Brian E. Beaird

Brian Emil Beaird, 52, of Cuba, passed away at 2:44 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 in Smithfield. He was born on October 12, 1972 in Aurora, Illinois., a son of Stephen E. and Patricia K. (Draper) Beaird.

Brian is survived by his parents Stephen E. (Mary) Beaird and Patricia (Mike) Beaird Franzoni. Also surviving fiancé Catherine Spencer and her children (Nicholas Lindsey, Taylor Lindsey, Michayla McGinnis, Zachary Spencer); one brother Stephen P. (Leslie Godfrey) Beaird, two stepbrothers; Mike Davison and Lyle Dry, one step sister; Michelle Franzoni, two nieces; Nicole and Stephanie Beaird, one cousin; Jamie (Heather) Groutage, four aunts; Patti (Bill) Riley, Sue (Tom) Mahrt, Jane Manock, Paula (Mike) Monari, and preceded in death by one uncle Benjie Beaird.

Brian is also preceded in death by his daughter, Meagan Beaird, who he missed dearly.

Brian was the owner and operator of Beaird Trucking. He loved motorcross bikes, Harleys, drag racing and tractors. He also enjoyed collecting and refurbishing antique IH tractors with his dad. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 24, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, where visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025 also at the funeral home. Rev Kevin VanTine will officiate. Burial will follow the services on Monday at Fiatt Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Cyrus “Cy” Keech

Cyrus “Cy” Keech, 88, of Greenfield, passed away 8:10 PM on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 at Villas of Holly Brook in Morton. He was born on August 14, 1936 in Springfield, a son of John and Aleda Mae (Wells) Keech. He married Karen Hoff in 1963, she preceded him in death on November 9, 2021.

Also, preceding Cyrus in death were his parents, sisters, Aleda Mary Posladek, and Virginia Stewart.

Surviving is his son, Matthew Keech of Morton; grandson, Cooper Keech, and sister, JoAnn Bailey of Austin, Texas.

Cy worked and retired as a Farmer, and he served his country in the United States Army.

Per Cyrus wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Private burial of ashes will take place in White Chapel Memory Gardens at a later date. Memorials can be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Linda Sue Madtson

Linda Sue Madtson, 74, of Canton, passed away at 12:48 AM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at Graham Hospital. She was born on December 30, 1950 in Williamson, West Virginia, a daughter of Marvin and Margaret (Hinchee) Marvel. She married Nelson “Ed” Madtson on October 12, 2002 in Fiatt, Illinois. He survives.

Also surviving is her son, Tim (Wendy) Marvel of Bloomington; step-children, Trish & Eddie Wilcox; Nelson & Danielle Madtson; three grandchildren, Alex (Rachel) Marvel, Zachary Marvel, Jacob Marvel; four step-grandchildren, and three brothers, Marvin Donald (Robbie) Marvel of Peoria; David (Rebecca) Marvel of Canton; Bill (Cheryl) Marvel of Canton.

Preceding Linda in death were her parents, and sister, Betsy Bennett.

Linda worked and retired from the Canton Coleman Clinic in the Housekeeping department, retiring in 2013. She enjoyed following her grandchildren to their sporting events, and other activities.

Per Linda wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private burial of ashes will take place in Ipava Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Kari L. Frew

Kari L. Frew, 43, of Canton, passed away at 10:50 AM on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at her home. She was born on July 5, 1981 in Canton, IL, to William and Linda (Gregory) Welker.

She is survived by her mother; two children, Annitta Porch and Chrysler Frew; and four brothers, Gary Welker, William Welker, William Welker Jr., and Scott Welker.

She is preceded in death by her father.

Kari worked as a CNA. She enjoyed reading and art. She also loved being with her family.

Celebration of life and burial at Marietta Cemetery 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 a Go Fund Me account at https://gofund.me/9554c577 To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Phyllis Wake

Phyllis Wake, 90, of Peoria, passed away, Monday, February, 18, 2025, at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on May 31, 1934, in Deerfield Township, to Glenn M. and Anna M. (Norman) Putman. They preceded her in death as well as three brothers, John M., Paul S. (Velva), and Dean G. Putman, and one sister, Margaret (Arland) Wright.

Phyllis married Leland R. Wake on July 2, 1961. They shared 55 years of marriage until he passed away in 2016.

She is survived by two daughters, Debra (Stephen) Dellinger of West Peoria, and Denise (the late David) Dellinger of Peoria, two grandsons, Bryan Dellinger, and Joab (Ashley) Dellinger, and two great grandchildren, Max and Myles.

Phyllis is a graduate Valley Senior High School in the class of 1952. She was raised in the Fiatt area and attended the Zion Luteran Church where she was confirmed on May 13, 1945. She later moved to Peoria and attended First Baptist Church of Peoria. In her younger years Phyllis enjoyed riding horses, and throughout her life she enjoyed playing piano. She was also a talented embroiderer. Most of all Phyllis was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family.

Memorials may be made to Richard L Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will immediately follow at Zion Cemetery in Fiatt.

To leave online condolences, or to view Phyllis’s video tribute, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Eugene Polen

Eugene Polen, 83, of Elmwood, passed away at 6:00 p.m., on Tuesday, February, 18, 2025, at Carle Health Proctor Hospital in Peoria.

Eugene was born March 2, 1941, in Elmwood. Eugene married Linda Long on March 24, 1962, in Farmington. She preceded him in death on February 25, 2010.

Eugene is survived by four children, Stacey Polen of Woodridge, IL, Eric (Kathy) Polen of Elmwood, IL, Shauna (Steve) Jurick of Bartonville, IL, and Shannan (Jimmy) Sloup of Plainfield, IL; and two grandchildren, Zackary (Kaylee) Polen and Lauren Polen.

Eugene is also preceded in death by his parents, Carrie and Floyd McClintock.

Floyd and Eugene owned and operated Southport Sand and Gravel for many years. Later on, Eugene worked out of the Union Hall for Operating Engineers Local #649. He also was a volunteer fireman for the Elmwood Fire Department for 25 years.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the 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.

Jeannie D. Beadles

Jeannie D. Beadles, 69, of Canton, passed away at 4:00 PM on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at her residence. She was born on July 21, 1955 in Canton, a daughter of Vernice and Vivian (Ball) Harr. She married John Beadles on May 14, 2000 in Canton. He survives.

Also, surviving are her children, Valarie (Ryan) Hopps of Bath; Aaron (Bob) Doubet of Chicago; two grandchildren, Ashley Doubet, Gage (Alexis) Hopps; three great-grandchildren, Gracen Hallmark, Harmony Hallmark, Arlo Hopps, and brother, Don (Teresa) Harr of Canton.

Preceding Jeannie in death were her parents, and sister, Cindy Turk.

Jeannie graduated from Spoon River Valley High School, Class of 1973, and later graduated from Graham Hospital School of Nursing in 1989, then working and retiring from Graham Hospital in Canton after over 30 years of service as a Register Nurse, retiring in 2013. She enjoyed listening to music, playing the guitar, watching scary movies, and reading books, especially the Titanic series, but most of all, was being with her grandchildren.

Per Jeannie wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Loving Bottoms Diaper Bank, 77 South Henderson Street, Galesburg, Illinois 61401 or to the Fulton County Humane Society, 22988 ILL-9, Canton, Illinois 61520. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Bobby R. Hunkeapillar, Sr.

Bobby R. Hunkeapillar, Sr., age 83 of Ipava, Illinois, passed away at 4:58 pm on Monday, February 17th at his home. He was born on April 10, 1941 in Arab, Alabama, the son of John Wesley and Esibell (Corbin) Hunkeapillar. He married Sueann G. Smith on July 27, 1966 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Jack (and Sue) Hunkeapillar of Ipava, Illinois and Bobby (and Lisa) Hunkeapillar of Montrose, Iowa, two daughters, Tammy Chambers of Lewistown, Illinois and Donna (and Rick) Walters of Astoria, Illinois, a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one sister Olivia Spamm of Olustee, Oklahoma.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Dawn Hunkeapillar, five brothers and two sisters.

Bobby worked at Caterpillar and also was an over the road truck driver. He enjoyed riding his mower and did some gardening.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Shirley A. Puckett

Lewistown- Shirley A. Puckett, 90, of Lewistown passed away Monday February 17, 2025 at Mason District Hospital in Havana.

She was born February 10, 1935 at Canton the daughter of Kenneth J. and Maude F. (Crabtree) Bainter. She married Charles W. Puckett on December 5, 1955 at Palmyra, MO. He died July 13, 2009. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and two nieces, Charlesa O’Bryant, and Judy Halford. Surviving are two nieces, Sara (Rodney) Hughes of Georgetown, and Joyce (Contee) Thomas of Bath, two nephews, Charles (Jan) O’Bryant of Chillicothe, and John (Diane) O’Bryant of Ohio, several great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

Shirley was a homemaker. She also worked for Pioneer in Bushnell and was also a waitress. She was a member of Waterford Church at rural Lewistown. Shirley was a member of the Lewistown American Legion women’s auxiliary, and the Lewistown VFW women’s auxiliary. She enjoyed playing bingo, going out to eat with friends, and helping with funeral dinners at both the Lewistown American Legion, and the Lewistown VFW, and her poodle, Pepper.

Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service and burial of ashes will be held at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made to Henry-Lange Memorial Home to assist the family with final expenses. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Ronald "Ronnie" A. Doty

Ronald Ados Doty, 85, of Manito, passed away at OSF-St. Francis Medical Center at 9:30 a.m., on Saturday, February 15, 2025. He was born November 14, 1939, in Beecher City, Illinois, to Ados Benton and Kathryn Faye (Kline) Doty. He married Phyllis Berry; she preceded him in death. Ronnie married Sally Farlin in South Pekin, Illinois on September 14, 1991.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Sally, of Manito; six children: Teri (Jim) Kunkel, of Rushville, Illinois, Ron (Linda) Doty, of Manito, Michelle (Dan) Neyhouse, of Princeton, Indiana, Steve (Nina) Doty, of San Jose, California, Jeremy (Ryann Wilson) Farlin, of Green Valley, and Carey (Anthony Kline) Doty, of Manito; fifteen grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; sisters, Suzie (Joe) Krampe, of Owensboro, Kentucky, and Sallie Zettwoch, of Smyrna, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Phyllis, and one sister, Pat Darnell.
Ronnie was a member of the Peoria Sportsman’s Club, where he served as President from 1996 to 2001. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion Post, Eagles Lodge, and the Moose Lodge, all of Pekin, The American Legion in Fairfield, Illinois and the NRA. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Ronnie was employed in Quality Control and Purchasing for Caterpillar, retiring in 1999, following a thirty-four-year career. He was an avid Illinois Fighting Illini men’s basketball fan!
Funeral services will be held at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at noon. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to noon. Burial will follow the services at Spring Lake Cemetery, near Manito. Rev. Steve Rowell will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org . Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Dixie K. Keefauver

Canton- Dixie K. Keefauver, 71, of Canton passed away Friday February 14, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria surrounded by her family.

She was born September 19, 1953 at Canton the daughter of Ray and Helen (Mayberry) Bowcott. She married Greg Keefauver. He survives along with two daughters, Richelle Keefauver and Sherry Keefauver both of Canton, five grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and one brother, Danny Bowcott. She was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Shane Keefauver.

Dixie was a homemaker. She was a member of Locust Lane United Methodist Church. Dixie enjoyed spending time with her family, her grandchildren, pets, and friends.

Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service at Fiatt Cemetery will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers or cards memorial contributions may be made to Fulton County Humane Society or Centralia Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.