Judith A. “Judy” Wollet, 80, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 23, 2025 surrounded by her family at home.

Judy was born on May 25, 1944 in Vandalia, IL.; the daughter of Ray B. and Maude E. (Leturno) Buzzard. She married the love of her life, Ed Wollet, on October 25, 1969, in Springfield IL. and together they raised two sons, Max and Eddie.

Judy attended high school in St. Elmo from 1958-1962 before obtaining her Bachelor's degree from SIU-C and her Master’s degree in Elementary Education at Eastern Illinois University. She worked as an elementary school teacher for Clinton Unit School District for 25 years before retiring. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Teachers Sorority and served one term as president, board member of the DeWitt County Museum, Co-chairperson of the 175th Clinton Celebration, member and secretary of the Women of ELCA and was a member of the Ruth Circle at Grace Lutheran Church, where she served two terms as president. Judy also played in a Recorder Ensemble and performed in many venues as well as playing the recorder and hand bells at Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield. She particularly enjoyed quilting and spending time with The Twisted Stitchers and her two pinochle groups. She and Ed loved to travel and are proud that they have visited all 50 states, but most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Rothell Buzzard; four sisters, Eileen Haslett; Eyvonne Brown, Leora Corley, and Luella Rubin.

She is survived by the love of her life, Ed; two sons, Max (Jill) and Edwin Wollet; three grandchildren; Emily, Elsa, Abbey Wollet and "adopted" grandchild Airene Lantiicse; one sister, Carol Myers and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial gathering will be held at Grace Lutheran Church 714 E. Capitol Ave. in Springfield, on Thursday, January 30, from 10:00 AM until the time of the Celebration of Life at 11:00am with Pastor Tom Krieger officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Grace Lutheran Food Pantry 714 E. Capitol Ave, Springfield, IL. 62701, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, PO Box 22324, New York, NY. 10087 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Please visit Parkfuneralhomesinc.com to leave online condolences.

Wilson Park Funeral Home in Rochester is in charge of arrangements. 

McLean – Walter C. Cochran, Jr., 81, of McLean, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was a native of Shirley and lived most of his life in his hometown of McLean.

A Graveside Memorial Service at the McLean Cemetery with Military Rites will be held at a later date. Cremation Rites have been accorded.

Walter C. Cochran, Jr. was born August 26, 1943, in Shirley, the son of Walter C. and Myra Haycock Cochran.

He is survived by his three daughters: Karla (Jon) Steward of Hoover, AL, Angel (Johnny) Greathouse of Minier, and Nikki Cremeens of Bartonville; the mother of his daughters, Sharon Pitts; his beloved grandkids: T.J., Ty, and Taylor Steward; Blake Hawkins; Ruger and Jack Greathouse; Riley, Sydney, and Sophie Cremeens; several siblings; and his faithful dog, Slinky.

Walt was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Zachary Ryan Hawkins. They are now joyfully reunited after five years of missing him. He was also preceded in death by his parents and several siblings.

The DIXIE was Walt’s home away from home where he enjoyed coffee and tall tales with his buddies at “The Liars Table.” He proudly served in the United States Army, was a member of the American Legion, and a former Fire Chief of the McLean Fire Department where he served for many years as fireman and EMT.

Walt, also known as Jr., PeePaw and PawPaw, was a beloved dad and grandpa, and he could make his grandkids laugh like no other. Fond memories of his silly voices and stories will remain in their hearts forever.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Hope-Funks Grove Fire Protection District or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

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

Ruth Ann Crang, fondly referred to as “Rani,” passed away on January 13, 2025, at her home. Born on May 6, 1946, in Clinton, IL, she was the daughter of Dick G. and Laura Ellen (Smith) Crang. Rani was a woman whose life was marked by boundless love, enduring resilience, heartfelt kindness, unwavering dedication, and a nurturing spirit that touched everyone around her.

Rani was a vibrant and caring soul who found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved going to the movies, shopping, enjoying lunch dates with her friends, and spending time with her beloved family and sisters. Recently, Rani enjoyed spending her time attending water aerobics classes at the YMCA. Above all, she loved and treasured the time spent with her family and friends. The most precious gift of her lifetime was being called Grandma by her adopted son, Blake, and her beloved grandchild, Kameron, whom she fondly referred to as “her special girl.” As an amazing nurse, Rani was deeply dedicated to helping others, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and love.

Rani is survived by her loving daughter, Jamee (Chuck) Jester, and their daughter, Kameron Jester, of Kenosha, WI. Surviving family also includes her dear sister, Cathy Clark, and special nieces and nephews: Julie Miller (Steve), Mike Campbell (Tracy), Laura Earl (Bob Karr), Brooklyn Fale (James), Sara Miller, Gracie Miller, Mitch Campbell (Sway), Nick Campbell, Dylan Earl, Gage Irvin (Shari), and Matt Buggar (Teresa).

She was preceded in death by the parents who raised and loved her, Dick G. and Laura Ellen (Smith) Crang; her beloved sisters, Candace “Candy” and Betsy Crang; her cherished daughters, Terri Crang and Wendy Heironymus; and her adored son, Blake Staton; and her brother-in-law, James “Bill” William Clark.  We find comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved who passed before her. We are certain they are in heaven, joyfully having "a ball."

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Clinton Community YMCA.

A celebration of life will be held at Cinco De Mayo in Clinton, Illinois on Saturday, February 1st, 2025, at 12pm – 3pm for food, shared memories, and laughter. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Online condolences and memories may be made at https://calvertmemorial.com/obituaries/ruth-crang

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Beverly Sue Morris Glenn, 87, passed away on 1:37 AM, January 18, 2025 in Milan, Illinois. 

Services will be 3 PM Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, Illinois with Adam Brucker officiating. Burial will follow at Texas Township Cemetery, Clinton, Illinois. Visitation will be 2 – 3 PM Thursday at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be directed to the First Christian Church, Clinton, Illinois. 

Beverly was born April 4, 1937, in Pearisburg, Virginia and was the daughter of William Vance Morris and Mary Margaret (Bales) Morris. She was a resident of Clinton, Illinois for more than 50 years where she worked, raised her family, and was surrounded by many friends and family. Beverly worked for Jack Sharkey’s Insurance Company, the Clinton YMCA, Illinois Power Company, and was the Clintonia Township Supervisor where she served for 3 terms from 1997 until 2013. She was always known as a hard worker and enjoyed her work relationships in the community. In addition, she was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of Clinton, and she loved gardening, birdwatching, crocheting, and walking. Most of all, Beverly loved spending time with her family including her daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. 

She is survived by her three daughters: Sandy (Mike) Bundy, Sharon (Brian) Weaver, and Susan (Rustin) Welton. Beverly was the proud grandmother of 8 grandchildren including: Holly (Aaron) Kober of Normal, Illinois; Zachary Bundy of Clinton, Illinois; Lindsey (Kent) Brown of Sherrard, Illinois; Jordan (Abby) Weaver of Milan, Illinois; Cameron (Anita) Winburn of Spring Lake, North Carolina; Allison Winburn of Summerfield, North Carolina; Grant (Destiny)Welton of Greensboro, North Carolina; and Grayson Welton of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In addition, she is survived by 11 great grandchildren and her sisters Ruth Duncan of Blacksburg, Virginia, and Mary E Byrd (Jack) of Pulaski, Virginia. 

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents (William and Mary), one son (Stanford Allen Glenn), one brother (Charles William Morris), and one sister (Barbara Ann Morris Hobbs).

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Beverly Eileen Basting, 91 of Anna, IL formerly of Clinton, IL passed away 5:33 PM, January 12, 2025 at her residence, Anna, IL.

Services will be 11 AM Friday, January 17, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Jonathan Roberson officiating.  Burial will follow at Lantz Cemetery, Carlock, IL.  Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Friday at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be directed to the Illinois Veteran’s Home of Anna, IL. 

Beverly was born January 5, 1934 in Weldon, IL the daughter of Lester and Eileen (Conn) Oakley.  She married Wilbur L. Basting July 9, 1961 in Birkbeck, IL

Survivors include her husband, Wilbur L. Basting, Anna, IL, children, Linda (Dan) Jacobson, Cambridge, IL; Kelly (Michael) Tooley, Alamosa, Co, grandchildren, Shelby (Fiancé Robert Osborn) Jacobson, Cambridge, IL; Dustin (Savannah) Jacobson, Seneca, SC; Joshua Tooley, Alamosa, CO; and Katie Tooley, Oklahoma City, OK, and great grandson, Rhen Jacobson, Seneca, SC. 

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Ronald Oakley. 

Beverly was a member of the First Baptist Church, Clinton, IL. She was a cashier at the Wal Mart, Clinton, IL from 1991 to 1997 and loved traveling to see family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Waynesville – Michael E. Mont, 66, of Waynesville, passed away at OSF St. Francis Hospital in Peoria on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Cremation Rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.

Michael E. Mont was born August 30, 1958, in Peoria, the son of Isaac L. and Mattie V. Hainline Mont.

He is survived by two children: Danielle (Kane) Clearwater and Travis (Meghann Kindred) Mont; the mother of his children, Cindy Mont; one brother, Tony (Rita) Mont; one sister, Millie (George) Weyhrich, and his beloved four-legged friend, Ford; and special friends, Becca Weisman and her daughter, Harlow Weisman, and Bob Glass.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Ralph Mont, Kenneth Mont and Larry Rauch.

Mike worked at State Farm in building maintenance for 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with family and playing pool and was a member of the American Pool Association (APA). He also enjoyed visiting the Ozarks, live music, and driving his 1951 Ford truck and riding Harley Davidson motorcycles. A favorite activity was visiting lighthouses, and he especially loved the ones in Maine.

Memorials may be made to Waynesville Fire & EMS.

Final arrangements are entrusted with Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home of Atlanta.

Richard McConnell, 71, of Clinton, IL passed away at 4:20 AM on January 6, 2025, at his family’s home in Clinton, IL.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 2 PM at the First Christian Church, Clinton, in the Family Life Center. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home in Clinton, IL with cremation rites. 

Memorials in Richards name may be directed to Second Chance for Pets, Clinton Illinois.

Richard was born on April 25, 1953, in Clinton, IL, the son of Richard Cleo McConnell and Alberta Louise (Chapman). He married Kathleen (Rinehart) McConnell in December 1971. After he and Kathy divorced, Dick married Julia Kendall in June 1980.

Survivors include two children, Richard Allen McConnell, Mattoon, IL and Shaun Patrick McConnell, Bakersfield CA. Six grandchildren, Hailey McConnell, IL, Russell Debord Jr., CA, Alexander Debord, CA, Brenden Debord, CA, Jordan McConnell, CA, and Shaun McConnell Jr., CA. Six siblings Jeanette (Rod) Sprinkle, Karen (Bob) Rice, Roberta (John) Coppenbarger, Mary Tyler, Anita McDonald, Nancy (Mark) Schindler and several nieces and nephews.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Kathy McConnell, daughter Stephanie Lynn Debord, brother-in-law Wayne Tyler and two nieces.
 
Richard is a Clinton and Dewitt native. He graduated from Clinton High School in 1971. He participated in wrestling during high school. Before he began working on the Illinois Central Railroad, he worked with his dad at the Standard gas station in Clinton. He moved to California in 1980, where he spent many years at the Borax plant. Upon returning to the Midwest, he worked various jobs, which included working as a service writer at a car dealership and working for Midas. Richard was known to be a good friend and family man. He knew the importance of maintaining connections and friendships with family and even old classmates. He cherished his grandchildren and made valiant efforts to keep in touch and maintain relationships whether near or far. Dick will be dearly missed but we are thankful for his faith in God, that he is with Jesus now and that we will see him again!

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com