Sueann Goldie Hunkeapillar

Sueann Goldie Hunkeapillar, 79, of Ipava, IL, passed on Thursday April 2 at 7:34 AM in the comfort of her home. She was born on June 29, 1946, in Peoria, IL to Ruth (DeMoss) Smith an Earl Smith. She has one brother; Andy (and Kathy) Smith of East Peoria, IL. She was preceded in death by two brothers; Frank Palladini and Earl Smith, and two sisters, Donna Barton, and Veronica Aldridge.

She had many nieces and nephews who have fond memories of holidays in her home. She was a wonderful cook and loved decorating for the holidays! She married Bobby Ray Hunkeapillar Sr. on July 27th, 1966 in Peoria Illinois, they shared 59 years of marriage. He proceeded her in death on February 17, 2025. She has two daughters; Donna (and Rick) Walters of Astoria, IL and Tammy Chambers of Lewistown, IL, she has two sons, Bobby (and Lisa) Hunkeapillar of Montrose, IA and Jack (and Sue) Hunkeapillar of Ipava, IL. Jack preceded Sueann in death. she has 11 grandchildren, two step grandchildren, and 16 Great grandchildren.

Sue enjoyed remodeling her home quite often, and did her own painting and wallpapering for many years, as well as doing that type of work for others professionally. She had also been a waitress at Baverys in Lewistown and later worked at the Pop n Shop in Ipava. She enjoyed horseback riding, canning and attending car shows where she showed a beautiful truck with biblical paintings on it. She spent many hours in recent years doing her word search books. She will be deeply missed.

Cathy S. Johnson

Canton- Cathy S. Johnson, 78, of Canton, passed away at 4:52 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on April 12, 1947 in Galesburg, a daughter of Giles and Maxine (Anderson) Drake. She was formerly married to Earle Johnson.

Surviving are her daughters, Lori (Istvan) Szabo of Macomb; Tricia (Thomas) Wages of Ellisville; three grandchildren, Jessica (Colton) Roberts, Andrea (Paul) Pollitt, Anna Szabo; five great-grandchildren, Charlie & Eleanor Roberts, Autumn, Benjamin & Lainey Pollitt; sister, Vicki (Robert) Pruett of Maquon, and brother, Mark Drake of Poplar Grove, Illinois.

Preceding Cathy in death were her parents, and an infant sister, Pamela Drake.

Cathy was a devoted member of the First Church of the Nazarene, where she faithfully served on the church board and was actively involved in Sunday school. She had a love for travel, especially enjoyed trips to Chicago, and walks around Lakeland Park or you could find her most mornings at the gym. Cathy was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan, cheering them on through every season. Above all, she will be remembered for the deep love and joy she found in her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and her church family.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, April 12, 2026 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory, where visitation will be from 12:00 PM (Noon) until the time of the services. Rev. Matt Oost will officiate. Burial will follow the services, and take place in Avon Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the ALS Association (ALS.org) or to First Church of the Nazarene. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Linda Van Clief

Linda Van Clief, 78, passed away, Friday, April 3, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Linda was born in Jacksonville Florida, on November 23, 1947 and resided and raised her family there until 2018, when she moved to Glasford. She was born to Sammie and Ina Lee (Sarrells) Stephens. They preceded her in death.

Linda married Bruce Van Clief on August 3, 1978, in Jacksonville, Florida. They shared 46 years of marriage before he passed away in December of 2024.

She is survived by two children, Lisa (David) Bergevin of Canton, and Daniel (Tiffany) Bowden - Van Clief of Florida, she was known as “Big Granny” to five grandchildren, Hannah (Emily) Allene, Sophia (Kyle) Malin, Ashley Van Clief, Jessica Van Clief, and Morgan Van Clief, six great grandchildren, Ryleigh, Skyla, Raine, Indra, Jameson, Ezra, and one more on the way, sister in law, Nancy Van Clief, niece Tracy Van Clief, and great niece, Amanda (Tyler) McNeil.

Linda worked with her husband at the Machine shop “Southern Machine and Fabrication” in Jacksonville, Florida. She was an avid scrapbooker and card maker and enjoyed the friendship she had with her “Creative As You Want To Be” family. Most of all Linda enjoyed taking her grandchildren to the beach, pool and as many adventures they could find.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Garth Pearson

Garth Frank Pearson, 88, of Yates City, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at home surrounded by his family and beloved dog, Millie.

He was bo

rn on March 18, 1938, to Benjamin Franklin and Dixie Ollie (Billingsley) Pearson. They preceded him in death, along with his brother Fletch (Jeanne) Pearson and sister Dana (George) Depew.

Garth is survived by his wife of 61 years, Paula Kaye (Nott) Pearson, whom he married on December 5, 1964.

He is also survived by his five children: Audra (Joseph) Marino, Ann (Pearson) Nolan, Frank (Melissa) Pearson, Amber (Steven) Williams, and Amanda Pearson; eight grandchildren: Zachary Nolan, Jared Marino, Alena (Kyle) Killion, Kelsey Pearson, Kaitlyn Gray, William (Anna) Pearson, Marisa Marino, and Charlotte Pearson; and five great-grandchildren: Aliyah Killion, Kody Killion, Adilyn Killion, Kooper Killion, and Ezra Pearson.

Garth graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in 1956, then attended Western Illinois University and later Bradley University.

In 1957, he began an apprenticeship as a machinist with Caterpillar Tractor Company, which he completed in 1966 after pausing to enlist in the United States Army in 1961 for Machine Design.

Upon his discharge in 1963, Garth had obtained the rank of E-5 Specialist Combat Engineer in the 4th Infantry Division of the Engineer Corps and was awarded Expert Marksman status.

Following his military service, Garth returned to Caterpillar, where he had a fulfilling 42-year career as a machinist and engineer, often traveling to Europe. He retired in 1999.

Garth was a longtime member of the Freemasonry Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Illinois, Temple Lodge No. 46, serving as a Master Mason for 65 years. He was also recognized by the Scottish Rite Freemasonry of the Valley of Peoria as a 32nd Degree Master Mason for 60 years.

He enjoyed farming, music—especially John Denver’s Today—watching Homestead Rescue, and spending time with his wife, family, and friends. He often shared words of wisdom, his favorite saying being, “It’s a great life if you don’t weaken.”

A private service will be held for family per his request.

Burial will be at the White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Hospice of Galesburg.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

William M. Bass

Canton- William M. Bass, 87, of Canton, passed away at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at The Loft of Canton. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Shelbyville, Indiana, a son of Verle and Ruth (Kanouse) Bass. He married Evelyn J. Arnett on May 7, 1960 at St. Louis Crossing Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2022 in Canton.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, and a brother.

Surviving is his best friend and caregiver for the last several years, Donna Hebb of Lewistown.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, from which he honorably retired. Following his military service, he continued his strong work ethic, working for Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store in Canton.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Nathan L. Allen

Nathan Levi Allen, 45, of Yukon Oklahoma, formerly of Astoria Illinois, succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Sarah, family and friends as he transitioned on his next journey.

He was born on November 14, 1980, son of DeeVon Mummert-Schisler (Wendell) of Astoria, Illinois and Kent (Debbie) Allen of Jacksonville Illinois. They survive. Nathan is survived by two sisters, Miranda (Jacob) Hoppock of Twin Falls, Idaho and Tara (Damon) Sherrod of Astoria, Illinois, one brother Brenton (Jenna) Allen of Jacksonville, Illinois, his grandmothers Patsy Layne of Manito, Illinois, Loretta Mummert of Macomb Illinois as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Len Allen of Rushville, Bob Mummert of Astoria and Terry Layne of Manito, Illinois and grandmother Donna Cockerill of Rushville Illinois.

Nathan married the absolute love of his life, Sarah (Martinez) Allen, on July 8, 2023. He also left behind his children; two sons; Levi and Rain and his daughter Scarlett. Included also he left behind bonus children; Jaqulyn, Savannah, Nichole, Cailey and Malik, and five grandchildren; Kaiden, Juliann, Koa, KyAire and Zalyus.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held on April 18 from 2 to 4 pm with a service to follow at Shawgo Funeral Home in Astoria Illinois. Jonny Mummert will be officiating. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Oklahoma on April 25, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County.

William "Bill" Blankenship

William "Bill"  Blankenship, 81, of Canton, passed away at 10:40 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Farmington Village in Farmington. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of William and Betty (Milburn) Blankenship. He married Mary Sass in 1993 in Las Vagas, Nevada. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Greg (Donna) Blankenship of Metamora; Jeff (Donna) Blankenship of Wisconsin; Tammy (Ed) Heap of Smithfield, twelve grandchildren, Shawn & Shannon Malivuk, Brad & Samantha Vaughn; Amanda & Chris Brannan; Austin Blankenship, Jonathan Heitzman, Jimmy Davies, Ryan Hughes, Wyatt, and Hunter Heap; brother, Gary; sisters, Ginger and Karen.

Preceding William in death were his parents.

William dedicated many years of service working at Caterpillar before continuing his career as a court officer with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He was a proud member of the Masons and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. William had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or simply enjoying nature.

Per William’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com