Deborah Cope Vaughn

Deborah Vaughn 67, of Thomasboro passed at 8:49 P.M. Thursday December 26, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday December 30, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Deborah was born September 17, 1957 in Champaign. The daughter of Wayne E. and Dorothy (Endsley) Cope. She married Greg Vaughn on July 11, 1977 in Urbana. He survives.

 She is also survived by her children; Billy Ray (Danice) Vaughn of Flatvile, Aarron (Pha) Vaughn of St. Joseph. 4 grandchildren; Alex, Taylor, Waylon, Lexi. Sister Joyce (David) McCabe of Champaign. Nephews and Niece; Mark McCabe, Ryan McCabe, Torey Rein, Natalie Cope.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

 Deborah retired from the University of Illinois Physical Plant in 2017. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Homer.

She enjoyed plant shopping with Aunt Joyce, shopping for antiques, traveling, spending winters in Florida. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Freese FH 12/30/2024

Morris E. Trees

 CHAMPAIGN — Morris E. Trees, 87, of Champaign, passed away on Dec. 25, 2024, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born on Dec. 15, 1937, in Champaign, the son of Harold & Lenora (Slater) Trees. On July 19, 1964, he married Paulette Shadoan in Urbana.

Morris is survived by his wife, Paulette; daughter Dena (Julie Porcheddu) of Champaign; and granddaughter McKenna Little of Danville.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Morris entered the Navy after graduating from Unity of Tolono. He worked as a foreman for the University of Illinois and later worked as a bus driver for Champaign MTD. He enjoyed Brazilian jazz, ZZ Top, car and airplane shows and family time. He was a member of Sidney American Legion Post 212.

Graveside service will be at 11:30a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, at Grandview Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Memorial contributions may be made to Champaign County Humane Society. Condolences may be made at www. renner- wikoffchapel. com.

News-Gazette 12/28/2024

Georgia Donette Ada

 

HOMER - Georgia Donette Ada, 82, of Homer passed away at 4:23 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.

Georgia was born Sept. 8, 1942, in Luray, Tenn. She was the daughter of James Hulon and Georgia Lois Farrow Rhodes. She married Tommy Ada on June 20, 1964, at Unity Baptist Church in Luray, Tenn. He survives.

Survivors also include her two daughters, Dawn (Doug) Weisman of Sidney and Dana (Brian) Gream of Foosland; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Roger Rhodes.

Donette went to beauty school in Tennessee and held her beauticians license for a few years until she became a housewife and raised her daughters. She attended Homer United Methodist Church. Donette was an avid garage sale goer and loved spending time relaxing on the porch and especially spending time with her family. She will be dearly missed by her loving family and friends.

Homer Funeral and Cremation Services is assisting the family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News-Gazette on Dec. 27, 2024.

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

Deborah Vaughn

 

Deborah Vaughn 67, of Thomasboro passed at 8:49 P.M. Thursday December 26, 2024 at Carle Foundation Hospital.

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held Monday December 30, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Freese Funeral Home 302 E. Grand Ave. St. Joseph.

 Deborah was born September 17, 1957 in Champaign. The daughter of Wayne E. and Dorothy (Endsley) Cope. She married Greg Vaughn on July 11, 1977 in Urbana. He survives.

 She is also survived by her children; Billy Ray (Danice) Vaughn of Flatvile, Aarron (Pha) Vaughn of St. Joseph. 4 grandchildren; Alex, Taylor, Waylon, Lexi. Sister Joyce (David) McCabe of Champaign. Nephews and Niece; Mark McCabe, Ryan McCabe, Torey Rein, Natalie Cope.

 She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

 Deborah retired from the University of Illinois Physical Plant in 2017. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Homer.

She enjoyed plant shopping with Aunt Joyce, shopping for antiques, traveling, spending winters in Florida. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

Freese FH 12/27/2024 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/Deborah-Vaughn

David J. Bosch

 

David J Bosch, 62, of Broadlands, IL, left this world way too soon on December 23, 2024, when his heart suddenly stopped in an ambulance.  He left Traci, his wife of 37 years, and his sons and daughters-in-law, Jacob (Lauren) and Clayton (Larissa), in shock, lost, and in grief.  He was so proud of his sons and taught them everything in life.  He taught them how to love and laugh.  He taught them to build and repair homes, and to repair engines and farm equipment.  They called him often just to chat or to get a second opinion on any given subject.  Most of all, he taught them to love and honor God.

Dave left behind two beautiful grandbabies that filled his heart with joy.  His phone was full of pictures of Scarlett and Maxwell.  He loved to hear them say “Hi Papa”.  He left behind his mother and stepfather Vera and Don Maase.  He left his siblings and spouses, Mark (Marsha) Bosch, Linda (Rudy) Huber, and Robert (Tanya) Bosch.  He left his mother-in-law, Edna Fruhling, and Traci’s siblings, Tami (Mike) Fruhling-Voges, Teri (Tim) Frerichs, and Trini (Fred) Fruhling-Bensyl.  Dave left many nieces and nephews.  He will be missed so much by all.

Dave loved life and gave himself in every way.  He was a baseball coach, boy scout leader, and booster club member.  He was on the Broadlands-Longview Fire Protection District for 10 years, and recently rejoined as a Trustee.  He was on the Heritage School Board for 16 years, ending as President of the Board.  He was Trustee for Raymond Township and just recently refiled to run again.  He loved being active in the I & I Antique Tractor and Gas Engine Club and was Co-Vice President.  He was a Lector and Eucharistic Minister for Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and prepared the church for Mass every Sunday.  He loved meeting and talking to people and could not go anywhere without running into someone he knew.

Dave graduated from ABL High School in Broadlands and from Parkland College in Champaign.  He worked for Allerton Implement Company in Allerton until they closed, starting as a mechanic and ending in sales.  After AIC closed, a kind-hearted man named Norman Duitsman asked Dave to join his staff at Shaff Implement.  Dave loved every minute of selling New Holland equipment and Walker lawn mowers, but he was starting to mention retirement and future plans more often.  Dave bled “Green” and collected antique John Deere equipment.  He could tell his boys everything about a John Deere tractor and quizzed them often to make sure they remembered the facts.  However, his blood was starting to become “Bluer” after attending New Holland conferences to learn more about their tractors and combines.

Dave is now joining his loved ones in Heaven, including his caring father and stepmother, William and Jane Bosch, his beloved Aunt Rita Bosch, and his wonderful father-in-law, Donald Fruhling.  We cannot believe we are having to write this.  He will truly be missed in this world and will be thought of and talked to in Heaven every day.  Dave was the most loving, laid-back husband and father.  He was our best friend.

A Celebration of Life and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Philo, IL  at 10:30 A.M. Monday December 30, 2024. Fr. Keith Walder will officiate. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Bongard, IL.  Visitation will be at St. Thomas Catholic Church, Philo on Sunday from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

 In lieu of flowers mass intentions may be made to St. Thomas Catholic Church.

Freese FH 12/26/2024 https://www.freesefh.com/obituary/David-Bosch

Robert E. Proudfit

 Proudfit, Robert E. "Bob" of Casselberry, Florida passed away on August 4th at the age of 76. 

Born in Champaign, Illinois, he was preceded by his father, James Proudfit and mother Jennave Proudfit of St. Joseph, Illinois. 

He was employed as an electrical engineer at Shive Hattery in Bloomington, Illinois prior to his retirement. 

Bob was a man of many interests, including piloting small planes and earning his amateur radio license. He shared his wonderful voice by performing music with his wife Carol and local musician friends in both Texas and Florida. 

Bob is survived by his wife of 37 years, Carol (Schweighart) Proudfit, son Michael Proudfit and daughter Doyne Liverett, both of Quincy, Illinois, daughter Theresa Creighton and her husband Paul Creighton of Winter Park, Florida, step-daughter Tammy Israel and her husband Todd Israel of Armington, Illinois, step-son Timothy Hickernell of Chicago, Illinois, grandchildren Jason and Jenny Swango, Jennifer and Michael Creighton, Jacob and Tanner Israel, and 3 great-grandchildren. 

Visitation will take place at St. Mary’s Church, 1247 County Road North, Pesotum, Illinois on Saturday, August 17th at 9am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10am. Interment will follow the mass at St. Joe’s Cemetery. A local celebration of his life will take place at a later date.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/obituaries/robert-e-proudfit-fl/