Janet Baxter

Janet Baxter, 80, of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born on August 14, 1944 in Canton to Alexander and Regina (Frichtl) Wilson.

She married Alan Baxter on February 14, 1977. He preceded her in death in 1988.

Also preceding her in death was her parents, five sisters, Carol, Rose, Marge, Christina, Anna and one brother, Alex.

Surviving is her daughter, Melissa Baxter, three grandchildren Ryan Perkins, Logan Perkins, Ashley Perkins and several nieces and nephews.

Janet was a long-time paper carrier and enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and watching TV. She was the most caring and independent women and would help anyone. These last few months she went through a lot but never lost her fight to carry on. She fought the fight with a smile on her face! Every one said she was the little women with nine lives.

Cremation rites have been accorded though Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

Memorials can be made to her daughter Melissa.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Frances M. Siegel

Frances M. Siegel, 83, of Peoria, formerly of Edwards, passed away at 6:05 a.m., surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at The Loft in Peoria, IL. She was born November 9, 1941, in Peoria, IL, to William and Ethel (Simms) Traver. Frances married Melvin Siegel on July 6, 1962. He preceded her in death in 2021.

Frances is survived by three children, Justine (Micheal) Morefield of Edwards, Melvin L. Siegel, II, of Edwards, and Jackie (Debbie) Siegel of Peoria; two brothers, Chuck (the late Janet) Traver and Jerry (Linda) Traver; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Frances is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Tommy Siegel; one brother, William (the late Dianna) Traver; one sister, Carrie Markum-Traver; and two granddaughters, Megan Siegel and Amber Siegel.

Frances loved her Katie dog. She enjoyed going and attending the stock car races where she watched her grandsons and nephews compete against one another. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially all of her grandkids.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 1704 South East Lane Street, Peoria, IL.

Memorials may be made to Fanconi Anemia Foundation.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Stuart Michael

Stuart D. Michael, 54, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at his residence.

He was born on March 20, 1970 in Peoria to Fred and Janet (Britain) Michael.

Surviving are his parents, step mother, Julia Michael, daughters, Krystal (Jerika) Frank of Canton, Rachael (William) Swearinger of Nashville, TN, brothers, Scott Michael of Peoria, Nicholas Cotter of East Peoria, sisters, Melissa (Ben) Wallace of Avondale, AZ, Brooke (Robert) Smith of Pickerington, OH, two grandchildren, Dominick Miller, Lillian Miller and seven nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

Stuart worked many years as a skilled welder for Chillicothe Metal Company. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Cremation rites have been accorded though Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, January 17, 2024 from 11-noon with a funeral service to follow at noon.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Betty Jean (Trone) Crosier

Betty Jean (Trone) Crosier, age 95, passed away Monday, January 13, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. She was born November 27, 1929 near Rushville to Carl and Mabel (Hollenback) Trone.

She married Francis (Jinks) Crosier June 1, 1949 in Canton. He proceeded her in death in 2007.

She has two surviving daughters: Sharon (Steve) Kuzniar of Canton and Linda Asher (Terry Weeks) of Warsaw Illinois. There are three grandchildren: Kevin (Debbie) Asher of Wasilla, AK and Jennifer Asher (Troy Hallman) of Clinton CT and Joshua (Alyssa) Kuzniar of Canton IL. Also surviving are five great grandchildren: Curtis, Ella Grace, and Ethan Asher, all of Wasilla, Ak and Lance and Ayla Kuzniar of Canton. Vicki Trone Natwick (Mark) of Milwaukee, WI. A special niece, who was raised as close as a daughter, also survives.

She was proceeded in death by her husband. Five brothers also proceed her in death. Bob, Hank, Jody, Jim, and Donnie. Also, a sister, Marjorie Chenoweth proceed her in death as well as a son-in-law Curtis Asher.

Betty was a devout Christian, belonging to the Salvation Army Church her entire life. She loved reading the Bible daily and also her devotional book. She loved singing church hymns. There was a time when she was an avid Nascar fan, when Mark Martin was still racing. You had to watch the races with her on Sunday if you stopped in for a visit.

Mom loved people and visiting with them especially when Lance and Ayla came for their Sunday visit. She had a fantastic memory regarding family and friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed search-a-word puzzles and playing bingo at her home on 2 East at Grahm Hospital Extended Care, where she had resided for the last few years.

Most of all Betty’s family will remember her as the most precious mother, grandmother, and great grandmother on earth who is now walking hand in hand with her Lord and Savior.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Service will be held the same day at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Betty’s nephew Michael Trone and Rev. Kevin Van Tine will officiate. Burial will follow service at White Chapel Memory Garden’s in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to the Graham Hospital Extended Care Activities Fund. To view Betty’s DVD or to make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Larry Donald Starcevich

Larry D. Starcevich, 74, of Farmington, passed away on January 13, 2025 at his residence. He was born on October 16, 1950 in Canton to John and Carrie (Painter) Starcevich. Larry married Carilyn Burgett on February 25, 1972 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton. She survives along with his three sisters; Velma J. Harris of Ohio, Shirley M. (late W. Gene) Allen of Galesburg and Sharon S. (late Kenny) Welker of Farmington, nephews; Bob (Casey) Allen and Eric Allen and great nephews; Caden and Colton Allen, and several other nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Christy Lynn Starcevich and brother Rickey Starcevich.

Larry farmed his entire life. He was a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau. He was a good man. He never met a stranger and his goal was always to leave a smile on your face. Larry will always be remembered for being ornery and joking. His legacy will continue to live on through his farm which he poured his entire life into. He was a loving and kind husband to Carilyn for over 50 years. He also loved football and played for Farmington growing up.

Cremation rites have been accorded though Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Canton. Memorials can be made to either B.Y. E. Rescue Squad or the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Earl “Pat” Patterson

Earl “Pat” Patterson, 97, of Farmington, passed away at 2:43 AM on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Red Oak Estates in Canton. He was born on October 22, 1927 in Slayton, MN, a son of William and Bertha (Frank) Patterson. He married Phyllis Vasquez on January 1, 1998 in Farmington. She survives.

 

Also surviving are his children, LuAnn (David) Benjamin of East Peoria; Cheryl (Ronnie) Shaffer of Georgia; Sandy Patterson of Florida; Timothy Patterson of Georgia; step-children,  Dawn (Bradley) Ward of Farmington; Rob (Susan) Batterton of Farmington; several grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Preceding Pat in death were his parents, son, Kevin Patterson; daughter, Karen Patterson; step-daughter, Bonnie Bellows; three brothers, and three sisters.

Pat worked and retired in 1991, after 35 years of service from Wabco (known as Komatsu), working as an Inspector. He was of the Baptist faith, avid fan of the Chicago Cub fan, and enjoyed going fishing. He served his country during World War II, serving in the United States Navy.

Graveside services and burial will take place in Trivoli Cemetery on Friday, January 17, 2025 at 3:00 PM. Memorials can be made to Traditions Hospice, 7800 North Sommer Street STE 410, Peoria, Illinois 61615. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Fred Palin, Jr.

Fred Palin, age 91, of Cuba, Illinois died on January 13 at Graham Hospital in Canton. Mr. Palin was born on February 6, 1933, in the then-family home on Main Street in Cuba. He was the second son and third child of Frederick T. Palin and Laura Tenant Palin.

After graduating from Cuba schools, Mr. Palin attended Northwestern University and Central State College (Edmond, Oklahoma). Following service in the US Army he attended Michigan State University.

On August 14, 1953, Fred married Ruth Ann McDonald of Edmond, Oklahoma. Fred and Ruth had two children, Philip Jon (born 1955) and Jana Lea (born 1964). They were very involved in the lives of three grandchildren, Laura, Alexander, and Carson. Mrs. Palin died in 2011. In addition to his children, survivors include Jeannie Palin, wife of Phil, nieces Amy Sabol and Mary Nelmes, and Jan Nelmes the surviving wife of Fred’s nephew James Joseph Nelmes.

In the mid-1950s, Mr. Palin worked with his father, also Fred, to reorganize the Day & Palin grocery stores in Fulton and Mason counties. After purchasing the business from his father, Mr. Palin operated grocery stores in Cuba, Lewistown, Havana, and Farmington, Illinois for over 40 years.

After selling the grocery stores, Mr. Palin created a general merchandise and eBay store that continues to operate. Retailing was his passion and his way of making a creative contribution to the community.

Over the years Fred Palin was actively involved in the Independent Grocers Association (IGA), Cuba Christian Church, and the Fulton County Community Concert Association. He loved Big Band and classical music.

Mr. Palin’s body has been donated to the Mayo Clinic for medical research and education. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled in the Spring.