Shirley Alberta (Anderson) Kelley

 Shirley Alberta (Anderson) Kelley, of St. Joseph, IL, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025 at the remarkable age of 96.

Shirley was born August 19, 1929, in Homer, Illinois, one of eight children of Edgar and Nellie Mae Anderson. She graduated from the Illinois Commercial College in Champaign, IL On April 3, 1955, she married Donald Lou Kelley, and they were married for 54 years until Don’s passing in 2009. The couple had four sons: Michael (and Becky) Kelley of St. Joseph, IL; Kevin (and Connie) Kelley, of Sarasota, FL; Tim (and Kathy) Kelley, Leland, NC; and Kerry (and Wynne) Kelley of Bolingbrook, IL. She was the proud grandmother of seven grandchildren and great-grandmother of six great-grandchildren. She has one remaining sibling, Donald Anderson (and Gayle), of Las Vegas, NV.

Shirley worked as a secretary in a law office for several years and later as a secretary for Urbana Public School District 116 for over 20 years. She was a dedicated mother and source of unending love and strength for her sons. She enjoyed putting together complex jigsaw puzzles and sudoku. She enjoyed Urbana HIgh School sports and was an avid Illini basketball and football fan. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents and six siblings.

Graveside service will be held at Grandview Memorial Gardens, 4112 W Bloomington Rd, Champaign, IL 61822 at 11:00 A.M..

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Shirley-Kelley

Ragina Rae Chesnut Lindley

It is with great sadness that the family of Ragina Rae Lindley announces her passing. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, Ragina passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 3, 1970, in Danville, Illinois, to John and Judy Chesnut,
Ragina graduated from Unity High School in 1988, where she was a varsity letter winner in basketball and softball. She loved sports, horses, her family, and her friends. Sports brought out her competitive spirit, the family’s horses were a great source of pride, and she was blessed with a supportive family and many wonderful friendships.

Ragina also loved spending time at the beach and the Michigan sand dunes with her family, and she never missed a chance to watch Taylor and Gracie play in their many sports—cheering them on at every game, no matter the location or time.

She was the proud mother of Taylor and Gracie, and “Mimi” to Elijah and Beckham. On December 7, 2014, she married Brian.

Ragina was a longtime employee of Carle and Health Alliance, where she was dedicated to ensuring that every patient received the best possible care.

She is survived by her husband, Brian; her children, Taylor (and his girlfriend, Bethanie) and Gracie; her grandchildren, Elijah and Beckham; and her sisters, Ramona (Pete) Harrison and Rebecca Chesnut. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Judy Chesnut.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

https://evergreencremationservices.net/obituaries?name=ragina-rae-lindley

James Nelson Haan

 
We are saddened to announce the passing of James Nelson Haan (42) on October 10, 2025, at his home in Ogden, Illinois. He was born on May 11, 1983, and leaves behind a wife, children, mother, brothers, and many others who loved him.

Jim was known for his love of studying languages, exploring new destinations through travel, and playing ultimate frisbee. He could and would strike up a conversation with anyone in any language. This always impressed locals when he traveled abroad. His passion for reading and learning was obvious to those around him.

Despite his many talents and hobbies, Jim found his greatest joy in his role as a father to his three children, Lincoln (8), Quincy (5), and Jensen (5). He loved being silly with them. Their laughter from being chased by him brought so much fun and happiness into our home. Magic carpet rides around the house were a staple. They would often be found outside in the front yard playing basketball, baseball, soccer, and even games they made up together. He encouraged them to be curious and ask questions. Their list of things to research together was always growing.

Jim was a committed husband to his adored wife, Raina, whom he married in 2014. Together, they created a beautiful family and shared many adventures that will be treasured forever.

Although Jim's battle with cancer was a long and hard fought one, he faced it with courage and an unwavering spirit of hope due to his love for Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him, but his legacy will live on through his children.

A memorial service will be held at the Ogden Church of the Nazarene at 206 Market Street Ogden, Illinois, on October 20, 2025, at 6 p.m. A private family burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to the Haan Children Memorial Fund at Longview Bank. You can visit any bank location or venmo HaanChildrenMemorial.

https://evergreencremationservices.net/obituaries?name=james-nelson-haan

David K. Cox

 David K. Cox, age 63, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 11, 2025, at Kirby Medical Center in Monticello, Illinois. 

Born on September 9, 1962, in Greencastle, Indiana, David was the son of the late Ronald E. Cox and Betty Joanne (McCloud) Clark, and stepson of Robert Clark.  He was husband to Lori Cox and shared a special loving bond with Colleen Cantu.  David was a proud father to Jonathan (Tara) and Ashley, and a cherished grandfather to Cassandra, Raynor and Archer.  He shared many wonderful childhood memories with his sister Teresa (Mike) and was uncle to her children Andrea, Kayla, and Michael. 

David lived a life full of service, leadership, and passion for his community.  He served as Mayor of Bement, where he worked tirelessly to better the lives of those he represented.  As a respected attorney he was known for his integrity, dedication, and advocacy.

A lifelong supporter of youth and community sports, David was a beloved soccer coach for the Monticello Recreation program, and at the High School of St. Thomas More. His commitment to the sport led him to found the Monticello Soccer Club – the Pirates – creating a space for young athletes to learn, grow, and thrive.  David was also an Eagle Scout, a distinction that reflected his strong values, leadership, and service from a young age.  He was a lifelong fan of the Indiana University Hoosiers and it was there that he studied law.

There will be a visitation on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 6:00pm to 7:30pm at Blair-Owens Funeral Home in Mahomet. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 12 noon at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Mahomet. Burial will immediately follow at Bement Cemetery.  

Those who knew David will remember his generosity, wisdom, sense of humor and dedication to his family and community.

https://www.owensfuneralhomes.com/obituary/David-Cox

Carole Nussmeyer

 Carole Nussmeyer of Urbana, formerly of Sidney, passed away on October 16, 2025, at Clark Lindsey Village in Urbana.

Carole was born on December 15, 1934, in Villa Grove to Leslie and Charlotte Richmond Vaughn. She graduated from Villa Grove High School and attended Eastern Illinois University.

She married Carl Nussmeyer on January 12,1954 at the Villa Grove Baptist Church. They were married for 55 years until his death on August 15, 2009. They farmed south of Sidney for 40 years until they moved to Sidney upon their retirement from farming in 1993.

Carole was an active member of the Sidney United Church until her health declined. She belonged to the Women’s Fellowship and served in many positions at the church over the years.

She spent her last years at Clark Lindsey Retirement Village in Urbana. She enjoyed family life, reading, crossword puzzles, and Facebook.

Carole was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, son Mark and brother Douglas Vaughn, Sr. of La Porte, TX.

Survivors include her daughters Amy Nussmeyer of Tolono and Joy (Joe) Pisula of Savoy, and daughter-in-law Kim Nussmeyer of Divernon. Granddaughters include Kam (Ryan) Shick of Marion, Nikki (Horacio) Chavez of Lombard, and Kati (John) Kleber of Thompson Station, TN. Carole was blessed with 4 great-grandchildren and 3 great step-grandchildren.

A private service will be held. Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial donations can be made to the Sidney Community Library, 217 South David Street, Sidney IL 61877.

Freese FH 10/20/2025

Patricia Ann Varvel

 
Patricia Ann Varvel, 97, of Champaign, formerly of Homer, passed away at 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Bickford Senior Living, Champaign.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday, October 20, 2025 at Homer United Methodist Church, Homer with Rev. Bobbi Dykema officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11AM, Monday at the church.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is handling arrangements.

Mrs. Varvel was born August 6, 1928 in rural Homer, a daughter to Glenn Franklin and Ethel Grace Trees.  She married Leander Nelson Varvel on March 9, 1952 at the Sidney Methodist Church, he preceded in death on November 9, 1996.  She is survived by a daughter; Cheryl (Bruce) Cook, a son; Rick Varvel, four granddaughters; Brandy (Mark) Glowski, Kacy Varvel (Lucas McNutt), Kristen Cook and Angela (Mike) Knigge, four great-grandchildren; Emmett and Ella Glowski and Cameron and Parker Knigge.

She graduated from Sidney High School and Barry-Castle Business School.

She was employed at the farm bureau after high school and then became a homemaker after her children arrived.  She was very active in her church and community, including but not limited to, Cub Scouts, 4-H Leader, volunteer at the library, she had a cake business, and was a member of Home Extension for over 50 years.  She loved to sew, work in her yard, play the organ and was a great cook.

She loved being a mom, grandma, and great-grandma.  She was happiest when surrounded by family.  Her four granddaughters were the light of her life; always having something special for them to do to make their visit special.  She was so excited when the great-grandchildren started arriving and they had a special place in her heart.  We were so lucky to have her as our mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother.  She was loving, patient, kind, and thoughtful and we will miss her dearly.

We would like to thank the Homer Fire Department for their help while mom was home, Bickford Senior Living for their kindness and care the past three years and Traditions Hospice for their comfort and care these past few months.

Memorials may made to Homer Methodist Church, American Diabetes Association or Homer Fire Department.

David Lareau

 

David Lareau, 69, of Allerton, Illinois, passed peacefully in his home on Tuesday, October 14th with his family by his side. He leaves behind his wife Phyllis Lareau and children Angie (Scott) Duensing, Eric (Alex) Lareau, and Aaron (Nicole) Lareau; as well as his 9 grandchildren: Kiley Duensing, Avah Lareau, Kara Duensing, Kadyn Fitz, Leah Duensing, Makenna Lareau, Layne Lareau, Berkley Headid, and Lilliana Lareau. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his father, Wayne Lareau; his mother, Mary Lareau, and his two brothers Dane Lareau and Dan Lareau.

David and Phyllis were high school sweethearts and enjoyed 49 years of marriage together. David started his career working on his family farm and then worked at FS and Sygma. David ended his career doing what he enjoyed most - driving a semi for McComas Trucking. David loved riding his side by side around town with his dog Charlie. He loved to visit with all of his friends. He spent the last few years of his life enjoying it to the fullest with Charlie and Phyllis by his side. 

Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, Saturday, October 25, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with a Celebration of Life to follow at 11:30AM.

Freese FH 10/20/2025