Friday, December 29, 2023
Melba B. Collins
Born November 4, 1927 in Woodland Township, Fulton County, Illinois, the oldest of four daughters to Carl and Ferne (Beaty) Schisler. She married Leo F. Collins on March 14, 1949 in Havana, Illinois. He preceded her in death on December 11, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her two sisters; Nelda Parker and Bessie Pempek.
Melba is survived by her children; Martha (Jim) Davey of Las Vegas, Nevada and Phillip (Kathie) Collins of Ipava, Illinois, two granddaughters, Jennifer Collins of Canton, Illinois and Dawn (Steve) Wisner of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, one great-grandson Cody Wisner of Mt. Pleasant, Texas, one sister Carolyn Holloway of Chillicothe, Illinois and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
She was a graduate of Astoria High School and Graham School of Nursing in Canton, Illinois. She worked as an RN at Graham Hospital in Canton and Mason District Hospital in Havana for many years. She also worked as a private-duty nurse for Dr. Landazuri in Havana.
She was a member of the Summum Christian Church and the Browning Christian Church. She later attended the Fiatt Christian Church and the Maple Avenue Christian Church in Macomb, as well as attending services of visiting clergy at the senior facilities during her residence in Macomb.
Melba’s services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 6th, 2024 at the Ipava Berean Christian Church, 10750 N. County Highway 2, Ipava, Illinois. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., prior to the service. Pastor Ted Shirley will officiate. Interment will take place at the Astoria Cemetery, Astoria, Illinois, alongside her beloved husband of 48 years, Leo. Memorials in Melba’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria has been entrusted with arrangements.
Peggy Pickett Farr
Peggy was born on April 12, 1945, the daughter of Carl and Dorothy (Darst) Pickett.
Mother to Paul (DeYonne) Farr of Table grove, IL and Jamie (and Jennifer) Farr of Junction City, KS; and loving grandmother of Mason and Colin. She is also survived by one sister.
She is preceded in death by her father, Carl; mother; Dorothy; and two sisters, Sonya and Betty.
Peggy enjoyed training, showing, raising and racing horses.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be held at a later date.
Thursday, December 28, 2023
Arthur Ossman, Jr.
He is also preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Cynthia Ludlum.
He is survived by three children, Jeff (Amber) Ossman of Farmington, IL, Jody (Don Signore) Ossman of Atlanta, GA, and Lori (Bob) Wages of Canton, IL; one sister, Lynn Hebb; six grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.
Arthur graduated from Western University in 1959 with a Bachelor Degree in education. He was a teacher and principal of the Ellisville Junior High School for 12 years. He later worked and retired after 35 years from Abel Monument Company. Arthur was an avid Chicago sports fan. He enjoyed coaching youth sports and reading books. He was a member of the Canton Booster Club and the First Christian Church in Canton, IL.
Per Arthur’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Burial of ashes will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the OSF Children’s Hospital in Peoria or OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
John Majors
He is survived by significant other, James Zimmerman; two brothers, Robert and Frank Mutchler; and two sisters, Susan and Donna Mutchler.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one brother, William “Billy” Mutchler.
John worked as an electrician for many years. He was also a DJ all over central IL. He loved camping and being outdoors.
Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Donald Franklin Wilson
Mr. Wilson worked for Keystone for 35 years, in Quality Control and as a crane operator. He also owned and operated Don’s Meat Market and Deer Processing and worked for Gene’s Supermarket for a total of 55 years. He started at Robert Zimmerman’s Grocery Store and later worked for Gus Zimmerman’s gas station. He bucked bales for Syd Combs, with Ron Thomas. He later sold Christmas trees for Bob and Gnile Talbott. He also racked pool balls and shined shoes at Wilson’s Pool Hall. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a member of the NRA, Ducks Unlimited as well as a charter member of Manito/Forest City Optimist Club.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
James C. Nolan
He was born January 20, 1954 at Canton the son of John E. and Marianne (Lester) Nolan. Surviving are his mother, Marianne Hayes of Lewistown, one daughter, Jennifer (Justin Evans) Nolan of Spring Bay, one son, Ryan (Amber) Nolan of Lewistown, one brother, John Nolan of Canton, one sister, Jill Lawver of Lewistown, and four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, one brother, Joe Nolan, one sister, Jodi Delarosa, one brother-in-law, David Lawver, and one niece, Brianne Kennedy.
James worked as a custodian in Florida and was a handyman in the Lewistown area for many years. He was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed music by Motley Crue, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Cremation will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday December 30th at the First Presbyterian Church in Lewistown with Pastor Penny Frame officiating. There will be no visitation. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.
Jon S. Downing
He was born August 16, 1965 at Havana the son of Jerry and Lila (Wendt) Downing. He was preceded in death by his mother, and one brother, Jeff Downing. Surviving are his parents who raised him, Jerry and Betty Downing of St. David, three brothers, James (Tracy) Downing of Havana, Joseph Downing of Jerseyville, and Jerry W. (Angela) Downing of St. David, four nieces, one nephew, and several extended nephews.
Jon had worked at FCRC in Canton and he was a patient of Easter Seals. Jon was a very happy and loving person. He loved to watch the Cubs and Bears play. He was loved by all that met him.
Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM Friday December 29th at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with Robin Raymer officiating. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown is assisting the family with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Easter Seals in Peoria. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.
Danny Link
Also surviving are three daughters, Dawn (John) Henderson of Cuba, Leslie Shockency of Canton, Amanda (Damon) Beekman; one son, Josh (Rachel) Link of Knoxville; three sisters, Kathy (Ronnie) Beckner, Sally Link, Dixie Donaldson; one brother, Jack (Debbie) Link, and eleven grandchildren, Logan, Hayden, Olivia, Landon, Jake, Allison, Brock, Penelope, Juniper, Georgie, and Caroline.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Lisa Link; and one great-granddaughter, Sonny Link.
Danny enjoyed being outdoors and fishing. He absolutely loved being with his family and grandkids. He was a member of Fin and Feather Lake.
Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
Tuesday, December 26, 2023
Dixie C. Berry
She was born October 5, 1934 at Lewistown the daughter of Harry E. and Gladys M. (Farris) White. She married Thomas R. Berry on October 12, 1951 at Lewistown. He died December 15, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Rhonda Berry, and a half-brother, Jack M. Lynch. Surviving are one son, Tom (Gail) Berry of Lewistown, four grandchildren, Nicole (Jason) Westerfield, of Lewistown, Emily (Shane Williams, fiancée) Rohlwing of Lewistown, Marc (Stephanie) Sepich of Peachtree City, GA; and Marla (Sean) Sterner of Chrystal Lake, nine great grandchildren, Hunter (Erin Hauber) Westerfield of Canton, Logan Westerfield of Lewistown, Bo Rohlwing of Lewistown, Maykalea Sepich of Naperville, Macaden Sepich of Peachtree City, GA; Marciella Sepich of Peachtree City, GA; Luke Sterner of Chrystal Lake, Liliann Sterner of Chrystal Lake, and Maryssa Williams of Canton, and two great-great grandchildren, Jaxon Westerfield of Peoria, and Wiley Westerfield of Canton.
Dixie was a receptionist at Burch Chiropractic for many years. She was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday December 28th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Pastor Ellen Dodd officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Visitation will be held Thursday one hour prior to the service at the memorial home. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewistown United Methodist Church or Lewistown Carnegie Public Library. To send online condolences visit henrylange.com.
Patricia M. Burchett
Pat is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (late Rodney) Yurkovich of St. David and Rebecca (Mike) Rohlfs of Canton. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Joseph “Jody” Yurkovich, Ryan (Mallory Gilstrap) Yurkovich, Tricia (Mike) Keithley, Breanne (Jeff Fulton) Cieloha, and twelve great-grandchildren.
She was a long-time member of South Park United Methodist Church and served on numerous committees.
Pat was a hard-working member of the Canton community employed over the years by First Presbyterian Church, Hauber Optometry, Spoon River Bakery, Sunset Manor, Dollar City and APAC.
She was a lifetime member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha Sorority and served on the state board as well as serving as President and Historian of the local Beta XI Chapter. Pat was also a member of the Canton Women of the Moose and held offices as Junior and then Senior Regent. Pat’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and she loved going on cruise vacations with her daughters. She also enjoyed the fellowship with her church and the wonderful friends she made there.
Services will be 2 pm, Thursday, December 28, 2023 at the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be 1 hour prior to services. Pastor Rick Atchley will officiate. Burial will follow in White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton. Memorials can be made to South Park United Methodist Church. To view Pat’s DVD or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Catherine "Kate" Casper
Surviving are four children, Richard A. (Dianna) Casper of Canton, Jane (Marty) Vahle of St David, Steve (Jill) Casper of Hanna City, and Kathy (Roy) Topp of Goodfield, three grandchildren, Jeremy (Crystal), Joshua, Brooke, one great grandchild Lillie, and four step grandchildren Chris, Carla, William and Douglas, five step great grandchildren, Brodie, Breven, Carter, Cassidy, and Jacqueline, and three step great great grandchildren, Mason, Maddison and Mackenzie.
Catherine’s parents migrated from Croatia in the 1910’s via Ellis Island. She married Richard “Dick” H. Casper on August 13, 1949 at St. Mary's Rectory in Canton. She lived the American Dream by earning it through her and her husband Dick’s hard work, love and dedication to family and friends. She worked for several years at local area businesses. Most know Kate from her days as a waitress and bartender at Four Seasons Bowl in Canton, where she worked alongside Dick for many years. She was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, a member of the Croation Lodge, loved cooking for family and friends, planting flowers around her home, and canning the vegetables her husband Dick grew in his large gardens. She loved attending Polka dances and Croation festivities, and most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A funeral service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton on Friday, December 29, 2023, at noon with a visitation one hour prior at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Friday, December 22, 2023
Elsie E. Clapp
Elsie Clapp, 93, of Table Grove, IL, passed away at 9 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023. She was born on December 24, 1929, the daughter of Elza and Cleva (Hamm) Smith. Elsie married Raymond Eugene Abernathy on May 1, 1948 in Galesburg, IL. Raymond preceded Elsie in death on March 13, 1982. She later married Rev. Edward Clapp on October 2, 1982 in Table Grove. Edward preceded Elsie in death on June 13, 2006.
Also preceding her in death are five sisters, Marie Onion, Doris Smith, Frances Kendrick, Helen Curless, and Rosa Fitzjerrells, and two brothers; Homer Smith and Junior “Jake” Smith.
She is survived by three children; Nancy Abernathy of Table Grove, Lynn Spencer of Vermont, IL, and Greg (and Shelley) Abernathy of Vermont, 10 grandchildren, Daphne (and Ernie Barclay) Abernathy, Brandon (and Cristy Cracraft) Abernathy, Brian (and Adair) Spencer, Tony (and Lorretta) Spencer, Alanna Spencer, Heather (and Chad) Beekman, Nathan (and Keesha) Abernathy, Sierra (and Brad) Willey, Matt (and Kelly) Abernathy, and Kreedan Abernathy, 20 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Elsie first worked at Collins Locker Plant in Table Grove. She later worked at Farm King in Macomb from 1964 until her retirement in 1982.
She was a member of United Church of Christ of Avon, IOOF Rebekahs, where she served as chapter president and district president, and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Elsie loved to travel. She enjoyed riding horses and crocheting. She loved her church and being apart of it. She had a deep love for the lord and had a large collection of crosses.
A service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Jon Prain will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Memorials may be made to the Table Grove Fire and Rescue Squad or MDH Hospice.
Russell L. Reimolds II
He is survived by his brother, Ronnie (and Kristi) Reimolds of Adair, IL, sister, Rheani (and Travis) Snowden of Vermont, and four nieces and nephews, Taylor, Rylee, Chase and Carissa.
He is preceded by his parents.
Tinner’s favorite thing to do was fish. He also loved listening to music, especially Metallica. He enjoyed watching horror movies and playing poker, something he just recently started doing more. He was an avid fan of WWE wrestling and hated missing the opportunity to watch it. He enjoyed spending time at Vermont Legion and visiting with others.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will held in the Vermont Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made the Russell L. Reimolds Memorial Fund.
Richard A. Moss
Also surviving is his mother, Anna Moss of Groveland, one son, Jason (Danielle) Moss of Marietta; one daughter, Amy (Dean) VanderBann of Plainfield; five grandchildren, two brothers, Lloyd and Kenneth Moss, and one sister, Charla Moore.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Joe Kenneth Moss.
He worked and retired from Savemore Carpet in Macomb. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt and fish, and was the prefect gardener. He enjoyed watching any sport in his free time.
Per Richard’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
Carlene M. Hart
Carlene M. Hart, 75, of Yates City, passed away at 5:36 p.m., on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at her home. She was born June 28, 1948, to Carl and Marjorie (Schulte) Lesones in Quincy, IL. She married Richard “Dick” Hart Sr. on June 23, 1973, in Bushnell. He survives.
Carlene is also survived by seven children, Raymond (Judy) Hart of Laura, Charles (Jenn) Hart of Yates City, Margie (Russ) Clark of Elmwood, Kenny (Theresa) Heikes of Elmwood, Kathleen (Brian) Rushing of Elk Mountain, WY, Derrick Hart of Washington, IL, and Teresa Lovel of Canton; one brother, Donald (Norma) Lesones; two sisters, Marcia (the late Willie) Briggs and Carolyn Winans; eighteen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren and two-on-the-way; and several nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her step-father, Charles Stark: one son Richard “Dick” Hart Jr; and two brothers, Dave Lesones and Danny Lesones.
She was WONDER WOMAN to all. There was always an open invitation at the table. Her table therapy was the greatest. With a simple phone call, she had the gift of making your worries go away. She could do anything. Her creativity was overwhelming from the kitchen, gardening, decorating, antiquing, and fishing. She always out-fished dad. Her unconditional love to all was overwhelming but mostly for her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Elba-Salem Fire Department, Elmwood Fire Department, and B.Y.E. Ambulance.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
Robert (Mike) Cranford
Mike was born on April 30, 1941, in Peoria, IL, the son of Robert Forrest "Bob" & Lillian Loretta Smith Cranford. Mike married Linda Ann Newell on July 22, 1961, in Chillicothe, IL
Mike is survived by his wife, Linda, their son, Kendall (Teresa) Cranford; daughter, Crystal & (BJ) Kyle and son, Craig (Amy) Cranford; brother Tim & (Molly) Cranford; sister, Kathleen "Kay" Wilson; grandchildren, Joshua (Kelsey) Kyle, Rachel (Pat) Alger, Natalie (Michael) Lynch, Dereck Cranford, Alaina (Cody) Coulter, Kendra Cranford, Savannah (Adam) Hammerl; and great-grandchildren, Easton, Carolina, Maverick & Lorelei Lynch; Jediahah, Malachi, Delilah, & Ezekiel Coulter; Charlotte, Levi, & Mabel Kyle; Victor & Emersyn Cranford, & Remy, & Rhys Alger;
Mike was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Bradley; and one brother, Robert J. Cranford, who died at birth.
Mike was founder & owner of Cranford Plumbing, Inc from 1977 to his retirement in 2002. Mike was active in bass fishing tournaments, Limestone Baseball, Limestone Volunteer Fire Department & Cub Scouts. He and Linda spent their winters with friends at their place at Santa Fe RV Park in Apache Junction, AZ. Mike was a dedicated garden grower each year where they canned many fresh fruits & vegetables and gave away lots to friends & neighbors. He also planted many beautiful flowers and enjoyed sharing these plants with others each year.
Mike was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Peoria, IL and the Gilbert United Methodist Church, Gilbert, AZ.
The family of Mike Cranford is being served by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. There will be no services at this time. You may view the obituary and share condolences and memories at www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Harold Rawley
Harold married Dorothy J. (Steagall-Mitchell) on November 14, 1962. She preceded him in death on July 27, 2020.
He is survived by five step sons, Paul Mitchell of Oklahoma, James Mitchell of Norris, Thomas Mitchell of FL, Richard (Jessie) Mitchell of Pekin, Stephen (Martha) Mitchell of Norris, numerous grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great great-grandchildren.
Harold was a member of the Assembly of God Church in Canton. He retired from International Harvester in Canton in 1974. He is a Veteran of the United States Army, and was a member of the Canton VFW, and past member of the Moose Lodge.
Memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Program.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at 11 am, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at the Orendorff Cemetery.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Thursday, December 21, 2023
Rose M. Lingenfelter
Also preceding her in death is her parents.
Surviving is her children, Ed and Jason Lingenfelter, both of Canton; one brother, Bob Sexton of Pekin, and four sisters, Peggy Parker of Silvis; Leila Lee, and Charlesia Blue, both of Canton; Lena Easley-Mayberry of Decatur.
Per Rose’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Memorials can be made to the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2023
Thomas Wayne Carlin
Surviving is his mother, Audrey Carlin of St. David, his father, Chris (Shelly) Carlin of Cuba; his grandfather, Carl Grigsby of Bryant; two brothers, Peyton Carlin of Dunfermline; Lucas Grigsby of Bryant; two sisters, Rebekah Grigsby of Dunfermline, and Tiffany Carlin of Lewistown; several aunts and uncles, cousins, Caleb (Raegan Ossman) Grigsby of St. David, Jacob Kruzan of Canton, Hunter Kruzan of Bryant, Lorre Kruzan of Canton, Sawyer and Emerson Hertel, both of Nashville, TN, and his friends that were special to him, Travis Kaufmann, and Candace Wilkinson.
Thomas was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Diana Grigsby, paternal grandparents, Bernard (Ruthie) Carlin, and two cousins, Gwyneth and Alexandria Kruzan.
He enjoyed being a prankster, as he would steal your drink, especially if the drink was coffee, and Thomas could whistle like no other, as his way of communicating was to have you kiss his hand. He enjoyed fidget toys, his iPad, and swings, but most of all he was a people watcher.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where a visitation will be on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Pastor Don Southerd will officiate. Burial will take place in Norris Cemetery, following the services. Memorials can be made to Peoria Regional Chapter Autism Society of America, 507 East Armstrong Ave. Peoria, Illinois 61603 or to Special Olympics Illinois- Region F, P.O. Box 104, Monmouth, Illinois 61462. To view Thomas DVD or to leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com