Betsy J. Nell

Betsy J. Nell, 81, of Canton, passed away, Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by her family, at her home in Canton.

She was born in Galesburg, on April 16, 1944.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Merle and Selma (Siebert) Sauder, one brother, Ron Sauder, and one sister, Marthann Hoffman.

She is survived by her husband, Bruce Nell. They were married on January 20, 1995.

Also surviving are two children, Benjamin Owens, April (Stacey) Busby, one step son, Ron Nell, six grandchildren, Jake (Katie), Faith (Bryce), Kaleb (Jasmine), Logan (Jocelin), Aidan, and Lauryn. And three great grandchildren, Aiden, Layton, and Evelyn.

Betsy owned and operated Elm Street Café for 14 years. She retired from the restaurant in 2012. After retirement she enjoyed serving the kids in the Canton School District during lunch time.

Betsy was always a generous person. She donated and sponsored countless events, and teams over the years. She enjoyed hosting a free Christmas Dinner at the Café, and never let anyone in need go hungry when they stopped by. She was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and hosting their family get togethers.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Jimmy A. “Jap” Parry

Jimmy A. “Jap” Parry, 69, of Ipava, IL, passed away at 10:30 pm on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Decatur Memorial Hospital in Decatur, IL. He was born on February 14, 1956 in Macomb, IL, the son of Robert and Barbara (Wickert) Parry.

He is survived by his sister; Linda (and Gail Scott) Shaw of Macomb, IL, three nieces; Monica (and Jeff) Braun of Lewistown, IL, Neisha Shaw of Good Hope, IL, and Sonja (and Josh) Peterson of Havana, IL, 9 great-nieces and nephews; Macey, Gage, Rana, Koby, Carsyn, Cameron, Tyson, Knox and Ethan, two great-great-nephews; Nash and Crew Utter. He also is survived by many fabulous friends and caregivers, including Christy Horton of Ipava, IL.

Jap is preceded in death by his parents, brother; Danny Parry, sister-in-law; Lisa Parry, step-father; Bob Walters, nephew; Erik Bucher and friend; Terry Sliger-Stoneking.

Jap was a machine operator for MSD in Canton, IL for several years. He was also a bartender and cook at Rosie’s Tap and Terry’s Tap for several years.

He was a member of the Ipava Sons of the American Legion Squadron 17, Bernadotte Park Board, Ipava Sportsman Club and served as an officer in each at one point or another. Jap loved fishing, music, especially bluegrass, nature and animals. He enjoyed watching and playing softball, baseball, football and basketball. He was an avid Mets and Packers fan.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of life will be held from 1 to 4 pm on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Ipava American Legion. Memorials in Jap’s name may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

Jeanne E. Keithley

Jeanne Eileen Keithley, 75, of Bath, passed away at 5:31 a.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at her home. She was born on June 15, 1949 in Springfield to Everett and Eileen (McCausland) Keithley.

Jeanne is survived by her husband, Kenneth Gouveia of Bath; sisters, Joann Jackson and Joyce Keithley; and brother, Ken Keithley. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Online condolences can be left for Jeanne’s family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Jessica V. Cox

Jessica V. Cox, 44, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 6:19 am on Friday, April 18, 2025 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. She was born on May 20, 1980, the daughter of James and Robin (Clemens) Sawyer.

She is survived by her daughter, Paige Large, son; Tanner Sutterfield; grandchildren; Breanna Large, Aries Gibbs and Riley Sawyer, mother; Robin Popplewell, sister; Ashley Sawyer, two nieces, Addison Palmer and Arianna Sawyer, two nephews; Draydin Wrobleski and Kolton Palmer, aunt; Pat Alford, and uncle; Lee Clemens.

She is preceded by her step-father; Russell G. Popplewell, grandparents; Earl “Red” and Muriel “Cookie” Clemens, aunt and uncle; Gladys and Bob Blickenstaff, and uncle Timothy Clemens.

Jessica was a CNA for several years. She loved fishing and spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Cremation rites have been accorded. No services have been planned at this time.

Katherine Sue Roberts

Katherine Sue Roberts, 82, of Farmington, formerly of Cuba, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the Farmington Village in Farmington. She was born on August 29, 1942 in Smithfield, IL to Dale and Lorraine (Wheeler) McCance.

She married David L. Roberts on September 2, 1964 in Smithfield. He preceded her in death on November 3, 2024.

Surviving are three children; Todd (Jennifer) Roberts of Cuba, Trevor (Kelly) Roberts of Peoria and Amber (Jeff) Ossman of Farmington, one brother, Robert McCance, two sisters, Arlene Ford, Linda Shaver, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Also preceding her in death is her step mother, Mary McCance, two brothers, John McCance, Alan McCance and one sister, Darlene Therman.

Sue worked as a 4th grade teacher at Smithfield School and retired from the Cuba School District. She was a member of The Brock United Methodist Church and volunteered for the Vacation Bible School Program. She was a talented piano player, helped with the 4-H program at the Fulton County Fair and was a busy farm wife.

Services will be 11 am Friday, May 2, 2025, at 11 am, at Brock United Methodist Church in Smithfield.

A visitation will be held one hour prior at the church.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial will be held at Fiatt Cemetery in Rural Fiatt following the service. A luncheon will follow the burial at the Brock United Methodist Church.

Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Red Brick School or Brock United Methodist Church or Farmington Village.

To leave online condolences please visit, oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Karen Jo Batterton

Karen J. Batterton, 84, of London Mills, passed away at 1:25 am on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at OSF St. Mary’s Hospital in Galesburg, IL. She was born on Saturday, July 13, 1940 in Avon, IL, the daughter of Keith and Lillian (Hoyt) Sullivan. She married Larry Batterton. He survives.

She is also survived her by her daughter; Tami (and Mike) Stipp of Abingdon, IL, son; Tim Wagner of Springfield, IL, two step-sons; Brad (and Tina) Batterton and Bill (and Tammy) Batterton, both of Astoria, step-daughter; Debbie (and Don) Ulm of Macomb, IL, and twenty-nine grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her loving parents, two brothers and one sister.

Karen enjoyed quilting, crafting, gardening and spending time with her family.

Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Don Ulm will be officiating. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service on Friday. Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery in Astoria. Memorials in Karen’s name may be made to the London Mills Ambulance Service.

Laura Ann (Fain) Malone

Laura Ann (Fain) Malone, 55, of Canton, passed away, Monday, April 21, 2025 at her home in Canton.

She was born on December 19, 1969, in Canton, to Larry and Linda (Hodgkins) Fain.

She is survived by two daughters, Lacy (Chris Stolfa) Malone, Madi (Anthony) Hagele, one sister Lisa (Tim) Snyder, three grandchildren, Nora and Graham Stolfa, and Oliver Hagele, one niece, Alicia (Cody) Johnson, three nephews Garrett (Sierra) Snyder, Trevor Malone, and Anthony Malone. two grand nieces, Remi Johnson, and Quinn Snyder and one grand nephew River Johnson.

Laura loved her children and grandchildren. She will always be remembered for her year round Christmas shopping and her never ending collection of pictures of her family.

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

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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

Linda Jacobs

Linda Jacobs, 76, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.

She was born on May 16, 1948 in Evanston, IL to Albert and Isabel (Mellis) Bennett.

She married John Jacobs. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2011.

Surviving is her son, Scott (Stephanie) Rose, four step children, Pamela (Robert) Williamson, Tim (Becky) Jacobs, Terry Jacobs, Richard Jacobs, one brother, Hamish Bennett, two nieces; Heather Bennett and Lisa Grube, three grandchildren, several step grandchildren and great grandchildren and one great grandchild with one on the way.

She was preceded in death by one step son, John Jacobs and one brother, Bob Bennett.

Linda graduated Elmhurst College with a degree in Biology. She was a member of the Tri-Beta National Honor Society for Biology Majors. She worked for the Field Museum in Chicago, Wee-Ma-Tuk Hills Country Club and Chubb’s Liquor Store.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and a burial of her ashes will be held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Youth Acres in Canton.

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

Trippton Pierce McClure

Trippton Pierce McClure, 17, of London Mills, passed away on April 20, 2025.

He was born on February 13, 2008 in Canton, to Joshua and Sally (Pierce) McClure. They survive.

Also surviving are his maternal grandparents, Merle and Gretchen Pierce, paternal grandparents, Lynn and Carolyn McClure, his brother, Seth McClure, Aunts and Uncles, Chip Turnage, Crystal (Chad) Schultz, Richie Pierce, Rachael Pierce, Nattalle Pierce, Jeremy (Stephanie) McClure, Carissa (Travis) Jaminet, cousins Bryer Schultz, Ella Schultz, Dyllan Schultz, Halle McClure, Hudson McClure, Isabella Jaminet, Peyton Jaminet, Sawyer Jaminet and Autumn Taylor.

Tripp was a Junior at Spoon River Valley High School where he was involved in numerous activities. He was on the football team and served as the captain. He also played baseball, basketball and shot trap where he qualified for State and Nationals. He was a member of the National Honor Society and was involved in multiple academic extracurricular activities. Tripp was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, dirt bikes and riding four wheelers. He also liked to do woodworking, welding and drove in the Fulton County Demo Derby. He was a member of the London Mills United Methodist Church, 4-H and the FFA. He worked for two local farmers, the Morey’s and Tolley’s.

Tripp had a great sense of humor and being a typical older brother always found time to wrestle with his brother Seth. He was a protector by nature always the one to lend the helping hand, especially to those in need. He was the champion of the underdog.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 from 3-7pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

A funeral service will follow on Saturday at the Cuba High School Football field at 10 am. If you have a bell, bring it, if not yell, whistle, clap, or cheer so Tripp knows we are sending him out a hero.

Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the SRV Educational Foundation in memory of Trippton McClure for a scholarship to be set up.

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

Kaitlynne Hoots

Kaitlynne Hoots, 36, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2025 at Carle Methodist Hospital in Peoria.

She was born on March 13, 1989 in Springfield, IL to Duane and Sonja (Ingram) Hoots. Her mother preceded her in death.

Surviving is her father, Duane, of Mechanicsburg, IL, her Aunt Darlene Row of Monroe City, MO, one brother, Michael Hoots of Mechanicsburg, IL and one sister, Megan Bowden of Taylorville, IL.

Kaitlynne attended Fulton County Rehabilitation Center programs.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a gathering of her friends and family will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 2-4pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton.

Memorials may be made to Fulton County Rehabilitation Center.

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

Greg Allan Phelps

Greg Allan Phelps, 67, of Glasford, passed away at 12:06 PM on Sunday, April 20, 2025 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on December 15, 1957 in Canton, a son of Elmer Bowers and Norma Jean (Vaughn) Phelps. He married Cheryl Webster on June 12, 1986 in Peoria. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jenny Phelps; David Phelps, and Keith “Skippy” Phelps; three brothers, Douglas Phelps of Spokane, Washington; Clayton (Jessika Siregar) Phelps of Glasford; Lenord Phelps of East Peoria; sister, Barbara Tribe of East Peoria; two step-brothers, Daniel Stewart of East Peoria; Randall “Randy” Stewart of Saybrook, and a step-sister, Melinda Stewart Ledbetter of Creve Coeur.

Greg owned and operated Phelps Plumbing in Glasford for 35 plus years, and was a member of the Smithville Bible Church in Hanna City.

Per Greg’s wishes, there will be a celebration of life gathering held at a later date at the Smithville Bible Church. Cremation rites will be accorded through Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Smithville Bible Church, 12925 West Smithville Road, Hanna City, Illinois 61536 or to Faith Bible Camp, 849 Knox Road 2200 East, Yates City, Illinois 61572. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Clara R. Pierson

Clara Ruth Pierson, 90, of Havana, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family at 2:27 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at her home. She was born on November 3, 1934 in Cuba, Illinois to Otis and Zora (Van Orter) Wilcoxen. She married Larry “Buck” Pierson on July 4, 1963 and he preceded her in death on May 26, 2022.

Clara is survived by her children, Billy Welbourne, Richy Welbourne, Mark Pierson, Robby (Chrissy West) Pierson, and Beckie (Allen Johnson) Beaird; grandchildren, Regina Welbourne, Amber Masten, Melvin Welbourne, Billy Welbourne, Chris (Jessica Berardi) Welbourne, McKenzie Welbourne, Jay (Donna) Welbourne, Matthew (Kerri) Welbourne, Misty Welbourne, Christopher Welbourne, Dustin (Kelli Gosnell) Pierson, Robby Pierson, Alec Pierson, Josh West, Delaney (Dylan) Beach, and Sydney Beaird; 27 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great grandchildren; siblings, Shelba Beck, Richard (Pauline Wilcoxen), and Clifford Wilcoxen; and many special nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sons, Melvin and Lloyd Welbourne; siblings, Neva Howerter, Thelma Harn, and Irene Harn; great-granddaughter, Alena Ruth Pierson; and great-grandson, William Welbourne.
Clara worked as a dietician at Mason District Hospital for many years. She enjoyed bingo, playing cards, and going to casinos to play the slot machines. Her other hobbies included bowling, traveling, puzzles, and shopping. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and raising her children and grandchildren for 73 years.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at noon at the Lewistown VFW.
Memorial donations may be made in Clara’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.