Irene E. Lofton

SAVOY — Irene E. Lofton was born Feb. 2, 1930, in rural Sidney. Irene began her heavenly life at 5:06 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2019) at Northwestern University Hospital. She was a daughter of Edgar E. Schwartz and Flora (Block) Schwartz. She was married to Clay Lofton at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ on July 16, 1949.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Freese Funeral Home, 202 W. Main St., Sidney, with the funeral at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the funeral home. Burial will be immediately following at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney.

She is survived by her loving husband of more than 70 years, Clay; daughters, Sharon (Marty) Conatser of Champaign and Pam (Harl “Butch”) Ray of Springfield. She also leaves five grandchildren whom she loved very much, Rick Malloch, Bryan (Erica) Malloch, Sara (Jonathan) Helmus, Ami (CJ) Stephens and Richard (Patsy) Conatser. Irene’s seven great-grandchildren will always remember her smile and hugs, which were a must! She is also survived by many Schwartz, Lofton and Block family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and one sister.

Irene was born and raised in rural Sidney.

She graduated from business school at Illinois C o m m e rcial College and worked at the University of Illinois as manager of Steno services for more than 25 years.

Irene was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and a paid-up-for-life member for more than 67 years serving as department (state) president in 1983-84 and as National Central Division vice president 1989-90. Irene was always there to help anyone she could, and she was loved by anyone that ever met her. Her family and her country were always the main focus of her life.

The family would like to thank the physicians and staff of Northwestern University Cardiovascular Department for their care and support. Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Pham were talented and caring. The nurses were helpful and supportive throughout our time working with them. We also wish to thank the staff and friends at the Villas of Hollybrook in Savoy, where they currently reside. Their love and support mean the world to Clay aLOFTON

Delbert W. Ihnen

PENFIELD — Delbert W. Ihnen, 56, of Penfield passed away at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday (Oct. 23, 2019) at his home.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann, the Rev. Mark Wilkerson and Vicar Ryan officiating. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

 Visitation will be two hours before the service, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville.

Delbert was born May 24, 1963, in Champaign, the son of Dennis and Betty Buhr Ihnen.

He is survived by his mother, Betty of Rantoul; daughter, Savannah Ihnen of Fisher; two brothers, David Ihnen of Lizton, Ind., and Dale Ihnen of Penfield; his favorite sister, Carleen (Tony) Lantis of Gifford; godparents, Wilbert and Marie Buhr of Gifford; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis; and grandparents, Charlie and Seana Buhr and Anton and Charlotte Ihnen.

Delbert graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1981 and from ITT Tech with high honors. He was a commercial copier sales representative throughout Illinois and Indiana.

He was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, president of the Hardley Riders Club and the proud owner of Delbert’s Uniquely Functional Animal Farm. He enjoyed hosting cookouts for the RTHS football team and was their number one fan. His greatest joy was attending his daughter’s sporting events and hanging out with his nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be offered online at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Jimmy Lee Maddock

ST. JOSEPH — James “Jimmy Lee” Maddock, 73, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:35 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 22, 2019) at home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, 2019, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph. Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Burial will be in Friends Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. today (Thursday) at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Jimmy Lee was born July 31, 1946, in Urbana, the son of Orval and Lena (Miller) Maddock. He married Peggy Williams on Nov. 13, 1965, in Champaign. She preceded him in death Dec. 22, 2010.

He is survived by his children, Julie (Mark) Rahn of St. Joseph and Kim (Brian) Conner of Denver; grandchildren, Jordyn Bialeschki, Jake Rahn and Keegan and Ryleigh Conner; great-granddaughter, Tinleigh Bialeschki; brother, Steve (Carol) Maddock of St. Joseph; and several cousins and friends whom he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in the Vietnam War. Jimmy worked at Kraft for 40 years. He also farmed in the St. Joseph area. Jimmy enjoyed watching Illini sports and, most of all, spending time with family and friends. He had lived in Denver from 2007 to 2017 and enjoyed spending time with friends at the Parkway while there.

Jimmy Lee had a smile that could light up a room. He was best known for his contagious laugh, fun-loving, outgoing personality and love for life. The family is requesting you wear your favorite Illini wear to the visitation.

Memorials may be made to the Post 5520 Honor Guard.

Esther Gesina Freida Loeschen

GIFFORD — Esther Gesina Freida Loeschen passed away at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 8, 2019) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

She was born May 23, 1928, at Burnham City Hospital to Fred and Grace Gerdes Loeschen. Esther married Wilbert Osterbur on Nov. 11, 1952, in Flatville. He preceded her in death Dec. 28, 1999.

Wilbert and Esther farmed and also worked at Ogden High School and St. Joseph-Ogden High School.

Later, she did house cleaning in Champaign. She taught Sunday school at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville and later at St. John Lutheran in Royal, as well as teaching vacation Bible school. While working at Ogden High School, she received her GED by taking classes at Champaign Central.

Esther was a leader in her community. She cared deeply for her family and friends and had a servant’s heart in caring for others. Esther’s confirmation verse was Psalms 37:5, “Commit thy way unto the Lord. Trust also in him and he shall bring it to pass.” She lived her faith and was committed to Christ in every breath.

She is survived by two children, Tyrone (Laurie) Osterbur of Weldon and Tiana (Charlie) Montgomery of Monticello. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Pastor Taryn Montgomery (Christoph) of Center City, Minn., Matthew (Rachel) Osterbur of Clinton, Teresa (Jim) Kleiss of Pesotum and Trena Montgomery of Minneapolis. She also leaves eight great-grandchildren, Magdalene, Rhoda and Peter Schmidt of Center City, Minn.; Lucy, Cecilia, Anastasia, John and Agnes Kleiss of Pesotum; and Kylee Osterbur of Clinton.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Wilbert, in December 1999; three brothers, Harm, Henry and William; and twin sons on May 27, 1957.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2019, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal.

Pastor Jay Johnson and Pastor Taryn Montgomery will be officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, St. John Lutheran Cemetery or Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

CU News-Gazette 10/10/19

Patricia L. Summers

ST. JOSEPH — Patricia L. Summers, 89, of St. Joseph died at 6 p.m. Monday (Sept. 30, 2019) at home.

Private family services will be held at a later date. Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia was born July 30, 1930, in Baton Rouge, La., the daughter of George and Louise Locke Reuss.

She married Warren Summers in 1950 in Champaign; he died Dec. 14, 2008.

Survivors include one son, Gregory Summers of St. Joseph; one daughter, Amy Summers of St. Joseph; and three grandchildren, Kammie, Kassie and Karrie.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Alice Foster.

Patricia was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Champaign. She also belonged to P.E.O.; in her younger years, she was an avid golfer and raised horses.

Memorial contributions maybe made to First Presbyterian Church.

Condolences may be offered online at www. morganmemorialhome. com.

Dr. Tamara Thabes Mitchell

IDNEY — Dr. Tamara Thabes Mitchell passed away at home in Sidney on Saturday (Sept. 28, 2019).

She was born May 2, 1943, and was predeceased by her husband, Dr. George Mitchell, in August 2016. They were married for 52 years. Dr. Thabes Mitchell was a physician and administrator at Carle Clinic and hospital for 36 years, from 1967 until her retirement in 2003. She was also an accomplished artist and horse owner and rider. Private arrangements are pending.

Doris Jeanne Kirkpatrick Lain

URBANA — Doris Jeanne Kirkpatrick Lain was born in St. Joseph Township, Champaign County, a daughter of Edith Josephine and Lysle Albert Kirkpatrick. She went to school in Sidney, and attended the University of Illinois, graduating from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She married Garrie Lee Lain in December 1949. He died in February 1967 after a sudden illness. Doris passed away on Sept. 18, 2019, in Urbana at the age of 92. She will be interred in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign, next to Garrie.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Ilene; and brother, Glenn. She is survived by her nephew, Aaron Booher; nieces, Pam McCall and Cindy Kuykendall Rott; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Arizona who loved her very much.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6, at the home of her dear friend, Atron Regen. All friends and family are welcome.

Doris began her career as an accountant for the University of Illinois, ultimately founding her own business, Lain Accounting Services. One of her clients confessed

that Doris had done his taxes for 46 years. She had a keen sense of detail and was a longtime member of Independent Accountants Association of Illinois. She retired in 2018 at the age of 91.

Doris was a 50-year member of General Federation of Women’s Clubs, a 40-year member of Illinois Federation of Women’s Clubs, and a volunteer at the Danville VA. She was active in her sorority. She participated on every committee and held every office imaginable in the organizations she joined. She was a tireless and dependable member.

Doris was a faithful correspondent and a fiercely loyal friend. She gave quiet support and sound advice to those around her. Her calm, grace and dignity will be greatly missed.

Condolences may be offered online at www. owensfuneralhomes. com.

News-Gazette 10/1/2019

Gregory Neal Barkley

ALLERTON — Gregory Neal Barkley, 47, of Allerton passed away at 12:53 a.m. Monday (Sept. 30, 2019) at the Illini Hertitage Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Champaign.

F u n e r al services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019, at the Allerton Methodist Church with the Rev. Clyde Snyder officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Joines Funeral Home, 401 W. Gillogly St., Newman.

Gregory was born Dec. 30, 1971, in Danville, the son of Melvin and Sharon Church Barkley. He married Michelle Stigers in 2014. She survives.

Also surviving are his mother, Sharon Barkley of Allerton; one daughter, Madelynn Marie at home; one brother, Steven (Stacey) Barkley of Longview; and nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Joe and Eileen Church.

He worked at Durst Cycles for almost 20 years. He loved to fish and be outdoors. He was a cycling and fitness enthusiast and was an avid Chicago Cubs baseball fan.

Gregory loved spending time with his family and especially doted on his daughter, Madelynn.

Memorials may be made at the Longview Bank to a fund for his daughter or to the donor’s choice.

CU News-Gazette 10/1/2019

Jacqueline Mumm Hawk

FISHER — Jacqueline Hawk, 73, of Urbana went to be home with her Lord on Friday (Sept. 27, 2019) in Fisher.

Jacqueline was born April 21, 1946, in Urbana, the daughter of Russell and Lillie Mae Mumm.

Jackie had a deep love for the Lord. She enjoyed listening to gospel music and watching Pastor Charles Stanley. She loved animals, working in her yard and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Nita (Dwayne) Carter of Tulsa, Okla., Tad Kingsley of Carlisle, Pa., Susie (David) Burgess of Fisher and Alisia Sigrist of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Heather Carter, Tyler Kingsley, Alton McCormick and Brayden Long; and siblings, Steve Mumm, Connie Mumm and Jim Mumm.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and spouses, Ronald “Toad” Kingsley and Ronald Hawk.

A celebration of Jackie’s life will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Champaign, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign. A service will follow at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Gibson City Bible Church, 309 Illinois 47, Gibson City.

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

CU News-Gazette 10/1/2019