Richard Kenneth Orr

 

Richard (Rick) Kenneth Orr passed away peacefully in Sonoma, California on July 24th, surrounded by friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his Mother Audrey Lanier Orr, Father Kenneth (Kenny) Orr and brother Ronald and his wife Maggie Orr.

He is survived by his brother Donald (Judi) Orr of Sonoma CA; Nephews: Sean (Barb) Orr of Mahomet IL, Bryan (Debbie Klein) Orr of Hanover Park IL; Niece: Jennifer Caramucci (Gary Wilbanks) of Novato, CA; and great nephews and nieces: Zachary and Matthew Orr, Kai Nelson-Orr, Julia and Sara Klein, McKenna and Garrett Caramucci.

Rick was born on December 17, 1942, at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, Illinois. At the age of five, his family moved to a farm south of St. Joseph, Illinois. Rick always said that living on the farm was the best time of his life. He went to two one-roomed country schools — Lipton (which still stands) and Clark. While on the farm, he raised Hampshire hogs for 4-H and looked forward to showing them at the Champaign County Fair. He graduated from St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph High School. While in high school, he participated in annual speech contests and plays, and in his senior year his class wrote the class play "Suspense on Sandy Key". He received a scholarship to attend Illinois State University to study special education, but after one year he decided that was not the field for him. Taking a year off to travel, he then enrolled at the University of Illinois as a theatre major — his true love. He was the first undergraduate student to be asked to direct a mainstage production in the Krannert Center. He received his BFA and Master's degree in Theatre and went on to study Leisure Studies and Speech Communication at the University of Illinois. Through graduate school, he was a teaching assistant and an instructor of Lifetime Fitness for the Physical Education Department. He was also a tutor for the Athletic Department. Paying for college himself, he worked many jobs. He made pizza at night at the Italian Patio. He worked in the produce departments at the St. Joseph and Gibson City IGA. He was a model for the U of I's and Purdue's Art Departments. He discovered his love of flowers while working at Fritz Flower Shop at Five Points in Urbana. While still in college, he also started working at Art Floral, where he continued to work for 22 years, increasing his floral design skills. He eventually left Art Floral and opened his own flower shop, Rick Orr Florist, in downtown Champaign where he worked for 27 years until he closed that shop and began his freelance design work from his studio at home.

As a floral designer, Rick became well-known throughout the State of Illinois. He was named Illinois State Floral Designer three times. He was the official florist for the Kemper PGA Golf Tournament in Lake Zurich, Illinois, in 1989. His dried floral arrangements were featured in the Ralph Lauren Store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. His designs appeared in the magazine "Flowers &", taking the First-Place Award twice. His dried wreaths were featured in "House Beautiful" magazine, and he began shipping wreaths nationally from his shop in Champaign. He served on design panels in Illinois, Ohio, and Texas, and was inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1987. He was a member of the University of Illinois Alumni Association as well as a member of the President's Council.

In 1971, Rick founded The Celebration Company at the Station Theatre in Urbana, taking an old, abandoned train station and converting it into a well-respected local theatre and serving as its Artistic Director for the next 50 years, directing more than 120 productions. The Celebration Company presented a wide variety of challenging, provocative and entertaining works and quickly became well known for producing some of the best theatre to be seen in central Illinois, receiving state-wide recognition and multiple awards. Rick's production of "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris" was so popular that it was repeated twice and invited to be presented at the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. His production of "The Shadow Box" was entered in the American Community Theatre Association Festival where it won top honors at the state and regional levels and competed in the national competition in Kalamazoo, MI. Rick also served five terms on the Illinois Arts Council.

Rick also enjoyed gardening. His gardens on John Street and LaSell Drive were featured on local garden walks. His garden on John Street was featured in the book "Empowered Gardens" and in Midwest Living magazine. Rick often said that directing stage productions was like arranging flowers in a vase. Instead of working with Mother Nature, he worked with human beings to provide a well-balanced picture of height, color, texture, rhythm and motion. Rick was a master of both floral design and stage pictures.

Rick loved to travel. He spent many long Labor Day weekends in Puerto Rico and enjoyed Flamenco Beach on the nearby island of Culebra. A picture of a flower box he had planted on the side of his garage won him a national design contest with a first-place prize of an all expense-paid trip to Venice, Italy. He also traveled to the Netherlands to visit the flower markets there. He traveled to Denmark (his mother's heritage), Germany, Brussels, and Spain. In the winter, he would visit the Hawaiian Islands, staying with his good friend and guide Brian McCormack. Even though he could not swim and was somewhat afraid of the water, he managed to stand up on a surfboard and ride a wave at Waikiki at the age of 73 thanks to two private instructors of the Ohana Surf Project, Sean and Chelsea. He looked forward to his annual visits to the wine country of Sonoma, California to spend time with his brother Don and Don's wife Judi. His yearly travels to New York City brought many design elements from the NYC Gift Show back to his Champaign flower shop as well as many plays and musicals to be directed at the Station Theatre.

Throughout his many years of giving folks visual and theatrical pleasures, he was always grateful for the many friends he met along the way — especially his dear friends Jonathan Johnston, Trisha Locke, Carol Kamradt, Hector (his barber), Dr. Brasch, Dr. Paul, Dr. Ahn, Pete Samek, Gary Ambler, Barb Evans, Mike Trippiedi, Steven Keen, Kay Holley, and many other theatre friends.

“I did the best I could to give people joy” - Bette Midler

“So long - enjoy a good life” - Rick Orr

Visitation to be held from 4-7pm at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E.Grand, St. Joseph, IL on Tuesday August 4th, 2026.  There will also be viewing on Wednesday August 5th 10-11am with funeral  service beginning at 11am followed by graveside at Homer (G.A.R.) Cemetery, 600 E. Second St., Homer, Illinois.

Monetary tributes can be sent to: Allerton Park & Retreat Center C/O Rick Orr 515 Old Timber Road Monticello, IL 61856, or online:  https://allerton.illinois.edu/donate-to-allerton/

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/RichardRick-Orr

Ronald D. Allen

 Homer - Ronald D. Allen, 86, of rural Homer passed away Monday (June 29, 2026) at home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 6, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation Sunday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ronald was born Sept. 27, 1939, in Danville, the son of Frank Johnson and Laverne Leola Davis Allen.

Survivors include his four sons, Randy (Jan) Allen of Homer, Roger (Debbie Burke) Allen of St. Joseph, Rick (Misty) Allen of Fairmount and Rex (Julie) Allen of Miller, Mo.; two brothers, Richard (Dixie) Allen and John Allen; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his brother Wayne Allen.

Ron was a farmer. He was a member of the Homer United Methodist Church. Ron was the former owner of Allen's Farm Quality Meats. He enjoyed raising cattle and fishing.

Memorials can be made to the Homer Fire Department.

Published by The News-Gazette from Jun. 30 to Jul. 3, 2026.

Fredrick J. "Freddy" Smith

 
Fredrick J. “Freddy” Smith, 75, of Homer passed away Monday, January 26, 2026 at his home.

Celebration of life service will be at 6pm on Monday, February 2 at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street in Homer. Pastor Robin “RJ” King will officiate. There will be a visitation from 4-6pm prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial of cremated remains will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery at a later date.

Freddy was born May 1, 1950 in Tuscola, the son of Barton and Lora Wright Smith. He married Rebecca “Becky” Strawser on September 25, 1970 in Newman. She survives.

Survivors also include his son, Jason “Max” (Kristen) Smith of Ogden; granddaughters, Cheyanne Thomas and Tierra Thomas; great grandson, Devin Webb III; brother, Terry (Alice) Smith; sister, Jessie (Bud) Wyant; special sons Casey, Josh, Donavin, and Jeremy; and special grandsons Jamie, Jon Jon, Justin, and Adam.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Jamie Cooper Smith in 2003, brother Herman Smith and sisters Glenda Peterson and Karen O’Dell.

Freddy was employed by JM Jones SuperValu in Urbana for 35 ½ years until his retirement in 2006. He loved playing music and once had a band, Freddy J and the Country Delegation. Freddy was an avid Elvis impersonator. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, watering flowers and spending time with his family.

Memorials can be made to the family.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Fredrick-Smith

Laura Anne Bear

 Laura Anne Bear, 69, of Homer, passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026 at her home.

Funeral services will be 11am Thursday at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street in Homer. Pastor Chuck Alt will officiate. Burial will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation on Wednesday from 5-7pm at the funeral home.

Laura was born August 11, 1956 in Urbana, the daughter of Laurence “Jack” and Alice Rogers Bear.

Survivors include her daughter, April Westerfield of Tuscola; sons, Josh (Julie) Westerfield of Homer and Jeremy Westerfield of Champaign; 6 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren.

Laura was a supervisor for the State of Illinois Department of Motor Vehicles. She enjoyed live music, river floating, gardening-especially making pickles from her harvest, target shooting, reading and going out with friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister, and 3 brothers.

Memorials can be made to the family.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Laura-Bear 1/30/2026

Guy Lynn James

 
Guy Lynn James (from river rat to village trustee), 78, of Homer, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at his home.

Funeral services will be 10am Friday, January 16 at Homer New Life Church of Faith, 505 W. Crittenden in Homer. Pastor C.W. Greer will officiate. Burial will take place at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be no visitation. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Guy was born March 11, 1947 in Champaign, the son of Joseph Carl and Phyllis Dean Wrather James. He married Georgia Darlene Bear on June 6, 1965 at Homer Church of Christ. She survives.

Survivors also include sons, Guy Edward (Stacy) James of Tuscola and Michael Lynn (Mindy) James of Homer; grandchildren: Audra (Kody) Shields, Kenzie (Hunter) Wasser, Dalton James, Sophia James and Parker James; 4 great grandchildren plus one on the way; sisters Carol Kirby, Donna Ward, Linda Krukewitt, and Deborah Theesfeld; and brothers Joe James and Daniel James.

Guy ran his own business, James Plumbing, Heating & AC. He was a member of Homer New Life Church of Faith. Guy served on the village board for 16 years, was a volunteer fireman for 16 years, belonged to the Lions Club, was on the Church of Christ board and was on the Homer Recreation Board. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, hunting, gardening, singing, bird watching and was a baseball coach.

Memorials can be made to Homer New Life Church of Faith.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Guy-James

Joan Elizabeth "Jody" Bryan

 
Joan Elizabeth “Jody” Bryan, 97, of Homer, passed peacefully on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital surrounded by her loving family.

Jody was born in rural Homer to Alford and Lizzie Bowen on December 3, 1927. She attended Homer schools and graduated from Homer High School in 1945. She was a member of GAA and the choir. She was also editor of the school newspaper and assistant editor of the yearbook. Jody liked recitations and public speaking as a youth and later as an adult. She was an avid reader and loved to write poetry throughout her entire life. She was also in 4-H and became a 4-H leader as an adult.

Jody married Robert E. Bryan on January 21, 1947. Together, they farmed until retirement in 1998. They enjoyed a lifelong marriage of 74 years until his passing in 2021, setting an example of a beautiful lifetime commitment for their family. Jody loved being a farm wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Their greatest challenge came when Jody contracted polio and they had an 8-month-old baby. She eventually learned to walk again and was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.

Jody and Robert “Bob” had two sons, Jeffrey (Jan) of Guyton, GA, and Bruce (Jami) of Homer, IL. They often said that Jeff and Bruce were the best crops they ever raised. They had four grandchildren, Justin Minick (Cori) of Meridian, MS, Jessica Seckinger (Jimmy) of Rincon, GA, Chase Bryan (Alison) of Sidney, IL, and Bailey Knilands (Timothy) of Allerton, IL. Bob and Jody have five great-grandchildren, Mason Minick of Meridian, MS, Emily Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Caroline Seckinger of Rincon, GA, Ella Minick of Meridian, MS, and Caden Bryan of Sidney, IL. Jody’s greatest joy was indeed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jody and her husband both loved to travel. She visited every state and Canada. They drove to Mexico on their honeymoon. In their younger years, they enjoyed camping, especially with friends and family together. They also showed registered Hereford cattle, a legacy passed down from Bob’s father.

She truly liked being a homemaker and farm life. She kept track of the farm activities until the end of her life. Jody loved flowers, which she shared with the church and her neighbors, and she had a large vegetable garden. She canned and preserved her produce for many years. Jody wrote poetry throughout her life which she compiled into a book that she published and gifted to friends and family. In recent years, she wrote poems for the church newsletter and delighted in being creative again.

Jody was a member of Home Extension, Homer Women’s Club, and Homer Historical Society. She also was a volunteer at Homer Lake. Jody was a member of Homer United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in many other church activities over the years. She truly considered it her extended family. Recently, she was attending the weekly coffee hour at the local library, where she relished friendships old and new.

Jody had several “adopted grandkids” with whom she enjoyed spending time and kept track of their lives until her passing. She also wrote to many of the college students from her church. She felt they needed some encouragement during their first time from home. She would send them cards, jokes, and even cut out comic strips to send them. Jody just loved people, no matter their age or station in life. She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 26th at Homer United Methodist Church from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, September 27th at Homer United Methodist Church. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will officiate. Jody will be laid to rest in G.A.R. cemetery next to her beloved husband Bob following the service. A luncheon at the church will follow interment. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or the Homer Community Library.

Shirley Mae Cromwell

Shirley Mae Cromwell, 90, of Homer, died Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana.

Graveside services will be 11am Wednesday, September 24 at G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Cremation rites have been accorded. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street in Homer is handling the arrangements.

Shirley was born October 14, 1934 in Oak Creek, Colorado, the daughter of Richard and Ada Gooch Woodard. She married Harold Cromwell on January 18, 1953. He preceded her in death on September 14, 2008.

Survivors include her sons: Rick (Ann) Cromwell of St. Augustine, FL, Dave (Laura) Cromwell of Monticello and Gary (Karen) Cromwell of Sidney; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Wilfred Woodard and sister, Marilyn Miller.

Shirley was a bookkeeper for Brewer Chevrolet, Fithian Grain and Homer Grain. She was a member of Homer United Methodist Church, American Legion Auxiliary, and Homer Historical Society. Shirley was the best pie maker! She enjoyed attending her kids and grandchildren’s ball games, attending Covered Bridge Festival, mushroom hunting and playing Bunko and Bingo. She had a fondness for cats and loved going to garage sales. Shirley loved old TV shows, westerns, and Andy Griffith.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Dept./Homer Fire and Rescue.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Shirley-Cromwell

Marjorie Ann Izard

 Marjorie Ann Izard (Marge), age 89, of Homer passed away peacefully on Friday, August 22, 2025

Marge was born September 17, 1935 in Danville to Edward and Mattie Bateman Gogerty.  She attended Schlarman High School in Danville.  After graduation she met and married Ronald Izard on October 23, 1954 at St. Patrick’s Church in Danville.  Together they raised six children in Homer.  They enjoyed Euchre Club with friends, raising horses, and annual trips to Florida.  Above all Marge was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother embracing every moment with family.  She was a long-time parishioner of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo.

She is survived by four sons; Dan (Kelly) Izard of Danville, Tim (Kathy) Izard of St. Joseph, Greg (Julie) Izard of St. Joseph, Doug (Judy) Izard of Traverse City, Michigan, two daughters; Julie (Jack) Johnston of St. Joseph, and Lori (Ivan) Torres of Rantoul, fifteen grandchildren, and twenty-eight great grandchildren.  She is also survived by two brothers; Ed and Tom Gogerty, and one sister, Linda Heeren.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Ronald, and one great-granddaughter.

Memorials may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Funeral Mass will be 10:30 AM, Friday, August 29, 2025 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with Rev. Keith Walder officiating.  Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.  Rosary will be at 4:30 PM, Thursday at the church with visitation to follow from 5 to 7 PM.  Freese Funeral Home, Sidney is assisting with arrangements.

Freese FH 8/25/2025

Audrey Lanier Orr

 Audrey Lanier Orr

The daughter of Glada and Albert Johnson, Audrey Lanier Orr was born on April 20th, 1921, on a farm south of Rankin, Illinois. Audrey spent her early childhood in the Potomac and Rankin areas. When she was 8 years old, she moved to Fithian, Illinois where she finished her grade school years. She graduated from Oakwood Township High School in 1939.

She married Kenneth Orr, (from Homer Illinois) on June 7th 1941, at the Fithian Methodist Church. Together they had 3 sons: Richard, Ronald, and Donald. During the first years of their marriage, they lived on a farm south of St. Joseph IL. They moved to St. Joseph in 1964, and both found work at the University of Illinois. Audrey proceeded to work there until she retired at the age of 80. Audrey spent 25 years working in accounting and then worked part-time for 16 years in the NCSA.

She was a member of the St. Joseph Methodist Church and Seniors group, the Danville Iris Chapter of the Easter Star, and was once also part of the St. Joseph Garden Club. She made many good friends while being involved in the community and her work. She would like to give thanks to all of those she holds dear. She would also like to thank the girls who kept her flower garden beautiful, the two that took her to lunch and shopping, her Houston friend, and all her caregivers and visitors. A special thank you goes to her great friend/handyman and who she referred to as her 4th son, Bob Silva.

She is survived by her two sons: Richard Orr of Champaign IL, and Donald (Judi) Orr of Sonoma CA; her 3 grandchildren: Sean (Barb) Orr of Mahomet IL, Bryan (Debbie) Orr of Hanover Park IL, and Jennifer Caramucci (Gary Wilbanks) of Novato, CA; and her 7 great-grandchildren: Zachary and Matthew Orr, Kai Nelson-Orr, Julia and Sara Klein, McKenna and Garrett Caramucci. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and her son Ronald and his wife Margaret.

Memorial donations on her behalf can be made to:

The St. Joseph IL Library 201 N 3rd Street, St. Joseph IL 61873

St. Joseph Fire and Rescue 228 E. Warren St, St. Joseph IL 61873

Funeral services will be 10:30 AM, Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, St. Joseph.  Burial will be at GAR Cemetery, Homer.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7PM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at the funeral home. 

Freese FH 8/25/2025

Georgianna Noel

 HOMER — Georgianna Noel, 91, of Homer passed away Tuesday (Aug. 19, 2025) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Georgianna was born Jan. 4, 1934, in Danville, the daughter of Oliver and Cora Krabbe Lewis. She married Donald Noel on Aug. 22, 1954. He preceded her in death in 1987.

Survivors include her daughter, Stacy (Guy E.) James of Tuscola; grandchildren, Dalton James, Sophia James (Ryan Caulfield) and Parker James (Ayla DeLeva); great-granddaughter, Ava James; and faithful little companion, Scooter.

She was also preceded in death by S. Paul Krabbe, who was like a brother to her.

Georgianna enjoyed gardening and sharing laughs and drinks with her longtime friends. She will be dearly missed by her family.

Memorials can be made to G.A.R. Cemetery or the Champaign County Humane Society.

NG 8/21/2025

ROHL

James Richard "Dick" Freeman

 HOMER— James Richard “Dick” Freeman, 90, of Homer passed peacefully on Friday (July 18, 2025) at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, at Homer United Methodist Church. Pastor Bobbi Dykema will officiate. There will be a visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery following the luncheon.

Dick was born Jan. 4, 1935, in Danville, the son of Gordon and Ruby Strohl Freeman. He married Diane Loeschen on Dec. 2, 1956, at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal. She survives.

Survivors also include his daughters, Karin Fish, Patricia (Dan) Rang, Judith (Mark) Metzger and Brenda (Geoff) Brieden; 10 grandchildren, Kelly (Jake) Hubert, Audra (Doug) Cisna, Allison and Alexa Rang, Douglas (Jocey) Metzger, Ryan (Kathleen) Metzger, Nicholas Metzger and Anna, Harry and Eric Brieden; nine great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan (Harry) Allen and Marilyn (George) Ehinger; brother, Robert Freeman; and great-granddaughter Livia Hubert.

Dick was a member of Homer United Methodist Church. He was a volunteer for the Homer fire department for 50 years, served on the Homer School Board for 16 years, and was a former member of the Lions Club. Dick was a farmer and enjoyed woodworking, bowling and his cattle.

Memorials can be made to the Homer fire department or G.A.R. Cemetery.

NG July 24, 2025

Joyce Ann Canaday

 MONTICELLO — Joyce Ann Canaday, 86, of Monticello passed away at 3:27 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Joyce was born on Feb. 26, 1939, in Urbana. She was the daughter of Melvin Lester and Vera Mae (Bahlow) Place.

Joyce is survived by her daughters, Jill (Layne) DelValley of Monticello and Beth (Dave) Myler of Windsor; grandchildren, the Rev. Jessica (Eric) Baldyga, JR (Nichole) Lauer, Joshua (Karianna) Lauer, Chad (Anna) Myler, Jordan (Kayla) Lauer, Kyle (Megan) Myler and Joy (Michael) Palazzolo; 12 great-grandchildren; and brother, John (Kay) Place of Homer.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Joyce retired from the University of Illinois as an administrative aide. She was an avid Illini fan, loved quilting, and lived for her family and grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, June 29, at Tatman Village 2000 E. Washington St., Monticello. Joyce’s granddaughter the Rev. Jessica Baldyga will officiate a short service at 5 p.m. and the evening will conclude with a light supper. Everyone is encouraged to wear Illini gear. A private family burial will be held in G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cunningham Children’s Home.

Condolences may be sent to the family at mackey-wrightfuneralhome. com.

NG 6/28/2026

Marjorie L. Dodd

OGDEN — Marjorie L. Dodd, age 93, of Ogden, formerly of Homer, passed away at 9:05 a.m. Thursday April 10, 2025, at Blair House, Normal.

Private graveside services will be held at G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.

She was born July 8, 1931, in Danville, the daughter of Harold and Katherine Kizer. She married Elmer R. Dodd on April 26, 1953. He preceded her in death on Nov. 29, 1996. Also preceding her in death, were her parents, son Greg Dodd, son-in-law Carl Hawkey, a brother and two sisters.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Hawkey of Tucson, Ariz., Nancy David of Ogden, and daughter-in-law Sheila Dodd of Normal. She also has five grandchildren, Jessica Hawkey, Josh Hawkey, Kaylah Reece, Leah Brooks, and Zach David. Four great- grandchildren, Scarlett Hawkey, Bryce Hawkey, Morgan Reece, and Natalie Reece. One surviving sister, Jean Ireland. Jeff David, former son-in-law, and Ryan Reece, former grandsonin- law, also remained very close to her.

Condolences may be left at Freesefh.com.

NG 4/13/2025

Molly Lynne Hackney

 Molly Lynne Hackney, 79, of Homer, passed away on her birthday on March 4, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Inurnment next to her husband, Howard, at GAR Cemetery columbarium will take place at a later date. Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main Street in Homer is assisting the family.

Molly was born March 4, 1946 in Danville, the daughter of Drexel and Goldie Clapp Clatterbuck. She married Howard Hackney on September 9, 1966 in Oakwood, IL. They celebrated 58 years together before Howard’s passing. He preceded her in death on September 9, 2024.

Survivors include her son, Terry (Mary Jo) Hackney of Wake Forest, NC; daughter, Sherry (Sheppy) Cler of Tolono; grandson, Hayden Hackney; and brother, Billy Clatterbuck.

Molly was also preceded in death by her brother, Mark Clatterbuck.

Molly retired from the University of Illinois after many years. She was a long time Homer resident. Molly will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Memorials can be made to Homer Fire Department.

https://www.homerfuneralandcremationservices.com/obituary/Molly-Hackney 3/13/2025

Larry White

 CHAMPAIGN — Larry White, 79, of Mahomet died Sunday (March 2, 2025) at Haven of Meadowbrook, Champaign.

He was born in Champaign to Carl and Hazel Lewis White on Oct. 11, 1945. He graduated from Urbana High School in 1963 and then from Greer Trade School in Chicago. He was a material handler and a member of the Machinists Union.

He was a hard worker and took pride in being honest and treating people fairly. His cat, Muffy, held a special place in his heart and was his inspiration.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and a sister.

Graveside services for Larry will be held on Friday, March 7, at 11 a.m. in GAR Cemetery, Homer.

Arrangements handled by Heath & Vaughn Funeral Home, 201 N. Elm St., Champaign.

NG 3/5/2025

Loren Chesnut

 
 Loren Chesnut, 89, of Fithian passed away at 5:41 P.M. Tuesday January 28, 2025 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

 Funeral services will be at 11:00 A.M. Friday January 31, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph. Pastor Todd Creason will officiate. Burial will be in G.A.R. Cemetery, Homer. Visitation will be Friday from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

 Loren was born September 25, 1935 in Danville. The son of Henry and Berice (Stewart) Chesnut. He married Mary Jo Burke on March 6, 1960 in Danville. She preceded him in death on April 16, 2016.

 He is survived by his children; Gary (Michelle) Chesnut and Lori (Raymond) Campbell both of Fitihian. Six grandchildren; Jerri Pine, Holly Milton, Travis Campbell, Chris Chesnut, Tyler Campbell, Hank Chesnut. Four great-grandchildren; Jobe Pine, Kade Pine, Charlie Milton and Dylan Milton.

 He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Loren farmed in the Fithian area all of his life. He also raised cattle and showed Shorthorn cattle. Loren loved to go fishing and traveling to Canada to fish.

 He was a member of the Ogden Christian Church and attended Hope UCC Church.

https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Loren-Chesnut

Maxie "Max" Owen Bear

 Maxie “Max” Owen Bear, 85 of Homer, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025, peacefully at home with family by his side. Per his wishes he will be cremated and a private family burial will take place at Homer GAR, where he will be laid to rest with his family.

     He was born on October 20, 1939 to Alice (Bill) Smith and Lawrence Bear of Homer. Max worked for Decker Trucking in Philo for many years before retiring in 2006. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and taking care of his garden. He also loved hanging out with his brother Jack; between the two there was never an untold story or joke. Max loved his family dearly.

   Max is survived by five children: Jeffrey (Cheryl) Bear, Maxie (Teresa) Bear Jr, Justin (Bailey) Bear, Jolene (Todd) Sowers, and Jana Hanner. Also surviving is a sister Laura Bear, twenty-four grandchildren, twenty-eight great-grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Max was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, two brothers: Bill Mouser and Jack Bear, a sister: Ruth Bear, and two grandchildren: Jeffrey Bear Jr and Chance Owen Bear.

     Messages and memories may be left on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor The Bear Family to Homer Lake Park through the Champaign County Forest Preserve.

https://www2.funeralwebhost.com/kgc/notices/maxiemax-bear 1/20/2025

Virginia "Ginny" Dillion

 

HOMER - Virginia "Ginny" Dillon, 73, of Homer passed away at 12:20 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, at Country Health Care & Rehab in Gifford.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Homer Funeral and Cremation Services, 708 S. Main St., Homer. Pastor Raymie Gordon will officiate. Burial will take place in G.A.R. Cemetery in Homer. There will be a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Ginny was born March 16, 1951, in Danville, the daughter of Louis E. and Betty Shoaf Tracy.

Survivors include her son, Matt Dillon of Homer; grandson, James Dillon of Homer; sister, Connie (Jerry) Messman of Homer; aunt, Molly Shoaf; nephew, Steve (Suzie) Messman; niece, Amy (Sam) Shreeves; three great-nephews, Kyle (Shelbie) Messman, Cody and Cole Messman; and two great-nieces, Brianna Messman and Emma Messman.

She was preceded in death by her parents and nephew, Scott Messman.

Ginny was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and cousin. She loved attending her grandson's sports and high school related programs. Ginny continued the Tracy family tradition of marking height measurements of her grandson on her kitchen wall. She always looked forward to putting the ghosts in the yard with James and decorating her Christmas tree with him as well.

Ginny loved her nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces and celebrating the holidays with the Messmans, who graciously included her small family to share with their gatherings.

Ginny loved Star Trek and all things sci-fi. As a lifelong Cubbies fan, she made sure to let her son know every time they beat the Cardinals. There was something even more special in Chicago than the Cubs, and that was her "other son", Rich Ruscitti Jr. and family.

She was a hard-working single parent who worked for Win C. Smith Auto Dealer, Homer Schools, First National Bank of Homer, Gifford State Bank in St. Joseph, and part-time for Walmart. Ginny was well known through her many years of banking experience and was blessed with wonderful colleagues throughout her journey. Special thanks to Gifford State Bank and current/former GSB team members and the thoughtfulness you shared.

Ginny and family are also grateful for all the doctors, nurses and staff who went above and beyond for her care at Carle Foundation Hospital and Country Health Care & Rehab where she was the third generation to utilize this well-run facility.

Memorials can be made to Homer United Methodist Church or G.A.R. Cemetery.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/virginia-dillon-obituary?id=57102375