Mark Allen Cheatum

Mark Allen Cheatum of Sikeston Missouri, passed peacefully on Saturday May 16th, 2026 at St Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Mark played many roles during his lifetime. He was an educator, principal, coach, son, brother, husband and father. He started his education profession in Farmington Illinois where he taught middle school math during his time there. He coached girls’ basketball at the junior high and high school levels, and boy’s baseball. He later took a position as the assistant dean of students in Lewistown, Illinois. While there he pursued his Master’s degree in Education Administration. Once that was completed, he furthered his professional journey in Griggsville/Perry school District, as a principal. While there he took pride in coaching the boy’s baseball team. He retired in 2015.

Mark was a sports fanatic. He was a scout for the Cincinnati Reds 1982 and 1983. He was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, Arizona Cardinals fan, and avid University of Illinois basketball fan. His favorite games to watch though were the ones that his kids and grandkids played. When not watching or coaching sports, Mark took pride in his yard. He always made sure his yard was mowed, trimmed, and his flowers watered. Every spring he made sure all his flower beds had fresh mulch. Just this past summer, Mark and his son added to his patio, so when friends and family came over, they had a beautiful place to sit and visit. Mark was known for his witty sarcasm, “dad” jokes, family weatherman, and friendly personality.

Mark married his beloved wife, Kathy Reid, on December 30, 2002. Between the two of them they had 4 children, Hollie, Heath, Jessica, and Justine. They started their life together on the family farm in Cuba, Illinois. They moved off the farm to Pittsfield, Illinois. Mark and Kathy moved back the town of Cuba after his retirement. They were there until 2022, and then moved to Sikeston, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his father, William “Spike” Cheatum and his mother Barbara “Eileen” Cheatum both of Salem, Illinois, his sister De Ann Ross, brother-in-law George Ross both of Oklahoma, and his mother-in-law Patricia Reid, of Cuba, Illinois.

He leaves behind, his wife Kathy of Sikeston, MO, his brother Bill Cheatum (Rena) of Watseka, Il, his brother Tracy Cheatum of Salem, Il, sister-in-law Laura Gibboney (Chris) of Smithfield, Il, brother-in-law Chuck Reid of Cuba, Il, his daughter Hollie Cheatum (Andy Haynes) of Covington, GA, his son Heath Cheatum (Kylee Ewalt) of Canton, Il, his daughter Jessica Trone (Aaron Underwood) of Mackinaw, Il, and his daughter Justine Butler (Ben Butler) of Lewistown, Il. He had 14 grandchildren, Alyse, Nathan, Cameron, Shawn Jr., Kyzer, Zander, Stella, Pierce, Jaydyn, Waylon, Lauren, Clayton, Kinsley, and Nova.

Visitation will be held at Temple Baptist Church of Canton Illinois on May 26, 2026 from 4pm-6pm. Services following directly after at 6pm.

Memorials and donations will go to the Temple Baptist Church of Canton or the donor’s choice.

Please share a memory of Mark at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.

Sharon Clarke

Sharon Clarke, 75, of Brimfield, IL, passed away peacefully at Lacon Rehab and Nursing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Sharon was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, whose kindness and compassion touched everyone who knew her.

Sharon was born on November 4, 1950, to John and Helen McLain in Peoria, IL. Sharon was married to the love of her life, James Clarke, for almost 52 years. Together they raised three children: Elizabeth Clarke, Matthew Clarke, and Joshua (Brittany) Clarke, and were later blessed with four grandchildren: River Clarke, Morgan Clarke, Riley Clarke, and Mason Clarke. She was preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, John McLain Jr. and Peter McLain.

Sharon graduated from Richwoods High School prior to earning a bachelor’s of science from Kansas State University. KSU remained close to her heart as she was an avid supporter of any Wildcats’ athletic program along with her beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears. She worked for 13 years with Methodist in the accounting department followed by 22 years at H&R Block before officially retiring in 2021. Sharon was a member of P.E.O. and was a sustaining member of the Junior League of Peoria. While she enjoyed hobbies like reading, gardening and bird watching, her greatest joy came from her family. Whether at a concert, a sporting event, or in the classroom, Sharon was always both her children’s and grandchildren’s biggest supporters and took immense pride in all of their accomplishments.

A visitation will be held at Oak-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood, IL on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. with a memorial service to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Memphis.

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

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

Betty L. Archdale

Betty Lou Archdale, 82 of Cuba passed away at 2:50 am Monday May 18, 2026 at Graham Hospital.

She was born December 9, 1943 at Toulon, the daughter of Verne and Florence (Booker) Roach. She married Willis Archdale on February 29, 1988 at Lewistown. He died August 7, 2000. She was also preceded in daeth by her parents, one sister, Kathy, one brother, Dennis, and two great granddaughters, Colleen Jill Taff and Hope Neveah Baldwin. Survivors include four daughters, Louanna (the late Donny) Purchase of Cuba, Crystal Workman of Sheridan, MT; Julie (Rodger) Ball of Cuba, and Lorrie (Todd) Bates of Canton, 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, a nephew who she helped raise, James Roach, and one brother, Robert Roach of Cuba.

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Betty was a majorette all 4 years during high school. After high school she went on to be a beautician and then ran the Cardinal Café in Cuba for 10 years with her husband Kenneth McAdams and her 4 daughters. She was a member of the Cuba Lioness club for many years as well as the Rainbow Cloggers. She loved music and dancing. Betty was always at her best when she was surrounded by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her two bonus sons, Chad Curless and Brandon Ferris.

A graveside service will be held at 10 am Friday May 22, 2026 at Cuba Cemetery with Pastor Kevin VanTine officiating. There will be no visitation. A meal will be provided at Lakeland Community Church in Canton (next to Walmart) following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the City of Cuba to purchase Soldiers and Sailors carnival bracelets for kids.

Patricia R. Masten

Patricia Rae Masten, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her home on May 11, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on November 4, 1947, in Springfield, Illinois, Patricia's life was a tapestry of love, kindness, and devotion, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Patricia was the daughter of Marcella and Stephen Albert, both of whom preceded her in death. She also joins her sisters, Elaine and Jackie, and her beloved children, Nancy and Stevie, in eternal peace.
In 1966, Patricia married the love of her life, Delmer Masten, in Rock Creek, Illinois. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and laughter, celebrating 59 wonderful years of marriage.
Patricia found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a green thumb and a passion for gardening, nurturing her plants with the same care and affection she showed to her loved ones. An adventurous spirit at heart, Patricia loved camping and fishing, finding peace and contentment in the outdoors. Her heart was most full when she was with her grandchildren, Jamie and Jack Masten-Rueter, with whom she shared countless cherished moments. Her loyal canine companion, Cupcake, was never far from her side, providing her with unwavering companionship and joy.
Her family remains her greatest legacy. Patricia is survived by her husband, Delmer, her sister, Ginny, daughter, Angie, and daughter-in-law, Karrie. Her grandchildren, Jamie and Jack, were the light of her life, and she treasured every moment she spent with them. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Willow Creek Hospice for their compassionate care during Patricia's final days. Their kindness and support were a blessing during a difficult time, and their dedication will always be remembered.
In keeping with Patricia's wishes, a private ceremony will be held to celebrate her life. The family invites those who knew and loved Patricia to honor her memory and remember her in their own special way.
Online condolences can be left for Patricia's family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.