Cleta Ameila Marsh

OSWEGO — Cleta Amelia Marsh, 92, of Oswego peacefully passed away Friday (Oct. 26, 2018).

She was born May 10, 1926, in Springfield, the daughter of the late Myron Lee Nicolls and Gladys Eva nee Eacret Nicolls Marcott.

Cleta’s married life started in St. Joseph, where she was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church. God and country have always been very important to Cleta. She loved music and was an avid reader in her spare time. She served by singing in choirs, working with youth and helping with elections for many years.

Cleta was an expert seamstress and industrious entrepreneur. She managed and provided training for fabric stores over the years and then transitioned to her own business ventures. Cleta opened Fabrics Unlimited in Oswego, where she taught many people, young and old, how to sew. In her retirement phase, she started making furniture and quilts. Her quilting became another busy venture, making over 300 quilts and selling many at the Oswego farmers market. She was a beloved resident of Heritage Woods of Batavia in her last few years.

She is survived by her children, Pamela K. (Arthur) Martin of West Melbourne, Fla., Dianna L. Marsh of Champaign, Gregory H. (Kim) Marsh of Downers Grove and Teresa L. (John) Richmond of Hinckley; five grandchildren, Dwayne “JR” Wilson, Mitchell Wilson, Angela Mitter, Michael Marsh and Kenneth Marsh; 12 great-grandchildren, Kyle Mitter, Kayla Mitter, Joseph Mitter, Jenna Mitter, Jacob Wilson, Lucas Wilson, Hannah Wilson, Vincent Marsh, Sophia Marsh, Henry Wilson, June Wilson and Keian Marsh; sister, Judith (Dick) Hutson of Oregon; and sister-in-law, Lucille Nicolls of New York.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James Calvin Marsh; son, Kevin James Marsh; five sisters; and four brothers.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, 2018, at Dunn Family Funeral Home, 1801 S. Douglas Road, Oswego, IL 60543. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2018, at the funeral home. Burial will take place at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

Memorials may be sent to Church of the Good Shepherd, 5 W. Washington St., P.O. Box 695, Oswego, IL 60543. For information, call 630-554-3888 or visit dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Verne Anne Ihnen Ackerman

URBANA — Verna Anne (Ihnen) Ackerman, 84, of Urbana passed away peacefully at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, on Wednesday (Oct. 24, 2018). She was surrounded by her loving family.

Verna was born July 20, 1934, in Champaign County, daughter of Tjark and Emma (Saathoff) Ihnen.

V e r n a married Alvin H. Ackerman on Nov. 7, 1954, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She was a devoted, caring and loving wife, mother, grandmother and greatgrandmother. Her love was always present and will continue to touch the lives of her family.

She was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Venice, Fla., where she served as an usher and coffee host. She was an avid golfer, but her first love was her family.

Verna was employed at the Bank of Rantoul for over 30 years working in operations. After their retirement, she and Al moved to Venice, Fla., in 2002.

Verna was preceded in death by her son, Gary; parents; and brother, Melvin Ihnen.

Verna is survived by her husband of 63 years; two children, Rick (Annette) Ackerman of Urbana and Connie Wolken (Jeff Dore) of North Venice, Fla.; four grandchildren, Jason (Kelly) Ackerman of Edwardsville, Kelly (Kenny) Carter of St. Joseph, Brooke Wolken (Jacob Herbert) of Rantoul and Stephanie (Jason) Maier of Thomasboro; and seven great-grandchildren, Maddux, Payton, Lillian, Avery, Gunner, Emma and Jaxon.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 29, 2018, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

Champaign News-Gazette 10/26/2018

Alma Joyce Ring

Alma Joyce Ring, age 96, of Carmel, Indiana passed away peacefully on October 9, 2018. She was born in St. Joseph, Illinois on September 20, 1922 to her parents Lester and Lois (Weaver) Marlowe. She married her high school sweetheart Hershel Eugene Ring, on February 15, 1941. He preceded her in death on January 5, 1994. A sister, brother, both parents, a son-in-law and a great grandson also preceded her in death.

Alma is survived by her loving children Rebecca “Becky” Pickett, Marvin (Toni) Ring, Michael (Linda) Ring, Mary Lois (Larry) Bullington; her grandchildren Jeff (Cassy) Pickett, Greg Pickett, Brad (Allie) Pickett, Mary (Russell) Fite, Bart (Ashley) Lawrence, Charles (Cindy) Ring, Erin Ring, Megan (Luke) Crawley, Bryan (Lauren) Bullington; and fifteen precious great grandchildren.

Alma “A.J.” traveled the entire U.S.A. with Hershel and the Holiday Rambler group. Her many interests included: singing, dancing, playing the organ, cooking, sewing, gardening, reading, enjoying lake life in summer and Florida in winter. Alma’s laughter, songs and joyful spirit will be missed by all who knew her, but especially by her family. Alma’s greatest love and accomplishment was caring for her husband and children. Her love and generous spirit lives on in them.

Services will be at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 14, 2018, at Flanner Buchanan – Carmel, 325 East Carmel Drive. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m. (CST) Monday, October 15, 2018, at Mount Olive Cemetery in Urbana, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared by visiting flannerbuchanan.com.

Donna Clay

HOMER — Donna Clay, 64, of Homer passed away at 2:49 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 6, 2018).

Donna was born in Danville on March 19, 1954, the daughter of Alva M. and Mabel D. Jones.

Donna is survived by her husband, Daniel E. Clay Sr.; daughter, Tiffany L. (Jason) Clay Jeffers; brother, Chuck Jones; sisters, Doris Danner, Barb Pam and Maxine Collum; and grandchildren, Willow Jeffers and Rhiannon Jeffers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Eugene Clay Jr.; nephews, Herbie Jones and Bradley Jones; great-nephews, Aden and Skyler Heins; nieces, Phyllis Fullerton and Kristi Hendricks; great-nieces, Cheri Johnson and Lauren Davis; aunt, Ethel Demoss; uncle, Gerald Demoss; brother, Richard D. Jones; and brothers-in-law, Jeffrey A. Clay and Ron Manuel.

Donna graduated from Oakwood High School Class of 1972. She was a devoted mother and truly loved helping others. Donna was the activity director at Danville Care and Vermilion Manor before becoming the day training tech at Crosspoint Human Services, where she worked until her passing. In her spare time, she enjoyed volunteering, gardening, making jewelry and spending time with family. She will be deeply missed by everyone that had the opportunity to meet her.

A celebration of life will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Childhood Cancer Organization. Please join Donna’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Champaign News-Gazette 10/9/2018

Carol Fry Horner

OGDEN — Carol Fry Horner, 88, of Ogden passed away at 10:11 a.m. Thursday (Oct. 4, 2018) at Illini Heritage Nursing Home, Champaign.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Pastor Jerry Conner will officate. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Carol was born Feb. 12, 1930, at Waukegan, the daughter of Sheppard and Eva Copper Buffington. She married James J. Fry on Nov. 9, 1951. He preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1977. She then married Robert Horner on Oct. 10, 1980. He preceded her on Nov. 25, 1986.

She is survived by her children, Jerry Fry of Champaign, Linda (Russ) Kern of Champaign and Sharon (Donald) Johnson of Fairmount; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. Two stepchildren, Gene Horner of St. Joseph and Amanda Houser of Champaign, also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Thomas Fry; three grandchildren, Travis Fry, Jesse Kern and Jennifer Johnson; one brother; and six sisters.

Carol was a member of the Villa Grove Pentocostal Church. She retired from Collegiate Cap and Gown.

Carol was a avid reader and enjoyed family genealogy, collecting coins and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Memorials can be made to Villa Grove Pentocostal Church. 

Champaign News-Gazette 10/10/2018

Savannah J. Day

SIDNEY — Savannah J. Day, 18, of Sidney passed away at 6:40 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 3, 2018).

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, 2018, at Vineyard Church, Urbana, with the Rev. Barry West officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Ms. Day was born Nov. 17, 1999, in Urbana, a daughter to Charles and Gloria Jaggers Day.

Surviving are her father of Champaign and her mother of Sidney; two sisters, Sydney E. Day and Summer N. Day of Sidney; her maternal grandparents, Rondal and Lois Jaggers of Sidney; her boyfriend, Derek Green of Champaign; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Garry Day; and paternal grandmother and stepgrandfather, Katherine and Ed Leischner.

Savannah was a 2018 Unity High School graduate. She was multiple state champion in cross-country and track and field. She was currently running on Danville Area Community College's cross-country team. She was very outgoing, never meeting a stranger. Her smile was infectious.

Memorials may made to the Savannah Day Memorial Fund at the Longview Bank, Sidney.

Champaign News-Gazette 10/6/2018

William L. Steffey Jr.

HOMER — William L. Steffey Jr. sailed on his final voyage from his home on Sunday (Oct. 7, 2018) surrounded by his family.

He was born Dec. 25, 1930, in rural Homer, a son of William and Dorothy (Bumgart) Steffey Sr. He grew up in the rural Homer/Ogden area and was a graduate of Ogden High School.

He is survived by his wife, Laura; three daughters, Yolanda (Tom) of Chattanooga, Tenn., Lisa (Jeff) of Mahomet and Sheree (Barry) of Normal; stepson, Keith (Sandy) of Carlinville; eight grandchildren, Stephanie (Neil) of Malden, Mass., Autumn (Jeremy) of Normal, Tiffany (Josh) of Glendale, Ariz., Janelle (Greg) of Downs, Brad (Denise) of Worden, Michelle (Shaun) of Rantoul, Steve of Champaign and Michael (Stephanie) of Mahomet; 10 great-grandchildren, Emma, Bradyn, Tristan, Caleb, Kylie, Lauren, Trey, Jacob, Saoirse and Ciaran; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Billy Steffey; sister, Dea Allison; brother, Charles Steffey; and stepson, Darrel Mears.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 13, at Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., with the Kevin Little officiating. Burial will be in GAR Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Bill served in the Navy during the Korean conflict on board the USS Dashiell DD659. He spent the majority of his life in the rural Homer area, other than 11 years in Wisconsin farming. He worked at Humko in the boiler room and then Mercy Hospital, also in the boiler room, from which he retired in 1985.

He loved to travel and see the country. He and Laura visited all 48 continental United States plus Alaska, and he would stop and visit his shipmates, friends and family.

In 1982, he organized the first USS Dashiell reunion at his farm in Homer. This past June, he attended the 37th annual reunion in Harrisburg, Pa., and he was the only sailor to attend all 37 reunions held in 23 different states. Besides the love of his family, Bill felt starting the reunion was his greatest achievement. He loved spending time with his Navy buddies and reminiscing.

Bill attended the Bowman Avenue United Methodist Church for many years. He was a member of the Korean War Veterans Association and served on the Ritual Team/Color Guard for many years. At different times, he owned a pool hall and hobby shop in Homer.

He was a past member of the Homer Historical Society. Bill had a keen interest in genealogy and traced the Steffey family back to the 1600s. Bill was a jack-of-all-trades, including electrician, mechanic and logger. You name it. He could fix it.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to members of the Carle Hospice Team and Tiffany of ResCare for their excellent care to Bill.

Memorials may be made to GAR Cemetery.

Champaign News-Gazette 10/10/2018

Judy Farmer

OGDEN — Judy Farmer, 74, of Ogden passed away at 12:03 a.m. Monday (Oct. 1, 2018) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday.

Judy was born Sept. 21, 1944, in Champaign, the daughter of James E. Velma (Braun) Nale. She married Loren Farmer on April 27, 1963. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, David (Heather) Farmer of Baltimore, Md., Julie (Andy) Hickey of Atlanta, Ga., Gary (RaDonna) Farmer of Murfreesboro, Tenn. and Brian (Penny) Farmer of Church Hill, Va.; 11 grandchildren, Tyler (Larna), Kalib, Andrew, Devin, Sarah, Alex, Gabriel, Trevor, Kendra, Levi and Jackie; three sisters, Elaine (John) Marett of Urbana, Nancy (Bruce) Paxton of Springfield and Peggy (Gregg) Deffley of Falls Church, N.J.; four brothers, Jim (Barb) Nale of San Marcos, Calif., Terry (Denise) Nale of Virginia Beach, Va., David Nale of San Diego and Richard Nale of Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Cele.

Judy’s passion was gardening and cross-stitching. She volunteered for the soup kitchen and library. She worked at Provena Covenant for 30 years in the physical therapy department. She was a longtime member of Church of Christ. Judy was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and aunt and most enjoyed spending time with her family.

Memorials may be made to the Ogden Food Pantry or the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen.

Champaign News-Gazette 10/3/2018