Clayborn "Clay" M. Lofton

SAVOY — Clayborn “Clay” M. Lofton was born Nov. 7, 1925, in St. Joseph. Clay left this earthly life and was reunited with his wife on Sunday (June 28, 2020) at 8:28a.m. at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

He was the son of Charles Lofton and Leatitia (Test) Lofton. He married Irene Schwartz on July 16, 1949. She preceded him in death on Oct. 23, 2019.

Due to COVID-19, his farewell will look different. Masks are required to enter the funeral home. Visitation will be from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney. A private family funeral will be at the Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Sidney on July 2, 2020. All family and friends are welcome to attend and should arrive by 10:45 a.m.

He is survived by his daughters, Sharon (Marty) Conatser of Champaign and Pam (Harl “Butch”) Ray of Springfield. He also leaves five grandchildren whom he loved very much, Rick Malloch, Bryan (Erica) Malloch, Sara (Jonathan) Helmus, Ami (CJ) Stephens and Richard (Patsy) Conatser. Clay’s seven great-grandchildren were his pride and joy, and he bragged on them whenever given the chance. He is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and four sisters.

Clay was born and raised in St. Joseph. He joined the U.S. Army in 1942. Clay was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War. He was proud of his service and was a hero to his family and friends! His country and his family were upmost in his life. He retired from the University of Illinois as a storekeeper after over 40 years.

Clay was active in the American Legion and a life member of St. Joseph Post 634. He served as department (state) commander in 1987-1988. Clay served on the National Security Commission at the national level for many years.

He was also a Kentucky colonel, a member of the 40/8 Voiture 238 and the Korean Veterans Association, a charter member of the National WWII Memorial Association, a member of VFW 5520, AMVETS 3, DAV 8, Western Star 240 and 24th Infantry Division Association and a 33rd-degree Mason. Clay was very active in raising money for the WWII Memorial in D.C., representing the American Legion as the Illinois chairman.

The family would like to thank the staff and friends at The Villas of Hollybrook in Savoy for their caring and support over the last two years and especially the last eight months. Our thanks also to the nurses, physicians and techs at OSF Urbana and OSF Hospice for their support of Dad and his family over the last week.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials may be made to the 40/8 nurses scholarship fund.

Steve Worley

ST. JOSEPH — Steve Worley 64, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:29 a.m. Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. No public services will be held. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Steve was born Jan. 19, 1956, in Highland, the son of Robert and Edna (Burton) Worley. He was married to Teresa Schlueter in 1977, whom he had his three children with.

He is survived by his children, Jeremy (Melissa) Worley, Cory (Jessica) Worley and Jocelyn Campbell, all of St. Joseph; six grandchildren, Tyler, Anna, Ripley, Jesse, Braydon and Ava; one great-granddaughter, Sophia; one brother, Wally (Sharolyn) Worley of St. Joseph; and six sisters, Pat Screieck of Mt. Sterling, Sue (Tom) Star of Pocahontas, Cecila (Rick) Goodfellow of Lytle, Texas, Darla Worley of St. Joseph, Monica Wells of St. Joseph and Terri (William) Vickers of St. Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bobby and Joseph; and one sister, Mary Rose Worley.

Steve worked in construction all his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and just being outdoors.

He helped coach his children in youth sports. He loved to joke around, was a big John Wayne Western fan and cheered for the Bears, Cubs and Illini. Most of all, he enjoyed being with his grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.

NG 6/21/2020

Jerry Phillips

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Jerry Phillips

CHAMPAIGN— Gerald “Jerry” Phillips, 89, of Urbana died Monday (June 15, 2020) at Champaign Rehabilitation Center.

Jerry was born April 5, 1931, in Champaign, a son of Verne and Margaret (Reis) Phillips. He married Patricia Jackson on March 23, 1953.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, in 2012; a son, Glenn, in 1974; and a great-grandson, Remi Coussens, in 2015.

Survivors include three daughters and their families, Gail (Steven) Woodward of Colorado, Mary (Steven) Wirth of Georgia and Ginger (Douglas) Slater of Indiana; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and his brother, Jim (Nancy) Phillips of Champaign.

Jerry worked as a machinist at the University of Illinois, earning retirement in 1988. In their retirement years, Jerry and Patricia enjoyed traveling and camping throughout the United States.

Jerry was passionate about model railroading and was active with the Central Illinois Tinners train club. He was also gifted at woodworking. Jerry operated Phillips Woodworking for many years, using his skills to create beautiful masterpieces for his customers and family members.

Due to current gathering limitations, a memorial service for Jerry will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be offered at www.owens funeralhomes.com.

NG 6/21/2020

Mary Lee Pucker Cascio

OGDEN — Mary Lee (Pucker) Cascio, 80, of Ogden passed away on Tuesday (June 16, 2020) at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

Mary Lee was born March 4, 1940, in Litchfield. She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Leona (Ridinger) Pucker, and brother, Leonard Pucker.

She is survived by her children, Michael (Donna) Cascio of Mansfield, Richard Scott (Susan) Cascio of Altoona, Pa., Lisa Montiel of Rensselaer, N.Y., and Laura (David) Orcutt of St. Joseph. She enjoyed spending time with her 10 grandchildren, Ariel Cascio, Rachel (Matt) Blissett, Vittorio Cascio, Jordan Segrist, Shawn Segrist, Evan Cascio, Miranda Montiel, Natasha Montiel, Jared Orcutt and Joel Orcutt; and her two great-grandchildren, Westley and Arthur Blissett.

Mary Lee worked as an emergency room registered nurse for 35 years in Champaign-Urbana. She was a graduate of Parkland College School of Nursing. She enjoyed Star Trek and science fiction. Mary Lee was an avid reader of sci-fi and enjoyed art and attending sci-fi conventions, where she made many lifelong friends. Mary Lee was a cat enthusiast, and is survived by her two cats, Sookie and Cordelia.

A celebration of life service for Mary Lee will be held at a later date. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any memorials be made in Mary Lee’s honor to the Piatt County Animal Shelter or an animal shelter of your choice.

Norma Reitmeier

ST. JOSEPH — Norma Reitmeier, 80, of St. Joseph passed away at 5 a.m. Thursday (June 4, 2020) at her home.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 6, 2020, at Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Pastor James Lehmann will officate.

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

Norma was born May 5, 1940, at Homer, the daughter of James P. and Ethel (Mitchner) Henderson. She married John C. Reitmeier on Sept. 28, 1958, at Flatville. He survives.

She is also survived by her children, J.C. (Karen) Reitmeier of St. Joseph and Jean Palmer of St. Joseph; five grandchildren, Anna (Thomas) Levandoski, Austin Reitmeier, Kimberly (Justin) Girouard, Angela Palmer and Jessica Palmer; one sister, Laura Henderson of Urbana; and four brothers, Robert (Dona) Henderson of Champaign, John (Maryann) Henderson of Fithian, George (Donna) Henderson of Tolono and Joe Henderson of Mason.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Janice; and one brother, James Paul Henderson.

Norma was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She taught Sunday school and was a member of the Sewing and Quilting clubs.

She retired from Solo Cup after 25 years of service. She enjoyed camping, traveling and going out to eat.

Memorials may be made to the Sewing Club at Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Howard Paul Werts

CLINTON — Howard Paul Werts, 90, of Clinton passed away at 10:45a.m. Saturday (June 13, 2020) at Manor Court, Clinton.

A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, June 20, 2020, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Pastor Darrell Howard officiating. Military rites will be accorded. There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorials be made to Little Galilee Christian Camp, The Write Stuff For Kids, or the Vault. Calvert-Belangee- Bruce Funeral Home, Farmer City, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Paul was born on May 6, 1930, in Champaign, a son of Jesse Howard and Lois Simer Werts.

He is survived by his children, Tere (Mike) Tedrick of Clinton, John Howard (Kay Ann) Werts of Clinton and Erik (Mendy) Zeigler of Clinton; seven grandchildren, Tracey, Carrie, Beth, Howard Marc, Jessica, Luke and Kyle; 13 great-grandchildren, Coltan, Maggie, Briauna, Aidyn, Addison, Amerie,

Abby, Haylee, Bentley, Joy, Jessie Howard, Jack Howard and Norah Jo; great- great- grandchildren, Jacob, Ava and Myles; and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Rick Zeigler; brother, Fred D.; and sister, Marilyn.

Paul lived on the family farm southeast of Urbana near Deers Station until he moved to Clinton. He excelled in wrestling and football in high school and graduated from Urbana High School in 1948. He was a lifelong farmer for over 50 years.

Paul was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He was a member of the United Methodist Church, Clinton; DeWitt County Farm Bureau; DeWitt Masonic Lodge 84; Elks Club, Clinton; Exchange Club, Clinton; American Ag Movement; and Illinois Corn Growers Association. He served on the Soil Conservation Board for several years. Paul also had been a JFL coach and he loved to dance.

“The family would like to thank the staff at

Manor Court and all of his angels who loved and cared for Paul.”

NG 6/17/20

Jack Wesley Knott

ST. JOSEPH — Jack Wesley Knott, 79, died at 4:55 p.m. Saturday (June 13, 2020) in Urbana.

Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at Mount Olive Cemetery, Mayview, with Dave Barcus officiating. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling arrangements.

Jack was born in Urbana on June 18, 1940, the son of Hiram Wesley Knott Jr. and Marian Louise Wood Knott. He grew up near Kolb Park in St. Joseph and spent countless hours playing along the Salt Fork River. Never afraid of work, he delivered newspapers as a young boy.

He graduated in 1959 from St. Joseph High School, where he had been a member of the choir and participated in the state vocal contest. After graduating, he attended Champaign Commercial College in 1962.

Jack married Barbara Gale Maddock on Aug. 17, 1963, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ; she survives him. Also surviving are two sons, Gregory John Knott (Brooke) of St. Joseph and Kevin Wesley Knott (Julie) of Homer; and two grandchildren, Riley Knott and Hayden Knott of St. Joseph. Additionally, he is survived by numerous cousins that he was especially close to.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, John Bluford Wood and Ella Wood; one brother, James B. Knott; and sister-in law, Patricia M. Knott.

Jack served in the Illinois National Guard from 1963-1969 as a staff sergeant in the 1144th Transportation Battalion. He completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri.

He worked as a computing supervisor in the Computing Service Office at the University of Illinois from 1963-1997. He owned a jewelry store in the Lando Place Mall on campus for several years.

Actively involved in the St. Joseph community, he was a member of the St. Joseph Civil Defense and St. Joseph Lions Club, including president; served on the St. Joseph Township Swearingen Memorial Library Board; and was co-chairman of the 1972 St. Joseph Centennial. He also was a member of the Mount Olive Cemetery Association board. He was a member of St. Joseph Church of Christ.

Jack was first and foremost a people person. He never met a stranger and left countless smiles on people’s faces as they spoke and had a good laugh. He was an excellent singer and had performed hundreds of times at weddings, funerals and nursing homes.

After retiring from the UI, he spent his time taking care of others, including his parents and numerous great-aunts, and especially loved watching his grandchildren.

Growing up, he was especially close with his Grandma Wood of Lincoln, Ill., who loved to hear him sing. He produced a gospel album of her favorite songs, just so she could hear him sing anytime she wanted.

Jack enjoyed time with the McDonald's Coffee Group, his cat Sadie, going to the St. Joseph Casey’s, breakfast at Henk’s and especially loved going to any events his grandchildren Riley and Hayden were involved with.

Memorials may be given to the St. Joseph Township Library.

Patsy Dyer Paul

URBANA — Patsy Dyer Paul, 89, of Urbana passed away at 5:52 a.m. Tuesday (June 9, 2020) at Amber Glen Alzheimer’s Special Care Center in Urbana.

A visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2020, at Renner-Wikoff Chapel in Urbana. Due to COVID-19, there will be a staff member at the door providing instructions and guidance. A face mask is required to enter the building.

Funeral and graveside services will be private. Pastor Paul Strand will officiate.

Patsy was born in St. Joseph on Jan. 5, 1931, to parents Frank and Mary Grace (Stanner) Denhart. They preceded her in death. Also preceding her in death were one sister, three brothers and a grandson.

On Nov. 12, 1950, Patsy married Jerry Lee Dyer in St. Joseph; he passed away on July 10, 1993.

On July 18, 1998, she married Stanley Paul at First United Methodist Church of Urbana; he survives. Also surviving are her daughters, Connie (Paul) Strand of Tinley Park and Carol (Larry) Strickland of Ormond Beach, Fla. Her stepdaughter, Tammy Paul of Alexandria, Va., two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive her.

Patsy graduated from St. Joseph High School and worked for Washington Elementary School for 25 years before retiring. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Urbana, the Hope Chapter of the Eastern Star, the Illinois Educational Secretaries Association and the Carle Auxiliary. Patsy also sang with the Sweet Adelines and the Chord Cousins Quartet.

Memorial contributions may be made in Patsy’s honor to First United Methodist Church of Urbana. Condolences may be offered at renner- wikoffchapel.com.

Mary Jo Ann “Jodie” Melton

RANTOUL — Mary Jo Ann “Jodie” Melton, 93, formerly of Homer, passed away at 3:35 p.m. Thursday (June 4, 2020) at her daughter’s home.

Graveside celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer with Chaplain S. Jo Melton officiating. Kirby Funeral Home, 708 S. Main St. in Homer, is assisting the family.

Mary was born Sept. 30, 1926, in Homer, the daughter of Ronald and Freida Pape Rosenbaum. She married Robert D. Melton on Sept. 24, 1947, in Homer. He preceded her in death in 1981.

Survivors include her daughter, Jackie Baker of Rantoul; son, David

(Jo) Melton of Rockford; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Mary was a member of United Congregational Church in Homer, where she was an organist for 35 years. She was also a member of American Legion Women’s Auxiliary and wrote for the Courier newspaper for several years before it closed.

Mary was the postmaster in Homer for 25 years. She loved doing crossword puzzles, watching “Jeopardy” and eating breakfast with her friends.

Memorials can be made to the American Heart Association.

News-Gazette 6/9/20