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.

Janet Elizabeth Bowers

Janet Elizabeth Bowers, of Bushnell, Illinois, passed away at her home in Bushnell at 6:53 AM on August 24, 2026. Janet was born in Macomb, Illinois, the daughter of Arlo and Mildred (Norris) Robinson. On April 19, 1969, she married James “Jimmie” Melvin Bowers in Galesburg, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 21 2019.

Janet was a graduate of Bushnell-Prairie City High School. She worked for Maytag for more than 20 years and later owned and operated a women’s boutique, The Body Shop, in Galesburg. She eventually returned to Bushnell, where she worked for the City of Bushnell until her retirement.

The middle child of nine siblings, Janet grew up surrounded by family, something that remained especially important to her throughout her life. She loved flowers and gardening and had a natural artistic and creative ability. She enjoyed crafting and creating wreaths, funeral arrangements, and gifts for others. More than anything, Janet treasured her family and especially enjoyed the times when everyone could gather together.

Janet is survived by her son, James John Bower of Bushnell; daughter, Jenifer Janiene Bower of Bushnell; two bonus daughters, Roxanna Ford and Allison Jacobs; granddaughter, Lillian-Elizabeth Bower of Alvin, Texas; grandson, Michael Steinberg of Glenview, Illinois; and her siblings, Judy Robinson of Blandinsville, Jane Evans of Stronghurst, Cynthia (Wes) Bourn of Burlington, Iowa, Jim Robinson of Prairie City, Kevin Robinson of Bushnell, and Kelly (John) Archer of Burlington, Iowa; two longtime special friends, Jeanne Hentzen (Mimi) of Arizona and Brenda Kirby (sisterfriend) of Bushnell, IL; and her faithful protector Bentley John. She is also survived by several loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jimmie; her brother, John Robinson; and her sister, Jenifer Robinson.

Cremation Rites have been accorded by Martin-Hollis Funeral Home. Private burial of ashes will be held at Mt. Auburn Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.