Monday, January 6, 2025
Helen K. Sarff
(Lowers) Keith. She married Robert J. Sarff on June 18, 1955 at the 1 st United Methodist Church in
Havana. He preceded her in death on November 28, 2017.
Helen is survived by her children, Brad (Karen) Sarff of Loveland, Colorado, Jeff (Pam) Sarff of Peoria, and
Melanie (James) Daniels of Havana; six grandchildren; one step-granddaughter; sixteen great-
grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and three step-great-great
grandchildren. Also surviving are her brother, Gerry (Laura) Keith of Fort Worth, Texas; sisters-in-law,
Joann (John) Lynn of Havana and Francie Bonnett of Tennessee; and several nieces, nephews, and
cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Leland Keith.
Helen was a member of the 1 st United Methodist Church in Havana since April 9, 1944, where she was
active in the Methodist Women and other groups. She loved reading and spending time with her family.
She took great care of her husband during his last years.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the 1 st United Methodist
Church in Havana, with a visitation one hour prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Rev.
Carol Stufflebeam will officiate. Burial will be held at a later date at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial donations may be made in Helen’s name to 1 st United Methodist Church in Havana, A.R.K. in
Lacon Illinois, Mason District Hospital in Havana, or the Havana Public Library. Online condolences can be left for her family at
www.hurleyfh.com.
Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.
Friday, January 3, 2025
Patricia Outlaw
She was born on September 27, 1958 in Havana to Donald and Karen (Werry) Baker. They preceded her in death.
Surviving are her two sons, Steven Oaks Jr of Canton, Matthew (Chelsea) Bell of Normal, two brothers, Rick Baker, John Baker and two grandchildren, Kailey Brewster and Ian Oaks.
She was also preceded in death by her sister, Laurie Harmon.
Patricia enjoyed watching the crime shows on TV and the company of her kittens.
Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton and a graveside burial of the ashes will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at 11 am, at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the American Lung Association.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Lillian “Janet” Traver
Janet was born March 26, 1944, in Washington, IL, to Franklin and Myrle (Bass) Kaps.
Janet married Charles “Chuck” Traver on May 15, 1965, at the United Methodist Church in Edwards. He survives.
Janet is also survived by two children, Kimmie (William) Conely of Peoria, IL, and Kristina (Lisa) Childers of Bethlehem, PA; one sister, Geraldine “Gerry” (the late Robert) Keplinger; one grandchild, Jordan Childers; and one great-grandchild, Kaylee Chance-Childers.
Janet is preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, Gary Kaps and Franklin Kaps.
Janet was a member of the Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria. She enjoyed watching “Price is Right” and adored her dogs.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Janet’s life will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the Northwest United Methodist Church in Peoria.
To leave online condolences please visit
www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
Thursday, January 2, 2025
Larry Don Avery
He was born on February 4, 1945 in Macomb to Donald Dewayne and Ruth Irene (Parker) Avery.
He married Karen Kay Moshier on March 8, 1968. She survives.
Also surviving is his mother of Canton, Daughter, Ann Marie (Marty) Harris of Canton, son, Larry Don (Beth) Avery Jr of Canton, daughter, Sarah Sue (Steven) Greene of Belleville, twin brother, Garry Jon (Karen I.) Avery of Springfield, MO, brother, Steve Dewayne Avery of Joliet, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
After Larry graduated from high school, he received his Plumbers license as well as IDPH back flow inspector, RSES air conditioning and refrigeration certificate and was a certified SCUBA PADDY open water diver. He held several pilot ratings including commercial instrument and multi engine.
He retired from Graham Hospital in Canton as the Plant Operation Supervisor in 2011 after over 48 years of service.
Larry was a member of the American Legion Post #16 and 40&8, Fulton County Conservation Club, Fulton County Flying Club, Experimental Air Craft Association, Canton Elks Lodge #626, Illinois DNR Instructor for hunter safety, T.P.A, National Rifle Association, Illinois State Rifle Association and served as the Fire and Police Commissioner for the City of Canton. He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and Smithfield Nazarene Church.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.
Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton and a private celebration of his life will be held by the family.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Smithfield Nazarene Church, Wesley United Methodist Church, St Jude Children’s Hospital or The Salvation Army.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com



