Ruth Emilie Schulz Hafermann

Ruth Emilie (Schulz) Hafermann, a firm believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, was called out of this vale of tears to her Heavenly home to be with her Savior on January 29, 2022.

 Ruth was born January 15, 1928 at Nagada, Madank District, Territory of New Guinea. She was the fourth of nine children of John Friedrich Wilhelm Schulz and Anna Pauline Elizabeth (Radke) Schulz. She married Rev. John E. Haffermann on December 9, 1961 at Madand, Territory of Papua and New Guinea. He died January 9, 1987. Ruth was also preceded in death by her brothers and sisters: Emma, Adella, Eduard, Erich, Wilfried, Martin and Esther.

 Ruth taught Home Economics in New Guinea. Both Ruth and Rev. John Haffermann served as missionaries in New Guinea. John and Ruth retired from the missionary field in New Guinea to Royal, Illinois in 1972 with their daughter, Elizabeth, who was born in New Guinea.

 Ruth is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Hafermann and several nieces and nephews. Ruth was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, IL. She was a member of the church choir, the women's groups and attended Bible study. She also worked for a time at the Royal Post office.

 At the time of her death Ruth had been a four year resident of Country Health and Rehab, Gifford, IL, and had just celebrated her 94th birthday.

 Memorials can be made to St. John Lutheran Church and will be divided between the church's music program and mission work.

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting Life." John 3:16

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday February 1, 2022 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Jay Johnson will officiate. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is assisting the family with the services.

Freese FH 1/30/2022

Kim Courtwright

On the morning of January 23, 2021 Kim Courtwright took his final snap and a knee to go be with his Lord and Savior.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, Joanne and Ben Courtwright and his brother Chris Courtwright.

He is survived by his wife Nancy Courtwright, daughter Brandin Lancaster and grandsons Kolton Lancaster, LCpl Quinton Lancaster and Klayton Lancaster. He is survived by his sister Becky Sorenson and brothers Todd Courtwright and Kevin Courtwright. His football family is very extensive.

Our family has been humbled by the outpouring of love and respect for Coach. The stories and precious memories abound, his words of wisdom shared as well as his crazy quotes and sayings. Often he planted seeds that took time to root, but the end result was the same, living up to the potential he saw in each and every one of you. To all of his players, I challenge you to continue his legacy.

With the pandemic we will not be having a funeral or memorial at this time. Hopefully this summer we will be able to have a Celebration of Life. A tailgate, if you will. A time to sit and reminisce, share stories and heartfelt moments before we return to the game of life.

Kim, at the age of four, told his mother he was going to be a football coach. That aspiration never faltered or wavered. His gift, to see the potential in someone and the ability to motivate them, by whatever means necessary, to strive for it.


A good coach can change a game.
A great coach can change a life.

Lord love a duck.
Thank you Coach.

Source:  https://memorials.simplycremationservice.com/kim-courtwright/4507535/  1/30/2022

Deborah Sue Wilson

 Deborah Sue Wilson, 64, of Homer, went to be with the Lord at 10:45pm. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at Carle Foundation hospital, Urbana, surrounded by her family she loved so dearly.

Deborah was born Feb 9, 1957 in Urbana, IL, a daughter of John and Betty Danner of Summerfield Florida (They survive) She Lived her entire life in Homer IL. She had 6 Brothers and Sisters. Becky Kelley of St. Joseph, IL, David Danner of St. Petersburg, FL, Brenda Cole of St. Cloud, FL, Jim Danner of St. Petersburg, FL, Janet Smith of Homer, IL, and Cheryl Starr of Mattoon, IL. (They all Survive)

On December 4, 1976, She married Jeffrey Alan Wilson of Homer. They were married 45 wonderful years. (He survives) They had 3 children. Ami (John Sanford) Thomas of Catlin, IL, Brad (Lisa) Wilson of Homer, IL, and Caryn (Jacob) Akers of Longview, IL (They all survive). They were blessed with 10 grandchildren. Austin Lutz, Adrien O’Neal, Kanen Lutz, Zane Sanford, Timothy Wilson, Jolee Sanford, Keean Akers, Madisyn Wilson, Finnegan Akers, and Wyatt Sanford. They were also proud Great Grandparents of Ava James and Axel O’Neal. She also loved her dog Beamer very much!

Deborah worked in daycare for 40 years with most of that time being an in home daycare provider. She was more than just a daycare provider for these children and families. She touched many, many lives and loved these children as her own. Debbie and Jeff were country dancing instructors for 10 years as part of the “BootKickers”. She liked going on motorcycle rides, spending time with her sisters, crocheting, and watching crime shows (Law and Order, CSI, etc.) She and Jeff moved there farmhouse from one location to where it currently sits in October of 1986. They spent a lot of time renovating. The thing she loved the most was her family. She was known as a wife, a mother, memaw and mamaw to her immediate family. She will be dearly missed.

Celebration of life services will be held at Homer New Life Church of Faith with Freese Funeral Home 202 W. Main St, Sidney, in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan 27, from 5-7pm. Funeral service will be held Friday, Jan 28, at 10am. Pastor CW Greer will officiate. Burial will be in Old Homer Cemetery, Homer.

Memorial Donations may be made to Jeff Wilson to help cover the cost of the services.

Freese FH 1/26/2022

Irene Buhr

 

FLATVILLE — Irene Buhr, 94, of Flatville passed away at 5a.m. Monday (Jan. 17, 2022) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, with the Rev. James T. Lehmann officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery. There will be no visitation, but a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

She was born on July 24, 1927, the daughter of Frederick and Kathryn (Osterbur) Bluhm. She graduated from Ogden High School in 1945 and after graduation was employed at Sullivan Chevrolet in Champaign, and later at the Geological Survey at the University of Illinois.

Irene married Siegfried Buhr on Aug. 2, 1947, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. They lived on the Buhr family farm all their married life of 67 years. This farm has been in the Buhr family for 150 years and was recognized as a Sesquicentennial farm at the Illinois State Fair in 2021.

Siegfried preceded her in death on May 14, 2013. They were blessed with four children, Marcie Buhr of St. Joseph, Steve Buhr of Gifford, Russell (Marilyn) Buhr of Loda and Kenneth (DeAnn) Buhr of Flatville. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Michelle (Brad) Camp of Norman, Okla., Jeff (Aimee) Buhr of Urbana, Andy (Missy) Buhr of Gifford, Tommy (Molly) Buhr of Ogden, Kyle Buhr of Champaign, Leah Buhr of Tolono; and three stepgrandchildren, Tana (Greg) Suits, Emily (Brandon) Williams and Travis (Melissa) Fruhling. Also, 10 great-grandchildren, Ella and Adi Camp, Max and Annie Buhr, Avary,

Brody, Declan and Emmaline Buhr and Sophie and Mason Buhr; and six stepgreat-grandchildren, Logan and Connor Suits, Mia, Libby and Bristol Williams and Macy Fruhling.

Also surviving are one sister, Helen Comnick of Loretto, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her daughter- in-law, Martha Buhr; two sisters, Emma Raup and Anna Franzen; three brothers, Ernest, Alvin (Kelly) and Herb Bluhm; and three nephews.

Irene was baptized into Christ’s family at St. John Lutheran, Royal, and was confirmed there in 1943. After her marriage in 1947, she became a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, where she was involved in many of the activities. Pastor Mueller asked if she would assist in teaching confirmation classes during the four weeks of Bible school and continue to help in the confirmation classes on Saturday mornings.

The most enjoyable time for her was serving as church organist. During the late 1940s, the early church services were conducted in German. Her first role as church organist began playing for these services. For over 70 years, she was very much involved in music programs in the church, as pianist for the junior and senior choirs, as well as playing for many worship services. Since there were other organists at Immanuel, and other congregations were frequently without an organist, Irene was willing to help out when called to substitute. She served as part-time organist at Bethany Park Christian Church, Rantoul, for 16 years. Since their church started at 10:30, she could be in Flatville for the 8 o’clock service and be in Rantoul at 10:30. An interesting memory she often recalled was when Pastor Dixon left Flatville to accept a call to Trinity Lutheran Church, Mattoon; he was without an organist for the first three weeks so asked Irene if she could help until they could find a replacement. So, a few trips on Sunday mornings to Mattoon.

Over the years, Irene had the privilege of playing for well over 200 funerals and many weddings.

She was also privileged to serve as parish secretary at Immanuel for 16 years, a job she thoroughly enjoyed. It was Pastor Zenker who came to her home one day to ask if she would be willing to accept the position.

Irene was a charter member of the Immanuel Lutheran Historical Committee, which was organized in 1978. She was also a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau Women’s Committee and worked as a volunteer for the I& I Gas Engine Club in Penfield for their yearly tractor show.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville, Kopmann Cemetery or an organization of the donor’s choice. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

NG 1/19/2022

Beatrixe Mary "Bea" Plant

Beatrice Mary "Bea" Plant, 83, of St. Joseph, peacefully went to be with Jesus on Thursday January 13, 2022 at 6:40 P.M. at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 She was born September 1, 1938, in Boise, ID. The daughter of Joseph and Mary (Coblenz) Davis.

 Bea is survived by her daughters, Marie Anderson, Debbie McCoy, and Kim Plant. Several nieces and nephews, 4 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Thomas Davis and Pat Davis, sister Ellen (Davis) Badley, and grandson CJ McCoy.

 Bea spent much of her life taking care of others and was proud of her accomplishments working until the age of 72. She spent the rest of her life taking care of her daughter Kim and her cats until 2020. She enjoyed spending time with her family, her cats, and was often seen with a hot mug of coffee and a good book in her hands. She enjoyed a good heated political debate but hated rap music. 

 Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Monday January 17, 2022 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Burial will be in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview following the services.

Source: Freese FH website 1.16.2022

Donald Warren Rasch

 Donald Warren Rasch, 64, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family early Thursday morning, Dec. 30, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital.

Don was born November 8, 1957, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, the son of James Rasch and Shirley Walz. He grew up in Pell Lake and attended high school in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. After high school, he moved to Champaign, IL and joined a family band (Fireworks) that regularly played at a popular night club (Prairielands) in Thomasboro. Soon after, he met his future wife, Carolyn Webber.

After getting married, Don and Carolyn started a family, and Don worked for 10 years at Cablevision first as a line tech and eventually as a maintenance supervisor. He then worked as an electrical estimator for Modern Electric in Champaign and later worked for Hoke Electric in Tuscola, a branch of Hoke Construction.

Don was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He instilled a true foundation of faith in Christ in his children and grandchildren. He was a gifted guitar player, playing in his church’s worship band for many years. He also started a youth group band and taught guitar lessons for many years. He loved volunteering to be in the orchestra pit for the local high school musicals and loved volunteering to play worship for Celebrate Recovery. His goal being to play for people who are in recovery. Don was also known for his incredible sense of humor and thought it his mission in life to make everyone laugh. He loved to cook and was able to make any gourmet meal out of whatever he could find in the fridge. His biggest fan was his wife, Carolyn, whom he had spent the last 44 years of his life with.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Don is survived by his wife Carolyn and their children and spouses: Russ and Misty Houston, Jonathan and Samantha Rasch, Chris and Diana Strong, and Dylan and Kriston Lyons. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Faith, Emmyrson, Maebree, Noah, Eli, Ethan, Silas, Jackson, McCoy, Ruby, Jude, and Lincoln.

Don was a member of Living Word Family Church for close to 40 years where he served in many areas such as, Small Group Leader, Youth Leader, serving as an Elder and on the Worship Team and FaithWorks Committee, including teaching “How to Manage Your Money”.

Services to be held at the church are as follows:

Living Word Family Church, St. Joseph, IL Saturday, January 15, 2022

Visitation 9:30-11 am

Memorial 11 am followed by a graveside service Lunch in the fellowship hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Merci’s Refuge, Champaign or LifeLine Connect, Urbana.

Evergreen Cremation Service is assisting the family.

Evergreen Cremation Services 1/14/2022

Cristina M. Taylor

 

Cristina (Cris) M. Taylor of St. Joseph, IL passed away at 11:09 on  Saturday morning, the first of January 2022.

A memorial service will be held at The Church of Christ in St. Joseph, Saturday, January 15th. The visitation will be from 2-4pm followed by a Celebration of Life service starting at 4pm.

Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is assisting the family with arrangements.

Cris was born August 4, 1972 in Oklahoma City, OK, the daughter of Vince and Kathleen (Shriver) Hartrich. She married Gary Taylor October 15, 1994 in Downs IL.


Cris is survived by her husband, Gary, and two daughters, Chelsea (Mark) Wegener and Faith Taylor both of Houston TX. One living grandson and a granddaughter on the way. Also surviving is her father, Vince Hartrich, brother, Paul Hartrich, both of Bloomington IL, and sister, Stefanie Areia, of Reno NV.

She is preceded in death by her mother, Kathy Hartrich and grandmother, Marion Shriver.

Cris loved her job as administrative assistant at Arrow Ambulance for the past 23 years. She spent countless hours scrapbooking and quilting as well as 15 years volunteering for the St. Joseph-Ogden Youth Cheerleading Program. She was always there for her friends and family when they needed her.

Memorials can be sent to the St. Joseph Church of Christ.

Freese FH 1/14/2022

Melvin H. Schueter

 

FLATVILLE — Melvin H. Schlueter, 88, of rural St. Joseph passed away at 1:45 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 12, 2022) at home.

Private family funeral services will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford, with Pastor Scott Guhl officiating. Burial will follow in Kopmann Cemetery. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Melvin was born Oct. 5, 1933, in Champaign, the son of Harm B. and Anna Frieden Schlueter. He married Mary Ann Abbott on June 7, 1959, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Flatville. She survives.

Along with his wife, Mary Ann, he is survived by three daughters, Teresa (Butch) Smith of St. Joseph, Denise (Larry) Gerald of Broadlands and Renee (Bill) Hoffschneider of St. Joseph; eight grandchildren, Jeremy (Melissa) Worley, Cory (Jessica) Worley, Jennifer (Carl) Bodin, Jocelyn Campbell, Mitchell (Shannon) Bensyl, Michael (Jessica) Gerald, Holly Hoffschneider and Hope (Chris) Frost; 22 great-grandchildren, with twins on the way; five great-great-grandchildren, with one great-great-grandson on the way; and one sister, Erna Amerman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Delmar Schlueter; a nephew, Michael Wright; and a niece, Anita Kopmann.

Melvin attended Morning Star country grade school and St. Joseph High School. He was a lifelong farmer and also did contracting work.

He was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. Melvin was a member of Alcoholics Anonymous, having celebrated 30 years of sobriety. He enjoyed gardening, planting flowers and reading.

Memorials may be given to Alcoholics Anonymous c/o his family or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Gifford. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices.com.

NG 1/14/2022

Claudetta J. Hartman

 Claudetta J. Hartman 69, of St. Joseph passed away at 3:20 A.M. Saturday January 8, 2022 at her home.

 Services will be held at a later date.

 Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph is assisting the family with arrangements.

 Claudetta was born April 19, 1952 in Champaign. The daughter of James Claude and Mary Jo (Funderburk) Lindsey. She married Robert Hartman on February 17, 1978 at Effingham. He survives.

 She is also survived by her children; Emily (Jason Waldeck) Hartman of St. Joseph, son Ben (Sarah) Hartman of Bellflower. Two granddaughters Claire and Juliet. Sister Carolyn (Nate) Purcell of St. Joseph. Brother Marvin (Jo) Lindsey of Hamilton, OH. Her dogs Mini and Molly.

 She was preceded in death by her parents.

 

 Claudetta was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School Class of 1970. She worked at Heritage Grade School for over 20 years as a teacher's aide and Libarian. She loved helping the kids learn to read.

Freese FH 1/10/2022

 She enjoyed gardening, reading, her dogs and going to Arkansas for her family reunion. Most of all she loved spending time with her granddaughters.

 Memorials may be made to Rescue Me Clifford 435 W. Court St. Paris, IL 61944 or Carle Hospice 1813 W Kirby Ave. Champaign, IL 61821. 

Vicky Elizabeth Mouser

When Vicky Elizabeth Mouser was born on September 26, 1957, in Champaign, Illinois, her father, William Thomas Mouser, was 21 and her mother, Madeline "Maggie" Marie Mullis, was 20. She had two elder siblings, Connie Louise Mouser, born May 25, 1955, and William Thomas Mouser II, born June 20, 1956. Her half-brother Thomas Lepaugh was born on November 30, 1960, in Urbana, Illinois, when Vicky was 3 years old. He died at the early age of 30 on January 26, 1990 in San Francisco, California. Her half-brother David Andrew "Drew" Shreeves was born on June 19, 1968, in Champaign, Illinois, when Vicky was 10 years old. Her half-brother Samuel Wesley Shreeves was born on August 16, 1969 when Vicky was 11.

Vicky lived first in Sidney, Illinois, and later was raised in Homer, Illinois, where she attended middle and high schools. She had a full life rais6aed in a Christian household with loving family and friends. Our grandparents and mother were intensely familiar in her life, and they raised her well. With her kind nature and vibrant personality she was loved by all. In 1976, Vicky attended Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois pursuing a degree in early education to become a teacher.

She married Sam Cassaro on August 7, 1984, in Homer, Illinois, when she was 26 years old. She resided in Rockford, Illinois with Sam's very large family where she was shown much love. His Italian roots and sense of family permeated her with caring and joy.

They became members of Judah Christian Church in Champaign and attended without remiss. She lived always by the word of God, and shamelessly and proudly professed it. Since she was a child, she, like mother, sang hymns about the household and in public with her beautiful voice. She was also the first to chastise you if a profanity were to be let loose. Never did she doubt that she owned a place in God's kingdom, because when you live your life in his teachings, you know your worth unconditionally.

They resided in Urbana Illinois from 1986 until present day. They had one child during their marriage. Sarah Anne was born on August 3, 1985. Sarah was born with a heart condition and Vicky spent most of the rest of her life attending to her needs and ensuring that Sarah would be well cared for and able to become the free spirit she is today. Vicky was a warm, attentive, and wonderful mother.

Her mother "Maggie" passed away on June 23, 2003, in Villa Grove, Illinois, when she was 64 years old. Vicky, like the rest of us, maintained a constant appreciation of the ways in which she was raised, both by mother and grandmother. She was almost Saint-like in her ways of prayer, and of viewing life with open eyes. Anyone who ever spent time with her felt nothing but love when in her presence.

Vicky died on December 12, 2021, in Urbana, Illinois, at the age of 64. She will be missed by many, most especially her family. Her presence in our lives, was and is, a blessing. Fly high my sister. Sing your songs!

Melissa Ann Shaw Storm

Melissa Ann (Shaw) Storm, 52, of Mountain View, Arkansas passed away on December 18, 2021 in Mountain View, Arkansas. Melissa was born on July 31, 1969 in Champaign County, Illinois to Sherman L. and Carolyn (Kammin) Shaw Blaney. Melissa worked for many years as a CNA and was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and wife. She will be greatly missed by all of her loving family and friends.

Melissa is survived by her mother, Carolyn (Kammin) Shaw Blaney and dad Duane L. Blaney; husband, Kristopher Miller; daughters, Victoria Shaw, Mykaila Shaw, and Xzaviera Shaw; one brother, Dale Shaw, and six loved grandchildren, Hassan, Nyhilus, Addikus, Jaylen, Ronnie, and Ezekiel; along with many extended family and friends.

Melissa was preceded in death by her father, Sherman L. Shaw.

A memorial service honoring Melissa's life will take place at a later date.

Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas is n charge of the arrangements.

Melissa was a 1987 St. Joseph-Ogden HS graduate.

Source https://www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/memorialpage.asp?id=61416&locid=28

Lowell E. "Andy" Anderson

Lowell E. “Andy” Anderson passed away peacefully in his sleep on New Years Day, Jan. 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family at Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Florida.

Lowell was born March 16, 1924, at Ogden, Illinois, the son of Ellen (Bennett) Anderson and William Finley Anderson.

He was a Navy veteran of World War II and served on the U.S.S. Benner. He was in the service from 1942 to 1946 primarily in the Pacific Fleet.

When he came home he married his sweetheart, Rita (Sims) Anderson, who preceded him in death in 2014.

He was an active member of the American Legion, being a member for over 75 years. He graduated from Eastern Illinois University and then found his lifelong passion of teaching and coaching. He began his teaching career in Royal, Illinois and then briefly went into insurance. He then returned to his love of teaching, serving as a teacher, coach and assistant principal throughout Montgomery County, Indiana.

He finished his career at the South Montgomery School Corporation. Throughout his career he helped to shape the lives of countless children, their children and even some of their grandchildren, many of whom have stayed in contact with him their entire lives. After retiring, he and Rita moved to Lake Placid, Florida where he spent the rest of his life enjoying his community of family, friends and neighbors.

Lowell is survived by his sister, Phyllis Robbins; and his four children, Gary (Laura) Anderson, Marsha Lee, Mark (Janie) Anderson and Jacci (Bobby) Seay. He also had 10 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.

Services will be noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8 at the VFW, 1223 County Road 621E, Lake Placid, Florida.

In honor of his wishes, donations may be made to the charity of your choice or Good Shepherd Hospice in Sebring, Florida.

Source https://www.journalreview.com/stories/lowell-e-andy-anderson,178722

George "Gina" Hayes

Georgia "Gina" Hayes, 78 of St. Joseph passed away at 12:57 P.M. Sunday January 2, 2022 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, IL.

 No public services will be held.

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

 Gina was born July 17, 1943 at Lackawanna, NY the daughter of George J. and Mary Ann (Wetzler) Vuich. She married Glenn Hayes Jr. on June 30, 1979 in New York.

 She is survived by her children; Debbie (Patrick) Zagorski of St. Joseph, Michelle Roesener of Cleveland, TN, Michael (Joey Ciraolo) Kovacs of Forestville, CA, Miranda Orsted of North Carolina, Christopher Glenn (Aurora Erickson) Hayes of Lowell, MA. Six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Brother Joseph Vuich and sister Mary Clarke both of Melbourne, FL.

 She was preceded in death by her parents.

Gina touched countless lives in her two decades of foster parenting, tirelessly advocating for children and families. She received a special commendation in 1988 from the New York State Department of Social Services for her services. She also brought her commitment to children to the Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) in Fredonia, New York during her years as an Alternative Education Assistant.

This enthusiasm extended to her many hobbies. She was an avid reader, crocheter, and expert at word puzzles and board games. In her younger years, she prized her vegetable and flower gardens. What never changed was her unforgettable sense of humor, her dedication to family and friends, and her generosity of spirit.

Freese FH 1/2/2022

Patricia Sue Lewis White

Patricia Sue Lewis White of Roscoe died Monday, December 27. She was born February 25, 1946 in Champaign, IL to Cleo Elizabeth (Allen) and Edgar Grant Lewis. 

She married her high school sweetheart Terry White on August 29, 1970 in St. Joseph, Illinois. Pat graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden in 1964. She found her calling with nursing and graduated from St. Elizabeth School of Nursing in 1967. She lived in Chicago after graduation where she made lifelong friends and amazing memories. She continued to bring humor and kindness to her patients and joy to her coworkers as a nurse for 25 years at Swedish American Hospital. 

Her closest friends would always say Pat “Hung the Moon!” through her wit charm and engaging personality. She could find the humor in anything and her antics could light up a room. Pat was a woman of endless generosity who enjoyed volunteering, especially at her granddaughters’ school. She was very involved in the lives of her kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews. She was always in the front row for hockey games, performances, and school events. She loved making family memories, was known as “the fun aunt” and cherished family get-togethers. She is survived by her husband, Terry; children, Tracy (Heather) White of Rockford, IL and Amanda (Nate) Hansen of Des Moines, IA; sister, Barbara Lewis (Michelle) of Redmond, WA; brother-in-law, Ron (Margaret) White; the joy of her life, her grandchildren, Poppy, Summer, Augie, and Sam; and nephews, Mike and Andrew. She was preceded in death by daughter, Amy; her parents; and in-laws, Betty and John White.

Services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Friday, January 7, 2022 Fred C. Olson Chapel, 1001 Second Ave., Rockford. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:45 p.m. prior to the service. Private family burial at Grandview in Champaign, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish a memorial at a later date. In her memory, please do a random act of kindness, smile at a stranger, and be generous. 

Rockford Register Star 1/02/2022

Jack A. Roughton

 RBANA — Jack A. Roughton, 90, left this world and will be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 25, 2021.

Jack was born Aug. 4, 1931, in Urbana, to Oren and Helen Roughton. After graduating from Urbana High School in 1949, Jack was a butcher at Norms and the UI.

Jack served in the Illinois National Guard and U.S. Army, and was promoted to E-7, SFC. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Urbana.

After 41 years, Jack retired from the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad with an impeccable safety record as a switchman, brakeman and foreman.

An avid fly fisher, Jack was schooled in fly fishing and tying from his father and friends. He fly-fished throughout the industry transition from bamboo to fiberglass and then graphite fly rods, often fixing the rods.

He was an avid gardener of produce and flowers, a keen landscaper, enjoyed walking, and was a passionate piano player. He wrote and performed an excellent Christmas song at First United Methodist Church that got a standing ovation. He enjoyed being with his family.

Jack is survived by two children, Juliene Pendleton (Don) and Steve Roughton; two grandsons, Rusty Pendleton and Jim Pendleton; four great-grandchildren, Elaine, Gabriel, Micah and Jacob; a sister, Nancy Pridemore of Apopka, Fla.; and a brother, Terry Roughton of Long Beach, Calif.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Oren Kenneth Roughton (OK) and Helen Roughton; two sisters, Madge Mullinax and Nancy Riggs; and two brothers, Merle Roughton and Oren Kenneth Jr. Roughton.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11a.m. Friday, Jan. 7, at Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home. A service officiated by minister the Rev. Robert Freeman to celebrate the life of Jack Roughton will be at 11a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. A luncheon will follow the burial service at First United Methodist Church in Urbana.

Memorials may be made to the Dementia Society of America or a charity of your choice.

NG 1/2/2022