Dixie Darlene Walden, 87, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2023, at Sugar Creek Alzheimer’s Care Center where she had resided during her battle with Alzheimer’s.  She was surrounded by the love of family and the compassionate caregivers of both Sugar Creek and the hospice staff.  Visitation will be held at Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton from 9:30-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 30, 2023, with funeral services immediately following with Ernie Harvey, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. In lieu of flowers, it was Dixie’s wish that memorial donations be directed to the Warner Hospital and Health Services Foundation or The First Christian Church in Clinton.  

J. Wayne and Geneva Grant (Shewmaker) Rees welcomed their only child, Dixie, into this world on June 23, 1936, in Clinton, Illinois.  She was raised on the family farm just west of Clinton, Illinois. Dixie graduated from Clinton High School in 1954 and was soon married to her high school sweetheart, Stanley C. Walden, on October 14, 1954. 

Dixie is survived by her son, Bruce Walden (Liz), and Paula Nelson (Chuck); grandchildren-- Jessica Black (Cory), Jennifer Horn (Matt), and Tyler Walden (Morgan); great grandchildren--John Horn, Thomas Horn, Izabel Horn, William Black, Benjamin Black, and Madelyn Walden. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Stanley, and her parents, J. Wayne and Geneva Grant Shewmaker Rees.  

Dixie began and ended her professional career at Dewitt Savings Bank. Starting as a teller, she eventually became President of the bank, a position she held for 20 years until her retirement.

As a member of the Warner Hospital and Health Services Foundation board, Dixie served in many positions including President. She was proud of her accomplishments in assisting the local hospital to obtain needed equipment and services. 

Dixie enjoyed retirement with her husband Stanley, spending hours on the golf course and traveling to Florida.  They loved visiting their son and family in Urbana, watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up, and attending many sporting events. They also visited their daughter and son-in-law often at their farm, helping with chores in the horse barn and growing a garden. Dixie rode Rowdy, her favorite horse, until she was 82 years old.

Dixie’s greatest joy was her grandchildren and great grandchildren. For many years, hosting Christmas was Dixie’s favorite grandmother job, and she instilled the love of the season in her family. Dixie had life-long friends who gathered regularly to share family tales, love, and laughter (Girl’s Club).  Dixie had a very special best friend, Shirley Weikel, with whom she shared a birthday.  They celebrated together each year for over 80 years.  

Dixie was a member of the First Christian Church of Clinton which she attended regularly.  Mostly, she just liked being with people, helping others, and feeling like she accomplished something each day. Dixie’s smile will be missed by her family, friends, and community.  

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

H. Michael Kinder, 78, of Clinton, IL, passed away 5:50 PM, December 21, 2023 at his residence, Clinton, IL.

Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with burial following at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. 

Memorials may be directed to Second Chance for Pets

Mike was born April 15, 1945 in Clinton, IL the son of Herbert W. and Imogene R. (Arthur) Kinder.  He married Pamela J. (Veach) May 19, 1990 at Weldon Springs, IL. She passed away February 6, 2009.

Survivors include his daughter, Shelli (Eddie) Miles, Clinton, IL, grandchildren, Lauren (Dalton) Miles, Clinton, IL; Hannah Miles, Clinton, IL, great grandchild, Madison Bryant, Clinton, IL, along with his brother Kelly (Lora) Kinder, Clinton, IL.

Mike was preceded in death by his Parents, and 1 brother, James Kinder.

He was a lifelong HVAC and electrician, who worked at TL Sears electric for the majority of his career.  He started Kinder Climate Control and ended his career with his own business.  He was a lifelong car junkie.  He spent his extra time restoring old cars.  He liked to go to car shows and travel two lane roads and see the countryside with his late wife Pam.  

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Marita L. Rawski, 82 of Clinton, IL formerly of Reston, VA passed away 1:35 AM December 2, 2023 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 10 AM January 5, 2024 at Christ Lutheran Church, Clinton, IL with Rev. David Dunlop officiating. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Marita was born June 30, 1941 in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Frederick and Lucille (Stemm) Lange.

She is survived by her sister, Katherine, her 2 daughters, Katherine and Carol, and her 3 grandchildren, Ryan, Will, & Anna. She is predeceased by her parents, brothers Martin and Donald, sister Betty, son Joseph, and her ex-husband Henry (with whom she maintained an amicable friendship over the years).

Marita grew up in Illinois as a Lutheran Pastor’s daughter. As an adult, she moved to Los Angeles, CA where she met and married Henry Rawski in 1965. Henry’s job took them from California to Ohio and on to her beloved Reston, Virginia in 1978.

Marita was a successful real estate agent selling in the Reston area from the 1980’s well into the 2000’s. She was a devout and active church member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for 40 years where she could usually be found altar serving, volunteering, and singing in the church choir. She delighted in cooking, gardening, traveling, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks with her many dogs over the years. She was passionate in her love of all animals, especially dogs.

Marita’s caring, fun-loving and adventurous spirit will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be directed to Second Chance for Pets in Clinton, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Lincoln -- Emma L. Clayton, 87, of Lincoln, formerly of Latham, passed away on Friday, December 15, 2023, at St. Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care Center in Lincoln.

Funeral Services for Mrs. Clayton will be held on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Mt. Pulaski Christian Church with Mr. Casey McCormick officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at the Mt. Pulaski Christian Church.

Burial will be in the Steenbergen Cemetery in rural Mt. Pulaski.

Emma Louise Wooden was born January 3, 1936, at the family home in rural Mt. Vernon, the daughter of Val and Dortha Puckett Wooden. She was united in marriage to Dean Perry Clayton on July 29, 1956. He survives.

Also surviving are her children: Sheryl (Don Peasley) Wendell and Daryl (Gloria) Clayton; daughter-in-law Susie (Brian) Roher; six grandchildren: Kaycie (Ryan) Gibbs, Clayton (Kallie Pettijohn) Wendell, Chelsey (Zach) Ayers, Cori (Andrew) Ingram, Whitney (Kyle Shanle) Clayton, and Sarah Clayton; great-grandchildren: Paige, Trinity, Kolin, Leah, Eva, Evelyn, Harlyn, Kenzlee, Elliette, Holden, and Waylan; one brother: Jerry Wooden; two sisters: Doris Davis and Judy Stewart; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by son-in-law Mark Wendell, and her parents.

Emma graduated from the Mt. Vernon High School in 1954. She then attended Lincoln Bible Institute. She had been employed at Harris and Harris Law Firm in Mt. Pulaski and at Archer Daniels Midland in Decatur.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved cooking, reading, gardening, and fishing vacations in Kentucky, Missouri, and Minnesota.

Memorials may be made to the Mt. Pulaski Christian Church.

Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald Eugene “Gene” Wickenhauser, 74, of Clinton, IL passed away 12:45 PM December 13, 2023 at his family home in Clinton, IL. 

Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM, Friday, December 22, 2023 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.  Burial will be at a later date at Oak Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL. 

Memorials may be directed to the Neighborhood Care Center, Clinton, IL.

Gene was born September 17, 1949 in Clinton, IL the son of Robert and Mary (Durbin) Wickenhauser. He married Kathleen A. West in 1967 at the United Methodist Church, Clinton, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Kathie A. Wickenhauser, Clinton, IL; children, Amy Price, Clinton, IL and Rob (Dawn) Wickenhauser, Clinton, IL; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren; and sister, Dixie Lobb.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Curtis Price; and brother-in-law, Charles Steven Lobb.

Gene was a farmer who also raised Angus cattle.  He enjoyed fishing, woodworking, carpentry, and playing dominoes.  Gene enjoyed attending his morning coffee club.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took care of his family.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Lincoln -- Carol Ruth Fink, 85, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at her daughter’s home in Heyworth, where she had resided for 8 years.

Services for Carol will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Cremation Rites have been accorded and a Memorial Service will begin at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brian Wachendorf. Inurnment will then take place at Harmony Cemetery in Beason, followed by a Celebration of Carol’s Life back at the church.

Carol was born at Deaconess Hospital in Lincoln, on February 26, 1938, the daughter of Leslie Frederick and Viola Caroline Schmidt. She was married to Charles Melvin “Mel” Fink by Reverend Paul Brockhaus at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Lincoln on June 9, 1956. Mel passed away on March 7, 1978.

Surviving Carol are her brother, Elvin Schmidt of Sarasota, FL, her children: Cynthia Carlon of Heyworth, Cathy Miller of Bloomington, Charles (Sue) Fink of Lincoln, Cheryl (Bob) Jacino of Dublin, OH, Craig Fink of Clinton, and Curtis Fink of Prophetstown. She is also survived by 12 nieces and nephews, 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to Mel, Carol was preceded in death by 2 infant older siblings, her parents, Leslie and Viola Schmidt, and her sister-in-law, Carol Schmidt.

Carol grew up in Lincoln and excelled at acrobatics, skating, and education. A highly talented cheerleader, in high school she was named the State Cheerleader of Illinois. She met Mel, from Beason, and began dedicating her life to her family and children. They first lived in Champaign, followed by Cambridge, Champaign again, Clinton, Hallsville, and then Clinton again. Carol was not only the mother of six children, but also the highly talented personal secretary to Mel, helping him with his career. Upon Mel’s passing, Carol returned to Lincoln as a data technician for Gaffney and Schmidt. She later moved to Bloomington and worked for State Farm Insurance until her retirement.

A lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, she devoted all of her time and resources to her passion: nurturing, encouraging, and enriching the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her unconditional love, amazing strength and grace, and angelic attendance over each of those she loved was a marvel to behold and deeply touched the lives of all who knew her.

Memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Lincoln.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln.

Craig W. Culp, 65 of Maroa, IL passed away 11:07 P.M. December 10, 2023 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur, IL.

Masonic services will be 11 AM Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at the Illini Congregational United Church of Christ, Warrensburg, IL followed by funeral services with Pastor Dennis Hughes officiating. Burial will follow at Illini Cemetery, Warrensburg, IL. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Wednesday at the Church. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Illini Congregational United Church of Christ, Warrensburg, IL.

Craig was born August 8, 1958 in Lincoln, IL the son of John W. and Reva E. (Emery) Culp.

Survivors include his cousins, James (Gwen) Culp, Olympia, WA, Lisa (Jeff) Pickrell, Logan, OH, Jan, Seattle, WA, Nancy (Edward) Zaretzke, Greenbank, WA, Anita (Hideki Kato), Brooklyn, NY, Janet (Harold) Hayward, Rochester, IL, Kim Streenz, Morton, IL, and Penni (Jim) Alexander, Lincoln, IL. Also surviving Buddy, his beloved dog.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Renee Sue Culp.

Craig was a member of the Illini Congregational United Church of Christ, Warrensburg, IL, the Theatre 7, Decatur, IL, and the Blue Mound Masonic Lodge #682 A.F. & A.M. He was currently the Austin Twp. Supervisor. He previously was the Austin Twp. Clerk. He was a longtime Republican Committeeman and had worked in the Macon County Treasures Office for many years. Craig was an active member of Warrensburg-Latham Lions Club along with Lions Club International 1040, Decatur, IL. He volunteered with Big Brother, Big Sister and enjoyed gardening.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Harold W. Dunham, 93, of Maroa, IL passed away 7:37 PM, December 8, 2023 at his family residence, Maroa, IL.

Graveside services and military honors will be 1:30 PM Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Maroa Cemetery, Maroa, IL with Rev. Gordon Speagle officiating. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Harold was born January 13, 1930 in rural Decatur, IL the son of Wesley and Rena (Moore) Dunham. He married A. Joyce Landgrebe February 20, 1955 in Maroa, IL. She passed away December 31, 2016.

Survivors include his children Gary Dunham, Maroa, IL, Curtis (Candy) Dunham, Maroa, IL, and Carol (Brian) French, Naperville, IL; 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Judy Dunham, one brother, three sisters, and one great-granddaughter.

Harold worked at Firestone for 19 years. He was a proud Army Veteran serving his country during the Korean Conflict. Harold loved doing yard work and mowing lawns. He coached youth league baseball and softball.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Donald L. “Don” Bowman, 79, of Bloomington, Illinois, formerly of Farmer City, Illinois, passed away at 5:55 A.M. Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 11, 2023, at Greenleaf Cemetery, Farmer City, Illinois, with Pastor Dave Ashby officiating. There will be no visitation. Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home of Farmer City, Illinois, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Don was born on August 27, 1944, in Farmer City, Illinois, a son of Sterling and Beatrice (Wilson) Bowman. He married Patricia R. Rogers on October 26, 1970, in Clinton, Illinois.  She passed away January 29, 2016.

He is survived by his sister, Linda (Harold) Turpen of De Land, Illinois; nephew, Bob (Amy) Grammer of Center Valley, Pennsylvania; niece, Cindy (Joe) Essex of Indianapolis, Indiana; and family friend, Brenda (John) Popejoy of Farmer City, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia R. Bowman; parents, Sterling and Beatrice Bowman; sister, Nancy Spruil; and twin sister, Delores Grammer.

Don worked for the railroad and owned and operated Bowman’s Overhead Door Service. 

He served in the United States Army. Don enjoyed being a mechanic. He also loved to go fishing, camping and traveling.

Dixie Lee Rockhold, 85, of Clinton, IL passed away at Manor Court with her family beside her at 11:36 pm, November 28, 2023.  

Visitation will be held at the Clinton United Methodist Church in Clinton, Il, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 am to noon, with Pastor Darrell Howard officiating. Funeral will be held immediately following at 12:00 pm.  Interment will be following funeral at McCord Cemetery off of route 48.  Family asks memorials go to the Clinton United Methodist Church.  Tanzyus-Logan Funeral Service and Care of Decatur, IL. is in charge of the arrangements. Please sign the family guestbook at www.tanzyusloganmemorialpages.com
 
Dixie was born on April 13, 1938, in Clinton, IL, the first daughter of Edward and Grace Owens. She graduated from Farmer City’s Moore High School in 1956, and married Donald Rockhold in 1957. She worked at the U of I prior to having children and was a stay-at-home mom until 1972. She then sold real estate for Brinkoetter Realtors until she began working at the DeWitt County courthouse. She became the Clintonia Township Assessor in 1978, retiring in 2003.

She loved her friends and her family. She loved to cook, cooking entire family meals for them all.  She was an active member of the Beta Delta Laureate Chapter since 1968. She played bridge from a young age and loved it. She enjoyed tending to a big garden. She was a member of the Clinton Methodist Church and loved playing bells for several years. She was married to Paul Werts for 32 years and enjoyed helping care for the big family and preparing for big holidays. She was always there for her family, making them the center of her life.  She loved them all so very much.   

Surviving are: children; Richard (Marilyn) Rockhold of Burleson, TX and Lori (Tim) Evans of Clinton, 6 grandchildren; Stephen Rockhold and Michael (Lindsey) Rockhold of Texas, Brian (Kaitlin) Evans of Orion, IL, Shawn (Raci) Evans and Steven Evans of Clinton, IL, 8 great grandchildren; Sarah, David, James and Isaac who live in Texas, and Madison, Ellis, Levi, and Grace who live in Illinois.  

She was preceded in death by her father, her mother, four siblings, her husband, Donald Rockhold in 1973, and a granddaughter, Dixie Nikole.  

Norma Wilkins 91 of Clinton, IL passed away 11:20 PM December 1, 2023 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

Norma was born May 30, 1932 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Chester Martin and Gladys Marie (White) Maltby. She married George C. Wilkins September 15, 1952 in Bloomington, IL. He passed away June 28, 2009.

The family will have a private service, and Norma will be buried with her husband at Texas Township Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.

Norma is survived by her son-in-law Sam Strange of Heyworth, IL, grandchildren: Jeremy Strange (Ashley), Casey Strange (Jessica), Hillary Gordon (Justin) and five great-grandchildren: Luc, Nic, Jake, Zach Strange (Jeremy) and Myles Gordon (Hillary).

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George Wilkins, daughter Christine Strange, son George Edward Wilkins, daughter Sally Boeving (Sylmar, CA), and brothers Lellyn, Donley, Franklin and Robert.

Norma was well known and loved for her cooking.  Every family member had a favorite baked good or dish, and Norma enjoyed cooking for her family.  Norma was the service manager at Eisner’s in Clinton, IL from 1960 to 1977.

Memorials may be directed to American Cancer Society or Cancer Care Center, Bloomington, IL.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Betty Lou Terrell, 72 of Heyworth, IL passed away 3:50 AM December 2, 2023 at Manor Court, Clinton, IL.

Services will be 11 AM Thursday, December 7, 2023 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Danny Roberts officiating. Burial will follow at DeLand Cemetery, DeLand, IL. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be direct to the Heyworth Christian Church or Piatt County Nursing Home.

Betty Lou was born to Harold K. and Doris A. (Gaskill) Remmers on June 27, 1951 at John Warner Hospital in Clinton, IL. She grew up on the family farm where her father and grandfather were born.

She was baptized and a member of DeLand Christian Church during her youth. She currently was a member of Heyworth Christian Church.

She is survived by her son, Jeff (Angel) Terrell, Bloomington, IL; sisters, Allyne (Virgil) Dasher and Beverly Cox; nieces, Elizabeth (Tim) Halpin, and Caroline (Jerry) Hyatt and their son, Elias; nephews, Destin (Lori) Dasher and their daughters, Haylee, Amanda, and Danielle, Derek (Heather) Dasher and their two daughters, Julia and Leigha, and son, Cole.

Betty attended DeLand-Weldon Schools, graduating in 1969. She was a member of school choir, band, and Girls’ Athletic Association. She loved music and spending time with her girlfriends, especially all the great slumber parties. She also attended Illinois State University for three years.

Betty Lou worked for Country Companies for 34 years. She then worked another five years at different companies. She fully retired in December 2011.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Decatur – Russell D. Huffaker, Sr., 58, of Decatur, passed away on November 21, 2023, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. No Services are planned.

Russell Dean Huffaker was born January 2, 1965, in Clinton, the son of Dorothy Huffaker.

He is survived by one son, Russell D. Huffaker, Jr.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents.

He enjoyed walking and watching television. Russell had worked at the china factory in Clinton.

Memorials may be made to his family.

Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta is assisting the family with arrangements.