Linda J. Robinson, 74, died on December 31, 2012 at 5:38 pm at Dr. John Warner Hospital in Clinton, IL. Services will be at  10:30 AM on Friday, Jan. 4, 2013 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL . Ernie Harvey will be officiating. Visitation will be at 5-8 PM Thursday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL .  In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Christian Church, Clinton, IL.

David Eugene Reeser, 69, Farmer City, died at 12:55 a.m. Dec. 31, 2012, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Service: 1 p.m. Sunday at Joe Williams Post 55 American Legion, Farmer City. Memorials: Joe Williams Post 55 American Legion, Farmer City. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, may be contacted about arrangements.

George McKinnon, 83 of Wapella, IL passed away December 31, 2012 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL in charge of arrangements.

Jerry E. Overbey, 73, of Beason died at 7:06 A.M. Sunday December 30, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Services for Jerry will be at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday January 3, 2013 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harmony Cemetery in Beason. Memorials may be made to Beason Fire and Rescue.

Grover Delmar Foster, 93, Clinton, IL, passed away at 11:15 AM Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL. Funeral services will be 2 PM Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 at First Christian Church, Clinton, IL with J. Kent Hickerson officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be Thursday from 1-2 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or to the Friendship Center in Clinton.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Ardith V. Davis, 82, of Cisco, passed away suddenly early afternoon on Saturday (Dec. 29, 2012) in Kirby Medical Center, Monticello.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday in Maplewood Cemetery, St. Elmo, with Brother Jim Giffin of the First Church of God officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services in Kull Funeral Home, St. Elmo. Memorials: donor’s choice. Send condolences:www.kullfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Davis was born Nov. 19, 1930, in rural Mound Township in Effingham County, the second child of John and Bertha Tish-Blurton. She graduated from St. Elmo High School with the Class of 1949. She attended Illinois State Teachers College in Normal and began her teaching career at the age of 19. In her early years of marriage, she taught school at the Loudon Township, Fayette County rural school as well as Ramsey, thus teaching all eight grades. She was married to the love of her life, Clifford Eugene Davis, on Feb. 28, 1955, in the First Church of God, St. Elmo, by Preacher Ward.

Surviving are her husband; sons, Bradley Lenn Davis of St. Elmo; Randy Allen (wife, Jill) Davis of Normal; grandsons, Max and Seth Davis, both of Normal; brother, Lloyd Blurton of Liberty, Mo.; sisters, Joyce Martin of Effingham; Mila (husband, Robert) Leach of St. Charles, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Mary Ruth Yockey of Decatur; Gertrude Irene Garrison of Nevada, Mo.; Edna Francis (husband, Oliver) Wright of St. Elmo; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, David Eugene Davis in infancy; grandson, Robert Clifford Davis in infancy; brother, Allen Melvin Blurton; sister-in-law, Rebecca Olive (husband, Dean Painter).

Rowena Knisley, 97 of Monticello, IL passed away 12:10 P.M. December 28, 2012 at Sheldon Health Care Center, Sheldon, IL.

Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Monday, December 31, 2012 at Trigg & Calvert Funeral Home, DeLand, IL with Pastor Donald Love officiating. Burial will follow at DeLand Cemetery, DeLand, IL. Friends may call from 10-11 A.M. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Sheldon Health Care Center, Chadwick Boys Home or the donor’s choice.

Mary Louise Horath, 90, of Atlanta passed away on Friday, December 28, 2012 at 9:11 p.m. at St. Clara’s Manor in Lincoln .

Funeral Services for Mrs. Horath will be held on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 1:00 p.m at the Quiram Peasley Funeral Home in Atlanta with Mr. LC Sutton officiating.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of the service Wednesday.
Burial will be in the Atlanta Cemetery.

Helen E. Shriver, 90, of Mt. Pulaski, died at 2:20 P.M. December 26, 2012 at Vonderlieth Living
Center in Mt. Pulaski. Graveside services will be held at Saturday December 29, 2012 at 2:30
P.M. at Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski with Mark Weber officiating. Memorials may be
made to the Mt Pulaski Christian Church or Vonderlieth Living Center. Fricke-Calvert-Schrader
Funeral Home, Mt. Pulaski is handling arrangements.

Dallas E. Littrell, 59, Lincoln, GND Transportation crane operator, died Wednesday (Dec. 26, 2012).

Services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: one hour before services. Burial: Elkhart Cemetery. Memorials: Lincoln Church of the Nazarene or Logan County Humane Society.

Barbara Macpherson Goodfellow, 91, Clinton, died Wednesday (Dec. 26, 2012) at Manor Court,  Clinton.

She was born Barbara Jean on Sept. 27, 1921, in Detroit, Mich., the daughter of Dr. Kenneth and Dolina Mackay Macpherson; granddaughter of Donald and Carrie Macpherson of Deadwood, S.D.; and Donald and Mary Mackay of Glascow, Scotland.

There are no family survivors. She is survived by many close friends and the Holiday Tea ladies.

Ms. Goodfellow was a 15-year member of the Clinton Y Players, serving as a performer, director and producer; and member of the Clinton Welfare League and the DeWitt County Republican Women. She was instrumental in the founding of Clinton Crimestoppers, serving as its board president for 26 years until her retirement in 2011. As a young girl, Barbara qualified for the 1936 Olympic Women’s Swim Team but declined the team roster because of the growing Nazi movement in Berlin.

Ms. Goodfellow was a member of the Episcopalian faith. There are no services planned. According to her wishes, she donated her body to medical science. Cremation rites will follow and her ashes will be returned to Deadwood, S.D., for burial. Memorials may be made in her honor to the Clinton YMCA swim program or to the U.S. Olympic Committee. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is handling  arrangements.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.

Bessie Louise Grant, 85, Heyworth, passed away at 3 p.m. Monday (Dec. 24, 2012) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the United Church of Heyworth. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment will be in East Lawn Memorial Gardens, Bloomington. Memorials  may be made to the Heyworth Public Library, 119 E. Main St., Heyworth, IL 61745. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, is in charge of arrangements.

Bessie was born Oct. 14, 1927, daughter of Ott and Dessa Ann Shickel Cotner in Gridley. They preceded her in death. She married Harry Thomas Grant on Dec. 27, 1949. He preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Thomas L. (Julie) Grant, Bloomington; two daughters, Sherri Grant, Heyworth, and Reni (Thomas) Gaska, St. Louis, Mo.; two grandchildren, Amanda (Matthew) Renaker and Thomas Gaska Jr.; and one brother, Carl (Marilyn) Cotner.

She was preceded in death by six brothers, Robert, Ted, Fred, Roy, Glen and Sterling Cotner.

Bessie was a member of the United Church of Heyworth, where she volunteered much of her time. She was a member of the Red Hat Club. She worked at Eureka-Williams for 24 years, retiring in 1990. Bessie was a friend to all she met. She was a great hostess, always having company over for parties and fun events.

The family would like to express its gratitude to Dr. Reddy and the staff at OSF as well as the staff at LeRoy Manor and Heartland Health Care for all their love and support.

Bessie was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Ronald A. “Ron” Bossingham, 61, Lincoln, passed away Sunday (Dec. 23, 2012) at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.

His funeral will at noon Wednesday at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home, Lincoln. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Lincoln. Visitation will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospital-Oncology or to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Ron was born July 4, 1951, in Lincoln, the son of John “Jack” and Anna E. Klokkenga Bossingham. He married Mary L. Barry on Sept. 19, 1970, in Lincoln.

Ron was a graduate of McLean-Waynesville-Armington High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in Vietnam at Phu Bai from 1971 to 1972. Ron worked 27 years at Lehn and Fink and most recently at International Paper in Lincoln. He was an avid fisherman and sports fanatic, a die-hard L.A. Dodger fan.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Bossingham, Lincoln; sons, Nathan and his wife, Angie Bossingham; Josh and his wife, Megan Bossingham; daughter, Angie and her husband, Eric Eskra, all of Lincoln; his grandchildren, Grace and Griffin Bossingham, and Maggie and Maci Eskra, all of Lincoln.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Bossingham; his brother, Johnnie L. Bossingham; and his sister, MaryAnne Bossingham.

Stanley B. Hodgdon, 79, of Lincoln died Sunday (Dec. 23, 2012) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

Stanley’s wishes were to be cremated. An informal memorial gathering will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the American Legion Post 263, 1740 Fifth St., Lincoln. The Legion post will accord military rites at 2 p.m. Sunday. Burial will be in Harmony Cemetery, Beason, at a later date.

Arrangements were entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Legion Post 263 Building Fund.

Stanley was born Nov. 5, 1933, in Lincoln, the son of Frank and Neva Charles Hodgdon. He was united in marriage to Carol Ann Shay in 1960. She preceded him in death on Dec. 27, 2008. He was united in marriage to Bonetta Stollhans on July 20, 1989, in Forsythe, Mo. She survives.

Stanley is also survived by three daughters, Gayle (Don) Wolschlag, Jayne Hodgdon-Prince and Marya (Jason) Dolan, all of Bloomington; two sons, Jeff (Katie) Stollhans, Okamis, Mich., and Jerry (Julie) Stollhans, DuQuoin; 10 grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one sister, Delores (Robert) Bergman, Mount Pulaski; two brothers, Norman (Lynette) Hodgdon and Gerald Hodgdon, both of Lincoln; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three half brothers and one half sister.

Stanley retired in 1995 from Ameren Cilco, where he worked for 35 years as an inspector. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran during the Korean War in France and Germany, where he learned the electrical trade and was responsible for the lighting of runways. After returning to Lincoln, where Stan was a lifelong resident, he did electrical work for many Lincoln area families. Stan was a member of American Legion Post 263, where he was a past adjutant. Stan was an instructor for a number of years for Junior Achievement.

Stanley was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed.

E. Pauline Crowley Voelcker, age 95 of Cerro Gordo, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Sunday, December 23, 2012 at Helia Health Care in Greenville.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2012 at the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Interment will follow in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9 a.m. Friday until service time at the Church. For those who desire memorials may be made to the Cerro Gordo Women’s Club, the Cerro Gordo Alumni Scholarship Fund, or the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church at Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home or at the visitation and funeral service at the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church.

Estella Pauline Crowley, the daughter of Lou Crowley and Synthia Ann Moorhead Crowley, was born on June 15, 1917 on the Crowley farm in Newcomb Township in Champaign County. She grew up there and attended the local schools graduating from Fisher High School. She graduated from the University of Illinois in the College of Agriculture in 1939. Pauline later did graduate work at U OF I and Millikin. She later received her Masters Degree in home economics. She taught school in Cerro Gordo for 32 years and also taught 6 years at Millikin. Pauline was the first women on public TV teaching cooking. Pauline retired in 1977 after 36 years teaching. She then served as board member of the Cerro Gordo School Board for 17 years.

Pauline and Reid William Voelcker were united in marriage on October 7, 1948 at the Church of Christ in Fisher and enjoyed over 54 years together. Ried preceded Pauline in death on July 1, 2003. They farmed together near Cerro Gordo. Pauline is survived by her niece Cynthia (Steve) Thielke of Middleton, Wisconsin, nephew Roger (Jackie) Gruner of rural Greenville, 3 great nieces Elaine (Joe) Craver, Rachel (P.J.) Gregorie, Angele Thielke, 5 great-great nieces Joely, Laura, Addison, Kennedy, Reegan, and a host of cousins.

Pauline is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Reid, and is the last of her generation being preceded in death by her two sisters; Cynthia Louise Gruner and Madeline Lenora Crowley.

Pauline was a member of the Cerro Gordo American Legion Auxiliary, the Macon County 8/40, past president of the Cerro Gordo Women’s Club, and 19th district of GFWC Illinois Women’s Club. Pauline was raised in the Oak Grove United Brethern Church and has been a very active member of the Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church since moving to Cerro Gordo in the 1940’s.

arold “Ted” Proctor, 89, Cerro Gordo, World War II Marine veteran, died Saturday (Dec. 22, 2012). Memorial services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church. Visitation: one hour before services in the church, with 10:45 a.m. Masonic rites. Private family burial: Cerro Gordo Cemetery, with military rites. Arrangements by: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Cerro Gordo. Memorials: American Legion Post 117 Building Fund or Cerro Gordo United Methodist Church.

Leora Yates, 101, Dunedin, FL, formerly of Clinton, IL, passed away on Dec. 21, 2012 in Dunedin, FL.  Services are pending at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.

John C. Kennison, 55, of Maroa, IL died on December 20, 2012 at 11:04 PM. Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday December 26, 2012 at 11:00 AM. They will take place at the Temple Baptist Church in Decatur, IL. Calvert Funeral Home in Maroa will be assisting the family with cremation rites. Visitation will be 10-11 A.M. at the church on December 26. Memorials can be made to the John Kennison Memorial Fund.

Elenor M. Anderson, 94, of Monticello, passed away at 10:30 a.m., on December 18, 2012, at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 21, 2012, at the Mackey-Wright Funeral Home with Rev. Katie Hopper officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Monticello Township Cemetery.

Surviving are her son, James Wilson Anderson, and daughter-in-law, Terry Flewelling Anderson, of St. Louis, Missouri; her daughter, Jane Ellen Mohraz, and son-in-law, Belden Fields, of Urbana, Illinois; her grandson, Ryan James Anderson of Gainesville, Florida; seventeen nieces and nephews; and a brother, Robert C. Miller of Monticello, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her husband, Francis (Andy) Anderson, on October 15, 1991, and four sisters.

Elenor was born on December 7, 1918, to Alvin C. and Minnie Ellen Jones Miller. She graduated from Monticello High School and attended the University of Illinois. On September 7, 1940, she married Andy, the love of her life, and moved to Chicago. Preferring small-town life, they moved back to Monticello the following year. Both were active in the community. She was a lifetime member of the First Presbyterian Church, a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, an election judge, and a member of the Dauber’s Club, a group of local artists who enjoyed painting together. She liked to make greeting cards, listen to music, and watch birds.

In 1961 she began working at her sister’s jewelry store, M.J. Reed’s, where she worked for twenty years. Upon her retirement, she and her husband enjoyed serving as volunteers for Meals on Wheels, traveling, and spending the winter in Florida. She especially delighted in collecting teddy bears, each of whom she named. She never saw a bear she didn’t love.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Piatt County Nursing Home.

Glenn R. Gill Sr., 79, Clinton, retired Air Force veteran, died Sunday (Dec. 16, 2012). Services: 10 a.m. Thursday, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Burial: Mount Pulaski Cemetery. Memorials: to the family.

Freddie F. Meyers, 65, of Lincoln, died Saturday, December 15, 2012, at 5:53 a.m. at his home.

A Memorial service for Mr. Meyers will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Peasley Funeral Home.

Military Rites will be accorded by American Legion Post #263 of Lincoln.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home in Lincoln.

Harold E. Donnan, 93, of Lincoln, died at 3:07 P.M. Saturday December 15, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Harold was born on October 16, 1919 in Atlanta, IL to Ernest and Tena Severs Donnan. He married Helen Shull on July 19, 1942 in Mt. Pulaski. She survives. He served in the United States Army from 1941-1945, farmed in the New Holland area from 1952 until his retirement in 1984 and was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lincoln.

Also surviving him is one sister Edna Strachan of Chestnut, IL and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sisters Evelyn Bateman, Marjorie Marquis and Doris Baldwin and brothers Donald and Alvin Donnan.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday December 18, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Lincoln with Rev. Floyd Blackard officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 4:00-6:00 P.M. at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home in Lincoln as well as one hour prior to services at the church. Graveside services will be at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday at Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski where full military rites will be accorded by the Mt. Pulaski American Legion Post #447. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Lloyd C. Fagerstrom, 79, Heyworth, died at 8:39 p.m. Friday (Dec. 14, 2012) at Bloomington Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Bloomington.

Service: 1:30 p.m. Friday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington. Kevin Peterson and Jerry Danison will officiate.

Burial: Private inurnment will be at a later date.

Visitation: Noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the memorial home.

Memorials: Barbara A. Butler for funeral expenses or Little Galilee Christian Camp.

Survivors: fiancee, with whom he shared a home, Barbara A. Butler, Heyworth; three sons, Warren (Maria) Fagerstrom, Guasti, Calif.; Jeffrey Fagerstrom, Durand; and Greg Fagerstrom, Glendale, Ariz.; five grandchildren; two sisters, Deborah (Jerry) Dunn, Roscoe, and Elizabeth Kinkade, Rockford; and three brothers, Reynold (Joyce) Fagerstrom, Phoenix, Ariz.; Alan (Connie) Fagerstrom, Machesney Park; and George (Sherrie) Fagerstrom, Pecatonica.

Lewis Oscar “Lew” Kerwood passed away on Friday, December 14, 2012, in Pensacola, Florida.

Lewis was a decorated World War II hero, an esteemed educator and author, a gymnast, a drummer, a patriot, and so much more. For his dedicated efforts, he received many awards attesting to his leadership and accomplishments, including the Bronze Star for valor.

Above all else, he was a loving, inspirational, generous and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend.

He was a man of honor, humor, wisdom, dignity, grace and kindness.

Lewis was born in Warrensburg, Illinois, on August 9, 1917. He lived much of his life in Warrensburg, Decatur, and Villa Park, Illinois, and in Potomac, Maryland. 

Lewis was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years and light of his life, Frances Marie Jarrett Kerwood, by his parents Charles Raymond Kerwood and Clara Myrtle Kerwood, and by his brothers Charles Donald Kerwood and Richard Eugene Kerwood. 

He is survived by his children Susan Alane Burnette, Ronald Lynn Kerwood, Joan Marie Becker (husband John Michael Becker) and Jeffry Jarrett Kerwood (wife Renata Fontenelle Kerwood), by his grandchildren Destiny Lee Macaraeg, Gentry Jarrett Kerwood and Clara Fontenelle De Gouveia, by his great-grandchildren Bry Marie Macaraeg, Julian Lewis Macaraeg and Miles Keaton Macaraeg, and by his sister Doris Caroline Chandler.

Services to celebrate Lewis’ life will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 20, 2012, in Warrensburg United Methodist Church, 190 North Main Street, Warrensburg, Illinois. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services at the church. Burial with military honors will be in Graceland Cemetery in Decatur.

He will be greatly missed by so many. May he rest in peace, with our love.

The family of Lewis Kerwood is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Avenue, Decatur, Illinois. You may view the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Vernell Bahn, 84, Mount Pulaski, retired Eaton Corp. employee, died Thursday (Dec. 13, 2012).

Graveside services: 10 a.m. Thursday, Steenbergen Cemetery, Mount Pulaski. No visitation. Burial: Steenbergen Cemetery. Arrangements by: Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski. Memorials: to the family.

Dorothy Louise “Dottie” Van Horn, 65, of Cerro Gordo, IL, died 9:09 P.M., Thursday, December 13, 2012, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Funeral Mass will be 11:00 A.M., Saturday, December 22, 2012, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in LaPlace Cemetery, LaPlace, IL. Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church or Susan G. Komen, For the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

Dottie was born February 9, 1947, the daughter of George Frank and Dorothy Louise (Sutton) Sulwer. She married Warren M. Van Horn on October 10, 1964 in Decatur, IL. He preceded her in death on July 17, 2009.

She is survived by her daughter Trenda (Darin) Curran of Sugar Hill, GA; grandchildren Zachary, Noah, and Miranda; sisters Elizabeth “Betty” Conour of Mt. Zion, IL, Helen Sulwer of Cerro Gordo, IL, Mary Ann (Ed) Lutes of Forsyth, IL; brothers Louis (Carol) Sulwer of Oakley, IL, Mike (Carol) Sulwer of St. Louis, MO; and special friends Mary Jo and Bill Hammer of Decatur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers George “Sonny”, and Joe, and sister Cindy.

Ralph C. Conklin, 77, Mount Pulaski, former Lincoln Developmental Center microbiologist, died Wednesday (Dec. 12, 2012). Services: 11 a.m. Monday, Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: one hour before services. Burial: Mason City Cemetery. Memorials: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Illinois Food Bank.

Florence Bacon Schott Stoll, 97, Mount Pulaski, retired State of Illinois Department of Mental Health secretary, died Tuesday (Dec. 11, 2012). Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Mount Pulaski Zion Lutheran Church. Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday in the church. Burial: Mount Pulaski Cemetery. Arrangements by: Fricke-Calvert-Schader Funeral Home, Mount Pulaski. Memorials: Zion Lutheran Church, Zion Lutheran School or Vonderlieth Living Center.

Gilbert Russell Kratzner, 79, of Lincoln, passed away December 11, 2012 in Springfield, Illinois.
Memorial services will be Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home with Ed Lloyd officiating. A memorial visitation will be from 5-7 PM also on Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorial donations will be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

 Louis Dwayne “Lou” Walker, 55, of Cerro Gordo went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Sunday, December 9, 2012 in his home.

Services to celebrate Lou’s life will be 10 a.m. Friday, December 14, 2012 in Heartland Community Church, 3253 Brush College Road Decatur. Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, December 13, 2012 in the church. Burial will be in Point Pleasant Cemetery in Long Creek. Memorials may be directed to Decatur Cares Rescue Ministry.

Little Louie was born June 28, 1957 in Decatur the son of Louis Wayne and Patricia Ann (Blanchard) Walker. He was the owner/operator of Walker’s Tree Care and journeyman for over twenty-five years with the IBEW Local #51. He was a longtime member of Maranatha Assembly of God and attended Heartland Community Church. He cherished his relationships with his Lord and his family. He was a selfless, talented, and creative person that worked hard and loved life. He married Nina Marie Jolly December 4, 1987.

He leaves behind his wife Nina, sons Joshua and wife Tonia of Decatur, Matthew of Decatur, Lucas and girlfriend Amanda of Los Angeles, CA, Andrew and fiancé Priscilla of Decatur, and Jesse of Decatur, daughter Tricia Upton and husband Noah of Mt. Zion, grandchildren Courtney, Jacob, Jordan, Devin, and Madison, mother Patricia, brothers Jeff and wife Jackie of Oakley, Tim and wife Susan of Decatur, and Mike and wife Darci of Oakley, sister Julie Aubert and husband Mitch of Cerro Gordo, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was reunited in Heaven with his father and infant brother Richard.

The family of Louis Dwayne “Lou” Walker is being served by the Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL.

James Darrell Goodbrake Sr., 68, Oreana, died Saturday (Dec. 8, 2012). Services: 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday. Burial: Boiling Springs Cemetery. Memorials: James Darrell Goodbrake Sr. Fund.

Louis Bruce Pence, 75, Bellflower, died Friday (Dec. 7, 2012). Arrangements incomplete: Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City.

Carl Fredrick “Fred” Langley, 80, Atlanta, went to be with the Lord Friday (Dec. 7, 2012) at Memorial Medical Center, Springfield. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Quiram Peasley Funeral Home in Atlanta. Military rites will be accorded by the Atlanta American Legion Post. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of the service Wednesday at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Memorials may be made to the family.

Sebastian Waitman Roberts, infant son of Beverly C. Baker McNeil and Skyler J. Roberts, Clinton, was stillborn at 4:59 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 6, 2012) at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.

Service: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with cremation rites to be accorded. The Rev. Dan Bell will officiate.

Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials: To the family.

Survivors: His parents; two sisters, Gabi and Harmonie, Clinton; maternal grandparents, Barbara and John Stafford, Weldon; and paternal grandparents, Dorothy Hoback, Clinton; Johnnie Devore, Weldon; and Nancy Roberts, Clinton.

Edwin Daniel Lawrence, 58, Warrensburg, farmer, died Thursday (Dec. 6, 2012). Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. Visitation: one hour before services in the church. Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney. Arrangements by: Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Memorials: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or Homeward Bound Animal Shelter.

Eleanor Schmidt, 90, Lincoln, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 5, 2012) at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

Service: 11 a.m. Friday at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lincoln. The Rev. Thomas Kamprath will officiate.

Burial: New Union Cemetery.

Visitation: one hour prior to the service Friday at the church.

Memorials: American Legion Auxiliary or Immanuel Lutheran Church. Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home,  Atlanta.

Survivors: her son, Harold Dean (Phyllis) Schmidt, Lincoln; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. 

Carl E. “Chico” Parr, 68, Farmer City, passed away at 11:31 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 5, 2012) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, with Jerry Hawn officiating. Burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery, Farmer City. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Carl E. “Chico” Parr memorial fund. The money will be used for youth athletics at a later date.

“Chico” was born Jan. 28, 1944, at Farmer City, a son of Samuel O. and Alma Louise Carr Parr. He was formerly married to Carolyn Kaye Pitchford.

He is survived by two sons, Christopher L. (Anne) Parr, Champaign, and Craig S. (Deborah) Parr, Maumee, Ohio; stepmother, Thelma Parr, Farmer City; grandchildren, Ava Parr, Ean Parr, Jarrett Parr, Brittany Parr and Kristine Parr; great-grandchildren, Wyatt Hurst and Emma Melton; brothers and sisters, Steven (Liz) Parr, Ankeny, Iowa; Albert (Dia) Parr, Carbondale; Marsha Pawlina, Oldsmar, Fla.; Robert (Linda) Parr, Champaign; Marty (Connie) Tarter, Farmer City; Rusty Tarter, DeSoto; Susan (Ed) Tess, Seminole, Fla.; and Scott Parr, Odessa, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Parr; and two sisters, Mary Lou Eastin and Sharon Rae Hughes.

“Chico” was a retired machine operator for AC Humko, Champaign. He was a former member of the Illinois National Guard, Bloomington. “Chico” was a member of the First Christian Church, Farmer City; member of the Joe Williams American Legion Post 55, Farmer City; and past Farmer City council member.

Carl received his nickname “Chico” from his Little League baseball coach, who knew he was a Chicago White Sox fan and his favorite player was Chico Carrasquel, shortstop for the Chicago White Sox from 1950 to 1955. 

James R. “Bob” Rawlins, 79, Lincoln, died at 4:30 a.m. Monday (Dec. 3, 2012) at St. Clara’s Manor, Lincoln.

Service: 11 a.m. Thursday at Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta. Maurice Stribling will officiate.

Burial: Mountjoy Cemetery, rural Atlanta. 

Visitation: one hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials: American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.

Survivors: his children, Robert (Gail) Rawlins, Lincoln, and Julie (Dustin) Smith, Springfield; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Jon (Carol Ann) Rawlins, Groveland, and Myron (Karen) Rawlins, Atlanta; one sister, Joyce (Chuck) Damm, Marysville, Calif.; and one sister-in-law, Karen Rawlins, Heyworth.

Glenn A. Davis, 96, Kenney, died at 6 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 2, 2012) at his family home in Kenney.

Service: 11:30 a.m. Friday at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton. Father Matt Werkman will officiate.

Burial: Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Kenney, with military honors.

Visitation: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials: Kenney Heritage Association or DMH Hospice.

Survivors: children, Sandy (Stephen) Moore, Houston, Texas; Judy (Bill) Voelker, Kenney; Mary Jo (Troy) Vanover, Kenney; Linda (Orville) Cutright, Kenney; and Janice (Ron) Sams, Kenney; 13 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Cora Anne Maynard, 79, Farmer City, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Sunday (Dec. 2, 2012) at her residence.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Farmer City, with Father James Henning, OFM Conv., officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, with a rosary service at 4:30 p.m. Burial will be at 3:30 p.m. Friday in Aledo Cemetery, Aledo. Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Cora was born July 8, 1933, at Aledo, a daughter of Stuart and Margaret Morford Boultinghouse. She married Marvin C. “Bud” Maynard on Sept. 1, 1954, in Aledo. He passed away Dec. 28, 1992. 

Surviving are one daughter, Pamela A. (Paul) Kerouac, Tallahassee, Fla.; two sons, Michael C. (Julie) Maynard, Yucaipa, Calif., and Timothy S. (Timmy) Maynard, Mobile, Ala.; three grandchildren, Jenny Delaney, Corie Folkerts and Amy Buckley; and great-grandchildren, Morgan Delaney, Sarai Folkerts, Clyde Folkerts, Sampson Folkerts and Tyler Buckley.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters and two brothers.

Cora graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. She was a preschool teacher at her home in Farmer City for more than 30 years. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Farmer City, where she was very active in church work.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, teacher and a friend to all.

Ruby M. Parks, 91, of Lincoln, formerly of rural Atlanta, passed away at 5 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012) at St. Clara’s Manor, Lincoln.

The funeral for Mrs. Parks will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Quiram Peasley Funeral Home, Atlanta, with Mr. Tim Searby officiating. Vistation will be for one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in Zion Cemetery, Lincoln.

Memorials may be made to the Atlanta Rescue Squad.

Ruby Madeline Bloemker was born Dec. 16, 1920, in Dieterich, the daughter of Walter and Blanche Poynter Bloemker. She married Andrew J. Parks on Feb. 16, 1937, in Effingham. He preceded her in death in 1993.

Surviving Ruby are her children, Thressia (Norman K.) Usherwood, Atlanta; Rita (Edwin) Carey, Newburgh, Ind.; and Tom (Ada) Parks, Atlanta; two sisters, Bertha Leesman, Lincoln, and Bessie Budde, Dieterich; 12 grandchildren, K. Bradley Usherwood, Ronald J. Usherwood, Douglas W. Usherwood, Edwin Carey, Sean Carey, Shane Carey, Joel Carey, Anne Carey, Todd Parks, Christine Cleeton, Rick W. Wilson and J. Rob Wilson;  31 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and three sisters.

Ruby retired from Bartman Nursing Home in rural Atlanta.

Ronald Mervin Cowles, 83, Clinton, died Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012) at home.

Interment will be private, with a memorial service at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Veterans Point Memorial, Weldon Springs Foundation Inc., in care of Weldon Springs State Park, 4734 Weldon Springs Road, Clinton, IL  61727. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements

He was born Oct. 13, 1929, in Creek Township, DeWitt County, son of Irvin Ray Cowles (1896-1980) and Iva Arrilla Emery Cowles (1898-1989).

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Harold Cowles (1928-1985) and Donald Cowles (1929-2007); and two sisters, Imogene Blue (1924-2012) and Margie Allison (1927-2010).

He was a retired farmer, a member of Lane Christian Church and a U.S. Army veteran

Ruth Louise Moles, 80, of Clinton died at 2:15 a.m. Saturday (Dec. 1, 2012) at her family home, Clinton.

Service: 10 a.m. graveside service Friday at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton. The Rev. Jeff DeLaughter will officiate.  

Burial: Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton.

Memorials: Ruth Louise Moles Memorial Fund.

Survivors: Her husband, Charles B. Moles, Clinton; children, Charles B. Moles Jr., Springfield; and Kendric B. (Barbara) Moles, Clinton; four grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and sister, Virginia (Robert) Herriott, Mansfield.