Karen S. Brobston

Karen Brobston, 74, of Vermont, IL, passed away at 5:06 pm on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at Rushville Rehab and Nursing Center in Rushville, IL. She was born on August 9, 1951 in Canton, IL, the daughter of Ben and Alice (Jones) Wilson. She married Kenneth “Red” Brobston on October 23, 1976 in Vermont, IL. Kenneth preceded Karen in death on March 1, 2023.

Also preceding her in death are her parents.

She is survived by her two children; Tanya (and William) Morgan of Vermont and Kenneth (and Becky Fewkes) Brobston, Jr. of Table Grove, IL, step-daughter; Pam (and John) York of St. Paul, Iowa, four grandchildren; Laci (and Skylar) Vedenhaupt, Corey (and Nadine) Jacobs, Seth Jacobs and Colleen Welch, 3 step-grandchildren; Nicole Suesens, Amanda Suesens and Lynsey Brobston, eight great-grandchildren, five sisters; Vickie Ward, Alisa Elandt, Robin Berto, Tammy Hensley and Kelly Everitt, and one brother; Rick Wilson.

Karen worked as a CNA.

Karen enjoyed crocheting and collecting dolls. She loved Betty Boop. She was a good homemaker and would keep her home pristine. Karen and her husband Kenneth loved to travel, go to car shows and going out to eat together. She was strong in her faith and was a devout Jehovah Witness.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, October 20, 2025 in the Vermont Cemetery. A visitation will take place from 10 to 11 am on Monday, October 20, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL prior to the service. Memorials may be made to the Rushville Rehab and Nursing Center or the Vermont Fire and Rescue Squad.

Janet Rose Yocum

Janet Rose Yocum, 83, of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Red Oak Estates in Canton. She was born on November 22, 1941, in Canton.

Surviving are her sisters, Carolyn Rose Bittner of Peoria and Linda Jacobs of Utah; her brother, Gary (Fritzie) Schoonover of Bloomington; a special cousin, Stanley Ransom; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; Arthur and Grace Schoonover, one brother, Paul Kruschinsky; and one sister, Melba Lee.

Janet retired from the Coleman Clinic in Canton after 38 years of dedicated service. She enjoyed reading and was an avid Elvis Presley fan. A lifelong animal lover, she took great care of the neighborhood cats, making sure they were always looked after. Janet was also the family caregiver throughout her life—devotedly tending to her parents, her daughter, and anyone else in need.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Walnut Cemetery in Banner.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

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

Margaret E. Miller

Margaret E. Miller, 80, of Lewistown, IL, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025 at St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL. She was born on September 18, 1945 in Macomb, IL.

Margaret is preceded in death by her parents, John “Jack” and Hattie (Walton) Baldry, Jr.

She is survived by her brother; Anthony (and Tammy) Baldry of Lewistown, IL, two nieces; Sarah (and Eric) Stell and Amber (and Jeff) Dearing, nephew; Mark (and Emily) Baldry, and six great-nieces and nephews; Ross Stell, Lucas Dearing, Jack Dearing, Trinity (and Jessie) Baldry, Grant Baldry and Gage Baldry.

Margaret first worked for the State of Illinois in the License Plate Department. She went on to work for the Springfield Clinic before working in the billing department for the McDonough District Hospital for several years before retiring.

She was on the council for the Spoon River Towers where she resided. Margaret was known as one of the Astoria area “Golden Gals”. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and NASCAR fan. She also enjoyed coloring in books and on her tablet and playing BINGO. She loved her family, especially all of her nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at 12 pm on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Matthew Thiner will officiate. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Astoria Christian Church.

Dixie Davis

Dixie Davis, 71, of Canton, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at her home.

She was born on July 26, 1954, in Canton, to Ted and MaraLee (Jarnigan) Breese, who preceded her in death.

Dixie married Sammy Davis on February 23, 1974. He preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are her daughter, Stacy Fields; three stepchildren, Tony (LeAnna) Davis, Tiffanie Pressley, and Nichole (Chad) Kellem; one grandson, Vic Corvus; and five step-grandchildren, Amelia Denny, Phoebe Denny, Logan Kellem, Brody Kellem, and Brielle Kellem. Also surviving are her brother-in-law, Mike (Mary) Davis; two sisters-in-law, Becky (the late Terry) Schutte and Sarah Waske; and several nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Jack, David, and Kenny Breese; two sisters, Carolyn Shepherd and Penny Breese; four nephews; and one niece.

Dixie worked at SC2 in East Peoria for 20 years before retiring in 2012. She enjoyed crocheting and reading, and was a devoted fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. She also loved watching NASCAR, especially cheering for Rusty Wallace and Kevin Harvick.

Music was always a big part of her life — from the timeless songs of Elvis Presley to the energy of Kid Rock — and she always made sure it was played loud enough for everyone to enjoy. An animal lover at heart, Dixie found her greatest joy in spending time with her family

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

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

Alcinda J. Craft

Alcinda Jane Craft, 83, of Vermont, died at noon in her home on Saturday October 11, 2025 surrounded by her family.

She was born on June 28, 1942 in Macomb, IL to Jim and Ann Richmond. She married George Craft on August 10, 1963 in Encino, CA. He survives along with three daughters; Deirdre, Adrea, and Paige, three sons-in-law; David Andreas, Larry Ayers, and David Gentry, four grandchildren; Callie Andreas, Malachi Ayers, Micah Ayers, and George Gentry, one sister; Damaris & Art Mortvedt, two brothers; Phil & Jackie Richmond, and Curt & Georgia Richmond, one sister in law Judy Wood.

She grew up in Table Grove attending VIT schools graduating in 1960. She graduated from Cottey College in 1962, and WIU in 1964 with a B.S. in Education. She taught school in Vermont for four years, then stayed home with her young girls and helped George farm. She returned to school for R.N. training, then worked as a Hospice nurse until she retired in 2005.

She was a 63-year member of PEO Chapter C. She was active in church playing the piano & organ, and singing in the choir. For 30 years she supported Alzheimer’s Association by raising money and attending the annual Alzheimer’s Walks. She was an artist, believed in education and shared her love of books. She was an avid gardener tending her asparagus patch and her flower beds. Her grandchildren brought her great joy and she loved being their Aanaa.

We wish to thank her caregivers who helped us over the past 2 1/2 years to keep her at home:Joyce Norville, Micah Ayers, and Callie Andreas.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 3:00 PM with a service to follow at 4:30 PM at the Ipava Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be to Alzheimer’s Association, and Ipava Presbyterian Church.

Michael Lee Dailey

Michael Lee Dailey, age 61 of Ipava, Illinois, passed away on Friday, October 10th as a result of a kayaking accident while camping near Thompson, Michigan. He was born on June 19, 1964 in Canton, Illinois, the son of Raymond and Ethel Marie (Wise) Dailey. He married Sue Ulmer in Lewistown, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Marie (and John) Gage of Macomb, Illinois, two daughters; Heather (and Scott) Miller of Havana, Illinois and Angel Dailey of Ipava and two sons; Tyler Keime of Macomb and Devon (and Katie Wilson) Dailey of Fairview, Illinois.

Mike was preceded by his daughter, Alexa Dailey, his father and two brothers, Mark and Scott Dailey.

He was a US Marine Corps veteran. Mike attended Western Illinois University and was a graduate of the University of Illinois with a Mechanical Engineering degree.

Mike worked as a mechanical engineer at Western Illinois University.

He enjoyed woodworking, water activities and collecting Hot Wheel cars. He was able to fix anything.

Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18th at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Pastor Mike Ulmer will officiate. Military rites will be provided by the Ipava American Legion. Interment will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Michael Dailey Memorial Fund in care of the Ipava State Bank.

Larry R. Willis

Larry R. Willis, 76, of Havana, passed away at 9:38 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at his home. He was born on June 15, 1949 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Wayne and Pauline (Jones) Willis. He married Phyllis Silberberg on January 19, 1973 in Belleville, Illinois.

Larry is survived by his wife, Phyllis Wills of Havana; children, Noah (Ashley) Willis of Rushville and Rachel (Ryan) Bieneman of Geneseo, Illinois; and grandchildren, Ava, Maya, and Eliza Beineman and Norah and Naomi Willis. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Roberta.
Larry served in the U.S. Air Force from 1967 to 1971 and later became one of the first employees at the Jake Wolf Memorial Fish Hatchery, where he worked until retiring in 2010. He loved spending time outdoors—whether he was fishing, gardening, or just watching the wildlife around him. Larry was also an avid bird watcher and enjoyed doing the monthly bird count at Emiquon Nature Preserve. Larry enjoyed watching his granddaughters participate in their sporting events, musical performances, and theater productions. He also enjoyed watching St Louis Cardinal baseball and was a lifelong fan.
Cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned at this time.
Memorial donations may be made in Larry’s name to the Havana Food Pantry. Online condolences can be left for his family at www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Richard “Dick” G. Grove

Richard “Dick” Grove, 72, of Canton, passed away on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at The Loft in Canton.

He was born on April 10, 1953, in Avon, to Gayle and Jessie (Pickel) Grove. He married Sharon Cook on September 29, 1974, and together they shared 46 years of marriage before her passing on November 2, 2020.

Surviving are his children, Jeremy Grove and Tonya Grove; grandchildren, Kaley (Jacob), Dalys, and Hunter; and one great-grandchild, Oakley Lancaster; brothers, Mike (Berta) Grove, Chuck (Lori) Grove, and Greg (Nancy) Grove; sisters, Sandra Stoneking and Enola (Don) Mathis;

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Bob, Jim, and Gary; and one sister, Rosemary Hinderliter.

Dick proudly served in the Air National Guard and later dedicated his career to the Canton Fire Department, where he served with distinction until his retirement in 2013. He was a past member of the Canton Elks Lodge #626, an assistant coach for Special Olympics basketball, and actively involved in fundraising efforts for the St. Jude Runs. Dick was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan and a proud supporter of his community.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

Memorials may be made to an education fund for his great-grandchild, c/o CEFCU.

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

Jerold “Jerry” Nesbitt

Jerold “Jerry” Nesbitt, 78, of Canton, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 9, 1947, in Canton, to William and Grace (Davis) Nesbitt. They preceded him in death along with one brother, Johnny Nesbitt, and two sisters, Joyce (Jim) Miller and Judy Moraski.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Lisa (Jennings) Nesbitt. They were married on July 1, 1996,. Also surviving are his children, Rondelle (Randy) Williams of Licking, Missouri, Carrie (Ron) Pierson of Illinois, and Jacob (Sophia) Nesbitt of Canton; six grandchildren, Jessica (Roger) Edgar of Missouri, Seth (Davannah) Bruketta of Kilbourne, Illinois, Luke Graham of Illinois, Jon Karnes of Missouri, Zach Pierson of Havana, Illinois, and Cole (Bridget) Graham of Illinois; his brother-in-law, Jack Moraski of Iowa; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry retired from Intermet in Havana after many dedicated years of service. He loved camping, fishing, playing cards, and taking float trips in Missouri. A proud union man and longtime ABATE member, Jerry was known for his strong opinions and spirited conversations — never one to pass up a good debate about religion or politics.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Serenity Point Hospice.

Mary Ellen Carver

Mary Ellen Carver, 89, of Canton, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at The Loft in Canton.

She was born on November 3, 1935, in Long Beach, California, to Russell and Mary (Hand) Branchfield.

She was first married to Robert Fouts, who preceded her in death. She later married Brooks “M.B.” Carver, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Theresa (Kent) Waldrop, Susan (Mark) Agnoletti, Alison Watson, and Steven (Michelle) Fouts; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Becky Carver and Lisa Carver Gray; four step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Kathleen Geargart, and Carolyn Varner

Mary Ellen worked as a secretary and bookkeeper before becoming co-owner, alongside her husband Brooks, of a successful business in Beardstown. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canton and was active in the Fulton County Playhouse from its inception in 1978. She appeared in several productions, including See How They Run, South Pacific, and Laura, and served as the makeup coordinator for most performances.

Mary Ellen was a talented artist, working in watercolor, pastel, and alcohol ink. She shared her passion by teaching watercolor painting through the Spoon River College Community Outreach Program and was a member of the Committee for Art on Main in Canton. She also enjoyed sailing—an activity she learned from Brooks while living in Florida—and they cherished their travels together.

Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, per her wishes. A burial of her ashes will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canton Are Heritage Museum.

To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Darlene Ann Dunn

Smithfield- Darlene Ann Dunn, 83, of Smithfield, passed away at 3:31 AM on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 21, 1942 in La Prairie, Illinois, a daughter of John and Julia (Barrier) Schoonover. They preceded her in death.

Also preceding Darlene in death was a son, David Dunn, a brother, Gibby Schoonover; sister, Carlene Stevens; three half-sisters, Leila Irwing, Nellie Yorton, Golda Bishop, and two half-brothers, Francis Schoonover, and John Schoonover.

Surviving is her two daughters, Shellie (George) Stevens of Gary, Indiana; Judith “Red” (Robert) Pellhum of Smithfield, and several grandchildren; great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Sidney Schoonover, and one sister, Mary Goldstein.

Darlene worked and retired from OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, working as an LPN.

Per Darlene wishes, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Burial of ashes will take place in Hebron Cemetery in Golden, Illinois at a later date. Memorials can be made to the family to help with the cremation expenses. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Nancy L. Howard

Nancy L. Howard, 85, of Peoria, formerly of Elmwood, passed away on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Liberty Village in Peoria.

Nancy was born June 9, 1940, in Peoria, IL, to Clayton “Pete” and Minnie (Ekena) Wagner.

Nancy married Kenneth “Hap” Howard on April 25, 1975, at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Elmwood. He survives.

Nancy is also survived by four children, Debra (Roger) Windish of Elmwood, Rodney (Michelle) Andrews of Elmwood, Christine (Tony) Johnson of Choctaw, OK, and Chad (Sandra) Howard of Brisbane, NSW, Australia; 10 grandchildren; and 26 great-grandchildren.

Nancy is preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Donna Rogers.

Nancy attended the Trinity Presbyterian Church in Tuscon, AZ, for over 15 years, and then moved to Elmwood where they attended the 1st Presbyterian Church in Elmwood.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Monday, October 20, 2025, at Elmwood Township Cemetery. Pastor Marla Bauler will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance.

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

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