Virginia Mae Roberts

 Virgie Mae Roberts, 93, of Sidney passed away at 4:21 AM, Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM, Monday June 22, 2026 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney.  Visitation will be from 10 to 11AM, Monday at the funeral home. 

Mrs. Roberts was born September 10, 1932 in Somers Township, Champaign County, a daughter to Paul W. and Marie Amy McCormick Woller.  She married Jake Roberts on December 14, 1953 in Urbana, he preceded in death on December 10, 1996.

Surviving are three children: Joe (Vicki) Roberts of Sidney, Jill (Danny) Shutt of Ogden and Jeff (Nicole) Roberts of Sidney, eight grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and her siblings; Amy Martin of Urbana, Pat Mitchell of Omaha, NE, Jerry (Marilyn) Woller of St. Joseph, and Earl (Julie) Woller of Sellers.

She was preceded in death by two great-grandsons, sisters; Jean McCall, Wilma Harrel and Virginia Sadler, and a brother; William Woller.

She graduated from St. Joseph High School and was a member of Countryside United Methodist Church.  She was a seamstress working from home.  She loved to garden and care for her flowers.

Memorials may be made to Countryside UMC of Sidney Fire Department.

Ronald L. "Butch" Bryant

 Ronald L. "Butch" Bryant, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2026, at the age of 85. Born on September 14, 1940, in the heart of Champaign, Illinois, Ron was a beacon of warmth, kindness, and devotion throughout his life. His passing, surrounded by family and his cherished dogs, Lucy and Doc, marks the end of a remarkable legacy filled with love and service.

The son of Ray and Lucille Bryant, Ron was the youngest of ten children. He is now joyfully reunited with his parents and nine siblings who preceded him in death.

A devoted husband, Ron shared 33 beautiful years with his wife, Susan. Their bond was a testament to enduring love and companionship. Together, they blended a family that became his greatest pride and joy, rooted in love and togetherness. Ron leaves behind his wife, Susan, and his children: Crystal Merrit (Jon), Linda Judd (Richard), Ron Bryant (Janet), and Jodi Ferris. His legacy continues through three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who will carry forward his spirit and values. Ron's influence also extends to two great-great-nieces, numerous nieces and nephews, and many dear friends who were touched by his kindness and generosity.

Ron was a dedicated public servant, serving as a Champaign Police Officer for 25 years. His commitment to protecting and serving his community was unwavering. Following his retirement from the police force, Ron ventured into the world of business by purchasing Leonard's Pawn Shop in Champaign. For 23 years, until his full retirement, Ron owned and operated the shop, creating a place where community members could find a friendly face and a helping hand.

Ron was a man of deep faith, a member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, where his spiritual life was nurtured and strengthened. His faith was a guiding light, shaping his interactions with everyone he encountered.

Beyond his professional life, Ron was a man of many interests. Until the age of 80, he played softball with a youthful exuberance that inspired all who saw him. An artist at heart, Ron loved drawing and painting, creating stunning murals that captured the beauty he saw in the world. His passion for construction was evident in the meticulous care he put into every project, whether large or small.

The celebration of Ron's life will take place on June 14, 2026, at 1:00 PM at The Elks Lodge, located at 903 Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL, 61874. Family, friends, and all whose lives were enriched by Ron's presence are invited to join in honoring his memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to TunnelsToTowers, an organization close to Ron's heart, continuing his legacy of service and care for others. Ron's life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community. His spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and his memory will be cherished forever.

https://evergreencremationservices.net/obituaries?name=ronald-l-bryant

Diana Elizabeth Thrush

 Diana Elizabeth Thrush

The Villages, Fla. - Diana Elizabeth (Hartman) Thrush, 79, of The Villages, Fla., formerly of St. Joseph, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026, after a courageous three-year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Oct. 11, 1946, in Urbana, Diana was the daughter of Ernie and Alberta Grove Hartman. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Hartman.

Diana is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Samuel; her children, Melanie (Patrick) Butterfield of Anna, Texas, and Todd (Jamee) Thrush of Vancouver, Wash.; and her cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn (Matthew) Maynard of Allen, Texas; Lauren Knox of Gold Beach, Ore.; Alyson (Shay) Bubnack of Gilbert, Ariz.; and Drew Thrush and Camden Thrush of Vancouver, Wash. She also leaves behind six beloved great-grandchildren: Ezra and Isla Maynard; Lennon and Myers Knox; and Hayes and Nellie Bubnack.

She is also survived by her siblings, Mary Hafner, Robby Hartman, Sue Hartman, Patty (Roy) Wakefield, all of St. Joseph, and Judy (Jeff) Hartman Linn of Destin, Fla.; her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Alan and Cindy Thrush of Okemos, Mich.; and several nieces and nephews.

Diana retired from Illinois Bell Telephone Company in 1995 after more than 30 years of dedicated service. She will be remembered for her infectious smile, sense of humor, love for her family, and the many friendships she cultivated throughout her life. She especially enjoyed cheering on the Fighting Illini and Kansas City Chiefs, spending time with her dogs, and tending to her flower garden.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice or the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude for the love, prayers, and support shown throughout Diana's journey.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jun. 12 to Jun. 13, 2026.

Gary Reynolds

 Gifford - Gary Reynolds, 75, of Gifford left this earth on Friday (June 12, 2026).

He was born on June 29, 1950, in Paxton, son of Glen Reynolds and Edith (Parsons) Reynolds.

Gary is survived by his mother; three daughters, Michelle (John) Bohm, Tammy (Corbin) Holtz and Brandy (Gavin) Yeagle; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Linda (Rex) Frye, Jan Reynolds and Pam Reynolds, and their children.

Gary served in the Navy for three years, enjoying sailing the seas. Most of his life was spent farming, his great love, and he worked at USPS. You could find him nearly everyday puttering at the farm. He was a great thinker and very intelligent. He loved the land and was always looking for ways to sustain it in a more natural, productive way. He enjoyed gardening. He was never one to be shy about giving advice or helping someone who needed help, and enjoyed a cold beer and a good laugh.

His last days were handled in grace and dignity, worrying about those he was leaving behind, not wanting to be the center of attention. He was looking forward to "waving hello to Jesus" and reuniting with loved ones gone before.

Arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Cremation Services. A private celebration of life will be held.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/gary-reynolds-obituary?id=61686286

Blane C. Warren

 St. Joseph - Blane C. Warren, 55, passed peacefully in his sleep on Monday (June 15, 2026) at Springfield Memorial Hospital, Springfield.

He was born on Jan. 11, 1971, to William and Betty (Grate) Warren, in Champaign. Blane grew up in Tolono riding motorcycles and was a local paper boy. He was full of energy and intelligence. He attended Tolono schools and St. Joseph High school for a time. He received his associate degree from Lakeland College in Mattoon. Blane was a mechanic, tire man and recycler. He loved to take things apart. He loved music, mostly metal music, which he enjoyed listening to as a security guard for many years at the Canopy Club in Champaign as well as Summer Camp Music Festival. For many years he was the face of the club, reminding you to have your IDs out and ready at the door.

Above all, Blane was a devoted husband to his wife, Lori Ann (Stewart) Warren. He was a father, grandfather, brother and friend. He loved fast cars and motorcycles, and those who knew him will remember his wicked sense of humor, intelligence and personality. Blane was a big man with a big heart and big personality. There wasn't anyone he didn't know.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lori, whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by his daughter, Malarie Terry; son, Michael Terry; stepson, Kenneth Misner; sister, Ronda (Gary) Sullivan; three grandchildren; and several cousins.

Blane was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Aunt Missie.

The last few years of Blane's life were marked with illness and the inability to walk. Blane's family finds comfort that he is no longer in pain and is walking in heaven now with a perfect body. He will be remembered by the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. with a memorial service at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 22, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CatSnap or a charity of your choosing.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/blane-warren-obituary?id=61707553

Amanda M. Fuller

 Alana M. Fuller, 46, of Champaign passed away at 1:07 A.M. Sunday June 7, 2026 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Alana was born October 5, 1979 in Paducah, KY. The daughter of Alan and Belinda (Walters) Middleton. She married Keith Fuller in 1997. He survives.

 She is also survived by her children Treton (Alexis) Fuller of Champaign, Ayanna Fuller of Champaign. Grandson Joshua Fuller. Her parents in Springfield. Sister Melissa Middleton of Hindsboro. Grandmother Anna Walters of Paducah, KY. Many nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded by her paternal grandparents and maternal grandfather.

 Alana was a 1997 graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School. She worked in hospitality for over 20 years.

 She enjoyed reading, kayaking, water sports and baking. Most of all she loved her family and those she worked with that became like family.

 Services will be held at a later date.

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

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Alana-Fuller

D. Laverne Lafenhagen

D. LaVerne Lafenhagen (Dutton), 93, of Sidney, passed away at 5:30 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

The visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, June 12 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with funeral service and burial (Mt. Hope Cemetery, Sidney) directly following. Rev. Jeff Stahl will officiate. Freese Funeral Home of Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

LaVerne was born October 17, 1932, the oldest of five children, to Richard and Hattie Dutton of Homer, IL. She married John Lafenhagen Sr. in 1950.

LaVerne and John had three children: C. Dianne Lafenhagen, John (Terry) Lafenhagen Jr., and Joanie (Kenny) Bonnell; five grandchildren: Tenaya (Josh) Reifsteck, Jordan (Joey) White, Michael, Devan, and David (Lexi) Lafenhagen, and six great grandchildren: Rylee Reifsteck, Haley and Lydia White, O’Mari Thomas, Amira Westfield, and Anakin Clark.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her son, John Jr; her sister, Joyce (Russel) Block; her brothers Richard (Joyce) Dutton, Ted (Marilyn) Dutton, and Frank (Diane) Dutton; along with many friends and loved ones.

LaVerne was the administrator at Green Briar Nursing Home and later became the personnel director for the Chancellor Hotel and Aunt Sonya’s Restaurant, all in Champaign.

She enjoyed dancing with John, was a fabulous cook and the best chocolate pie maker, had a great sense of humor, loved visiting with family and friends, and was a die-hard Illini Men’s Basketball Fan. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know and love her.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/D-Lafenhagen