Anna M. Wantland

ROYAL – Anna M. Wantland, who was born on Jan. 4, 1919, in Royal, the daughter of Fred and Kate Osterbur, died on Sunday (May 29, 2016).

She married Lawrence L. Wantland on Nov. 13, 1938. He preceded her in death on June 1, 1994.

She is survived by brother-in-law Clifford and Hildred Wantland and her children, Penny Bates of St. Joseph and Candace (Mark) Frye of Roseburg, Ore.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Troy (Rita) Bates of St. Joseph and Madelyn Frye of Roseburg, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Brandon Koehler, Justin (Kaylyn) Koehler and Ashley Bates; and two great-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Kate Osterbur; her brothers, Louis Osterbur and Raymond Osterbur; sister-in-law, Doris Osterbur; son-in-law Jack Bates and Tom and Florence Adams.

Anna enjoyed her life of nearly a century surrounded by countless family and friends. She was always kind and gracious with everyone. Anna's spirit of generosity was guided by her faith.

She became a licensed cosmetologist in 1942, and to her it was more than a profession, it was her means of caring for others. Anna also enjoyed painting, which she received many awards for as an artist.

Anna was happiest when attending to the needs of others, as her pleasant demeanor allowed her to develop many lifelong relationships. Anyone who was fortunate enough to know her knew that her life was a gift and felt her comforting love.

Memorials may be made to Country Health in Gifford and Harbor Light Hospice in Forsyth.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is handling the arrangements.

Barbara Hollers

ST. JOSEPH – Barbara Hollers, 77, of St. Joseph passed away on Tuesday (May 24, 2016) at the University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave, St. Joseph, with Pastor Seth Jersild officating. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Barbara was born March 18, 1939, in Urbana, the daughter of Roy and Gretchen Funkhouser McLaughlin. She married Charles Hollers on Nov. 2, 1958. He preceded her in death on April 15, 2012.

She is survived by a son, Ben (Stephanie) Hollers of Urbana; daughter, Rhonda (Daron) Turner of St. Joseph; seven grandchildren, Jason, Charlie, Sam, Raven, Isabella, Leland and Addison; brother, Robert McLaughlin of Urbana; her cousins whom she was raised with, Violet Winslow of Rantoul and Delores Wimpee of Mobile, Ala.; and caregiver, Eboney Plummer.

She was preceded in death by her sons, Charles M. Hollers and Kevin Hollers; brother, Roy McLaughlin Jr.; sister, Mary Jones; and cousin, Dorothy Logan.

Barbara was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. She was involved in Girl Scouts for many years. She worked at H&R Block for 15 years. Barbara loved her family and friends and was a mother to everyone.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.

Lowell (Squeak) Lewis Seeds

ST. JOSEPH – Lowell (Squeak) Lewis Seeds, 78, died at 7 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2016, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Lowell was born on Dec. 18, 1937, in Tuscola to Max and Kathleen Seeds. He married Carolyn Reynolds on Nov. 18, 1959, in Urbana. She still survives.

Survivors also include two children, Pam (Jim) Seeds Thompson and Eric (Joy) Seeds, both of Champaign; three grandchildren, Matthew (Julie) Anderson (Missouri), Brittany Veign (Urbana) and Danielle Veign (Champaign); three great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Derald Seeds (Illinois) and Huey Seeds (Texas).

Lowell, an Urbana native, spent his life as a painting contractor. He learned his trade from his father and was eventually able to open his own business named Seeds Painting and Drywall.

Lowell, later in life, also managed the Champaign Sportsman's Club in Mahomet.

He was also a member of the National Guard, being honorably discharged in 1958. Along with that, Lowell was a member of the 32nd Degree Masonic Lodge.

A special thank you to Carle Foundation and Hospice. Also, a special thank you to Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph, for handling arrangements and cremation.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, May 27, at The Living Word Family Church, 1000 Park Ave., St. Joseph. Please join family in remembering the beautiful life Lowell lived.

Vivian Ilene (Ohl) Alsip

OGDEN – Dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Vivian Ilene (Ohl) Alsip, 94, of Ogden passed into God's hands from natural causes on Saturday (May 21, 2016).

She was born on Oct. 17, 1921, in Danville to August and Pearl (Moulton) Ohl of Danville. She graduated from Bismarck schools in 1939 and embarked on her secretarial career. She attended Utterback Business College in Danville and worked for Musebeck Shoes in Danville and later for them in Chicago.

Upon her return to East Central Illinois, she was employed as a legal secretary with the state's attorney's office as well as Foreman, Meachum and Clapper Law Firm.

She retired from the University of Illinois in 1987, but didn't officially quit working until 1995. She loved her professors and her graduate students! It was incredibly difficult for her to let go of the friends and family whom she had made at the university.

Vivian loved bright color and to SING! SING! SING!!, flowers of all kinds, and was known to many as the "Queen of QVC jewelry."

She was a member of the Ogden United Methodist Church and found great joy in spending time with the ladies at "Chat and Sew."

She is survived by her daughter, Darlene Collins, and her granddaughter Jennifer (Dwain) Dixson of Danville, numerous grand-nieces and nephews, as well as her beloved "Molly the Schnauzer" who has relocated to Chicago to become a dog of the city with a wardrobe to match.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her spouse; her younger brother, Richard, and his wife JoAnn (Ingram) of Danville.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Hawthorne Inn of Danville. The team on both the Hackman Wing and Manor Court provided patient and loving care for Vivian.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family requests that you offer donations to one of the following - her late husband Bud's favorite charity, Shriner's Hospital for Children at 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, and her own passion, her beloved Molly, to benefit the animals of the Vermilion County Animal Shelter Foundation.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, May 26, and funeral at 11 a.m., at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, with Pastor Kathy Murphy and the Rev. Michael Heidle officiating. Graveside services immediately following will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian

Junior Huls

ST. JOSEPH – Junior Huls, 80, of Kent, Iowa, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away on Thursday (May 12, 2016) at Creston Specialty Care, Creston, Iowa.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

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

Junior was born on Feb. 23, 1936, at St. Joseph, the son of Poppe and Anna Kuhlman Huls.

He is survived by several nieces and nephews and his longtime friend, Dorothy Damewood of Champaign.

He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Kenneth, Glen and Dean Huls.

Junior farmed around St. Joseph, then moved to Iowa in 1984 where he continued farming and raising cattle. He had a very successful career.

Doris Osterbur

CHAMPAIGN – Doris Osterbur, 83, of Champaign, formerly of St. Joseph, passed away at 7:26 a.m. Saturday (May 14, 2016) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 20, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with Pastor Jay Johnson officiating. Burial will be in St. John Cemetery, Royal. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. Prayer services will be held at 7 p.m.

Doris was born on Nov. 28, 1932, in Compromise Township, the daughter of Henry and Emma Busboom Suits. She married Raymond Osterbur on Feb. 4, 1951, at Flatville. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2009.

She is survived by her children, Laurinda Osterbur of Thomasboro, Wesley (Susan) Osterbur of Waunakee, Wis., Jody (Bob) Gordon of Champaign, Michele (Marty) Smith of Champaign.

Also surviving are grandchildren, Allison (Eric) Dickerson of Oregon, Joshua (Amanda) Osterbur of Colorado, Megan (Gary) Cline of Oakwood, Colin (Katie) Osterbur of Danville, Quinton (Emily) Troy of Seymour, Tanner Gordon of Champaign, Kennedy Smith of Champaign, Marina Stephens of Champaign, Melia (Scott) Christenson of Mississippi, Michelle Smith of Arizona and Margo (Luke) Messmer of St. Joseph.

Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Mariel Dickerson, Alaina Dickerson, Ayden Stephens, Anabell Stephens, Alivia Stephens, Eleanor Troy and Marianna Christenson; brother, Virgil Suits of Thomasboro; and sisters-in-law, Rosetta Suits and Anna Wantland.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Kenneth Suits.

Doris cherished the longtime friendships of so many colleagues and friends during her 30 years as supervisor for Automated Services at the University of Illinois Library.

She was a founding member of the Carle Women's Legacy Circle. She won Women's Business Association Woman of the Year. She also enjoyed Bible Women's Study, Sewing Guild and was a member of the Champaign County Farm Bureau.

Doris' hobbies were sewing, especially making layettes for babies. She was excellent at playing cards and dancing. She loved her children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors.

Memorials may be made to Carle Hospice, Crisis Nursery or Women's Legacy Circle at Carle.

Marilyn M. Miner

 ST. JOSEPH – Marilyn M. Miner, 74, of St. Joseph passed away at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday (May 10, 2016) in her home.

She was born on July 21, 1941, in Hinesburg, Vt., to Lester and Lillian Millham. She was a graduate of Hinesburg High School.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald (Jerry) Miner of 51 years; her daughter, Michelle (Shelley) Montgomery (Eddie) of Ogden; daughter, Lisa Miner Opperman of Westville, Ind.; and daughter, Margaret Sexton (Steve) of St. Joseph; grandson, Mark Montgomery (fiancee Jenna Slifer) of St. Joseph; granddaughter Taryn Sexton and grandson Trevor Sexton, both of St. Joseph; brothers and sisters, Ernest (Glenna) Millham of Albany, N.Y., Ellen Phelps of South Burlington, Vt., Daniel (Aleta) Millham of Milton, Fla., Richard (Gail) Millham of Highland Ranch, Colo., and Barbara (Bill) Koski of Ludlow, Vt. She also leaves behind her beloved grand-dogs, Barley and Woody.

Marilyn and her husband moved to East Central Illinois in March 1968. She was a stay-at-home mom until she began working for Illinois Bell in 1970.

She retired in 1994 but continued working until 1999 when her husband retired from the University of Illinois.

Marilyn spent her free time with her grandchildren or volunteering at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, where she was a lifelong member. She taught children's Sunday School for 30 years, was a member of the Women's Council, volunteered and organized many pot luck dinners, showers, weddings, etc. Her church family held a very special place in her heart.

Anyone who knew Marilyn knew that she was beautiful inside and out. Her friends enjoyed working with her, going to dinner with her, traveling with her, praying with her and enjoying life with her. She never knew a stranger because she warmly welcomed everyone she met.

Marilyn had spent the winter months in Tarpon Springs, Fla., for the past 16 years and thoroughly enjoyed playing dominoes with her neighbors, working at Clubhouse functions and volunteering at The Christian Church of Holiday (Fla.).

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, Marilyn requests donations be made to the Mills Breast Cancer Center, c/o Carle Center for Philanthropy, and mailed to 611 W. Park St., Urbana, IL 61801, or to an organization of the donor's choice.

Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the St. Joseph Church of Christ, 226 E. Sherman St., St. Joseph, with a Celebration of Life memorial service immediately following.

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

Ralph Benton Ambler

SAVOY – Ralph Benton Ambler, 87, son of Arthur and Nellie (Harshbarger) Ambler, passed away at Autumn Fields Adult Community in Savoy on Friday (May 6, 2016).

He was born in Danville on June 26, 1928, and grew up in Newman with his parents, two brothers and three sisters. He married Suzanne L. Osborne on Nov. 24, 1949, in Decatur.

He is survived by Sue, his loving and devoted wife of 66 years; their children, Ben (Carol Redfern) Ambler of Bloomington, Gary Ambler (Barbara Evans) of Urbana, Karen (Roger) Mohr of Broadlands and Pat (Joe) Ambler-Perry of Ocean City, Md.; grandchildren, Jennifer (Maurice) Robinson, Steven (Jen Lam) Ambler, Brittany Ambler, Sam (Ryann Elder) Ambler, Ross (Belinda Acuna) Mohr, Brandy (Mark) Danner, Leigh Anna (Nicholas) DeLoreto and Clayton (Kate) Perry; and their seven great-grandchildren (with an eighth on the way).

Also surviving are sister Janet Miller, sister-in-law Alleane Ambler, brother- and sister-in-law William and Mary Jane Osborne, brother-in-law Robert Osborne, and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Ruth Boyer, Dale Ambler, Glenn Ambler, Robert Ambler and Frances Fonner.

Ralph received his undergraduate degree from Millikin University in Decatur and his graduate degrees from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. His career as an educator spanned the years 1953 through 1985. He taught and coached sports at Jamaica and ABL high schools, then became principal at ABL.

Ralph then moved to St. Joseph-Ogden High School, where he served as superintendent until his retirement in 1985. He is fondly remembered by his colleagues and the many students he mentored over the years.

After retiring, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was well-known for his sense of humor, and his love of fishing and growing tomatoes. He loved telling stories about growing up with his brothers, and playing and coaching athletics. Ralph was named The Newman Express while playing football at Millikin, a name he was still lovingly called by his family. And he got better looking every day!

His family would like to thank the staff at Autumn Fields and the Carle Hospice Team for their support and care.

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Urbana First United Methodist Church, 304 S. Race St., Urbana. Burial will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to the Urbana First United Methodist at the above address or to the Celebration Company at the Station Theatre, Box 2906, Station A, Champaign, IL 61825-2906.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.