Wayne Cross

Wayne Cross, 91, of Trivoli, passed away at 12:26 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria. He was born on February 13, 1935 in Franklin County, Illinois, a son of John and Opal (Shaw) Cross. He married Helen Ailene Irvin on March 28, 1958 in Bonnie, Illinois. She preceded him in death on June 7, 2015.

Also, preceding Wayne in death were his parents, son Roger Cross; brother Robert Cross; sister Mary Morris; one grandchild, Brianna Wood and one great-grandchild, Emalyn Cross.

Surviving are his children, Debra (Mike) Harms of Yates City; Jeff (Sandi) Cross of Peoria; daughter-in-law, Tina Cross; six grandchildren, Kyle (Shana) Harms, Kayla (Rocco) Harms, Jordan (Mitch) Ryan, Trevor (Chloe) Cross, Connor (Alyse) Cross, and Morgan (Tyler) Federwisch; fifteen great-grandchildren; brothers, Charles (Irene) Cross, Gene (Betsy) Cross, Delbert (Pat) Cross; sister, Ruth Stewart, and his beloved friend, and dance partner, Mariann Forney of Brimfield.

Wayne was a loving husband, father, and friend. He had a great sense of humor, a strong faith, and a never-ending love for his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He gave generously to his community, and was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. Whether outdoors hunting, fishing, gardening, or enjoying a game of cards or a puzzle indoors, he found joy in every moment. His memory will forever live on in our hearts.

Wayne worked and retired from Caterpillar, Inc after 42 years of service, retiring in 2000. He was a devoted member of the Douglas United Methodist Church, and member of the Farmington Sportsman Club. He served his country in the United States Army.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 25, 2025 at the Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, where a visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of services. Pastor Kris McMillan will officiate. Burial will follow the services, and take place in Trivoli Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to the Logan-Trivoli Fire Department. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Melvin D. Swearingen

Melvin D. Swearingen, 73, of Lewistown, passed away at 11:55 PM on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at his residence. He was born on January 25, 1953 in Peoria, a son of Marshall and Mabel Mae (Trau) Swearingen. He married Kenna Howerter on September 25, 1976 in Lewistown. She survives.

Also surviving are his sons, Chris (Heather) Swearingen of Lewistown; Chad (Stephanie) Swearingen of Lewistown; five grandchildren, Madison, Lanie, Royal, Chloe, and Sakota; brother, Merle (Edie) Swearingen of Lewistown; sisters, Marcy Goldring (Glenn) Edenburn of Farmington; Marsha (Mark) Giacobazzi of Peoria Heights; a special niece, Taylor, and several other nieces and nephews.

Preceding Melvin in death were his parents, mother & father-in-law, Kenneth Howerter, & Doris Case; sister, Mavis Swearingen, and a niece Michelle Bainter.

He worked and retired on April 1, 2013 from Sheet Metal Union Local #1 in Morton, after several years of service. Melvin was an avid hunter, fisherman, and pool player.

Per Melvin’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Lon Brooks

Canton-Lon Brooks, 75, of Canton, passed away at 12:31 PM on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton. He was born on January 21, 1951 in Canton, a son of Paul Hadsall Sr. and Louella Ward.

Preceding Lon in death was his father, Paul Hadsall Sr., mother, Louella Ward, step-father Jack Ward, and three brothers, Victor Brooks, Rick Brooks, and Paul Hadsall Jr.

Surviving are his children, Nesa (Bryan Bailey) Brooks of Canton; Noah (Megan) Brooks of Arnold, Missouri; Dusty Schwartz; seven grandchildren, Gabriel & Asher Brooks, Tristan Burton, Drake Bailey, Carolyn Silva, Nicole Schwartz, and Sasha Bowman, many great-grandchildren, and beloved friend, April Gandy.

Lon began his working career at International Harvester in Canton, He later went on to serve as a manager at Farm King, also in Canton. In addition, Lon faithfully served as an ordained minister, as he was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus. He served his country with the United States Navy.

Per Lon’s wishes, there will be no services, and 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 the Fulton County Humane Society. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Norma Jean Starbuck

Norma Jean Starbuck, age 94 of Macomb, Illinois, formerly of Lewistown, Illinois, passed away at 2:29 pm on Friday, March 20, 2026 at The Lamoine Retirement Living in Macomb, Illinois. She was born on April 28, 1931 in Macomb, a daughter of Lloyd and Florence (Maddox) Lawson. Norma married Daniel Francis Starbuck on December 1, 1950 in Macomb. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2011.

Norma was also preceded in death by her brother Russell Lawson and her sister Virginia Wheeler.

Surviving are her children, Charlene (Jim) Abernathy of Table Grove, Illinois and Mark (Rebecca) Starbuck of Cuba, Illinois, three grandchildren, Kevin (Brandi) Abernathy, Eric (Mollie) Abernathy and Rachel (Dan) Wyatt, and two great-grandchildren, Lily Abernathy and Gavin Abernathy.

Norma and her husband were the owner and operators of Dan’s TV in Lewistown, Illinois for many years. She was a member and officer of the Spoon River Professional Women’s Club and a former member of the Ipava Order of the Eastern Star.

She enjoyed sewing and crocheting and loved spending time with her grandchildren.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 27th at 2:00 p.m. in the Ipava Cemetery, Ipava, Illinois. Mike Ulmer will officiate. Memorials in memory of Norma may be made to the Lewistown Rescue Squad. Shawgo Memorial Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Renee Marie Downing

Renee Marie Downing, 44, of Canton, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026 at OSF St Francis Hospital in Peoria.

She was born on March 10, 1982 in Canton.

Surviving is her mother, Beverly (Carlock) Hood of Lewistown, step father, Larry Hood, sons, Jayden Siegfried of Canton, Dawson Siegfried of Canton, daughter, Madyson Siegfried of Farmington, the father of her children, Gabriel “Gabe” Siegfried, paternal grandparents, Jerry and Betty Downing, grandchild, Fletcher Siegfried, brother, Tony Atterberry of Jacksonville, IL, sister, Nicole Downing of Morton and step sister, April Coon.

Preceding her in death is her father, Jeffrey Downing and maternal grandparents, Ernest and Elizabeth Carlock.

Renee worked in home health care field as a caregiver to the elderly and physically disabled. She enjoyed collecting snowmen, gnomes and anything Christmas related. She spent many hours journaling. She was also a cat lover. Most of all Renee was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 11 am at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation held one hour prior at the funeral home.

Cremation rites will follow the services.

Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Betty Jean Keithley

Betty Jean Keithley, 71, of Fairview passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at Renaissance Care Center in Canton.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton. Burial of her ashes will take place at the Oakwood Cemetery in Macomb at a later date.

Beverly Bishop

Beverly D. (Helle) Bishop, of Cuba, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at Graham Hospital. She was born on February 6, 1938, in Smithfield, Illinois, to Frederick Helle and MaryLee (Lamb) Helle.

On June 16, 1956, Beverly married the love of her life, Ron Bishop, who preceded her in death. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.

Beverly is lovingly remembered by her children: Leesa Beecham of Canton, Cathy Howd of Paris, Tennessee, and Brad (Dawn) Bishop of St. Paris, Ohio. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Michael Welch; Joshua (Ira Katzman); Dylan (Kayleigh) Howd; Collin (Maggie) Howd; Tarah Bishop; Luke Bishop; Mackenzie Bishop; Dylan Dixon; Mark Dixon; and Kirstyn (Abram) Gillam. She was also blessed with four great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Beverly dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a medical laboratory technician, retiring from Mason District Hospital after many years of service. Her commitment to helping others extended beyond her work and into every aspect of her life.

A woman of deep faith, Beverly was a longtime member of the Cuba Christian Church, where she served as choir director for many years. Her musical talents were a gift to all who knew her—she was an accomplished musician who played the piano, violin, and banjo, sharing her love of music generously with her church and community.

She was an active member and past president of the Cuba chapter of P.E.O. CB, where she formed lasting friendships and contributed meaningfully to the organization’s mission.

Beverly’s family would like to extend special gratitude to niece and nephew Theresa (Bishop) Marshall and Bruce Marshall, for their unwavering care, love, and support throughout the years.

Beverly will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to her family, her musical spirit, and the warmth she brought into the lives of all who knew her. Her legacy of love and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Memorial Service to be held Memorial Day Weekend. Memorials can be made to the Cuba Christian Church. More information will be made available as the date approaches.

Robert E. West

Robert E. “Bob” West, 71, of rural Astoria and formerly of Lewistown passed away Tuesday March 17, 2026 at his home.

He was born August 22, 1954 at Canton the son of Robert and Betty L. (Althiser) West. They preceded him in death. Surviving are his life partner, Janet Mustread of rural Astoria, one son Jeremy (Christine) Lennington, of Lewistown, two sisters, Glenda (John) Barclay of Lewistown, and Sharon West Gilpin of Lewistown, five grandchildren, Payton, Addison, Ava, Journee, and Kinsley, and several nephews.

Bob worked at International Harvester in Canton, National Standard in Havana, and then retired from Goodman’s sawmill in Lewistown. He enjoyed playing shuffleboard, fishing, coon hunting with his dogs, Tater & Max, mushrooming, and cooking, especially fish.

Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held from 1 pm until ?, Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Lewistown VFW Post 5001. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.

Jennie Corrine Switzer

Jennie Corrine Switzer passed away at 10:23 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at The Loft in Canton, Illinois. She was born on July 13, 1946 at Graham Hospital in Canton, the youngest of 10 children born to Samuel Abner and Henrietta Ida (Buley) Switzer. All preceded her in death.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.

Jennie attended school in Astoria, Illinois. Life took her to many places. She lived in New Mexico, Arizona, and several places in Illinois. She worked as a housekeeper in the hotel industry. Jennie returned to Canton in 2010 and lived at Maple Manor for ten years.

She loved to read, write poetry, color, and paint ceramics. If you ever received a card or letter from her in the mail, it was nicely decorated with her artwork and stenciling.

Services for Jennie will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8th at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, Illinois. Visitation will take place 1 hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in the Woodland Cemetery, just east of Astoria on route 24. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jennie’s memory may be made to The Kingdon Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1566 East Ash Street, Canton, IL 61520.

Michael H. Foster

Michael H. Foster, 69, of Beardstown, IL, passed away at 5:30 pm on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville, IL. He was born on December 28, 1956 in Canton, IL, the son of Harold and Marjorie (Groff) Foster. Michael married Luciea Irene Troutman on February 16, 1978 in Summum, IL. She survives.

Also surviving are his two sons; Steven Foster of Belleville, IL and Jason (and Marina) Foster of Fairmont City, IL, four grandchildren; Keltyn Foster, Emmileah Foster, Zoey Foster and Aleah McGinnis, one great-grandson; Benico Vega, three sisters; Linda Roosa of Farmington, IL, Carol (and Paul) Stambaugh of Astoria, IL and Merrie Jean (and Roy) Parry of Astoria, IL, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter; Valesha Foster, brother; Jerry Foster, brother-in-law; Gale Roosa and one niece; Londa Bollinger.

Michael was a life long mechanic. He was also on the Astoria Fire Department for sixteen years.

He enjoyed playing softball and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Michael loved fast cars and was a big NASCAR and NHRA fan.

Services will be held at 11 am on Friday, March 20, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL. Pastor Matt Haberman will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 5 to 7 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home. Memorials in memory of Michael may be made to the Astoria Fire and Rescue Department.

Janet Sue Gibson

Janet Sue Gibson, 76, of Yates City, passed away at 10:10 a.m., on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at Farmington Village.

Janet was born April 4, 1949, in Pekin, IL, to Ralph and Beverly (Buhl) Sloan.

Janet married Kenneth Gibson on April 4, 1971, in Edwards, IL. He survives.

Janet is also survived by two children, Michele (Greg) Davis of Rozet, WY, and Keith (Nancy Shriber) Gibson of Canton, IL; one brother, Neal (Mona) Buhl; two sisters, Gail (Ed) Dray and Sharon (the late Kelly) Bumgarner; three grandchildren, Garrett Mangus, Sam Mangus, and Lauren Sercel; and two great-grandchildren, Cash Mangus and Maria “Mia” Mangus.

Janet is preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, Mark Sloan.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held from noon to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Yates City Community Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Frederick “Jerry” Marquis Jr.

Frederick “Jerry” Marquis Jr, 91, of Canton, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Farmington Village.

He was born on December 6, 1934 in Pekin.

He married Verna “Eileen” Tevis on December 10, 1955 in Melvern, KS. She survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick Sr and Nellie (Winship) Marquis, his birth mother, Nellie Ashley, one son Richard Marquis and two close first cousins.

Also surviving are his children, Jeri (Clif) O’Brien, Tony (Terrie) Marquis, six grandchildren, Keith Marquis, Bailee O’Brien, Josh Marquis, Jason Marquis, Carlie Rowe, Dusty Marquis and seven great grandchildren

Jerry served several years in the U.S. Air Force serving in the Cold War, Korea and Vietnam. He became a heavy equipment operator in the service. After his discharge he worked for Norad and lastly for the City of Ottawa in Kansas retiring in 1999. He achieved numerous awards for his skills as an operator. One of his favorite past times was fishing in the Spoon River.

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

Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Humane Society.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

John G. Workman

Canton- John G. Workman, 71, of Canton, passed away at 5:58 AM on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at his residence after a bout with cancer. He was born on June 16, 1954 in Moline, Illinois, a son of Wallace and Katherine (Johnson) Workman. He married Amber (Harris) Dornon on August 24, 1996 in Peoria. She survives.

He was previously married to Cyndi Glines, and had a daughter, Katherine. He then married Elaine Anderson, and had two sons, Dennis John, and Douglas Alan.

Preceding John in death were his parents, an infant sister, his older sister, Grace Campbell, and his brother Ronald Workman.

He is survived by his wife, Amber Dornon; his brothers Paul (Ruth) Workman of California, and Joel (Teresa) Morris of Florida, his daughter, Katherine Peters; his two sons, Dennis Workman, and Douglas Workman; numerous grandchildren, and nieces & nephews.

John enjoyed working on cars and watching Dale Earnhardt Sr. race in NASCAR. However, his true love was driving an 18-wheeler cross country. He always said he felt like it was his “calling”. He felt free behind the wheel of that big truck.

At his request, there will be no services, celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. If you wish to make a donation in honor of John, please forward it to your local animal shelter of your choice. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Denise Brown

Denise K. Brown, 59, of Canton, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026 after a long battle with cancer, at the Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born on August 19, 1966 in Canton.

She married Mark Brown on February 25, 1994. He survives.

Also surviving is her father, Jack (Linda) Lafary, mother, Donna Eve, children, Tara (Chris) Fulton of Canton, Molly (Jake) Blickhan of Springfield, Kirsti (Josh) Hoopingarner of Trivoli, Matt (Courtney) Brown of Hanna City, Josh (Robert) Brown of Peoria, sisters, Lisa (Jerry) Butcher of Vermont, Brandi (Aaron) Williams of Canton, grandchildren, Trey, Madyson, Lauryn, Avery, Kendall, Jordan, Shep, Ty, Georgie, Scarlet, Griffin and several nieces and nephews.

Denise worked in banking at Heritage Bank in Trivoli and later for Red Brand Credit Union in Bartonville. Mark and her would enjoy spending their time together with a round of golf or a game of bowling.

The most important part of her life was being a grandmother and spoiling her grandkids with love.

Denise fought the battle with cancer with courage and determination, inspiring those around her with strength and resilience.

She will be deeply missed, but forever remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 11 am at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton with a visitation held one hour prior at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Thymoma and Thymic Care Research.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Donna I. Mustread

Donna Irene Mustread passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Clayberg Nursing Home surrounded by her loved ones. Donna was 93 years old and had lived a very full life. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, her daughter, one grandson, one great grandson and a very special friend, Jack Smith.

Donna (Swango) Mustread was born on January 29,1933 in Smithfield, IL to Willis and Julia (Buford) Swango. She had two brothers, Willis Swango Jr. and Billie D. (Shirley) Swango, and one sister, Mary (Lindall) Paul. Donna graduated from Smithfield High School where she was a member of the marching band and cheerleading squad. After high school, she ventured to the big city of Peoria to live with friends and work at Caterpillar as an office assistant. Donna returned to Smithfield to marry William Robert “Bob” Mustread on September 13, 1952. Since Bob was in the Air Force and stationed in Great Falls, Montana, Donna joined him there. When Bob was discharged, they returned to Smithfield where they would raise a family – William Robert Mustread Jr. (Dawn), Debra Kay Martindale (Bob), Mark Mustread, and Bruce Mustread (Jackie).

Donna’s great love was her family. Donna had 12 grandchildren all of whom she adored – Jerry (Lisa) Nunn, Robin Smith, Marlow (Don) Willett, Chad (Victoria Flaming) Peitzmeier, Annie (Derek) Kolbus, Jenn (John) Beckman, Keith (Vlada) Wilkey, Robbie Mustresd, William Robert (Courtney) Mustread III, Josh (Cydney) Mustread, Abby (Josh) Gee, and Wyatt (Madison) Mustread. She was blessed with 22 great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren. She was able to hold or see each one before she died. Donna also had many nieces and nephews whom she loved.

Donna continued to work after her children were in school. She was a secretary for the Fulton County Farm Bureau, retiring after 25 years of service. Until the last three years, Donna was very active in her home and community. She was a member of the Brock United Methodist Church in Smithfield, serving on several committees there. She was an Election Board member and served as an election judge. She served as the Clerk for Cass Township and Treasurer for the Red Brick School for many years, retiring from those positions well after her 80th birthday. She served on the Fulton County Fair Board, judging the baking contests for several years. Donna was an excellent cook and loved to bake. People knew her as the Noodle and Apple Dumpling Lady at the RBS and Scenic Drive. After eating one of her home-baked pies, no other could compare.

Donna loved to crochet and made afghans that she gave as gifts to new babies and newlyweds. You were blessed to have received one. Donna loved to cook and make crafts with her grandchildren; she also painted and sewed. One of her favorite past-times was gardening, and she continued to mow her own yard until her 90th summer. Donna and her husband loved to include their family in different adventures, including boating, raising hogs and ice skating. They made an in-ground pool at their Smithfield home. Donna opened that pool to the entire community, and it brought Donna a lot of joy, It was the place to have family barbeques in summer. Donna’s community pool is where many people learned to swim, and she kept the pool open until she was 91.

Donna will be greatly missed by her family, her friends and her community. She was a bright and beautiful person in many people’s lives.

Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday March 16, 2026 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba with Pastor Ellen Dodd officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services and burial will be in Baughman Cemetery at Smithfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Red Brick School in Smithfield.

Roger Morse

Roger A. Morse, 64, of Middlegrove, passed away on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Middlegrove, Illinois.

He was born on March 1st, 1962, in Canton, Illinois, to Rodger and Karen (Gooding) Morse, who preceded him in death.

Roger is survived by his wife, Dinalyn Morse. They were married in the Philippine Islands on June 23rd, 2012.

He is also survived by his daughter, Camille (Paul) Balagna of Farmington, Illinois; his sons, LukeCarter and Matthew of Middlegrove, Illinois; his beloved grandchildren, Haylie Balagna of Canton, Illinois, and Jonathan Balagna of Farmington, Illinois; his sisters, Tammy Fields of Farmington, Illinois, Beth (Jeremy) Isbell of Middlegrove, Illinois, and Bobbie (Neil) Nelson of Canton, Illinois, as well as many nieces and nephews who will cherish their memories of him.

Roger proudly served in the United States Navy as an engineer aboard the USS Midway. He took great pride in his service and carried that dedication throughout his life as a proud Navy veteran.

Roger had a special love for the Philippines and its culture and people. He also enjoyed listening to music, singing, fishing, tinkering with gadgets, machinery, and technology, and sharing laughter with those around him. Most of all, he treasured being a husband, father, and grandfather.

A celebration of life will be held at the Clair School Building in Middlegrove, Illinois, on Saturday, March 14th, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Burial with military honors will be held at a later date at Chapin Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Farmington, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Roger’s family to assist in creating a fund for his children’s schooling and future expenses.

Roger will be remembered for his humor, his service to his country, and the deep love he had for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com