Mark Ellsworth

Mark Ellsworth, 70, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Sunset Manor in Canton.

He was born on July 31, 1955 in Canton to John and Donita (Ague) Ellsworth. They preceded him in death.

Surviving is his brothers, Jeff Ellsworth of Canton, John Robert “Rob” (Bobbi) Ellsworth of Dunfermline and his sister, Lori Appleberg of Lewistown.

Mark enjoyed the outdoors and spent most of his spare time fishing. He played guitar in local bands and competed in Canton’s battle of the bands. He was a fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A graveside burial of his ashes will be held at the White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 11am.

Memorials may be made to the Donor’s Choice.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Carole Elaine DeMotte

Carole Elaine DeMotte, 82 of Lewistown, passed away at 5:13 PM on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton. She was born on December 28, 1943 in Canton, a daughter of Dean and Maxine (Randall) Smith. She married the love of her life, Larry DeMotte on June 20, 1964 at the Christian Church of Lewistown. He survives.

Also surviving are her daughters, Terresa (Barry) Blackwell of Cuba; Tracy (Galen) Miller of Lewistown; two grandchildren, Christopher (Andrea) Blackwell; Cara (Dana Peifer) Blackwell, and one great granddaughter, Charlotte Jean Blackwell.

Preceding Carole in death were her parents, and brother David D. Smith.

Carole was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who found great joy in caring for her family and home. As a dedicated housewife, she took pride in the simple pleasures of life, especially sewing and spending time searching for treasures at yard sales. Carole was also a member of the Christian Church of Lewistown.

Per Carole wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Raymond Bair, Jr.

Raymond Bair, Jr., 73, of Canton, passed away on March 7, 2026 at the Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born on April 27, 1952 in Canton to Raymond and Vivian (Gibson) Bair Sr. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Peggy Shue and nephew Windle Shue Jr.

Surviving are nephews and nieces; Bryane Shue, Vivian Shue, Jesse Shue, Rainn Shue, Kendall Shue, Trenten Williams, Lyllianna Shue, Merideth Shue, Jasper Palley, Raymond Shue, Robbert Shue and Kathy Shue.

Raymond was an Army Veteran and volunteered as a EMT for Canton Fire and Rescue.

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

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Timothy "Tim" Holt

Timothy "Tim" Holt, 74, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026 at Sunset Manor in Canton.

He was born on June 11, 1951 in Streator to Robert V. and Mary (Brannan) Holt.

They preceded him in death along with, his sisters, Sharon Brannon, Barbara Clarkson, brother Michael Holt, Aunt Joan Holt and his lifelong best friend and caregiver, Lisa Biswell, whom helped him through the hardest times and adopted him into her family. Tim never missed a holiday or special event with Lisa and her family who loved him dearly.

Surviving are his children, Crystal (Joseph) Henderson of Canton, Chris (Katlyn) Holt of Havana, five grandchildren, and Lisa’s niece, Erika Riley.

Tim started working at Sunset Nursing home in the housekeeping Department in the early 1980’s until 2014 becoming a resident in 2015. He was devoted to his work and took great pride in what he did. He enjoyed collecting eagles and watching old westerns. His favorite holiday was Christmas and loved singing Christmas carols. He was a Chicago Cubs and Bears fan.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. There will be no services.

Memorials may be made to the Activities Department at Sunset Nursing Home.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Jason Eugene Reith

Jason Eugene Reith, 53, of Canton, IL, passed away at 6:24 AM on Friday, February 27, 2026 at his home. He was born on October 10, 1972 in Canton, IL, to Richard McCloskey Jr. and Martha (Reith) McCloskey. He married Gail Lafary. They share a marriage of 29 years. She survives. 

He is survived by two children, Kirstyn (Layne Wright) Reith and Lucas Reith; one granddaughter, Frankie K. Wright; two sisters, Haley Timmons and Cory Artman; maternal grandma, Sarahann (the late Ronald) Reith; and best friend, Benny Artman.

He is preceded in death by his parents; paternal grandparents, Donita and Richard McCloskey Sr.; great-grandma, Hermina (Guy) St. Clair; and beloved dog, Mugzie.

Jason worked for the Department of Agriculture. He also worked for Pekin Hospital for 19 years. Jason enjoyed gaming, computers, outdoors, tinkering, camping, and he loved his corvette.

Jason was also in the Army Reserve.

Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Rev. Shane Smith will officiate. Visitation will be held the same day from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wells Fargo Bank in Canton, IL, in care of his granddaughter Frankie Wright. To view Jason’s DVD or to make an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Dorothy Venturi

Dorothy Venturi, 88, of Farmington, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026. She was born on May 10, 1937 in Farmington to Angeline and Earl “Buck” Butler. She married Vic Venturi on November 3, 1957. He preceded her in death in 2006. She was employed by Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO) for 30 years. She is survived by Eileen Peerless, sister of La Plata, Maryland and David Peerless, nephew of Chesapeake, Maryland.

She will be buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington.

Kenneth “Hap” Howard

Kenneth “Hap” Howard of Peoria, formerly of Elmwood, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

Hap was born November 23, 1932, to Joseph and Nina (Threw) Howard, in Peoria, IL.

Hap married Jacqueline Ekena on July 4, 1964, at the Lutheran Church in Brimfield. She preceded him in death on November 16, 1974. Hap then married Nancy Wagner on April 25, 1975, at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Elmwood. She preceded him in death on October 7, 2025.

Hap is survived by three children, Debra (Roger) Windish of Elmwood, Rodney (Michelle) Andrews of Elmwood, and Christine (Tony) Johnson of Choctaw, OK; 12 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Hap is preceded in death by his parents and one son, Chad Howard.

Hap graduated Elmwood High School in 1951. He attended Western University for a short time and then was drafted into the Army; Hap was a proud Korean War Veteran. He then helped his dad at Joe’s Standard Station in Elmwood. Hap spent his career working at Midland and Coal Company. After retirement, he moved to Arizona where he enjoyed golfing and worked security for the Colorado Rockies during spring training. Hap lived his last year at Green Leaf Senior Living Memory Care in Peoria, where he was treated with love and dignity.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, March 9, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A burial of Hap’s ashes will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to 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.