Steven R. Mottaz

Steven R. Mottaz, passed away Monday, August 31, 2026, at 4:35 a.m., at Carle Health Methodist in Peoria, Illinois. He was born December 27, 1953, to Orin “Bud” and Roletta (Dikeman) Mottaz.

Steven met the love of his life Linda L. Bowhay in 1970, and they were married October 5, 1974. They had three children, Tim (Kim) Mottaz of Chatham IL, Brenda (Doug) Passmore of Yates City, IL, and Curt (Lynn Stegens) Mottaz of Marietta, IL. They also had one grandson, Noah Passmore.

Steven was raised in Yates City, IL, and graduated from Yates City High School in 1972. He graduated from Illinois Central College with a degree in diesel mechanics in 1974.

Steve and Linda farmed Just A Mere Farm from 1978 to 2005. They co-hosted the Farm Progress Show in 1981. They raised corn and soybeans. Steve was a brilliant mechanic and an outstanding farmer. Steve had many passions. He owned three Shelby mustangs and showed the cars in car shows. He tractor pulled for six years and go cart raced with Curt and Brenda. It brought him great joy working on the carts all week and watching his kids get a win that weekend. Steve went through a lot in his life but was always there for his family or to lend advice whether it be about farming or every day matters.

He is survived by his children; his brother, Jeff (Karen) Mottaz; his sister, Jeannine (Jim) McCullough; sister-in-law, Janet Mottaz; aunt, Rosa Simkins; cousins; and nieces and nephews.

Steve is preceded in death by his wife, Linda, on July 6, 2023. He is also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ted; his sister, Sarah Marie; and his grandparents.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Yates City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to B.Y.E. Ambulance Service, Elmwood, Illinois.

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

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

Carol Ann Bruketta

Carol Ann Bruketta, 80, of Canton, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 5:10 AM, at Clayberg Nursing Home in Cuba.

She was born on August 14, 1946 in Canton to Carroll and Dorothy (Record) Blue.

Surviving are her children, Debbie (Mark) Corsaw of Blyton, Christy (Steve) Mance of Canton, Mike Bruketta of Bloomington, Becky (Brett) Snyder of Lewistown, grandchildren, Derick and Justin Higgins, Austin and Alyssa Corsaw, Devon, Renee and Lexi Mance, Brett, Bailey, Blake and Faith Bruketta, Jake Snyder, great grandchildren, Bentley Mance, Averi Higgins, brother, Bob (Charlie) Blue of Canton, her ex-husband, David Bruketta and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters, Patricia Blue, Marilyn Blue, Deanna Jones, her last love and best friend, Lee Smalley, one niece, Nika Krystosek, maternal grandparents, Roy and Catherine (Callister) Record and paternal grandparents, Edmond “Ralph” and Doris (Taylor) Blue.

Carol graduated from Farmington High School and later attended a local cosmetology school in Canton later working for several beauty salons. She was a past member of the Canton Moose Lodge, local bowling leagues and Fulton County Rockhounders Club. She enjoyed singing with the musical group “Sweet Adelines”, gardening, sewing, shopping and talking to everyone often showing pictures of her family. It was not uncommon for her children and grandchildren to hear this from others. They would say “Yea, I met your mother or grandmother at the store or gas station and she couldn’t stop talking about you!”, as she pulls out a small photo album out of her purse.

Cremation rites have been accorded through the Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton and a burial of her ashes along with a celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Foundation for Women’s Cancer for Vulvar Cancer research.

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

Rex E. French

Rex E. French, 58, of Bath, passed away on August 28, 2026 in Glasford. He was born on July 3, 1968 in Peoria to Jackie and Patricia (Priddy) French. Rex married Laura Thompson on July 2, 2002 in Havana. She survives along with three children; Quincey French of Havana, Holly Blakeley of Canton and Leslie Thompson of Havana, two sisters; Raye A. Burdin of Glasford and Rita Callister of Elmwood and three grandchildren; Skyler, Carly and Carson.

Rex was preceded in death by his parents, son Zachory French and sister Regina French.

Rex liked to fish, hunt and camp. He worked as a service technician his whole life. He was an Air Force veteran.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a Graveside service will be held 2pm, September 12, 2026 at Orendorff Cemetery in rural Canton. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Peggy Shaffer

Peggy Shaffer, 68, of Lewistown, passed away, Thursday, August 27, 2026 at her home in Lewistown.

She was born in Washington Indiana, to Jim and Pat Bradfield. They preceded her in death as well as her daughter, Amy Shaffer.

Peggy is survived by her son Corey Shaffer, significant other, Lee Nebergall, two sisters, Theresa Bradfield, and Sheila Wittermouth, and a grandog Chance.

Peggy worked as a CNA for Graham Hospital and the previous Prairieview Nursing Home in Lewistown, She enjoyed watching Yellowstone, and the Chicago Cubs.

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

Rose M. Wright

Rose M. Wright, 88, of Lewistown passed away at 3:04 PM Sunday August 30, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton.

She was born June 8, 1938 at Peoria the daughter of Merle J. and Leona (Atkins) Smith. She married Farroll L. “Bud” Wright on October 28, 1956 at Lewistown. He died September 24, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Dick and Jerry, and two sisters, Shirley and Carol. Surviving are two children, Dan (Lori) Wright of Havana, and Lisa (Mark) Irwin of Lewistown, five grandchildren, Noelle (Nathan) Roos, Dustin (Samantha) Wright, Alyssa (Kyle) Dirksen, Kaylee (Stihl) Chalmers, and Kelsey Irwin, two great grandchildren and one coming in December.

Rose worked at the former Gambles Hardware store, and the former Day & Palin IGA. She was also a clerk at Dickson Mounds Museum. Rose was a member of the Lewistown United Methodist Church. She enjoyed cleaning her house, quilting, cooking, and bingo. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday September 3rd at the Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Pastor Shane Smith officiating. Burial will be at Maryville Cemetery in Bryant. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the memorial home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.