James OBrien

James “Jim” M. OBrien, 87, of Havana, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on January 7, 1938, in Greenview, IL, to Donald and Sadie (LeMasters) OBrien.

He married Sue Hill on July 12, 1995, in Reno, NV. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Kary Nolesviki of Hawaii, Rory (Lori) OBrien of Topeka, and Kathy Chin OBrien of Orlando, FL; his stepchildren, Dennis Clayton of Plymouth, IN, and Dawn Clayton; his brothers, Walt Pate and Jack OBrien; nine grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Marvin; one daughter, Tennessa; one brother, Larry; and one sister, Donna Abbott.

Jim worked as an over-the-road truck driver for more than 53 years, retiring in 2008 at the age of 70. He enjoyed yard work and was a devoted sports fan. His greatest loyalty was to Notre Dame football, eagerly following every season, whether watching from home or catching a game in South Bend, cheering for the Fighting Irish was one of his lifelong joys.

Cremation rites have been accorded per his wishes through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Wanda L. Helms

Wanda Helms, 79, of Canton, passed away, Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at her home in Canton.

She was born on September 1, 1946, to Kenneth Butte, and Martha (Helms) McWhirter. They preceded her in death as well as her son John A. Conner.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Kathy Michel, and two grandchildren, Leanna Velazquez, and Jake Conner, great granddaughter, Ily’ana Velazquez, and her dog Jabber.

Wanda retired from Mail tech. She enjoyed doing puzzles, crocheting and watching thunderstorms. Most of all Wanda loved spending time with her family.

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

Charlotte Louise McMillan

Charlotte Louise (Ball) McMillan (98) of Canton, formerly of Monterey, passed away November 25, 2025, at Farmington Village. She was born on December 14, 1926 to Reverend Charles E. Ball and Mary Alice (Belt) Ball. She married Glenn M. McMillan on August 14, 1954 at the Monterey United Methodist Church parsonage. He preceded her in Death on Nov. 29, 2013.

Surviving are 2 children, Rick McMillan of Canton, Linda (Dennis) McLouth of Berwick, IL & daughter-in-law Vickie McMillan of Canton. 5 grandchildren Valerie (Jay) Nussel, Randy II (Tamatha) McMillan, Lindsay (Bryan) Boothe, Kyle (Kara) McLouth, Jennifer McLouth; 10 great grandchildren, 6 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Randy McMillan, sister Helen Brown, brother Austin Ball, and an infant sister Martha Evelyn Ball.

She was a Nurse Aide at Graham Hospital for 20 years, taking care of the babies in the maternity ward. She loved music, playing her console organ at home, crocheting, and learning to paint. She was a member of the Monterey United Methodist Church, and sung in the choir for over 40 years. She also sang with the Fulton County Civic Singers for several years.

Per Charlotte’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Private family burial of ashes will take place in Greenwood Cemetery at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Monterey United Methodist Church. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Vera Amelia "June" Gathman

Vera Amelia “June” Gathman, 93, of Forest City, passed away at her home at 7:07 a.m., on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born October 6, 1932, in Topeka, Illinois, to Perry and Amelia (Boyer) Tisdale. She married Glen Gathman, on September 4, 1955 in Forest City, Illinois.

Mrs. Gathman is survived by four children: Terry (Debbie) Gathman, of Topeka, Gary (LaVeta) Gathman, of Havana, Galen Gathman, of Topeka, Traci (Kelley) Bohm, of Havana; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and one sister: Judy Tisdale, of Havana; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three siblings: Josephine Runyon, Joeann Rogers, and Perry Tisdale, Jr.
Mrs. Gathman was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Manito. She was a member of DAR - Abraham Lincoln Chapter, Mason County Farm Bureau, and was proud of her family’s Centennial Farm. She enjoyed making rag rugs, and was known as the Rag Rug Lady. She had worked for several years at Corn Products, in Pekin, and on the family farm, near Forest City.
Visitation will be held at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Manito, at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, December 1, 2025, with an additional hour of visitation immediately prior to the service. Burial will follow the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Forest City. Rev. Matthew Berndt will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, or Willow Ridge Hospice. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis E. "Phebe" Hardin

Phyllis E. “Phebe” Hardin, 79, of Canton, passed away at 4:35 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on February 21, 1946 in Abingdon, Virginia, a daughter of Ernest and Letha (Bailey) Wise. She married W. Gene Hardin on February 15, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Canton. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2023.

Also preceding Phebe in death were her parents, and grandson, John W. Hardin.

Surviving is her son, John (Connie) Hardin of Canton; granddaughter, Hanna Hardin; great-granddaughter, Allana Ward, and sister, Sue (Dennis) Vanmiddlesworth of Mount Pulaski; niece, Jo (Butch) Rentmeister; two nephews, Mike (Sheila) Vanmiddlesworth, and Jeff Vanmiddlesworth.

Phebe’s faith was reflected in her membership at the First Baptist Church in Canton. She was deeply fulfilled by her role as a homemaker, and hairstylist at Joy’s in Canton, while also finding pleasure in helping others and being a devoted mother, grandmother, and ensuring that everyone’s hunger was satisfied. In the words of Phebe, “I would like for everyone to get along, and help each other”.

Per Phebe wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A graveside service and burial of ashes will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Monroe Bailey will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Swann Special Care Center, 109 Kenwood, Champaign, Illinois 61821. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Floy Lopeman

Floy Watts Lopeman, 96, of Canton, passed away, Monday, November 24, 2025, at Farmington Village in Farmington.

She was born in Virginia, Illinois, on May 22, 1929, to Astor and Lorena (Long) Watts. They preceded her in death.

Floy married Ralph Lopeman in 1963. He preceded her in death in 1986.

She is survived by three children, James (Starr) Wright of Springfield Illinois, Diane (Bob) Shawgo of Canton Illinois, Steven (Late Cheryl) Lopeman of Abbeville, AL, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by one son Timothy, three brothers, two sisters, and one grandchild.

Floy worked at the Children’s Home in Peoria as the VP of Finance retiring in 1989.

Floy was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton. She enjoyed Quilting and spending time with her family.

Per her wishes cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A burial of her ashes will be held in the spring.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Terry L. Hurley

Tarrell L. “Terry” Hurley, 78, of Lewistown passed away at 6:30 pm Monday November 24, 2025 at his home.

He was born March 26, 1947 at Canton, the son of John and Gladys (Long) Hurley. He married Joyce Strode on April 20, 1973 at Lewistown. She survives with three children, Marla (Tony) Sheets of Lewistown, Marcy (Mark) Harrison of Carthage, and John (Kristina) Hurley of Lewistown, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Bordwine of Bryant. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one great granddaughter.

Terry was a Vietnam veteran serving in the Air Force. He had worked at International Harvester in Canton. He was a member of the Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and enjoyed woodworking.

Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be held 1 pm Friday November 28, 2025 at Oak Hill Cemetery with Darla Henderson officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Air Force, Lewistown VFW Post 5001, and American Legion Bishop Post 1. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown Rescue Squad. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com