Crystal Stegens,

Crystal Stegens, 52 of Canton, IL died on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at her home. She was born on December 5, 1973 in Peoria, IL to David and Sharon (Richards) Stegens.

Crystal is survived by her four children, Kimberly (Eric) Greer of Canton, IL, Steven Harness Peoria, IL, Joshua Ryan of Decatur, and Kalli (Jared Slater) Coriser of Canton, IL; two grandkids, Izaiah Stancil of Washington, IL, and Emery Greer Canton, IL; two brothers, David Stegens of Canton, IL, and Ron Mutton of Peoria, IL; and one sister, Kathy (Jeff) Owens of Table Grove, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her step-dad Larry Rilea, and one brother, Larry Rilea.

Crystal loved classic country music. She loved to paint, and do crafts. She also enjoyed making brownies. There was rarely a day when the house didn’t smell like fresh baked brownies.

Cremation rites have been entrusted to Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Online condolences may be left at www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth Ann Juraco

Elizabeth Ann (Hogon) Juraco, 100, of Canton, passed away peacefully at her home early Tuesday morning, September 8th.

She was born July 20, 1926, in the Lewistown area to Patrick and Lena Hogon. She married Joe

Juraco May 20, 1947 and they remained together until his passing in August 1994. Elizabeth

was a wonderful mother to 12 children; Pat (Ray) Crow, Frank Juraco (deceased), Bill (Colleen)

Juraco, Cil Juraco, Rody (Steve) Roley, Theresa (Bob) Sondag, Bob (Diane) Juraco, Joseph

(Judy, deceased) Juraco, Tony Juraco, John (Maite) Juraco, Albert (Wendy) Juraco, Joann (Ken) Krock; grandmother to 20 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. She is survived by one

sister, Mary Jane (Hogon) Makkai, and one sister-in-law, Shirley (Mike, deceased) Hogon.

One son (Frank Juraco) and two brothers (James Hogon, Michael Hogon), preceded her in

death.

While Elizabeth spent time as a school teacher and hair dresser, she spent most of her

life as a kind, forgiving and selfless mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the inspiration for Liz Marie’s bakery in Manito, Illinois where the most popular recipe was her version of a Croatian bread with her own Irish twist called Poviticia.

She was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and loved to attend local dances with

Joe throughout the years—especially polkas. The door to her house was always open and

there was always a seat at her table and a meal ready to be shared. In her early years, she

worked alongside her husband on the family farm and cultivated a large garden, taking pride in

growing and preserving food to feed and care for her family. Elizabeth spent much of her later

years surrounded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren who have fond memories of

her generous heart, loving spirit, and the warmth she brought to their lives.

The family would like to thank the Compassus Hospice organization for their kind care of mother.

A visitation for family and friends will take place Monday, September 14 from 5:00 p.m. to 7

p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Bill Juraco will be hosting a Rosary service before

the visitation, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Funeral Mass services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Canton with a luncheon immediately following at St. Mary’s church.

Donations can be made to St. Mary’s food pantry or a charity of your choice.

Alma Lee Wertman

Alma Lee Wertman, 96, of Canton, Illinois, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on September 6, 2026.

She was born on June 26, 1930, to Albert and Coral Rachel Linn. At the age of eight, Alma Lee survived a severe accident on her way to school when she was struck by a tree limb, remaining unconscious for several days and missing months of the third grade. That same pivotal year, her mother passed away, leaving her father and sister to lovingly raise her.

On September 4, 1949, Alma Lee married the love of her life, John Carter Wertman. Together, they shared an incredible 71 years of marriage built on love, commitment, and partnership. Though she lost her own mother at a young age, Alma Lee became a wonderful, loving mother to her daughters.

Alma Lee was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her grandson, Cody; and all of her siblings.

She is survived by her three daughters: Lynn (Kevin) Brooks, Nancy (Jeff) Hendryx, and Janet (John Michael) Krulac; seven grandchildren: Nick (Jessica) Brooks, Nate (Sarah) Brooks, Kaylee (Sean) Blair, Luke (Erin) Overcash, Ty (Megan) Overcash, Tess (Brian) Whiting, and Zack (Taylor) Krulac; eleven great-grandchildren: Bailey, Carter, Cad, Linnlee, Briggs, Kenzie, Charlotte, Lennon, Cash, Colette, and Lincoln; her sister-in-law, Pat Linn. The family also extends special gratitude to her devoted caregivers, notably Mary Pollitt, who provided wonderful care to Alma Lee, John, and Grandpa Carter over the years.

Alma Lee attended Bradley University and Western Illinois University. Throughout her life, she demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic across many roles—from working in her father’s slaughterhouse in her youth, to working in bookkeeping at Graham Hospital, and Estes Livestock Sale Barn. Her true calling, however, was serving others. Alma Lee served as a chaplain at Methodist Hospital in Peoria and spent over 50 years at Graham Hospital.

Her life was defined by generosity, leadership, and community service. She was honored as the YWCA Woman of the Year in 1999, served in Altruistic for 60 years, and was a member of P.E.O. Chapter BZ for 45 years. Alongside her beloved husband, she also dedicated her time to mission trips with Habitat for Humanity.

Her grandkids knew her affectionately as "Mimi," and she couldn't have been prouder to be their grandmother. Loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was truly the highlight of her existence. She was known for playing dominoes and card games and teaching them how to play. Her grandchildren also fondly remember her iconic windbreaker sweat suits and taking walks with her to McDonald's to get her daily coffee. She possessed a famously adventurous spirit. Even in her later years, she fearlessly decided she wanted to join the great grandkids in tubing on the lake…fully dressed in her jeans.

Her faith was the centerpiece of her life. She was a God-loving Christian, deeply involved in her church, who spent her 96 years loving deeply, serving faithfully, and comforting those in need. Beyond her service, Alma Lee loved to pray and enjoyed traveling the world with family and friends—including memorable trips on an African safari, to Paris, and to Norway. The ultimate proof of her love for her family was her loyalties in baseball: despite growing up a Chicago Cubs fan, she proudly switched to become an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan just to cheer alongside her die-hard Cardinals-loving grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers or monetary gifts, please honor Alma Lee Wertman by sharing God’s love: perform an act of kindness or give to someone in need and ask them to pay it forward. Before going home to heaven, Mimi said, “God has one more thing for me to do.” Her family knows that this will fulfil that wish.

A funeral service will be held at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. where visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

Craig D. Spence

Craig David Spence, 59, of Havana, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, at OSF Hospital in Peoria, IL.

Craig was born on December 29, 1966, in Peoria, IL, to his parents, David Allen Spence and Nadine Ellen Spence (McDonald). He met Pamela Kay Schierer and they married in Stanford, IL, on November 24, 2007. She survives, along with his son, Curtis (Anna) Spence, of Eureka, IL; grandchildren, Sawyer Daryl Roy Spence and Daisy Jeanette Spence, of Eureka; parents, David and Nadine Spence of East Peoria, IL; a sister, Nadina Spence of Creve Coeur, IL, and a beloved companion, a black lab named Remmi.
Craig retired from Caterpillar after 30 years at the Mapleton plant, where he held several roles. Craig cherished being “PaPa” to Sawyer and Daisy, enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Vikings, and loved spending time with his family and his dog at the beach at their lake house. Craig never knew a stranger and made friends wherever he went.
Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Old Dog Winery and Brewery, 23 W. Pine Street in Canton. Wear your best Hawaiian shirt!
Memorial donations in Craig’s memory may be made to TAPS No-Kill Animal Shelter in Pekin. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Phillip L. Baldwin

Phillip L. Baldwin, 83, of Lewistown, passed away on September 5, 2026.

Phil was born on December 28, 1942, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of John P. and Ruth (Little) Baldwin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Patricia Ann Baldwin. He married Etsu "Jean" Yonaiyama in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1968.

Surviving are his three children, John (Sonya) Baldwin of Lewistown, Kathy (Marc) Churchill of Canton, and Susan (Ben Miles) Baldwin of Canton; his sister, Carol Sue "Susie" Liuzzi of Sherman Oaks, California; his brother, John E. Baldwin of Pomona, California; seven grandchildren, Tyson (Isabella Kosier) Brown, Darian (Mark) Herr, Cloe (Noah) Kesselmayer, Gage (Kelsie Fletcher) Miller, Carmyn Baldwin, Jackson Churchill, and Drake Miller; and three great-grandchildren, Emmett Miller, Archer Brown, and Kase Kesselmayer.

Phil graduated from Douglas MacArthur High School in 1960. A talented blacksmith and fabricator, he was known for his creativity, craftsmanship, and ability to build or repair nearly anything. Throughout his life, he was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Jaycees, the American Welding Society, the Fulton County Fair Board, and the Lewistown Historical Society.

Phil enjoyed fishing the Spoon River, working on Volkswagens, and spending countless hours tinkering in his shop. His love of craftsmanship and history led him to become a dedicated supporter of the Lewistown Society for Historic Preservation, with a particular passion for the Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop. He played an important role in its continued operation by helping recruit and mentor individuals who shared his commitment to preserving its legacy. While he also supported the Rasmussen Museum and Narrow Gauge Railroad Depot, the Blacksmith Shop was where he most enjoyed sharing his talents and knowledge. Above all, Phil cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Family gatherings brought him his greatest happiness, and the love he had for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. A gathering to honor and remember Phil will be held immediately following the visitation at the Lewistown VFW.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown Society for Historic Preservation in his honor.

Patricia A. Black

Patricia A. Black, 95, of Cuba passed away at 12:56 PM Saturday September 5, 2026 at Wesley Village of Macomb.

She was born February 15, 1931 at Cuba the daughter of Franklin and Dorothy (Beam) Marshall. She married Ronald E. Black on May 18, 1951 at Cuba. He died December 1, 1999. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one son Kim Black, one granddaughter, Tammy Thompson, and a special friend Francis Clark. Surviving are one sister, Nancy Oaks of Florida, one granddaughter, Tia (Mike) Stewart, and two great grandchildren, Bryce & Riley Stewart all of Monmouth.

Pat was a member of the Cuba United Methodist Church and has lived in Cuba most of her life. Pat enjoyed her work as a banker in Canton for many years. Her biggest enjoyment was being active in her church, singing in the choir, and spending time with her granddaughters. She enjoyed snowmobiling, and the simple things in life like listening to rain and looking at the stars.

Pat’s funeral will be at 11:00 AM Friday September 11th at the Cuba United Methodist Church with Pastor Shane Smith officiating. Several hours after the service you can view the service at youtube.com/@LewistownUnitedMethodistChurch6184. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba is assisting the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Cuba United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Connie E. Lockard

Connie E. Lockard, 91, of Ipava, IL, passed away on September 6, 2026 at her home. She was born on February 25, 1935 in Buckheart Township, Fulton Co., IL, the daughter of Damon and Opal (Brown) Baker. Connie married Gene Lockard on December 26, 1953 in Lewistown, IL. He survives.

Also surviving is her daughter, Beth Ellen (and Rusty) Dungey of Bloomington, IL, sister-in-law; Barbara Baker of Bushnell, IL, and niece; Diana (and Craig) Horwedel of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son; Todd Lockard, and brother; Eldon Baker.

Along with her husband Gene, Connie owned and operated Lockard Photography for over 30 years.

Connie was a member of the Summum Christian Church where she served in several different areas, including: playing the organ and piano for 60 years, organizing over 90 funeral dinners and served on the church board. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, HEA and “You Go and I Go” club for many years. She enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening, doing crossword and wordsearch puzzles and she loved cooking.

Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, September 11, 2026 at the Summum Christian Church in Summum, IL. Pastor Matt Haberman and Richard Meehan will officiate. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown, IL. Memorials may be made to the Astoria American Legion or the Summum Christian Church.