Ambrocio "Frank" Rodriguez

SIDNEY — Ambrocio "Frank" Rodriguez, 81, of Sidney died Monday, Jan. 6, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Homer Community Building, 500 E. Second St., Homer. Visitation and open house will be from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Homer Community Building. Rortvedt Funeral Services, 3 S. Hodge St., Tilton, is in charge of arrangements.

Jeffery L. Finis

Jeffery L. Finis, 54, of Cape Coral, Florida formerly of St. Joseph passed away Friday, February 21, 2020 at his home in Cape Coral with his loving and devoted family at his side. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday February 29, 2020 at the St. Joseph Middle School, 606 Peters Drive, St. Joseph, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to: St. Joseph Middle School Girls Basketball. Making sure to reference “Girls Basketball”.

Jeff was born November 2, 1965 in Gibson City, a son of Doug and Carolyn Bradbury Finis. He spent his life growing up in Bellflower, IL. He married Teresa Dillman, his high school sweetheart on April 28, 1984 in St. Joseph. She survives in Cape Coral. Also surviving is a daughter Brianna (Wayne) Fortner of Cape Coral, granddaughter Madi who affectionately called him Papaw, his parents Doug and Carolyn Finis of Bellflower, brother Tim (Diana) Finis of Paxton and sister Cindy (Mitch) Risinger of Leroy. Also surviving are his wife’s family whom he considered a part of him and all his nieces and nephews – he was close to all! Family meant everything to him.

He was preceded in death by a daughter Lynnae.

Jeff graduated from Bellfower Township High School in 1983. He started his working career right out of high school at Pittsburgh International Steel in Fairbury, IL. Later he moved to Caradco in Rantoul until he was given the opportunity to own and operate Finis Distributing where he worked and grew his bread distributorship for over 23 years and left when he was no longer able to work.
Outside of his family, Jeff enjoyed fishing with his dad, boating and basketball! He coached girls middle school basketball for 14 years at St. Joseph Middle School then moved to St. Joseph-Ogden High School where he was varsity coach for the girls for 4 years until his illness required him to leave.
Jeff believed in community and was an active part of the St. Joseph Community. He donated to fundraisers, was a member of the St. Joseph Church of Christ for many years and was a youth leader during that time. He coached girls’ softball for 7+ years, and Y-ball for his daughters! He was also very active in the Gifford Lions Club where he volunteered as much as he could and enjoyed spending time with a great group of men – not to mention the great dinners he got!
Jeff left an impact on everyone he met! He was about friendship, family and loyalty. One of the most honest men around. He never gave up and fought to the end! He will be greatly missed, always remembered, and forever loved.

Linda Thurman

SIDNEY — Linda Thurman, age 77, of Sidney passed away at 9:54 p.m. Sunday (Feb. 16, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

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

Linda was born June 3, 1942, the daughter of Mary C. (Morrison) and Eugene Danner. She was preceded in death by her parents. She married her high school sweetheart, Eugene Thurman, on June 18, 1961, in Homer. He preceded her in death in 2009.

Survivors include her daughter, Cheryl and husband Tommy Long, and son, Kevin and wife Gena Thurman, all of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Austin and wife Lydia Thurman of Sidney, Danielle and Rebecca Long of St. Joseph; great-grandson, Tripp Thurman of Sidney; sister, Sara Bryan of Rio Rancho, N.M.; and several nieces and nephews.

Linda was a farm wife in the Sidney area for nearly 60 years. She was also employed by Kroger Food Store and Jewel Foods.

She enjoyed her grandchildren and looked forward to meeting her great-grandchild but sadly passed away one day before his birth. She also enjoyed gardening, her hosta collection and watching deer and wildlife in her backyard.

Memorials may be made to the Sidney Fire Department.

NG 2/19/2020

Gene O. Hill

ST. JOSEPH — Gene O. Hill, 84, of St. Joseph passed away at 7:19 a.m. Monday (Feb. 17, 2020) at University Rehab, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. The Rev. Donald Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Danville National Cemetery, Danville. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020, at the funeral home.

Gene was born Nov. 12, 1935, at St. Joseph, the son of John W. and Eva (Shafer) Hill. He married Shirley Mae Hill on June 27, 1954. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children, Thomas E. Hill of St. Joseph and Eric A. (Tabitha) Hill of Ogden; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brother, George Hill of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Debra J. Hill; one brother; and two sisters.

Gene worked at Illinois Power for 45 years in the Gas Service Department, retiring in 1995. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in the 23rd Missile Detachment as a warhead specialist. Gene enjoyed traveling to the Western states, gardening and refinishing antique furniture. He was a member of the St. Joseph Masonic Lodge 970.

NG 2/19/2020

Rosena Brown

ST. JOSEPH — Rosena Brown, 85, of St. Joseph passed away at 10:55 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 15, 2020) at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

She was born Oct. 11, 1934, at Alpena, Mich., the daughter of Albert and Goldie (McGregor) Bellmore. She married Richard A. Brown on May 15, 1954, in Ossineke, Mich. He preceded her in death on Nov. 12, 2005.

She is survived by her children, Randall Brown of St. Augustine, Fla., Timothy Brown of St. Joseph, Donald Brown of Byron, Ronald Brown of Santa Cruz, Calif., Alan Brown of St. Joseph, Darin Brown of Silverton, Ore., and Loralee Kinser of Bulls Gap, Tenn.; 13 grandchildren, 23 greatgrandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Travis of Mikado, Mich., Judy Berlin of Ossineke, Mich., and Linda Hagberg of Lake Orion, Mich.; and one brother, Glen Bellmore of Michigan.

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

Pauline Walker

ST. JOSEPH — Pauline Walker, age 101, of St. Joseph passed from this life to eternity on Friday (Feb. 14, 2020) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

A celebration and thanksgiving of life service celebrating Pauline's life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. David Barcus and Greg Smith will be officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

Pauline was born April 23, 1918, to the late Arthur and Catherine Blevins Walker in Shady Valley, Tenn. She married Chester Nathan "Nate" Walker on Aug. 15, 1942. He preceded her in death on Dec. 23, 1994.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Harley (Irene), Willard, Clarence and John (Miriam); and sisters, Opal (Paul) Embree and Matilda (Merle) Hart.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Priscilla and Richard Lindstrom of St. Joseph; sisters, Ruth Shirley (Dave) of St. Joseph and Lorraine (Robert) Bell of Champaign, formerly of Danville; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Pauline was self-employed most of her life. She owned Pauline's Cafe and co-owned with her sister Ruth the M & S Variety Store and the Sister's Shoppe. After Ruth's retirement, Pauline continued working and operating the Sister's Shoppe and also opened Walker's Hallmark in 1983; each business was located in St. Joseph. Pauline retired in 2008 at the age of 90.

During her lifetime, Pauline was an active member of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and the Church of Christ in St. Joseph. In her later years, as her mobility decreased, she worshipped the Lord through the radio ministry of the Moody Church in Chicago and the teachings of many radio ministers.

Because of Pauline's love for the Lord Jesus Christ, her desire to have St. Joseph residents benefit from their community and her desire to honor our veterans, the family suggests memorials in Pauline's name be made to Lincoln Christian University, the St. Joseph Township Swearingen Memorial Library or Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Inc.

NG 2/16/2020

Frederick W. "Rick" Sturts

Frederick W. “Rick” Sturts, 62, of Rantoul formerly of St. Joseph died at 11:33 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2020 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 20, 2020 at Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy with Masonic Rites at 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Rick was born on July 8, 1957 in Champaign, the son of Frederick Wayne and Doris McCleary Sturts.

Survivors include one son; Fred (Kati) Sturts of St. Joseph, two grandchildren; Frederick Dennis Sturts and Vivian Jean Sturts both of St. Joseph, one brother; Michael (Georgeann) Sturts of Carbon Cliff, and two sisters; Patty Bloomer and Ann (Darrell) Suits both of Rantoul.

He was preceded in death by his sister Cheryl.

Rick worked for Champaign County for 20 years as a maintenance person.

He was a member of St. Joseph Masonic Lodge #970 A.F. & A.M., Champaign Chapter # 50 R.A.M., Urbana Council #19 C.M. and Urbana Commandery #16.

Rick loved music, being outdoors and was a handyman.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions maybe made to the family.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

David L. Summitt

CHAMPAIGN — David L. Summitt, 55, died at 4:20 p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 4, 2020) at his home in Champaign.

There will be a visitation from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8, at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St. in Champaign, with the funeral service at 1. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

Dave was born March 31, 1964, in Champaign, a son of Daniel Summitt and Shirley Davis.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Sue Miller of Champaign; his daughter, Arielle Summitt of Baltimore, Md.; his father, Daniel (Debbie) Summitt of Pesotum; his mother, Shirley (Lowell) Davis of Florida; and two brothers, Mike Summitt of Springfield and Chris Summitt of Champaign.

Dave enjoyed playing golf and was interested in sports, but really loved the Illini, St. Louis Cardinals and Dallas Cowboys. However, his greatest sports love was watching his daughter compete and excel in running. He worked locally as an insurance salesman for over 30 years.

Condolences may be offered at www.owensfuneralhomes. com.

NG 2/8/2020

Kathleen Irvin Voorhees

FAIRMOUNT — Kathleen Irvin Voorhees, 91, of Fairmount passed away at 1:13 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 5, 2020) at her home.

She was born on Jan. 22, 1929, in Allerton, the daughter of Ernest and Mollie Southworth Guthrie. She married Jewell Voorhees in Sidney. He preceded her in death on July 20, 1977.

Survivors include one son, Jan Voorhees of Urbana; five grandchildren, Mike Voorhees, Kris Zuponeck, Shanna Carpenter, Barry Voorhees and J.T. Voorhees; 10 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Cole, Josh, Shelby, Caden, Baylie, Jordon, Kamaryn, Abram and Knox; and one great-great-grandchild, Owen.

Kathleen was preceded in death by one son, Chip Voorhees; one brother, Phillip Guthrie; and four sisters, Ellen Walters, Jake Neal, Ida Houchens and Jenny Tyler.

Kathleen had worked as a cook at the Fairmount Quarry and the Fairmount Lounge. She enjoyed gardening and fishing, and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family.

As per her wishes, Kathleen will be cremated and her family will hold private services.

Memorials may be made to the Angelman Syndrome Foundation, 75 Executive Drive, Suite 327, Aurora, IL 60504. Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling arrangements. Online condolences are at www.robisonchapel.com.

James Dale Sullivan

HOMER — James Dale Sullivan, 93, of Homer passed away at 1:37 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 1, 2020) at his home.

A graveside service will be 1 p.m. today (Tuesday) at Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview. There will be no visitation. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is assisting the family.

James was born April 19, 1926, in Fredericksburg, Iowa, the son of Glen and Berniece Carney Sullivan. He married Phyllis Wennigh. She survives.

Survivors also include his six children, Gary (Ronda) Sullivan of Homer, Deb Wainscott of Lapel, Ind., Jacqueline (Steve) Luchik of Urbana, Dale Jean Adams of Champaign, Rebecca O’Dell of Sidney and James Sullivan of St. Joseph; 19 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and five siblings.

James served in the Navy during World War II. He was a member of VFW Post 630, American Legion and DAV. James was an over-the-road truck driver for more than 70 years. He was a NASCAR fan and Cubs fan. He enjoyed UFC fighting, fishing and hanging with his dog.

Donald Smith

SIDNEY — Donald Smith, 88, of Sidney, formerly of Meadville, Pa., passed away at 12:10 a.m. Friday (Jan. 31, 2020) at Tuscola Health Care Center, Tuscola.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney, with the Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Sidney. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mr. Smith was born Dec. 23, 1931, at Corry, Pa., a son to Merle and Jennie Scouten Smith. He married June McCain on Sept. 8, 1951, at Guy Mills, Pa.; she preceded in death on Aug. 21, 2003.

Surviving are two sons, Russell (Shelly) Smith of Ogden and Ricky (Melinda) Smith of Urbana; three daughters, Renee (Dale) Wamsley of Tuscola, Regina (Ronnie) Wells of Carthage, Mo., and Rebecca Smith Costley of Warsaw, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three sisters, a brother, his parents and a great-granddaughter, Kyrsten Warrior.

He was a member of Operators Engineering Local 841 for over 60 years. He was owner/operator of Don Smith Backhoe for 40 years. He served on the Sidney Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years. He was a member of B & F Euchre Club.

Memorials may be made to Mount Hope Cemetery or Sidney Volunteer Fire Department.

NG 2/1/2020