Junior Leo Pruitt

 HOMER — Junior Leo Pruitt, 89, of Homer passed away at 3:52 p.m. Tuesday (Dec. 10, 2024) at home.

Funeral services will be at 10:30a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 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 from 9 a.m. until the time of service.

Junior was born Aug. 5, 1935, in South Homer Township, the son of Freddy Leo and Elsie Hillary Pruitt. He married Barbara Dean Wheet on Jan. 6, 1957, in Homer. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 2006.

Survivors include his sons, Terry Lynn (Cynthia) Pruitt and Robie Eugene (Stacey) Pruitt; grandchildren, Adam (Brooke) Bear, Jared (Megan) Bear, Lucas Pruitt, Brent (Megan) Pruitt, Joel (Harlie) Pruitt and Taylor Pruitt; sister, Judith (Charles) Liffick; and three great-grandchildren.

Junior was a retired teamster for Champaign Asphalt. He was a member of the Pollywog Association, Local 26 Teamsters and Local 703 Laborers Union. Junior loved to fish, hunt and restore antique tractors. He also loved to watch old Westerns.

He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Jo-Ann Bear, and sister, Bonnie Maxine Pruitt.

Memorials can be made to G.A.R. Cemetery.

News-Gazette 12/13/2024

Donald Wesley Schiff

 

Donald Wesley Schiff, 75, of Pontiac passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at his home after a short battle with cancer. He was born June 20, 1949 in Urbana, the son of Robert and Edith Munds Schiff. He married Eva Kohn on April 7, 1979 in Chicago. She survives. Donald is also survived by two daughters, Andrea (Neil) Dose and Ingrid (Brandon) Schwoerer; a son, Michael (Ariel Ringham) Schiff; four grandchildren, Landon, Ingrid, Nora, and James; and two brothers, Darrell (Mary) Schiff and Dale (Linda) Schiff. He is preceded in death by his parents. Donald was a graduate of Western Illinois University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in agricultural mechanization. While at WIU, he was a member of the Alpha Tau Chapter of Alpha Gamma Rho. For 35 years, he worked at Evergreen FS as a farm structures manager. Donald was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Pontiac, where he served in the church choir. He played on the church softball league until this past July. He also enjoyed pickleball and golf. Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held Friday, December 13th at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Pontiac. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 12th from 4 to 8 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Pontiac. He is now headed down the highways and byways of life, love, and grain bins.

https://calvertmemorial.com/obituaries/donald-schiff

Roger Mason Corrary

 
Roger Mason Corray, age 90, passed away Saturday, November 30, 2024 at his home, with children and grandchildren by his side.

Visitation will be from 10am –12pm on Sunday, December 8 at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 Philo Rd., Urbana, IL 61802. Burial will immediately follow at Mt. Olive cemetery at 12:30 p.m. in Mayview, IL.

Roger was born at Burnham City Hospital in Champaign on February 13, 1934, to Frank Mason and Gladys “Jane” (Dallas) Corray. Roger married Judith Corray in Urbana on October 26, 1957. The couple lived in Seattle, WA, where Roger worked for Boeing before returning to Urbana in 1959.

Roger is survived by daughter Elizabeth “Katie” (Terry) Andersen of St. Joseph, grandchild Kimberly Andersen and great-grandchildren, Lindsey and Jacob Rowland of Hampton, Virginia, grandchild Brian (Amanda) Andersen and great-grandchild Brooke of Mahomet; daughter Debbie (Max) Corray Calvo of St. Joseph and grandchild Emily Corray of Urbana; son Michael (Denise) Corray and grandchildren, Aidan, Jaren and

Shannon Corray of Charleston; brother Robert Corray of St. Joseph; and sister Norma Pittman of Loda (a blessing when his father remarried in 1950). Roger was preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Judy; his mother Jane, from complications during his birth; his father; and his brother-in-law Don Pittman.

Roger spent his early years on his grandparents’ Harmon and Elizabeth Corray’s farm in rural Urbana, then moved to town and attended Urbana schools. The family later moved to St. Joseph where he graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1952. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy, both active and reserve duty, for six years, serving on the USS Finch and USS Yuma as an engine dieselman. After working for several years for the Secretary of State’s Office and Urbana Township, Roger served the citizens of Champaign County as a sheriff’s deputy for 25 years.

Well-liked and personable with a twisted sense of humor, he worked his way through the ranks, having served as a captain over the detectives. His personality was steadfast and unflappable, even in the worst situations. When he retired in 1996, Roger was a captain supervising the patrol division.

He gleefully boasted that he had been retired longer than he worked.

When he wasn’t engrossed in police work, Roger was an avid fisherman, especially in retirement. He and Don Pittman were longtime members of the Pollywog Association in Oakwood, IL. The Corrays and Pittmans spent two weeks each summer for 50+ years, fishing on Deer Lake at Linden Grove Resort.

Roger also took a keen interest in local issues, particularly those affecting St. Joseph. For many years he served as president of the Yearsley Cemetery Association in Somer Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Joseph Recreation Fund, PO Box 11, St. Joseph, IL 61873 for the new community building.

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

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Roger-Mason-Corray

NG 12/5/2024

Ramela C. Butler

 Pamela C. Butler (Pam) passed away on November 25, 2024 at the age of 69. Preceded in death by her husband of 26 years, Jimmy Fahrenholtz and her parents Robert Butler and Barbara Butler.

She is survived by her brother, Bruce Butler, Festus, MO,  sister, Jean Butler, Denver, CO. and nephews Matt Butler (Amy) and Brian Butler (Heather).
Pam was the Co-founder of the University of Illinois Alumni Club in New Orleans. She worked as a diabetic educator, volunteered at the WW II Museum and AARP Louisiana. She enjoyed running, swimming, golf and watching University of Illinois sports.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Pam on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Garden of Memories Funeral Home, 4900 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA. 70001 from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider donation in Pam’s name to:

-WWII Museum, 945 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA. 70130

-Bridge House/ Grace House: https://www.bridgehouse.org/donate

Or a Charity of your choice

https://www.gardenofmemoriesmetairie.com/tributes/Pamela-Butler

Janet M. Manning

URBANA - Janet M. Manning, 79, of Urbana, died at home Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in the afternoon. 

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Friends and family are encouraged to wear pink in honor of Janet. 

Janet was born on Feb. 6, 1945, in Champaign, a daughter of Russell and Ruby (LaRoe) Harmon. She married James E. Manning Sr. on June 27, 1964, in Puyallup, Wash. 

She is survived by her husband of 60 years; two children, James Manning Jr. of Urbana and Sharon Manning of Champaign; three brothers, Russell Harmon Jr., Paul (Margie) Harmon and Cecil Harmon, all of Urbana; and her beloved grandpuppies, Hope, Faith and Love. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Ruth Ann Wilson. 

Janet was a school bus driver for the Urbana School District for 30 years. She loved playing bingo and going to casinos. 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/janet-manning-obituary?id=56893376

Steven "Steve" Michael Hoveln

 OCEANSIDE, Calif. - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Steven "Steve" Michael Hoveln, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and community servant.

Born on March 5, 1959, Steve devoted himself to service in both his personal and professional life. Alongside his wife, Marie Hoveln, he co-founded the local chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a nonprofit organization that builds and delivers beds to children in need in the community. Previously, he served in the PONY baseball league for over 20 years as a field director. Steve's commitment to helping others extended far beyond North County, including humanitarian work with Builders Without Borders in Tijuana, Mexico.

Steve was proudly employed at Hunter Industries for over 30 years, where he was known for his hard work and camaraderie. Steve's role as a product manager allowed him to connect with people across the globe, and his direct approach made him a source of sage wisdom for many.

Outside of his professional and charitable endeavors, Steve was an avid Padres fan, loved attending NASCAR races and enjoyed camping. He found joy in the simple pleasures of life, always putting family and community first. His legacy of service and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew him.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Marie Hoveln; children, Jason Hoveln and wife Stacy Hoveln; daughter, Victoria (Vikki) Almond and husband Matt Almond; grandchild, Evelyn Almond; mother, Marie Hoveln; and brothers, Dave (Karla) Hoveln and Ron (Sarah) Hoveln.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Hoveln.

A celebration of Steve's life will be held on Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Gifford.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, San Diego County North Chapter, in Steve's honor, continuing his mission to ensure "no kid sleeps on the floor in our town."

NG https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/news-gazette/name/steven-hoveln-obituary?id=56901012

Angela "Angie" Hunter

 

Angela “Angie” Hunter 53, of Ogden passed away at 4:15 p.m. on November 7, 2024, at Crawford Memorial Hospital, Robinson, IL.

Angie was born on April 27, 1971 in Corydon, Indiana the daughter of Richard & Mary (Cash) Henson. She married Scott Hunter on May 25th, 2003 in Mahomet, IL.

She is survived by her parents, husband- Scott; sons- Kalvin Kaufmann of Paxton, IL, Andrew Kaufmann of Buckley, IL and Brandon Hunter of Five Points, TN; daughter- Nancy Benko of Urbana, IL; Grandchildren- Saylor and Aspen Hunter, Maxwell Valdes, Liyah, Milo and Neal Kaufmann; sisters- Sherrie Henson of Newburg, IN, Emmy Clementz of Villa Grove, IL and Sophie Mitchell of Owensboro KY; niece- Erin Allen of Covington, IN and great nephew Tristan Lane of Covington, IN and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Angie graduated from Paxton High School in Paxton, IL. She was a member of New Hope Fellowship in Mahomet. In her spare time, she enjoyed crafting, writing poems and spending time with her family.

A Celebration of life service will be held on November 29th at her home. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to www.renner-wikoffchapel.com

https://www.renner-wikoffchapel.com/obituary/Angela-Hunter