Stacey Helle

Stacey Helle passed away on May 28, 2024. Stacey was born at Graham Hospital in Canton to parents Norman and Ilene Helle of Ellisville. They preceded him in death. While hospitalized at Graham for an unrelated minor surgery, he suffered a fatal heart attack in his sleep. He was 56 years old.

Stacey leaves behind his wife Julie (Kilpatrick) Helle. They were high school sweethearts who reunited and married in July, 2017. Additionally, he leaves his only daughter, Stephanie (Aaron) Calvetti of Macomb, IL and his greatest joys; his granddaughters Piper and Ava. A blended family, also dear to him were Julie’s children, Chloe and Clay Gray, residing at home, Breanna (Kyle) Rusher of Macomb and their daughter Natalie, and Danielle (Casey) Elliott of Blandinsville and their children, Camden and Brylee. He will also be missed by his sister, Paula Helle of Ellisville, and her sons, Nathan (Ashley) Hopping of DeSoto Mo, and Dr. Jacob (MacKenzie) Hopping, Peoria, IL, brother Rodney Helle of Ellisville, and children Phoebe and Felix, by his Father-in-law and Mother-in-law, Mick and Sharon Kilpatrick of Abingdon.

“Stace” was a 1986 graduate of Spoon River Valley High School, where he was active in sports and enjoyed art classes. He went into the work force shortly after graduation, first doing construction in Texas. He soon returned to central Illinois and became a corrections officer at the Illinois River Correctional Facility outside of Canton. He retired in 2021.

Stace was known for his stories and jokes. He had a quick wit and infectious sense of humor that was appreciated by his many friends. No doubt, they will be telling “Stacey tales” for years to come.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. Stacey was also a Gift of Hope Donor. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

David Long, Sr.

David G. Long Sr, 83, of Farmington, passed away on Monday, May 27, 2024 at the Farmington Village.

He was born on October 29, 1940 in Fulton County to Elmer and Lorene (McKinty) Long.

He married Jeanette Mathis on September 15, 1962. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2017.

Surviving are his children, Tammy (Chris) Girard of London Mills, David Long Jr of Farmington, two grandchildren, Kyle (Ava) Girard, Victoria Goldring, four great grandchildren, Dallas, Aribella, Serinity and Nadia and one sister, Mary Lou Zink.

Also preceding him in death is one brother Jack Long and two sisters, Pat Welker and Phyllis Daniels.

David worked as the Street Superintendent for the City of Farmington for 30 years.

He enjoyed playing Pitch and attending the races at Spoon River Speedway with his grandson. You could always find David socializing around Farmington at various locations.

Cremations rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the London Mills Fire Department from 2-5 pm.

Memorials may be made to Farmington Village.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Toni I. Strode

Smithfield- Toni Orwig-Strode passed away in the arms of her beloved husband of 60 years, Larry on May 22, 2024 at The Richard L Owens Hospice Home.

She was born on October 22, 1948 to Sheldon and Donna (Askew) Orwig. She married Larry Strode on May 6th, 1964. They were married for 60 years and through teardrops and laughter, they passed through the world hand in hand. He survives along with her children: Cory Strode of Minnesota, her daughter, Kimberly (Curt) Linderman of Missouri, and her daughter, Kristin (Michael) Aigner. Her grand children: Melinda (David) Engel, Derek (Beth) Hahn, Michael (Darcy) Strode, CJ, Destini, Kassidy and Kaden Linderman, and Elizabeth Aigner. Her great-grandchildren: Scarlett and Sebastian Engel and Grayson and Juliet Barse. Her brother, Troy (Barbara) Orwig and their children and grandchildren also survive in Indiana and Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her infant son Christopher, her daughter Kambria, her grandson Gregory, her brother Timothy and her parents, Sheldon and Donna Orwig.

Toni got her Bachelor's of Science in Nursing from Bradley University and worked in the NICU at St Francis Medical Center for 20 years, followed by the OSF Call Center until her retirement. She was called to do so after losing her 4th child, Christopher to Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia and spent her career fighting for babies born with this serious birth defect. She was the first ECMO Coordinator and was instrumental in bringing this lifesaving program which saves the lives of not only babies born with CDH, but countless other critically ill babies and children in Peoria. Her compassion, tender care of the babies and their families, openness to share her extensive knowledge with new nurses, leadership and quiet strength made an indelible impact on those around her that will live on. Her perspective having had a baby in the same NICU was integral to how she cared for the babies and their families and how she taught others to care as they would if it was their own baby. She was driven to seek out the newest and best information to improve outcomes and survival for all the babies and support their parents no matter the outcome.

She was a beloved wife, mother and Nana and her favorite times were spent with Larry at St Pete Beach, FL and at family get togethers. She loved to sew and quilt and made sure each new baby in the family had a "Nana blankie" upon their arrival. She also made special "lovies" for the babies born with CDH in Peoria where daughter Kristin works. These cloth dolls help parents bond with their critically ill babies, and many continue to cherish this comfort as they grow. She also loved watching college basketball, crafting, gardening, baking and reading. She was a life long learner and helped to establish a local library with the donations of many of the books the family had read.

She shared her exceptional knowledge and love with family and friends and she will live on through that profound love and all she taught them.

Cremation will be accorded. A visitation will be held from 1 until 3 pm Saturday June 1st at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to CHOI Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Project. To send online condolences visit henrylange.com.

Edna R. Jump Ashburn

Edna Rae Jump Ashburn, 84, of Havana passed away at 11:08 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2024. She was born on March 14, 1940 in Sharon Center, Ohio to John Isaac and Mary Louise (Studer) Sommers. She married James Ashburn on August 6, 1988 and he preceded her in death on August 1, 1998.

Edna is survived by her daughter, Michele Jump, of Havana, and sister, Ethel Mae Dueker, of Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, James “Jim” Ashburn and Harold Jump, siblings, Juanita Marie Sommers, Lloyd Vernon Sommers, and Mervin John Sommers, and close friend, Pat Sherman.
Edna graduated from Spoon River College. She worked for many years at Dana Corp and Atwood, then later as a dispatcher and jailer at Mason County Sheriff’s Department. She loved to read many different kinds of books and do crossword puzzles. She was rarely seen without her Parliament cigarettes and Foldgers coffee.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a private urn burial will be held a later date.
Memorial donations may be made in Edna’s name to the donor’s choice of organization. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Michelle M. Armbruster

Michelle Marie (Runyon) Armbruster went home to be with her Lord and Savior at 12:58 a.m., on May 24, 2024, at home surrounded by her family and friends.

She was born in Peoria on July 15, 1968. She attended Elmwood Elementary and High School where she was a pom pon girl all four years of high school. She attended ICC and received an Associate’s degree in Management and Marketing. She then earned a Bachelor’s degree in Management from Sangamon State University. She was proud to take all of her classes at ICC and didn’t set foot on Sangamon campus until graduation. She also earned her Master’s degree in Human Service Administration from Bradley University.

She married Christopher Armbruster on October 19, 1996. He survives.

She is also survived by her beloved daughter, Taylor; her precious son, Ian; her sweet dog, Pudge; her mother-in-law, Mary Ann Armbruster; her sister Christine (Clark) Evans; her step sister, Brittany (Craig) Campbell; her sister-in-law, Liz Armbruster; her brother-in-law, Tom (Marie) Armbruster; nieces and nephews; her best friends, Shannon Courtright and Cheryl Harlow; four aunts, Roseann Runyon, Pat Runyon, Trudy (Ken) Howard, Maria (PJ) Heinz; her uncle, George Reicheneker; many cousins; and many friends, including her group of ten girls she has known since kindergarten.

She is preceded in death by her father, Terry Runyon; her mother, Charlotte (Kleier) Perdue; grandparents, Gene (Betty) Runyon, and Tom (Laura Nell) Lewis; father-in-law, Albert John Armbruster; five uncles, Duane Runyon, Dale Runyon, Chuck Runyon, Dick Runyon, and Mike Runyon; and five aunts, Janice Reicheneker, Nancy Reicheneker, Patty (Gary) Fincham, Mary (Don) Carroll and Kathy Selberg; and her dog, Shadow.

Michelle worked at the Elmwood Tastee Freez, Ruppman Marketing, Foster & Gallagher, Marianne’s, Catholic Social Services, and as Library Director at the Morrison & Mary Wiley Library in Elmwood for 20 years. She was Secretary for the Parents’ Club while her children were in Elementary School and Treasurer and President for the Booster Club while her children were in high school. She was the Co-President and President of the Fall Festival Committee for five years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Elmwood, where she taught Sunday School, Children’s Church, and helped with Vacation Bible School for years. Her children also helped her when they grew older.

She loved sitting on her porch reading a book and being with family and friends.

Cremation rites have been accorded. In honor of Michelle, there will be a Celebration of Life Open House at the Maple Lane Country Club in Elmwood on Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with desserts and drinks. There will be a balloon release at 3:30 p.m. for those who would like to attend.

In lieu of flowers, Michelle asked that all memorial gifts go to the family to pay for expenses.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

William Clarence "Bill" Landon

William Clarence “Bill” Landon, 78, of Trivoli, passed away at 4:10 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL. He was born on September 21, 1945 in Galesburg, IL to Joseph and Elsie (Catron) Landon. He married Donna Marie Meminger on August 17, 1969. She preceded him in death on April 7, 2023.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, one son, Kenneth Landon; three brothers, Lowell Landon, Rodney Landon and Jospeh Landon Jr.; and one sister, Jane Bitner.

He is survived by two children, Joseph (Wendy) Landon and Todd (Kelli) Landon; and two grandchildren, Benjamin Landon and Alex Landon.

Bill worked the railroad before graduating college from Western Illinois University. After graduation, Bill took a job teaching and coaching junior high basketball for several years before becoming a rural letter carrier for the post office in Canton, and later Edelstein, from where he retired.

During his postal service career, he still continued coaching 5th and 6th grade basketball for better than 25 years at Logan Elementary and later at Farmington Middle School, also coaching summer little league and pony league baseball. He was also an avid fisherman his entire life and also enjoyed spending time with family, watching trains, and picking up aluminum cans.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Visitation will also be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 10 AM – 11 AM before the service. Pastor Larry Doubet will officiate. Burial will follow service at Smithville Cemetery in rural Hanna City, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Farmington Central School District Athletic Department or Faith Bible Camp. To view Bill’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Shirlene F. Knuppel

Shirlene F. Knuppel, 80, of Manito, passed away at OSF-St. Francis Medical Center, at 6:10 a.m., on Sunday, May 26, 2024. She was born May 26, 1944, in Pekin, Illinois, to Russell R. and Lela (Palmer) Johnson. She married John Knuppel, on September 1, 1963, in Forest City, Illinois.

Mrs. Knuppel is survived by her husband John, of Manito; one daughter: Marcia (Scott) Wallace, of Peoria; three granddaughters: Ashley (Clay Rebholz) Wallace, and Montgomery Wallace, both of Peoria, Cassandra (Bob) Everly, of Missouri; four great-grandchildren: Clayton, Shelby, Autumn, and Mason. Also surviving are six siblings: Gloria Litz, Carol Himmel, Connie Anderson, all of Manito, Brenda Thomas, of Havana, Jeff Johnson, of Pekin, and Tom Johnson, of Manito. She was preceded in death by her parents, and one son, David.
Mrs. Knuppel enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, with visitation one hour prior to the services. Burial will follow the services at Meadowlawn Cemetery, in Manito. Rev. Steve Oaks will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, or Compassionate Friends. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.