Sara R. Perkins

Sara R. Perkins, 47, of Cuba, passed away at 9:34 am March 30, 2025. She was born on July 17, 1977 in Canton to Aaron R. and Cindy (Shore) Perkins.

Surviving are her parents Aaron R. Perkins of Kilbourne, Gary and Cindy Bishop of Cuba, two sons; Jace Anderson of Springfield and Ashton Williams of Canton, three brothers; Dillon Perkins, Karras Bishop and Craig Bishop and three sisters; Trina Flaharty-Derry, Lindsy Perkins and Tracie Lowder.

Sara was a custodian at Spoon River College and Fulton County Highway Department.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Johnson

Dorothy L. Johnson, 97, of London Mills, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at the Red Oak Estates in Canton.

She was born on January 26, 1928 in Abingdon to Michael and Estella (Schisler) Masterson.

She married Robert Johnson on June 5, 1948. He preceded her in death in 1993.

Surviving is her daughter, Pamela (the late Clinton) Plumer of London Mills, three grandchildren, Kyle (Stephanie) Plumer, Kevin Plumer, Kelsey Plumer, one great grandchild, Owen, one brother, Duane Masterson and one sister, Donna Kidwell.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Eldon “Peezel” Masterson and two sisters, Nancy Riney and Mary Katherine “Kathy” Butler.

Dorothy worked as a beautician in London Mills for many years and was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in London Mills. She enjoyed bowling, ceramics and crafts. Dorothy loved attending her grandkids sporting events and was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

A graveside burial will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 at 11 am at the West Midway Cemetery in London Mills. There will be no visitation.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Sgt Douglas Riney Scholarship Fund or to the Greater Peoria Honor Flight Program.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Michael Lee “Mike” Cluts

Michael L. “Mike” Cluts also known as Clutsy, 65, of Atlanta Illinois, passed away, Monday, March 31, 2025, at Carle Bromenn Hospital in Bloomington.

He was born in Canton on September 8, 1959, to Leon “Bud” and Nancy (Sheets) Cluts. He is preceded in death by his father, and one brother Kevin Leon Cluts.

He is survived by two daughters, Tracy (Jason) Trimble, and Leigh (Jimmie) Barr, one brother, Mark (Tanya) Cluts, one sister Robyn (Jim) Dutton, six grandchildren, Kaine, Landen, Seth, Ryker, Kahle, and Carlee, and several nieces and nephews.

Mike worked as a plasterer for many years and he was a former Deacon at First Christian Church in Canton, and was currently a member of the Christian Church in Atlanta. He enjoyed everything about being on the water, from boating to skiing whether it be slalom or barefoot. He was a passionate Green Bay Packers, and Chicago Cubs fan. Most of all Mike enjoyed spending time with his friends and family. His grandkids treasured their midnight snacks, consisting of ice cream, popcorn and crackers with butter.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

A burial of ashes will take place at Fairview Cemetery at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Mary Kay Watson

Mary Kay Watson, 72, of Canton, passed away at 2:30 PM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at her residence. She was born on November 12, 1952 in Canton, a daughter of William and Pauline (Barnes) Bailey. They preceded her in death.

Also, preceding her in death was her companion, Steven L. Kauzlarich; brother, Tony Bailey, and sister, Kris Sehr.

Surviving are her three daughters, Tricia (Kevin) Streitmatter of Peoria; Tracie (Dusty) Markey of Peoria; Julie (Mark) Kidder of Hartford, Wisconsin; nine grandchildren, Bailey, Grace, Logan, Ellie, Anna, Jacob, Claire, Luke, and Levi; one sister, Jodi Schellenger of Montana. Also surviving is Steven’s son, Jeremy (Andrea Vietti) Kauzlarich, and grandchildren, Lani, and Jaren.

Mary worked and retired as a registered nurse, working at Graham Hospital in Canton, and retiring after many years of service. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, as her faith was at the center of her life. She loved her family dearly, and was known to do anything for anyone.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 4, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton, where visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the funeral mass. Father Tim Nolan will officiate. Reciting of the rosary will begin at 9:30 AM. Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral mass, and burial of ashes will take place in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Canton, at a later date. Memorials can be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Larry “Joe” Pasley

Canton- Larry “Joe” Pasley, 77, of Canton, passed away at 12:58 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025 at Farmington Village in Farmington. He was born on April 24, 1947 in Fiatt, a son of John and Lillian (Weidhuner) Pasley. They preceded him in death.

Also, preceding Joe in death were his brothers, Albert “Poodie”, John, Bob Weidhuner, Fred, Ronnie, Glen, and sister, Donna Baker.

Surviving are his sons, Van J. Pasley of Canton; Troy J. Pasley of Canton; Jeremy F.L. (Molly) Pasley of East Peoria; two grandchildren, Landon Pasley, Taylor Hahn; three great-grandchildren; and brother, Gary Pasley of Canton.

Joe served his country in the United States Army from August of 1966 until August of 1968, receiving the National Defense Service, Vietnam Service, Vietnamese Campaign, Air and Bronze Star Metals, also receiving the Combat Infantryman Badge, and Two Oversea Service Bars.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 3, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate, and Military honors will be conducted by the United States Army and Canton VFW Post 1984. Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Memorials can be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Lendel G. Walter

Lendel G. Walter, 72, of Canton, passed away at 8:58 PM on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at his residence. He was born on November 25, 1952 in Canton, a son of Daniel G. and Alta E. (Savill) Walters. He married Sandra McGinnis on December 17, 1988 in Monterey. She survives.

Also, surviving are his three sons, Daniel Walters, James Walters, and B.J. Walters, all of Canton; four grandchildren, Tristan (Mallory), Trey, Conner, Ellison, and one great-grandchild, Zaharia; brothers, Dean Walters, Lyle (Debbie) Walters, Butch (Tammy) Walters; sisters, Linda (Leon) Sherwood, Lucille (Frank) Yerbic, Lucinda (Wayne) Wheeler; Leann (Jim) Fox, and a sister-in-law, Marilyn Walters.

Preceding, Lendel in death were his parents, brother, Larry Walters; sister, Louise Kemper, and sister-in-law, Debbie Walters.

He worked and retired from Caterpillar, Inc, after 32 years of service, and later worked for Aventine Renewable Energy in Pekin, and retired after 12 years of service. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Bears fan. The family wishes to thank, Heather (Nurse), and Bree (Nurse Assistant) of OSF Hospice for their care and compassion during Lendel’s final months.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM on Sunday, April 6, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. Burial will follow the services in Walnut Cemetery in Banner. Following the graveside, there will be a luncheon at the Goose Pit in Banner. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Gerri A. Pettit

Gerri A. Pettit, 74, of Elmwood, passed away at 12:35 p.m., on Saturday, March 29, 2025, in Elmwood, surrounded by her loving family.

Gerri was born October 1, 1950, in Galesburg, to Richard and Mildred (Fisher) Barton. Gerri married John F. Pettit II on January 26, 1973, in Galesburg. He preceded her in death on December 31, 2020.

Gerri is survived by two children, Tami Romo of Columbus, Georgia, and Meika Claerhout of Elmwood; one brother, Bruce Barton; one sister, Kay Dennis; ten grandchildren, Connor, Kimi Alexis, Scott, Elizabeth, Memin, Angela, Liam, Zander, Maggie, and Lucas; and her beloved dog, Jackie.

Gerri was very involved in the Elmwood community. She was a Cashier at Jordan’s for over 27 years. Between 2003 to 2008, Gerri sent care packages to the troops overseas. She lead the Habit for Humanity Veteran Build in Elmwood for the first two years. Gerri volunteered her time with Meals on Wheels and M.A.N.N.A., as well as worked at the Elmwood thrift store, New to You. She was also a pillar of the Elmwood United Methodist Church and served on various committees.

Gerri is also preceded in death by her parents; two children, Kimi Pettit and John F. Pettit III; one brother, Richard Barton Jr; and one sister, Mary Brinkley.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held the day before on Friday, April 18, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the John and Kimi Pettit Memorial Scholarship.

To view Gerri’s video tribute or to make online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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