Sandra Jean (Rigg) McPherson, 69, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024.  She was born in Decatur, IL on July 28, 1955, the daughter of Stephen and Alice Rigg.   

Sandra was a talented artist that loved music, flowers, and cats.  

Sandra is preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her husband, Joe McPherson of Decatur, brother Steve (Dawn) Rigg of Thomasboro, brother Scott (Debbie) Rigg of Decatur, daughter Jennifer (Marc) Douglas of Decatur, son Kristopher Ping of Decatur, daughter Sarah Ping of Decatur, and her grandchildren Gabriel Thompson, Reed Young and Chase Young of Decatur.  

A private family gathering will be held. Calvert Funeral Home, Argenta, IL assisted with cremation rites.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your local humane society or animal shelter in her name.  May her body, mind and soul rest in peace. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

David Webb Watkins, 24, of Farmer City, IL passed away October 14, 2024, surrounded by his family at Carle Foundation Hospital. 

David was born to Michael Watkins Jr. and Natalie Winstead on February 20, 2000, in Hanau, Germany. David graduated from Clinton High School in 2019 but was able to continue his education through them until he aged out of the special education program when he was 22. 

David had many challenges in his life but was still full of determination and grit. He had the most beautiful blue eyes and a wonderful smile. On good days, he radiated joy and sunlight to those who surrounded him. He loved chewing on hats and mirrors as well as scooting around his room to tip over his toy baskets and make a huge mess, only to play with a toy that was already out. David was pure innocence in a world often filled with hostility. He was able to share his innocence with all who knew him. 

David is survived by his Mom and Stepdad, Natalie & Moe Winstead of Farmer City, IL; his Dad and Bonus Mom, Michael & Sarah Watkins of Lincoln, IL; his brother & best friend, Kyle Watkins of Farmer City, IL;  Grandparents, Gail Millan of Bluffton, SC, Mike & Kathy Watkins of Lincoln, IL, Anita Watkins of Festus, MO, Marie Reynolds of Farmer City, IL, Moe Winstead Sr. of Farmer City, IL, & Wes & Debi Tibbs of Lincoln, IL;  Aunts Nicole Petro (Joe Banfield) of Mahomet, IL; Amanda Melton (Scott) of Okatie, SC; Jessica Lueking (Brent) of Springfield, IL; Stephanie Henderson (Jeremy Young) of Lincoln, IL; & Tara Mesner (Michael) of Lincoln, IL; Uncles Tommy Watkins of Festus, MO, Steven Henderson of Lincoln, IL & Mikel Petro (Mindy Harris) of Mahomet, IL; stepbrothers Harley & Hunter Naugle of Lincoln, IL; Great Grandmothers, Margie Watkins of Springfield, IL and Docia Barrick of Mt Pulaski, IL. Many loving cousins also survive. 

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Jack Millan; 2 cousins Autumn Heath and Callie Lueking; & 1 great grandfather, Bob Watkins.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Farmer City American Legion, 755 Stensel Dr., Farmer City, on November 10th, 2024. A visitation will be held from 1-3pm, followed by a short service, then a dinner.  Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home of Farmer City, is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Memorials may be made to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Illinois, 610 N. 7th St, Springfield, IL 62702.

Kevin L. Cruise, 72 of Clinton, IL passed away 8:13 A.M. October 18, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

Private family visitation will be held at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL.

Kevin was born September 13, 1952 in Bloomington, IL the son of Ralph E. and Betty Cruise. 

Survivors include his daughters, Rachelle Negrete, Clinton, IL and Christina (Greg) Kaufman, Argenta, IL. Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters. 

Kevin served his country in the United States Navy and was a truck driver. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Clinton – Darrell W. Crawley, 85, of Clinton, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024.  

Darrell was born October 12, 1939, in Clinton, IL, the son of Clement L. and Sarah Mae Louise (Lechner) Crawley. A longtime member of the Nazarene Church, Darrell married Evelyn D. Gash on June 28, 1957, in Bowling Green, MO.

Surviving his wife, Evelyn of Clinton; children: Rodney Crawley, Barbara (Jeff) Cherryholmes; grandchildren: Laura (Corey) Hendricks, Josh Crawley, Zach Crawley, Sarah Cherryholmes, Rachel (Joe) Carlile, Michael (Paytience) Cherryholmes; great grandchildren: Max & Michael Crawley and Linken & Adeline Cherryholmes; brother, Byrl (Janet) Crawley of Clinton; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert Crawley, one great grandson Jace Crawley.

Visitation will be from 1pm until the service time of 2pm, Sunday, October 20, 2024, at First Church of the Nazarene in Clinton. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL.    

Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.

Gary Nathan Deason 64 of Waynesville, IL passed away 2:30 A.M. October 13, 2024 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, IL.

No services are planned at this time. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Memorials may be directed to the Gary Deason Memorial Fund c/o Lisa Parker.

Gary was born September 8, 1960 in Hopkinsville, KY the son of Raymond and Mabel (Latham) Deason. 

Survivors include his wife, Lisa Parker, Waynesville, IL; children:  Sheila Thomas, Nathan Deason, Darrin Deason, Brook Deason, and Dalton Deason; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and siblings:  Janice Deason, Wanda Gilky, Mary Ackerknecht, Junior Deason, and Ray Deason.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Neshie Harris, Donald Deason, James “Waffle” Deason, Roger Dale Deason, Irene Rogers, Paul Wayne Deason, Warner Deason, and Joyce Deason.

Gary loved spending time with his family and grandchildren.  He enjoyed cooking and baking.  Gary was always keeping up with and in contact with his family and friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Beason -- Ruth L. Hyde, 69, of Beason passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at her home.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.  at the Peasley Funeral Home in Lincoln with Mr. Ron Otto officiating.

Visitation will be held from 8:00 a.m. until time of the service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow the services at Harmony Cemetery in rural Beason.

Ruth Lee Batson was born on September 16, 1955, in Terra Haute, Indiana the daughter of Virgil and Mary (Medsker) Batson Sr. She was united in marriage to John Steven Hyde Sr. on April 21, 1973. He survives.

She is also survived by her children: Jodi Lee (Toro) Thompson and John S. (Hope Rodriguez) Hyde, Jr.; five grandchildren: Destiny Thompson, Matteo Thompson, Emma Hyde, Josh Fillmore, and Sabastian (Linda) Batson; and two brothers: Virgil H. Batson Jr. and David Batson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter: Stacey Lynn Fillmore, and one granddaughter: Jolinda Thompson.

Ruth enjoyed doing needle point and crocheting. She was a very dedicated mother to her children.

Ruth was an exemplary Army wife helping other wives while their husbands were deployed overseas.

Memorials may be made to the Beason Fire Department.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Peasley Funeral Home of Lincoln.

Dan O. Harlow, 85, of Maroa, IL passed away 8:35 P.M. September 28, 2024 at his family residence, Maroa, IL. 

Visitation will be 3 – 5 PM, Friday, October 4, 2024 at Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL.  There will be no services.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society or the Diabetes Association.

Dan was born August 16, 1939 in Versailles, KY the son of William and Arilla (Grubbs) Harlow.  He married Sharon Ann Bush May 3, 1965 in Clovis, N.M.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Ann Harlow, Maroa, IL, children, Gerald Stansbery, Hardinsburg, KY and Michelle Harlow, Normal, IL, granddaughters, Kaitlin Rennels, Riley Rennels, Kristina Harlow, step granddaughter, Aimee Thomas, great grandsons, Jude Rennels, and Onyx McKinney. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers.

Dan served his country in the US Airforce from 1956 until his retirement in 1976.  He was a member of the Argenta Baptist Church and 51-year member of the Masonic Lodge. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com