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.

David F. James Jr.

 
David F. James, Jr 98 of Savoy, formerly of Urbana, passed away August 8, 2025 at Carle Hospital.  David was born April 24, 1927 in St. Joseph Township, Champaign County, the son of David F. and Mildred Mae (Robbins), James Sr.  He married Aleta Stark August 22, 1945 and she preceded him in death on October 12, 1998.  He married Betty Coon on June 10, 2000 and she preceded him in death on October 9, 2024. He is also preceded in death by a brother, Robert James.

David is survived by sons, Jeff James of Havana, FL, Scott (Tina) James of Rantoul, a daughter, Cindy Williams of Urbana, grandson, Joshua James, Stepchildren, Marvin Coon of Clear Water, FL, Bonnie Kumm (Ervin) of Champaign, Susan Wedig (Rick) of St. Joseph, step grandchildren, Jennifer Gussman, Nic Wedig, Ryan Wedig, Karen Turnbough and five step great grandchildren.

David served in the Navy during WWII in the Asiatic Pacific.  After the war, he worked at Inskip Co., had his own heating company, and then worked at Reliable Plumbing & Heating.  He finished his career as a sheet metal worker at the University of Illinois in 1988.  He was a lifelong member of Quest Church, a Community of Grace, previously Grace United Methodist Church, Urbana. 

David called square dances for 32 years across Illinois and locally for Boots & Bows square dance club in which he and his wife, Aleta made many friends.  He loved music and attended dinner theaters and other music shows in the area.  He enjoyed camping with friends in the earlier years and then wintering in Florida.  He could fix anything and enjoyed doing just that!  He was an avid Bears, Bulls, and of course, an Illini fan.  Betty and David watched them all.  He also liked his coffee group outings with friends at McDonald’s.

David loved his family dearly and would do anything for them.  He loved spending time with all his family especially his grandson, Joshua.  He enjoyed bringing flowers home weekly to his wife, Betty, and texting daily messages to all of his family.  He cared deeply for all and was the best Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and Uncle.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be on Monday August 18 at 10:00 AM Monday with A Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 AM Monday, both at Renner-Wikoff-Chapel & Crematory.  Pastor Linda Vonck will officiate.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo, following the service.

Condolences may be offered at www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

NG 8/16/2025