William M. Bass

Canton- William M. Bass, 87, of Canton, passed away at 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at The Loft of Canton. He was born on February 19, 1939 in Shelbyville, Indiana, a son of Verle and Ruth (Kanouse) Bass. He married Evelyn J. Arnett on May 7, 1960 at St. Louis Crossing Baptist Church. She preceded him in death on May 28, 2022 in Canton.

Preceding Bill in death were his parents, and a brother.

Surviving is his best friend and caregiver for the last several years, Donna Hebb of Lewistown.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, from which he honorably retired. Following his military service, he continued his strong work ethic, working for Heilig-Meyers Furniture Store in Canton.

A private graveside service and burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton. Rev. Kevin VanTine will officiate. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Nathan L. Allen

Nathan Levi Allen, 45, of Yukon Oklahoma, formerly of Astoria Illinois, succumbed to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, March 22, 2026. He was surrounded by his wife, Sarah, family and friends as he transitioned on his next journey.

He was born on November 14, 1980, son of DeeVon Mummert-Schisler (Wendell) of Astoria, Illinois and Kent (Debbie) Allen of Jacksonville Illinois. They survive. Nathan is survived by two sisters, Miranda (Jacob) Hoppock of Twin Falls, Idaho and Tara (Damon) Sherrod of Astoria, Illinois, one brother Brenton (Jenna) Allen of Jacksonville, Illinois, his grandmothers Patsy Layne of Manito, Illinois, Loretta Mummert of Macomb Illinois as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Len Allen of Rushville, Bob Mummert of Astoria and Terry Layne of Manito, Illinois and grandmother Donna Cockerill of Rushville Illinois.

Nathan married the absolute love of his life, Sarah (Martinez) Allen, on July 8, 2023. He also left behind his children; two sons; Levi and Rain and his daughter Scarlett. Included also he left behind bonus children; Jaqulyn, Savannah, Nichole, Cailey and Malik, and five grandchildren; Kaiden, Juliann, Koa, KyAire and Zalyus.

Cremation rights have been accorded. A visitation will be held on April 18 from 2 to 4 pm with a service to follow at Shawgo Funeral Home in Astoria Illinois. Jonny Mummert will be officiating. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held in Oklahoma on April 25, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Fulton County.

William "Bill" Blankenship

William "Bill"  Blankenship, 81, of Canton, passed away at 10:40 AM on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Farmington Village in Farmington. He was born on January 14, 1945 in Peoria, Illinois, a son of William and Betty (Milburn) Blankenship. He married Mary Sass in 1993 in Las Vagas, Nevada. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Greg (Donna) Blankenship of Metamora; Jeff (Donna) Blankenship of Wisconsin; Tammy (Ed) Heap of Smithfield, twelve grandchildren, Shawn & Shannon Malivuk, Brad & Samantha Vaughn; Amanda & Chris Brannan; Austin Blankenship, Jonathan Heitzman, Jimmy Davies, Ryan Hughes, Wyatt, and Hunter Heap; brother, Gary; sisters, Ginger and Karen.

Preceding William in death were his parents.

William dedicated many years of service working at Caterpillar before continuing his career as a court officer with the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. He was a proud member of the Masons and honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps. William had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found hunting or simply enjoying nature.

Per William’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Angeleque "Angel" D. Wright

Angeleque, “Angel” Deanne Wright, 52, of Canton, passed away, Sunday, November 30, 2025, at her home in Canton.

She was born April 30, 1973, in Canton, a daughter of Clifford and Nancy “Candy” (Collins) Wright.

She is survived by her mother, Candy Wright, two siblings, Chastity “Chatty” (Brandon Murphy) Wright, Jessie (Sonja) Wright, two nieces, Jesse (Ethan Ward) Waddell and Shelby (Cole Norton) Waddell, one great nephew, Elliot “Small Fry” Ward, one great niece, Harper Ward, and her beloved cat, Mini Bob (aka Dew Floppy).

Preceding her in death was her father, grandparents, and her beloved cats, Mr. Boots, Mr. Boots II, and Pumpkin.

Angel was a member of the special Olympics Canton Crush Team. She loved attending K.A.R.E. Camp and being involved in all its activities. She enjoyed bowling and attending Thursday night Bingo. Angel was a life long member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Canton. She was a graduate of Canton High School with the class of 1993, and never missed a class reunion, purple and gold continued to be her favorite color.

Cremation rites will be accorded with Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton; a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 2-4pm at the Canton American Legion.

Memorials may be made to K.A.R.E.

Jerry Pyatt

Hanna City- Jerry Pyatt, 77, of Hanna City, passed away at 4:28 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria. He was born on April 18, 1948 in Salem, Missouri, a son of Howard and Geneva (Sloan) Pyatt. He married Rhonda Bateson on January 1, 1971 in Peoria, Illinois. She survives.

Also surviving is his son, Chad Pyatt of Hanna City; three granddaughters, Ali (Pierce) Welch; Kylee (Nick Schmidgall) Pyatt; Alysha Pyatt; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Terry (Mary) Pyatt, Dan Pyatt, Dave Pyatt, and sister, Melba Bryant.

Preceding Jerry in death were his parents, daughter, Samantha Swearingen; brothers Howard Pyatt Jr., and Dennis Pyatt.

Jerry dedicated 50 years of his career to the Sheet Metal Workers Local #1, where he was respected for his strong work ethic and commitment to his trade. For the final 15 years of his career, he proudly served as a business agent, advocating for his fellow union members. Jerry also honorably served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Outside of his work and service, he found his greatest joy at home spending time in his yard and, most of all, cherishing the moments shared with his beloved grandchildren.

Per Jerry’s wishes, there will be no services, cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Curtis A. Rowden

Curtis A. Rowden of Hanna City, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, just shy of his 96th birthday. He was born in Maries County, Missouri on April 5, 1930, to Elmer and May (Sloan) Rowden, and was one of 10 children that survived to adulthood out of 13 brothers and sisters.

He married Evelyn Snyder on August 9, 1958, and they spent the next 67 plus years building a life, a family, and relationships with friends, that will be called to mind for many years following his passing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, one daughter, Peggy Land, son-in-law, David Lancaster, infant grandson, Bret Land, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Snyder and Billy Snyder.

He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, daughter, Shari Lancaster, son’s Curt (Anita) Rowden and Roger Rowden, son-in-law, Roger (Gloria) Land, 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one sister, Lorene Rowden of Missouri, and brother-in-law, Steven (Pearl) Snyder.

He spent many years of his working life behind the steering wheel of semitrucks carrying the goods for our daily lives between Central Illinois and the northeastern and southern states. Then, with his wife, he fulfilled a dream in his life by opening Rowden’s Café in Elmwood, IL where they served some of the best fried chicken, catfish, and homemade pies around. Upon retirement from the restaurant business, they built a dream home in Central Missouri where he was born and lived his first 16 years of life. When macular degeneration slowly stole his sight, his ability to live the vital life he was used to was taken from him. Like anyone else, the most important things in his life were his wife, his family, and his faith, but unlike everyone else, he did it with every piece of his heart.

Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Lord’s Table Church of God in Bartonville, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded though Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville, IL. Burial at Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli, IL will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, Autism Speaks, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Linda L. Schisler

Linda L. Schisler, 85, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 6:20 pm on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at her son’s home in Maysville, KY. She was born on January 31, 1941 in Avon, IL, the daughter of Dwight and Mildred (Purman) Bucy. Linda married Jerry Schisler on July 5, 1959 in Havana, IL. Jerry preceded Linda in death on June 10, 2011.

She is also preceded in death by her parents and aunt and uncle; Faye and Ralph Sill.

Linda is survived by her two sons; Rick (and Bridget) Schisler of Charleston, IN and Rodney (and Michelle) Schisler of Maysville, KY, three grandchildren; Ryan (and Amber) Schisler, Courtney (and Eli) Raines and Kristin (and Matt) Santeler, one great-granddaughter; Lydia Raines, nephew; Tim Schisler, care givers; Deb Park, Bev Taylor and Kami Mains, and her cat; Little Bit.

Linda worked for Home Interior Sales, hosting Home Shows for nineteen years.

She was a member of the Astoria United Methodist Church where she played the organ and was the Sunday School Coordinator and teacher for twenty-five years. She was also a member of the Astoria Oder of the Eastern Star.

Services will be held at 1 pm on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. John Bybee will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 11 am to 1 pm prior to the service. Interment will be in the Astoria Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Astoria Fire and Rescue Department, Fulton County Humane Society or the Astoria United Methodist Church.

Kathy R. Little

Kathy R. Little, 77, of Macomb, IL, formerly of Vermont, IL, passed away at 3:24 pm on Friday, March 27, 2026 at The Elms in Macomb. She was born on September 12, 1948 in Beardstown, IL, the daughter of Willis and Doris (Orwig) Parry. Kathy married Robert Little on September 6, 1963 in Rushville, IL. Robert preceded Kathy in death on September 12, 2004.

She was also preceded in death by one sister; Peggy Rumler.

Kathy is survived by her four children; Pam (and Brad) Hopping, Brenda (and Bill Morey) Little, Robin (and Carl) Beebe, and Robert, Jr. (and Cary) Little, all of Vermont, eight grandchildren; Chey (and Renata) Hopping, Cole Hopping, Daniel (and Cordan) Beebe, Carly (and Anthony) Taylor, Andrew (and Marie) Belden, Adam (and Allison) Kluthe, Amber (and Rachel) Lucas and Ashley (and Lance) Coble, thirteen great-grandchildren; Peyton, Laney, Hayden, Aspen, Ava, Archer, Hudson, Daxton, Kannon, Hazel, Makenna, Asher and Gradie, two sisters; Phyllis Bernius of Vermont and Margaret Tomaszek of Des Moines, IA, and one brother, Bobby (and Janet) Parry of Vermont.

Kathy owned and operated Little Grittle in Vermont. She later became a Licensed Practical Nurse and worked at both the Astoria Nursing Home and Heartland in Macomb for several years.

She was a member of Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Lewistown and Macomb. Kathy loved to eat out and go thrift shopping, especially the Help Center in Rushville, with her sister Phyllis. She also enjoyed crocheting and lying in her recliner to watch westerns on television. She loved her family and spending time with her children and grandchildren but she was kind and loving to everyone including her daughter Brenda’s daycare kids and all of Vermont where she was known as Grandma Kathy to everyone.

A service will be held at 6 pm on Monday, March 30, 2026 at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria. Rick Brumby and Carl Beebe will be officiating. A visitation will take place from 5 to 6 pm prior to the service on Monday. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Memorials may be made to the Kathy Little Memorial Fund.

Kevin J. "Griz" Skaggs

Kevin J. "Griz" Skaggs,68 went to be with the Lord Monday, March 23rd at 3:16 p.m. at OSF hospital with his loving family by his side. He and his wife Brenda resided in Farmington for the past 21 years. Kevin had a smile for everyone and a laugh that was contagious. He was opinionated but funny, faithful, kind and loved his family fiercely.

Kevin and his wife Brenda were married October 24, 1998 in West Peoria.

Surviving is his wife Brenda of Farmington Illinois, 2 daughters: Alicia Frank (Jason) of Yates City Illinois and Dallison Vanwinkle of Pontiac Illinois. 2 Brothers: Kimbal (Tamyra) of Bartonville Illinois and Kenny (Nancy) of Kansas City Missouri and his sister-in-law Sharon Skaggs of Peoria, IL.

Kevin was a wonderful Grandfather. He had 5 Grandchildren: Jaden, John, Elijah, Trinity and Ajay. And his 2 furry and faithful dogs Zoey and Bella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Patricia (Comerford) Skaggs; Sister (Monica) and Brother (Keith).

He served in US Army from to 1977 to 1980 where he received numerous awards and trophies for Marksmanship. Kevin loved any and all things military. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and fishing and hunting.

Kevin you are loved beyond words. We will cherish the time spent with you and the many memories we made.

Celebration of Life and burial at Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria, IL with military honors will take place at a later date. Cremation rites will be accorded with Anderson-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Farmington, IL. Memorials may be made to SAMS Rescue. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Susan K. Harris

Susan K. Harris, 85, of Canton, passed away on March 25, 2026 at the Loft in Canton. She was born on September 24, 1940 in Canton to Paul and Margaret (Mummert) Smith. Susan married Dale Harris on August 12, 1961 in Canton. He survives along with two children; James Harris of West Dundee, IL. and Sue Ann Harris of Canton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Damon Smith and Jack Smith.

Susan loved to go camping especially going to Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private burial of ashes at White Chapel Memory Garden in Canton, will take place at a later date. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory are in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Gary W. Williams

Gary W. Williams, 73, of Mapleton, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at his residence.

He was born on September 24, 1952 in West Frankfort, IL to Vernon and Ruth (Turner) Williams Jr. They preceded him in death.

He married Sandra “Sandy” Bleichner on May 20, 1972 in Elmwood. She survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sheila (Chris) Peckham of Farmington, Jodie Othon of St Petersburg, FL, grandchildren, Payton (Caleb) Miller, Jordan (Reed) Wilson, McKenzie (Aden Emery) Peckham, Addison (Blake) Springer, Kyle (Sada Eveland) Peckham, Abbigail Othon, Xavier Othon, Izabel Othon, brothers Robert (Carmen) Williams, sisters, Sandra (Steve) Sumner, Debra (Ivan) Price, several nieces and nephews and multiple hunting buddies.

He was also preceded in death by a brother, Steve Williams.

Gary retired from Caterpillar in 2001 and later worked for the Village of Glasford and retired at the age of 62. He volunteered for the Timber-Hollis Fire Protection District and served as a past assistant chief and currently as a trustee.

He was an avid outdoorsman and spent many hours hunting and fishing. He was passionate about spending time with his family and friends. He could always be found attending his grandkids sporting events. He will be missed by everyone.

Cremation rites will be accorded and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital or to Timber-Hollis Fire Department.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Pamela S. “Pam” Fleisher

Pamela S. “Pam” Fleisher, 73, of Canton, passed away at 8:58 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Graham Hospital in Canton, IL. She was born on January 13, 1953 in Canton, IL, to Raymond and Katheryn (Widger) Lingenfelter. She married Stanley Fleisher. They share a marriage of 49 years. He survives.

She is also survived by two children, Jason (April) Fleisher and Wendy (Matthew) Powell both of Canton, IL; two grandkids, Megan K. Powell and Carter A. Fleisher, both of Canton, IL; and one brother, Greg (Angie) Lingenfelter of Canton, IL.

She is preceded in death by her parents.

Pam was a Christian who loved gardening and nature. She enjoyed cooking and sewing. She and her husband spent many weekends’ drag racing and at car shows. She loved spending time with her family. She spent countless hours watching her granddaughter, Megan play softball and Carter wrestling for the Little Giant Wrestling Club. She also enjoyed spending time at grandkids sporting events, football, wrestling, and softball. She loved her pond and spending time swimming and  fishing with family and friends.

Graveside service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, March 27, 2026 at Fiatt Cemetery in Fiatt, IL. Pastor Monroe Bailey will officiate. Memorials may be made to Canton Hight School Little Giants Softball or Canton High School Little Giants Wrestling Club. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Phil Brown

Phil F. Brown, 89, of Maquon, Illinois, died at 9:26 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 following a prolonged illness. He passed peacefully surrounded by his children.

He was born December 19, 1936, in Banner Township, Illinois, to Estie R. and Veda L. (Weaver) Brown. He married Neva J. Vollmar on May 5, 1957, at the Fairview Reformed Church in Fairview, Illinois.

He is survived by his daughters Kathleen (Sean) O'Donnell-Brown, Kristine (Michael) Carey, Kelly Brown; son Brian (Glorimar) Brown; grandchildren Kiel (Tammy DeCounter) Johnson, Zanny (Tom Reeder) O'Donnell, Malcolm (Sarah Snyder) O'Donnell, Elisabeth Carey, Joel (Sarah Lynch) Carey, Stephen Carey, Anna (Conor Fallon) Carey, Jonathan Carey, Marissa (Bradley) Marsh, Kennedy Brown, Reynaldo Javier Tosado-Soto; great-grandchildren Bryanna Johnson, Bradley Jr., Calvin, Theodore and William Marsh; brother Earle Brown.

Phil graduated from Valley High School at the age of 16. He worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company as a Computer Systems Analyst for 40 years. He was also a passionate and capable herdsman raising Hampshire sheep and Angus cattle until he was 80. He was very proud of the awards that he won exhibiting his livestock at the local fairs as well as the Illinois State Fair. He loved hunting, fishing and golfing. Phil and Neva enjoyed bowling for many years in leagues at Northgate Lanes in Galesburg, Illinois.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 28th, 2026 from 10-11am, at Oak Hines Funeral Home in Canton, IL. A funeral service will follow the visitation beginning at 11am. Following the service, the burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery, Fairview, Illinois. Memorials may be made to the Maquon Public Library or the Fulton County Fair.

To leave online condolences please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com

Ira W. Ludlum Jr.

Ira W. Ludlum Jr., 85, of Canton, passed away, Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Graham hospital in Canton.

He was born on February 26, 1941, to Ira W. Ludlum Sr. and Imo (Mytella) Ludlum. They preceded him in death as well as two brothers, Eugene and Dean Ludlum, and two sisters, Zelma Nihiser, and Helen Johnson.

Ira is survived by his wife of 62 years, Connie Joyce (Smith) Ludlum. They were married on September 14, 1963.

Also Surviving are eight children, Edward Ludlum, William “Bill” Ludlum, Annette “Ann” (Curtis) Johnson, Donald Ludlum, Carolyn (Edward) Barker, Melinda Smith, David Ludlum, and Sarah (Albert) Barker. One brother, Allen (the late Cynthia) Ludlum, sister Shirley Brush, four grandchildren, Anthony Ludlum, Cody Clark, Donald (Liz) Ludlum, and Quinn “Gabriel” Barker, and six great grandchildren.

Ira first worked at Dillefields Conoco Gas Station, and later at Orwig’s Autobody for 13 years. Ira and Connie opened Ludlum’s Autobody in 1976, and worked until his retirement in 1990.

Ira is a lifetime member of the Church of the Brethren in Canton, and enjoyed woodworking, and body work on cars even in his retirement. He also enjoyed listening to the St. Louis Cardinals baseball games.

A Memory of Life will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Thursday, March 26, 2026 starting at 4:00 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Church of the Brethren.