Larry Post

Rev. Larry A. Post, 76, of Lewistown, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born December 8, 1949, in Canton, the son of Claude and Victoria (Glad) Post. He married Catherine Hadsall on February 14, 1970, in Canton. She survives.

Also surviving are five children: Larra (Jeremy) Ford of Pikeville, TN; Dr. Larry A. (Ronda) Post II of Maywood, MO; Reverend Jon (Carol) Post of Peoria; Torrie (Kyle) Wilkinson of Peoria; and Charlie (Kathy) Hayner III of Keokuk, IA; one brother, Terry Post (the late Sandy) of Bartonville; one sister, Pat (Roger) Weese of Cuba; eighteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Larry was also deeply loved by many “bonus families,” including Janet and Johnny O’Neill, Sam and Amy Tollison, and Deanna and the late Dean Frey. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters.

Larry graduated from the Lewistown Community High School Class of 1968. He worked as a mechanic for Black Chevrolet in Lewistown for 20 years before following God’s call into ministry. He graduated from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, in 1992 and became an ordained minister through the Illinois District Assemblies of God. Larry faithfully pastored churches in Carthage, Aledo, and Winchester before retiring in 2025. He also served as a school bus driver for several area school districts over the years.

Larry was known for his kindness, steady presence, and deep faith in Jesus. He never met a stranger, and everyone was always welcome in his home and around his table. Over the years, he became a dad, mentor, and encourager to many extra “kids” who needed someone to listen, guide, and care. Larry had a way of making people feel safe, valued, and loved. He grounded his advice and the way he lived his life in the Word of God, faithfully pointing others back to Christ through both his words and his example. He enjoyed reading, gardening, canning, baking cookies, and especially spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Burial of ashes will be at 10 AM at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown Saturday June 6, 2026.

Visitation will follow the burial at 11 AM at Canton Assembly of God. A memorial service will be held at 12 noon at Canton Assembly of God with Pastor Craig Yarde officiating. A meal will follow the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Myrtle Alice Bennett

Myrtle Alice Bennett, 86, of Vermont, IL, passed away at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at her home. She was born on September 26, 1939, the daughter of William Albert and Myrtle Lillian (Worley) Malone. She married Ernie Bennett in August 1981 in Beardstown, IL. He survives.

She is also survived by three children; James Vaughn of Vermont, Tanya Miley of Timewell, IL and Laura Norris of Havana, IL, 10 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren, and one sister; Patsy Mayes.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one son; Roger Dale Vaughn, one brother; Bill Malone and one sister; Alberta Walters.

Alice worked as a custodian at VIT High School. She also worked at Stevens Publishing in Astoria, IL for several years. She was also a homemaker.

Her number one love in life was the Lord. She was a devout Christian and loved gospel music. She also loved country music and singing karaoke with her grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening and fishing.

A visitation will be held from 2 to 5 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Cremation rites will be accorded after the visitation and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Daniel Edward Wherley

Daniel Edward Wherley, of Table Grove, IL, passed away at 3:39 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 in Macomb, IL. He was born on March 16, 1947 in Macomb, the son of Pius Wendell and Marjorie Louise (Palmer) Wherley. He married Mary Jo Mayall on September 4, 1965 in Ipava, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his two sons; Daniel Joe (and Chris) Wherley of Ipava, IL and John Edward (and Erin) Wherley of Table Grove, nine grandchildren; Brandie (and Matt) Hickle, Kayla (and Eric) Cleland, Justin Wherley, Josh Coakley, Daniel Joe (and Chelsea) Wherley, Danielle Wherley, Michael Wherley, Braxton Wherley and Dalton Rutledge, eighteen great-grandchildren; Triton (and Madison), Shane (and Kalissa), Tyson and Nova Hickle, Cyrus, Athena, Paxton, Xavier and Xander Cleland, Kennadi, Olivia and Leo Wherley, Sal and JD Coakley, Adalynn Wherley, Breyden, Dresden and Phoenix Rutledge, one great-great-grandson; Beckem Hickle, and one sister, Beverly (and Tom) Yocum of Lewistown, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Cheyenne Rutledge and his brother; Larry Wherley.

Ed was a welder at International Harvester for 30 years.

He was a member of the Ipava Sons of the American Legion. He was a die-hard sports fan, no matter the sport. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing and camping, but mostly loved his family, their holiday gatherings and parties.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Private graveside services will be held. A Celebration of Ed's life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026 at the Ipava American Legion. All family and friends are invited to attend. Memorials in Ed's memory may be given to the Ipava American Legion or the Sons of the Ipava American Legion.

Doris Jean Rowe

Doris Jean Rowe, 96 of Lewistown, passed away at 4:44 pm Wednesday May 12, 2026 at Graham Hospital.

She was born December 19, 1929 at Havana, the daughter of Alford W. and Margie I. (Lynch) Watson. She married Charles E. “Whitey” Rowe Jr. on July 23, 1949 at Canton. He preceded her in death on December 7, 2014. She was also preceded by one son, Mike Rowe, one grandchild, two brothers, and one sister. Survivors include two children, Sheryl McCance of Canton, and Galen (Barbara) Rowe of Missouri, a daughter in-law, Marie Rowe of Havana, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Doris was a homemaker and a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church. She enjoyed crafting, sewing, and drawing.

A graveside service will be held at 11 am Saturday May 16, 2026 at Oak Hill Cemetery with Pastor Mike Arnett officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10-10:45 am at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society or Clayberg Nursing Home. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Sonja Goyen

Sonja Churchill Goyen, 82, of Canton, passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at

Farmington Village Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Farmington, Illinois. Sonja was born

in Canton, Illinois, on August 24, 1943, to the late James W. and Maxine P. Ellis. She

treasured the lifelong friendships she made while growing up in Banner. She attended

grade school there and graduated from Canton High School in the class of 1961. She later

was employed by Graham Hospital for many years.

Sonja is survived by her husband, Les Goyen; three sons, Mike Churchill, of Peoria; Ed

Churchill, of Normal; and Brad Churchill, of Sun City, Arizona; a sister, Janet Peterson, of

Corvallis, Montana; a brother, James F. Ellis, of Owensboro, Kentucky; 12

grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Sonja was

preceded in death by a grandson, Cory James Churchill and her first husband, Edward B.

Churchill.

A private family service has been completed. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Theodore "Ted" G. Mottaz

Theodore “Ted” Gene Mottaz, 78, of Elmwood, passed away at 6:15 p.m., on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Farmington Village Nursing Rehabilitation Center.

He was born January 19, 1948, in Peoria, IL, to Orin R. and Roletta (Dikeman) Mottaz.

Ted married Janet Shortness on December 23, 1970, in London Mills. She survives.

Ted is also survived by 2 children, Phillip (Rachel) Mottaz of Sun Valley, CA, and Emily (Joe) Webel of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Anna, Josie, Amelia, Jack, Mary, and Caroline Webel, and Henry Mottaz; two brothers, Steven Mottaz of Yates City and Jeff (Karen) Mottaz of Elmwood; and one sister, Jeannine (Jim) McCullough of Rio, IL.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sarah Marie.

Ted attended ROVA schools and graduated from Yates City High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University and began his agriculture teaching career at Carthage High School. From there he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam as a combat infantry radio operator in the Central Highlands region and DaNang. He achieved the rank of sergeant and was awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star.

When he returned, he taught agriculture at ROVA High School. He earned a Master of Science from Southern Illinois University, and then taught at Carl Sandburg College, preparing students for both the workplace and for transferring to a 4-year university. He challenged his students to be leaders by being actively engaged at the local and national levels.

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In Knox County, he was a member and president of the Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, Soil and Water, Farm Bureau Foundation, and FSA Committee. For Illinois, he held leadership positions in the FFA Foundation, Council for Ag Education, Illinois Association for Community College Ag Instructors, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Nutrient Resource Education Council, and Corn Growers. Nationally, he was board member and chairman for the National Council for Ag Education and national delegate and Action Team Chairperson for the National Corn Growers.

He received the Honorary American Farmer Degree, Knox County Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, Knox County Ag Roundtable Award, Knox County 4-H Alumni Award, and was designated an Illinois Master Farmer.

In his community, he held various offices in the Oneida and Elmwood United Methodist Churches, was mayor of Oneida, and chair of the Elmwood Zoning Board.

He accomplished all this while farming with his father and brother in Knox and Peoria Counties, putting into practice what he taught his students about productivity, innovation, and stewardship.

He spent his life determined to balance agricultural advances with the knowledge that our Earth is finite.

In retirement, he gradually traded his meetings for activities with his children and grandchildren, showing up loyally at all events from musicals to sports and cattle shows.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held the night before from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the church. Burial with military rites will be held at Lyons Cemetery near London Mills.

Memorials may be made to the Elmwood United Methodist Church and the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation.

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

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

Ruth Avery

Ruth Avery of Canton, IL died at 8:55 AM on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Red Oak Estates in Canton, IL.

She was born in Mound Township in McDonough County to Burley and Margaret (Price) Parker. They preceded her in death.

She married Don Avery on March 8, 1942 in Palmyra, MO. He also preceded her in death.

Ruth is survived by her children, Garry Avery, of Springfield, MO, and Steve Avery, of Jolliet, IL; four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one son, Larry Avery, of Canton, IL, and her three brothers, Harold Parker, of Springfield, IL,  Duane Parker, of Macomb, IL,  and Wendell (Porky) Parker, of IL.

Ruth was a homemaker, and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, May 15, 2026 at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens in Macomb, IL. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com