Shane L. Copher

Shane L. Copher, 35, of Brimfield, passed away at 2:45 a.m., on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Carle Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL, after a courageous nine-month battle with cancer.

Shane was born August 1, 1991, in Gibson City, IL, to Nancee (Persons) Filley.

Shane married the love of his life, Molly Gass, on November 25, 2025, in Peoria, IL. She survives.

Shane is also survived by his mother; his two children, Eli Gunter and Tucker Gunter; his mamaw, Linda Persons; his uncle, Chanc (Josie) Persons; and his two cousins, Raechel and Clay.

Shane is preceded in death by his grandfather, Herb, and his uncle, Monte.

Shane went to MTI where he was a certified HVAC Technician and provided for his family as a proud truck driver. He enjoyed fishing, playing XBOX, and riding motorcycles. His favorite past time was anything involving his wife and his children; he was proud of all of them. He was ever present at soccer games and trap meets. He enjoyed listening to Molly talk science. Shane was also a member of the Brimfield Union Church.

A funeral service will be held at noon on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held the same day prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Cremation rites will then be accorded.

Memorials may be made to Shane’s children, Eli and Tucker.

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

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

Gloria Wages

Gloria Wages, 84, of Canton, passed away, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Sunset Manor in Canton.

She was born in Decatur, on January 4, 1942, to Donald and Gladys (Aubert) Mellinger. They preceded her in death.

Gloria is survived by three children, Lee Anne Bork of Canton Ohio, Mike (Shannon) Wages of Canton Illinois, and Jim Wages of St. David Illinois, three grandchildren, Alex Bork of Peoria Illinois, Kyle Bork of Springhill Florida, and Rachel (Andres Jr.) Perez of Canton Ohio, and three great grandchildren, Andres III Perez, Boston Perez and Liza Perez

Gloria worked at the Canton Family YMCA, and lastly at Sunset Manor in Canton. She enjoyed music, dancing, traveling and antiquing and visiting with her friends and family.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Interment of her ashes will be held at a later date in her home town, at Cerro Gordo Cemetery

Lyle J. LaFollett

Lyle James LaFollett, 83, of Brimfield, Illinois, passed away on August 19, 2026.

Lyle was born on September 19, 1942, in Brimfield to George “Pete” LaFollett and Cecile (Largent) LaFollett. He grew up in Brimfield and remained deeply connected to the community and the life he built there.

A Vietnam veteran, Lyle proudly served his country in the United States Army. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic. He worked as both a mechanic and a farmer and, over the years, was employed by Pabst Brewery, Butternut Bakery, LaFollett Lath and Plastering, and LaFollett Trucking.

Lyle married Sharon (Jonas) LaFollett on April 20, 1968. Together, they raised their family and shared a life centered around the people they loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. More than anything, Lyle loved his family and could always be counted on to help whenever someone needed him. He was hardworking, generous, kindhearted, and dependable—the kind of person who would do anything for the people he loved.

He enjoyed fishing, farming, visiting with family, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. Some of his family’s favorite memories are of Lyle cooking for everyone and simply being there whenever he was needed. He also had a legendary sweet tooth and was always happy to make a trip for a snack and a cola. Those small, familiar things will be among the many memories that make his family smile when they think of him.

Lyle is survived by his children, Mike (Luciane) LaFollett, Carin (Dave) Purtle, Lori (Ray) Vallas, and Cadie (Jerry) Adkins; his grandchildren, Allyson (Zach) Terry, Ben Adkins, Megan Vallas, Joseph (Chloe) LaFollett, Grace (Miles) Danner, Elizabeth Vallas (fiancé Chris Hernandez), Thomas Adkins, and Sydney Purtle; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon LaFollett; his parents, Pete and Cecile LaFollett; and his siblings, Evelyn Stage, George E. LaFollett, and Donald LaFollett.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Swan Lake Memory Gardens, where Lyle will be laid to rest with military honors.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at Brimfield Evangelical Free Church in Brimfield, Illinois, with a meal and time of fellowship immediately following. Arrangements are being handled by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to Brimfield Evangelical Free Church.

Lyle will be remembered not only for how hard he worked, but for how generously he loved his family and how reliably he showed up for them. His family will miss him deeply and will carry with them the countless ordinary moments that made life with him so special.

Nona Jean Emerson

Nona Jean Emerson, 100, of Edwards, IL, passed away at 2:05 PM on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, IL. She was born on April 22, 1926 in Hanna City, IL, to Ernest and Beulah (Hurt) Fryman. She married Paul D. Emerson on November 16, 1945. He preceded her in death.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Christine Bell and three brothers.

She is survived by one son, Gary Emerson; five grandchildren, Kimberly Smith, Aaron Sutter, Asher Emerson, Zebulon Emerson, and Timothy Bell; nine great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Doris Ann Fryman; and one son-in-law, Tom Bell.

Nona enjoyed sewing and camping. She also volunteered at Methodist Hospital and the Farmington Nursing Home.

Graveside service will be held at 11 AM on Monday, August 31, 2026 at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, IL. Chaplin Scot Shelburne will officiate. Memorials may be made to a local animal shelter of your choice or The Greater Peoria Honor Flight. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Marvin Anthony Smith

Marvin Anthony Smith, 85, of Havana, passed away at his sister’s home at 9:35 a.m., on Thursday, August 13, 2026. He was born July 22, 1941, in Havana, Illinois, to Ernest and Mary (Shirley) Smith. He married Bonnie Dobson, whom he later divorced, but remained close friends.

Mr. Smith is survived by two sisters: Fay (Michael) Berg, and Bessie Grubbs, both of Havana; as well as several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and six siblings: Donna Kay, Ernest Jr., Bonnie, Jim, Sally, and Rose.

Mr. Smith served in the US Army for five years, where he earned a marksmanship medal. He later was a member of VFW Post #6408, in Havana, and American Legion Post #496, in Mason City. He enjoyed riding motorcycles and horses. He was a gun enthusiast who also enjoyed playing pool, and watching Matt Dillon shows. He was a truck driver for most of his life. He started with Don Smith trucking, and retired from Havana Culverts after many years.

Cremation rites have been accorded and graveside services will be held at Laurel Hill Cemetery, in Havana, at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, August 28, 2026.

Memorial contributions may be made to a disabled veterans’ organization of the donor’s choice. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home, in Havana, is in charge of arrangements.