Mattoon, Charleston & Coles County neighbors: Recently published obituaries
Read through the obituaries published in Journal Gazette/Times-Courier
CHARLESTON -- Harriet McLaughlin Rose, 85, formerly of Charleston, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 5, 2019. Harriet is survived by a very grateful son, Chapin (Camille) Rose; grandchildren: Jack, Annie, Kira, and Grace and other relatives.
As a single mom, she returned to school, completing a bachelor’s and masters from the University of Illinois. She was an administrative director at Eastern Illinois University where she retired in 2002.
During her Charleston years, she was a proud member of the OBS ladies club, taught adjunct business classes at Lake Land College, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
In retirement she attended several EIU employee alumni events and she very much enjoyed and loved her grandchildren to whom she will forever be known as “HaHa”.
She earnestly believed that anyone could do anything they put their mind to - if they were willing to work for it.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Charleston, Illinois.
A celebration of life service will be held in Harriet’s honor at 5 pm on Sunday, August 11, 2019, with visitation beginning at 3:30 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, Illinois 710 N Neil St. Champaign, Illinois 61820. Please join Harriet’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.
BARNES, Kevin Lee, 50, Charleston, 3 p.m. at Life In Christ Fellowship, Charleston.
LANG, Wandalee, 85, Ashmore, 10:30 a.m. at Westfield Baptist Church.
McCAUSLAND, Richard E., 85, Charleston, 10 a.m. at Richard McCausland family farm, Charleston.
SMITH, Ramona Elizabeth, 72, Mattoon, 10 a.m. at Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon.
SPONSEL, Chad Matthew, 33, Toledo, 10 a.m. at Jewett Community Church.
DEAN, Catherine W., 76, Mattoon, 4 to 6 p.m. at Arthur Southern Baptist Church.
HANSON, Delilah M., 67, Shelbyville, died Monday (Aug. 5, 2019). Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville.
SPEAR, Robert DeWitt, 69, Shelbyville, died Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville.
MATTOON — Peggy L. Moses, 78, of Mattoon, IL and formerly of Toledo passed away at 3:15 AM on August 4, 2019 at Mattoon Rehab and Health Care Center.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Monday August 12, 2019 at the Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo. Visitation will be from 1:00 PM to service time on Monday at the funeral chapel. Burial will be in the Tippett Cemetery rural Toledo, IL.
Peggy was born in Chattanooga, TN on June 28, 1941 to Rueben Clinton & Jonnie Marie (Shaver) Childress. She married Everett Moses and he preceded her in 1996.
Surviving is her daughter Theresa Manus; step sons Jim Moses and Robert Moses; grandchildren Harold Drum, John Drum, George Drum, Christina Drum, Harry Manus Jr, Brandon Drum and Justin Moses; five great grandchildren; brothers David and Gene Childress and one sister Joyce Barnes.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother; one sister; and son Harold Drum.
CHARLESTON -- Kevin Lee Barnes, age 50 of Charleston, left his earthly body on Monday, August 5, 2019. Visitation will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Life In Christ Fellowship, 7700 Deerpath Road in Charleston. The Memorial Service will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday with Pastor Mike Loy officiating. Donations in his honor may be made to Adams Funeral Chapel to assist his family with final expenses and mailed to 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Kevin was born on January 12, 1969 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of David Lynn Barnes and Barbara Jean (Ashby) Barnes. He married Karrie Anne Slightom on December 19, 1987. He is survived by his wife, Karrie Anne Barnes; four children, Kristen Maureen (Barnes) Rardin and husband Andy, Kevin Nickolas Barnes, Kevin Jordan Barnes, and Kabrina LeeAnne Barnes and her special friend, Rogelio “Roy” Reyes, all of Charleston; four grandchildren, Ziggens Lee Kidwell, Garrus Kane Rardin, Azyri Fae Rardin, and Nico Starling Barnes; his mother, Barbara Jean Barnes; two brothers, Jeremy Scott Barnes and Cory Lynn Barnes; his grandmother, Edith Barnes; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kevin was also a father figure to many other “sons and daughters”. He was preceded in death by his father.
Kevin was in the Class of 1987 at Charleston High School. He was most recently employed and treated like family by Lester Buildings where he ran the hardware department. He is loved and deeply missed by all who knew him.
Condolences may be left for Kevin’s family at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.
CHARLESTON -- Virginia E. Davis, 91, of Charleston, IL passed away at 5:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at Miller Health Care Center in Kankakee, IL.
Private family services will be held at a later date.Virginia was born on October 7, 1927 in Irving, IL. She was a daughter of Guy and Cynthia (Morehouse) Eddington. She married Albert “Max” Davis on December 8, 1945 in Charleston, IL. He passed away on March 2, 2017.
She is survived by one daughter, Nan, married to Tim Rehmer, one daughter-in-law, Maggie Davis, four grandchildren, T.R. Davis, Anna Wilson, married to Joel Wilson, Brenna Okoth and Betsy Lusk married to Shanian Lusk, nine great-grandchildren and one sister, Helen Paddock.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son, Terry Davis and one sister, Joann Stroup.
Virginia was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church in Charleston, IL. She had been the president of Charleston Civic Association and the president of C.U.P., Community Upholding Persons.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
DEVORE, Tony R., 52, Beecher City, died Monday (Aug. 5, 2019). Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville.
SHAFER, Arlayne Elizabeth, 88, Shelbyville, died Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). Lockart-Green Funeral Home, Shelbyville.
BAYES, Steven Daniel, 63, Monticello, 11 a.m. at Monticello Christian Church.
CONLEY, Jo Ann, 91, Charleston, 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
SEAMAN, George Edmund, 63, Arcola, 11 a.m. at Shrader Funeral Home, Arcola.
THOMAS, Rock A., 58, Mattoon, 6 p.m. at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.
TREVETT, Michael Evans, 74, Humboldt, died Tuesday (Aug. 6, 2019). Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon.
ARNEY, Hollis June, 91, Effingham, 11 a.m. at First Christian Church, Effingham.
EDINGTON, Clifford, 82, Marshall, 11 a.m. at Pearce Funeral Home, Marshall.
MATTOON -- Ramona Elizabeth Smith, age 72, passed away peacefully August 3, 2019, in Sanford, Florida.
A visitation for friends and family will be held on Friday, August 9, 2019 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Schilling Funeral Home. Celebration of Life services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the funeral home with the burial service following at Dodge Grove Cemetery. The repass will be held at 12:00 noon at Walk Way located at 1501 Lakeland Boulevard, Mattoon.
Ramona was born on September 27, 1946, in Mattoon, the daughter of Ralph and Ruby (Hopgood) Smith. Her pleasure in life was serving the Lord. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in Theology and Advanced Master's Degree in Ministry from Faith Christian University. Ramona traveled the world - Africa, South America, the Philippine Islands - on mission trips ministering to people in need. At Judah Church in Orlando, she was the Intercessory Prayer Leader and worked within Bishop Clint Brown's ministry for many years. Recently, she served as the receptionist at Brookdale Assisted Living Facility, loving and touching the lives of many people.
Most of all, Ramona treasured time with her family and was a devoted mother and grandmother to her son, Bradley Smith and his wife, Tiffany (Yow) Smith (Owasso, OK), and her grandchildren, Sierra and Nicholas Smith. In addition to her son, Bradley and his family, survivors include brothers, William (Lorna) Smith, Baldwin, NY, and Thomas Smith, Mattoon, IL, and sisters Deborah (Robert) Thurmond, Bloomington, IL, and Abby (Rick) Moss, Mattoon, IL, along with many nieces and nephews whom she loved as well.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Ralph Smith Sr. and Ruby; her brother, Ralph Jr.; and sister, Kathy Davies.
Her life was a living example of Psalm 1: 1-3… (The Passion Translation) What delight comes to the one who follows God's ways! He won't walk in step with the wicked, nor share the sinners' way, nor be found sitting in the scorner's seat. His pleasure and passion is remaining true to the Word of “I Am,” meditating day and night in the true revelation of light. He will be standing firm like a flourishing tree planted by God's design, deeply rooted by brooks of bliss, bearing fruit in every season of his life. He is never dry, never fainting, ever blessed, ever prosperous. Ramona touched the lives of many and will be missed by all who loved her so much!
In honor of Ramona, donations may be sent to Judah Church, 7649 West Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32818. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.
TOLEDO -- Letha Nadine Stewart, 84, of Toledo, IL passed away at 8:05 AM on August 3, 2019 at her residence.
Family graveside services will be at Berry Cemetery rural Toledo, IL. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo is assisting the family.
Letha was born in Jewett, IL on August 17, 1934 to Roy and Gasena (Huisinga) Hutchison. She married Victor Stewart on January 22, 1956 and he preceded her in death on July 23, 2009.
She is survived by two sons Mark (Sandy) Stewart of Toledo and Stacy (Marsha) Stewart of Elgin; three grandsons Cody (Brittany) Stewart, Kyle Stewart and Riley Stewart; two great-grandchildren Athan and Anden Stewart and one brother Francis Hutchison.
Letha was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers Herbert and Gene Hutchison.
Letha graduated from Nursing School and was a surgical nurse for a time, then went to work for Dr. Massie. She later worked until retirement for the ASCS office in Toledo. Letha worked alongside her husband in their farming operation and became quite an accomplished tractor driver. In her spare time, she enjoyed fishing, oil painting, ceramics, charcoal drawings, bowling and playing cards and games. She always looked forward to going to Florida and they started wintering in Okeechobee, FL in 1985. She was a member of the Toledo United Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star Chapter #231, Toledo.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Barkley Funeral Chapel Box 35 Toledo, IL 62468 all donations will be given to the hearing impaired. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com
TOLEDO -- Chad Matthew Sponsel, 33, of Toledo, IL passed away Sunday, August 4, 2019 at his home with his family by his side.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Jewett Community Church. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Friday evening at the church. Burial will be in the Upper Berry Cemetery rural Toledo. The Barkley Funeral Chapel in Toledo is assisting the family.
Chad was born March 18, 1986 the son of Robert Sponsel and Cathie Ward. Chad married the love of his life Elizabeth McNurlan on March 15, 2008.
He leaves behind his loving wife; two sons Lukas and Lance Sponsel; father Robert (Linda) Sponsel of Toledo; mother Cathie (Tracy) Schaefer of Casey; brother Chase Sponsel of Neoga; paternal grandmother Marie Sponsel of Greenup; and nephew Dominic Sponsel of Neoga.
Chad was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather Larry Sponsel and his maternal grandparents Kenneth (Minnie) Ward.
Chad worked as a custom applicator for Helena for 10 plus years. He also was a volunteer Fireman for the Greenup and Toledo Fire Department for 19 years. Chad fought his courageous battle with brain cancer for several years.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family. Online condolences can be expressed at www.barkleyfuneralchapels.com
CHARLESTON -- Richard E. McCausland, age 85 of rural Charleston, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 in the comfort of his home and with his loving family at his side. A celebration of his life will be hosted by his family at the Richard McCausland family farm located at 19087 Westfield Road southeast of Charleston, beginning with a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 with Pastor Mary Wright officiating. A time of fellowship and remembering will follow the service. With limited parking at the farm, any opportunity to carpool would be appreciated. A Private Inurnment will be in the Wheaton Cemetery in Wheaton, Illinois at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to Lincolnland Hospice and mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Richard was a 4th of July baby, born in 1934 in Rockford, Illinois. He was the son of the late George Oscar and Frances (Zinke) McCausland. He married Sigrid Stueland in 1954 and they became the parents of five children. Following her death in 1982, he married Marilyn (Wahl) Derrick in March of 1986 and she preceded him in death on April 1, 2001. He later married Sandra Lee (Schultz) Symonds in August of 2007 and she preceded him just seven short months ago in December of 2018. Left to cherish their many memories are his children, Ralph McCausland and wife Joan of Lerna, Illinois, Roger McCausland and wife Sue of Yakima, Washington, Martha Piszcek and husband Russ of Yorkville, Illinois, George McCausland and wife Sue of Genoa, Illinois and Ruth Maddock and husband Mike of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; 25 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Richard was also blessed with four stepchildren and their families, Jean Pison and husband Bob of Carmel, Indiana, Jim Derrick of Chicago, Illinois, Rodney Symonds and wife Megan of Charleston and Don Symonds of Mattoon, Illinois. Richard was also preceded in death by a stepdaughter, Karen Derrick; a brother, Jim McCausland; and a sister, Ann Kellen.
Richard was a truck mechanic for AT & T in the Chicago suburbs. He was a member of the Charleston First Presbyterian Church. Richard was an outdoorsman who enjoyed farming, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed winters in Texas. Richard was blessed with the love of three special women and was a wonderful example as an amazing husband, father and stepfather. He was his family’s biggest fan and loved his children and grandchildren with all his heart. He was the patriarch of their family and will be greatly missed.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.
McDONALD, Eileen A. (Kusterman), 93, Casey, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Markwell Funeral Home, Casey.
ASHMORE--Ruth Wandalee (Green) Lang, age 85, of Ashmore, IL passed away at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born July 18, 1934 in rural Casey, IL, the daughter of Rev. Gaylord Green and Ruth Marion Lee Green. On December 21, 1954 she married Robert Eugene “Bob” Lang in Casey, IL. He passed away on April 16, 2017.
Survivors include son, Rick Lang of Charleston, IL; daughter, Patty Jenkins (Mark) of Casey, IL; son, Darrell Lang (Connie) of Ashmore, IL; grandchildren, Adam Jenkins (Ramie) of Charleston, IL; Kristi Montgomery (Eric) of Ashmore, IL and Tyler Lang (Kacie) of Jackson, MO; great grandchildren, Logan Jenkins, Samuel Jenkins, Wesley Paul, Bryan, Klover, Karolina and Benzley, Owen Montgomery, Daniel Lang and Grant Lang; sisters, Wanita Morrison (Julian) of Roanoke, IL; Joyce Clapp (Everett) of Westfield, IL; Carolyn Tetrick (James) of Sandwich, IL; Nina Lu Brown (Kenneth) of Casey, IL and Gayle Dowling (David) of Arvada, CO; brother in law, Dennis Lacey of Casey, IL and her loving Church family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gaylord and Ruth (Lee) Green; husband, Bob Lang; son, Doit Lang; infant brother, John Lee Green and sister, Barbara Lacey.
Wandalee was a 1952 graduate of Casey High School. She was a faithful member of the Westfield Baptist Church and The Gideon's International. She loved farm life and worked on the family farm beside her husband Bob until their retirement. Wandalee was a great cook and excellent seamstress. She loved reading and gardening and she especially enjoyed spending time with her family.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Westfield Baptist Church with Rev. Gene Ellis officiating. Burial will follow in the Enon Cemetery, rural Ashmore, IL. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 pm on Friday evening at the Westfield Baptist Church, 110 S. Fulton St., Westfield, IL.
Memorial donations may be made to the Westfield Baptist Church, PO Box 192, Westfield, IL 62474.
To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Markwell Funeral Home of Casey and Westfield, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
EFFINGHAM--Hollis June (Landrus) Arney, 91, of Effingham, IL, peacefully passed to her heavenly home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, August 4, 2019.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at the First Christian Church in Effingham. Burial is immediately following at the Thomas Lincoln Cemetery (Shiloh) in Lerna. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday and one hour prior to the service Wednesday all at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Effingham. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Hollis (Holly) was born October 20, 1927 to Harmon and Florence (Lacy) Landrus. She married Brad Arney on December 31, 1947. She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 71 years, 6 children Pam (Jerry) Foreman of Indianapolis, IN, Deanna (the late Craig) Dixon of Mattoon, Randy (Mary) Arney of Los Angeles, CA, Lana (Jerry) Esker of Charleston, Larry (Laura) Arney of Effingham, and Julie (Scott) Healy of Mason; 20 grandchildren, Chad and Cory Foreman, Misti Burns, Megan Martin, Hilarie Hernandez, Haylie Dancer, Heidi Wohltman, Emily Thompson, Blake, Abby, Trent, and Courtney Esker, Landon and Logan Arney, Meredith Gardner, Morgan Pals, Miles, Mitchell, Matthew, and Madison Healy. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to her 6 children, 20 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
Holly was a faithful member of Effingham First Christian Church for over 60 years, where she served as a deaconess and as church historian. In addition, she served on various committees through the years. Most importantly, Holly had a life-long love and devotion to her husband and family. She was the best wife, mother and “Ma-Maw” that anyone could ask for! She enjoyed playing cards, fishing, cooking, and rocking her “little ones.” She was looking forward to her heavenly mansion, and her legacy will live on through her family forever.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Max Landrus and Harold Landrus; and son-in-law, Craig Dixon.
The family would like to thank all who helped care for Holly. A special thanks to her nurse, Pam Bergfeld.
CHARLESTON -- Jo Ann Cooley, age 91 of Charleston, went to her Heavenly Home on Friday, August 2, 2019. The Memorial Service, honoring and celebrating her life, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston, with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service. A private inurnment will be later at Mound Cemetery in Charleston. In lieu of flowers, Jo's family would like for donations in her honor be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church or to the American Cancer Society. Gifts may be left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.
Jo was born January 18, 1928 in Charleston, Illinois, a daughter of the late Daniel Lee and Ida Helena Augusta (Aufdenkamp) Queary. Her marriage to Ronald Cooley on May 1, 1947 began a new and blessed chapter in Jo's life, one that would continue for 72 years. In addition to her loving husband Ron, she is survived by two devoted sons, Randy Cooley of Rio Rico, Arizona and Jeff Cooley and wife Joyce of Charleston; two grandchildren, Nate Simpson and wife Kelli of Lerna, Illinois and Kelly Davis and husband Todd of Danville, Indiana; 6 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and very special friends, Rick and Sharron Waltrip. In addition to her parents, Jo was preceded in death by her stepfather, Floyd Story and two brothers, George and Merle Queary.
Jo has been a life-long Charleston resident, graduating from Charleston High School, attending Eastern Illinois State Teacher's College, and for many years, assisting customers who relied on her expertise when buying that special gift at the Mar-Chris Gift Shop located on the Charleston Square. As a life-long member of Immanuel Lutheran Church her faith was deeply rooted as she was the oldest surviving member of one of the church's founding families. She has been actively involved in the church and cherished the love and fellowship of her church family, especially those attending the Wednesday morning bible study.
Jo was an avid reader and enjoyed traveling but it was her family which gave her the greatest joy. As a wife, mother and grandmother, she was the matriarch of her family and one that led by example. Her life was a testament to her faith and her love and devotion for family and friends. She will always be dearly missed and so fondly and lovingly remembered.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com.
MATTOON -- Rock A. Thomas, 58, of Mattoon passed away at 2:56 p.m. Sunday July 21, 2019 in Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Celebration of Life services will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday August 8, 2019 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Cliff Ponder officiating and military rites conducted by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. A reception will be held at the Sullivan VFW following the services.
Memorials are suggested to Disabled Veterans.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Rock was born November 14, 1960 in Tuscola the son of Harley and Madonna Hutchison Thomas. He had been a meat cutter and had been the meat department manager for My Store in Mattoon. Rock was a U. S. Army veteran of the Desert Storm and the Gulf War and was a member of the Mattoon American Legion, the Mattoon VFW and the Mattoon Moose Lodge. He married Kelly Chapman Crist on May 18, 2018 in Charleston.
Surviving are his wife Kelly of Mattoon; step-children Matthew (Joanne) Moras of Phoenix, Arizona, April Crist and Abbey Crist of Mattoon; mother Madonna Thomas of Mt. Zion; brothers Rusty (Mary Etta) Thomas of Mt. Zion and Rodney (Toni) Thomas of Tuscola; grandsons Weylyn and Kingsley; nephews Travis (Leanne) Thomas of Plainfield, Indiana, Jeff Thomas of St. Louis, Missouri and Chad Thomas of Tuscola.
He was preceded in death by his father.
MATTOON -- Dorothy Joan Heller died at her home in Clearwater, Florida on July 24, 2019. She was 88.
Jo was known for her determination to get things done and done well. Nothing was impossible for her. This ability and willingness to take on any challenge led her to numerous leadership roles in the community including serving as an Elder of the First Presbyterian Church; being elected to the Community Unit No. 2 School Board, volunteering as a Cub Scout Den Mother and a Girl Scout Leader, helping found a local P.E.O. Chapter, and working as a substitute teacher. Even beyond the classroom, at her core she was always a teacher, instilling in everyone who was part of her life the desire to be the best they could be.
Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a true and loyal friend to many.
Born on August 1, 1930 to Charles Alexander and Ruth Ceruti Mercier in Bloomington, Illinois, Jo was raised in Normal, Illinois and attended University High School. She began her undergraduate studies at Illinois State University and earned her bachelor's degree in education from Eastern Illinois University graduating with highest honors. In 1950, she married Harlan Heller, a marriage lasting 69 years.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Charles Alexander (Portia) Mercier, Jr.; Edward Burton Ceruti (Mary Lou) Mercier; and her sisters, Mary Ruth (James) Turner; and Jean Mercier.
She is survived by her husband, her children, Harlan Kent (Lori) Heller of Mattoon, Illinois; Jan Heller (James) Ramsey of Nashville, Tennessee; Mark Alan (Debra) Heller of Charleston, Illinois; and Nancy Lynn Heller of Louisville, Kentucky, her grandchildren, Jennifer Anne Hobbs; Nicholas John (Michele) Heller; Michael Mark Heller; Kristofer Kent Heller; Caroline Mercier Ramsey (Jeffrey) Rossini; Catherine Ramsey (Timothy) Schulte; Thomas Mark (Julie) Heller; David Matthew (Nikki) Heller; Sarah Lynn Heller (Chris) Webb; Heather Michelle Dettro (Adam) Felton; Stephanie Ruth Dettro (Kinley) Kisselbaugh; and Kyle Mark Dettro; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service celebrating Jo's life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The family will receive guests at a reception in Fellowship Hall following the service.
Her ashes will be interred at a private service at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, Illinois.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to the dedicated caregivers who cared for Jo in her home during her extended illness.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 10 Charleston Avenue, Mattoon, IL, 61938 or to the charity of one's choice.
ARCOLA -- George Edmund Seaman, 63, of Arcola passed away Thursday, August 1, 2019, at his home with his faithful dog, Chloe, by his side.
George E. Seaman was born on August 7, 1955, in Great Lakes, IL, a son of George W. and Anna Seaman.
Survivors include his mother, Anna Seaman of Arcola; children, Christina M. Huckleberry of Arcola, Shawn M. (Christa) Seaman of Charleston, and Tracey Glad of Fairfield; and grandchildren, Cory O'Keefe, Chelsea Huckleberry, Shelby Huckleberry, Boston Issacs, Bryce Issacs, Grayson Seaman, Colton Seaman and Brooklyn Drake. He is also survived by three sisters, Brenda Miller and Gwen Seaman of Champaign, Jan (Peter) Stortz of Palmer, AK; and one brother, Kent (Angie) Seaman of Lexington, KY.
George was preceded in death by his father George W. Seaman and older sister Sandra Ann Grabowski.
George attended MacArthur High School in Decatur for two years and later graduated from Arcola High School in 1974. He was a surveyor for mining companies, Zeigler Coal Co and US Steel Mining, from 1975 to 2003, in southern Illinois and Alabama, during which time he married and divorced Becky Mills Hudson and later Marlene Anderson Seaman. He was a member of the National Society of Professional Surveyors and the Arcola First Christian Church. In later years, George worked at the True Value in Arcola while leading a quiet life but remained dedicated to his three children and eight grandchildren, providing when he could.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 8, 2019, at Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust St., Arcola, IL. Visitations will be an hour before the service, starting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Arcola Cemetery. Lunch for family will follow at First Christian Church in Arcola.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Arcola First Christian Church.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hilligossshraderfh.com
COLLINGS, Ray A., 88, Mattoon, 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Mattoon.
KOLINSKI, George P., 96, Mattoon, 10 a.m. in St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Longmont, Colo.
SMITH, Ramona, 72, Mattoon, died Saturday (Aug. 3, 2019). Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon.
MONTICELLO -- Steven Daniel Bayes, 63, of Monticello, passed away at 6:05 p.m., August 2, 2019 at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Monticello.
Steven was born February 4, 1956 in Charleston, IL the son of Robert and Myrtle (Snyder) Bayes. He married Bonnie Ellen Jones on May 12, 1979 in DeLand, IL.
Steven is survived by his wife, Bonnie Bayes of Monticello; son, Daniel Bayes (Katie) of Joplin, MO; daughters, Rachel Charters (Lucas) of St. Joseph and Dacia Stemle of Bement; grandchildren, Michael, Oliver, Nikola, Avry, and Cooper; father, Robert Bayes of Findlay; brother, Thomas Bayes (Ronni) of Sullivan; sisters, Brenda Taber (John) of Charleston and Cheryl Jones (Randy) of DeLand.
He was preceded in death by his mother and grandparents.
Steven worked for the courier services at Carle. Steven was a member of the Monticello Christian Church where he had served as a deacon. Steven was an avid gardener, loved researching family history, and volunteered in local politics. Steven loved his children deeply and loved being “papa” to his five grandchildren.
A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the Monticello Christian Church.
Funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. with Jerry Dusenberry officiating, then interment will be held at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston at 2:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Carle Guest House or the Monticello Christian Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.
