Sheila Welch Pelichoff

PHILO — Sheila Welch Pelichoff passed away peacefully on Saturday (April 25, 2020) at Piatt County Nursing Home Rehab.

Sheila was born Feb. 3, 1935, in Champaign, to Wilson and Beryl Allen Mumm. She grew up in Sidney and graduated from Unity High School. She married Wayne Welch in 1952 and had two children. She later married Erv Pelichoff of St Joseph in 1988; he preceded her in death.

She worked for 21 years at the University of Illinois, retiring as a secretary/ word processor. She continued her career at Capital Agriculture Property Services for three years.

Sheila enjoyed reading and was a lifelong Fighting Illini fan and a die-hard Cubs fan. She loved her cats and enjoyed spending time with family and her many friends.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, the Champaign County Humane Society, World Wildlife Fund, Humane Society and Carle Foundation Circle of Friends. Sheila was a longtime member of the GFWC Philo Women’s Club, and served as an election judge for many years.

Sheila’s parents and her brother, James Mumm, preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Prickett of New Mexico; her son, Allan Welch of Monticello; and her granddaughter, Allison Welch of Orlando, Fla.

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In memory of Sheila, donations may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society (CUhumane. org). Funeral arrangements are by Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. Burial is at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney. Memorial service is pending, due to COVID- 19 outcome.

Lawrence “Pete” Junior Peters

MAHOMET — Lawrence “Pete” Junior Peters, 86, formerly of Champaign, passed away at 5:03 p.m. Tuesday (April 21, 2020), due to complications from COPD, at Bridle Brook, Mahomet. His final resting place will be at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Pete was born in Urbana on Dec. 24, 1933, to parents Lawrence A. and Ella D. (Willms) Peters, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were six siblings, LaDonna, Luella, Lucille, Lela, Lavella and Larry.

He is survived by his three children, Randall Peters of Bluffton, S.C., Janet Peters of Champaign and Herb Peters, also of Bluffton. All three children are from his marriage to Ineda Montgomery Booe in 1952. He is also survived by his sister, Lorena McClain of Mahomet.

Pete worked for garages in Urbana and eventually the University of Illinois as a mechanic for 45 years before retiring.

He attended Urbana schools and delivered newspapers for the Courier, News-Gazette and Chicago Daily News when he was younger.

Pete was a member of Savoy United Methodist Church. His two biggest passions included dancing and TV, which he often described as "the best invention ever made." In his earlier years, he also enjoyed listening to music at The Viking Room at the Ramada Inn in Champaign and eating pizza at Italian Village and The Jolly Roger in Urbana.

Memorial contributions in Pete’s honor may be made to the Eastern Illinois Foodbank, via their website, eifoodbank.org.

Condolences may be offered at renner-wikoffchapel.com.

Glenn E. Rothermel

HOMER — Glenn E. Rothermel, 86, of Homer passed away at 12:45 p.m. Saturday (April 18, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Private family graveside services will be held with Pastor John Sharp officiating. There will be a celebration of life service at a later date. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St., Homer, is assisting the family.

Glenn was born on the family farm on Jan. 2, 1934, in Homer, the son of George and Helena “Lena” Luth Rothermel. He married Shirley Bane on Jan. 7, 1956, in Broadlands. She survives.

Survivors also include his son, Glenn Michael (Judy) Rothermel of Camargo; daughter, Susan (David) Allen of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Rebecca (Darrell) St. Clair and Logan Allen; and great-granddaughter, Mariah St. Clair.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Florence Wienke, Hilda Voss and Alice Messman.

Glenn had a strong faith, loved his family and was a friend to many. He was a lifelong farmer and loved raising cattle and hogs. Glenn was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where he taught Sunday school.

He was also a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau. He served as vice president of the Champaign County Mental Health Board and helped with Gideons.

Glenn graduated in 1952 from Allerton High School, where he played basketball. He obtained his real estate license and enjoyed fishing, gardening, birdwatching and fellowship. Glenn was an avid sports fan and especially liked Illini football, basketball and Chief Illiniwek.

Memorials can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Broadlands.

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Diane Woller

RURAL URBANA — Diane Woller, 69, of rural Urbana went to be with her Heavenly Father on Wednesday (April 8, 2020). She was at home with her family by her side.

She is survived by her husband, Ervin; a daughter, Michelle (Todd) Hesterberg of Gifford; and a son, Darren (Chris) Woller of rural St. Joseph. She had six grandchildren whom she loved and adored, Cullen (Catherine) Hesterberg of St. Joseph, Connor (Kellie) Hesterberg of Peoria, Corbin (fiancee Madi Smith) of rural Loda and Avery Woller, Ava and Eli Bronoski, all of rural St. Joseph. She is also survived by a brother, David Burklund (Becky) of Kansas City, Mo., and sister, Sandy Burklund of Savoy, as well as a sister-in-law, Lavonne Gillespie (Don) of Ashkum, and numerous nieces and nephews and their children.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Victor and Mabel Burklund of Paxton and Roy and Harriet Ryan of Rantoul; her father and mother, Norris and Barbara Burklund of Paxton; her stepmom, Jewell Burklund of Paxton; her father inlaw and mother in-law, Victor

and Clarice Woller of rural Urbana; her uncle, Jim (Marge) Ryan of Rantoul; and aunt, Pat Frette of New York.

She was a longtime member of Peace Lutheran Church, Thomasboro. She enjoyed listening to country and gospel music, supporting her grandkids in all their athletic endeavors, and Illini basketball. She also loved going to jackpot and fair horse shows, which was a family activity for many years.

Cremation will be done by Lux Memorial Chapel, Rantoul. Family graveside services and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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Gwelda P. Osterbur

OGDEN — Gwelda P. Osterbur, 87, of Ogden passed away at 6:28 a.m. Thursday (April 9, 2020) at her home.

Private graveside services will be held. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Gwelda was born July 6, 1932, the daughter of Paul and Dorthea (McMillan) Wilbur. She married Eilert H. Osterbur on June 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on Jan. 15, 2018.

She is survived by two sons, Marvin (Sue) Osterbur of Royal and Gene (Wanda) Osterbur of Ogden; five grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and brother, Gordon Wilbur of Armstrong.

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

Gwelda was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. She worked on her farm, a chicken farm and at the town store. She was mostly known for driving a school bus for Prairieview school district. She may have been small but kept command of her bus with help from her trusty pingpong paddle.

Gwelda loved spending time with her family, playing cards, reading and doing word searches.

Memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery.

NG 4/10/20

Helen M. Roark

ST. JOSEPH — Helen M. Roark, 95, passed away at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday (April 7, 2020) at Country Health & Rehab, Gifford. She was surrounded by her son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Geni.

Helen was born March 4, 1925, a daughter of Ray and Mary Roggy Williams of LeRoy. She married Richard E. Roark on Dec. 24, 1941, in Missouri. He passed away on Jan. 5, 2011.

While Gene served in the Navy, stationed at Randall Island, north of Australia, during World War II, Helen lived in Anacondis, Wash., for over a year before moving back to LeRoy. After Gene’s honorable discharge, they moved to Urbana, then made their home in St. Joseph in 1966.

Helen enjoyed being a homemaker and she enjoyed crocheting doilies and countless afghans and baby blankets that we gave to family and friends. She was known for her delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies, her apple pies and raspberry cobbler. She made many different shapes of baskets out of pine needles over the years.

Helen was a member of the St. Joseph American Legion Auxiliary and the Commandry. Helen and Gene lived in Winter Haven, Fla., during the winter months.

Helen is survived by her son, Joe (Geni) Roark of St. Joseph, and daughter, Sue Anderson of Lewistown, Mo. She has six grandchildren, Duane (Bernadette) Rhoades, Richard (Bev) Rhoades, Tonya (Duane) Austin, Debbie (Jake) Jacobs, Amy (Bryson) Hendricks

and Meg (Matt) Birch. She has 13 greatgrandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren with a great-great-grandson arriving before the end of April.

Helen was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers and two sisters.

Due to the virus, no public funeral service will be held at this time. Private burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice, 1813 W. Kirby Ave., Champaign, IL 61821, or Country Health & Rehab, 2304 CR 3000 N, Gifford, IL 61847. The family wishes to extend their appreciation to Carle Hospice and Country Health & Rehab for their excellent care of their loved one. Condolences may be offered at www.rennerwikoffchapel.

Peggy D. Craddock

BROADLANDS — Peggy D. Craddock, 84, of Broadlands passed away on Tuesday (April 7, 2020) at the Villas of Holly Brook, Savoy.

Peggy was born Oct. 1, 1935, in Danville, to Howard and Elva Miller Goble. She married Jacob Roy Craddock on June 6, 1958, in Danville. He preceded her in death on Feb. 8, 2001.

Surviving are one son, Jerry (Brenda) Craddock of Champaign; one daughter, Lisa Markel of St. Joseph; one brother, Howard (Shirley) Goble of Oakwood; grandchildren, Brandon Smith, Nathan Smith, Ashley Markel, Austin Markel, Jessica Craddock and Amanda Craddock; and great-grandchildren, Cayden Smith, Brycen Smith, Ceci Smith and Austin Smith.

She was preceded in death by one daughter, Diane Darr, and two sisters, Betty Harris and Alice McCleery.

Peggy was a follower of Jesus Christ, and her friends and family rejoice in knowing she is now in his presence. She is a member of the Catlin Church of Christ and attended Homer New Life Church of Faith.

She graduated from Catlin High School and worked a variety of jobs throughout the years at First National Bank of Danville, Goble

Meats and Marv’s Star Market. Peggy loved attending church services, reading, watching old movies and spending time with family and friends. She will be deeply missed.

Private family services will be held at Robison Chapel in Catlin with Pastor C.W. Greer officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Robison Chapel, Catlin, is handling the arrangements. Donations may be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith. Online condolences are at www.robisonchapel. com. Click on her obituary and sign the condolence book or leave a memory.

Phyllis M. Anderson

OGDEN — Phyllis M. Anderson, 83, of Ogden passed away peacefully at 3:11 a.m. Wednesday (April 1, 2020) at the home of her caregiver, Janice Elwell, in Danville.

Phyllis was born April 23, 1936, in Poland, Ind., to Dennis Edwin and Mildred Lucille Butterman Neese. She married Don Denny on Feb. 20, 1954; they were the parents of one daughter, Deborah. Phyllis later married Karl E. Anderson on March 23, 1970. Karl preceded her in death in 2011.

Survivors include her daughter, Deborah (Ray) Zbinden; a stepson, Mike (Diane Ducey) Anderson; a brother, Charles (Margie) Neese; her caretaker, Janice Elwell; one grandson, Brian Zbinden; four stepgrandchildren, Kelly, Gabrielle, Anna and Aidan Anderson; two stepgreatgrandchildren, Matthew Jeffries Jr. and Johnathan Anderson; several nieces and a nephew; her Indiana family; and Don Denny.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Dale Neese.

Phyllis retired from Solo Cup in Urbana before working for eight years at Newton’s Cleaning & Restoration LLC in Danville. She enjoyed quilting and belonged to Safari Sisters Quilting Club and Heart & Hands Night Quilters. She was also active in the Ladies Group at the Catlin Church of Christ.

She enjoyed square dancing and was a member of Swing-N-Travelers Dance Club. She liked traveling and camping as well as truly enjoying her family and friends.

Phyllis asked there be no mourning or tears. Please go on living life as normal because she will be watching!

There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Private inurnment will be at Mount Olive Cemetery in Mayview.

Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Community Food Pantry, c/o St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph, IL 61873. The Robison Chapel in Catlin is handling arrangements. Click on her obituary at www.robisonchapel. com to leave a note for the family.

Ronald Wayne Scott

DONIPHAN, Mo. — Ronald Wayne Scott, 68, of Doniphan, Mo., formerly of St. Joseph, died suddenly on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in Poplar Bluff, Mo.

He was born May 7, 1951, in Champaign, the son of William and Lois (Jeans) Scott. He was preceded in death by his father.

Those left to mourn his passing include his beloved wife, Mary (Evans) Scott; daughter, Amy (Sam) Schiff; and grandchildren, Collin, Gwenyth and Oliver Schiff, of Urbana; devoted mother, Lois Scott of Seymour, Ind.; sister, Debby (Tom) Runyan; niece, Heather Fletcher; and great-niece, Raquel Fletcher, all of Shelbyville, Ky.; and a dear aunt, several cousins and many close friends Ron considered extended family.

Ron experienced a wonderful childhood with trusted friends who became a band of brothers for life. He graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1969.

In 1971, Ron served his country in Vietnam as an Army medevac clerk tasked to recover the personal effects of anyone killed or wounded, return them to kin or facility and write the appropriate letter to include with them. The last few months of his tour, he served as security police until his honorable discharge.

With his carefree spirit and love for travel, Ron became a professional driver of motor coaches, limos and tractor trailers and drove all the lower 48 states and three provinces of Canada. During his 33-year career, he received numerous commendations for safety and placed second in the 2000 Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. In September 2019, he retired from Mid Continent Steel & Wire in Poplar Bluff.

Ron played baseball as a catcher throughout his youth and into middle age, culminating in playing on an over-40 men’s team that went to the Roy Hobbs World Series in Fort Myers, Fla. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on his farm and getting out on the water.

He was a devoted trustee of Tucker Methodist Church in Gatewood, Mo., and served his community as a volunteer fireman for Pine-Bardley Fire Company and Gatewood Fire Company. Ron belonged to the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 2366.

Ron will be remembered for his warm smile, indomitable spirit and zest for life, and will missed by everyone who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in his memory may be made to Tucker Methodist Church or Pine-Bardley VFD. (Edwards-FuneralHome.org)

William “Bill” Negangard

TOLONO — William “Bill” Negangard, 85, of Tolono, formerly of Sidney, passed away at 9:50 a.m. Friday (April 3, 2020) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. Private graveside services will be held. Pastor Matt Montgomery will be officiating. Burial will be in Lewis Cemetery, Tuscola. Freese Funeral Home, Tolono, is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Negangard was born Dec. 18, 1934, in Sidney, a son to Ralph and Wilma Duncan Negangard.

Surviving are four children, Dave (Diane Noland) Negangard of St. Joseph, Jody (Doug) Reifsteck of Tolono, Sue (George) Lawrence of Sidney and Dan (Janet) Negangard of Catlin; 10 grandchildren; 10 greatgrandchildren; a brother, Charles (Donna) Negangard of Sidney; a sister, Mary Kay (Cloyd) Staples of Anniston, Ala.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bill farmed in the Sidney area for several years and then was a selfemployed painting contractor. He was a lead painter at Burnham City Hospital from 1980-1988. He then returned to being a self-employed painter and farmer.

He enjoyed traveling, tractor shows, blue grass music and his farm. Each fall, he participated and won many hand corn-shucking contests over two states. He was a lifetime member of the National Corn Huskers Association.

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Esther Marie Eiskamp Clauson

On March 30, 2020 a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and wonderful friend to many loved ones throughout the country was welcomed into heaven. Esther Marie Clauson (Eiskamp), passed away peacefully after a brief illness with pancreatic cancer in Concord, NH at the age of 83.

Born in 1936 to Fritz and Marie Eiskamp in Champaign, IL, Esther always knew she was a city girl. She met her husband, Jim, while in nurses training in Champaign and after their Chicago wedding in 1962 they headed straight to California. Jim and Esther enjoyed a wonderful life in California for 48 years, living in Redondo Beach, Torrance and Carlsbad.

Esther was an accomplished and respected nurse, and her career included fulfilling jobs in the emergency room, OBGYN, industrial nursing for two large companies and ultimately as an Early Back to Work Specialist for a large insurance company. Esther had a great sense of pride in being a nurse and renewed her nursing license throughout her lifetime. In addition to her illustrious career, she volunteered and was very actively involved with many deserving organizations over the years from the Jaycettes in the 1960's to the Concord Contemporary Women's Club in the present. Esther was also an enthusiastic participant in Jazzercize for 45 years.
Esther and Jim were a couple who loved life and loved each other. They greatly enjoyed traveling the world with their family and as a couple. Jim and Esther celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in California in grand style surrounded by many of their friends. When Esther retired from her long career in nursing, Jim and Esther moved to Concord, NH so that they could spend time with their younger daughter and family. After their move to New Hampshire, relatives and friends would trek from across the country to visit them in their beautiful new state.
Esther will be remembered as a dear friend, always willing to lend a shoulder or word of advice, as well as being a fun and funny lady, always eager to bring cheer and a smile to any occasion.
Esther is predeceased by her husband Jim Clauson. She is survived by her daughters Stephanie Hubsch (Andy) of Pacific Palisades, CA, Kathy Wyle (Steve) of Deering N.H., four grandchildren, Bradley, Riley, Justin and Dallas, along with many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Esther's life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local hospital for personal protective equipment for nurses' safety.

http://csnh.tributes.com/obituary/read/Esther-M.-Clauson-108364656 4/4/2020

Esther was a 1954 graduate of St. Joseph High School.

Lois I Manning Sadler

FITHIAN — Lois I. Sadler, 87, of Fithian, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday (April 2, 2020) at home.

She was born March 6, 1933, in Urbana, a daughter of Wilbur and Helen Kirby Manning. Her mother passed away when Lois was 6 months old, and then she was adopted by Wilbur and Mary McGuire Manning. She was married to Charles A. Sadler on April 22, 1950. He survives.

At the age of 20, she received her license practical nurse license. She began her nursing career at the Champaign County Hospital and worked there for 20 years.

In 1970, she started working at the University of Illinois McKinley Health Center until retiring in 1987. Lois and her Chuckie lived in St. Joseph for 59 years before moving to Fithian.

Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Steven (Donna) Sadler, Linda (James) Riggs and Deana Sadler; grandchildren, Susan Riggs, Spencer Sadler, Kristen (Jeremy) Wise and Samuel (Tiffany) Sadler; great-granddaughters, Judith Lillian Maki Sadler and Eva Rose Sadler; as well as several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and two sisters-in-law, Maxine Manning and Janet Manning, and a brother-in-law, Ed Seth.

Lois loved being around her family and friends. She traveled  through 46 states during a lifetime of travel with her husband, including two times to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side.

At the age of 86, she completed a bucket list item by going zip lining in Indiana along with family members. Lois loved her Green Bay Packers, St. Louis Cardinals and Illini.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her adoptive mother, one sister and two brothers, her in-laws, two sisters-in-laws and two brothers-in-law.

Private services will be at a later date at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials contributions may be made to St. Jude's Childrens Hospital, St. Joseph Food Bank or donor's choice.
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Nancy Jean Coddington

ST. JOSEPH — Nancy Jean Coddington, 68, of St. Joseph died at home Thursday (March 5, 2020).

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Danville National Cemetery, Danville.  Pastor J. Wesley Wilkey will officiate.

Nancy was born in Tuscola to Lloyd Arlie and Mary Esther Cruzan, where they lived before moving north to Urbana and eventually St. Joseph. She married Dennis Coddington on Dec. 11, 1971. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by her son, Samuel (Heather) Coddington of Broomfield, Colo., and brothers, Bill (Lori) Cruzan of Urbana and James (Linda) Cruzan of Hot Springs, N.C.

Nancy retired from the Krannert Center for Performing Arts at the University of Illinois, where she was a professional seamstress and helped build elaborate costumes for many different shows. While at Krannert, she was also a member of AFSCME Council 31 and led efforts to unionize herself and her co-workers. Earlier in her life, she held her cosmetology license, running her own salon where she made many lifelong friends. She loved her family, friends and dog, Heidi. She will be missed by us all.

Morgan Memorial Home, Savoy, is handling arrangements (morganmemorialhome.com).

Blair Ann Coyne

ST. JOSEPH — Blair Ann Coyne, 24, of St. Joseph passed away on Sunday (March 29, 2020) at home.

Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, is assisting the family with arrangements. To protect the health and safety of friends and family, there will be a celebration of life to honor Blair at a later date.

Blair was born March 12, 1996, a daughter of Bill and Kimberly Coyne. She graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School and attended Parkland College.

While attending college, she worked for health care and food service companies. Most recently, she enjoyed working with her work family at Core Life Eatery in Champaign and was in the process of completing training to become an assistant manager.

Blair was preceded in death by her mother, Kimberly Coyne, and her grandmother, Sharon.

She is survived by her father, Bill; brother, Justin Awalt of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; three nephews, Cain, Jax and Jones; her grandfather, David Cook of Urbana; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Blair loved traveling and especially cherished her trips to Florida, California and the East Coast to visit family and friends. She also enjoyed staying connected with friends and family on Facebook and social media, and often shared stories about her favorite sports teams and photos of her family and friends.

Blair will be missed by all, but especially by her father Bill Coyne, who will never forget the memories they shared together. She will forever be his angel, and her spirit will live on in her family and friends.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

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Kimberly Ann Cook Coyne

ST. JOSEPH — Kimberly Ann Coyne, 54, of St. Joseph passed away Sunday (March 29, 2020) at home.

Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Road, Urbana, is assisting the family with arrangements. Out of an abundance of caution to protect the health and safety of friends and family, memorial services will be held at a later date once it is safe to do so.

Kim was born Dec. 29, 1965, a daughter of David and Sharon (Lewis) Cook. She graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1984 and owned and operated a cleaning service for many years.

Kim adored her family and friends and loved traveling to Florida and California. She and her daughter, Blair, shared a strong connection and spent a lot of time with each other. When Kim’s mother, Sharon, was diagnosed with cancer, they both took care of Sharon together during her seven-year battle with the disease.

Kim was preceded in death by her mother, Sharon, and daughter, Blair.

She is survived by her son, Justin Awalt of Aliso Viejo, Calif.; three grandsons, Cain, Jax and Jones; and her father, David Cook of Urbana. Bill Coyne, Blair’s father, and Kim were divorced in 2017, but they remained close and he will continue to love them both in their passing.

Kim will be deeply missed; her life will be remembered with great fondness and affection by her friends and family.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com.

NG 4/3/20

Donna L. Jones

HOMER — Donna L. Jones, 85, of Homer passed away at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at University Rehab Center, Urbana.

She was born Donna L. Woodard on Aug. 16, 1934, to John and Ruby Manhart Woodard in Newton. Donna married Nolan K. Jones on March 22, 1952 in Robinson.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, one brother and one sister.

Survivors included her son, Michael K. Jones (Jamie Carras) of Homer; daughters, Vicky Jones Smaardyk of Urbana and Cheryl Jones Gones (John W. III) of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Matthew J. Smaardyk (Misty), Kristin Smaardyk Beaird (Michael), Patrick J. Gones, Mark N. Gones (Denise) and Lucas W. Gones (Kylie); and great-grandchildren, Madisyn F. Gones, Lilienne K. Beaird, Alexander N.M. Beaird, Isaac W. Gones and Jacob M. Smaardyk.

Donna was a member of Homer New Life Church of Faith. She and her husband Nolan were married 67 years and residents of Homer for 56 years.

Donna was an active personality in the community and enjoyed attending local events and craft and music festivals. Family was a strong priority to her as she loved sharing and hosting traditions, i.e., holidays, camping, traveling and sporting events.

She was a die-hard Cubs fan. Bluegrass music was especially dear to her heart as she adored watching her son, Michael, singing and playing banjo with comrade musicians.

The family will post later this year as they plan a joint celebration of life for Donna and Nolan Jones (beloved Mema and Papa).

CU News-Gazette 4/1/20