Jayne An Beckelhymer

Jayne An (Sepich) Beckelhymer, 76, of Springfield Tn, formerly of Canton IL passed away Sunday June 15, 2025 in Springfield TN.

Born June 28, 1949, in Peoria IL. She was the eldest daughter of Vinko and Iris (Parsons) Sepich. She married Charles Terry Beckelhymer on August 13 1966.

She is survived by her daughters, Anjee Wilson (Mark Keefer) and Jenifer Jackson (Paul Jackson); two grandchildren Cody Cramer and Kelsey Isabell (Brandon Isabell); one great grandchild Atticus James; her siblings Rusty Sepich (Thersha) and Abbie Miller (Todd); and two nephews and one niece.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Terry Beckelhymer, her son Charles Shannon Beckelhymer, and her parents Vinko and Iris Sepich.

She was a member of Woodland Street United Methodist Church in Springfield, TN.

She was a highly respected registered nurse and worked for Nashville Anesthesia Group for many years. She was a much loved and respected member of her community who was known for her generous spirit and willingness to help others.

A celebration of life will be held at the Woodland Street United Methodist Church in Springfield TN on July 12 2025 from 2-4 pm.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband in Cuba, Illinois. The graveside service will be held at 11am on July 19, 2025 at the Cuba cemetery.

Elma Frederick

Elma M. Frederick, 94, of Plainfield, formerly a long-time resident of Cuba, passed away in her daughter’s home in Plainfield on Wednesday, June 25 surrounded by her family and those who loved her.

Elma was born January 28, 1931 in Putnam Township to Elza T. McGinnis and Effie Mae (Ford) McGinnis. Her father passed away when she was 5, and was raised by LeRoy Pollitt, whom her mother married in 1940.She married Clyde L. Frederick on July 17, 1948 and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. He preceded her in death in 2003.She is survived by her daughter, Misty Bartlett of Plainfield, her grandchildren, Melody Ward of Springfield, Nina (Madison) Bartlett of Cadott, WI and Nathan Bartlett of Gilbert, AZ. Her three great-grandchildren, Adam Ward of Glenarm, Parker Ward of Springfield and Carson Ward of Havana. One sister, Bonnie (Steve) Breese of Canton, brothers Ed (Lisa) Pollitt of Canton and Denny (Mary) Pollitt of Canton. Several nieces & nephews from all over.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Peggy J. Lynn, two sons, Clyde T. and Glen L. Frederick. One sister, Velma Schmidtberger, three brothers, Dave McGinnis, Bill Pollitt & Gary Pollitt.

Elma was a homemaker for the majority of her life but did work as a waitress in her younger years. She lived and worked on the family farm in Camp Point, IL for a few years before moving back to Cuba to finish raising her family. This is where she lived the majority of her life. She loved to spend her time camping & fishing along the Mississippi River with her family, sewing & crafting, and spending many years selling her crafts at the Spoon River Scenic Drive. She loved watching her grandchildren & great-grandchildren in their extracurricular activities. She enjoyed many years of taking vacations out West to visit family members. During the winter months, her & Clyde enjoyed 10 years as “Snow Birds” in Yuma, AZ. During those winter months she worked as a cashier at Sew Master RV Store in Yuma. She was also a die hard Cubs fan and enjoyed watching the games.She was a member of the Cuba Lions Club and the Cuba Women’s Club. She also had her “Card Club” friends for many years.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, June 30th at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Pastor Brian Ebert officiating. Visitation will begin at 10am until the time of service at the memorial home. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or American Cancer Society in Illinois.

Ronnie Steven Raudabaugh

Ronnie Steven Raudabaugh, 76, of Vermont, IL, passed away at his home. He was born on March 24, 1949 in Macomb, IL, the son of Walter and Betty Rose (Crayden) Raudabaugh, Sr.

He is survived by two sisters; Michelle Reimolds of Lewistown, IL and Kim (and Robert) Stickler of Bushnell, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother; Walter Raudabaugh, Jr., one sister; Cheryl Reimolds, and one nephew, Russell Reimolds II.

Ronnie served in the US Air Force and is Vietnam War Veteran.

Ronnie worked at the Table Grove Grain Elevator years ago and most recently worked at Pioneer in Good Hope, IL. He loved fishing, hunting and animals. He also liked to take in stray cats.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, July 5, 2025 in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Ronnie Raudabaugh Memorial Fund.

Judy A. Griffie

Judy Ann Griffie, 80, of Havana, passed away at 10:16 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at Mason District Hospital in Havana. She was born on August 11, 1944 in Prentice, Illinois to Virgil “Newt” and Blanche (Copley) Dawson. She married Billie Dean Griffie on December 31, 1960 in Chandlerville and he preceded her in death on October 16, 2019.

Judy is survived by her daughters, DeAnne (Rick) Richardson and Angie (Tony) Haarman, both of Havana; grandchildren, Jason (Audrea Cleer) Martin, Luke (Morgan) Clark, Courtney (Sam) Kachanuk, Megan Richardson, Logan (Krystina) Clark, Jake Haarman, and Kylea (Tyler Gardner) Haarman; great-grandchildren, Angel (Sam) Petersen, Daisy Cleer, Madison and McKayla Clark, and Bailey and Levi Kachanuk; and sisters, Karen Lerch and Carol Denton. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and siblings, Sadie, Shirley, Tom, Harold, Charles, Rick, and Linda.
Judy was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. She enjoyed reading, cooking, and going to auctions. She also liked playing cards and marbles and watching westerns and game shows. Judy especially loved spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Bethel Baptist Church in Chandlerville, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Rev. William Wagahoff will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Bethel Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Judy’s name to her family. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

.Jaden Sue Buckman Fauser

Jaden Sue Buckman Fauser, 19, of Trivoli, went to heaven on June 19, 2025.

Jaden was born in Peoria, IL, on September 22, 2005.

Jaden is survived by her parents, Matt and Jeni Fauser; her brother, Jerett; grandparents, Jerry and Sue Buckman of Yates City; aunts, Barb (Kevin) Staggs, Julie Springer, Brenda (Derek) Wiewel, Michelle Jewell; uncle, Mike Fauser; great aunts and uncles, Gayla Karrick, Steve Thurman, David Sanders, Ray and Marilyn Fauser, Ron and Carol Tribe; many cousins who she adored; her bestie, Terri German; and her puppy, Duke, who protected and loved her.

Jaden was preceded in death by her Grandma Marilyn Fauser; and Great Uncle Dan Karrick.

Jaden had many accomplishments throughout her life. An early one was winning runner-up in the Miss You Can Do It Pageant when she was 8 years old; she won a trophy as big as she was.

She graduated from Farmington Central High School in 2024. During her school years, Jaden participated on the dance team, flag team, chorus and speech team. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Harvest Leadership Team. Jaden loved to participate in the high school theater productions helping with costume design. One of her favorite places to be was at the softball field with her mom, helping out as manager and volunteering many hours in the concessions stand. Her senior year, she was crowned prom queen.

Jaden was a key member of Team Super Jetty, which was started in honor of her brother to raise money to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

She was a current student at Illinois Central College studying early childhood education where she was on the Dean’s List. She loved kids and was excited to work with them.

Jaden really enjoyed traveling and was the best navigator. Trips to Myrtle Beach, Disney, and going on a cruise were some of her favorites. She was a huge Taylor Swift fan and going to see her in concert last fall was a dream come true. Dancing, choreographing dances, doing Tik Toks, and planning parties made her very happy. Many hours playing cards and games with her grandparents and cousins were spent, which always brought a lot of laughter. A special place she loved to be was on her grandparents’ farm, going on Ranger rides, hayrack rides, baking, and pulling pranks on everyone. Jaden was very artistic and creative. She worked very hard in school and had such a great memory but not so great at keeping secrets.

She was always cheering her brother on in all he did, making signs and keeping superstitions alive to bring luck. She was his #1 fan and loved him more than anything. She and her dad had a lot of fun teasing between each other and was sure to keep him in line. She was her Daddy’s favorite girl. She was her mom’s shopping buddy and sidekick. They were best friends and never apart. Jaden was her mom’s whole world. Her parents are so proud of their amazing girl. Her laugh was infectious, and her smile would brighten anyone’s day. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. She had a heart of gold and was such a good girl. Despite many challenges throughout her life, Jaden never let anything stop her. She loved life and she was loved deeply. Jadey Sue, you will be forever missed as your sweet spirit made everyone you met better and happier. You’ll always be Daddy’s girl and mama’s baby. We love you more.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., the night before on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow the service at Yates City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Jaden Fauser Memorial Scholarship.

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

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

Gary Pratt

Gary Lee Pratt, 88 of Lewistown, passed away peacefully on Wednesday June 18, 2025 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 11, 1936 at Bloomington, IL; the son of Paul Edward and Beth (Graham) Pratt. Gary spent his early childhood in Armington and Lewistown, IL. He lived in Walkerton, Indiana for a time and then returned to Lewistown as a junior at LCHS where he met Verlena Tompkins, his high school sweetheart. They graduated in 1954 and were married May 8, 1955. Gary and Lou just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in May.

Gary proudly served in the US Army and then in time moved into a partnership with his father in the Trackless Train Shuttle business which transported people around the Illinois State Fair grounds in Springfield, IL. They also worked at fairs in Duquoin, IL; Minneapolis, MN, Knoxville and Memphis, TN; and Raleigh, NC. This was a very stressful business working 16 hours a day and hectic travel schedules with a caravan of trucks and heavy equipment all in the summer heat but after years it allowed Gary and Lou to purchase the local Lewistown furniture store around 1965. Gary and Lou became owners and operators of Pratt Furniture Store and through the years have expanded to larger buildings and are now located at their new facility on Route 24 in Lewistown. Pratt Furniture has served 6 counties around Lewistown for 60 years. Gary let everyone know that retirement was not in his plans. He enjoyed being around the hustle and bustle of daily business and loved visiting with customers and friends.

Gary was known for his gift of witt and humor and his ability to talk to anyone. He certainly never knew a stranger. He loved to tell a good joke and loved to hear a good joke. He would make light of himself if it would get a good laugh whether it be a family gathering, a class reunion, or a day at the furniture store. He always enjoyed reminiscing.

Gary’s family meant the world to him. He took the time to be a great Dad and always stayed involved in Tara and Lee’s lives. The family always had supper together at the Kitchen Table and dad would ask “what happened today kids”. A truly wonderful Father and Husband.

Gary is survived by his loving wife Verlena “Lou” Pratt, their children Tara (Ron) Ward of Lewistown, and Lee (Leslie) Pratt of Texas, along with grandchildren Kodi (Cory) Marshall of Lewistown, Katie (Dustin) Carlisle of Quincy, and Meredith Pratt of Texas, and a great granddaughter, Aaliyah Ella Beth, and a sister, Prudy Stump of Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Eddie Pratt, and one sister, Joanie Pratt Collins.

A celebration of life will be held on August 2, 2025 from 12-4pm at the Native Trails Winery in Lewistown. Gary’s family invites family and friends to gather for a picnic style meal. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Childrens Hospital or St. Jude. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Rose Graves

Rose Graves, 92, of Canton passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born on February 19, 1933 to John and Margaret (Ferris) McMahon.

She married Paul “Ron” Graves in November of 1972 in Canton. He preceded her in death on July 28, 2021.

Surviving are her children, Carol (Jan) Starcevich of New Lenox, IL, John (Allison) Hahn of Brimfield, IL, Sue Ellen (Craig) Bittle of Canton, IL, Ed Hahn of Kennewick, WA, Mary (Bill) Fitch of Peoria, Karen (Tom) Ransohoff of San Jose, CA, Paul (Lisa) Graves of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, Tim (Sandra) Graves of Tustin, CA, David (Coral) Graves of Newport Beach CA and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Rose worked as a bartender and waitress for Joe’s in Norris before becoming a homemaker and a bookkeeper for Graves Fire equipment. She was a member of St Mary’s Catholic Church, Canton Elks Lodge and the American Legion Auxiliary. She also enjoyed playing bingo, going to casinos and watching game shows on tv.

Rose had a strong faith in the Lord and never went to bed without saying the Lord’s Prayer.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 11 am with a visitation one hour prior at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Burial will follow at the St Joseph Cemetery in Canton.

Memorials may be made to Catholic Social Services.

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

Judy Juraco

Judy Juraco, 77, of Lewistown, passed away on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at OSF St Francis in Peoria.

She was born on December 13, 1947 in Moline to Albert and Margaret (Olson) Sarginson.

She married Joe Juraco on April 26, 1991 in Canton. He survives.

Also surviving are her children, Angie (Brad) Simmons-Kenser of Canton, Rob (Michelle) Simmons of Canton, grandchildren, Lauren (John) Wilcoxen, Jordan (Maggie) Simmons, Kellie (Connor) Hesterberg, Kari Kenser, Aden (Ciara Wallace) Simmons, Owen Simmons and great grandchildren, Kyndall, Hayley, Nicole, Isaac, Jonna, Callan and Louis.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Denny Sarginson.

Judy worked 10 years at Graham Hospital in the O.B. Department and later she worked over 30 years at the Fulton County Health Department for Women’s Health as a Nurse Practitioner.

She served on the Graham Hospital Foundation Board and the Health and Wellness Board. She enjoyed reading, collecting antiques and had a flair for decorating.

Most of all she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

A visitation will be held on Monday, June 23, 2025 from 4-7 pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A memorial funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 1pm. Cremation rites have been accorded and a burial of ashes will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton at a later date.

Memorials can be made Fulton County Humane Society or St Mary’s Food Pantry.

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

Maxine Leezer

Maxine E. Leezer (92) of Canton passed away Monday, June 16th, 2025, in her home. She was born to Arthur and Twila (Ruth) Cox on October 15, 1932, in their rural Vermont home. They preceded her in death along with 3 brothers: Max, Marcus, and Maurice.

She married Lloyd E. Leezer (Sr) on October 28, 1950, in Astoria. He preceded her in death along with their daughter Martha Bergstralh, son Lloyd Eldon Jr.; and sons-in-law, Neil Bergstralh and Bill Hedden.

Surviving is her daughter Marla Jo Hedden, son-in-law Michael Crane, six grandchildren: Doug & (Patty) Bergstralh, Mike and (Sandy) Bergstralh, Jeff and (Heather) Bergstralh, Tom and (Calista) Hedden, Kandi and (Jason) Maggio, Becky and (Darren) Sherwood. She is also survived by 15 great-grandchildren, 14 great-great-grandchildren, brother George Cox of Lewistown, sister Cheryl (Gary) Matteson of Vermont, and sisters-in-law, Sandra Howell, Kathy Cox, and Nancy Leezer.

Maxine graduated from V.I.T. High School in 1950. She was a full-time stay-at-home mom but, when times were lean, she began working part-time at Kresge’s, Jupiter, and Kmart. While employed at Kmart, she began working full-time and was able to retire from there in 1997.

Maxine loved her family and never missed a family gathering. She kept in touch with everyone by phone and through mail even keeping a log of names/addresses at the annual Cox reunion. Watching her grandchildren in their various activities kept her busy and held a very special place in her heart.

Maxine enjoyed many things in life with special emphasis on helping others. She volunteered for the American Red Cross; was present for everyone’s surgeries, hospital stays, and recoveries; loved cooking, baking, and sharing recipes; spent thousands of hours putting together, labeling, and sharing her photo albums, reading local newspapers, listening to and participating in the local radio programs on WBYS (now BYS) because she never missed announcing a birthday or anniversary.

Maxine liked listening to country music, watching old westerns, and being dedicated to the Lawrence Welk show - we all knew not to call her on a Saturday night.

A funeral service, officiated by Pastor Steve Mason, will be held on Tuesday, June 24th, 2025, at 10:00 am at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton with a visitation held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Vermont Cemetery in Vermont followed by a luncheon at American Grille in Canton.

Memorials may be made to Illinois Cancer Care Foundation or St. Jude Children’s hospital.

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Everett Warren Potter

LEWISTOWN – Everett Warren Potter passed away on December 10, 2024, in Altoona, WI at Prairie Pointe Grace Lutheran Community with his wife Rita in attendance. Born April 2, 1941, in Rockford, the son of Everett Charles and Hazle Aimee Boomer Potter, he graduated from Winnebago High School in 1959 and Eastern Illinois University in 1963 and 1965 with a BS and then an MS in Biology. 

Warren’s life was characterized by his many interests: his jobs included being a teacher, farmer, Spoon River College administrator, insurance salesman, paramedic, semi and truck driver, and telemetry tech at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Warren served often – on the Fulton County Board, as a VIT School board president, Lewistown Chamber of Commerce president, and on the committee that built Spoon River Towers. He was on the Lewistown Volunteer Fire Department, hosted at the Rasmussen Museum, was a 33rd degree Mason, and was a deacon and trustee at Illinois Street Christian Church.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rita Irene (Salyers) Potter, sons Dr. Jon Warren (Rachel) Potter of Eau Claire, WI and Dr. Benjamin Kyle (Dr. Michelle DiVito) Potter of Philadelphia, PA and nine grandchildren: Brennan, Ella, Scarlett, Hazel, James, Flora, Easton, Luke, and Rowan. A sister Mary “Karen” Valentine survives in Milford, OH along with numerous nieces and

nephews and a step-granddaughter Erica Hartel. Warren was preceded in death by a son and his wife Everett Luke and Angela Marie Potter and a sister Julia Ann Sharp.

Warren had as many hobbies as occupations including flying small airplanes, hunting and fishing, reloading, gardening and cooking, beekeeping and visiting Civil War battlefield sites. He cheered for the St. Louis Cardinals and Green Bay Packers and liked MASH and In the Heat of the Night. But what he enjoyed most was reading and talking (he could converse on almost any topic) to his sons and friends.

Services will be Saturday, June 28 at 10 (visitation) and 11 (service) at Illinois Street Christian, Lewistown, with a meal immediately following at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to his church or the Lewistown Historical Society. Condolences to henrylange.com.