Gwendolyn Sue Palmer

Gwendolyn Sue Palmer, age 78, of Astoria, Illinois passed away on January 6, 2026, in Summum, Illinois surrounded by family and friends. She was born on July 26, 1947 in Beardstown, Illinois to Bobby Lee Lael and Beulah (Sullins) Lael. Sue married Allen Ray Palmer on April 20, 1965 in Beardstown, Illinois.

After graduating from Beardstown High School in 1965, Sue began working for her Aunt Gwennie Boyd in Beardstown, Illinois at Boyd Nursing Home and the Campus Inn. Shortly following, she spent 11 years working for her brother-in-law, Cliff Parry, at Cliff’s Auto Parts in Astoria, Illinois. Sue also worked at Norris Farms in the tomato field in Lewistown, Illinois as well as Green Bay Foods at the Pickle Plant in Havana, Illinois. In her later years, she was employed at Hardee’s in Havana, Illinois where she served 15 years.

Sue enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, crocheting, playing with her grandkids and great-grandkids, basketball with her fur baby, Patches, and playing cards. Specifically, spider solitaire. In the summer of 2012 and the winter of 2024, Sue got to visit England and Scotland, something she never dreamed of doing, but had the time of her life.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren; Allen “Ray” Palmer, Jr.; Stacey (Von) Geisendorfer, parents of Audrie Weir and Vance (Abigail) Geisendorfer; Matthew “Matt” Palmer, father of Madison Palmer, Brianna Gleason and Danielle Thacker, Angela Smith, mother of Jessica (Courtney) Jackson and Kourtnie Smith; Leslie Palmer, father to Dylan (Tiffany) Kinkead and Nina Palmer; and her nineteen great-grandchildren; Kallen, Betty, Oaklei, Isabelle, Oliver, Michael, Caleb, Harper, Bentley, Zoie, Ambriel, Brynleigh, Kaiden, Knightly, Alaina, Adalynn, Kaleb, Emmaline and Isabella. Two brother, Thomas “Tom” (Debbie) Lael of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Keith (Carl) Lael of Springfield, Illinois, as well as town very special ladies to the family, Angie Moore and Win Palmer along with several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Charles “Chuck” (surviving wife, Sally) Lael, Mike (Kathy) Lael and daughter-in-law, Vivian “Viv” Palmer.

Services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Dick Meehan will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Sue Palmer Memorial Fund.

Evelyn J. Northrup

Evelyn J. Northrup, 85, of Elmwood, IL, passed away at 2:00 p.m., on Monday, January 5, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Evelyn was born June 1, 1940, to Ira and Sarah (Malcom) King in Vernon County, Missouri. Evelyn married Ronald Northrup on July 17, 1987, in Peoria. He preceded her in death on May 11, 2019.

Surviving are two children, Kathy Luedtke of Peoria, and Pam (Alan) Dennis of Galva; two step-children, James (Bonnie) Northrup and Michael (Barbara) Northrup; one sister, Martha Scott, eleven grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

Evelyn is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Gary Hogue; two brothers; and four sisters.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakhinesfuneralhome.com.

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

Jesse James Rawley

Jesse James Rawley, 57, of Canton, passed away, Monday, January 5, 2026, at his home in Canton.

He was born in Canton, to Lester and Linda (Taylor) Rawley on June 30, 1968. They preceded him in death.

He is survived by two children, Lance Rawley, and Cimone Rawley, granddaughter, Aliana Rawley, three sisters, Kelly Rawley Mitchell of Arizona, Julie (Dave Williams) Rawley of Canton, and Tammy Stanton of Lewistown, and several nieces and nephews and cousins.

Jesse worked in roofing and tree removal. He also did weatherization of buildings in California.

He enjoyed collecting rocks and coins, and researching about the coins he had. Music was his passion he enjoyed listening and knowing everything about the songs and artist, among his favorites was Ozzy Osbourn and Lynard Skynyrd. He also enjoyed cooking. Most of all Jesse enjoyed spending time with his family.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Garren family for their love and support throughout the years.

Carolyn S. Edwards

Carolyn S. Edwards, 77, of Canton, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on October 14, 1948, in Canton, the daughter of Wilbur “Webb” and Beulah “Jane” (Thompson) Maricle. She married Larry Edwards on June 1, 2002, in Canton. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Chad (Jane) Phillips of Bloomington and Staci (Tim) Seward of Canton; her stepchildren, Bob (Lisa) Edwards of Mt. Pulaski and Terri (Charles) Osborne of Canton; her brother, Wilbur (Laura) Maricle of Texas; three grandchildren, Brenen, Katrina, and Isabelle; four step-grandchildren, Molly, Mikayla, Lacey, and John; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Carolyn worked for many years as a mental health counselor at the Fulton–Mason County Mental Health Center in Canton and Hopedale. She later worked in the child care at the Canton YMCA. She was also self-employed as a hairdresser and operated a booth at Blessings in Canton, where she especially enjoyed spending time with her customers. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.

Her favorite titles in life were being called “Mom” and “Grandma.”

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 2 pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation one hour prior at the funeral home. Burial of her ashes will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wesley United Methodist Church.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Jackie D. Hunkeapillar

Jackie D. Hunkeapillar, 61, of Ipava, IL, passed away at 1:27 am on January 4, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. He was born on June 27, 1964, the son of Bobby and Sueanne (Smith) Hunkeapillar, Sr. Jackie married Susan Thompson on November 26, 2011 of Ipava, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his two children; Jack (and Allison) Hunkeapillar of Lewistown, IL and Willy (and Brian) Flaharty of Lewistown, two step-sons; Jesse Coulter of Canton, IL and Jordan Coulter of Table Grove, IL, six grandchildren; Tegan Flaharty, Gracelyn Flaharty, Eliza Flaharty, Ariana Fuller, Dalton Fuller and Annabelle Coulter, mother; Sueanne Hunkeapillar of Lewistown, two sisters; Tammy Chambers of Lewistown and Donna (and Rick) Walters of Astoria, IL, and one brother; Bobby (and Lisa) Hunkeapillar of Montrose, IA.

He is preceded in death by his father; Bobby and sister; Dawn Hunkeapillar.

Jackie had previously worked for Illinois Crane and Whitmore’s Garage.

Jackie was always one to give a hand. He will be dearly missed by family and friends.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Ipava American Legion, Ipava Rescue Squad or the Lewistown United Methodist Church.

Shirley Eskridge

Lewistown- Shirley B. Eskridge,95, of Lewistown passed away at 11:56 PM Monday January 5, 2026 at her home.

She was born July 29, 1930 at Canton the daughter of Roy R. and Marjorie (Beckstead) Bowman. She married William E. “Bill” Eskridge on March 22, 1953 at Canton, her husband of 65 years. He died June 7, 2018. She was also preceded in death by one sister, Beverly Ann Camp, and two brothers-in-law, Harold K. Camp, and Clyde E. Eskridge. Surviving are two children, Larry Eskridge of Lewistown, and Shirley Jayne (Greg) Davis of Quincy, one granddaughter, Jayme Marie Davis of Quincy, several nieces & nephews, and great nieces & nephews.

Shirley graduated in 1948 from Canton High School. She worked as society editor at the Canton Daily Ledger, and broadcast the society news twice daily on WBYS. Later she worked at an insurance office. Shirley retired in 1988 after 22 years in the County Clerks office. She was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church. She was past matron & 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star, charter member and past president of Spoon River Professional Women’s Club. Shirley enjoyed baking, especially pies and cinnamon rolls, she also enjoyed hosting family dinners and get togethers, bowling, playing cards, and taking bus trips. She was a life long democrat, and die hard Cubs fan. She was proud that her husband was able to take the honor flight trip to Washington DC with his daughter as guardian.

Her funeral will be held at 11:00 AM Friday January 9th at the Lewistown United Methodist Church with Reverend Carol Stufflebeam officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Thursday January 8th at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made to Lewistown United Methodist Church, Greater Peoria Honor Flight, Shriners Hospital for Children, St. Jude, or Lewistown Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Lawrence W. Jones

Lawrence Wesley Jones, 89, of Havana, passed away at 10:34 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at the Lodge in Manito. He was born on September 2, 1936 in Lewistown, Illinois to Earl F. and Frances (Hughes) Jones. He married Peggy Jean Avery on December 2, 1956 in Havana, and she preceded him in death on February 25, 2022.

Lawrence is survived by his sister, Joann Brown of Springfield, 2 granddaughters, 5 great-grandchildren, several great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Peggy Jones; son, Wesley Jones; and siblings, Richard Jones, Leonard Jones, Marion “Buzz” Jones, Brenda Bridges, and Mary.
Lawrence worked for the City of Havana as Superintendent of the Waste and Water Treatment Plant, retiring in 1997 after 25 years of service.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Rev. Bruce Heller will officiate.
Memorial donations may be made in Lawrence’s name to the Lodge at Manito or Willow Ridge Hospice. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.