Jeannine W. Corlas

ST. JOSEPH — Jeannine W. Corlas, 53, of St. Joseph left this world to fly with the angels Friday (April 26, 2019). She passed quietly at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

The family wants to thank the many friends who visited “Nene” during her illness.

Nene was born Dec. 19, 1965, in Springfield, to Richard and Louise (Born) Wilkinson. Nene grew up on the outskirts of Springfield, attending City Day, Ball Chatham and Sacred Heart schools.

She later graduated from Lincoln Land Community College and Millikin University in Decatur.

Patrick Corlas and Nene were married on Jun. 6, 1992.

She gave birth to their only child, Mitchell, in 1994.

She was employed by Mercy Hospital and later by Urbana Middle School.

For 10 years, she was a co-owner/operator of Pink Poodle, a popular gift shop and party spot for young girls.

Nene was employed by the University of Illinois at the time of her passing.

She was proceded in her passing by her father, Richard Wilkinson, in 2017, and grandparents,

Fred and Agnes Wilkinson and Albert and Ruchiel Born.

Nene is survived by her husband, Pat; son, Mitch; sister, Melinda Kraus (Joe); nephew, Justin Kraus; stepmother, Nancy Wilkinson; and mother, Louise Wilkinson.

Nene enjoyed scrapbooking and crafting with friends.

She loved her time with her Sunday school and Bible classes and was a devoted Christian who loved Jesus Christ.

A passionate traveler, Nene loved going to the beach and collecting shells.

She loved her family and her pets, Gus and Lola.

Visitation will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday, April 29, 2019, at St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph. The Rev. Brian Patterson will officiate the funeral service at 6 p.m. at the church after the visitation.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to Carle Cancer Center in Urbana.

CU News-Gazette 4/28/2019

Annie Lee (Kemp) Jessup

Annie Lee (Kemp) Jessup passed away on Good Friday, April 19, 2019, at the Waterford at Bridle Brook in Mahomet after a lifetime of service to her family and friends. 

She was born September 22, 1925, in Ada, OK, a daughter of Joel Leamon Kemp and Annie Laurie (Aldrich) Kemp.  Her parents were Native American, including the blood of both the Chickasaw and Choctaw Indian tribes, members of the Five Civilized Tribes.  She was a direct descendant of ancestors who made the historic Trail of Tears across the southern United States in the mid-19th century. 

Annie spent her formative years in Texas and Oklahoma.  She married Bobby Gene (Robert G.) Jessup January 1, 1946, in Harris County, Texas.  Bobby Gene brought his bride back to his home in central Illinois after completing his service in the United States Air Force.  She spent most of those years living in St. Joseph. 

She survived the losses of her husband, Robert G. Jessup, on February 14, 1975, as well as their two sons:  Robert G. Jessup II (November 19, 1968) and Leamon Kemp Jessup (August 20, 2017).  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Sue Fathree, George Kemp, and Harry Kemp. 

                                    

Annie was a crafter, crocheting many gifts, sewing quilts for her family, dabbling in folk art painting and x-stitching her way through life.  She shared her talents with the St. Joseph United Methodist Women for their annual bazaar for many years, as well as making gifts for her “girls” at the State Universities Retirement System.  She was a fantastic cook and her family has tried to duplicate her smothered steak recipe for eons.  The joy of cooking one of Annie’s favorite dishes was that she was happy to share the recipes and always wanted people to succeed at taking over as the cook.

She retired from the State Universities Retirement System and also served as the St. Joseph Village Clerk.  She was a member of the Chickasaw Indian Nation and the St. Joseph United Methodist Church. 

She is best described as the salt of the earth and loved her family beyond measure.  She would say, “Bless your heart” and truly mean it.  Annie is survived by her grandchildren: Jeremy (Nichole) Jessup and Joshua Jessup, both of Mahomet, Joel (Katie) Jessup of Seymour, and Annie (Tyler) Anglin of San Diego, CA.  She is also survived by seven great-grandchildren, Erin, Ainsley, Jack, Addie, Liam, Jameson, and Emmalyn. 

A Celebration of Life service for Annie will be Saturday, May 4, at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 205 N. Third Street, St. Joseph, the Reverend Gene Turner officiating.  Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a funeral to follow at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. 

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

Source:  Owens Funeral Homer 4/25/2019

Lucille Evelyn Ideus Osterbur

GIFFORD — Lucille Evelyn Osterbur, 85, of Royal passed away at 4:22 a.m. Wednesday (April 17, 2019) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Family services have been held.

Lucille was born Sept. 5, 1933, in Flatville, the daughter of George and Anna Albers Ideus. She married Frank R. Osterbur on June 22, 1951, in Rantoul. He preceded her in death April 23, 2012.

She is survived by her children, Connie (Chuck) Schwartz of Champaign, James Frank Osterbur of St. Joseph and Suzanne (Dwain) Yana of Thawville; grandchildren, Brandiss Poyner Wills, Derek Poyner and Nicole Yana; great-grandchildren, Cole, Gage and Morgan Poyner; and siblings, Janice Loschen of Royal, Donald (Jean) Ideus of Kalamazoo, Mich., Larry Ideus of Rankin and Allen Ideus of Flatville.

She was preceded in death by her parents, spouse and one grandchild.

Lucille was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/22/2019

Ben Ronnie Jeffords

SPOKANE, Wash. — Ben Ronnie Jeffords, 84, of Nine Mile Falls, Wash., formerly of Royal, died April 12, 2019, in Spokane, Wash.

He was born Aug. 21, 1934, in Brookport, the son of Jewell Jeffords Fonner and stepfather, Fred Jeffords. He married Helen G. Osterbur on Dec. 30, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Ronnie graduated from Ogden High School, Ogden,attended the University of Illinois and later earned two associate degrees from Spokane CommunityCollege. He served 30 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 1981. He then worked for 26 years for

the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a consumer safety inspector.

He was a faithful member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Spokane and also a member of the Fleet Reserve Association. He enjoyed photography, boating, Gonzaga basketball, playing harmonica and family history.

He was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife, Helen; his sons, James R. (Tami) Jeffords of Clarkston, Wash., and Steven R. (Lisa) Jeffords of Spokane. Also surviving are grandson, Tyler D. (Fumie) Jeffords; step grandson, Nicholas (Lilly) Arnot; two step granddaughters, Tayler Parkin and Kayla (Tyler) Cromwell; great grandchildren,

Vincent and Sara; and step-great grandchildren, Case, Ryder, Ember, Cooper and Eli. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Brian D. Jeffords.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 19, 2019, at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. April 20 at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4202 N. Belt, Spokane. Memorials may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church, 4202 N. Belt, Spokane, WA 99205, officemessiah.comcastbiz. net.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/19/2019

Carol E Moore Fiock

CHAMPAIGN — Carol E. Fiock, 95, of Champaign died at 1:47 a.m. Tuesday (April 16, 2019) at Amber Glen, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, 2019, at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, with the Rev. Kris Light officiating. Entombment will be in Mount Hope Mausoleum, Champaign. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home.

Carol was born July 7, 1923, in Urbana, the daughter of Rueben and Elizabeth H. Claytor Moore. She married A. Conn Fiock on April 1, 1945, in Champaign; he died Oct. 31, 1998.

Survivors include two daughters, Connie D. (Mike) Wilson of Urbana and Judith E. Kelley of Champaign; four grandchildren, Sean Treat, Ryan (Melissa) Wilson, Heather (Chris) Dukeman and Cory (Tanya) Wilson; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Rueben “Jack” Moore, and a son-in-law, Gordy Wilson.

Carol worked for J.M. Christie, Unit 4 School District and the Illinois Geological Survey. She was a member of University Place Christian Church, Champaign. Carol was an avid bridge player, a volunteer for Provena Covenant Auxiliary and a Red Hat lady.

She dearly loved her children and grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank her caregiver, Candice Williams, and staff at Amber Glen Memory Care for taking special care of our mom.

Memorial contributions may be made to University Place Christian Church. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome. com.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/17/2019

Robert “Bobby” E. Divan

ST. JOSEPH — Robert “Bobby” E. Divan, 50, passed away at home Sunday (April 14, 2019).

Bobby was born Aug. 20, 1968, the son of Robert S. Divan and Gail L. Martin-Divan. He attended Flatville Grade School and South Vigo High School In Terre Haute, Ind. He formerly worked for Mike’s Garage and Towing for 20 years and most recently worked at AJ’s Station as the head mechanic.

Bobby enjoyed being with family and friends, walking his dog Bernie Mac, listening to music, going to the demos and camping, fishing, collecting items for his house and riding motorcycles and three- or four-wheelers.

He was very proud of his family and his name. He was caring and nurturing. He would do anything he could to help anyone out.

He is survived by his mother and stepfather,

Gail and Kem Curits of LaGrange, Ind.; stepmother, Robin Divan of Urbana; girlfriend, Laurie Ferguson of Farmer City; sisters, Kimberly Divan-Abel of New Braunfels, Texas, Tera and Chris Swisher of Sidney and Samantha Oesch of Fort Wayne, Ind.; brothers, Jesse and Sheila Divan of Urbana and Joshua Divan of Urbana; children, Karen and Freddy Davis of Griffin, Ga., Jamie and Joey Moore of Barnesville, Ga., Alexandra Divan and Joseph Ragle Jr. of St.Joseph, Robert Divan and Amy Gibbons of Champaign, Hailey Huskey of Waggnor and Denver Huskey of Sidney; grandchildren, Michael, Herman, Brayln, Dillon, Lucas, Calvin, Aubree, Zaiden and Lylah; and nieces and nephews, Amber and Tommie Gonzales, Leslie Shaffer, Jesse Divan, Shawnna Utley, Nicole Divan, Dagen Gonzales, Joshua Swisher, Tommie Gonzales, Taniya Colon, Rayden Vasquze, Jayden Divan, Zayliehn Mancias, Kysleigh Cavos, David Leiding, Brayden Swisher,

Koby Divan, Kayla Divan and Kallie Mae Divan.

He was proceeded in death by his paternal grandparents, Clarence and Callie Mae Divan of Danville; maternal grandparents, Chuck and Pat Martin of Chino Valley, Ariz.; father, Robert S. Divan of Flatville; and brother-in-law, William P. Abel, husband of Kimberly Divan Abel of New Braunfels, Texas.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 19, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 20, 2019, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Stearns-Fithian Cemetery.

Memorials may be made out to the family to help with funeral expenses.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/17/2019

Wayne “Red” Branson

SIDNEY— Wayne “Red” Branson, 77, of Sidney passed away at 2:30 p.m. Sunday (April 14, 2019) at Newman Rehab, Newman.

Funeral services will be 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, with the Rev. Barry West officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at a later date.

Mr. Branson was born Dec. 4, 1941, in UrbanaTownship, a son to Donald and Ruth Pheris Branson. He married Judith Williams on June 24, 1961; she preceded him in death on Dec. 26, 2014.

Surviving are four children, Daniel (Kathy) Branson of St. Joseph, Donald (Kelley) Branson of Champaign, Douglas (Carrie) Branson of Springfield and Teri (Mike) Brann of Sidney; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Donald “Butch” Branson and Roger Branson.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Tami Spilman, and his parents.

He retired from Carpenters Local 703 and Champaign County Highway Department.

He was very involved in racing. He worked on or raced Midgets, Sprint Cars and Champ Cars. He was fortunate enough to be able to race the same car his dad had raced.

After becoming a grandpa, his focus changed to the grandchildren, attending their sporting events and their other activities. He enjoyed Unity and Illinois sports. He was a member of Sidney Volunteer Fire Department for many years.

Memorials may be made to Unity Bass Fishing Team.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/16/2019

Ruth L. Hartman Williams

ST. JOSEPH — Ruth L. Williams, 96, died Wednesday (April 10, 2019).

Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, is in charge of graveside services at 2 p.m. Monday, April 15, 2019, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with David Barcus officiating.

Ruth was born west of St. Joseph on Aug. 11, 1922, the daughter of William “Bill” Hartman and Ollie Denhart Hartman. She married Murray Williams onAug. 28, 1942. He preceded her death on June 30, 1980.

She is survived by a daughter, Margaret “Kay”Charles (Ron) of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Angela Mumm of Cape Coral, Fla., Vicki Sparks (Larry) of St. Joseph, Bob Mumm of Cape Coral, Fla., Jodi Williams of Nashville, Tenn., and Melissa Williams, of Albuquerque, N.M.; and four great-grandchildren, Kayla Sparks and Brandon Sparks of St. Joseph and Grace Vilar and Michael Vilar of Albuquerque, N. M.

Ruth was preceded in death by her son, Bill Williams; two brothers, Ernie Hartman and Bill Hartman; and a sister, Helen Lowe.

She attended Illinois Commercial College. Her first job was with Sullivan Chevrolet in Champaign. From there, she worked at Collegiate Cap and Gown; after that, she worked at the restaurant in St. Joseph before going to work at the St. Joseph High School, where she worked for 32 years.

She loved country music and dancing. At a young age, she played the accordion. She sang with the Sweet Adelines. She loved her little dog, Muffin.

Ruth enjoyed her family and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/12/2019

Phillip R. Hudson

LEO, Ind. — Phillip R. Hudson, 78, died Sunday (April 7, 2019) at Auburn Village, Auburn, Ind.

He was born Nov. 16, 1940, in Urbana, to the late Otis A. and Floris (Gillespie) Hudson. He married Carolyn Means on May 16, 1987, at Hopewell United Brethren Church. She survives.

Also surviving are a daughter, Tammy (Rod) Hoskins of New Haven, Ind.; stepchildren, Randy Shaffer, Ricky (Katelyn) Shaffer and Robin Landsford, all of California; a grandson, Jason Southern of Denver; a stepgranddaughter, Whitnie Bosch of Las Vegas; and sisters, Patricia West of Effingham, Phyllis Shelmadine of Champaign and Pam (Darren) Franzen of Urbana.

He was preceded in death by a son, Tony Hudson.

Phil worked as a mechanical engineer at Magnavox for approximately 40 years before retiring. He was a member of Hopewell United Brethren Church and Auburn Moose. He loved to fish, hunt and watch NASCAR racing. He enjoyed woodworking, sudoku puzzles and spending time with family.

Calling will be held Thursday, April 11, 2019, from 2 to 4 p.m. EST at Hopewell United Brethren Church, 6852 County Road 35, Auburn, Ind. Services will be held immediately following at 4 p.m. at the church. Pastor Jeff Lawson will officiate. Graveside services will take place at 11:30 a.m. CST Saturday, April 13, 2019, at Friends-Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph.

Memorials may be made to Hopewell United Brethren Church Building Fund.

Arrangements by Carnahan-Baidinger & Walter Funeral Home, Spencerville, Ind. To view an online obituary and sign the guest book, please visit cbwfuneralhome.com.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/10/2019

Debra Jill Busboom Schaal

MUNCIE, Ind. — Debra Jill Schaal, 68, passed away on Friday, March 1, 2019, at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Ind.

Born Nov. 13, 1950, in Urbana, the daughter of Glen and Billie Joyce Busboom, Debra grew up in Royal, was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal and graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in languages, from Ball State University with a master’s degree in education and later pursued a doctorate in education. She was a lifetime committed Fighting Illini and Chief Illiniwek fan.

As a farm girl, Debra experienced the richness of the prairie, with family and farming, and developed a profound appreciation by seeing God’s hand in the events of her life. Her faith in Christ from early on grew throughout her life. As a young girl in the 4-H show ring, Debra developed a confidence which served her throughout her career. Throughout her adult life, Debra was committed to assisting those less fortunate with educational opportunities.

She was a longtime committed member of Avondale United Methodist Church, where she served as organist and choir director for many years. She served as the organist/ pianist at many weddings and funerals. Her words of encouragement were as rich as the music she played, and her smile could not be beat.

Debra is survived by her husband, Ed Wade; mother, Billie Joyce Busboom; brother, Jan Busboom; and nieces, Hannah Nelson, Abigail Anderson and Rebekah Croom; as well as her great-nephews and great-niece, Garrity and Tennison Anderson and Lachlan Croom.

Debra was preceded in death by her beloved father, Glen Busboom.

Debra was committed to her family and extended family and was the glue that kept them all connected. Debra also loved her four kitties. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, kitties and all who knew her.

Memorial services to celebrate her life are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, April 13, at Avondale United Methodist Church, 1314 W. 10th St., Muncie, Ind., and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Doors will open one hour before the services, and a reception will follow each service.

Memorials may be directed to Avondale United Methodist Church, 1314 W. 10th St., Muncie, IN 47302, or St. John Lutheran Church, 203 Church St., Royal, IL 61871.

Champaign News-Gazette 4/10/19

Marsha Lynn Hetman

ST. JOSEPH — Marsha Lynn Hetman, 67, of St. Joseph, formerly of Mahomet, passed away Monday (April 1, 2019) with her youngest son by her side.

She was born to the late Claude and Dorothy (Marvel) Adkins on Sept. 29, 1951, in Pontiac. She led what she felt was a “normal” life, somehow raising two sons on her own after an unsuccessful first marriage. Then she met and married Peter Hetman Jr. on April 1, 1983. They raised the boys in Mahomet and relocated to St. Joseph to downsize after the kids left the house.

After more than 33 years of marriage, Peter preceded her in death on March 5, 2017, yet managed to reach out to her and reunite on their anniversary to guide her to the other side. She passed peacefully in her sleep after suffering several debilitating strokes.

Marsha is survived by her son, David Jones (Phoenix); brothers, Dan (Roscoe City) and Larry (Pontiac); niece, Sheri (Oshkosh, Wis.); and nephew, Jeff (Monroe Center). Her oldest son, Michael Ray Jones, preceded her in death on Oct. 27, 2003, in Ironton, Ohio.

No viewing or visitation will be held locally, but friends are encouraged to reach out to one another and come together in a celebration of life on her behalf. Her remains will be transported to southern Illinois, where she will be surrounded by family and interred with her father (she was always daddy’s girl) on their family plot.

Condolences may be offered at owensfuneralhomes. com.

Ronald Eugene Bange

SAVOY — Ronald Eugene Bange, 79, passed away Thursday (April 4, 2019) at Palm Terrace of Mattoon.

He was born June 19, 1939, in Champaign, to Alfred and Ura (McElwee) Bange. Ron married LaDonna Ann Griswell on Aug. 7, 1960, in Homer.

Ron is survived by his wife; children, Greg (Diane) Bange and Kathy (Chris Hodge) Fogerson; grandchildren, Jordan (Joel), Brett and Austin; great-grandchildren, Kaiden and Ember; honorary family, Tracie (Mike) Harp, Ian, Marra and Logann; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, one brother and many special pets over the years. Ron was an outdoorsman; he loved nature, fishing and camping. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. Ron was loved by many, and he never knew a stranger. He had many stories and jokes to tell, some true and some untrue.

Ron was a leader in his community of Homer and was active in school and civic events. Ron grew up as a farmer and was a farmer at heart. He was a member of Homer Church of Christ.

A celebration of life service will be at 3 p.m.Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. Visitation will be held prior from 1 to 3 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial donations may be made to Ron’s family and will be used to provide items in his memory to the several care facilities that served him during his life. Please join his family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

CU News-Gazette 4/5/2019

Lawrence Anthony Smith

CHAMPAIGN — Lawrence Anthony Smith Jr., 82, of Champaign passed away at home Sunday morning (March 31, 2019).

He was the cherished husband of Pastor Donna (Hacker) Smith for 31 years. He is survived by her, as well as his children: Lawrence III (Jackie) of Spokane, Wash.; Amy Smith of Pardeeville, Wis.; Ann (William) Petersen of Crossville, Tenn.; Andrew (Lisa) Smith of Winnebago; Sean (Laurel) Smith of Priest Lake, Idaho; Alicia (Kent) Downs of Edwardsville; and Margaret (Chris) Bausman of Winnebago. He is fondly remembered by his nieces, Cindy (Ted) Neumann and Jenny Hacker. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews and many dear friends and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard K. Smith Sr. of Savanna.

Lawrence was born in Rockford on Sept. 25, 1936, the son of Lawrence Smith Sr. and Alyce (Johnston) Smith. He was raised in Savanna and graduated from Savanna High School in 1954. He went on to earn a degree in commerce from the University of Illinois in 1958 and his juris doctor degree from the University of Illinois Law School in 1961. At the U of I, he played violin in the Symphony Orchestra and clarinet during a stint with the Marching Illini, endeavors in which he took great pride.

After graduation, he entered into practice at Smith Law Firm with his father and brother in Savanna until he was appointed an associate judge in Stephenson County in 1976. He was later elected a circuit judge

in the 15th Judicial Circuit, where he served until his retirement in 1996. In 2002, he and Donna moved to Champaign, where she served at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and he delighted in Illini sports and cultural life.

Professionally, Lawrence was a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and the American Bar Association, serving on many committees and bringing his unique experience and perspective to gatherings. He served on the American Bar’s International Legal Exchange and participated in study trips to South America and the (then) Soviet Union. He served on the Interdisciplinary Cooperation Committee of the Illinois State Bar Association and the Judicial Ethics Committee of the ABA. Among his accomplishments was a certificate in judicial studies from the National Judicial College and the completion of a study of the judiciary at Oxford University, England. In his devotion to his calling and his participation in study opportunities and professional meetings, Lawrence aspired to serve with integrity, humanity and fairness as a lawyer and a judge.

Larry was similarly devoted to his Christian faith and was raised in the Presb yterian Church, laterbecoming a Lutheran. He served in any number of capacities as a lay leader in the church, including service on the Board of Directors of Lutheran Social Services of Illinois and the President’s Cabinet of the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg. He was more than a “sidekick” in his wife’s church activities and involvements and was warmly welcomed andappreciated by her colleagues and fellow church members. He was most recently a

member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, where Donna recently has served as interim pastor.

Above all else, Lawrence was devoted to his wife and family and took tremendous pride in the accomplishments of his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He treasured time with family and friends.

In retirement, Larry’s passions were travel, reading and music. Those who knew him — whether as acquaintances or intimately, enjoyed his kindness, wisdom and humor.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Lawrence suggested memorials be directed to the North American Lutheran Seminary, 311 11th St., Ambridge, PA 15003, or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, St. Joseph.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Services will follow at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. James Lehmann presiding. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Roselawn Cemetery, Champaign.

Condolences may be shared at morganmemorialhome. com.

CU News-Gazette 4/2/2019

Robert B. Siuts

LONGVIEW — Robert B. Siuts, 87, of Longview passed away at 6:55 p.m. Sunday (March 31, 2019) at Champaign County Nursing Home, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 5, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Pastor John Sharp will officiate. Burial will be in Beckman Cemetery, Thomasboro, following the luncheon at the church. Visitation will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the church. Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, is in charge of arrangements.

Robert was born March 25, 1932, in Urbana, the

son of Richard and Grace Wilken Siuts. He married Wanda Eiskamp on Dec. 5, 1954, in Thomasboro. She survives.

He is also survived by his sons, Alan (Tonia) Siuts of Tolono and Kevin (Karen Massey) Siuts of Tolono; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; one sister, Florence Frerichs of Armstrong; one brother, Lorenz (Janice) Siuts of Urbana; and son-in-law, Rolane Renfrow of Broadlands.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynette Renfrow; parents; and brother-in-law, Mervin Frerichs.

Robert was a lifelong farmer. He was a U.S.

Army veteran from 19521954, serving in Korea. He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands. Robert enjoyed attending auctions and traveling, but most of all spending time with his family.

Memorials maybe made to the Beckman Cemetery Care Fund or Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

CU News-Gazette 4/2/2019

Jerry A. Reeves

OGDEN — Jerry A. Reeves, 84, of Ogden passed away at 3:40 p.m. Saturday (March 30, 2019) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 17, 2019, at Danville National Cemetery, Danville, will full military honors. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry was born Nov. 19, 1934, in Posseyville, Ind., the son of Clarence L. and Wyetta Rainy Reeves.

He married Linda Sunday in January 1960. She passed away in 1991.

He is survived by three children, Glynis (Jim) Rosnett of St. Joseph, Sarah (Steve) Newby of Sun Prairie, Wis., and David (Kirstin) Reeves of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; one brother; and two daughters, Dilys and Rebecca.

Jerry was a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force,serving as an MP. He retired while at Chanute Air

Force Base. He also worked 23 years for the State of Illinois Bureau of Investigations. He enjoyed reading, working in his yard and feeding and watching birds.

Memorials may be made to the Disabled Veterans of America.

CU News-Gazette 4/2/2019

Loren Ricardo Ohmit

PHOENIX — Loren Ricardo Ohmit was born at Burnham City Hospital, Champaign, on May 6, 1969. He accompanied his parents, Ricardo “Rick” L. and Mary S.A. Pontius Ohmit, home to St. Joseph. There he attended St. Joseph Grade School and enjoyed Bible school in the summers, where he accepted Jesus as his Savior.

He moved to Urbana. As a young man, he deliveredThe News-Gazette in St. Joseph and later in Urbana.

For many years, he worked with and for his parents at Tri Color Signs.

In 2004, he moved to Phoenix, where he met and married Annalita Cason.

He passed away at Banner Estella Medical Center on March 18, 2019, with his family by his side. As per his wishes, no memorial service will be held. East Lake Mortuary, Phoenix, was in charge of cremation.

CU News-Gazette 4/2/2019

Virginia N. Miles

ST. JOSEPH — Virginia N. Miles, 86, of St. Joseph, formerly of Collison, passed away at 1:26 p.m. Monday (April 1, 2019) at home.

Virginia was born June 11, 1932, in Danville, to Charles Montelle and Mary Frances Kilbourne Saltsgaver. She married Robert A. Miles on Aug. 9, 1958, in Danville. He preceded her in death Sept. 17, 1998.

Also surviving are one son, Bob Miles of Collison; one daughter, Maureen (Mark) Fourez of Danville; and three grandchildren, Kevin Miles, Garrett (Rachel Storm) Fourez and Abby (Kyle) Hawkins.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Vern, and one daughter-in-law.

Virginia was a member of the I&I Antique Tractor club. She enjoyed sewing and gardening and was an accomplished seamstress. She worked alongside Robert on the farm for many years.

Funeral services will be at noon Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at Robison Chapel, Catlin, with Pastor Patti Wise officiating. Burial will be in Lower Mound Cemetery, Covington, Ind. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Robison Chapel, Catlin.  Memorials to Carle Hospice. Online condolences at robisonchapel.com.

CU News-Gazette 4/2/2019