Anita M. Ferguson

ST. JOSEPH - Anita M. Ferguson, 66, of St. Joseph went home to be with her heavenly father on Friday (July 18, 2025).

She was born in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Aug. 26, 1958, the daughter of L.Z. and Lamonne Reece.

Anita was a devoted mother and grandmother known for her deep love for her family. She cherished her daughters and found immense happiness in spending time with her grandchildren. Her caring spirit extended beyond her family, as she often dedicated her time to volunteering and spreading the love of Jesus through her giving. In her spare time, Anita found joy in walking in nature and traveling to the beach.

She leaves behind a legacy defined by her warmth, kindness and generosity.

Anita is survived by her daughters, Darcelina (Javier) Zenil Pena and Kawaiya (Thomas) Stearly; grandchildren, Camilo, Jazive, Rhett, Melina, Wells and Kade; siblings, Danny, Kathy and Terry; and cat, Bean, all of whom will carry her memory forward in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents in heaven.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 25, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center's Mahomet Chapel, 1102 Churchill Road, Mahomet. A funeral service to honor Anita's life will be held immediately following visitation at 2 p.m. Anita will be laid to rest in Grandview Memorial Garden, Champaign.

Anita M. Ferguson will be deeply missed, but her vibrant spirit will remain alive in the hearts of all who knew her. We find peace in knowing she is dancing among the angels with the Lord.

Published by The News-Gazette on Jul. 23, 2025.

Leon Rocker

 GIFFORD - Leon Rocker, 82, of Gifford passed into the arms of his savior on Friday (Aug. 1, 2025) at Country Health Care & Rehab, Gifford.

Leon was born Oct. 4, 1942, to Chris and Anna (Osterbur) Rocker. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Gifford and sang in the choir. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Champaign, where he selected the rose bushes and other plants for the church's garden and worked in the food pantry.

His parents preceded him in death, along with a nephew and a niece.

Leon is survived by four sisters, Eileen (Kenny) Owens of Howard, Colo., Pauline (Mike) Clements of St. Joseph, Lois Forster of Chevy Chase, Md., and Patricia (Terry) Evans of Mahomet; three nephews; two nieces; and many great- and great-great-nephews and -nieces.

He made a home with John Short, his life partner of 32 years, in Champaign until John's passing in 2005. He then moved to the farm near Gifford with his dad and sister Eileen. 

At an early age, he began helping his dad and mom with farming and continued helping on the farm until they retired in 1982.

Leon graduated from Armstrong High School in 1960. He attended Illinois Commercial College after high school. A few years later, he obtained a certificate as a phlebotomist from St. Elizabeth's in Danville and worked at Country Health Care & Rehab and for a local doctor drawing blood.

Leon's passion for gardening started at an early age. His love of plants and flowers eventually led him to a position at Prairie Gardens in Champaign. He worked there for about 35 years, helping numerous customers and becoming the shrub lot manager. After Leon retired from Prairie Gardens, he gardened for others.

His sisters would like to thank the staff of Country Health Care & Rehab and Carle Hospice for the wonderful care he received, and the many visitors of family and friends.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, at Grace Lutheran Church, 313 S. Prospect Ave., Champaign, officiated by Pastor Chris Repp. Burial will follow in Huls Cemetery, Gifford. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Lux Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul, is honored to be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in Leon's name to Grace Lutheran Church, Country Health Care & Rehab or the Carle Hospice program at Carle Health Care Philanthropy.

Please join Leon's family in sharing memories, photos and video on his tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Published by The News-Gazette on Aug. 6, 2025.

Gary Gilliland

 
ST. JOSEPH - Gary Gilliland, 80, of St. Joseph passed away at home Sunday (Aug. 3, 2025) surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Born Sept. 19, 1944, in Danville, Gary was the son of Rosalie Lipscomb and Cloyd Gilliland. He graduated from Danville High School in 1962, where he was a standout on their golf team. He worked at Danville Metal Stamping and retired after 20 years, then began a career as an entrepreneur and painter.

Gary was preceded in death by his mother, father and brother, Jim Gilliland.

Gary is survived by his wife of 47 years, Judith (Fuller) Gilliland. He was a loving father and is survived by his children, Tod (Debbie) Gilliland, Tammi (Lou) Schurott and Jennifer Gilliland (Jason Dunavan); grandchildren, Matthew, Jayce and Cecelia; sister, Kathy (Steve) Seevers; sister-in-law, Kathy (Jim) Gilliland; and granddog, Denzo.

Graveside services will be at 2:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at Sunset Memorial Park, 3901 N. Vermillion St., Danville. All are welcome to attend the service and are invited to gather at Snappers Bar and Grill at Turtle Run Golf Course following the service.

Flowers may be sent to the service as a tribute to Gary's life and legacy. The family wants to thank Becky Pitts, Transitions Hospice Care and Sunset Funeral Home for their compassionate care and support.

Published by The News-Gazette on Aug. 6, 2025.

Lois E. Jones

 
MAHOMET - Lois E. Jones, 81, of Mahomet passed away Monday (Aug. 4, 2025) in Urbana.

She was born in Monmouth on Aug. 29, 1943, the daughter of the Rev. Harold and Lois Bodeen. On April 12, 1964, Lois married her beloved husband, Philip Jones, and he survives.

Lois is also survived by her sons, Brad (Sara) Jones and Tim (Michelle) Jones; grandchildren, Tony (Kahla), Morgan (Tyler), Brook (Maria), Gray, Quentin, Myles, Pearl, Beau and Jediah; great-grandchildren, River, Dottie, Isla and Eden; and sisters, Shari MacFarlane and Anne (Pete) Durst.

She was preceded in death by her parents, the Rev. Harold and Lois Bodeen; father- and mother-in-law, Howard and Bernice Jones; and great-niece, Shawna Durst.

Lois dedicated her life to caring for others, working as a registered nurse for over 35 years after receiving her nursing degree from Methodist College in Peoria in 1964. Her life was marked by an unwavering commitment to her patients, who were often touched by her warmth and compassion.

Lois took great joy in her family, and she treasured attending their many activities. She also enjoyed the Friday Night Lights and was an avid Illini and Chicago Cubs fan.

A memorial visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 8, at the Mahomet United Methodist Church, 1302 E. South Mahomet Road, Mahomet. A memorial service honoring Lois' life will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 9, at the church. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center's Mahomet Chapel, 1102 Churchill Road, is honored to be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lois' name to the Mahomet Helping Hands Food Pantry. Please join Lois' family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at sunsetfuneralhome.com.

Published by The News-Gazette on Aug. 7, 2025.

Vernon Ray Buhr

 
FLATVILLE - Vernon Ray Buhr, 91, of Flatville passed away peacefully on Wednesday (Aug. 6, 2025), surrounded by his family.

He was born on Dec. 17, 1933, to George and Katherine (Schluter) Buhr. He was baptized at St. John Lutheran Church in Royal on Jan. 28, 1934. He was confirmed in his faith on April 10, 1949, at St. John Lutheran Church by Pastor K.C. Meyer. His confirmation verse was Psalm 143:10: "Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God; thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness."

He graduated from Ogden High School on May 27, 1953, as salutatorian of his class, where he was an active member of FFA. A lifelong farmer, he found purpose and joy working the land and serving his community. His dedication to farming was evident in the care he gave to every crop and animal, cultivating not only the land but also a legacy of hard work and tradition.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert, Harold and John Buhr; and nephew, David Buhr.

On March 17, 1963, he married Wilma Mae Hinrichs at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, with whom he shared 62 years of love, laughter and cherished memories. Together, they were blessed with four daughters, Leanne (Larry) Kaiser of St. Joseph, Linda (Matt) Smith of Ogden, Lynette (Allen) Cravens of Gifford and Lonna (Chad) Pruitt of Urbana.

He was a proud and loving grandfather to nine grandchildren, Dalton (Sophie) Smith, Lauren (Michael) Rice, Kate Smith (Brock Seymour), Lacey Kaiser, Tristan Cravens, Cole Pruitt, Makenna Cravens, Leah Pruitt and Landon Cravens. His grandchildren brought him immense joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.

A devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal his entire life, Vernon served faithfully as trustee, deacon and president of the church board in 1983. He also served many years on the Farmers Elevator Board and Champaign County Farm Bureau Board. 

His hands, worn from a lifetime of tending soil, now rest, but his legacy will endure for generations. Remembered for his faith, dedication to family, strong work ethic, and service to his church and community, he has created a foundation for his loved ones that continues to touch lives.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Aug. 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. at St. John Lutheran Church, 203 Main St., Royal, IL 61871. A funeral service will be held on Aug. 11 at 10:30 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in Kopmann Cemetery, Royal. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kopmann Cemetery and OSF Hospice.

Published by The News-Gazette on Aug. 7, 2025.

Marlan Ray Busboom

 
Marlan Ray Busboom, age 67, of Penfield, Illinois, passed away on August 2, 2025. 

Born on February 3, 1958, to Luella and the late Raymond Busboom, Marlan grew up in a family where hard work, sarcasm, and kindness ran deep. He graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1976 and went on to Wyoming Tech to become a certified mechanic. His hands stayed greasy ever since. 

Throughout his life, Marlan held a variety of jobs, most recently at Plasticpak, but every fall he took off work for his real job—helping on the family farm. Nothing made him happier than being on the land. 

Marlan had a knack for helping people—usually with their vehicles, and always with his signature dry humor. If you asked for help, he was there, tools in hand and probably muttering about how it wasn’t in the budget. 

He was the proudest Papa to his grandchildren: Anton, McKenna, and Raven Cassell; Evan Ingalsbe and Kolbie Busboom; Landon and Rylee Brown. Marlan enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren with snacks and as they got older he was known to give a quick witted comeback or two. Though sports weren’t his thing, he made an exception for his grandchildren and was often found in the crowded bleachers cheering them on. 
Marlan leaves behind his wife, Dorothy; children Amanda Cassell, of Bloomington, Dustin (Tara) Busboom, of Rantoul, and Megan (Dale) Brown, of Harvard; his mother Luella; siblings Melinda Shafer (Bob Hendricks), Maury Busboom, and Melanie (Mark) Hamilton; and a crew of nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his father Raymond, his grandparents, two sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and a nephew who are surely greeting him with open arms—and maybe asking for help fixing something. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, August 9 from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Flatville, with funeral services beginning at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Scott Smith and Greg Busboom will be officiating. Burial will follow at Kopmann Cemetery. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Kopmann Cemetery or the Vermilion County Animal Shelter. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

Baier Funeral Home https://www.baierfuneralservices.com/obituary/marlan-busboom

Floyd D. Bohlen

 FITHIAN — Floyd D. Bohlen, 88, of Fithian died at 10:27 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 2, 2025) at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, at St. John Lutheran Church, Royal, with the Rev. Emil Blobaum officiating. Burial will follow in Embury Cemetery, Fithian. Visitation will be two hours before the funeral service from 9 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church. Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville, is handling arrangements.

Floyd was born Jan. 2, 1937, in Danville, the son of Jakob and Emma Fruhling Bohlen. He married Bonnie Jo Tucker on June 9, 1956, in Royal. She preceded him in death Jan. 1, 2024.

He is survived by five children, Pam (John) Soloman of Champaign, Tammy (Brad) Dieken of Danforth, Dwight (Patti) Bohlen of Fithian, Paula (Alan) Hingson of Atwood and Rhonda (Dale) Holliday of Petersburg; 11 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and infant son, David Dean Bohlen.

Floyd graduated from Armstrong Township High School in 1954. He grew up on his family farm and continued to farm until his retirement.

He was amember of St. John Lutheran Church in Royal and was past president of the church council. He was a chairman of the Vermilion County Soil and Water Conservation District and a past president of the Illinois Association Soil and Water Conservation District. Floyd was also a past president of the Champaign-Vermilion County Pork Producers. He was a Prairie Farmer Magazine Master Farmer and Vermilion County Young Farmer. Floyd was a member of the I& I Antique Tractor & Gas Engine Club.

Floyd loved farming and enjoyed woodworking, traveling and wintering in Florida. He had a passion for collecting Oliver tractor memorabilia and hog oilers.

Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church handicap parking or an organization of the donor’s choice. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at baierfuneralservices. com.

News-Gazette 8/4/2025