Carol Ann Trexler

 St. Joseph - Carol Ann Trexler, 86, of St. Joseph, died on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Haven of Tuscola.

Published by The News-Gazette from Aug. 28 to Aug. 29, 2026.

Connie Lou Ray

 
Urbana - Connie Lou Ray, 86, of Urbana passed away on the morning of Aug. 30, 2026, at

Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Born Jan. 23, 1940, in Danville, to Ivan and Helen Yount. Connie grew up in St. Joseph before making her home in Urbana. She married Jerry W. Ray on Feb. 2, 1962, in Vermilion County. They remained lifelong friends.

For over 60 years Connie provided in-home daycare. She loved children, and they loved her.

Connie was a wonderful cook and would love to share a meal. She enjoyed her coffee while visiting with family and friends. Connie also loved animals and made sure the wildlife around her was always well fed and cared for.

Connie is survived by her children Richard Thompsen of Urbana; Lonnie Ray of Urbana; Tim W. Ray and his wife, Talor of Homer; Betsy Banks and her husband Tony of Urbana and Glenview.

Grandchildren Adam Thompsen, Aaron Thompsen, Chaz Ray, Ross Ray, Collin Ray, Lauren Ray, Mason Ray (Ali), Cody Kern (Liberty), and Aubrey Kern (Isaiah). Great-grandchildren Landon Ray, Ace Ray, Benson Kern and Brother Dean (Deb) Yount of Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ivan and Helen Yount, and her sister Rita Wingler.

Connie loved to wear flannel shirts and be comfortable; casual clothing is preferred at the visitation.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph. A private burial will take place at a later date.

Condolences may be made at Freesefh.com.

Doug Emrick

 Danville - Doug Emrick, a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend, peacefully departed this world on Aug. 29, 2026, after a medical emergency.

Born on Aug. 17, 1952, in Urbana, Doug was the beloved son of the late Ronald and Judith Emrick, who predeceased him in 2008 and 2004, respectively.

Doug was a graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School, class of 1970, where he began cultivating his lifelong love for Western movies and TV shows. His extraordinary memory for family events, birthdays, and details of old Western films and actors was a source of wonder and pride for his family and friends. He could astound anyone with his ability to recall the ages of his many cousins and recount the details of his favorite Westerns. Doug was a true aficionado of Western wear, often seen proudly sporting his cowboy hat, boots, and bolo tie on special occasions.

He is survived by his loving sister, Julie Brinkley, and her husband, Chuck, of Elliott, and his brother, Shawn Emrick, and his wife, Michelle, of Michigan City, Ind. Doug's legacy continues through his nephews, Jon Swanson and his wife, Ashleigh, Joe Emrick and his significant other, Kelly, Erika Swanson, and her significant other, Casey. He also leaves behind great-nieces Bella, Kaydence, and Payge, who will carry forward the fond memories of their beloved great-uncle.

Doug's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported him throughout his life, particularly the Developmental Services Center for their dedication in helping him acquire essential life skills over the years. The family also wishes to acknowledge the compassionate staff at the Danville New Focus program for their unwavering care and support.

In honor of Doug's memory, the family suggests donations be made to DSC, in recognition of the invaluable services they provide.

Doug will be remembered as a gentle soul with a heart full of kindness and a mind rich with memories that he generously shared with those around him. His spirit will live on in the stories retold by his family, the laughter shared in recalling his quick wit, and the love that continues to bind his family together. His life was a testament to the power of memory, tradition, and the enduring bond of family.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave. Burial will be in Stearns Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Marilyn R. Querry

 Urbana - Marilyn R. Querry, 97, died the morning of Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026, at Reflections of Hollybrook, Savoy.

Morgan Memorial Home of Savoy is handling the arrangements.

Marilyn was born on Sept. 24, 1928, in Decker, Ind., the daughter of Ralph S. Lane and Ruth Levron Lane. She married Harry R. Querry on June 29, 1947, at her parents' farm in Decker, Ind. She is survived by three daughters, Julie (Sam) Bellante, Linda Querry, and Janet (Walter) Wolfe. Other survivors include three grandchildren, Jennifer Houston, Kyle (Alyssa) Wolfe, and Erin (Brad) Atkinson. She is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren, Felicity, Elijah, and Madelynn Wolfe, and Maverick, Chase, and Payton Atkinson. Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and seven siblings, brothers Robert, John, and James, and sisters Marjorie, Julia, Newana, and Sandra, and her grandson Chance Houston. She was known as Aunt Ming to several nieces and nephews.

Marilyn received her bachelor's and master's degrees in education from Indiana State University and her advanced degree from the University of Illinois. She retired after 38 years of service as a public school educator. Her years were spent in the Lawrenceville city school system, Lawrence County Special Ed District, and Champaign Unit 4 school district as a teacher, curriculum coordinator, and principal in three different grade schools.

Marilyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, past chapter president of the Ambraw Chapter Exceptional Children, member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honorary Educational Fraternity, a lifetime member of the UI Alumni Association, and a member of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Her hobbies included horses, camping, gardening, reading, cards, swimming, and time with family and friends.

Private burial will be in Mount Hope Mausoleum, Champaign, on Thursday, Aug. 27. Visitation will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. with services at 12 at Morgan Memorial Home in Savoy. The Rev. David Oliver-Holder of the Urbana First Presbyterian Church and Dr. Rev. Katherine Kussmaul, a long-time friend of Marilyn's, will perform the service.

Donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Marilyn's honor or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Reflections Memory Care for the wonderful care Marilyn received for the last two years of her life. Your love for her was recognized and greatly appreciated.

Condolences may be offered at www.morganmemorialhome.com.

Roger Otis

 Homer - Roger Otis, 76, of Homer, formerly of Urbana, died on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at home.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/roger-otis-obituary?id=62235681

Margaret Ann Baker Eunice

St. Joseph - Margaret Ann Baker Eunice was born on July 27, 1938, in Sidney, and she passed into the arms of Jesus on Aug. 23, 2026.

Prior to her passing, Margaret raised her arms in song to Jesus, singing "He the Pearly Gates Will Open." In her final hours, she was surrounded by family, who prayed her home with hymns and gospel songs. She lovingly hugged her children and grandchildren, leaving them with precious words: "I love you and I'll be waiting for you."

Margaret gave her life to Jesus at a young age and attended Sidney Christian Church with her family. She was active at church and loved traveling to summer youth camps. Margaret graduated from Unity High School in Tolono in 1956 and faithfully attended class reunions at "the farm" with dear, lifelong friends.

Margaret's first job out of high school was at the University of Illinois, where she worked as a typist. She was later employed at R. H. Bishop Co. and then Busey Bank for 20 years, until she retired. Margaret was an accomplished seamstress, sewing clothes and wedding dresses for family and friends. She was a gifted pianist who played by ear and instilled a love for gospel music in her children and grandchildren. She had a beautiful alto voice and harmonized flawlessly.

Margaret was a true Midwesterner who loved farmland, gardening, country life, and Illinois basketball. Her family fondly remembers the age-old-question during visits, "Do you get the Illinois games?" Margaret enjoyed visiting the northeast, Gatlinburg, Savannah, and the Smoky Mountains, where she could attend gospel sings. Margaret loved her home church: Faith Church, in Urbana, of which she was a faithful congregant for decades.

After Jesus, Margaret loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything else, and she loved well. It is her presence that will be most missed. At the end of life, it is not material goods, degrees, or wealth that her family cherishes. It is the memories of her prayers, kind words, smiles, hugs, loving hands, and unconditional devotion that lives on in the hearts of her family.

Margaret was preceded in death by her beloved son, Danny; her parents Everett and Velma; her son-in-law Patrick; and siblings: Rosalie, John, and Donald.

She is survived by her children: John, Kim, Kenneth, Vickie, Tammy, Karla, and Lori; 18 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; and her brother, Kevin.

To our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, truly, you can say: "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace has led me home" (Amazing Grace, John Newton).

The funeral service for this dear lady will be on at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at Faith Church, Urbana. Visitation will take place prior to the funeral from 10-11 a.m.

Memorials in honor of Margaret may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Renny Kay Greenwood Ehler

 
Champaign - Renny Kay (Greenwood) Ehler, age 85, of Champaign, passed away at 9:52 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at MeadowBrook Health Center at ClarkLindsey in Urbana.

Renny was born in Mattoon, on April 2, 1941, the daughter of Raymond H. and Lillian L. (Lewis) Greenwood. She moved to Shelbyville during her grade school years, graduating from Shelbyville High School in 1958. She married Richard D. Barker on March 18, 1961, divorcing in 1974. She married Charles "Chuck" L. Ehler on Feb. 22, 1975. He survives.

Renny graduated Phi Beta Kappa from the University of Illinois (UIUC) in 1965 with a degree in the teaching of Spanish and French. In the 1960s and early '70s, she worked in various teaching roles for a few years and then took a position with Colwell's Systems. After her daughter, Jean Marie, was born, she eventually became a stay-at-home mom. She enjoyed volunteering for community organizations and at the schools Jean Marie attended.

Following Renny's marriage to Chuck, she became interested in supporting their farming operation. As a self-proclaimed "information junkie," she took on the role of grain marketer for their family farm. She was a strong supporter of the WILL-AM farm radio programming, which she relied on for a great deal of her farm market and weather information. She enjoyed being involved in agricultural issues through a variety of organizations and volunteer opportunities. She held a position on the board of directors for the Champaign County branch of the American Cancer Society. Renny was also a member of the UIUC American Association of University Women Writer's Group. Her dabbling in poetry even resulted in her selling one-liners for use on contemporary greeting cards.

Renny never met an animal she wasn't drawn to - whether cat, dog, racoon, or possum, she would care for them to the best of her ability. She often worked with local rescue organizations to help stray cats and dogs find homes. A few lucky cats and a dog managed to join the family.

Renny is survived by her brother, Randy Greenwood (Pat), of Neoga; her sister, Jan Greenwood (Ted Martz), of Conyers, Ga.; her daughter, Jean Marie (Barker) Wichman (Darrel) of Champaign; her stepdaughter, Amy (Ehler) Walmer (Ryan) of Mahomet; and three grandchildren, Ethan Walmer, Andrew Walmer, and Kyle Walmer; as well as many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Thank you to all the special people who helped care for Renny in her declining years. Caregiving is a complex journey of deep love, hard work, and constant change. Renny's family is forever grateful for each person who helped Renny navigate her dementia journey.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026, 9 to 11 a.m., with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Morgan Memorial Home, 1304 Regency Drive West, Savoy. Burial will be at Mt. Hope Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Champaign Urbana Humane Society (www.cuhumane.org/donate/), CatSnap (www.catsnap.org/), the University of Illinois Veterinary Hospital, or any animal welfare agency of your choice.

Kenneth Thomason Heyen

 Kenneth Thomason Heyen, 91 of Broadlands passed away at 12:59PM, Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at The Haven in Tuscola.

Private graveside services will be held.  Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

Mr. Heyen was born Nov 15, 1934 in Petersburg, IL, a son to Julius and Ruby Thomason Heyen.  He married Awanda Lee Limkeman on Sept 20, 1958 in Sutter, IL.  She preceded him in death on August 31, 2023.

Surviving are two sons; Kevin (Susan) and Kendall (Brenda), a daughter; Alisa (Tim) grandchildren; Brandon (Hannah), Brittany, Makenzie (Alexis), Alexander and Maddison, two great-grandchildren; Cecelia Kay and Lucca and three step-great-grandchildren; Dean, Liam, and Ellie.

Mr. Heyen graduated from Ipava High School, then graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Music Education.  While receiving his master’s degree with served in the U.S. Army Reserves.  He was employed at Unit 7 Schools as the band and music teacher from 1970 to 1991.  He grew up on the family farm in Carthage, IL, where he and his children would go back in the summers and help with planting and harvesting the crops.  He was an avid Illini sports fan.  He also enjoyed watching his children’s and then his grandchildren’s activities, playing the organ and accordion, and going to tractor pulls, he especially enjoyed the Allis-Chalmers tractors.

The family would like to thank the staff at Haven of Tuscola for their kindness and compassion.  Over the years, they became more than just Ken’s caregivers; they became family.  Their commitment to treating him with love, dignity, and respect will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be made to Unity Music Boosters at PO Box 1063, Tolono, Il 61880.

Robert Wayne Acton

 Collison – Robert Wayne Acton, 76, of Collison passed away at 3:25 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on May 15, 1950, in Danville to Robert L. and Leone (Liggett) Acton. He married Deanna R. Armantrout on August 29, 1971, in Potomac. She survives.

Also surviving are three children, Jessica (Ted) Hartke of Sidney, Justin (Lisa) Acton of Rossville, and Jared (Kari Fowler) Acton of Collison; and five grandchildren, Phillip, Sophia, Ava, Ella, and Cooper.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a grandson, Gabriel Hartke.

After High School, Wayne went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Education from Illinois State University. His career was varied but always centered around his vast knowledge of the agricultural industry. Wayne shared this passion as an Ag Teacher at Oakwood High School before moving to livestock and ag equipment sales. He also operated the family farm where they specialized in raising Beefalo cattle. Wayne served as the Vice President of the American Beefalo Association due to his expertise with the breed. As a stroke survivor, Wayne volunteered as a lobbyist for the American Heart Association to support improved treatment options for stroke patients. He also worked in real estate as a realtor and broker.

Wayne loved the community he lived in and served as the Pilot Township Clerk and on the Middlefork Pilot Multi-Township Assessment District Board. He was a lifetime member of the Collison United Methodist Church and was recently honored as a 50-year member of the Collison Masonic Lodge. Music was also a very important part of Wayne’s life. With his band, Latigo, and other bands he performed with such as the Tumble Weeds and Yesterday’s Country, he played at numerous events such as the CU Arts Festival, several Cowboy Country Churches, and he organized outdoor concerts during the summer months at the Collison Masonic Lodge. He was a long-time Lions Club member and organizer of their annual “Potomac Goes Country” music show and later their “Let’s go Country” music shows. He received multiple songwriting awards and recognitions and a music video award and was President of the Illinois Group in the North America Country Music Associations International (NACMAI). He invested his time and support in grade school music programs to pass his love of music on to future generations.

Most of all, Wayne loved his family and enjoyed being present with them whenever he could. He will be missed dearly by them all.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Wayne Acton will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the Pilot Township Community Building in Collison, IL with visitation prior to the service held from 1:30-3:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to gather for a dinner and additional time for visitation from 5:00-8:00 pm that same evening. He will be laid to rest at Collison Cemetery. Cremation has been entrusted to Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 3940 N. Vermilion St., Danville, IL 61834. In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Wayne’s name may be made to the Collison United Methodist Church (PO Box 103, Collison, IL, 61831) or to the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge in St. Louis (Hope Lodge, 4207 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO, 63108).

Please join Wayne’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of his life through his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

https://obituaries.sunsetfuneralhome.com/robert-acton