Patricia Jeanne Farrar

Canton- Patricia Jeanne Farrar, 78, of Canton, passed away at 6:45 PM on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at her residence surrounding by her family. She was born on September 22, 1943 in Canton, a daughter of Clarence “Nick” and Faye Maxine (Morrow) Barclay. She married Evan “Bud” Farrar on April 27, 1974. He preceded her in death on August 31, 2020.

Also preceding her in death are two sons, Bobby and Terry Webb, and one grandson.

Surviving is her children, Nick Webb; Kimberly Fogle; Robert Webb, all of Canton; Brian Brown of Bushnell, Max Brown of Alabama; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; one brother, John Barclay of Alabama, and several nieces and nephews.

Patricia was a life long member of Maples Mills United Methodist Church, and loved to go fishing and bowling, enjoyed hopping in the car and driving to random places on the map. She never missed a Spoon River Drive, expect when she lived out of state. She was a healthcare provider for 30 years, until her own health forced her retirement in 2010.

Per Patricia’s wishes, there will be no services, and cremation rites will be accorded through Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. Memorials can be made to her family. To leave online condolences please visit www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Jackie Ray "Sam" Lewis

Jackie Ray "Sam" Lewis, 62, of Astoria, IL, passed away at 9:45 am on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at his home. He was born on Tuesday, December 18, 1958, in Galesburg, IL, the son of Merle and Harriet (Brooks) Lewis.

He is survived by 3 sisters, Beverly (and Jerry) Chidester of Fairmount, IN, Annie (and Gale) Beekman of Ipava, IL, and Chris (and Vern) Wall of Galesburg.

He is preceded 2 brothers Jerry Lewis and Bob Brooks.

Sam was baptized in the Summum Christian Church. He enjoyed fishing and was a very giving man who would do anything for anyone.

Cremation Rights have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 11, 2021 in the Summum Cemetery. Pastor Darrin Fish will be officiating. Memorials may be made to the Summum Christian Church or the Astoria Rescue Squad.

Sandra L. Lane

Cuba- Sandra L. Lane, 83, of Cuba, passed away at 10:15 AM Tuesday December 7, 2021 at her home.

She was born May 20, 1938 at Peoria, the daughter of Joseph Lee and Leatha J. (Long) Paxton. Survivors include three children, Dawn Waughtel of Cuba, Tim (Melayne) Lane of Blanchardville, WI; and Shawn (Teresa) Lane of Cuba, twelve grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and one sister, Sharon Gibb of Canton. She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter, Dorinda Ford, one grandchild, and one great grandchild.

Sandra retired from Caterpillar after working 22 years at the Mapleton and East Peoria plants. She was a member of the Women’s International Bowling Congress. She enjoyed watching professional bull riders, and horse races.

A funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday December 11, 2021 at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Cuba, where visitation will be held from 11-11:30 AM. A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral at the Cuba American Legion from 12 Noon -1:30 PM. Entombment will be held at 3:30 PM Saturday at Parkview Mausoleum 2001 N University St. Peoria, IL. To view Sandra’s life tribute video or to send condolences visit henrylange.com

Wanda Lee Hitchcock

Wanda Lee Hitchcock, 87, of Farmington passed away at 7:30 a.m. Sunday, December 5, 2021, at Farmington Country Manor.

She was born December 12, 1933 in Farmington Illinois to Everett H. and Louise J. Fulton. She married Richard (Dick) Hitchcock on July 4, 1954 in Farmington. He preceded her in death on January 15, 2011.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, a sister Marcia Grzanich (Jim) and a brother George “Bud” Fulton (Debbie).

Surviving is one son, Richard Jr. (Sherry) of Farmington, three grandchildren; Joe (Krista), Mike (Kelly) and Jennifer as well as six great-grandchildren (Khloe, Dane, Everett, Jovie, Grady and Evie). Also surviving are several cousins, nieces and nephews that she tried her best to stay in touch with through the years, especially through the family reunions that she arranged.

She was a life-long housewife, mom and grandmother. She worked outside the home a little at one time or another for Caterpillar, Inc., Economy Shoe Store in Farmington, Peoria Suppliers (Murray’s) and as a toy sales representative.

She was active in her son’s life as he grew serving as a room mother, Cub Scout den mother and band chaperone among other “jobs”. She loved them all and really threw her heart into being a room mother and den mother.

She had a few passions that she pursued. She and Dick loved to dance and were fun to watch on the dance floor. She loved bowling and did so for several years, carrying a high average while throwing a 16lb. ball which was quite an accomplishment for a 5’-2” 120 lb. (and that’s being generous) lady. She absolutely loved going to Quad City Downs and betting on the horses. She sure won more than she lost. Later, she enjoyed going to the Paradise with her husband, playing the games and meeting the people. She made several friends there that will remember her and Dick even though they were unable to make it there in the past few years. She was always involved with family, too, which was probably her favorite passion. She loved to tell her stories of days gone by and always found an interested audience at family events. Be it storytelling, baking, cooking, attending events (sports, dance recitals, etc.) or just spending time together at holidays and birthdays – Wanda Lee was there with bells on and completely involved.

She outlived a great deal of her friends but it would be remiss not to mention Brenda, Elaine and Ruth, as well as Wilma, Susie and Dick P. (friends & neighbors) and Kenny & Shirley among several others (sorry if we forgot to mention you, but you know who you are and what you meant). Also, the wonderful and caring staff at Farmington Country Manor were so good to her and definitely deserve a special mention. Our family cannot thank them enough.

A private, family graveside service will be held. No visitation or formal funeral is planned.

Memorials, if you feel the need should go to Farmington Rescue 1100, 49 North Cone Street, Farmington, Illinois.

To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com

Ronald L. Hess

Ronald L. Hess, 79, of Yates City, passed away at 3:21 p.m., on Monday, December 6, 2021, at his home. He was born on March 4, 1942, in Peoria, to Wallace Hess and Mildred (Shockey) Gorham.

He is survived by three children, Daniel (Angela) Hess of Wylie, TX, James (Amy) Hess of Bloomington, IL, and Rhonda (David) Ross of Springfield, IL; three brothers, Jerry (Jacqueline) Hess, Jeffrey (Katrina) Pittman Hess, and Michael (Beverly) Hess; one sister, Toni Foreaker, seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com

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

Larry James Mummeert

Larry James Mummert, 79, of Havana, IL passed away at 8:10pm on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Springfield Memorial Hospital, in Springfield, IL. He was born on February 8, 1942 in Macomb, IL, the son of Mary Alice (Skiles) Mummert and Marshall Markley Mummert. Larry married Blanche Ellen Baxter on November 25, 1967 at the United Methodist Church in Canton, IL.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dennis Lynn Mummert.

Surviving are two sons, James Marshall Mummert, of San Diego, CA, and John Dennis (and Dilanthi DeAlwis) Mummert, of Orange County, CA, one daughter, Jule Ellen Mummert, of FL, and two grandsons, Ian Mummert and Dilan Mummert, of Orange County, CA. Also surviving is one sister, Ginger Jane (Mummert) Masten, of Pacifica, CA. Larry had several cousins, with whom he kept in contact.

Larry was raised in rural Astoria, IL, on a working farm which has remained in his family since 1887. He worked hard, and had his own farming operation, shortly after he graduated from Astoria High School in 1960.

Larry began his education in a one room schoolhouse, (the historic Elrod Schoolhouse) with one teacher for all grades. He was among the youngest, and his first three years, recess was the only subject. He believed this kept him behind his peers, once he was able to attend Astoria Elementary. A start he was determined to one day, overcome, and did.

At Astoria High School, Larry was social, had many friends and was active in a variety of extracurriculars, despite a bevy of morning and evening chores. Some of these included FFA (Future Farmers of America), for which he served as Vice-President, Drama Club, performing and singing in various productions, and sports as a lineman for the AHS (Astoria High School) football team. His 1960 graduating class were a close-knit group, enjoying reunions and friendships that would last for his lifetime.

Larry was a full time farmer by trade, farming over 1,000 acres of corn & soybeans, while working as a cattle trader, buying, tending to, and reselling 300-500 cattle per year. He rose every morning with the sun, and came home in the dark of night, from the fields.

Larry was the highest rank E-5 Sergeant in the United States Army Reserves, in the 208 Transportation Unit, serving from 1963-1969, and held Veteran status, with honor.

Larry had many interests and pursued them when he could. He earned his real estate license, listing and selling farms and residential properties. It was during this time he increased his own rental property portfolio, at one point owning over 30 rental units. He also purchased and sold farm land.

He held various positions over the years, in addition to farming, real estate, and as a landlord, working for the Illinois Department of Agriculture for 10 years, as a Products and Standards Inspector, for the Dept. of Weights and Measures, and in Food Safety and Animal Protection. He also held positions at Caterpillar and Butler Service Group.

Larry enrolled at Spoon River College, initially for courses in Technology and Business Law, among others. After retiring from the state, he re-enrolled in various courses, primarily to pursue an Associates in Arts & Sciences, and a return to his drama and acting experience, and a lifelong dream. In early days, Larry had earned the lead in the acclaimed musical, “South Pacific,” at the local and beloved, Playhouse Theatre, which he eventually had to pass on, per unchangeable conflicts with late farm hours and play practice.

He was involved with many organizations, often serving in leadership positions, including the Fulton County Farm Bureau, since 1960, serving on the Board of Directors. Woodland Township Precinct Committeeman, Fulton County Board of Realtors, Fulton County Cooperative Extension Board, Friends of the Library, Astoria, and many more. He also donated to various organizations, such as the Sheriff’s Association.

Larry was a longtime active member of the Astoria United Methodist Church, since 1955, serving on the Board of Trustees, as Chairman of the Board, and on many other committees. Most recently, changing his membership to the United Methodist Church of Havana, where he supported youth programs and donated charitably.

Larry had an optimist view of life, living each day as a new opportunity. He loved life and lived life. His sense of humor was a joy to be around. Not one to hold grudges, his faith taught him to forgive his fellow man, and himself.

He loved vintage cars, which he collected in his later years and was always driving the latest models, throughout his younger years. He loved driving his vintage convertible through parades, and attending car shows.

A close friend to many, he made new friends wherever he went. He loved celebrating holidays. Dreamed of traveling abroad. He was the kind of father who spent valuable time nearly every summer, taking his kids on vacations to see this amazing country and its natural wonders and landmarks, and always making time for detours to amusement and water parks.

He also loved the beach, and had been retreating to Florida during the winter months, for several years. Larry was a big fan of history, especially regarding his own family stories, or anything on Abraham Lincoln, nearly finishing the latest Lincoln book, during his final days.

Larry was a good, decent, honest, Godly man, with big dreams, who found much joy and pride in his biggest and best accomplishments of all, his children and grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Thursday, December 9, from 5:00-7:00pm, at Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria, IL.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, December 10, at the First United Methodist Church in Havana, IL. Visitation begins at 9:30am, and Funeral Services at 10:30am. Followed by a burial procession to the final resting site at Summum Cemetery.

All are welcome to attend.

Larry requested memorial donations be made out to: “Havana First United Methodist Church”, and either donated toward their “Youth Mission Trip” or to their “Liberia Scholarships” for school tuition.

Donations can be dropped in envelopes at the church, or can be mailed to: “Havana First United Methodist Church, 101 S. Broadway, Havana, IL 62644.”

Phyllis A. Norton

Phyllis A. Norton, 88, of Canton, passed away at 8:17 pm, November 25, 2021 at the Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. She was born on October 22, 1933 in Canton to Harry E. and Margaret (David) Lehman. Phyllis first married James Grubb and later married Roland Norton.

Surviving are two sisters; Dorris Howarter and Carmen Weber both of Canton, brother Donald Lehman of Fisher, two grandsons; Clinton Grubb and Aaron Grubb, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephew, cousins and friends.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, son Terry L. Grubb and brother David Lehman.
She worked at Love Inc. and various other jobs, last working at Walmart as a greeter for 15 years. Phyllis was a member of the Church of the Brethren, women's Moose Lodge, YWCA Board, B.P.W. of the YWCA, League of Democratic Women, drove cancer patients to Peoria, helped start well baby clinics in Canton, was 1967 cancer survivor, walked in the relay for life and was a former President of Maple Manor in Canton.
Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be graveside service at 11 am, Saturday, December 18, 2021 in Coal Creek Cemetery in rural Norris. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton are in charge of arrangements. Memorials can be made to the Church of the Brethren in Canton. To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com