Frances L. Brown

URBANA — Frances L. Brown, 89, of Urbana passed away peacefully in hospice at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana at 6 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 27, 2018).

A visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 2, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. Funeral services at the funeral home will be held immediately following the visitation at noon on Friday, with Pastor David Ashby officiating. Burial will be held in Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

Frances was born in Urbana on Aug. 1, 1928, the daughter of Charles W. and Cecil (Kapp) Barcus. She married Everett E. Brown on Aug. 23, 1947. He survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Steven Brown of rural Urbana, Bruce Brown (Karen) of Urbana and Michael Brown (Jan) of St. Joseph, and one daughter, Barbara Brown of St. Joseph.

Frances is also survived by two grandsons, Bruce Brown Jr. (Erin) of Champaign and Blake Brown (Ashley) of Champaign; two great-grandchildren, Gage Everett Brown and Frances Wren Brown; and one brother, Ward Barcus (Joy) of Urbana. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Barbara Paris; grandson, Steven Dale Brown; and many other loved ones.

Frances’ longest-held job was at Illinois Bell, where she started as a phone operator. After more than 30 years, she retired as a maintenance supervisor.

Frances had an enormous number of “non-biological kids” whom she had takenunder her wing and called her own. She loved them all very dearly, and they loved her as well. She was especially grateful

for her friends, Brenda Borri and Jeanette McPherson.

Mrs. Brown loved animals and her Fighting Illini, but her true passion was taking care of our veterans. One of her family’s proudest moments was when she and her husband were featured on WCIA’s “Angels Among Us” for their care of our veterans at the Danville VA Hospital. For many years, they had driven to Danville every other week to deliver T-shirts, shoes, pants and everything else that was needed. This was her passion.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family asks that donations be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. Memorial contributions may also be made to the Urbana American Legion Post 71/Veterans Fund so we can continue the work that was so very dear to Frances’ heart.

Condolences may be offered online at www. renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Zona Shaffer

ST. JOSEPH — Zona V. Shaffer, 88, of St. Joseph passed away at 1:37 a.m. Monday (Jan. 29, 2018) at Presence Covenant Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at noon Friday, Feb. 2, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Chuck Alt officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Friday at the funeral home.

Zona was born Feb. 14, 1929, at Penfield, the

daughter of Charles and Ida Lambert Mabry. She married Joseph Shaffer Sr. on Feb. 12, 1954. He preceded her in death on June 23, 1997.

She is survived by her children, Sandy (Bob) Kiest of Angier, N.C., Darlene (Richard) Tester of Foosland, Rita (James) Griffin of Homer, Sharon(Dennis) Fiscus of St. Joseph, JP Shaffer of St. Joseph, Terry Gravely of Homer, Joseph (Karla) Shaffer Jr. of St. Joseph, Mary (Terry) Crider of St. Joseph and Jeff Shaffer of St. Joseph; 19 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles

Mabry of Oakwood; and two sisters-in-law, Eudora Mabry of Rantoul and Mary Wagner of Paxton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, four brothers and one great-grandson.

Zona was a avid reader. She enjoyed cooking and took great pleasure in crocheting for her children and grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph-Stanton Volunteer Fire Department.

NG 1/30/2018

Verna G. Hasty

ST. JOSEPH – Verna G. Hasty, 72, of St. Joseph passed away at 8:10 a.m. Tuesday (Jan. 23, 2018) at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, with the Rev. Seth Jersild officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Verna was born Dec. 4, 1945, at Danville, the daughter of John and Grace Buhs Schlueter.

She is survived by her children: daughter Valerie (Richard Jr.) Kaveney of Visalia, Calif., and her children, Grace Ann and Faith Constance; daughter Angie (Brett Franzen) Ingram of Sidney, and her son, Andrew James; and son Dustin (Emily) Hasty of Monticello, and his children, Cole Jaxon, Logan Walker and Lucas Gray. Also surviving are lifelong friend and Pappa Ray Raymond T. Batty, sister Irine (Marvin) Roelfs of Rantoul and brother Norris (Bunny) Schlueter of St. Joseph.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three infant children.

Verna was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph. She ran a wig shop in Champaign with her sister. She also operated a beauty shop in Royal and then in St. Joseph. Throughout life, Verna enjoyed sewing, doll making, oil painting, ceramics and ballroom dancing. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and family, attending as many events as she could.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

News-Gazette 1/24/2018

Virginia R. Remesh Timpone

URBANA – Virginia R. Timpone, loving mother and wife, passed in peace with her family by her side at 11:16 p.m. Friday (Jan. 19, 2018) at United Regional Medical Center, Manchester, Tenn.

Ginger, as she was known to most, was born on Jan. 4, 1956, in Rantoul to Anthony and Hazel Remesch; she was the seventh of eight children.

She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Raymond N. Timpone; her sister, Mary Remesch Waller; and her brother, Michael Remesch.

She is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, Raymond M. Timpone Jr; her cherished children, Nicholas (Gabrielle) Timpone of Lake Forest and Natalie Timpone of London, England; her grandson, Ryan Timpone; and her siblings, Jeanne Grady, Kathy Sarnecki, Tony Remesch, David Remesch and Monica Munds; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Raised in St. Joseph, she graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1974. She went on to attend Saint Mary of the Woods in Terre Haute, Ind., where she studied art and science.

Blessed with a creative mind, Ginger originally dreamed of designing and illustrating science textbooks. Wishing to be closer to family, Ginger moved back to Champaign and attended Parkland College. It was this decision that allowed life's fate to lead her to work at The Jolly Roger Jr. and, more importantly, to meet the love of her life. Ray and Ginger, alongside countless family and friends, were married at Urbana Country Club on Aug. 14, 1982.

Returning in 1984 from their time in San Francisco, Calif., Ginger and Ray opened the Urbana landmark restaurant and family cornerstone, Timpone's Ristorante. Ginger's artistic instincts and passion to create naturally led her to the culinary arts.

Always curious, seeking new knowledge and perfection, Ginger decided to pursue a culinary degree. She attended the New York School of Pastry with Alfred Kuman in 1989, where she studied baking and the art of pastry. Additionally, in 1998 she studied at the Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.

For 30-plus years, Ginger refined and mastered her unique gift. She was terribly proud of "The Restaurant," of the community it created, and of the fond memories it marked for so many special family and friends, memories that will last a lifetime. For those lucky enough to indulge, Ginger will forever be famous for her creme brulee and bread puddings, along with many, many other original recipes.

Ginger was a devout Catholic, and her deep spiritually was a foundation of her life. She was a proud and active member of St. Patrick's Parish. From 2008 to 2017, Ginger served as the trustee of St. Patrick's Parish Council, as well as a chairperson of the capital campaign to remodel St. Patrick's Parish. She became very close to her parish family, who blessed her immensely with love, support and care.

In addition, Ginger was always involved in the community and in her children's schools. She was an active volunteer at Holy Cross Grade School, and she was a benefactor that helped drive the construction of Saint Thomas More. She took pride in championing Catholic education for the community and her family, often participating in fundraising events, charities, school plays and sporting events. She thirsted for knowledge, embracing the adage that education is a ceaseless pursuit.

One of Ginger's greatest passions was working with her hands to build and design, which she learned from her father, Anthony. She loved sewing. She handcrafted her children's and family's Halloween costumes. She loved design. She took great pride in remodeling her lake house in Shangri-La with her brother and friend, David Remesch.

She loved to garden. She would spend hours meticulously tending to her garden and her flowers. She was at her heart a creative and active woman who loved to leave her special mark on all things she touched and encountered.

Some of Ginger's most satisfying memories were spent in Florida with family. She loved walking the beach, scouring the sand for seashells, and watching the dolphins roll in the waters. It was here that Ginger was able to spend her last few weeks of her life with her family. It was here that she was most at peace.

Perhaps what Ginger will be most remembered for was her generous heart and unwavering selflessness. She lived her life with incredible compassion, thoughtfulness and support to all. She was a pseudo mom to nearly all she met, the kind of person you wanted to sit next to because you know she would make you laugh and make you feel loved. Ginger found the best in the people around her, laughed whenever possible, and faced hard times with grace. Her incredible compassion, humor, wit, patience, empathy and eagerness to bring love and laughter to all will be missed by family, friends and the community.

She lived and embodied to perfection the Timpone family motto, "No matter what, we always stick together." She was one of a kind: a devoted sister, a loving wife, a giving mother and joyous grandmother.

Our family would like to express our gratitude to the team of nurses and staff at Christie Clinic for their love and compassion in caring for Ginger.

A visitation will be held at St. Patrick's Parish Center (708 W. Main St., Urbana) from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28. Memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 29. Friends and family are invited to attend

the luncheon immediately following the service at the parish center. Burial will take place after lunch at Woodlawn Cemetery, Urbana.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family suggestions that memorials be made to St. Patrick's Parish, 708 W. Main, Urbana.

Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes.com.

News-Gazette 1/24/2018

Kenneth D. Katterhenry

SIDNEY – Kenneth D. Katterhenry, 88, of Sidney passed away at 9 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 21, 2018) at Amber Glen, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at Sidney United Church with the Rev. Mike Picklesimer officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney, with military rites being accorded. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. and Masonic services will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Katterhenry was born March 12, 1929, at Homer, a son to James and Amelia Schroeder Katterhenry. He married Mary McNattin on Feb 20, 1955, at Champaign; she preceded him in death on Dec 10, 2010. Surviving are three sons, Daniel (Mary) Katterhenry of Dell City, Okla., Dale (Julie) Katterhenry of Homer and Donald (Shawn) Katterhenry of Manly, Iowa; 11 grandchildren, Crystal, Keith, Andy, Bradley, Lydia, Danielle, Tyler, Brandon, Samantha, Elizabeth and Breanna; several great-grandchildren; a brother, Rollo (Kathy) Katterhenry; and a sister, Evelyn Bauer. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

He graduated from Longview High School in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He farmed all his life.

He was a member of Sidney United Church, Sidney Masonic Lodge, Sidney Lions Club, Vesper Chapter Order of the Eastern Star and Mizpah Shrine White Shrine of Jerusalem. He was also area representative for American International Student Exchange for 10 years. He enjoyed traveling, reading, watching women's sports and table games.

Memorials may be made to Sidney United Church.

NG 1/22/2018

Bobbee Jean Knox

CASEY — Bobee Jean “Bobber” Knox, 46, of Casey peacefully passed away on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at home surrounded by family after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.

Bobee was born in Danville on Sept. 26, 1971. A graduate of ABL High School, she was employed by The Help at Home Agency as a case coordinator.

She was the daughter of Brenda Teter and Bobby Drumm. In addition to her parents, Bobee is survived by her three beautiful children, Gabriel, 16, of Casey, Najja, 17, of Casey and Shasta, 26, of Chicago; the children’s father and her very close friend, Mikell Knox of Urbana; her sister, Terri Peoples (Derrick) of Bloomington; her nephews, Brandon West and Devyn West, both of Bloomington; one aunt (Janet); one uncle (Gary); numerous cousins; her loving Knox family and Biggers family; and more loving friends than we can count.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Richard “Richie” Moore, her maternal and paternal grandparents and two uncles.

Bobee lived her life to the fullest. Her children were her pride and joy, and her world revolved around them. Her heart was a big as the moon, and anyone who came in contact with her fell instantly in love with her genuinely compassionate spirit.

She unconditionally loved her family and friends with all her heart and would do anything and everything to help a familymember, a friend or a complete stranger. Bobee was generous to a fault

and kind to everyone she encountered.

Bobee loved to travel and was up for a trip at the drop of the dime. Just throw her the keys and give her a destination and a road trip had begun. She also loved to sing with the car windows down and the sun in her face.

Along with singing, she loved to dance. Her energy was so contagious. You just felt better when you were with her. She was an incredible person, and the world is a better place for having her in it.

The family would like to thank Dr. Matthew Newton and the oncology nurses (Andre, Melanie and Rochele) at Carle Mattoon on Hurst. The family would also like to give a very special thank you to Lindsey Pritchett, a dear friend whose help could never be repaid.

A celebration of life will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, at the Independent Media Center, 202 S. Broadway Ave. in Urbana. Perry’s Twin City Mortuary has been entrusted with the cremation arrangements. We cannot thank Bishop Perry and his staff enough for the kind and compassionate care they have provided during this difficult time. Bobee’s final resting place will be in Panama Beach, Fla.

Flowers may be received at the Independent Media Center on Jan. 27.

CU News-Gazette 1/20/2018

Gladwyn Rudicil Waters

ST. JOSEPH – Gladwyn Waters, 94, St. Joseph, passed away at 7:20 a.m. Friday (Jan. 19, 2018) at Country Health Nursing Home, Gifford.

Celebration of life services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2018, at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. The Rev. Gene Turner will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Gladwyn was born April 17, 1923, at Rossville, the daughter of Elize L. and Gena Dean Rudicil. She married Robert W. Waters on Aug. 17, 1947. He preceded her in death on March 5, 1987.

She is survived by her children, Genalee (Mike) Tevebaugh of St. Joseph, Mary (Charles) Butzow of Urbana and David (Shirley) Waters of Urbana; three grandchildren Amy (Ryder) Olson of Gladstone, Ore., Lee (Sara) Waters of Sellers and Lyle (Cayla) Waters of Urbana; one stepgranddaughter, Julie (Darrin) McCarthy of Sidney; eight great-grandchildren; one brother, Dean Rudicil of St. Joseph; two sisters-in-law, Esther Maron of St. Joseph and Norma Mackey of Janesville, Ws.; a stepsister, Helen Landreth of Springfield; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a grandson, Lance Waters.

She was a lifelong member of the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, where she served as the choir director for 35 years. She was also a member of United Methodist Women and the Mission Board and taught music for the Sunday school children.

Gladwyn graduated in 1945 from Illinois Wesleyan University, where she was a member of the Delta Omicron sorority.

She taught English and music at Wellington High School and Rantoul High School.

She was a accomplished musician on the piano, organ and marimba.

Gladwyn was a partner with her husband and son in Waters Farms.

She was a member of the Champaign County Homemakers Extension and was president in 1979. She also served as a 4-H leader. She also enjoyed cooking, sewing and reading Time magazine.

Memorials may be made to Country Health Nursing Home or the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

John Warters

HOMER — John H. “PaPa” Warters, 76, of Homer passed away at 9:29 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 17, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Ricky Spindler will officiate. Burial will take place in GAR Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

John was born Feb. 25, 1941, in Danville, the son of Herald B. and Wanda Elaine Chandler Warters. He married Barbara J. Hughes on May 28, 1961, in Champaign. She survives.

Survivors also include his daughter, Bonnie (Henrique) Cordeiro of Ludlow, Mass.; grandchildren, Chelsey (James) Campbell, Alyssa “AJ” Scott, Makenzie Gardner, Kayla Gardner and Tristan Gardner; nephew/son, Brent (Tonya) Gardner of Rantoul; and nephew, Dan (Kathy) Roberts of Tolono.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and son, John Herald “Butch” Warters.

John was a member of Stone Creek Church in Urbana and the Army National Guard. He played Santa for many years for Homer, Stone Creek Church, Heartland Nursing Home and various friends and families. He was a meat cutter and caterer for many years.

Memorials can be made to the family of John H. Warters.

Source:  CU News-Gazette 1/19/2018

Eilert H. Osterbur

ROYAL — Eilert H. Osterbur, 92 of Royal passed away at 7:25 a.m. Monday (Jan. 15, 2018) at his home with loved ones by his side.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from4 to 7 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church with a 7 p.m. prayer service.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Eilert was born Oct. 15, 1925, to Carl C. and Trientje (Akerman) Osterbur. He married Gwelda P. Wilbur on June 9, 1950. She survives.

Also surviving are his sons, Marvin (Susan) Osterbur of Royal and Gene (Wanda) Osterbur of Ogden; five grandchildren and their spouses; 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Elmer Osterbur of St. Joseph.

He was an esteemed member of the community. He was a active member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. Eilert worked at the Meier-Duitsman station for many years. He retired in 1988 after 26 years as the head custodian and bus driver for the Royal-Prairieview School District. His passion and life’s work was farming. He was a Case IH man. He loved being outside working on the farm. He also loved to fish. Eilert enjoyed playing cards with his buddies and his family.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, Royal or Kopmann Cemetery.

Margie "Pud" Downes Eastin

URBANA — Margie (“Pud”) Eastin departed this life at 9:54 a.m. Friday (Jan. 12, 2018) to join her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in heaven.

Margie was born Aug. 4, 1925, in Urbana and was a lifelong resident of the Champaign-Urbana area. After graduating from Urbana High School in 1942, she met and married Siegel E. Eastin Sr. in 1944. Together, they had six boys, Siegel E. Eastin Jr. of Urbana, Lon A. Eastin of Springfield, Mo., Jon O. Eastin of Lugoff, S.C., Robert C. Eastin of Hannibal, Mo., Nicholas A. Eastin of Urbana and Anthony G. Eastin of Licking, Mo.

Margie was born to Robert O. and Mary J. Downes of Sidney.

Margie’s life career was spent with Unit 4 school administrative offices for many years before joining the state of Illinois as an administrative assistant in the Geological Survey Department at the University of Illinois, where she retired in 1976.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert O. and Mary J. Downes; her husband, Siegel Eastin Sr.; a sister, Ruth Miller; a brother, Howard Downes; and her dearest niece, Sherry Bean.

Margie leaves behind six sons and daughtersin- law, 59 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and many friends and loved ones.

As she enjoys her heavenly reunions, she will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Margie’s life will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, with visitation held prior at 10 a.m. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney.

Please join Margie’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www. sunsetfuneralhome.com.

NG 1/16/2018

William Stuart Moser

URBANA – William "Bill" Stuart Moser, 50, of Urbana, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2018.

A memorial reception will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 19, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20, at the funeral home. Burial in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview, will be held at a later date.

Bill was born in Urbana, Illinois, to Steve and Nancy (Pepper) Moser; they survive. Also surviving are his sisters, Anne (James) Shumar of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Katie Moser (Nathan Hankins) of Burlington, Kentucky. Bill is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Helen Moser Jedlick of Urbana, and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Wayne Moser, and his maternal grandparents, Alice and William Pepper.

After graduating from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1985, Bill studied at the University of Illinois, receiving a bachelor of science degree with a double major in physics and astronomy. He also received a master's degree in astronomy from the University of Florida. He later taught these subjects at several community colleges, including Parkland College in Champaign. Though he enjoyed and excelled in these subjects, he decided to return to his family's farm, which he had planned to take over upon his parents' retirement.

Bill had many interests, but he especially enjoyed working with and refurbishing computers, as well as music and foreign languages. He was an extremely talented man and will be dearly missed by those who loved him.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Sara Viola Martin

ST. JOSEPH – Sara Viola Martin, 86, of St. Joseph passed away at 5:40 p.m. Thursday (Jan. 4, 2018) at her residence.

Sara was born Nov. 5, 1931, in rural Mansfield, the daughter of Clyde and Edna Belle (Hannah) Evans. She married Charles E. Martin on Sept. 13, 1952, in New Mexico. He passed away Nov. 25, 2001.

Sara is survived by her daughter, Sharon James (John) of Springfield; two granddaughters, Amanda Lindsey (Jonathan) of Litchfield and Alissa Robinson (Rusty) of Cheyenne, Wyo.; five great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Ethan, Micah, Hannah and Joshua; and a sister-in-law, Mary Lou Evans of Mansfield.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Jimmie C. Evans and Lloyd Evans, both of Mansfield; sister-in-law, Mollie Evans; and niece, Patricia Evans.

Sara was a homemaker. She graduated from Mansfield High School in 1950. Sara enjoyed gardening, walking, bicycling, spending time with her neighbors, and working with ceramics.

A funeral service will be held at noon Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2018, at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello, with the Rev. Cindy Rettig officiating. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Wednesday at Mackey-Wright Funeral Home. Interment will be held in Ingram Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Monticello United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.mackey-wrightfuneralhome.com.

Mary Ellis

ST. JOSEPH – Mary Ellis, 67, of St. Joseph passed away at 6:58 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 7, 2018) at her home.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Mary was born Feb. 27, 1950, at Terre Haute, Ind., the daughter of Howard and Rosella Bockhold Ellis. She married Charles "John" Ellis on Dec. 28, 1997, at Champaign. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, Eric (Laura Boyd) Ellis of St. Joseph, Heather Ellis of Champaign and Jay (Donna) Bartels of Venice, Fla.; and six grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Harold and Myron Ellis.

Mary retired from Busey Bank after 30 years of service. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and the rest of her family. She also enjoyed traveling and reading books.

William M. "Bud" Bear

URBANA — William M. “Bud” Bear, 81, of Urbana passed away on Friday (Jan. 5, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. F u n e r al services will be at 1 p.m. We d n e s day, Jan. 10, 2018, at at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Tom Corum officating. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Bud was born Sept. 18, 1934, in Homer, the son of Bennie “Tom” and Pearl Osborn Bear. He married Shirley Miller on March 9, 1962, in Homer. She survives.

Also surviving are his children, Rex H. (Pam) Mills of Fort Worth, Texas, Denise “Chuck” Bear-Brister of Urbana, Thersa Bear of Urbana and Elizabeth (Todd) Boehm of Champaign; seven grandchildren, Misha Bear, Rachel (Brian) Vanetti, Rex Mills Jr., Rebkka (SJ) Bear-Brister, Reanna Bear-Brister, Mara Boehm and Marin Boehm; four great-grandchildren, Carson and Sydnie Wagner, Jayden Mills and Lola Vanetti; and a sister, Opal Arteman of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Thelma Arteman; and son-in-law, Louis Brister.

He worked for Northern Illinois Water for 44 years, retiring in 1996. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He enjoyed geneology and woodworking, but most of all, spending time with his family.

News-Gazette 1/8/2018

Larry Cole

HOMER – Larry Cole, 53, of Homer passed away at 4:16 p.m. Saturday (Dec. 30, 2017) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, Pastor Scott Millis officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Per Larry's wish, he will be cremated following the funeral service. Larry's family ask that everyone dress casually for the service.

Larry was born Jan. 18, 1964, at Champaign, the son of William B. and Carolyn Nees Cole. He married Terri Todd on June 23, 1984, at St. Joseph. She survives.

He is also survived by his son, Brody Cole of Homer; two brothers, Gary (Melinda) Cole of Fisher and Allan (Stefanie) Cole of Dewey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents.

Larry drove a semi most of his life, working for Southland and Supervalue. He enjoyed Harleys and all types of motorcycles, going to car shows and Lake Mattoon. He was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1982.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Hearts.