Elizabeth "Betty" Ann Thomas

 
Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Thomas, 95 of Philo, passed away at 9:24 AM, Saturday, September 6, 2025 at home.

Funeral services will be 11:00AM, Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Countryside United Methodist Church, Urbana with Rev. Jeff Stahl officiating.  Burial will be at Locust Grove Cemetery, Philo.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7PM Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Freese Funeral Home, Sidney.

Mrs. Thomas was born July 25, 1930 in Arcola, a daughter to Perry Harrison and Nellie Reed Gardener.  She married Harold H Thomas Sr. on September 14, 1946, married a week shy of 79 years, he survives.

Also surviving are five children; Sharon (Larry) Campbell of Genesco, Harold (Veronica) Thomas Jr. of St. Joseph, Peggy (Wayne) Clem of Philo, John (Ruth) Thomas of Philo, and Joseph (Audra) Thomas of Champaign, 15 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

Since moving to Philo in 1955, Betty was very active in Junior and Senior Women’s Club, Home Extension and American Legion Auxiliary.  She also was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts and taught Sunday School for many years.

She served on the Champaign District United Methodist Women’s board for 12 years, including 4 years as District President.  She served on the board of the Cunningham Children’s Home and the Central Conference Board.  She also served as President of the Untied Methodist Women at the Countryside United Methodist Church.

Freese FH 9/8/2025 https://www.freesefh.com/notices/ElizabethBetty-Thomas

John Robert "Bob" Wilson

 FITHIAN — John Robert “Bob” Wilson, 87, of Fithian died Tuesday (Aug. 26, 2025) at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, at Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand, St. Joseph. Pastor Todd Creason will officiate. Burial will take place in Stearns Cemetery, Muncie. There will be a visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Bob was born on June 18, 1938, in Urbana, the youngest of two boys born to the late G. Woodrow and Thelma Phillips Wilson. A 1956 Oakwood Township High School graduate, Bob was a National Honor Society inductee and lettered in both football and basketball. While at the University of Illinois, Bob was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and he received a bachelor’s in agriculture in 1960. Bob was also a veteran, serving in the U.S. Army Reserve from 1961 to 1967.

A fifth-generation farmer, Bob farmed his entire life in Vermilion and Champaign counties. Also a pilot, Bob especially enjoyed flying his yellow 1947 J-3 Piper Cub, checking crops from the air. People observing him from the ground may have witnessed his “wing-waggle” of greeting as he flew by. Bob was very well read and had eclectic interests ranging from astronomy to opera.

Bob was also a loyal member of the NRA, and was a collector of many items, including World War I- and II-era memorabilia.

Bob was married to Sandra Brown for 30 years and to Stella Fairchild Marvel for 20 years.

He is survived by his only daughter, Julie Wilson of Appomattox, Va.; son-in-law, Roy Wilson of Appomattox; stepsons, Jay Marvel of Land O’ Lakes, Fla., and Kirk Marvel; grandchildren, Thomas and Chloe Wilson of Appomattox; and brother, William A. Wilson of St. Joseph.

The family wishes to show much gratitude to the caregivers from Nurse Next Door of Ogden, Brookdale Assisted Living of Urbana, Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells and Transitions Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences may be made at freesefh.com.

James Russell "Jim" Salrin

 Fairmount, Illinois – James Russell “Jim” Salrin, 94, of Fairmount, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the Oaks Manor in Oakland, Illinois.

James was born November 15, 1930, in Sidell, Illinois, the son of Russell and Ethel Burgett Salrin. He married Annabelle Williams on March 18, 1951, in Fairmount, Illinois. She preceded him in death on September 21, 2023. Survivors include: one son: Doug Salrin of Fairmount, Illinois; one daughter: Judy (Frank) Lucas of Sidell, Illinois; two brothers: Richard Salrin of Oakwood, Illinois and Ed Salrin of Arkansas; three grandchildren: Heide (Rob) Knoebel, Haley (Clint) McQueen, and C.J. Lucas; and seven great grandchildren: Owen Knoebel, Eian Knoebel, Calvin Lucas, Penalope Lucas, Cooper McQueen, Adlee McQueen, and Anna McQueen. He was preceded in death by one sister: Josephine Salrin.

James served in the US Army was a former Fairmount, Illinois Postmaster and had worked for Hyster for 35 years. He was a member of New Hope Community Church. He was a 33rd degree Mason and was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge as well as Danville Consistory. Jim & Annabelle enjoyed square dancing and their euchre card group. He liked playing horseshoe pitching and trap shooting. In later years, Jim became quite accomplished at jig saw puzzles.

Funeral services at 11 am on Friday August 29, 2025, at New Hope Community Church in Fairmount, with Pastor Ron Weishaar officiating. Burial in Davis Cemetery west of Fairmount. Visitation is from 10 am till service time on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the church with Masonic rites at 10:55 am. Memorials may be made to New Hope Community Church or Catlin Masonic Lodge. Robison Chapel in Catlin is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences at www.robisonchapel.com.

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

Martha Mae Barnett

 Martha Mae Barnett, 85 of Gifford, died at 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at her home.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date with burial in Huls Cemetery, Gifford.  Baier Family Funeral Services, Flatville is handling arrangements.

Martha was born September 20, 1939, in Tuscola the daughter of Delbert Eugene and Mabel Faye Eckerty Warnes.  She married Jim C. Barnett on September 12, 1964, in Longview.  He preceded her in death January 22, 2018.

She is survived by a son, John W. Barnett of Gifford; two grandchildren, Darren (Amber) Barnett of Mahomet and Elaine Barnett of Rantoul.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter, Twila Faye, one sister and two brothers.

Martha was a member of the Gifford United Methodist Church.  She retired as an accountant from the University of Illinois.

She enjoyed crocheting, reading and was a collector of frog-themed items.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor’s choice.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.

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