Thursday, October 3, 2024

Deanna D. Murphy

Deanna D. Murphy, 83 of Canton, IL, passed away at 4:45 AM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Lake Regional Hospital in Osage Beach, MO. She was born on February 13, 1941 in Canton, IL to Dale and Helen (Kelso) Swartzbaugh. She married Thomas W. Murphy on August 28, 1960 at the United Methodist Church in Canton, IL. He survives.


She is also survived by two children, Pamela Casper of Peoria, IL and Gregory Murphy of Canton, IL; two grandchildren, Jeremy (Crystal) Casper of Washington, IL and Kylee Murphy of Bloomington, IL; one brother, Neil (Pat) Swartzbaugh of Mason, IL; and several nieces and one nephew.


She is preceded in death by her parents.


Dee received her Master’s in education. She had a very fulfilling career as an elementary teacher that spanned over 40 years. In retirement she enjoyed spending winters in Florida and summers in Osage Beach, MO. She loved being on the water and boating. Family and faith were very important to her. Dee engaged people and was very social. She valued and treasured her friendships. She was a very loyal friend. Many of these (silver girls) friendships lasted over 70 years She made friends everywhere and was available for them no matter what. She also enjoyed watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Bears. Dee loved all her dogs throughout the years very much. Especially her latest baby “B”.


Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at the United Methodist Church in Canton, IL. A Memorial Service will be held the same day at 11:30 AM at the church. Rev. Dr. Shalom Renner will officiate. A private family burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, IL or the North Naples Church at 6000 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34109. To view Deanna’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com


Juanita Lacey

On October 1, 2024, Juanita Lacey passed away after a brief battle with cancer. She passed with her family at her bedside surrounded in love. She was born on January 28, 1940 to John and Vivian Hall. She married Dale Lacey on September 20, 1958 and he preceded her in death on February 2, 2024. She was the mother of a son, Larry (Danille) Lacey and a daughter, Karen Lacey. She was the very proud grandmother of 3, Megan Lacey, Melissa Lacey, and Matthew (Miriam) Lacey, and her 2 fur babies, Fennigan and Tucker.

Juanita worked for the Havana school system as the head cook at New Central School. She held that role for 28 years. She watched a lot of kids grow up and even had the joy of seeing their children at New Central. She was happiest when she could be outdoors. She loved being able to have many flowers. She grew memory gardens in honor of loved ones who had already passed. She enjoyed traveling and camping. This past June, she was able to go to Florida and enjoy the ocean one last time. She truly loved holidays with her family. One of the things she enjoyed the most was the annual holiday display that she and her daughter put up at their home. It always brought a smile to her face when someone would let her know how much they enjoyed it and how it made Christmas special to them.
Above all, Juanita adored her family. She was there to cheer for them in every success in life and the first one to comfort them when life was challenging. She was the center of her family. She touched so many lives and will be forever remembered as a very kind and loving person.
Juanita is survived by her 2 children and 3 grandchildren; as well as 4 sisters, Rose Mary (Gilbert) Fletcher, Jane Schnoor, Charlene Nall, and Linda Johnston; sister-in-law, Helen Hardy; and brothers-in-law, Robert Lacey and Tim Lacey.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 7, 2024 at noon at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. Rev. Mike Hopps will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Juanita’s name to Pets Without Parents. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Monte L. Waughtel

Monte L. Waughtel, 70, of rural Cuba passed away on Monday September 30, 2024, at his residence.


He was born August 19, 1954, at Canton, the son of Clayton and Berneita (George) Waughtel Jr. He married Jeri Stites on August 29, 1975 at Wataga. She survives with two sons, Clayton (Jeanie) Waughtel III of Canton, and Matthew (Brooke) Waughtel of Canton, nine grandchildren, Allysen, Kathryn, Carlee, Madelyn, Lillian, Matthew Jr; Sarai, Luke, and Jada, two brothers, Jay (Robbie) Waughtel of Cuba, John (Susie) Waughtel of Cuba,  one sister, Valerie (Kevin) White of Cuba, two uncles, one aunt, and numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.


Monte worked at Caterpillar for 32 years and later worked for Volt for 11 years before retiring. He served in the Army and later served in the Army reserves. He attended the Evangelical Free Church in Canton and studied the bible diligently. He was very active with the Red Lake Mission in Minnesota. He was an avid duck hunter and enjoyed decoy carving and also collecting decoys. He enjoyed football, fishing, and hunting.


Cremation will be accorded, and a graveside service will be held at 10 am Friday October 4, 2024 at the Fiatt Cemetery with Pastor Matt Spangler officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the US Army and the Cuba American Legion Post. Memorial contributions may be made designated to Sam Dodd at Oak Hills Christian College Church Ministries Camp Oak Hills Center for Indian Ministries 1600 Oak Hills Rd SW, Bemidji, MN 56601. Condolences may be made to henrylange.com

Sanford L. Watkins

Sanford L. "Sandy" Watkins, 78, of Macomb, IL, passed away at 11:30 pm on Monday, September 30, 2024 at Iowa City VA Medical Center in Iowa City, IA. He was born on December 3, 1945 in Indianapolis, IN, the son of Leon and Margaret (Powell) Watkins. Sanford married Linda E. Fowler on August 3, 1972 in Indianapolis, IN. Linda preceded Sanford in death on August 17, 2015.


Also preceding Sanford in death are his parents and brother; Carl Watkins.

He is survived by his four children; Kevin Watkins of Vermont, IL, Nicholas (and Amanda) Watkins of Table Grove, IL, Heidi Watkins of Indianapolis, and Chris Watkins of Indianapolis, several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and sister; Alice (and Gary) Miller of Browning, IL.

Sanford served in the United States Marines.

He worked at the Vermont Foundry. He enjoyed fishing and bird watching.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services have been planned at this time. Memorials may be made to Grand Prairie of Macomb.

Eugene Murphy

Canton- Eugene Murphy, 91, of Canton, passed away at 1:56 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024 at Red Oak Memory Care Center in Canton. He was born on April 4, 1933 in Canton, a son of Charles and Mary (Hale) Murphy.


Surviving are his children, Peggy Whitaker of Bradley; Rick Murphy of Canton; Carla (Ryan) Gilles of Canton; eleven grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren.


Preceding Eugene in death were his parents, one son, Carl, and eight brothers, and sisters.


Eugene worked and retired from International Harvester in Canton, after several years of service. He was a past member of the Canton Moose Lodge.


Graveside services and burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 7, 2024 at Highbridge Cemetery in Dunfermline. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Theresa A. Williams

Theresa Augusta Williams (Thomas), passed away peacefully, on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Renaissance Rehabilitation Center in Canton, Illinois surround by her family. Theresa was 84 years old.

She was born on September 16, 1940, in the Bronzeville area. She is preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Francis Williams in 1989, her mother Lois (Carter) in 2016, and a brother Gregory Hill in 2012.

Theresa is survived by her and Jimmie’s eight children, Anthony, Joseph, Angela, Jansen, Terrence, Travis, Francine, and Arianne, ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one sister Christy Hill, several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Along with being a homemaker, Theresa served in the homecare and food service industries, including St. Xavier College and Chicago Public Schools from which she retired in 2010. Theresa is remembered as a loyal neighbor that truly cared about her community and made it her mission to keep her block, lawn and street clean, and looking good.

She will be sorely missed by her family and longtime friends. A huge thank you to the Renaissance family for such amazing care for our mom. God bless you all!

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Memorials may be made to Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, 1140 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607, or www.mercyhome.org.

Stephen Dalton Fleming, Sr.

Pekin- Stephen Dalton Fleming Sr., 76, of Pekin, formerly of Farmington, passed away at 1:29 PM on Friday, September 27, 2024 at his residence. He was born on April 20, 1948 in Canton, a son of John M. and Dorothy (Dalton) Fleming. They preceded him in death.


Also preceding him in death is one sister, Rebecca Agnoletti.


Surviving is his children, Jennifer L. Fleming of Pekin, and Stephen D. Fleming Jr. of Creve Coeur.


He worked as a painter through the Painters Union Local 157, lasting working at Caterpillar.


Per Stephen wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington. Private family burial of ashes will take place in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington at a later date. Memorials can be made to TAPS, No-Kill Animal Shelter, 100 TAPS Lane, Pekin, Illinois 61554. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com