Robert Rakestraw

Bob Rakestraw, 82, of Houston, TX; went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Bob was born on April 29, 1944 in Canton, IL to the late George Rakestraw and Mary (Shaw) Rakestraw. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Hewitt. During his youth, Bob served as an acolyte in the Episcopal church in Canton every Sunday. Bob graduated from Canton High School in 1962. Bob attended Wabash College on a full academic scholarship, graduating in 1966. He earned his Masters degree from Bowling Green State U. in 1968 and an MBA from U. Toledo in 1972.

When Bob was in graduate school, he met the love of his life, Roberta Rae Allen while waterskiing on the Illinois River. Bob and Roberta were married on August 17, 1969 and enjoyed 56 busy years of adventures together. They loved to travel to exotic locations in their younger years, including Egypt, India, Nepal and Hong Kong.

After he completed his studies, Bob worked for Price Waterhouse as a CPA in Toledo, OH. Bob and Roberta moved to Houston in 1975 with Aramco Services Company where Bob worked as an Internal Audit Manager. Bob also spent time working in Saudi Arabia with Aramco. He later worked with other oil services companies in Houston. Bob spent most of his career (22 years) at JPMorgan Chase Bank (previously Texas Commerce Bank) where he advanced to be a Vice President.

After retiring in 2007, Bob worked as a CPA and tax accountant with several small accounting firms. Later, Bob spent time as a substitute teacher. One of his favorite places to work was the FFA Ag. Farm through the Spring Branch vocational center. As a substitute there, he often met Roberta for lunch.

Bob and Roberta spent much of their leisure time enjoying nature and the beach. Bob loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir with Texas Commerce Bank. Bob and Roberta joined Tallowood Baptist Church of Houston, Texas in 1985 after deciding that it would be the right place to raise their family. They have been a member of the dynamic Praisers class for many years.

Bob loved reading mystery novels, learning to use new computer technology, car maintenance and most importantly, being around his family and pets. Bob was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Roberta counted on him to repair anything and to solve any issue at their home. Bob is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren: Vanessa Shaw of Houston, TX, Sienna Rakestraw Singer (Dan) of River Forest, IL with their children August and Beatrix, and Brandon Rakestraw (Shannon) of Frisco, TX with their children, Mason, Memphis, McAlister, Montgomery Jean and Miller. Bob and Roberta had many cats, birds, fish and even a pet rabbit.

Most important to Bob was supporting his children and grandchildren in their educational achievements and being their biggest champion at athletic competitions and religious activities. As Bob’s life is complete, may we realize that loving him was the best gift of all.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 am Thursday July 2, 2026 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Houston SPCA and Salvation Army. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Nancy L. Heitz

Nancy L. Heitz, age 91 of Vermont, Illinois, passed away at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at her home. She was born on April 22, 1935 in Astoria, Illinois, the daughter of Roman and Lulu (Emig) Little. On January 24, 1953, Nancy married Cecil Heitz in Astoria. He preceded her in death on July 26, 1999.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two daughters; Becky Crossman and Kathy Coats, great-granddaughter Harper Heitz, two sisters; Shirley Werner and Mary Ellen Wickert and two brothers; Phil and Jim Little.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Susie (and Scotty) Parr and her son Chris (and Kelly) Heitz, both of Vermont, two son-in-law; Bob Coats of Bushnell, Illinois and Monte Crossman of Astoria, eight grandchildren; Jenny (and Tim) Elliott, Jessica Young, Buffy (and Brett) Barnhart, Bailey (and Aaron) Bucher, Kylie Coats, Ryan (and Ashlie) Heitz, Aaron (and Stephanie) Heitz and Michael (and Abbie) Heitz, and fifteen great-grandchildren; Carmen, Savannah, Marshall, Bennett, Micah, Cale, Owen, Addie, Ellie, Easton, Everly, Ainsley, Roman, Jay and Madeline.

Nancy was a member of Grace Bible Church in Astoria. She was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She showed HIS love through caring for her family and her church family. Nancy was a gifted quilter and gardener. She loved tending to her flowers, especially gladiolus, which she would share with family and friends. She also enjoyed sharing her love of baking, especially her beautiful and delicious pies and loved showing her grandchildren how it was done! Nancy always made sure that her family and church family had a card for their birthday or other season of life.

Services for Nancy will be held on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Tyler Watson will officiate. Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 28th from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Grace Bible Church in Astoria or the Vermont Fire and Rescue Squad.

Greg S. Mills

Greg S. Mills, 56, of Canton, passed away, Thursday, June 18, 2026, at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born in Springfield, Missouri, on July 26, 1969, to Scott V. Mills, and Glynda J. (Cawthra).

He is preceded in death by his father Scott, and brother Bruce Mills.

Greg is survived by his mother Glynda J. (William) Linder, son Jordan (Cherish) Mills, daughter, Abby Mills, sister Jessica (Jesse) Howald, grandson, Everett Mills, several nieces and nephews, previous wife Barbara Sutphen, and step daughter, Jaideen Walter.

Greg moved to Illinois in 1990 and worked in construction, building homes and completing a variety of other projects before serving six years with the Canton Police Department. He later returned to construction, where he worked alongside his son for several years.

Greg enjoyed woodworking and had a passion for flying airplanes out of Canton Ingersoll Airport. He also loved photography, spending time outdoors, and watching the sunset.

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

Brenda C. Cape

Brenda C. Cape, 82, of Peoria, formerly of Elmwood, passed away at 7:20 a.m., on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare in Peoria. She was born July 18, 1943, in Long Island, NY, to Clifford and Eula (Ozment) Gorham.

Brenda married the love of her life, Jim Williams, in 1963. He preceded her in death in 2005. She later married her lifelong friend, Evert Cape, in 2007. He preceded her in death in 2023.

Brenda is survived by one son, Hank Williams of Elmwood; four brothers, Sonny (Susan) Gorham, David (Joan) Gorham, Lloyd (Kris) Gorham, and Scott (Patty) Gorham; one sister, Tammie Richardson; and two grandchildren, Jessica (Johnny) Mathis and Sawyer Williams.

Brenda is also preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Dolores Hamilton.

Brenda loved taking care of her flowers. She also enjoyed reading, playing word games, traveling, and spending time with her grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Elmwood Fire Department and B.Y.E. Ambulance.

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

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

Jeanne M. Meehan

Jeanne M. Meehan, 59 of Table Grove, Illinois, passed away at 7:04 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026 at the McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois. She was born on March 17, 1967 in Havana, Illinois, the daughter of William and Margaret (Edsall) Branson. She married Rob Meehan on February 22, 1992 in Ipava, Illinois. He survives.

Jeanne is also survived by her parents, Bill and Margaret Branson of Ipava, her sister Mari (and John) Branson of Jacksonville, Florida, brothers Jon (and Ketra) and Steve (and Jo) Branson, all of Ipava, her mother-in-law Norma Meehan of Astoria, Illinois, brothers-in-law Dick (and Stacey) Meehan of Astoria and Danny Taylor of Canton, Illinois, nieces and nephews; Tom and Brittany Branson, Zeke and Lauren Meehan, Rachel and Duncan Rein, Zeb and Sara Meehan, Jordan Fouts, Gerad and Hina Fouts, Ben Mairs, Sarah Mairs, Audry (and Kurgan Macias) Branson and J.J. (and Cody) Montgomery, 4 great-nephews and 2 great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clio and Evelyn Branson and Merril and Mildred Edsall, father-in-law Jim Meehan and sister-in-law Gina Meehan-Taylor.

Jeanne was a 1985 graduate of VIT High School and a 1989 University of Florida graduate with a Bachelors of Science degree in Health Sciences. She first worked at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois as an Occupational Therapist for 2 years before going to McDonough District Hospital in Macomb, Illinois where she worked for 34 years from 1992 until her passing.

She loved to travel and spend time with her family and friends. She loved her family and treated all her nieces and nephews as her own, being a mother to many, making sure they were clothed and shod, due to her love for shopping.

Jeanne also enjoyed crafting. She was a licensed Volleyball official in the State Of Illinois and enjoyed playing softball and volleyball.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25th from 5-7 p.m. at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26th at 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Tom Carlock will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jeanne’s memory may be given to McDonough District Hospital Home Health Care.

Kenneth M. Gouveia

Kenneth Martin Gouveia, 78, of rural Bath passed away peacefully, at his home on Thursday, June 18th. He was born on January 27, 1948, to Martin and Madeline Gouveia in Acushnet, MA.

He married Jeanne Elaine Keithley, January 18th, 1987, in Lake Tahoe, California. He is survived by his two children, Tana Mendoza and Martin Gouveia and brothers Bary and Bruce Gouveia.
He was preceded in death by his beloved parents and wife.
Ken worked as a well-known contractor with his dad in San Francisco and Half Moon Bay areas for many years. He later moved to Illinois with his wife. He was fond of Norwegian Elk Hounds and had several named Loki over the years.
He was a distinguished Vietnam Veteran, who was wounded three times in combat.
No services are planned.
Memorial donations may be made in Ken's name to 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.

Gary Brush

Gary Brush, 78, of Ipava, Passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

He was born on November 19, 1947 in Canton to Ernest and Nelda (Shawgo) Brush.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia (Brooks) Brush. They were married on March 21, 1999 in Marietta.

Also surviving are his children, Jennie Brush-Fawcett of Banner, Sandy (Dean) Roddis of Ipava, grandchildren, Garrett Fawcett, Sarah (Kurt Duncan) Roddis, great grandchildren, Alexis Kruzan, Abagail Kruzan, Gauge Kruzan, Ethan Walljasper and one great great grandchild, Barrett Chapai.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Lisa Parry, one sister, Linda May, one grandchild, Erik Bucher and his beloved dog, Brooks.

Gary Graduated from Lewistown High School where he lettered in sports. He first worked for International Harvester. He later attended Tulsa Welding School and then worked for Morton Metal Craft from where he retired. He was a member of the Nazarene Church in Havana. Gary enjoyed the outdoors. He could be found working in his garden and simply enjoying nature.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A graveside burial of his ashes will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026 at 2pm, at the Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown with Rev Sue Ann Roat officiating.

Memorials may be made to Fulton County Humane Society.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com