechter III on February 5, 1961, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Glasford. He preceded her in death on April 14, 2021.

She is survived by four children, Frederick "Bud" W. Fechter IV of Bushong, KS, Tammy (John) Lofthouse of Tequesta, FL, Cathy (Vincent) Cappello of Peoria, and Janet Fechter of Peoria; two brothers, Delmar Haynes and Danny Haynes; two sisters, Lillian Maddox and Elizabeth Rench; eight grandchildren, Christopher, Mindy, Misty, Kristin, Tricia, Crystal, Joey, and Josh; and twenty-three great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, John Haynes, Joseph Haynes, and Edward Haynes; and four sisters, Josephine Schmidt, Hazel Fleming, Ethel Pugh, and Leona May Haynes.
Janice, most importantly, was a mother. She was a Co-founder of Janice's Pest Control. She was also a secretary at Holy Cross Lutheran for five years. Later she retired from OSF Saint Francis in the Admitting Department. She was a member of the American Legion Post #35 Ladies Auxilary. She was also an avid Cubs fan and enjoyed playing Bingo and Bunco. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren. Janice always put everyone before herself. She will be dearly missed.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at St. Peters Lutheran Church, 13221 West Todd School Road, Glasford, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church in Glasford.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

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

June R. Lee

June R. Lee son of Ted and Ruth (Johnson) Lee was born on June 1, 1929 in Rock Port, Missouri. He passed away peacefully on October 25, 2022, at his daughter’s house in Joliet, IL where he had presided for the past 4 years. He was 93 years old. June attended school in Rock Port, MO, where he had a 10th grade education. At the age of 17 they moved to St. Joseph, MO. June served in the United States Navy from 1948 to 1950 as a hospital corpsman.

On July 10 , 1949 June was united in marriage to Adorline Kuhnert in St. Joseph, MO. They were married for 56 years before her death in 2006. In 1952 they moved to Springfield, IL. After June’s service in the military, he became a truck driver for Mid-American for over 30 years. In 1975 they moved from Springfield to Channahon, IL. They moved to Mason City in 1991. June continued to drive a truck for 10 more years with Kroblin and Star. He retired from trucking in 2001 after 40 years, he continued working part time jobs until he fully retired at 76 years old.
June was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Robert Lee, daughter Gloria McKinley, daughter- in-law: Cathy lee and Mary Lee, son- in-law Arthur McKinley, brothers: Dean, Samuel (Mart) and Robert Lee and sisters: Lois Leek and Vera Lee.
He is survived by his sons: Tommy Lee, Dennis Lee, Teddy Lee, daughter Terry (Mike) Perkins, daughter-in-law Brenda Lee, sister Doris Stegall and brother Olin Lee, 16 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City with Pastor Molly Spence-Hawk officiating, visitation will be held from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Burial to follow at Mason City Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to: the family. Online condolences can be left at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is in charge of the arrangements.

Ralph L. Stockham

Ralph “Bud” Stockham, 76 formerly of Lewistown, IL passed away Sunday October 23rd at Countryside Meadows in Avon, Indiana. Bud was born July 9th 1946 in Havana, IL the son of Don and Blanche (McMullen) Stockham. He married Gloria Held in November of 1979. He was preceded in death by his parents and Gloria. Surviving are two daughters, Stacey Adams of Manito, IL and Lori Cook (Frank Booker) of Brownsburg, IN, three grandson, Justin (Christa) Smith, Austin Mibbs (Tara Faye), and Aaron Adams (Hope Freeman) and four great granddaughters.

Bud graduated from Lewistown Community High School in 1964 and worked at Caterpillar in East Peoria for over 30 years. He resided in Lewistown for the majority of his life. Bud’s community (Lewistown) was very important to him. He prided himself in public service and found great joy in helping others in his community. During his years in Lewistown, Bud volunteered with the Optimist club, Odd fellows, and the Knights of Columbus through his church St. Mary’s in Lewistown. He also served on the City Council, Fulton County Fair Board, and the Fulton County Merritt Commission. Through his service, Bud was able to fulfill his purpose to help others and make his community a better place.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:30 PM Friday October 28th at the Henry Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Father David Whiteside officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Lewistown. Visitation will be held Friday at the memorial home from 11 am until noon with a rosary at noon. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lewistown or Lewistown Chamber of Commerce. Contributions sent by mail to St. Mary’s Catholic Church should be sent c/o St. Patrick’s Catholic Church 545 S. Orange St. Havana, IL 62644. To view Bud’s life tribute video or to send online condolences visit henrylange.com.

Betsy L. Bennett

Betsy L. Bennett, 72, of Canton, passed away at 10:13 PM on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on December 31, 1949 in Richmond, Virginia, a daughter of Marvin and Margaret (Hinchee) Marvel.

Surviving her is her son, Michael Bennett of Canton; her three brothers; Donald (Robbie) Marvel of Peoria; Bill (Cheryl) Marvel; David (Rebecca) Marvel; and her sister Linda (Ed) Madtson, all of Canton.

Throughout her lifetime Betsy worked as a CNA for Sunset Nursing Home and also helped with the Meals on Wheels program at the YWCA. She was a member of the Fiatt Christian Church and also a member of the Farmington Moose Auxiliary.

Graveside services and burial of ashes will take place at 2:30 PM on Sunday, October 30, 2022 at Fiatt Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Canton American Legion. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Mildred Mae Spafford

Mildred Mae "Millie" Spafford,98, of Yates City, died at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 19, 2022, at the Graham Hospital in Canton, Illinois.

She was born on February 13, 1924 in Elmwood, Illinois to Charles and Merle (Weidner) Wolf. She married Willis Donald (Bunk) Spafford on August 4, 1945.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda Melzer of Louisville, Ky, and son Kim (Nancy) Spafford of Elmwood, IL; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willis, infant daughter, Louisa Mae, sisters: Margaret Emerick and Ruth Kratzer, parents Charles and Merle Wolf.
Mildred married Willis on August 4, 1945. Prior to that she had worked as a secretary in Peoria.
Mildred and "Bunk" farmed in Elmwood for 13 years before moving to Yates City where she worked for Moore Heating and plumbing as a bookkeeper.
She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Elmwood.
She enjoyed her family and friends, playing cards and games with family and gardening.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service is planned for early next spring. Burial will be in Elmwood Township Cemetery at a later date.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

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

Donald E. "Donnie" Clark

Canton - Donald E. "Donnie" Clark, 72, of Canton, passed away, Thursday, October 20, 2022, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

He was born on February 26, 1950, in Canton, to Vernon and Nelda (Gass) Clark. They preceded him in death along with one brother Lynn Clark.
He married Nancy J. (Duckwiler) Clark on August 8, 1970, in Canton. She preceded him in death on November 20, 2015.
Surviving are three children, Michael (Deb) Clark, Michelle Clark, and Marcus (Rachel) Clark, one sister Pat Ward, and seven grandchildren, Emily Clark, Thea Clark, Mara Clark, Angel Clark, Asher Clark, Elle Clark, and Andre Clark.
Donnie worked at Caterpillar for 45 years. He is a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and bowling in numerous leagues at Linn Lanes.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A burial of his ashes with Military Honors will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton on Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Kathy L. Duffield

Kathy L. Duffield, 71, of Glasford, passed away at 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, October 20, 2022, at her home. She was born April 23, 1951, in Bedford, IN, to Vicki G. Gray. She married Robert L. Duffield, Jr. on April 22, 1973.

Kathy spent her whole life caring for her mother, siblings, and husband.
She had a great relationship with her mother. They were very close. Their bond was very special, and they were like sisters. Mom always said Kathy was the older sister!
Kathy helped raise her sister, Wendy, from 13 years old until her passing. For Wendy, she was the best sister/mom she could ever ask for. Kathy made Wendy the woman she is today! Kathy is gone too soon.
She was a great caregiver to her mother and husband when they needed it. She gave them 24-hour care, and they passed away at home under her loving care.
She will be greatly missed by her sister, Wendy Cary, and her Aunt Tootie (Helen Rosenthal).
She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert; mother, Vicki; step-dad, Stanley; brothers, Paul and Howard; and sister, Candy.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Fulton County Animal Shelter.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Clark A. Lewis

Clark A. Lewis, 72, of Morton, IL, formerly of Petersburg, IL, passed away at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria on September 29, 2022. He was born on July 24, 1950 to Jefferson and Kitty (Thompson) Lewis in Springfield.

Clark is survived by two brothers, Warnsing "Abe" Lewis and Peter Lewis; and three nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
A graveside service will be held for Clark on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Petersburg, IL. Pastor Rob Gallion will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Apostolic Christian Home in Morton, IL. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.

Diane Freeman

Canton - Diane Freeman, 63, passed away on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at The Loft in Canton.

She was born on March 23, 1959 in Canton to Douglas and Suzanne (Kupel) Freeman.
Surviving is her mother Suzanne Freeman of Canton, one sister, Rebecca (Bill) Skeen of Bloomington, one brother Brian Freeman of St. Charles, MO, and one sister-in-law Lori McKee Freeman.
She was preceded in death by her father, and one brother, Mark Freeman.
Diane last worked at Red Oak Estates in Canton. She was a member of 1st Christian Church in Canton. Diane loved working on her genealogy investigations, frequently visiting local cemeteries to discover the Freeman family tree. She was also a true "Sci FI" fan, especially fond of Star Trek. She had a real passion for reading, and loved her cats nearly as much as her family.
Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.
Memorials may be made to Fulton County Humane Society.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Charles A. Lightle

Charles A. Lightle, 80, of Loudon, TN; and formerly of Fulton County, passed away Monday October 17, 2022 at Loudon.

He was born January 1, 1942 at Ladysmith, WI; the son of Jimmie Sr. and Milola (LaFlex) Lightle.

 He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the US Air Force.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM Monday October 24, 2022 at Baughman Cemetery at rural Smithfield with military rites accorded by Cuba American Legion Russell Smith Post 533. Visitation will be held on Monday October 24, 2022 from 12 Noon - 1 PM at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba.

Louise E. Byrum

Canton - Louise E. Byrum, 96, of Canton, passed away on Monday, October 17, 2022 at OSF St Francis in Peoria.

She was born on January 27, 1926 in Fairview to Elza and Bessie (Senders) Cluts.
She married Eli Byrum III on September 2, 1950 of Canton. He preceded her in death on March 3, 2008.
Surviving are her children, Bruce (Cindy) Byrum of Washington and Linda Jordan of Peoria, three grandchildren, Kemal (Larissa) Jordan, Marcel (Samantha Fisher) Jordan, Kayla Jordan and four great-grandchildren Kai Lynn Jordan, Kaiden Jordan, Mya Jordan and Kingston Jordan.
Louise graduated from Graham Hospital School of Nursing and worked as an RN in New York City, NY, Detroit, MI, Washington State and later retired from Graham Hospital. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and family all across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Her favorite pastime was reading.
A funeral service will be held at 11 am, Friday, October 21, 2022 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
Memorials may be made St. Jude Children's Hospital. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Donna K. Gibboney

Donna K. Gibboney, 76, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 10:05 am on Tuesday, October 18, 2022 at her home. She was born on November 2, 1945 in Macomb, the daughter of Jack and Helen (Spencer) Bradford. She married Norman Gibboney on June 8, 1963 in Table Grove, IL. He survives.

Also surviving are her three children, Jackie Gibboney of Astoria, Becky (and Eldon) Schisler of Astoria, and Chris (and Laura) Gibboney of Smithfield, six grandchildren, Brandt (and Kelsey) Schisler, Jacob (and Kimmie) Schisler, Joshua (and Calaura) Schisler, Jamoson (and Jessie) Gibboney, Justin Schisler, and Jackson Gibboney, 4 great-grandchildren, Theodore Schisler, Olivia Schisler, Lyla Schisler, and Scottie Schisler, one brother, Gary (and Carol) Bradford of Sparland, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother, Jerry Bradford.

Donna was a bookkeeper at Alexander Lumber Company for 15 years.

She enjoyed bowling and crocheting. Family was the most important thing to her and she loved taking care of her children and enjoying her grandchildren.

Services will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Matthew Thiner will be officiating. A visitation will be held from 6-8 pm on Friday, October 22 at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Astoria Fire and Rescue Squad.

Ernest McKinley

Canton - Ernest McKinley, 74, passed away on Monday, August 22, 2022 at his residence.

He was born on December 21, 1947 in Bloomington to Tillman Ralph and Bertha Emma (White) McKinley. They preceded him in death along with his significant other, Sandra Carter.
Surviving is his uncle, Laverne Yeskey, nephew, Calvin Heath and Sandra's children.
Ernest first worked at Gavindey's Scrap Yard in Canton and later retired from Allied Iron and Steel in Peoria.
He served in the U.S. Army.
Cremation rites have been accorded by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.
Burial of his ashes will be held at Walnut Cemetery at 11 am, Saturday, October 22, 2022.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Samuel Woodson

Samuel Woodson, 73, of Mason City passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at 9:08 pm at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on July 16, 1949 in Albany, Kentucky to Samuel and Pearl (Daley) Woodson.

Samuel is survived by his son Brian (Angela) Woodson of Springfield, grandson Caleb Woodson of Springfield, significant other Alice Esposito, 2 brothers: Jerry Woodson of Pekin, Howard Woodson of Kentucky, sister Patti Reeder of Kentucky, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 1 brother.
He enjoyed anything outdoors, fishing and cutting wood, but most importantly his family. After 35 years of working he retired from National By Products in Mason City.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a graveside service will be held on Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mason City Cemetery with Pastor Paul Rose officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to: Wreaths across America (www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/IL0017P). Online condolences can be left at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is in charge of the arrangements.

George H. Parry

George H. Parry, 67, of Manito passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at his home. He was born on January 11, 1955 in Ludwigsburg, Germany to Dennis and Inga (Dagmar) Parry. On June 26, 1982 in San Antonio, Texas he married Paula Larimore who survives.

Also surviving are 5 daughters: Heather Montgomery of Florida, Chantell Parry of Mason City, Brandi Larimore of Manito, Aimee Parry of Peoria and Crystal Parry of Manito, 12 grandchildren, 2 sisters: Denise Belville of Astoria and one in Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter Alexandria Parry.
George was of Christian faith. He enjoyed riding and working on his Harley, fishing, mushroom hunting, bowling, archery and he had a love of fixing things and mechanic work.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a celebration of George’s life will be held on Saturday, November 5 starting at Noon at Hole-In-The-Wall (214 N. 5th St. Pekin, Il 61554)
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Jamie Linn Daggett

Jamie Linn Daggett, 49, of Havana passed away at 6:01 a.m. on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at her home.

She was born on April 30, 1973 in Moline, Illinois to James F. Daggett, Jr. and Linda Estep.
Jamie is survived by her boyfriend of 22 years, Steven Buckley; children, Kristyn (Aaron) Ferch, Cassandra
(Brian Taube) Rivera, and Tyler Rivera; mother, Linda Estep of Havana; grandchildren, Harper Fox,
Beckham Taube, and Aaliyah Rivera; and brothers, Kevin Wayne Brooks and Bruce Brooks. She was
preceded in death by her father.
Jamie was a registered nurse for many years. She attended the Havana United Methodist Church and
was a Christian woman of strong faith. Jamie enjoyed a variety of past times. She learned to fly a plane
and participated in horseback riding, tap dancing, and beauty pageants. She loved watching movies and
fishing.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Online condolences can be left for Jamie’s family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Helen M. Hinrichs Blair

Helen M. Hinrichs Blair, 94, of Petersburg, IL passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, in Jacksonville, IL. She was born on November 21, 1927, in Mason County to Henry and Eva (Davis) Lippert. She married Edwin R. Hinrichs on December 5, 1947, and he preceded her in death on May 30, 1995. She later married Bill Blair on October 6, 2005, and he preceded her in death April 25, 2018.

Helen is survived by her 5 children, Lois (Don) Kording of Jacksonville, IL, Rhonda (John) Grosboll of Petersburg, IL, Cris (Dick) Partridge of St. Helena, CA, Doug (Priscilla) Hinrichs of Silver Springs, MD, and Jenny Stroemer of Barry, IL; 9 grandchildren; 2 stepsons, JR (Kathie) Blair and Ken Blair; two step granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her parents; 10 siblings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Due to Helen’s intelligence and tenacity, she graduated at the age of 16 and boarded a train to Chicago with her best friend, Betty, and started her first job. With the impending war, she came back to her roots and home where she met her handsome “Big Ed” Hinrichs. While he was serving in the military, she worked at Camp Ellis. After he came back from Germany in WWII, they wed and then became farmers in Petersburg, IL, where they raised five children. Helen was a very busy homemaker with 5 children, running from farm field to farm field with food and drink for their hired workers until their baby, Jenny, went to school. Helen then worked for Rittenhouse Implement, Finney pharmacy and Stevens Implement dealer where she became very computer literate at the age of 60+ and took on many responsibilities. Helen was a Christian woman and helped at her church with the nursery, teaching bible classes, assisting with secretarial duties and loved the Lord. She taught her children all she could about serving God. Helen and Ed were very busy with all the children being active in school and church activities and as far as we know, they never skipped a piano recital, musical play, church choir, Vacation Bible School class, jazz band, or any school concert. Her children will state Helen and Ed were amazing and loving parents.
A funeral service will be held for Helen on Saturday, October 15 at 3:00 PM at the First Christian Church in Petersburg. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM also at the church. Pastor Dave Poeschel and Karl Beaty will officiate. Burial will follow at Rosehill Cemetery in Petersburg. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com
Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, IL is assisting the family with arrangements.

Verla Irene Pannier

Verla Irene Pannier, 85, of Topeka, passed away Wednesday afternoon, October 11, 2022 at Unity Point Methodist Hospital in Peoria. She was born October 3, 1937 in the Quiver Township of Mason County, to the late Herbert and Francis Sanmann Schappaugh. She married Dennis Pannier in Las Vegas, NV on September 15, 1985.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Manito, and she loved bird watching, gardening and quilting.

Surviving are her husband, Dennis Pannier, two daughters, Susan Bohm, of Pekin, and Doris (Mark) Rubenstein, of Chatham, two sons, Vergil (Becky) Bortell, of Virdon, Il and Verden “Fred” (Su) Bortell, of Irving, TX, one brother, Paul (Susie) Schappaugh, of Havana, 10 grandchildren, and 14 great grandchildren, and 7 great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Verla was preceded in death by a son Daniel Lynn Bortell, three brothers, and 5 sisters.

A visitation will be held this Friday morning October 14, 2022 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington St., in Manito with a funeral following at 11:00 am. Pastor Matthew Berndt officiating. Burial will follow in Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Forest City.

Pallbearers are Vergil Bortell, Jr., Verden Fred Bortell, Joshua Bortell, Douglas Bohm, Steve Bohm, and Mark Rubenstein.

Memorials in Verla’s honor may be made to The Trinity Lutheran Church, in Manito or The American Cancer Society.

Family and friends may leave kind messages of comfort and condolences for the family by visiting www.hurleyfh.com.

Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito is assisting the family with arrangements.

Georgia Ann "GiGi" Leinberger

Georgia Ann “GiGi” Leinberger, 83, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 10, 2022, at her home with her loving family by her side. She was born June 21, 1939, in Springfield, the daughter of Garrett and Dorothy (Bullington) Evers. She married Louis Leinberger on August 17, 1958, in Greenview, Illinois, with Rev. B.H. Selcke presiding.

Georgia graduated from Greenview High School. After raising her children she attended the University of Illinois in Springfield and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History. She was a former member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg, where she played the organ and taught Sunday School, and was a present member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Springfield. She was a dedicated New Salem State Historic Site volunteer, a New Salem Lincoln League member, a piano instructor and most importantly a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Georgia is survived by her husband, Louis; four children, Lori (husband Dale) Jones of Fisher, Illinois, Lisa (husband Jim) Dempsey of Lincolnshire, Illinois, John (wife Linda) Leinberger of Petersburg, Illinois, and Lynn (husband Ben) Plattner of Springfield, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Erica (husband Wes) Walbaum, Adam Leinberger, Grant Leinberger, Garrett Dempsey, Caroline Dempsey, John (fiancé Macy Holliday) Plattner and Will Plattner; three great grandchildren, Lila Evers Walbaum, Holden Charles Walbaum and Georgia Margaret Walbaum; and a sister, Norma Jean (husband Reggie) Dowell of Greenview, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, John Evers.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 20, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg, with Pastor Jeffrey Gross and Pastor Joshua Traxel officiating. A graveside service will take place immediately following the service with a meal and continued fellowship and sharing of memories in GiGi’s honor to follow at Indian Creek Farmstead.

Memorial contributions may be made to the New Salem Lincoln League, the Menard County Food Pantry, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Petersburg or Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Springfield.

Please visit Georgia’s online obituary at hurleyfh.com to share memories and condolences with her family.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg, Illinois, is assisting Georgia’s family with final arrangements.