Vera Mae Place

HOMER – Vera Mae Place, 103, of Homer passed away at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday (Nov. 25, 2014) at Heartland Healthcare in Champaign.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, with Pastor Teri Shane officiating. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Vera was born Nov. 17, 1911, at Altamont, Ill., the daughter of John and Lottie Hipsher Bahlow. She married Melvin Place on May 2, 1936, at Aurora. He preceded her in death on July 22, 1989.

She is survived by her children, Joyce A. Canaday of Monticello and John C. (Kay) Place of Homer; four grandchildren, Jill DelValley, Beth Myler, Valerie White and Jeff Place; 10 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one granddaughter and a sister.

Vera helped her husband on the family farm. Vera was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church. She enjoyed gardening, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching Illinois basketball.

Memorials may be made to GAR Cemetery in Homer, Homer United Methodist Church or the donor's choice.

Eva Pruitt

HOMER – Eva A. Pruitt, 78, of Homer passed away on Monday (Nov. 24, 2014) at her daughter's home in Tolono.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, with Pastor Mike Frazier officiating. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Pruitt was born Dec. 14, 1935, in Danville, a daughter to Arthur and Martha DeVoe Kammin. She married Ervin Pruitt on April 19, 1966. He preceded her in death on Nov. 16, 1973.

Surviving are her seven children, Joanna Seals of Tolono, Jackie (Tim Hawkins) Brown of Urbana, Mike Pruitt of Urbana, Nila (Lee) Kenney of Urbana, Bill (Jane) Hancock of Homer, Tammy (Jerry) Leisch of Tolono and Jesse (Tammie) Pruitt of Homer; 23 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; brothers, Larry (Anna) Kammin of Gifford and John (Pam) Kammin of Homer; and sister, Carolyn (Dwayne) Blaney of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by three grandchildren; a brother, Jerry Kammin; and her parents.

She was employed at Champaign Children's Home (Swann's School) for over 20 years.

She loved her grandchildren and was an avid bingo player. She also enjoyed jigsaw and word puzzles.

Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Research.

Mary Lareau

HOMER – Mary Morris Lareau, 82, of Homer was graciously lifted up into the loving arms of her Lord at 11:53 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 23, 2014) at the Champaign County Nursing Home in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2014, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. The Rev. Teri Shane and the Rev. Mike Picklesimer will officiate. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in rural Allerton. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Lareau was born Nov. 7, 1932, in Allerton, a daughter of William Paul and Sarah Hart Morris. She married Wayne Franklin Lareau on June 8, 1952, in Palarmo. He passed away on July 4, 2010. Survivors include three daughters, Cherie Libka of Homer, Susan (Michael) Scruggs of Bourbonnais and Michele Lareau of Savoy; three sons, David (Phyllis) Lareau of Allerton, Daniel Lareau of Urbana and Dane Lareau of Silversprings, Md.; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Rachel Ann Morris of Tyler, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, John Henry Morris and William Paul Morris.

Mrs. Lareau was a former member of the Sidney United Church and a current member of the Homer United Methodist Church. Mary enjoyed being a part of the farming community for many years. She was a part of the Home Economics Department at Heritage schools for numerous years. She was a correspondent for the Sidell Reporter, a life member of the Allerton Historical Society and a member of the Stephen A. Douglas Chapter of DAR. Mary also enjoyed working with Girl Scouts in past years. Mary was an avid reader and also enjoyed playing music, painting, playing bridge and doing needle work.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sidney United Church or the Homer United Methodist Church.

Nancy Smith

LAKE OF EGYPT – Nancy A. Smith, 69, of Lake of Egypt, formerly of Altamont and St. Joseph, passed away at 8:10 a.m. Sunday (Nov. 16, 2014) at her home with family by her side.

Nancy was born March 8, 1945, in Vandalia, to Welmer R. and Hazel (Hutchins) Milleville. She married Dale Smith on Nov. 26, 1960, in Altamont. He survives in Lake of Egypt.

She was retired after having worked 30 years as office manager of PDQ Printing in Urbana. She retired, along with Dale, on June 6, 2004.

Nancy was a Christian and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. She never met a stranger and had an outgoing personality. She had a creative mind, was good at quilting and crocheting and was a wonderful cook.

She loved being around and near water and spent time fishing at the Lake of Egypt and in Wisconsin and looking for shells along the shore. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband, Dale Smith of Lake of Egypt; daughter, Annette Whitehouse, and husband Roy of Mansfield; son, Bradley D. Smith, and wife Sunday of Avon, Ind.; four grandchildren, Rory Meier of Royal, Brenna Meier of Tilden, Virginia Smith of Avon and Kainan Smith of Avon; one great-grandchild and one on the way; and numerous friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Brian Keith Smith and Randy Lee Smith; and one brother, Charles Milleville.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date. The Rev. Dave Nelson will officiate and inurnment will be in Union Cemetery in Altamont, also at a later date. Blue Funeral Home in Goreville assisted the family with memorial arrangements.

Memorial donations are suggested to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home, 812 S. Broadway, Goreville, IL 62939. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.bluefuneralhome.com.

Ruby Hissong

PALM HARBOR, Fla. – Ruby J. Hissong, 94, of Palm Harbor, Fla., formerly of Champaign-Urbana, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana. A one-hour visitation will be held prior to the funeral.

Ruby was born March 16, 1920, in Summer Shade, Ky., to John and Harriet (Kidwell) Grinestaff. They preceded her in death. On Nov. 5, 1942, she married Orville Zorns; he passed away in 1978. On May 1, 1982, Ruby married Wendell Hissong; he passed away in 1997. Also preceding her in death are 10 brothers and sisters.

Ruby is survived by her children, John M. (Cheryl) Zorns of Bartlett and James R. (Julie) Zorns of Franklin, Tenn.; three grandchildren, Amie, Jeremy and Larry; and four great-grandchildren, Owen and Clover (Amie) and Constanze and LiFu (Jeremy).

Ruby was a graduate of Hoopeston High School, a member of the Carle Pavilion Auxiliary and a member of Heritage United Methodist Church in Clearwater, Fla. She was an Avon Representative for over 18 years.

A personal note or two: "Mom was a loving and caring mother and wife and adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It is difficult to remember her not smiling, and she never met a stranger. She was a triplet, with both her mates passing shortly after their birth. Mom always believed that she had a purpose in life because she was the one who lived. She has always been a true believer with very strong unwavering religious convictions. Passing her beliefs along to others was one of many purposes in life that she had, as well as always creating joy around her.

"Mom's middle name is Jewel - yes, Ruby Jewel - and with her personality, I know she will be a real 'Jewel' in heaven, brightening things like a new bright shining star. All will miss her."

The Rev. David Landers, retired, Heritage United Methodist Church, Clearwater, Fla., will officiate.

Contributions may be made in Ruby's memory to Heritage United Methodist Church, 2680 Landmark Dr., Clearwater, FL 33761, or to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Irene Koehler

SAVOY – Ilene Koehler, 84, of Savoy passed away at 8:12 a.m. Saturday (Nov. 15, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

She was born on Nov. 9, 1930, to Lowell and Ruby Yeates Hissong in Urbana. She married Hugh Koehler, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 9, 1998.

She is survived by one daughter, Saundra (Shawn) Martin of Sidney, and three sons, David (Yvonne) Koehler of Urbana, Ronald (Angela) Koehler of Champaign and Dana Koehler of Indianapolis, Ind. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Justin Koehler of Big Sky, Mont., Brandon Koehler of St. Louis, Patrick (Meredith) Martin of Urbana, Christopher (Cassie) Koehler of Peoria, Andrea Curtis of Urbana and Jason Curtis of Sidney; and great-grandchildren, Giuliana Martin of Urbana, Freyja Martin of Urbana, Menard Martin of Urbana and Chloe Koehler of Peoria, Hannah Curtis of Urbana and Chloe, Urijah and Naeomi Curtis, all of Sidney. She was also a special grandmother to Brittany Johnson of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Lindsay Lebo of Urbana. She is also survived by one sister, Joanne (John) Conerty of Champaign.

Ilene was a school secretary for Urbana District 116 for 27 years and also farmed with her husband. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Champaign, was an avid reader and was active in the Home Extension and the Illini Quarterback Club. She also volunteered many hours at the Tolono Public Library and Mission Impossible with the First Presbyterian Church.

Visitation for Ilene will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at the Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Funeral services will take place at noon Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, also at the Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy. Interment will take place at the Stanton Friends Cemetery, rural St. Joseph.

Memorials may be directed to the Tolono Public Library.

Darlene Lindsay

HOMER – Darlene June Lindsey, 71, of Homer passed away at 1:01 p.m. on Wednesday (Nov. 12, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, with Pastor Dennis Anglin officiating. Burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the funeral home.

Darlene was born June 4, 1943, in Homer, the daughter of Carl Dean and Hazel (Dodge) Davison. She married William Lindsey Jr. on Oct. 20, 1961, in Champaign. He preceded her in death on May 27, 2012.

Mrs. Lindsey was a homemaker and loved being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two daughters, Darla (Chuck) Buck and Donna (Jim) Nickelson, both of Homer; two sons, Earl (Kendra) Lindsey and Don (Alicia) Lindsey, both of St. Joseph; brother-in-law, Dennis Anglin; 14 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one son, Carl Edward; one grandson, William John Thomas; two sisters; and four brothers.

Memorials can be made to G.A.R. Cemetery.

Ruth Gebbink

ST. JOSEPH – Ruth Gebbink, 86, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday (Nov. 11, 2014) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2014, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday.

Ruth was born May 28, 1928, in Stanton Township. She married Glenn Gebbink. He preceded her in death in 1988.

She is survived by two sons, Morris (Paula) Gebbink of Parker, Colo., and Roger Gebbink of St. Joseph; a sister, Leona Marshall of Rossville; and three grandchildren.

She was preceded by her parents and seven brothers and sisters.

Ruth worked as a caregiver in the area. She was a member of the American Legion Post 634 Auxiliary. Ruth enjoyed working outside and doing needlepoint and crosswords.

Paul Anderson

ST. JOSEPH – Paul F. Anderson, 75, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:35 a.m. Tuesday (Nov. 11, 2014) at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Celebration of life services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Paul was born July 28, 1939, at Normal, the son of Paul A. and Henrietta Cox Anderson. He was raised by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Georgina Cox, from the age of 4 months. He married Norma Kiifner on Sept. 30, 1967, at Danville. She survives.

He is also survived by two sons, Lance Anderson and Shane Anderson, both of Champaign; four grandchildren, Bryant, Austin and Eugeni Anderson and Kendra Pundt; sister-in-law, Nancy (Dan) Edwards of Urbana; and brothers-in-law, Albert Kiifner of Mahomet and Allan (Kathy) Kiifner of Franklin.

Paul worked for Kroger and was the former co-owner of the Homer IGA. He also worked in sales for Carpet Weaver's and Flooring Surfaces.

Paul enjoyed time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved to ride Yamaha motorcycles, and a favorite motto was "Live to Ride, Ride to Live."

Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 2212 N. Market St., Champaign.

Claude D. Horsman

ST. JOSEPH – Claude D. Horsman, 84, of St. Joseph passed away surrounded by family on Tuesday (Nov. 4, 2014) at home.

Claude was born Sept. 21, 1930, in Fisher, the son of Ray L. Horsman and Mollie (Evans) Horsman. On July 18, 1954, he married Alice Cracker in Mahomet. She survives. He later married Ruth I. (Craddock) Thomas on Aug. 2, 1964, in Urbana. She preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 1993, after 29 years of marriage.

He left high school in the 10th grade to work for the family business, Horsman Trucking.

Claude served his country with honor three years in the National Guard then federalized with one year of service in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After returning home from the war, he resumed working for Horsman Trucking.

He later started hauling milk for the J.M. Jones Co. in Urbana. He later transferred to their maintenance department. He retired from SuperValu (J.M. Jones Co.) after 25 years as the working supervisor of the maintenance department.

He was a founding member of the Edge-Scott Fire Protection District in Urbana. Claude served as fire chief for one year until a new fire chief could be found to keep the Edge-Scott FPD fully functional. He was also the president of the board during the time the Edge-Scott FPD converted from a corporation to a district.

Claude was a member of American Legion Post 634, St. Joseph.

He enjoyed many years of camping with his family. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, especially pheasant hunting. He was happiest when he was working on something and fixing it for others or himself.

Despite not having a high school diploma or an equivalency of such, that never stopped him from learning or achieving knowledge in HVAC, electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry, locksmithing and anything mechanical. He wouldn't own anything he couldn't work on or fix himself. Claude was always willing to offer his knowledge or a helping hand.

Claude is survived by a brother, Virgil Horsman of Suwannee, Fla.; a sister, Grace Brucker of Sibley; five children, Claude (Marilyn) Horsman Jr. of Belvidere, Robert Horsman of McHenry, Elizabeth (Arlyn) Roush of Woodstock, Mary Lane of White Heath and Amy (Corey) Keller of St. Joseph; one stepson, Jeffery (Sandra)Thomas of Veedersburg, Ind.; 14 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five step-great-grandchildren; three nieces; and one nephew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; one stepdaughter, Karen Thomas; one stepgrandson, Jake Seyller; a brother, Denzil Horsman; and three infant brothers.

A visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at Joines-Appleby Funeral Home in Newman. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery in Indianola, with military rites.

Joines-Appleby Funeral Home of Newman is in charge of arrangements.

Betty White

CHAMPAIGN – Betty Carolyn Reid "Grannie" White, 91, of Champaign died Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2014) at Presence Covenant Medical Center in Urbana.

She was born March 1, 1923, to Maude (Snyder) and George Reid. She married John McDowell White on Dec. 27, 1942, in Champaign.

She is survived by her sons, Terry (Patricia) White of Rockford and Ron (Margaret) White of Mahomet; grandchildren, Tracy (Heather), Mike (Jana), Andrew and Amanda White; great-grandchildren, Poppy and Summer White; and honorary grandkids, Kimberly Young, Danielle Vietor, Daisy and Dixie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John; son, Douglas; granddaughter, Amy; a brother, Robert Reid; and her parents.

Betty graduated from Champaign High School when she was 16 years old. She worked as a secretary until she married John.

After John's death, she worked at the University of Illinois. Grannie's greatest joy in life was being a homemaker, mother and grandma.

She was a member of the Illini Quarterback Club, Illinois Rebounders, First Baptist Church of Savoy, PEO and Keenagers, and a former member of the St. Joseph Church of Christ. She volunteered for her churches, Scouts, "Honor the Chief" and MAYC.

Betty was a follower of Jesus, kind to all, a great friend, humorous and fun, determined, resilient, an avid Illini fan, a world traveler, best mom, world's greatest mother-in-law and an awesome Grandma and Grannie to all.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, 2014, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. The funeral will be held at the First Baptist Church of Champaign, 1602 S. Prospect Ave., Savoy, at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Savoy or MAYC (Mahomet Area Youth Club) Endowment.

Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.

Steve O'Connor

URBANA – Stanley Stephen O'Connor, 74, of Urbana passed away at 1:19 p.m. Wednesday (Nov. 5, 2014) at home.

Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, 2014, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo, with the Rev. Robert Lampitt officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery, Philo. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. O'Connor was born July 29, 1940, in Urbana, a son to Stanley Michael and Mary Catherine Smith O'Connor. He married Judi Kerchenfaut on Feb. 24, 1968; she survives.

Also surviving are three children, Stanley Michael O'Connor of Bloomington, John Patrick (Laura) O'Connor of Indianapolis and Stephanie Ann (Christopher) Cunningham of Champaign; five grandchildren, Douglas, Claudia and Elle O'Connor of Bloomington and Madeline and Dean O'Connor of Indianapolis; his special friend, Matea Cunningham; and five siblings, Carol Ann O'Connor of Normal, Angela (Brian) Davis of Bloomington, Camille (Blake) Munson of Bellflower, Mary Joy O'Connor of Champaign and Tim (Pam) O'Connor of White Heath.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Justin O'Connor.

Mr. O'Connor retired from the state of Illinois in the Illinois Department of Transportation after 33 years and seven months of service. He has spent the last 23 years happily farming and managing his farm.

He was also a long-standing member of the Champaign County Board, served on the St. Thomas school board, was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo, and was a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed spending time with his friends of the "Easily Amused Club" and bicycling. He was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Memorials may be made to DSC (Developmental Services Center) in Champaign or St. Thomas School.

He was a very loving husband, dad and grandfather.

The family would like to extend a special and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Daniel Deem, Presence Hospice and the Rev. Robert Lampitt for the wonderful care they provided.