Vera Amelia "June" Gathman

Vera Amelia “June” Gathman, 93, of Forest City, passed away at her home at 7:07 a.m., on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. She was born October 6, 1932, in Topeka, Illinois, to Perry and Amelia (Boyer) Tisdale. She married Glen Gathman, on September 4, 1955 in Forest City, Illinois.

Mrs. Gathman is survived by four children: Terry (Debbie) Gathman, of Topeka, Gary (LaVeta) Gathman, of Havana, Galen Gathman, of Topeka, Traci (Kelley) Bohm, of Havana; thirteen grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; one step-great-grandchild; and one sister: Judy Tisdale, of Havana; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and three siblings: Josephine Runyon, Joeann Rogers, and Perry Tisdale, Jr.
Mrs. Gathman was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, in Manito. She was a member of DAR - Abraham Lincoln Chapter, Mason County Farm Bureau, and was proud of her family’s Centennial Farm. She enjoyed making rag rugs, and was known as the Rag Rug Lady. She had worked for several years at Corn Products, in Pekin, and on the family farm, near Forest City.
Visitation will be held at Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m., on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Manito, at 10:30 a.m., on Monday, December 1, 2025, with an additional hour of visitation immediately prior to the service. Burial will follow the services at Pleasant Hill Cemetery, near Forest City. Rev. Matthew Berndt will officiate.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, or Willow Ridge Hospice. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Maas-Hurley Funeral Home, in Manito, is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis E. "Phebe" Hardin

Phyllis E. “Phebe” Hardin, 79, of Canton, passed away at 4:35 PM on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was born on February 21, 1946 in Abingdon, Virginia, a daughter of Ernest and Letha (Bailey) Wise. She married W. Gene Hardin on February 15, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Canton. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2023.

Also preceding Phebe in death were her parents, and grandson, John W. Hardin.

Surviving is her son, John (Connie) Hardin of Canton; granddaughter, Hanna Hardin; great-granddaughter, Allana Ward, and sister, Sue (Dennis) Vanmiddlesworth of Mount Pulaski; niece, Jo (Butch) Rentmeister; two nephews, Mike (Sheila) Vanmiddlesworth, and Jeff Vanmiddlesworth.

Phebe’s faith was reflected in her membership at the First Baptist Church in Canton. She was deeply fulfilled by her role as a homemaker, and hairstylist at Joy’s in Canton, while also finding pleasure in helping others and being a devoted mother, grandmother, and ensuring that everyone’s hunger was satisfied. In the words of Phebe, “I would like for everyone to get along, and help each other”.

Per Phebe wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A graveside service and burial of ashes will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton on Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Pastor Monroe Bailey will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Swann Special Care Center, 109 Kenwood, Champaign, Illinois 61821. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Floy Lopeman

Floy Watts Lopeman, 96, of Canton, passed away, Monday, November 24, 2025, at Farmington Village in Farmington.

She was born in Virginia, Illinois, on May 22, 1929, to Astor and Lorena (Long) Watts. They preceded her in death.

Floy married Ralph Lopeman in 1963. He preceded her in death in 1986.

She is survived by three children, James (Starr) Wright of Springfield Illinois, Diane (Bob) Shawgo of Canton Illinois, Steven (Late Cheryl) Lopeman of Abbeville, AL, eleven grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren.

She is also preceded in death by one son Timothy, three brothers, two sisters, and one grandchild.

Floy worked at the Children’s Home in Peoria as the VP of Finance retiring in 1989.

Floy was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton. She enjoyed Quilting and spending time with her family.

Per her wishes cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. A burial of her ashes will be held in the spring.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Terry L. Hurley

Tarrell L. “Terry” Hurley, 78, of Lewistown passed away at 6:30 pm Monday November 24, 2025 at his home.

He was born March 26, 1947 at Canton, the son of John and Gladys (Long) Hurley. He married Joyce Strode on April 20, 1973 at Lewistown. She survives with three children, Marla (Tony) Sheets of Lewistown, Marcy (Mark) Harrison of Carthage, and John (Kristina) Hurley of Lewistown, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Bordwine of Bryant. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, and one great granddaughter.

Terry was a Vietnam veteran serving in the Air Force. He had worked at International Harvester in Canton. He was a member of the Lewistown VFW Post 5001 and enjoyed woodworking.

Cremation will be accorded. A graveside service will be held 1 pm Friday November 28, 2025 at Oak Hill Cemetery with Darla Henderson officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Air Force, Lewistown VFW Post 5001, and American Legion Bishop Post 1. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lewistown Rescue Squad. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Jack L. Clark

Jack L. Clark, 84, passed away on November 23rd, 2025. A private family graveside service and burial will be held at Apple Cemetery and a celebration of life is being planned and will be announced.

Kenneth Neuman Sr.

Ken Neuman of Lewistown passed away on November 25, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1931, in Liverpool Township, Fulton County, to Edward and Hazel (Ashby) Neuman. He graduated from Lewistown High School in 1949, after which he began a long career with Caterpillar Tractor Company.

He married Helen Grove of Bryant on April 2, 1950. His wife predeceased him by only a few months, and the couple celebrated their 75th anniversary earlier this year. He is survived by both children: Linda (Dan McClarren) Ezell of Florida and Kenneth (Rhonda Wilcox) Neuman, Jr., of Dunfermline. Also surviving are grandchildren Amanda Neuman and Major Christopher (Cathy) Neuman, U.S. Army, and great-grandchildren Cade and Cole.

Ken enjoyed fishing, hunting, and mushrooming in Fulton County. He was an accomplished woodworker. His garden could always be counted on to be productive and the grounds of their home well-tended. He was a life member of the Masonic Lodge and attended services at the Methodist churches in Lewistown and at Mount Pleasant.

A graveside service at Greenwood Cemetery, Canton, will be held on Saturday, December 13th at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please perform some act of kindness for those in need in his memory during this holiday season. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Jacquelyn Ludi "Jackie" Mackey Trotter

Jacquelyn Ludi “Jackie” Mackey Trotter, 93, of Canton, passed away Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at her home with her family and a Labrador Retriever by her side.

She was born in Tulsa Oklahoma, on August 9, 1932, to Capt. Clabe and Beulah (Foster) Mackey. They preceded her in death as well as two sisters, Diane Whitaker and Sidney Donavan and her son-in-law Jim Shive.

Jackie is survived by her three children, Jacquelyn Leanne Trotter, Virden Lee Trotter II, and Vinton Wesley Trotter. Also surviving are one sister, Sonya Markham, one grandson, Joseph (Doneice) Trotter, the two sweetest ever great-grandchildren Ransom Bear Trotter and Rubee Jacquelyn Trotter, as well as two favored step-grandchildren, Jeremy and Jason Shive. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews from both sides of her family. Jackie was fortunate to share the excellent company of William “Bill” Joachim for 20 years before his passing.

Jackie retired from serving the Home Health Department at Graham Hospital in Canton. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Canton, Canton YWCA where she won the “Women of Achievement Award” in 2012, Lambda Chi Omega sorority, P.E.O., Spoon River Gardening Club, and volunteered at Luthy Botanical Garden. Jackie enjoyed spending time around her home taking care of her plants and playing bridge. Jackie was an accomplished University of Illinois Master Gardener, 4-H Leader, and Democratic Election Judge. She enjoyed driving patients to Peoria for the Red Cross. Jackie was also a voting member of the Osage Nation native tribe in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and a proud “Okie”. Jackie graduated from C. E. Byrd High School Shreveport, Louisiana and Centenary College of Louisiana at Shreveport. A vacation to Europe with sister Sonya and their grandchildren was a particular favorite memory. Jackie felt blessed by numerous enduring friendships of women that she treasured up to her dying day.

A Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the First Presbyterian Church, 275 Linden Street in Canton at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will be conducted by Rev. Edwin Brinklow at the church at 11:00 a.m. and a luncheon will follow at the fellowship hall at the church for all attendees. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Canton.

Bible verse: Matthew 25. Verses 34-40

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’”

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’”

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”

Alvin Bucher

Alvin E. Bucher, 68, of Farmington, passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at his residence.

He was born on July 2, 1957 in Canton to William and Nellie (Busby) Bucher.

He married Lori Wallick. She preceded him in death along with his parents and several uncles.

Surviving are his children, Isacc (Deb) Bucher, Clinton (Nicole) Bucher, Rachel Bucher, two step children whom he helped raise, Gary and Shawna, one brother, Larry (Lisa) Bucher, one sister, LuAnn (Charlie) Bollinger, several grandchildren, two paternal uncles and aunts, several grandchildren and many cousins.

Al grew up on the family farm where he learned a great deal about farming. His dad, Willie, owned and operated Bucher’s Fence Building in Astoria where Al built miles of fences with him and other family members. He also worked as a welder at Key Coal Company. He formed Al Bucher Construction. He poured many yards of concrete throughout central Illinois and was a top hand running dozers. He also worked as the elevator operator at Weaver’s Popcorn in Forest City for two years and built numerous grain storage facilities there. Al also built several houses in the Astoria area. He was a hardworking man who stayed busy. One of his greatest talents and passions was creating handmade projects through woodworking.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. There will be no services.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Bartolomea "Lina" Lombardo

Bartolomea Lombardo, 91, better known as “Nonna” or “Lina” by all who knew her, died, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Heritage Woods of Canton where she resided for the last three and half years.

She was born August 28, 1934 in Campobello di Mazara, Sicily, Italy to Andrea and Tommasa Messina. She was the youngest of seven and grew up helping her parents on the farm. As a young lady she loved to draw, paint and do embroidery which she became so skilled at that she had a studio in her home where she thought others.

Lina married Antonino Lombardo at the age of 26 on June 25, 1960 and had two children. After moving to Palermo, Sicily for a few years they decided to immigrate to the United States and live in St. Louis in December of 1973 to be closer to her sister.

She and her husband were in the restaurant business until they retired. After losing her husband in 1995 she moved to Lewistown to live with her daughter and was a big part of her grandsons’ lives. She attended all their activities and became a regular at the YMCA in Canton where she enjoyed going 5 days a week and participated in every class possible including Zumba, Yoga, Ripped, Water Exercise and Silver Sneakers. Because of her age and being such an active member of the Y, she was featured in the local paper a couple of times.

She also spent some of her time visiting her sister in Florida and going back to Italy with her for months at a time.

When home, you could find her walking 3.3 miles around town to keep fit. She loved exercising. When she no longer felt comfortable driving, she decided to move into Courtyard Estates to join her daughter’s in-laws. She really enjoyed living there, plenty of space to walk inside, new friends and crafts and activities.

Lina was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers and husband.

She is survived by her daughter Caterina (Brian) Ebert of Lewistown, her son Salvatore (Irene) Lombardo of Portsmouth NH, four grandchildren; Seth and Jesse Ebert, Kaelina and Sofia Lombardo, three great-grandchildren, Noah, Lianna and Shevy Ebert and her sister Caterina Barbera.

Lina will be best remembered by her hugs and smile, her ‘I love you” and “my beautiful.’

According to her grandsons, no one made better lasagna, spaghetti sauce or Christmas fig cookies.

She knew no stranger and enjoyed loving and talking to everyone, even if they might not understand everything she said.

Lina attended the Bryant Christian Church in Bryant, IL every Sunday which was the highlight of her week. She was everybody’s Nonna and will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at Bryant Christian Church at 11am with a visitation one hour prior at the Church. A funeral Luncheon will follow at the church also. She will be entombed at the Calvary Mausoleum in St Louis, MO, on Thursday, December 4, at 11am in the Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Bryant Christian Church.

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

To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Dixie Arlene Cox

Dixie Cox, 82, of Canton, passed away peacefully at her home on November 21, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on May 26, 1943, in Macomb, to Jack and Virginia (Chasteen) Yocum, who preceded her in death.

She married Ed Cox on November 17, 1963, in Canton. He survives, and together they shared 62 wonderful years of marriage.

Also surviving are her daughters, Jana Watson of Canton and Ann Horne of Canton; her brother, Marvin (Roxanne) Yocum; her sister, Karen (Fred) Riley; her sister-in-law, Sue Widner; grandchildren, Kalee Engle, Madison Carter, Dylan Putman, Drake Horne, and Cade Hughes; and great-grandchildren, Eriyanna Reichard, Sophia Anderson, Ellie Anderson, and Marley Hughes.

Dixie graduated from Canton High School in 1961 and later worked for the Head Start program at First Baptist Church. She enjoyed collecting dolls and roosters and was a member of Shields Chapel Methodist Church. Her warm spirit and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory. A graveside burial of her ashes will be held at Greenwood Cemetery on Friday, December 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Transitions Hospice and Jessica and her team for the love and care they provided.

Memorials may be made to The Stroke Alliance, 8000 N. University Street, Peoria, IL 61615.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com.

Wendy McGurk

Wendy McGurk, 57, of Canton, passed away, Friday, November 21, 2025, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born on May 23, 1968, to Jim “George” and Soundra (Blurton) Johnson. Wendy married Todd McGurk. He survives along with one daughter Mykayla McGurk of Canton, one brother Mike (Debra) Johnson of Canton, sister-in-law Lisa Johnson of Canton, one granddaughter Brylea Schultz of Canton, nine nieces and nephews; Christina Davis, Rebecca Cook, Morgan Staley, Jacob (Alexa) Churchill, Mason (Anne) Duquenne, Lynzee (Billy) Kinsel, Gavin Eddy, McKenzie (Russell) Sarff and Kendra McGurk and several great nieces and nephews.

Wendy was preceded in death by parents, Sandy Davis, George Johnson, two step fathers; Jutt Davis and John Svetich, 2 brothers; Jeff Johnson and infant Robert Johnson and sister Cindy Johnson.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Canton.

Services will be 11 am Saturday, November 29, 2025 at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. Memorials can be made to the family to help offset funeral expenses. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com