Darlene Kay Wright

 St. Joseph - Darlene Kay Wright, 86, of St. Joseph, formerly of Homer, passed away Sunday (June 21, 2026) at home.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, at Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden St., Homer. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Burial of cremated remains will take place at a later date at Old Homer Cemetery. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

Darlene was born July 23, 1939, in Oakwood, the daughter of Norman and Mary Isabelle Marsh St. John. She married James Gayle Wright on Nov. 8, 1959, in Urbana. He preceded her in death on March 23, 2011.

Survivors include her daughter, Salena Wright of St. Joseph; son, Mitchell Wright of St. Joseph; sister, Barbara Reed of Camas, Wash.; sisters-in-law, Judy Frick and Jackie Schwartz; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Wright, and grandson, James Wright.

Darlene was a secretary at the University of Illinois. She also worked many years in the auction, antique stores and flea market business. She enjoyed reading and was an avid UI sports and Cubs fan. She loved spending time with her family.

Memorials can be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith or the St. Joseph Fire Department.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jun. 22 to Jun. 26, 2026.

Barbara Louise Kirby

 Barbara Louise Kirby, 95, of Urbana, Illinois, passed peacefully on May 24, 2026. Born on August 25, 1930 to Lula and Arthur Phillips, the youngest of ten siblings, she lived a long and vibrant life, independent in her beloved home until the end. She loved flowers and good food, was a skilled homemaker and former beautician, and was known for her determination balanced with kindness.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arden, her sons Joel (Susan) and Brian, and all nine of her siblings, with whom she remained close until their passing.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and generosity and will be missed by her daughters, April (Scott) and Patience (Phil), her grandchildren Chris, Dan, Claire, Bethany, Ava, Hans, Mason and Autumn, and her great-grandchildren, Arden, Allison, Marie, Amara, Corbin, Gabriel, Annie, Ruth, and Ada.

Your love made the world a brighter place. Heaven is so lucky to have you.

A Celebration of Barbara's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Champaign Chapel, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, IL 61820. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Following the service, Barbara will be laid to rest at Mt. Olive Cemetery.

Please join Barbara's family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/barbara-kirby

Virginia Stahl

 Virginia Stahl, 87, died on June 3, 2026 at Savoy Place. She was born on December 31, 1938 in Urbana to Lyle and Audrey Wheat Trotter. She graduated from Urbana High School in 1957.

She married Ronald Stahl on April 13. 1958 in Urbana. He died on March 9, 2021.

After high school Virginia started working as a secretary at the University of Illinois. She continued there for 47 years and retired from the Fire Service Institute as an executive secretary.

Virginia was very friendly and well known for her generosity and care for others. She had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Her hobbies include gardening, caring for her flowers and reading from her large collection of books. She also enjoyed attending any baseball or football games when her son played while in high school and college.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother and one sister.

She is survived by her son, Shawn; daughter Lisa Richardson; sister Jane and granddaughters Preslee and Shelbee.

Graveside services will be held on June 18, 2026 at 10:30 am at Mt Olive Cemetery, Mayview.

Heath & Vaughn Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Virginia Stahl.

Hank L. Jefford

 Hank L. Jefford, 90, of Mahomet, Illinois, passed away on June 22, 2026 at Carle Hospital, Urbana. One of six children, Hank was born on January 31, 1936, in Pekin, Illinois, to Charles & Caroline (Helman) Jefford. He married Nila Jo Bachtold on August 15, 1965. She survives.

Hank was a multi-sport athlete at Pekin High School, an accomplished Golden Gloves boxer who finished 2nd in a 10-state Midwest regional, then a college athlete on the Greenville College baseball team, where he received his BS in Education. He served in the Army Reserves before he went on to receive an MS in Physical Education from Indiana University, and later a PhD in Philosophy from Trinity College of the Bible.

Hank was a teacher and coach for most of his life, retiring after 30 years to then start his own painting business. During his time as a coach of multiple sports, Hank was most successful in the sport of basketball, amassing 295 wins over 14 seasons, as well as 4 appearances in the Michigan ACE State Tournament (with 2 state championships) and 2 appearances in the Illinois ACSI State Tournament. His love of sports continued on as an avid fan of Illini athletics, and most importantly to him, his beloved New York Yankees. His main hobby, though, was following and supporting the Mahomet-Seymour High School wrestling team, where he could be found at most meets keeping his own set of in-depth team statistics.

Hank was a gregarious man who always enjoyed meeting new people and conversing with others on a variety of topics. He was a member of Faith Church in Urbana, Illinois, where he served as a board member and a part-time teacher at Kingswood School. At Kingswood, he created and taught a vocabulary class for 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers William, Charles and Rudy, and sisters Irene and Lucy. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years; a daughter, Loralee (Kevin) Kelsey, Mahomet, IL; a son, Craig (Stacey) Jefford, Westfield, IN; and three grandchildren, Nat Chapman, Nashville, TN; Taylor Kelsey, Mahomet, IL; Maddie (Austin) Kelsey, Urbana, IL.

Funeral services will be at Faith Church, 2111 N. Willow Rd. Urbana, IL 61801 at 11am June 27, 2026 followed by burial at Mt Olive Cemetery in Urbana. Visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Friday, June 26 at Sunset Funeral Home, 710 N. Neil St. Champaign, IL 61820 and from 10-11am Saturday, June 27 at the church. 

Please join Hank’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com. 

Linda Lou Bohlen Palmer

 Linda Lou Palmer (Bohlen), 78, of St. Joseph passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana on Monday June 22, 2026 at 12:50 P.M.

 Linda was born July 11, 1947 at Burnham Hospital in Champaign to Bernard and Wanda (Gebbink) Bohlen. They preceded her in death.

 She is survived by her husband Michael E. Palmer of St. Joseph, they were married on March 15, 1970 in St. Joseph. Also surviving are her daughters, Tara Buhrman of Mahomet, Jennifer (Todd) Tester of Mahomet, three grandchildren Kinzy Buhrman of Springfield, Jacob Tester of Champaign, and Ramsey Buhrman of Mahomet, along with their dog Tobie. Four sisters Bonnie Franzen of St. Joseph, Debbie (George) Mason of Ogden, Karen Knipfer of St. Joseph, and Sharon Bohlen of St. Joseph.

 Linda graduated from St. Joseph-Ogden High School in 1965. She was a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, part of the American Legion Auxiliary and enjoyed going to Senior Citizens and Bingo.

 A private family service 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/Linda-Palmer

Doreen Sjoken Pflugmacher

 Dorene Pflugmacher, 86, passed away on Saturday, June 20. Dorene was born September 16, 1939, the daughter of George and Wilma Sjoken. She married Robert Pflugmacher on January 11, 1959. They have three children: Michael (Lori), Jon Allen (deceased), and Vonda (Todd) Jenkins, along with seven grandchildren: Shanan (Carlos) Meza, Janna (Steven Russell) Pflugmacher, Brandan (De’Monique Brown) Pflugmacher, Savanna (Aveek Kapat) Pflugmacher, Nathan (Grace Stalter) Pflugmacher, Alyson (Micky) Mann, and Taylor (Blake) Bertolino and seven great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Karen Flessner and Glenda (Dave) Amborn and two sisters-in-law, Carolyn Frerichs and Alvina Pflugmacher. 

Dorene farmed with Robert for many years. She also worked more than 20 years for Christie Clinic—first in Rantoul and then in Champaign. She was active with the Fithian Women’s Club for a time and taught Sunday School, Bible School, and served on the council at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Royal. 

Robert and Dorene were in a card club for years. They loved the club and the lifelong friendships that it created. 

Dorene was happiest when she was by Robert’s side. She also loved to bake, can, sew, and craft. The grandkids fondly remember making preserves, applesauce, and cinnamon rolls with Grandma. She had a special touch with plants and flowers inside and out. 

Dorene was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Robert, infant son, Jon Allen, her sister, LaVonne, and her brother, Bill.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M.  Saturday June 27, 2026 at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal. Pastor Ryan Sage officiating. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at the church.

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

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Country Lane Memory Care, Riverton; or Kopmann Cemetery or St. John’s Lutheran Church, Royal. 

Betty J. Logue

 

Betty J. Logue, 94, of St. Joseph passed away at 7:24 P.M. Thursday June 18, 2026 at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington.

 Betty was born April. 21, 1932 in Van Wert, County, OH. The daughter of Olive (Fiock) Castle. She married Norman L. Logue on March 18, 1955 in St. Joseph. He preceded her in death on July 16, 1999.

 She is survived by her son Colin (Cheryl) Logue of Bloomington. Sisters Edna Fruhling, of St. Joseph, Laverne Davis of Mobile, AL. Brother Lloyd Castle, of St. Joseph. Several nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and 2 brothers.

 Betty was raised in St. Joseph, where she devoted much of her adult life to serving the community. She leaves behind a legacy of volunteerism and dedication that touched countless lives. For more than 60 years, Betty was an active participant in Community Council, St. Joseph Women's Club, and the U of I Home Extension. She also served as a county election judge.

 Betty was a dental assistant before she and her husband purchased the drug store in St. Joseph which they operated for over a decade. Her vibrant spirit and organizing efforts earned her the Citizen of the Year award in 1985.

 A visitation will be held Thursday June 25, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Graveside services will immediately follow the visitation at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Mayview. Rev. Mike Roberts will officiate.

 Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Stanton Fire Protection District P.O. Box 911 St. Joseph, IL 61873

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Betty-Logue

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