Barbara Jean Swinford

Barbara Jean Swinford, beloved mother of three, passed away peacefully on

June 15, 2025, at the age of 82. Born in Kankakee, IL on April 1, 1943,

Barbara was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She was known for her quiet demeanor of love and support for others and

will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years Paul Swinford; her brother Larry

Yarno and his wife Pat; her brother-in-law Danny Carter; her children Becky

Smith and Becky’s husband Jim, David and his husband Gary Davis, and

Scott Swinford and Scott’s wife Robin; her grandchildren Kyle and Ryley

Smith and Ryley’s finance Oscar Miranda, Zachary Swinford, Danielle Scott

and Danielle’s husband Michael; and her great-granddaughter Hallie Scott.

She is preceded in death by her mother Lorraine Loughry and Lorraine’s

husband Leslie Loughry; her brother Ronald Yarno; and her sister Nancy

Carter.

Barbara, Paul and their family have been members of the St. Joseph, IL

community for more than 50 years, where she was a devout and nearly

plank member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and an avid Illini fan.

She was an operating room nurse at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL

for thirty four years; and a strong supporter of causes designed to help

others. But her greatest joy always came from the togetherness she always

felt around her family and friends. Her memory will always be cherished by

those who she benefited most with her unwavering love and support.

The funeral service will be held at Thursday June 19 at 12:00 P.M. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 802 E. Douglas St. St. Joseph.  Pastor Andrew Jones will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church.

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

 Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church or Malawi Orphan Care Project.

Freese FH 6/16/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Barbara-Swinford

Don Mitchell

 Don Mitchell 82, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:05 P.M. Friday June 13, 2025 at Accolade Healthcare, Savoy.

Don was born September 24, 1942 in Carthage, IL. The son of John and Laura Mitchell. He married Jenny Runner on November 22, 1964 in Blandinsville, IL. She survives.

He is also survived by his son Cory Mitchell of Thomasboro.  Three grandchildren, Madison (Kolton) Kempling, Natalie Mitchell and Hayden Mitchell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers Kenneth and Eugene (Bub). Four sisters Joan, Pat, Phyllis and Nancy.

Don was a 1960 graduate of Macomb High School. He worked as a Pipefitter and was a member of Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #149 for 55 years. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard.

Don served as a St. Joseph Little League Baseball Coach and on the board for many years. He was a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau, Champaign County Livestock Committee, St. Joseph American Legion and as a Apprenticeship Instructor for Local #149.

Celebration of Life services will be held at 6:00 P.M. Thursday June 19, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. David Barcus will officiate. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. The family ask that everyone wear their favorite Illini or sports team shirt or jersey. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Little League Baseball or Champaign County Junior Livestock Committee.

Freese FH 6/14/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Don-Mitchell

Darlene Marie Allen

Darlene Marie Allen, 82, passed away on June 13th, 2025, at 2:22 p.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. She was surrounded by her loving family, brothers, sister, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends throughout the weeks prior. As she passed, her family sang her favorite songs and hymns.

Darlene was born on September 7, 1942, to Wilfred and Junetta (Martha) Kappes. She married the love of her life, Larry J. Allen, on July 9, 1965, in Rantoul, Illinois. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2000.

Darlene is survived by her son Brad (Tonya), granddaughters Karli Allen and Madeline Allen, her son David (Susan) and grandson Logan Allen, her daughter Lynn Pappalardo (Dino), grandson Nick Goryance (Jessica), granddaughter Halle Pappalardo, great-grandsons Nick Jr. and Joey Goryance and great-granddaughter Adeline. She is also survived by her brother Bob Kappes, brother David Kappes and sister Linda Schiaretti. 

She attended Holy Cross grade school and graduated from Champaign High School in 1960 where she sang in the choir and competed in numerous singing competitions. Throughout all her contests, she received Superior in every event except one, where she received an Excellent. 

Darlene was a fixture in the St. Joseph United Methodist Church choir for decades and was requested on numerous occasions to sing at wedding celebrations. Her love for music resonates throughout the family. She reached a level of singing where she was presented with the opportunity to sing opera at the professional level in New York City.

Darlene was a dental assistant in St. Joseph for 25 years, until Larry got sick. Throughout her life, she was known as a very kind and loving woman with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind smile. Her joys in life were her family and friends. Everyone who met her thought “their” Darlene was their special person. She made everyone feel as if she had a special relationship with only them. Her passion for being a grandmother superseded anything else in her life. She was each of her grandchildren’s and great-grandchildren’s biggest fan.

She was known for her outstanding chicken and noodles. 

Services and a celebration of life for Darlene Allen will be held at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church on Tuesday, June 17 at 12:00 p.m. The family will receive visitors at the church between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.

Please feel free to wear Darlene’s favorite color, purple, or St. Louis Cardinal red to celebrate her life. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 6/14/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Darlene-Allen

Shirley Joan McDuffie

 Shirley Joan McDuffie, 89, of Ogden and formerly of Mahomet, died on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at Newman Nursing and Rehab in Newman.

Blair-Owens Funeral Home will conduct a graveside funeral service on Saturday, June 14 at 10am at Shiloh Cemetery in Mahomet.

Shirley was born on Dec 13, 1935 in Decatur, a daughter of John and Rosalie (Nichols) Schuman. She married Clifford McDuffie in Decatur on March 24, 1955 and together they had 6 children. She was preceded in death by her husband in 2011, by 2 sons, Patrick in 2007 and William in 1980; 9 brothers and 1 sister.

She is survived by 4 children, Denise Arie of IN, Peggy Hawkins of Homer, Clifford (Pam) McDuffie of Seymour and Kevin (Janet) McDuffie of IN and her brother, Darrell (Lynn) Schuman of MD. As well as 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Shirley’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were the joys of her life and kept her very busy.

Blair-Owens Funeral Home https://www.owensfuneralhomes.com/obituary/Shirley-McDuffie

 

Sharon Kay Burr Cutright

 
Sharon Kay Barr Cutright, 80 of Homer, died peacefully at home. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 17th from 5 to 7 PM at Freese Funeral Home 202 W Main St. Sidney, IL.

Sharon was born November 20, 1944 in Pana, IL. Daughter of Clarence Barr and Norma Jean Gustin. She married Thomas Cutright on December 16, 1961 in Tower Hill. He proceeded her in death July 1996.

Sharon attended Tower Hill Schools. She worked at St. Joseph IGA until she retired. She was the past president of the Homer Women’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed gardening, canning, bowling, fishing, camping, and cooking meals for her family

She is survived by two daughters and one son. Donna Kay Cutright of Homer, Vicky Lynn Brown (Randy) of Georgia, Michael Cutright of Sidney.

Preceded in death by her parents, step father Pete Wempen, step mother Emma Matthews.

She leaves behind nine grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews.

Sharon’s siblings are DonnElla Davis, Iva McNeeley, Ivan Barr, Carolyn Cloe, preceding in death, Ida Hebenstreit, Roger Malin, Charlotte Slayton, Bill Barr.

Freese FH 6/13/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Sharon-Cutright

Dean Crider

Dean Crider, 93, of St. Joseph passed away at 12:55 A.M. Friday June 13, 2025 at Gibson City Area Hospital, Gibson City.

 Funeral services will be at 11:30 A.M. Saturday June 21, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Matt Crider and Michael Crider will officiate. Burial will be in Stanton Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M.

 Dean was born July 26, 1931 in Stanton Township. The son of Jason and Margie (Wilson) Crider. He married Lois A. Boyd on August 13, 1949 at her parents house. She preceded him on February 1, 20212.

 He is survived by his children; Terry (Mary) Crider of St. Joseph, Dan (Anne) Crider of Arrowsmith, Suzanne (John) Bruns of Cissna Park. Nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

 He was preceded by his parents, sister LaVonne, brother Cleo.

 Dean was a farmer in the St. Joseph area all his life. He served on the Stanton Cemetery Board as President for 50 years. He was the president of the Central Illinois Pony Club. Dean also was a Champaign County Farm Bureau member and with his wife was a member of the Casey Curly Cues Square Dance Club. Dean also enjoyed playing Euchre.

Freese FH https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Dean-Crider 06/13/2025

Yvonne Wiesner

 PENFIELD — Yvonne Wiesner left this world peacefully at her home in Penfield on Monday (June 9, 2025), one day after her 81st birthday.

She was born on June 8, 1944, in Cologne, Germany.

Awoman of great spirit and enthusiasm, Yvonne found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She was a fan of bingo and delighted in playing slots, often sharing these moments with friends while creating lasting memories. Yvonne had a unique ability to light up a room with her kind smile, and she often took great pleasure in treating those around her, always eager to buy a round for her friends. Her generosity and affectionate nature endeared her to many.

She is survived by her loving family: her daughters, Gabriele R. (Leon) Richard and Bianka (Mick Davis) Lowther; sons Tony (Lori) Leggs and Leroy Leggs; 14 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and her beloved pets.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Wiesner, and her son Robert Neumann.

A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be at noon Saturday, June 14, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center’s Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. to noon at the funeral home. Yvonne will be laid to rest in St. Lawrence Cemetery, Penfield.

Yvonne Wiesner will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she loved, and her memory will remain a source of comfort and joy for all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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

NG 6/12/2025

David A. Sanstrom

 

ST. JOSEPH - David D. Sanstrom, 74, of St. Joseph died on May 19, 2025, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center, Urbana.

He was born on Jan. 23, 1951, in Kankakee, the son of David J. and Laura Lu (nee Dennis) Sanstrom.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim (Lana) Sanstrom of Newman, Gerry (Denise) Sanstrom of Grant Park and Joe (Lisa) Sanstrom of Wheaton; his nieces and nephews, Scott Sanstrom, Patrick (Jaye) Sanstrom, Matt (Laura Asbury) King, Christopher (girlfriend Lizzie Ann) Sanstrom, Beth (Dustin) Schoenbeck, Damon Alexander Sanstrom-Elliott, Roger (fiancée Hannah), Damon Sanstrom, Joan Sharp and Wayne (Barb) Sharp; great-nieces and -nephew, Layke Sanstrom, Anchor Sanstrom, Ainsley Asbury King, Freya Asbury King and Jolene Schoenbeck; aunt, Carol Heater; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Susan Carol King; and niece, Amelia C. "Amy" King, Genevieve Sanstrom, L.H. Sanstrom, Dan Hanson, Wally Heater, Mary Alice Wagner and Ruth Dennis.

David was a graduate of Momence High School. As a scout of Momence Boy Scout Troop 391, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a sophomore in high school.

He attended St. Patrick's Catholic Church. One of his great interests as a young man and through his adult years was amateur radio; he was licensed as a ham radio operator. David retired from being an over-the-road truck driver.

David had a great love for his family and enjoyed time spent with them at family gatherings and at the Momence Gladiola Festival every August. Another love was for his beloved dogs and parakeets, which held a special place in his heart. David enjoyed photography; gardening; musical plays/concerts; spending time with Susan, Sherry, Ben, Rick and ham friends; as well as listening to barbershop quartets.

Please join David's family in sharing memories, photos and videos on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

A memorial Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church, 119 Market St., Momence, on Saturday, June 7, at 10 a.m. Inurnment will follow in St. Patrick's Cemetery, Momence. Lunch will be provided at Hoppy Pig, 135 N. Bradley Road, Bradley, at noon Saturday, June 7. A memorial gathering will be held at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel on Saturday, June 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Cremation rites have been arranged at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign.

Marilyn Mae Lyons Courson

 

ALLERTON - Marilyn Mae Lyons Courson was born at home on July 19, 1934, to Russell and Mabel (Porter) Lyons. She passed away on Friday (May 30, 2025) at the Newman Rehabilitation & Health Care Center.

Marilyn married Billy Lee Courson on Aug. 21, 1955. They began life in Allerton in their first house, built by Billy.

They raised three daughters, Cindy (Dan) Brown, Becky (Jay) Carter and Amy Courson. They have two grandchildren, Christopher Brown and Breanna Carter; as well as two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Arabella. Marilyn also had many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Billy; parents, Russell and Mabel; and brother, Lynn, and his wife, Rita.

Marilyn was a member of the Allerton Church of Christ. She spent many years playing the piano and organ as well as teaching vacation Bible school.

She was an active member of the Allerton Saddle Club, a member of the Allerton Woman's Club and was on the Steering Committee for the Allerton Centennial.

She loved playing bridge with the Merry Matrons and bowling on leagues in Broadlands and Homer. She started painting with oil and acrylics in 1972. She gifted many special pieces to family and friends. She spent over a decade taking her painted pieces to the Covered Bridge Festival in Bridgeton, Ind.

Marilyn's greatest passion was for NASCAR. She attended many races sporting her Earnhardt colors. Her pride and joy was her vast Earnhardt collection known as "The Shrine." She collected memorabilia for both Dale Sr. and Dale Jr. Marilyn even has her own brick in front of the NASCAR Hall of Fame in North Carolina.

In her later years, Marilyn decided to become a resident of Florida. From Florida, she cruised the world, eventually visiting nearly 30 countries. Her favorite location was Ephesus, Turkey, where the Apostle Paul preached. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

A celebration of Marilyn's life will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations may be made to White Fields Overseas Evangelism, P.O. Box 189, Joplin, MO 64802; or Moore's Rescue Ranch, 3113 N. Market St., Champaign, IL 61822.

NG https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/marilyn-courson-obituary?id=58539854