Cyril W Willard

Cyril Winfred “Win” Willard, 103, of Manito died Tuesday evening, February 25, 2025, at Hopedale Nursing Home.

Win was born October 11,1921 in Manito to C.B. and Bessie (Vice) Willard. He and Verla Scherer of Pekin were married on January 12, 1947, by Reverend Lester Kuker at St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie), Green Valley. Pastor Kuker confirmed Winfred at the church on January 19, 1947. Verla preceded Win in death in 2010. Surviving Win are one son Calvin (Martha) Willard of Manito, three daughters Linda (John) Bobbitt of Murfreesboro, TN, Joanne and Karen Willard of Rochester, IL, three grandsons, one granddaughter, five great-grandsons and numerous nieces and nephews along with their spouses. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, sister, and one niece.
Win graduated in 1939 from Manito High School. From November 1942 to January 1946, Win served in the United States Army during World War II attaining the rank of Tec 4 SGT. He served in General Patton’s Third Army in the Battles of Ardennes, Rhineland, the Bulge, and Central Europe campaigns with the 11th Armored Division, 151st Armored Signal Company. His military decorations and citations included two Over Seas Service Bars; one Service Stripe; the American Campaign Medal; the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Battle Stars; the Good Conduct Medal; and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a Charter Member of the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post 561 of Manito.
Win worked as an Office Clerk for Leifheit Brothers Lumber Company in Manito from 1940-1962 minus the 38 months of Army service. In 1963 he was hired by People’s State Bank in Manito as a Bank Teller and continued regular employment with the bank retiring in 1986 as an Assistant Cashier. Win also served 39 years as Manito Village Clerk from 1946-1985. He was a Forman School Board member and a member of the Mason County Farm Bureau. Win was a voting member of St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) and held several officer positions within the church.
Win was an avid bowler and horseshoe pitcher. He was a member of the American Bowling Congress for over 50 years and in 1982 inducted into the Greater Pekin Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Win was also a member of the National Horseshoe Pitchers Association for 40 plus years. In 1999 he was elected to the Illinois Horseshoe Pitchers Hall of Fame. Win successfully competed in many weekly leagues and state and national tournaments in both sports receiving many awards and championships. He especially teamed with his brother George to bowl together in many of the past Peoria Journal Star Brothers Bowling Tournaments which were held annually. Later in his life, Win also participated in the Heart of Illinois Senior Olympics receiving many gold medals in different sport events.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 3 at 11am at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Sand Prairie Township, Green Valley with burial following at the nearby Sand Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church (Sand Prairie) or to the Hill-Palmer American Legion Post 561 of Manito.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home in Manito oversees arrangements.

Rebecca Sue "Becky" Simpson

Rebecca Sue “Becky” Simpson, 80, of Canton, passed away at 3:21 PM on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at her residence. She was born on September 26, 1944 in Canton, a daughter of John and Mary (Franciskovich) Horton. She married Larry L. Simpson on June 23, 1962 in Canton. He preceded her in death on August 15, 2021.

Also, preceding Becky in death were her parents.

Surviving are her children, Robbie Simpson of St. David; Rochelle (Robert) Shawgo of Canton; three grandchildren, Ross Simpson, Kyle and Kolbi Shawgo; five great-grandchildren, Mesley, Beckham, Elody, Hollis, Harlan; brother, John (Brenda) Horton of Canton; sisters, Barbara (Jerry) Rohrer of Bloomington; Judy (late Ed) Bump of Canton; Rosemary (Rick) Hammond of Canton; Theresa (late Carl) Murphy of Canton; daughter-in-law, Susan Simpson of Cuba; many nieces and nephews; and brother-in- law, Denny (Marybeth) Morelli of Ottawa; sister-in-law, Melody (Phil) Mears of Delaware, Ohio.

Becky worked as a local Beautician for 60 plus years, was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Canton; Becky’s love, was always her family, she was the “cook” of all cooks and she accomplished everything she put her mind too. She was loved by all, and will always be thought of the mother we were blessed to have and will forever miss. The family would like to send a heartfelt thanks to Serenity Point Hospice for all the comfort they provided.

Per Becky’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to her family. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

James E. Downing

James "Jim" Edwin Downing passed peacefully on February 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and the compassionate staff of LaMoine Assisted Living in Macomb, Illinois.

Born May 24, 1942, in Peoria, Illinois, to William Chester "Chet" Downing and Georgia (Bartlett) Downing, Jim built a life marked by dedication to his craft and devotion to his family.

A master of his trade, Jim proudly served with the Local 60 Boilermakers and contributed his expertise to numerous construction companies throughout his career. He culminated his professional journey as a construction manager and project superintendent at Alstom Power before retiring in 2012.

Jim's passion for the outdoors defined his leisure time. An avid sportsman, he found joy in fishing and hunting, creating treasured memories while sharing these passions with his children (7), grandchildren (14), and great-grandchildren (7).

He leaves behind his loving wife, Carol Downing; their children Tamrin Downing, Dawn Henricks, Shane Ford, Jennifer Davis, Merri (Christy) Downing, Marianne Ponsler, and James W. Downing; along with numerous grandchildren Levi Smith, Jeremy Ponsler, Jennifer Tunny, Parker Henricks, Leanne Ford, Katlyn Lance, Mason Ponsler, Alexander Ford, Matthew Davis, Madison Ponsler, Sadie Barge, Michael Downing, and Jacqueline Downing, and great-grandchildren Addison Smith, Emitt Henricks, Kendall Tunny, Elaina Henricks, Layla Mae Tunny , Ivory Jean Ponsler, and Ellory Henricks who will carry his legacy forward. Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandson Justin Smith.

The funeral service will be held Saturday March 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Henry Lang Memorial Home, 203 N. Illinois St., Lewistown, Illinois. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown Rescue Squad. Family and friends are invited to gather for a meal following the burial at the Lewistown Visitors Center on Main Street. To view Jim’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit henrylange.com

Clara Spierowski

On Monday, February 24, 2025, Clara Spierowski, Age 84 of Canton, passed away after her battle with MS and COPD.

Clara was born at her home, in Smithfield, the daughter of Harry Termin and Opal Termin, of Smithfield, who later resided in Canton. Clara was married to Willard Donaho of Canton for 19 years and later married Frank Spierowski Sr, also residing in Canton, whom she was married to for 28 years (both preceded her in death).

Clara graduated from Canton High School in 1959 and later graduated from Brown's Business College in Peoria, II. She owned and operated a ceramic shop out of her home in Canton for several years and also worked at Harper’s Gas Station and Goodwill.

Clara was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church for many years. She loved her dogs, flowers, the birds and squirrels.

Clara was preceded in death by her parents, Opal and Harry Termin, her spouses Willard Donaho and Frank Spierowski Sr, her sister Shirley Dye of Canton, her nephews, Greg Widger of Canton and Ronnie D. Widger, also of Canton. Surviving are many nieces, nephews, step children and family.

Clara was well-cared for by her nephew, Ron Widger and her niece, Diane Widger. Clara loved her family and was supportive of them, and their families, throughout her lifetime.

A graveside service will be held at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Fulton County Humane Society, Canton, Illinois.

Nancy Nelson

Nancy Nelson, 72, of Canton, passed away at 8:26 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at The Loft in Canton, IL. She was born on July 2, 1952 in Canton, IL, to Bernard and Marian (Keefauver) Nelson.

She is survived by one brother, Steve Nelson; and one nephew, Stephen Armstrong.

She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters.

Nancy worked at the Canton Y.M.CA. as a receptionist.

Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Burial at White Chapel Memory Gardens in Canton, IL will be held at a later date. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Sally Ann Mueller

Sally Ann Mueller, 81, of Cuba, passed away at 1:40 PM on Monday, February 24, 2025 at her residence. She was born on February 9, 1944 in Canton, a daughter of James and Eleanor (Hansmeyer) Dieckow. She married Robert Mueller on September 14, 1962 in Canton. He preceded her in death on May 28, 1979.

Also, preceding Sally in death were her parents, son, Dewayne, brother, Danny, and sister, Anita.

Surviving are her children, Melody Mueller; Robert Mueller II; Mindy (Phil) Schnarr; Jimmy Mueller, all of Cuba; six grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren, and three brothers, Jerry (Bert) Dieckow; Gary (Judy) Dieckow; David (Sherryll) Dieckow.

Sally worked as a Certified Nurse’s Aid for several nursing homes in the Fulton County area. She loved her grandchildren and family very deeply.

Per Sally’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A graveside service and burial of ashes will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Following the graveside, there will be a luncheon at Pottsies in Cuba. Memorials can be made to Donor’s choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Anna P. Henderson

Lewistown- Anna P. Henderson, 101, of Lewistown passed away Friday February 21, 2025 at her residence.

She was born October 18, 1923 at Vermont the daughter of Jerry J. and Maria (Weigle) Shank. She married Vernon R. “Shorty” Henderson on March 9, 1942 at Palmyra, MO. He died April 26, 2010. She was also preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and three sisters. Surviving are two sons, Leon (Darla) Henderson of Lewistown, Jerry (Karen) Henderson of Urbana, OH; three grandsons, Robin (Tina) Henderson of Lewistown, Jeffrey Henderson of Urbana, OH; and Jake (Kate) Henderson of Columbus, OH; three great grandchildren, Lacie (Paul) Blackwell of Pontiac, Isaac (Cheyenne) Henderson of Henry, and Taylor Henderson of Columbus, OH; and two great-great grandchildren, Maya Blackwell, and Zeke Henderson, and one brother, Daniel Shank of Canton.

Anna was a homemaker and farm wife. She was a member of the Illinois Street Christian Church in Lewistown. Anna enjoyed quilting, square dancing, camping, and fishing. She loved traveling to Texas with her husband for the winter and she loved spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Friday March 7th at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Pastor Brant Reed officiating. Burial will be in Vermont cemetery at Vermont. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the memorial home. Memorial contributions may be made to Illinois Street Christien Church. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Christie E. Mason

Cuba- Christie E. Mason, 67, of rural Cuba passed away at 9:23 PM Thursday February 20, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton surrounded by her family.

She was born April 11, 1957 at Canton the daughter of Patrick “Tweed” and Judy (Wooddell) Fayhee. She married George Mason on September 26, 1991 at Lewistown. He survives. Also surviving are her mother, Judy Fayhee of St. Petersburg, FL; six children, Christopher (Misty) Ford of Smithfield, Lynsey Gorsuch of Astoria, Emily (Jo) Trone, Kimberly (Andrew) Goodrich, Julie Goddard, and Teri (Keauna) Frank all of Rushville, eighteen grandchildren, four great grandchildren, her dog Ernie, three sisters, Debbie Fayhee of Pewaukee, WI; Patrice Elson of Canton, Jessica Pence of St. Petersburg, FL; one brother, Kent Fayhee of St. Petersburg, FL. She was preceded in death by her father, Patrick “Tweed” Fayhee, one daughter, Amanda Keeler, and brother-in-law, Marvin Pence.

Christie was a bookkeeper for the Superintendent’s Office of Cuba Schools and retired in 2017 after 29 years. She enjoyed her family especially her grandchildren and loved attending their sporting events. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and collecting pottery, and antiques. Christie was an avid mushroom hunter. She loved to travel to Yellowstone National Park nearly every summer with her husband George.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday February 26th at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Pastor Mike Arnett officiating. Burial will be in Cuba Cemetery at Cuba. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM Tuesday February 25th at the memorial home. Memorial contributions may be made to Cass-Putman Rescue Squad. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Rhonda F. Weers

Rhonda F. Weers, 71, of Canton, passed away at 7:58 am, February 22, 2025 at the Graham Hospital Emergency Room. She was born on October 4, 1953 in Canton to William “Bill” and Beulah “Bea” (Shipman) Lane. Rhonda married Tom Weers, the love of her life, on November 3, 1979 in Canton. He survives along with two children; Sara (Jeff Voice) Hammond and T. J. Weers both of Canton, one brother Bruce (Amy) Lane of Bloomington and two sisters; Karen (Norm) Churchill of Canton and Cyndie (Kevin) Rees of New Albany, IN, one granddaughter Taylor Hammond and several nieces and nephews.

Rhonda was the owner/operator of One on One custom drapery workroom. She graduated from Canton High School in 1971. Rhonda had a breakfast club with her girlfriends. Throughout her life she enjoyed crafting, sewing, music, playing piano, reading and gardening. One of her favorite things to do was, sitting on the back patio with her husband enjoying time with friends and family, especially her granddaughter, the light of her life. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A Celebration of Life will take place from 1-3 pm, March 1, 2025 at the Brew N Cue in Canton. Burial of Ashes will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Carthage, IL. at a later date. Memorials can be made to Metavivor for Stage IV Breast Cancer research. To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Lori Ellsworth

Lori Ellsworth, 64, of Canton, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.

She was born on August 3, 1960 in Canton to Lawrence and Joyce (St.Clair) Latimer. They preceded her in death.

She married Jeffrey Ellsworth on December 15, 1989 in Canton. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Jeremy (Ashley) Ellsworth of Avon, Joshua (Taylor) Ellsworth of Canton, Emily (Fiancée Tim Schmidgall) Ellsworth of Farmington, brothers, Larry (Karen) Latimer, Kevin (Tracy Modglin) Latimer, Tom (Michelle) Latimer and grandchildren, Mariah, Aliviah, Noah, Harper, Jack, Lauryn and Blake.

Lori worked at A&W, Brown’s Snappy Service and lastly at Canton Family Restaurant as a waitress. She enjoyed seeing her customers and catching up with them when they came in to see her. She also worked at Spoon River Valley School in the Cafeteria where her children attended school. Lori was always the first person to lend a hand to anyone who needed her help. She was the most caring and selfless person. Most of all, she was a loving mother and grandmother. Her kids and grandbabies were her whole life. She was thought of as a mother figure to all her kids’ friends as well.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the funeral home at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

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

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfubneralhome.com

Faye Darlene Ellinger

Faye Darlene Ellinger, 88, longtime resident of Lewistown, IL, passed away peacefully at Red Oak Estates, Canton, IL, on Friday, February 21, 2025.

Faye was born on Friday, May 8, 1936, in rural Beecher City, IL, on the family farm to Lawrence William and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Olinger. She was the youngest of four children, born almost to the day, two years after her parents lost their daughter, Charlotte Rose Marie, at only nine days old.

She graduated from Beecher City High School, Class of 1954. Immediately following, she traveled to Washington, D.C. There, she helped her brother Nelson and his wife Ella Lou with their family and also worked in an office at a hospital.

She met her future husband through a cousin. Their first date was to see the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Shelby County, IL. She married Richard R. Ellinger on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2024.

Faye is survived by her children: Katherine (Don) Taber of Canton, Homer William Ellinger of Midland, Texas, and Michael L. Ellinger of Canton, IL.

Grandchildren: Danielle Taber, Dustin (Brandy Cozad) Taber, Katelin Frank, and Brandon (Victoria) Ellinger.

Great-grandchildren: Kinsleigh, Karsyn, Chase, Jacoby, and Serenity.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Rick Allen Ellinger (2024), her parents, and her brothers: Pastor Nelson W. Olinger, Marvin L. Olinger, and infant sister Charlotte Rose Marie Olinger.

Faye was an accomplished seamstress, making winter coats for her children, Halloween costumes, and Barbie clothes. She loved cross-stitching, crocheting, quilting, and crafting.

Growing up, she belonged to the Baptist church. She, a friend, and her twin cousins, Lela and Lola, were a sought-after singing quartet for area churches.

She had a lovely flower garden with beautiful roses. Faye was a skilled cook and candy maker, known for her famous Divinity and Sour Cream Cherry Fudge. She also made jams and jellies, canned, baked, and could clean a fish with the best of them.

She enjoyed board games, especially Scrabble and Parcheesi. Both she and her husband played cards, including Pitch, Pinochle, and Bridge, with friends.

In her younger years, she played tennis and bowled. She would clean the house to "Big Band" music and try new dance moves while watching "American Bandstand." She was also a member of a Bunco group.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Cowden, IL. She was a fun room mom, a helper in Bible School and 4-H. Faye was kind, humble, cheerful, and warm. She nurtured and cared deeply for her family and friends.

"Let not your hearts be troubled; You believe in God; believe also in me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." ~John 14:1-3

The family extends their deep gratitude and appreciation for the caring staff at Red Oak Estates and for the kind, skilled care Faye received from Dr. Patrick Renick.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday February 27th at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Pastor Shane Smith officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the memorial home. As a life long animal lover memorial contributions may be made to Fulton County Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.