Harvey P. Halder

Harvey P. Halder, 79, of Canton died at 7:10 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton.  Services are pending at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

Betty Ann Bump

Betty Ann Bump, 95, of Canton passed away at 7:09 AM Saturday, December 27, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton.  She was born on October 3, 1919 in Canton to Elmer Joseph and Ethel (Hoots) Frame.  Betty married Clarence Bump on January 9, 1941.  He preceded her in death in 1972.  Also preceding her were her parents, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, and a son Dennis Lee Bump.  Surviving is a son Charles Eddie (Judith) Bump of Canton, daughter Janet M. Tompkins of Cuba, 8 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 6 great-great grandchildren.  Betty was a member of Locust Lane United Methodist Church.  She and her husband farmed in the Joshua township area.  She also retired from the Fulton County Assessment office after 20 years.  Betty served on the County Board of Review for several years, and she enjoyed being with her family.

Services will be 11:00 AM, Tuesday, December 30 at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home in Canton where visitation will be one hour prior to services.  The Rev. Ellen Dodd will officiate.  Memorials can be made to her Church or the American Cancer Society. 
To view Betty’s DVD or make online condolences you can go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ellen Bump

Canton - Mary Ellen Bump, 96, of Haines City, FL, formerly of Canton, died Saturday, December 27, 2014 in Winter Haven, Florida due to natural causes. She was born September 4, 1918, in Canton to Edburn and Minnie (Booth) Pollitt.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband Howard Bump; brother James Damon Pollitt; and sister Lillian Ruby Unruh, and beloved nephews. She is survived by her daughter Charyl Lane of Haines City; grandchildren Bryan (Marie) Lane of SC, Michelle (Damon) Raker of IL, and Allan Lane of TX; and great grandchildren Sarah Raker and Patrick Lane.

She was a retired teacher, having taught in Illinois schools for 20 years. She moved to Florida in August 1990. She received a diploma from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Later she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Western Illinois University in Macomb, Illinois in 1957. She was a former member of the American Association of University Women, a former member of the Honorary Sorority for Women Educators, Alpha Delta Kappa, Phi Chapter. She was a member of the Mason County Chapter of the Illinois Retired Teachers Association. She has enjoyed various activities of the United Methodist Woman, Assembly of God Church activities and was a Jehovah’s Witness. She belonged to the Haines City Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons. She, also, loved traveling to craft shows with her daughter.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2014 from 12-1:30 PM at Oak Ridge Funeral Care Haines City with Funeral Services at 2PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses in Haines City. Final graveside services and interment will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL at 2 PM on Saturday, January 3, 2015 via Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, Illinois..
Condolences may be sent to oakridgefuneralcare.com or to oakshinesfuneralhome.com. Flowers may be sent to the services in Florida.

Thelma J. Stevenson

Thelma J. Stevenson, 82, of Ipava passed away at 5:05 PM Wednesday, December 24, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton. She was born on February 19, 1932 in Havana to Andrew and Harriet (Hendricker) Larson. Thelma married Weldon Stevenson on June 20, 1968. He preceded her in death in 1998. Also preceding her were her parents, 4 brothers, 5 sisters, and a granddaughter Elizabeth Noel Stevenson. Surviving is a daughter Heather (Keith) Mohr of Burnside, son Rob (Gina) Stevenson of Ipava, and 5 grandchildren. Thelma was a member of Berean Christian Church of Ipava, she was also a Charter member of the Havana Church of Christ. She was also an Elementary Education Teacher for 18 years in rural and public schools. She loved being a mom and a farm wife. She also enjoyed gardening of all types.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 PM, Monday, December 29 at Berean Christian Church in Ipava. Services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, December 30 at Berean Christian Church in Ipava. Pastor Doug Krukewitt will officiate. Interment will be at Laurel Hills Cemetery in Havana. Memorials can be made to her Church's Mission Fund
To leave online condolences you can go to www.shawgomemorialhome.org

Jerry Harris

Canton – Gerald D. “Jerry” Harris, 83, of Canton died at 6:04 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.

He was born April 6, 1931 in New Philadelphia to Glen and Ruby (Howard) Harris.  He married Velma Jean Starcevich on May 3, 2002 in Lewistown.  She survives.

Also surviving is one step-daughter, Ketra (Neal) Shump of Troy, Ohio; five sisters, Doris Aeshelman of Roanoke, Louise Doty of Davenport, IA, Darlene Roth of Macomb, Mary Worthington of Rock Island, and Shirley Woerly of Lincoln, Nebraska; one step-granddaughter, Abby Shump; and his long-time friend, Dick Watson of Canton.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army.  He worked as a painter for Caterpillar, retiring after 30 years, and also spent many years farming in the Elmwood area.  He enjoyed restoring antique tractors.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no services.  Burial will be at Wiley Cemetery in rural Ellisville at a later date.  Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.  

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Diabetes Association.

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

Ray Shaffer Jr.

Ray Shaffer Jr., 91, of Canton died at 1:28 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton.  Services are pending at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

Mildred I. Hartzell

Canton – Mildred I. Hartzell, 94, of Canton, passed away at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born on November 27, 1920 in Prentice, IL to James Franklin and Minnie (Farmer) Rogers.

She married Robert Hartzell on August 22, 1942 in Alexander, IL. He preceded her in death on August 15, 1992.

Surviving are two children Carol Jean Hartzell of Hudson and Michael (Janet Rock) Hartzell of Canton, one grandson Eric (Keiko) Jansen, three great grandchildren Cynthia, Kira and Noah, and one sister Ida Mae Schuler of Dixon.

She was preceded in death by her daughter Sharon (the late Randell) Hartzell-Smith, brother Franklin Rogers and sisters Grace Kindred and Louise Rogers.

Mildred worked for Brown & Scott and JC Penney in Canton. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton and a member of it’s Altar and Rosary Society and was active in it’s food pantry program. She was also active with the YWCA Lunch With Friends program. She was an avid traveler and enjoyed reading.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial service will be held at Noon on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be held one hour prior.

Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in New Berlin, IL at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be posted at http://www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com/.

Ralph S. Stockov

Canton – Ralph S. Stockov, 96, of Canton, passed away at 6:18 a.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2014, at Sunset Manor in Canton. 

He was born on January 8, 1918 in Canton to John and Anna (Snyder) Stockov.  He married Betty Jane Lingenfelter on August 25, 1945 in Canton.  She preceded him in death on July 28, 2014.

Surviving are three children, Suzanna (Gary) Spangler of Greenville, SC; Mike (Rebecca) Stockov of Longmont, CO; and Nancy (Jerry) Schaver of Thomson, IL; nine grandchildren, Francesca Hubel, Nicholas Spangler, Jason Stockov, Michelle Stockov, Nathan Griggs, Lindsay Redding, Anna Shandy, Jacob Schaver, and Joseph Schaver; nine great-grandchildren, Michael, Jake, Michael, Makala, Drew, Amber, Miley, Gracie, and Layla; many nieces and nephews; and a special niece, Helen Mistic.

He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Peter, Joe, John, and Harry Stockov; and five sisters, Sophie Mistic, Ann Marinich, Stella Hancock, Dorothy Balagna, and Mary Stockov.

Following graduation from Canton High School in 1938, Ralph joined the United States Army.  He bravely served his country during the D-Day Invasion and Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service. 

Ralph retired from International Harvester Co., where he worked as a lathe operator.  He enjoyed woodworking, caning chairs, and refinishing antiques.  Together, with his wife, they owned and operated 3 antique shops in Canton.  Ralph was an avid reader and traveler and volunteered as a Boy Scout leader for many years.  He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Canton, where he was active in the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. 

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 26, 2014 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, where visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.  Fr. Ebker and Deacon Taylor will officiate.  Burial, with military honors, will be at Bethel Cemetery in rural Canton.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Food Pantry.

To view Ralph’s tribute video, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Karen M. Butler

Karen M. Butler, 73, of Chula Vista, CA, formerly of Canton, died at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at Sharp Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, CA.  Funeral services are pending at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

Barbara J. Essex

Canton – Barbara J. Essex, 83, of Canton, IL passed away Sunday, December 21, 2014 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL

She was born in Canton on May 17, 1931 to Stanley and Virgie (Spence) Stanko.  Barbara married John L. Essex on February 2, 1951 in Canton and he died on October 28, 1965.

Surviving are four children;  Carol Sue Essex of Canton, Scot (Debbie) Essex of Hendersonville, TN, Kathy (Bellows) Essex of Canton, and John Douglas (Stephanie) Essex of Canton; twelve grandchildren; twenty one great grandchildren; and one brother, Oliver Stanko of Canton.

Also preceding her in death were her son, Edward “Fast Eddie” Essex and two brothers.

Barbara was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canton.

Private services will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, December 23^rd at Murphy-Sedgwick Memorial Home, Canton.  Burial will follow at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery, Canton.

There will be no visitation.  Rev. Todd Shaw will officiate.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Mary L. Conner

Canton- Mary Lou Conner, 86, of Canton died at 2:18 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born October 5, 1928 in Viola, to Bert and Marie (Jordan) Mack.  She married Maurice L. Conner on May 17, 1947 in Viola.  He preceded her in death on July 8, 1995.

She is survived by two children, Tom (Linda) Conner of Channahon and Kathy (John) Barra of Pekin; one son-in-law, Francis Mazza of Flagstaff, AZ; two brothers, Gerry (Phyllis) Mack of Yuma, AZ and Jim (Penny) Mack of Colorado Springs, CO; one sister, Jeannie Mack of Denver, CO; six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her special foreign exchange student, Tereza Barreto.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Maureen Mazza; and one brother, Tom Mack.

Mary Lou worked for Illinois Bell for 21 years, retiring in 1984.  She was a member of the Canton Elks Lodge and St. Mary’s Altar & Rosary Society, and a former member of the Canton Country Club.  She was an active bridge player in 3 local bridge clubs and volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Canton, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Canton.  Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.  Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in charge of arrangements.

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

Jacob I. McCutcheon

Canton – Jacob I. McCutcheon, 86, passed away on December 21, 2014, at the Sunset Manor in Canton.

He was born on May 13, 1928 in Marquand, MO to Willard and Fannie Conrad McCutcheon.  They preceded him in death.

He married Clara Smith on August 30, 1946 in Marquand, MO.  She survives.

Also surviving is one daughter Carol McCutcheon  Davis of Canton and one grandson Colin Davis.

Jacob served in the U.S. Marine Corp. and later worked for McDonnel Douglas Aircraft.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He was also preceded in death by five brothers and four sisters.

Graveside funeral services with military honors will be held at 9 a.m., on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, MO.  There will be no visitation.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is in Charge of arrangements

Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinefuneralhome.com

Norma L. Barker

Smithfield- Norma L. Barker, 87, of rural Smithfield and formerly of Niantic passed away at 10:50 PM Friday December 19, 2014 at her home.

She was born August 20, 1927 at St. James, IL; the daughter of Frank and Elsie (Calvert) Swarm. She married Everett Kirkman on August 30, 1949 at Vandalia, IL. He died January 9, 1959. She later married Carl Barker on September 4, 1978. He died October 26, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and one brother C. Ray Swarm. Surviving are two daughters, Ardith (Dave) Corsaw of rural Smithfield, and Carol (Rod) Orr of Maryville, IL; one son, Ken (Terri) Kirkman of Tremont, IL; twelve grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren.

Norma was a homemaker and entrepreneur. She was a member of the Niantic United Methodist Church. She also attended the South Park United Methodist Church in Canton. Norma enjoyed reading her bible every day and serving the Lord. She was a seamstress and enjoyed sewing. Norma thoroughly enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the Niantic United Methodist Church with Reverends C.W. Reneker and Ardith Corsaw officiating. Burial will be in Pinhook Cemetery at rural Vandalia at 3 PM Tuesday. Visitation will be held from 4-7 PM Monday at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba and one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Niantic United Methodist Church, or South Park United Methodist Church. To view Norma’s life tribute video or share memories and leave condolences visit www.henrylange.com.