Carol A. Cullop

SIDNEY – Carol A. Cullop, 69, of Sidney passed away early Tuesday morning (April 24, 2018) at home.

Carol was born Nov. 21, 1948, daughter to Harry and Mary Nell (Black) Cupp, in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Carol married Samuel Cullop May 1, 1992. He preceded her in death.

Carol is survived by a granddaughter, RaVanna Cullop of Sidney. She is also survived by family in Tennessee and Illinois.

As a young girl, Carol moved to Urbana with her mother and brother. She graduated Urbana High School in 1966. Carol then moved to Hawaii and attended the University of Hawaii. She returned to Illinois and had a variety of jobs that she loved to tell stories about. She started to work at the post office in 1979 and retired in 2012 as the postmaster of Broadlands.

Carol loved to garden and if you ever needed to find her, the first place anyone might look would be in her garden. Also, when anyone visited, she would always tell or show them all the things blooming outside. Carol was a very giving woman, crocheting blankets and hats for children and donating to Crisis Nursery and various nursing homes. She will also be remembered as a nature enthusiast, animal lover and a gifted artist. She was a gifted and caring woman that put up a fight until the very end. She will be loved and forever missed by many family and friends.

Her family asks that donations be made to the humane society, The World Life Fund or the American Cancer Society.

Private services will be held. Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, is handling arrangements.

Joseph B. Stanfeld

ATTICA, Ind. — Joseph B. Stanfield, 65, of Attica, Ind., formerly Homer, passed away at 10:55 p.m. Friday (April 20, 2018) at home.

Joseph was born in Burnham Hospital in Urbana on July 4, 1952. He was the son of the late Russell L. and Helen Alice (Malloch) Stanfield. Joseph was raised in Homer, graduating from Homer High School in 1970. While attending Homer High School, Joseph played football, and in 1968 helped them become the only undefeated Conference Champion in Homer High School history. On May 26, 2012, he was inducted into the Homer High School Hall of Fame.

Joseph worked as a trackman for Norfolk Southern Railroad

for 29 years. He retired in 2008 and moved to Attica, Ind.

Joseph was a member of the Attica Moose Lodge 1482. He loved to fish and work out. He enjoyed going to the Moose Lodge and visiting with his friends. He cherished the time he spent with his grandkids. He had an amazing laugh that nobody would forget.

Joseph leaves behind a son, Joey S. (Jeri) Stanfield of Attica, Ind.; daughter, Jolynn Stanfield of Champaign; two grandsons, RykerStanfield and Alex Santoyo; three granddaughters, Halle Stephens, KaitlynSantoyo and MaCay Norton;

brother, Jared (Pam) Stanfield of Homer; and two sisters, Maryann Childers of Homer and Lona Ennen of Thawville.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, John and Jock Stanfield, along with two sisters, Teresa and Cindy Stanfield.

Friends may call at Maus Funeral Home, Attica, Ind., on Saturday, April 28, from 2 p.m. until service time at 4 p.m. (EDT) with family speaking and sharing memories.

Condolences may be offered online at mausfuneralhome.com.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/25/2018

Ralph James Allen

CHAMPAIGN — Ralph James Allen, 83, of Champaign died Thursday (April 19, 2018) at Willowbrook Memory Care, Savoy.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2018, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana.

Mr. Allen was born Jan. 25, 1935, in Urbana, the son of Ralph B. and Nellie Townsend Allen. He married Joleen Duker Allen on July 12, 1958, in Quincy, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage before she passed away on Nov. 24, 2015.

Surviving are his son, Gregory K. (Tami) Allen of Homer; daughter, Suzanne B. (Dwight) Sanders of Carbondale; five grandchildren, Spencer (Nicole) Allen, Colten Allen, Elsbeth Sanders, Gracyn Allen and Charles Sanders; great-grandchild, Adalyn Allen; and his older brother, Harry T. Allen.

Mr. Allen graduated from Alton Military Academy and the University of Illinois. He served his country as a captain in the Army Reserves until he was honorably discharged on Nov. 15, 1968.

He was owner/operator of Allerton Supply Company for more than 40 years, as well as owner/ operator of Prairie States Warehouse, where he worked for more than 30 years. He stayed active in both businesses well after he retired. Ralph was bank director and chairman of the board for the State Bank of Allerton until 2004, bank director and chairman of the board for Philo Exchange Bank’s holding company, Yankee Ridge Inc., from 2000-2015, bank director and chairman of the board for Philo Exchange Bank from 2001-2015 and Philo Exchange bank director emeritus from 2015-2018.

Mr. Allen was a longtime member of United Methodist Church in Allerton, a town in which he lived for more than 50 years. He was very active in several local clubs, and even after he moved to Champaign, he continued to travel to Allerton to work, volunteer, eat lunch and to visit friends. Ralph and Joleen joined First Presbyterian Church, Champaign, in the mid-1990s.

The family would like to thank Autumn Fields, Willowbrook and Harbour Light Hospice for their care and comfort in Ralph’s final days.

Memorial contributions may be made to Allerton United Methodist Church or an organization of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be offered online at rennerwikoffchapel. com.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/25/2018

Charles Edward Sinder

SIDNEY — Charles (Charlie) Edward Sinder, 89, of Urbana, formerly Sidney, died Monday (April 23, 2018) at Brookdale Senior Living, Urbana.

Charles is survived by his wife, Ruth Sinder of Urbana; four children, Dale Sinder of Urbana, Chris McFarland (Lawrence) of Champaign, Tom Sinder (Dorella Pruitt) of Sidney and Linda Miezio (Charles) of Urbana; brother, Harold Sinder of Westerville, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Jeremy Mitchell (Janell Gardner) of Tolono, Tiffany Mitchell (Andrew Presswood) of Cleveland, Tenn., Tyler Sinder (Anna Caroline) of Cleveland Tenn., Alan McFarland (Diamond Napier) of Champaign and Lacy Pruitt of Jacksonville; and six greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death

by a grandson and his parents, Herman and Elsie Sinder of Champaign.

Charles was born July 19, 1928, in Champaign, to Herman and Elsie Nofftz Sinder. He attended school in Sidney where he participated in basketball and track and graduated in 1947. He married Ruth Louise Morenz on April 29, 1951, in Broadlands. He was a member of Sidney United Church.

Charles was a farmer in Sidney his entire working life. Charles enjoyed travel, camping with family and friends and spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. During his retirement, he spent many winters in Avon Park, Fla., and two winters in Mesa, Ariz. He was a St. Louis Cardinals and University of Illinois fan. Charles was a loving husband, father, brother and friend.

Visitation will be at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 26. A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, April 27, at Sidney United Church. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Charles’ life.

Flowers and condolences can be sent to Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice Care.

The family would like thank Carle Hospice Care and Brookdale Senior Living for their exceptional care.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/22/2018

Calvin H. Fitch

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — Calvin H. Fitch, 77, passed away Sunday, April 8, 2018, at home in San Diego, Calif.

A gathering will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 27, at Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. This will be followed by burial in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal.

Cal was born in Tucson, Ariz., on Dec. 8, 1940, to Horatio M. Fitch and Dorothy ( Schenck) Fitch. Hegrew up in Colorado, then Illinois. He graduated from Champaign High School in 1958 and subsequentlyattended the University of Illinois where he

obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering and a master’s of business administration.

He met Marilyn Grace Johnson while she was working at the university and they were married Aug. 27, 1961. After completing his studies, Cal and Marilyn moved to San Diego in 1967 where he worked for General Dynamics for most of his career. He was relocated to Denver, Colo., in 1994 where he remained until his retirement in 2010. He and Marilyn enjoyed car club activities, attending college football games and traveling abroad during retirement.

Cal was known to be knowledgeable, well-read, pensive and very responsible and dedicated to family and friends. He was highly respected and will be

dearly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Horatio M. and Dorothy Fitch, as well as a nephew, Mark Liberta of Normal.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn of San Diego; son and daughterin- law, Drs. Brian Fitch and Lisa Wang of El Dorado Hills, Calif.; and sister and niece, Susan (Fitch) Liberta and Valerie Liberta of Normal.

News-Gazette 4/24/2018

Elmer Osterbur

ST. JOSEPH — Elmer Osterbur, 87, of St. Joseph passed away at 2:55 a.m. Friday (April 20, 2018) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Living Word Family Church, 1000 Park Ave., St. Joseph, with the Rev. Mike Mack officiating. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be Monday from 5 to 8 p.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Elmer was born July 13, 1930, in Royal, the son of Carl and Trientje Ackerman Osterbur. He married Louise Schlueter on Nov. 14, 1954. She preceded him in death July 21, 1988. He then married Lois Perry on Feb. 14, 2003. She survives.

He is also survived by his children, Debora Kahn of St. Joseph, Sharon (Nick) Manea of St. Joseph, Barbara (Tom) Johnson of Mahomet, James (Hilda) Osterbur of Virginia, Terri (Bob) Herbst of Mahomet, Charlene Osterbur

of Urbana and Susan (Ethan) Moe of Phoenix, Ariz.; 19 grandchildren; and a plethora of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Cheryl Ferrell and Michelle Osterbur; four brothers; and one sister.

He was a member of Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph, where he served God. Elmer was a U.S. Army veteran having served in Korea. He retired from the University of Illinois Building Services in 1997. He was an avid bowler, bowling in two leagues a week. He enjoyed traveling, reading books, being outside and being ornery. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Jesus is the Way Prison Ministries or World Compassion.

Rondeau K. DuFrane

Rondeau K. DuFrane, 79, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:27 p.m. Wednesday (April 18, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. The Rev. Phil McGarvey will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph, with military honors. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Rondeau was born April 4, 1939, in Decatur, the son of John F. and Jewel Collins DuFrane. He married Mary Elizabeth Johnson in 1964. He later married Rita Alice Rawdin on Nov. 10, 1973. She preceded him in death Dec. 24, 2014.

He is survived by his children, Mrs. Jackie (Jeffery) Ohl of Mahomet, Mr. John DuFrane of Champaign, Ms. Erin DuFrane of North

Liberty, Iowa, and Mrs. Darla (Jon) Copsy of Mattoon; eight grandchildren, Lauryn and Ryan Ohl, Jack and Nina DuFrane, Peyton and Aaronson Woods and Samantha and Danielle Copsy; and sister, Gaye Lee of Balstrap, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and one sister.

Rondeau worked 46 years for Illinois Central Railroad. He was a veteranof the U.S. Marine Corps. He was a member of VFW Post 634 in St. Joseph, AmVets, American Legion Post 71 and the Marine Corps League. He volunteered for several years at the D.A.V. He helped pack boxes and send them to our troops overseas.

He enjoyed coin collecting, candle making and working in his yard. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family.

News-Gazette 4/20/2018

Thirza Clements

ST. JOSEPH — Thirza Clements, 80, passed away Wednesday (April 18, 2018).

She was born Aug. 3, 1937, in Washburn, to Clifford and Mary (Keigwin) Cordes.

Thirza graduated from Illinois State University in 1960, the day before she married Don Clements on June 12.

Thirza and Don enjoyed golfing and traveling together, as well as spending time with family and friends. Thirza was a teacher for over 34 years, retiring from St. Joseph Grade School in 2002. She was an active member of the DAR, St. Joseph United Methodist Church and the Rantoul Ladies Golf League. She was an avid Illini and St. Louis Cardinals fan, often coaching from the bleachers. Some of Thirza’s favorite activities were sewing, gardening and reading. She kept the St. Joseph library doors open, reading over 500 books.

Thirza is survived by

her beloved husband of over 57 years, Don; children, Shari (Darrin) Markel and Kurt (Marilee); grandchildren, Samantha and Troy, whom she loved dearly; sisters, Lorna (Bob) Cobb and Emily Noonan; sister- in-law, Lura Cortis; brother-in-law, Bob (Pat) Clements; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents and brother, Gene.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. The Rev. Gene Turner will officiate. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

The family appreciates the care Thirza received in the Carle Cardiac Unit during her time there.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.

News-Gazette 4/20/2018

Sylvia Jane Sieberns

POTOMAC — Sylvia Jane Sieberns, 83, of Potomac went to meet her Lord and Savior at 7:21 a.m. Tuesday (April 10, 2018) at home with her family by her side.

F u n e r al services will be at 11 a.m. Friday,April 13, 2018, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

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

Sylvia was born Sept. 6, 1934, in Champaign County, the daughter of Martin and Johanna Fruhling Saathoff. She married the love of her life, Wilbur Sieberns, on Feb. 20, 1955. He passed away on Dec. 23, 1995.

She is survived by her children, Aaron (Abby) Sieberns of Gifford, Leon (Melanie) Sieberns of Penfield, Michele Zino of Springfield and Scott Sieberns of Armstrong. She was Oma to Lynn (Matt) Meuser, Brandan (Sarah) Sieberns, Jessica (Steven) Wyre, Ashley (Jason) Sargeant, Adam (Bushra) Zino, Omar Zino, Sammy Zino, Erika Sieberns, Derek Sieberns and Angela Sieberns. She was great-Oma to Colton and Brayden Meuser. Also surviving are three sisters, Carol (Dale) Couffer, Joyce (Gary) Wolverton and Kathy Weaver.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Marvin Saathoff; and son-in-law, Mohammad Said Zino.

Sylvia was passionate about her family and church. She loved to quilt and cook for her family and friends.

Memorials may be made to Transitions Hospice or the donor’s choice.

Richard A. Post

ROYAL – Richard A. Post 80, of Royal passed away at 1:12 a.m. Friday (April 6, 2018) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in Potomac Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.

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

Richard was born Aug. 26, 1937, at Danville. The son of Albert and Minnie Carl Post. He married Linda Miles on Nov. 23, 1985. She survives.

He is also survived by his daughter Michele (Leonard) Mahurin of Indianapolis; step-children, Richard Raup of Dwight, Kelly (Lee) Archambault of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Matthew and Brook Mahurin, Jamie, Matt and Mari Archambault; one great-granddaughter, Mckenna; one brother, Stanley (Dottie) Post of Spring Hill, Fla.; one sister, Charlene (Steve) McKinney of Urbana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army, a member of the Royal American Legion Post 996. He aslso served as a volunteer Fireman in Royal. He was a former Royal Board member. He was part owner of Meier-Duitsman Oil Company in Royal for 40 years, retiring in 2001.

Richard was a diehard Cubs fan. He enjoyed camping and, most of all, his coffee and social hour with his buddies.

Ernest Anton Sjuts

URBANA — Ernest Anton Sjuts was born in Champaign County on Jan. 26, 1933, to Anton and Mareka Ihen Sjuts. Ernie attended York Grade School and St. Joseph High School. Ernie enrolled in the U.S. Army in 1953 and was sent to Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Ark. He served in the Korean War in Austria, where he met his lifelong best friendof 65 years, Donald (Betty) Barron.

Ernie married Sylvia Flessner on June 23, 1957, and was blessed with children, Mark (Julie), Keith, Sharolyn (Wally) Worley and Don (Susue), whom he loved and adored. Ernie married Evelyn Blue Buhr on Aug. 25, 1978, whom he loved so much and who was always by his side. She brought two children to their marriage, James Buhr and Ranae (Sam) Buck, which Ernie loved as his own. All of his children thought he was the best dad ever. He was a source of comfort, inspiration and love to his children.

He was passionately known as Opa to Dustin, Chason, Ryan (Ashley), Rylee, Trent (Caitlyn), Traesha (Drew), Tad, Brandt, Corey, Maddie, Cain, Janna, Jamie, Nick, Ellen, Erica and David (Heather); and great-Opa to Ayden, Brady, Charlie and Layla.

Along with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Ernie is survived by his sister, Norma (Don) Sherfey; brother-in-law, Earl Ideus; brother/sister-in-law, John and Ellen Blue; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Anton and Mareka (Ihnen); sister, Delores Ideus; brother-inlaw, Wendell Olson; son, Mark; and grandson, Chason.

Ernie was proud to have served his country. He loved his family and he loved farming. He loved washing his vehicles and driving

around checking crops in his white Ford truck or decked out golf cart. He loved caring for his cattle and his current dog, Lucas-Lou. He drove Ford trucks and international tractors and semis.

One of his many highlights of his life was earning his high school diploma from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 2012, alongside his granddaughter, Jamie Buck. In 2014, Ernie received the Father of the Year award from Eastern Illini Electric. For this award, he was described by his grandchildren as honorable, a veteran, compassionate, loving, wise, funny, supportive, strong, generous, irreplaceable, an encourager and their greatest cheerleader. He and his best friend, Don Barron, traveled on the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. in 2014.

Ernie was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where he served on the church council and Sunday School department. He was a lifelong farmer in the St. Joseph-Thomasboro-Rantoul- Urbana communities. He loved working alongside his sons, Mark and Don.

Throughout the years, his faith may have been tested, but he never questioned God’s purpose.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, April 9, 2018, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. Pastor James Lehmann will officate. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, or Kopmann Cemetery.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/6/2018

Judith Muriel Craig

ST. JOSEPH — Judith Muriel Craig passed away at 10:34 p.m. Saturday (March 31, 2018) at home.

Judith was born Jan. 19, 1936, in St. Joseph Township, the daughter of Clarence Nolan and Margaret Lindsey Johnson. She graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1954. She married Robert Lee Craig on April 14, 1957, in St. Joseph. He preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 2001.

She is survived by their daughters, Teresa C. Evans of Wesley Chapel, Fla., and Susan D. (Tim) Huls of St. Joseph; four grandchildren,Tracey (Jeff) Mathis, Amanda (Rodney) Walton, Craig E. Huls and Elizabeth (Ben) Faust; and six great-grandchildren, Grant, Blair, Rosie, Caroline, Levi and Clara. Also

surviving are her sister, Evelyn (Dick) Wilken of Monticello; brother, Donald (Judy) Johnson of St. Joseph; and brother-in-law, Wendell Viles of Champaign.

She was preceded in death by her parents and great- granddaughter, Annabelle Walton.

Judith was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to Mount Olive Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 186, St. Joseph, IL 61873 or donor’s choice.

Memorial services will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. April 14, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. A private graveside service will be held following the service.

Emma Rose Campbell

SIDNEY — Emma Rose Campbell, 72, of Sidney passed away at noon Sunday (April 1, 2018) at home.

F u n e r al services will be at noon Saturday, April 7, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon prior to the service. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Burial will be at G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer.

Emma was born Oct. 6, 1945, in Chicago, the daughter of Rex and Catherine Kasteca Pyle. She married Donald Campbell on March 23, 1973, in Olney. He preceded her in death on July 21, 2010.

Survivors include daughter, Susan Barnhart of Papineau; son, Scott (Kim) Zabloudil of Homer; daughter, Julie (Greg) Izard of St. Joseph; son, Carl Campbell of Sidney; grandchildren, Melissa (Tony) Filla,

Corisa (Jeremiah) Pearl, Jacilyn (Kyle) Johnson, Rita (Ryan) Gipson, Katie Barnhart, Carli Campbell, Kaylee Campbell, Shelby Izard, Frankie Izard and Chance Izard; great- grandchildren, Prestynn, Lilian, Liahm, Kyla, Kynnslee and Raelynn; and brothers, James (Barbara) Kampe of Rock Island and Frank Kampe of Dundas.

She was also preceded in death by three brothers, Rex Pyle, David Kampe and Mike Kampe.

Her hobbies included quilting, sewing, crocheting, fishing, reading and bowling.

Memorials may be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith.

Katherine Ann Schwartz

LONGVIEW — Katherine Ann (Kay) Schwartz, 77, of rural Longview left her earthly home and ran into the arms of Jesus Christ, her loving Lord and Savior, at 10:40 p.m. Sunday (April 1, 2018) after being injured in a car accident. She was surrounded by her loving family and pastor.

A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 5, 2018, in Homer New Life Church of Faith, with Pastor CW Greer officiating. Burial will be in Fairfield Cemetery, Newman. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, at Joines Funeral Home, 1375 Illinois 130 South, Villa Grove.

Mrs. Schwartz was born April 17, 1940, in Mattoon, a daughter of Allen “Mike” and Florence (Rickelman) Wesch. She married James “Jim” Schwartz on June 14, 1958, and he preceded her in death on July 16, 2017.

Surviving are daughters, Cindy (Mike) Dillman of Longview and Debbie (Mike) Bucher of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Chad (Elizabeth) Dillman, Lauren (David) Robbins, Emily (Ben) McKenna, Holden Bucher and Craig (Brandi) Kibler; great-grandchildren, Erik Kibler, Bailey Kibler, Adelyn McKenna, Elise McKenna, Alice Kay McKenna, Jonathan Robbins and Piper Hawkins; and brother, Mark Wesch of Tuscola.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, parents and daughter, Connie.

Kay graduated from Atwood Community High School in 1958. She then moved to Longview where she lived her entire married life. She still enjoyed getting together with old classmates and planning reunions.

Kay was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Over the years, she was an Avon lady, 4-H leader and Sunday school teacher. She cleaned houses for many years and worked for Marbles Catering. Kay was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Homer New Life Church of Faith. She encouraged all and was known for sending cards to many people. She was strong in her faith and not afraid to share with anyone. She was filled with joy and never lost it through her earthly battles. Kay loved working in her garden and yard. She loved visiting with her friends, and she particularly loved babies. She was known by many as Kay-Kay. While Jim was alive, they had a ministry of helps where they would lend a hand to anyone needing assistance. She was also a member of Champaign County Republicans and enjoyed riding in the Independence Day Parade. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith, Homer.

Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette 4/3/2018