Roberta Reber

Roberta (Renfro) Reber, 77, passed away on June 28, 2026 at Red Oaks Estates in Canton, Illinois.

Roberta was born April 20, 1949 in Peoria, Illinois to Robert and Wanita (Taylor) Renfro. Roberta married her high school sweetheart, Paul Reber on March 6, 1971 in East Peoria. They shared their lives for over 50 years and grew to appreciate each other more and more as the years rolled by. She believed the best years of married relationships are the supportive years later in life when there is nothing left to prove. Paul survives her.

She is survived by her five children: Deanne (Kevin) Wright of Madrid IA, Mike (Brandy) Reber of Alexandria VA, Dawn (Matt) Bowers of Syracuse IN, Jon (Jackie) Reber of Chicago and Laura (Jim Sieler) Reber of Chicago, and twelve grandchildren: Carsten Wright, Chaz Reber, Jaeden Bowers, Talia Wright, Cruz Reber, Christopher Bowers, Celeste Bowers, Xander Bowers, Casen Reber, Michaela Reber, Isaac Reber, and Annabel Reber, and her sister Pam Peters of Sarasota, FL. She was preceded in death by her father and mother.

Roberta truly loved her Lord, her husband, and her family. She enjoyed being a full-time mother. Her hobbies included attending (or helping with) kids’ events, reading (including to the kids), hosting birthday parties, sewing, knitting, making candles, pottery (actually almost any craft), cooking, gardening, and running garage sales.

A friend introduced her to Christ while in elementary school. She was the face of Christ to all her family. She reaffirmed Jesus as her Lord and Savior in 1975 at First Baptist Church in Canton. She later attended Temple Baptist Church and Lakeland Community Church, both in Canton. She served various roles including Diaconate, Trustee, teacher of a woman’s class for over 40 years, Vacation Bible School (including co-chairman), children’s teacher, backyard bible club leader, and Elder. She was also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer advocating for many children in the courts for over 10 years until CASA was removed from Fulton County in 2021.

She graduated from East Peoria High School in 1967 as salutatorian, with the second highest grade average in a class of 367. She graduated with honors from Illinois State University in 1970 with a Batchelor of Science in mathematics and a teaching certificate. She taught Spanish in Brimfield and math in Yates City high schools (supporting her new family as Paul finished college). Later she taught math again at Yates City and Canton high schools and also tutored. Her life dream was to spend much of her life as a teacher but holding her first child changed her top priority to being a full-time mother (and homemaker). She excelled at both.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Thursday, July 2, 2026 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Services will immediately follow. A Burial at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL will follow at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to the charity of your choice. To make online condolences, you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Kenneth L. Farris

Kenneth “Ken” Farris, 93, of Canton, Ill., passed away on June 25, 2026. Ken was born July 29, 1932, in Golconda, Ill., to Augustus Farris and Bessie Bourland Farris. In 1955, he married Betty Slater. They were married for 60 years before she passed away in 2016.

He is survived by his son, Kraig (Tiffany) Farris; daughter, Karen (Brad) Cotton; daughter, Krista (Greg) Wroblewski; and sister, Rubynelle “Carmen” Brumley. He was preceded in death by his wife; his son, Kent; his parents; his sister, Vera Lacy; his brother, John Whitman; and several other siblings: Bessie, Herschel, Hancel, Alvin, Albert, Rev. Carlis, and Donald.

Ken was raised by his father in Southern Illinois. He often shared stories of working on the family farm, including tales of his pet pig, visits to his grandparents’ modest orchard, and attending a one-room schoolhouse.

After his father passed, Ken moved to Havana, Ill. and worked as a clerk at the West Food Store before leaving to serve in the United States Army. A proud Korean War veteran, he was a heavy weapons gunner with Company G, 15th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division – the “Can Do” regiment. He experienced the grueling summer monsoon season of 1953, operating along the heavily contested Chorwan Valley where he endured enemy artillery bombardments, night raids, and hand-to-hand combat. He survived frontline fighting, only to have his unit suffer a catastrophic, post-armistice friendly fire incident during a forced midnight withdrawal to establish the Demilitarized Zone. He was one of few survivors of that incident.

He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal in October 1954. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal and Korean Service Ribbon. He also received the Ambassador for Peace Medal from the Republic of Korea.

After returning to the United States, he drove a delivery truck for New Way Laundry in Havana, Ill. His route was to and from Canton, where he met his wife. Ken and Betty were married, and moved north, spending the early years of their marriage in Highland Park, Ill., where he worked as a machinist at Kleinschmidt Laboratories. After a few years, they returned to Canton, Ill. to start a family, and Ken began working at International Harvester on third shift as a driller. He later moved to first shift as a janitor and worked his way into a machinist role at the plant. He was a proud union member. He was also a member of the IH volunteer fire department.

After IH closed in Canton in 1983, Ken commuted to Navistar in Indiana. Without fail, he came home every weekend. Ken retired from IH/Navistar in 1989 but remained active, continuing to work for many years at Admiral (Maytag) in Galesburg, Ill. and Formaloy in Morton, Ill. before fully retiring.

Ken enjoyed motorcycles and participating in local riding events and shows, where he often received the oldest rider trophy. He also enjoyed spending time at the shooting range. He collected rodeo belt buckles and, in his younger years, was rarely seen without his cowboy boots. He liked sharing stories and telling jokes - often being the first to laugh.

While always a believer, Ken renewed his faith in his 90s and was baptized at Wesley United Methodist Church in Canton, Ill. Cremation rites are being accorded by Oaks-Hines Funeral Home. Ken’s ashes will be laid to rest beside his wife’s at Fairview Cemetery in Fairview, Ill. Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at a graveside service with military honors on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11 a.m., at Fairview Cemetery on West Street in Fairview, Ill.

Ida Marie Record

Marie Record, 81, of Farmington, IL, passed away at 8:07 PM on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

She was born on June 1, 1945, in Canton, IL, to Weldon and Thelma (McCann) Anderson. She married John Record on January 15, 1972, in Elmwood, IL.

Marie was known by many names: Mom, Grandma Ree, Aunt Ree, sister, friend, and caregiver. But no matter what name someone called her, they knew the same thing — Marie had a heart big enough to make room for everyone.

She raised and cared for far more than just her own children. Throughout her life, Marie helped raise, guide, love, and watch over many children who were not her own by birth, but were certainly loved as family. She had a deep concern for the well-being of others and a quiet, steady way of making people feel cared for, remembered, and safe.

Marie’s hands were rarely still. She loved crafts, quilting, sewing, and making things for the people she loved. Her handmade blankets, afghans, towels, pot holders, and other gifts were more than simple items- they were pieces of her heart, stitched together with love, patience, and care. Many who loved her will continue to feel close to her through the things she made with her own hands.

She was a member of Farmington Bible Church in Farmington, IL.

Marie is survived by her four sons, Sam (Dandy) Ward of Canton, IL, Matt (Deanna) Ward of Dade City, FL, Stephen (the late Dolly) Ward of Milan, IL, and Jim (Dawn) Record of Farmington, IL; ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Roger Anderson of Canton, IL; and one sister, Sue (the late Joe) Garnett of Pekin, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Record; her parents; four brothers, Weldon Paul, Gene, David, and Blair; and one sister, Crystal Dietz.

The measure of Marie’s life is found in the many lives she touched, the family she loved so deeply, the children she helped raise, and the handmade reminders of her love that will remain for generations. Every quilt, blanket, towel, and pot holder will continue to carry her memory - a reminder of her warmth, her care, and the love she poured into those around her.

A funeral service will be held at Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL, at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with visitation taking place one hour prior. Pastor Tony Severine will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Farmington. Memorials may be made to the Farmington 1100 Rescue Squad.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com.

Judith K. Lance

Judith K. Lance, 99, of Brimfield, passed away at 4:25 a.m., on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at OSF Saint Francis Hospital in Peoria. She was born June 22, 1927, in Hamilton, IL, to Franklin and Edith (Kammerer) Rampley.

Judith married Cecil Lance on February 10, 1945, in West Point, IL. He preceded her in death on November 26, 2003.

Judith is survived by three children, Steve (Paula) Lance Sr. of Glasford, Connie (the late Kenneth) Deppermann of Brimfield, and Patricia (Kevin) Kowalis of Bethany; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Judith is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Lance; two brothers, Oscar Rampley and Willard Rampley; and one sister, Valeata Monroe.

Judith enjoyed gardening, quilting, and sewing. She was a member of Brunswick Community Church. Judith will be deeply missed by her family.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, July 13, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Brunswick Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Brunswick Community Church.

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

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

Brenen Lee Sweet

Brenen Lee Sweet, 26, of Glasford, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

He was born on August 24, 1999 in Peoria to Brian and Tierani (Phelps) Sweet. They survive.

Also surviving is his daughter, Willow Sweet and her mother, Bree Feller, one brother, Timothy Rushing, two sisters, Cassi McCarthy and Amber Phelps.

Brenen was a talented musician and excelled in playing the mandolin.

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

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

Michael “David” Curry

Michael “David” Curry, 61, of Wyoming, passed away at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at his home.

David was born April 18, 1965, in Peoria, IL, to John Ewen and Donita (Swanson) Curry. David, who attended Sparland High School, married Betty (Boseke) Johnson on May 30, 1998, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church.

David is survived by his wife, his mother, three children: Amanda Curry of East Peoria, IL, Brandy Sartin of Yates City, IL, and Colt (Samantha) Wilcoxen of Woodhull, IL, one brother, James Curry, four sisters: Maria “Kim” Hastings, Gabby Curry, Debby Seguin, and Stephanie McWhirter, and five grandchildren: James Wilcoxen, Amaryllis Stillwell, Clover Rogy, Bentley Mackey, and Jaxson Mackey.

David is preceded in death by his father, and one brother, Christopher Curry.

David was a truckdriver for West Jersey Express and Summit Gold. Betty and David were members of the Allendale Conservation Club. He enjoyed fishing and camping with his wife, and spending time with his grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, July 3, 2026, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow at Elmwood Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Gift of Hope.

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

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

Anthony Adams

Anthony Charles “Tony” Adams, 81, of Canton, IL, passed away at 2:10 AM on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. He was born on September 12, 1944 in Peoria, IL.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Florence (Frankenstein) Adams. He grew up with three brothers, and two sisters. Tony also loved his foster family, the Reismeyers.

Tony was the proud father of two daughters, Susan (Darren) Henninger and Christine Adams, from his first marriage. He later married the love of his life, Lynn Adams and lovingly embraced her four children; Kristie (Eric) Rude, Bobbie Forbes, Frank (Selina) Kennedy, and David (Lynn Anderson) Kennedy. He had 11 grandchildren and  21 great-grandchildren.

Tony proudly served in the United States Army and volunteered with the Northern Tazewell Fire Department for many years. He retired very slowly from Peoria Tent and Awning.

Tony found great joy in spending time with his family and friends, especially when gathered around a card table or enjoying games together. He loved the outdoors, and cherished hobbies such as fishing, camping, woodworking, and quilting.

Tony was known for his generous spirit, his willingness to help others, and his truly big heart.

Tony’s kindness, dedication, and love for his family will be remembered by all who knew him.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Services will be announced at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton, IL. Memorials may be made to Boystown in Omaha, Nebraska. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Robert Rakestraw

Bob Rakestraw, 82, of Houston, TX; went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Bob was born on April 29, 1944 in Canton, IL to the late George Rakestraw and Mary (Shaw) Rakestraw. He was preceded in death by his sister, Patricia Hewitt. During his youth, Bob served as an acolyte in the Episcopal church in Canton every Sunday. Bob graduated from Canton High School in 1962. Bob attended Wabash College on a full academic scholarship, graduating in 1966. He earned his Masters degree from Bowling Green State U. in 1968 and an MBA from U. Toledo in 1972.

When Bob was in graduate school, he met the love of his life, Roberta Rae Allen while waterskiing on the Illinois River. Bob and Roberta were married on August 17, 1969 and enjoyed 56 busy years of adventures together. They loved to travel to exotic locations in their younger years, including Egypt, India, Nepal and Hong Kong.

After he completed his studies, Bob worked for Price Waterhouse as a CPA in Toledo, OH. Bob and Roberta moved to Houston in 1975 with Aramco Services Company where Bob worked as an Internal Audit Manager. Bob also spent time working in Saudi Arabia with Aramco. He later worked with other oil services companies in Houston. Bob spent most of his career (22 years) at JPMorgan Chase Bank (previously Texas Commerce Bank) where he advanced to be a Vice President.

After retiring in 2007, Bob worked as a CPA and tax accountant with several small accounting firms. Later, Bob spent time as a substitute teacher. One of his favorite places to work was the FFA Ag. Farm through the Spring Branch vocational center. As a substitute there, he often met Roberta for lunch.

Bob and Roberta spent much of their leisure time enjoying nature and the beach. Bob loved music and enjoyed singing in the choir with Texas Commerce Bank. Bob and Roberta joined Tallowood Baptist Church of Houston, Texas in 1985 after deciding that it would be the right place to raise their family. They have been a member of the dynamic Praisers class for many years.

Bob loved reading mystery novels, learning to use new computer technology, car maintenance and most importantly, being around his family and pets. Bob was a devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. Roberta counted on him to repair anything and to solve any issue at their home. Bob is survived by his three children and seven grandchildren: Vanessa Shaw of Houston, TX, Sienna Rakestraw Singer (Dan) of River Forest, IL with their children August and Beatrix, and Brandon Rakestraw (Shannon) of Frisco, TX with their children, Mason, Memphis, McAlister, Montgomery Jean and Miller. Bob and Roberta had many cats, birds, fish and even a pet rabbit.

Most important to Bob was supporting his children and grandchildren in their educational achievements and being their biggest champion at athletic competitions and religious activities. As Bob’s life is complete, may we realize that loving him was the best gift of all.

A graveside service and burial will be held at 11 am Thursday July 2, 2026 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Houston SPCA and Salvation Army. Condolences may be made at henrylange.com

Nancy L. Heitz

Nancy L. Heitz, age 91 of Vermont, Illinois, passed away at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at her home. She was born on April 22, 1935 in Astoria, Illinois, the daughter of Roman and Lulu (Emig) Little. On January 24, 1953, Nancy married Cecil Heitz in Astoria. He preceded her in death on July 26, 1999.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two daughters; Becky Crossman and Kathy Coats, great-granddaughter Harper Heitz, two sisters; Shirley Werner and Mary Ellen Wickert and two brothers; Phil and Jim Little.

Nancy is survived by her daughter Susie (and Scotty) Parr and her son Chris (and Kelly) Heitz, both of Vermont, two son-in-law; Bob Coats of Bushnell, Illinois and Monte Crossman of Astoria, eight grandchildren; Jenny (and Tim) Elliott, Jessica Young, Buffy (and Brett) Barnhart, Bailey (and Aaron) Bucher, Kylie Coats, Ryan (and Ashlie) Heitz, Aaron (and Stephanie) Heitz and Michael (and Abbie) Heitz, and fifteen great-grandchildren; Carmen, Savannah, Marshall, Bennett, Micah, Cale, Owen, Addie, Ellie, Easton, Everly, Ainsley, Roman, Jay and Madeline.

Nancy was a member of Grace Bible Church in Astoria. She was a faithful servant to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She showed HIS love through caring for her family and her church family. Nancy was a gifted quilter and gardener. She loved tending to her flowers, especially gladiolus, which she would share with family and friends. She also enjoyed sharing her love of baking, especially her beautiful and delicious pies and loved showing her grandchildren how it was done! Nancy always made sure that her family and church family had a card for their birthday or other season of life.

Services for Nancy will be held on Monday, June 29th at 11:00 a.m. at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Pastor Tyler Watson will officiate. Visitation will take place on Sunday, June 28th from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Vermont Cemetery. Memorials in Nancy’s memory may be made to the Grace Bible Church in Astoria or the Vermont Fire and Rescue Squad.

Greg S. Mills

Greg S. Mills, 56, of Canton, passed away, Thursday, June 18, 2026, at OSF ST. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

He was born in Springfield, Missouri, on July 26, 1969, to Scott V. Mills, and Glynda J. (Cawthra).

He is preceded in death by his father Scott, and brother Bruce Mills.

Greg is survived by his mother Glynda J. (William) Linder, son Jordan (Cherish) Mills, daughter, Abby Mills, sister Jessica (Jesse) Howald, grandson, Everett Mills, several nieces and nephews, previous wife Barbara Sutphen, and step daughter, Jaideen Walter.

Greg moved to Illinois in 1990 and worked in construction, building homes and completing a variety of other projects before serving six years with the Canton Police Department. He later returned to construction, where he worked alongside his son for several years.

Greg enjoyed woodworking and had a passion for flying airplanes out of Canton Ingersoll Airport. He also loved photography, spending time outdoors, and watching the sunset.

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