Miscellaneous Coles County, Illinois Obituaries and Death Notices 2001

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Ralph C. Hardy

TOWER HILL, IL ­ Ralph C. Hardy, 87, of Tower Hill,
IL, passed away at 10:40 a.m. Sunday, May 13, 2001, in
Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL.

Mr. Hardy was born June 3, 1913, in Shelby County, the
son of Abraham Lincoln and Ida Estella Lockart Hardy.

He was a member of the Tower Hill Christian Church and
the Shelby County Historical Society. He farmed until he
was 87 years old. He was a loving husband, father,
grandfather and great-grandfather.

He married Wanda Pauline Wilcoxen on Dec. 22, 1941 in
St. Charles, MO, and she survives. Also surviving are his
son, Charles Hardy and wife Carlene of Tower Hill;
daughters, Linda Pritts and husband Bill of Dalton City,
IL and Barbara Hubner and husband Harold of
Assumption, IL; grandchildren, Clay Hardy and wife Kim,
Luke Hardy and wife Penny, Chad Hardy and wife Carrie,
Matt Hardy and wife Dena, Mark Pritts and wife Jennifer,
Gina Pritts, Trudy Filchak, and Deborah Davis and
husband Doug; great-grandchildren, Josh Hardy, Seth
Hardy, Niki Hardy, Coulter Hardy, McQuade Hardy,
Mackenzie Hardy, Brittany Pritts, John Filchak, Samantha
Filchak, Matthew Davis and Tiffany Davis; step
great-grandchildren: Nathan, Kristen and Nick.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Nellie
Hardy; brothers, Ray Hardy and Leverette Hardy; and
great grandson, Michael Davis.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, May
16, 2001 in the Lockart and Sons Funeral Home in
Shelbyville with the Rev. Derrick Ritchie officiating.
Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00 p.m. today. Burial will
be in Tower Hill Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the
Donor's Choice.

James Howard

HIDALGO ­ James L. Howard, 72, of Hidalgo, died at
8:30 p.m. Sunday (May 13, 2001) at his residence.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Barkley
Funeral Home in Greenup with the Rev. Jerry Wilson
officiating. Burial will be in Aten Cemetery, Hidalgo.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

He was born June 22, 1928, in Rose Hill, the son of Ralph
and Pearl Brown Howard. He married Anneta Sowers in
1948; she survives.

Other survivors include two sons, Larry Howard of
Waterloo, Iowa, and James D. Howard of Hidalgo; one
daughter, Linda Ervin of Hidalgo; one brother, Lowell
Howard of Memphis, Tenn.; eight grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers.

Mr. Howard was a farmer and member of the Rose Hill
United Methodist Church.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice of Lincolnland.

Margaret Ryerson

WEST YORK ­ Margaret Louise Ryerson, 77, of West
York, died at 12:01 a.m. Sunday (May 13, 2001) at
Crawford Memorial Hospital In Robinson.

The funeral will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the West York
Bible Church with the Rev. Berton Heleine and the Rev.
Jerry Wilson officiating. Burial will be in the Bradbury
Cemetery, east of West York. Visitation will be 5 to 8:30
p.m. today at the Prust-Hosch Funeral Chapel in West
Union and from noon until service time Wednesday at the
church.

She was born Oct. 25, 1923, in Palestine, the daughter of
Virgil E. White and Stella Ziegler White. She married
Charles H. Ryerson in 1942; he died in 1983.

Survivors include one daughter, Judy Nash of West York;
one brother, Kenneth White of Robinson; four sisters,
Carol Weger of New Hebron, Betty Johnson of Kokomo,
Ind., Linda White of Centerville, Penn., and Janet Striegel
of Danvers; two grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren;
and a companion, John Fullroth of rural Hutsonville.

She was also preceded in death by five brothers and
sisters, and one grandchild.

Mrs. Ryerson was a homemaker. She was a charter
member of the West York Bible Church and a member of
the William White Amvets Auxiliary of Palestine.

Memorials may be made to the Bradbury Cemetery
upkeep fund.

George Taylor Jr.

CHARLESTON ­ George Daniel Taylor Jr., 89, of
Charleston, died at 11:45 p.m. Friday (May 11, 2001) at
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at Christ Temple of
Holiness in Chicago. Burial will be in Oakwoods
Cemetery in Chicago. Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. Friday
at the church in Chicago. The Harper-Swickard Funeral
Home is in charge of local arrangements.

He was born May 26, 1911, in Yazoo City, Miss., the son
of George D. and Kate Willis Taylor. He married Eddie
Mae Woolfolk in 1933; she preceded him in death.

Survivors include one son, Herman D. Taylor of
Charleston; three brothers, Willie L. Taylor Sr. of
Chicago, Jeremiah A. Taylor of Yazoo City, Miss., and
John Taylor of Chicago; four sisters, Kate Mae Swann of
Belzoni, Miss., and Ruth Taylor, Thelma Hardy and
Bertha Flowers, all of Chicago; and three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by three brothers and four
sisters.

Mr. Taylor was employed at United State Steel Co. in
Chicago. He was a member of the Christ Temple of
Holiness Church in Chicago.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart
Association.

Mary Williams

PANA ­ Mary Ellen Williams, 65, of Pana, formerly of
Shelbyville, died Sunday (May 13, 2001) at St. Vincent's
Hospital, Taylorville.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the
McCracken-Dean Funeral Home in Pana with the Rev.
Lawrence Gibson officiating. Burial will be in Twin Pines
Cemetery, Pana. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. today at the
funeral home.

She was born June 6, 1935, in Herrick, the daughter of
John and Geneva Allen Williams.

Survivors include her mother of Pana; two sons, Lynn
Williams of Shelbyville and Gary Williams of Key West,
Fla.; two daughters, Brenda Elder of Shelbyville and Julie
Willenborg of Neoga; 10 grandchildren; and seven
great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her father, one son and one
sister.

Mrs. Williams was a factory worker.

May 14, 2001

PAULINE ABBOTT

Olive Pauline Abbott, age 78, of Allenville, formerly of
Mattoon, passed away at 7:15 a.m. Saturday, May 12,
2001, at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.

Funeral services celebrating her life will begin at 10:00
a.m. on Wednesday at the Schilling Funeral Home with
the Reverend Marvin Flowers officiating. Burial will be in
Rest Haven Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from
5:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Pauline was born January 4, 1923, in Mattoon, a daughter
of Everett Temple Myers and Evelina May Tharp Myers
(Fryman). She married Gus Ivan Abbott on June 24, 1939
in Mattoon. He passed away on January 4, 1982. She was
also preceded in death by her parents; one son, Jerry D.
Abbott; one brother, Everett Myers; one sister, Mary
Haynes; one stepbrother, Charles Fryman and one
granddaughter, Cynthia K. Miller.

Survivors include two daughters, Janice M. Miller and
husband Larry of Allenville and Joyce E. Jackson and
husband Kenneth of Mattoon; three sons, James D.
Abbott and wife Shirley, Jeffrey L. Abbott and wife
Becky, all of Mattoon and Joseph Ivan Abbott and wife
Cheryl of Edgewood; one stepbrother, Paul Fryman of
Las Vegas, Nev.; two stepsisters, Maxine Abbott and Joan
Fogleman, both of Mattoon; one niece, Beverly Von
Behrens of Mattoon; nine grandchildren and sixteen
great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Abbott was a homemaker and a member of the
Mattoon Christian Church and the Eagles Club in
Mattoon.

Robert McKinney

Robert William McKinney, age 78, of rural Neoga, passed
away at 11:45 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2001, at Heartland
Christian Village in Neoga.

The funeral will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the
Swengel-O'Dell Funeral Home in Neoga with the
Reverend Ron Lake officiating. Burial will be in the
Neoga Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8
p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Robert was born September 29, 1922 in Cumberland
County, a son of James. H. and Ethel R. (Tolch)
McKinney. He married Mary Ruth Cooter on May 11,
1947 in Toledo. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, William "Bill" McKinney of
Highland and Whitney McKinney and wife Janet of rural
Neoga; one brother, James J. McKinney of rural Toledo;
one sister-in-law, Kathryn McKinney of Toledo; five
grandchildren, Tonya Hill and husband Chad of Etna,
Josh and Jessica McKinney, both of Neoga, Tiffiany E.
Houberg and husband Tyler of Collinsville, and Bryan
McKinney of Highland; and one great-granddaughter,
Faith E. Houberg of Collinsville. He was preceded in
death by one brother, Warren McKinney.

Mr. McKinney was a retired farmer and member and
trustee of the Grace United Methodist Church in Neoga.
He was a former member and past president of the Neoga
School Board, a Neoga Township Trustee. and a 4-H
leader for several years. Robert was a former member of
the Cumberland County Health Board, a A.S.F. Parent, an
Election Judge, Lion's of Illinois Foundation Fellow, and
Cumberland County Extension Building Committee.
Memorials may be made to the Cumberland County 4-H
Foundation, Neoga F.F.A. Chapter or Heartland Christian
Village in Neoga.

Margaret Reed

MATTOON - Margaret Leona Sidsel Larsen Reed, 85, of
Mattoon, formerly of Sheffield, died at 10:10 p.m.
Saturday (May 12, 2001) at Mattoon Health Care Center.

A graveside funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday at the
Sheffield Cemetery. There will be no visitation.
Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home is in charge of the
arrangements.

She was born Feb. 14, 1916, in Sheffield, the daughter of
Lauritas J. and Sofie Larsen. She married Edward H. Reed
in 1934. He died in 1995.

Surviving are four daughters, Barbara Druin of Mattoon,
Dorothy DeLane of Hemet, Calif., Mary Sue Costello of
Rosemead, Calif., and Cora Baker of Utica, N.Y.; two
sons, Lewis E. Reed of Remus, Mich. and Ronald Keutzer
of Aurora; one sister, Helen Croak of Weslaco, Texas; and
11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and one
great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by one daughter.

Mrs. Reed was a homemaker and former member of the
Danish Church in Sheffield and First Congregational
Christian Church in Pekin.

George Taylor

CHARLESTON - George Daniel Taylor, Jr., 89, of
Charleston, formerly of Chicago, died at 11:54 p.m.
Friday (May 11, 2001) at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health
Center.

Arrangements are incomplete at Harper-Swickard Funeral
Home in Charleston.

May 12, 2001

Doc Bradford

G. EVERETT "DOC" BRADFORD, 86, of Arthur, IL,
passed away at 3:15 PM, Thursday, May 10, 2001 at the
Arthur Home, Arthur, IL

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, May
14, 2001 at the Vine Street Christian Church, 249 South
Vine Street, Arthur, IL, with the Rev. Michael Johnson
officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-8 PM, Sunday,
May 13, 2001 at the Shrader Funeral Home, 431 South
Vine Street Arthur, IL. Burial will be in the Arthur
Cemetery.

Mr. Bradford was born October 21, 1914 in Newman, IL,
the son of George E. and Hazel Arbuckle Bradford, who
moved to Arthur in October 1915. He married Mildred
Gibson on June 16, 1934 in Rockville, IN. She survives.

Other survivors include: 1 Son: George E. Bradford and
wife Nancy of Champaign, IL, 3 Daughters: Joanna Sigler
of Arthur, IL, Linda Perrine and husband Rodney of
Sullivan, IL, Patti Dukeman and husband Terry of
Decatur, IL, 10 Grandchildren: Bill Bradford and wife
Bonnie, Mike Bradford and wife Sherry, Jeff Bradford,
Christina Bradford, Tony Sigler, Angie Hollingsworth and
husband Scott, Suzy Poynter and husband Tony, Jennifer
Winter and husband Jay, Anna Dukeman, Kevin
Dukeman; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Amy Bradford, Katie
Bradford, Samantha Bradford, Macy Hollingsworth, 3
Step-Great-Grandchildren: Calab Poynter, Christine
Poynter, Brittanie Hollingsworth, 1
Step-Great-Great-Grandchild: Taliyn Poynter, 1 Brother:
Myron A. Bradford, 1 Sister: Joan Ferchow and husband:
Stuart of Arthur, IL, Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by: His parents, Sister-In-Law:
Georgene Bradford

Dr. Bradford earned his Doctor of Optometry Degree
from Northern Illinois College of optometry on December
23, 1938. He practiced in Optometry in Arthur for 41
years. He was a 50 year member of the Arthur Masonic
Lodge #825, Scottish Rite Valley of Danville, IL, Ansar
Shrine Temple of Springfield, Royal Arch Masons #128
of Sullivan, IL, Gil W. Barnard Commendery #74 of
Sullivan, IL, Royal and Select Masters of the State of
Illinois #91, Sullivan, IL, IOOF #72 of Arthur, Order of
Eastern Star Chapter #427, Arthur, IL, Director of
Moultrie-Douglas County Fair Board since 1957 and
President since 1982, retiring in December 1992. Trustee
of the Bourbon-Lowe Township Cemetery Association
since 1948 and secretary since 1967, retiring after serving
50 years. Life member of the Illinois Optometric
Association and American Optometric Association.
Member of the Vine Street Christian Church, Arthur, IL.
He graduated from Arthur High School in 1932 and
served as class secretary for many years.

Memorials suggested to: Vine Street Christian Church,
239 South Vine Street, Arthur, Illinois 61911

Charles Breen

JOLIET - Charles M. "Chuck" Breen, 82, of Joliet,
formerly of Charleston, died Friday (May 11, 2001) at
Provena St. Joseph Medical Center, Joliet.

The funeral will be 1 p.m. Monday at the
Harper-Swickard Funeral Home with the Rev. Bill Boaz
officiating. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial
Gardens. Visitation will be noon to 1 p.m. Monday at
funeral home and 4 to 7 p.m. today at the
Grant-Tapella-Freitag Westwood Memorial Chapel, Joliet.

He was born Jan. 17, 1919, in Charleston, the son of Rev.
and Mrs. Charles C. Breen. He married Mary Lathrop; she
survives.

Also surviving are two daughters, Marilyn Cook of Palo
Alto, Calif., and Axie Breen of Needham, Mass.; four
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by one son and two brothers.

Mr. Breen retired from Standard Truck Parts of Joliet
after many years with the company.

Sandra Griffith

MATTOON - Sandra Sue Griffith, 59, of Mattoon, died at
11:55 p.m. Thursday (May 10, 2001) at Sarah Bush
Lincoln Health Center.

A graveside service will be 1 p.m. Monday at the Danville
National Cemetery with the Rev. Steven Gray officiating.
Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the
Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home.

She was born July 7, 1941, in Charleston, the daughter of
Harold and Virgie Brant. She married Robert Griffith; he
preceded her in death.

Surviving are three sons, Richard Strong of Callahan,
Fla., Steven Strong of Charleston and Frank Strong of
Mattoon; two daughters, Donna Clark and Sheila Osborn,
both of Mattoon; several brothers and sisters; 10
grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; two
great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one daughter.

Mrs. Griffith was a retired nurses aid. She was a member
of the Baptist Church in Tipton, Mo.

John W. "Jack" Grooms

SULLIVAN - John W. "Jack" Grooms, 81, of Sullivan,
died at 6:50 a.m. Friday (May 11, 2001) at his residence in
rural Sullivan.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Monday,
May 14, 2001 at the Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust
Street, Arcola, with Rev. Lawrence Beebe officiating.
Burial will be in the Humboldt Cemetery. Visitation will
be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.

Mr. Grooms was born May 10, 1920, in Humboldt, a son
of Russell and Florence Shrader Grooms. He married
Mary Starwalt in Humboldt on June 7, 1941. She survives.

Besides his wife, Mary, survivors include one daughter,
Mary Ann Sphar of Buckeye, Arizona; one son, John R.
Grooms and his wife Debbie of Sullivan; 5 grandchildren,
Leigh Anne and Angie Sphar both of Phoenix, Arizona,
Kristen Campbell of Leroy, Nick and Tyson Grooms of
Sullivan. He was preceded in death by one sister.

Mr. Grooms retired from Blaw-Knox in 1973 where he
had worked as a welder for 17 years. He currently farmed
with his son. He attended the Faith Baptist Church in
Mattoon and was a member of the Moultrie County Farm
Bureau.

Memorials are suggested to the American Heart
Association or the donor's choice.

Michael McCormack

SILVER LAKE, Ind. - Michael "Mac" Dean McCormack,
48, of Silver Lake, Ind., formerly of Casey, died at 12:15
a.m. Thursday (May 10, 2001) at St. Anthony's,
Effingham.

The funeral will be 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the Markwell and
Son Funeral Home in Casey. Burial will be in Long Point
Cemetery in Casey. Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. today at
the funeral home.

He was born Dec. 7, 1952, in Mattoon, the son of Carl
Hugh and Rosemary Robey McCormack.

Surviving are three daughters, Michelle Alexander of
Charleston, Billee Jo McCormack of Martinsville and
Tammy McCormack of Casey; two brothers, Jim
McCormack of Casper, Wyo., and Bryan McCormack of
Shumway; one sister, Mary Jean Davis of Effingham; and
special friend, Brenda Brelej of California.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Mr. McCormack was a truck driver for MST Trucking
Company of Casey. He attended Community Bible
Church in Warsaw, Ind.

Memorials may be made to Shriner's Hospitals for
Children, St. Louis.

Margie Reed

SULLIVAN - Margie I. Reed, 76, of Sullivan, died at 9:48
p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2001, in Eastview Terrace,
Sullivan.

Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today in the Greenhill
Cemetery, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. in
the McMullin-Young Funeral home, Sullivan. Memorials
may be made to Lincolnland Hospice.

Margie was born on December 8, 1924, in Findlay, the
daughter of George and Velma Phillips Perryman. She
married Noah Reed on May 14, 1944, in Sullivan he
preceded her in death on April 1, 1966.

Surviving is her daughter, Carol Risley and husband
Howard of Sullivan; 7 grandchildren and 14
great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother.

HUGH STILES

Hugh Stroud Stiles, age 74, of rural Sullivan, passed away
at 5:05 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2001, at the Sarah Bush
Lincoln Health Center.

Funeral services celebrating his life will begin at 1:30 p.m.
on Tuesday at the Schilling Funeral Home with the
Reverend Robert C. Clark officiating. Burial will be in the
Dodge Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00
p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home.

Hugh was born September 23, 1926, in Youngstown,
Ohio, the son of Hugh Shaw and Winifred Stroud Stiles.
He married Hope Furry on February 18, 1978. She
survives. Other survivors include two sons, Michael Stiles
and wife Judy of Longview, Texas, David Stiles and wife
Rayla of Tyler, Texas; three daughters, Kathy Clark and
husband Richard of Denver City, Texas, Sally Thompson
and husband William of Allen, Texas and Kenna Montano
of Los Angeles, California; and ten grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.

Mr. Stiles served in the U.S. Army during World War II.
He retired from Radio Shack where he was in retail
management. He was a member of the Mattoon Moose.
Hugh was a former member of the V.F.W. of
Youngstown, Ohio and former President of the Cross
County Mall Merchants Association.

May 11, 2001

Horace Bolin

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. - Horace Earl Bolin, 90, of Terre
Haute, Ind., formerly of Humboldt, IL, died at 2:10 a.m.
Thursday (May 10, 2001) at Union Hospital, Terre Haute.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the DeBaun
Springhill Chapel, Terre Haute, with the Rev. Mark
Grayless officiating. A graveside service will be 1 p.m.
Saturday at the Humboldt Cemetery, Humboldt, IL.
Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today at the chapel with 7
p.m. Masonic Rites by Lodge #19 F&AM.

He was born Oct. 1, 1910, in Humboldt, IL, a son of
Merle G. Bolin and Blanche A. Pennell Bolin. He married
Floetta Eastin on July 21, 1934; she survives.

Other survivors include one son, Rex E. Bolin and wife
La Jean of Terre Haute; two daughters, Joyce Summers
and husband Oland of N. Carolina and Sue Kraemer and
husband Jerry of Terre Haute; twin brother, Maurice Bolin
of California; three sisters, Loraine Newman of Terre
Haute, Naomi Connor of Tuscola, IL and Bernadine
Hopkins of Richmond; 12 grandchildren; 23
great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; several
nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Mildred Sweeney.

Mr. Bolin was a retired mechanic/truck driver for
Lovelace Trucking Co. He was a member of the Union
Christian Church, Masonic Lodge #19 F&AM, Teamsters
Local #144, and O.E.S. Chapter #43.

Everett Bradford

ARTHUR - Everett Bradford, 86, of Arthur, died at 3:15
p.m. Thursday (May 10, 2001) at The Arthur Home.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Shrader Funeral
Home in Arthur.

Irene Camfield

SHELBYVILLE - Irene Camfield, 86, of Shelbyville, died
at 7:55 p.m. Wednesday (May 9, 2001) in Shelbyville
Manor.

Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday in Howe and
Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, with the Rev. Robert
Litteral officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery,
Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. Saturday
until time of service.

She was born on Sept. 18, 1914, in rural Shelbyville, the
daughter of John and Elsie Gilmore Rexroad. She married
Birney H. Camfield in 1936; he survives.

Also surviving are one son, Rex L. Camfield of Mt. Zion;
one sister, Imogene Kull of Jeffersontown, Ky.; two
grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Camfield was a homemaker.

Memorials maybe made to Lincolnland Hospice.

Shirley Curry

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. - Shirley Curry, 65, of St. Joseph,
Mich., formerly of Windsor and Mattoon, died Friday
(May 4, 2001) at the University of Chicago Hospital.

The funeral was conducted Wednesday at the First
Congregational Church in St. Joseph, Mich. Burial was in
North Shore Memory Gardens, Hagar Shores, Mich.

She was born Sept. 1, 1935, in Windsor, the daughter of
Cecil and Edna Estes Jones. She married Roger Curry in
1955; he preceded her in death.

Surviving are one son, Jeff Curry of Buchanan, Mich.;
one daughter, Lisa Johnson of Shrewsbury, Mass.; one
brother, Ed Jones of Oakland; two sisters, twin Marilyn
Brady and Joyce Miller, both of Charleston; and five
grandchildren.

Mrs. Curry was a secretary for the Berrien County
Republican Office.

KATHLEEN GILKERSON

Kathleen M. Gilkerson, age 87, of Elmhurst, formerly of
Mattoon, passed away at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 9,
2001, at the Elmhurst Memorial Hospital, Elmhurst,
Illinois. She was a resident of Mattoon for fifty years until
she moved to the Chicago area to be near her children.

Funeral services celebrating her life will begin at 2:00
p.m. on Monday at the First Presbyterian Church in
Mattoon with the Reverend Dr. John P. Besore III
officiating. Burial will follow in the Dodge Grove
Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to
services on Monday afternoon at the Church. The
Schilling Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Kathleen was born February 22, 1914 in Burton, Kansas, a
daughter of Joseph W. and Emma L. Lange Myers. She
married G. N. Gilkerson on July 11, 1944, at Tucson,
Arizona. She was preceded in death by her husband of
forty-one years, who passed away February 9, 1985. She
was also preceded in death by her parents; one brother,
Paul Myers; and two sisters, Josephine Ecklund and
Lucille Chiles.

Survivors include three children, George N. Gilkerson Jr.
and wife Cheryl of Glen Ellyn, Linda Gilkerson and
husband Don Lamb of Chicago and Joseph D. Gilkerson
and wife Sheri of Naperville; four grandchildren, Michael
Lamb of Chicago, Paul Gilkerson and Rachel Gilkerson,
both of Glen Ellyn, and Erin Smith and husband Trey of
Indianapolis, Indiana; and two great-grandsons, Bailey
Smith and Benjamin Smith, both of Indianapolis, Indiana.

Mrs. Gilkerson graduated from the University of Kansas
in 1935. She served in the United States Navy from
1943-1945. She served as Administrative Assistant for the
J. C. Nichols Company, Kansas City, which was one of
America's first shopping center developers. She was a
fifty-year member of the First Presbyterian Church in
Mattoon and a six-year member of the First Presbyterian
Church in Elmhurst. Kathleen liked to read, play bridge,
garden and watch her grandchildren grow. She was a
member of numerous local bridge and literary clubs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Erikson
Institute (a Graduate School in Child Development), 420
North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611, OR DuPage
Community Foundation, Children and Youth Fund, 110
N. Cross Street, Wheaton, IL 60187-5318 OR TO First
Presbyterian Church of Mattoon, 10 Charleston Avenue,
Mattoon, IL 61938.

Eugene Henderson

MATTOON - Eugene Henderson, 61, of Mattoon, died at
7:27 a.m. Wednesday (May 9, 2001) at Sarah Bush
Lincoln Health Center.

The funeral will be 9 a.m. Saturday at the Mitchell-Jerdan
Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

He was born Dec. 5, 1939, in Edwards, Miss., the son of
Elisa Graham and Elnora Henderson.

Surviving are special friend, Lula Hill of Mattoon; three
sons, Otis Henderson of Mattoon, and Willie James
Henderson and Tony Henderson, both of California; one
daughter, Mattie Henderson of California; and 10
grandchildren.

Mr. Henderson was a retired tracksman for the railroad.
He was a member of the Second Missionary Baptist
Church.

Michael McCormack

SILVER LAKE, Ind. - Michael Dean McCormack, 48, of
Silver Lake, Ind., formerly of Casey, died at 12:15 a.m.
Thursday (May 10, 2001) at St. Anthony's Hospital in
Effingham.

Arrangements are incomplete at the Markwell Funeral
Home in Casey.

Ernest Shadow

GLENDALE - Ernest Shadow, 98, of Glendale, Ariz.,
formerly of Neoga, died Wednesday (May 9, 2001).

The funeral and visitation will be in Glendale, Ariz. Burial
will be Saturday in Mesa, Ariz. The Lockart and Sons
Funeral Home in Windsor is in charge of local
arrangements.

He was born Feb. 8, 1903, in Coles County, the son of
Alberta and Sarah Thomas Shadow. He married Edith
Williamson in 1930; she died in 1991.

Surviving are one daughter, Mary Ann Schoen; one
brother, Glenn Shadow of Windsor; four sisters, Geneva
Roby of Mesa, Ariz., Olive Storm of Mattoon, and Pansy
Shoemaker and Alice Kercheval, both of Windsor; and
two grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by one daughter and five
sisters.

Mr. Shadow was a retired farmer.

May 10, 2001

Anthony Bontreger

ARTHUR - Anthony "Tony" Ryan Bontreger, 28, of
Arthur, died at 10 p.m. Monday (May 7, 2001) in Macon
County.

The funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday at the Arthur
Mennonite Church with Ron Sparks officiating. Burial
will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 to 8
p.m. today at Edwards Funeral Home in Arcola.

He was born Aug. 26, 1972, in Decatur, the son of Toby
A. Bontreger and Rosanna Miller.

Surviving are his mother and stepfather, David Breedlove,
both of Arthur; his father of Arthur; and paternal
grandparents, Andy and Minerva Bontreger of Arthur.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents.

Mr. Bontreger did drywall work in the area for several
years. He attended the Vineyard Christian Fellowship in
Urbana.

Lillian Brewer

OAK LAWN - Lillian Emogene Brewer, 76, of Oak Lawn,
died at 11 a.m. April 27, 2001, at Little Company of Mary
Hospital in Evergreen Park.

The funeral was conducted at Lawn Funeral Home in
Burbank. A graveside service was conducted at the Mt.
Zion (Block) Church Cemetery, southeast of Greenup.

She was born Feb. 19, 1925, in Terre Haute, Ind., the
daughter of L.A. "Cap" and Zelma Wood Roan. She
married Bert Brewer in 1944; he preceded her in death.

Surviving are two sons, Michael Brewer of Ashland, Ore.,
and Steven Brewer of Oak Lawn; one daughter, April
Warren of Gainesville, Fla.; two sisters, Lucille Hutton of
Toledo and Lorraine Neal of Greenup; and three
grandchildren.

Mrs. Brewer was a homemaker and member of Memorial
Baptist Church of Oak Lawn.

Eugene Henderson

MATTOON - Eugene Henderson, 61, of Mattoon, died at
7:27 a.m. Wednesday (May 9, 2001) at Sarah Bush
Lincoln Health Center.

The funeral will be 9 a.m. Saturday at the Mitchell-Jerdan
Funeral Home. Burial will be in Dodge Grove Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

He was born Dec. 5, 1939, in Edwards, Miss., the son of
Elisa Graham and Elnora Henderson.

Surviving are three sons, Otis Henderson of Mattoon, and
Willie James Henderson and Tony Henderson, both of
California; one daughter, Mattie Henderson of California;
and 10 grandchildren.

Mr. Henderson was a retired tracksman for a railroad. He
was a member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church.

JUNIE LONGCOR

Junia L. "Junie" Tinch Longcor, age 50, of rural
Charleston, passed away at 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 9,
2001, at her home surrounded by her family and friends.

Memorial services celebrating her life will begin at 1:00
p.m. Saturday at the home of Gary and Junie Longcor,
12415 E. County Road 500 North, with the Reverend
Marvin Flowers officiating. Family requests that the dress
be casual and you may bring your lawn chairs. Burial will
be at a later date. No visitation is planned.

Junie was born April 11, 1951 in Mattoon, a daughter of
Paul and Betty Crum Tinch. She married Gary Longcor
on August 22, 1969.

Survivors include her devoted and loving husband, Gary,
of rural Charleston; two cherished sons, Trever Longcor
of Mattoon and Troy Longcor and very special friend,
Elizabeth Meers, both of Humboldt; one brother, Steve
Tinch and wife Becky of Mattoon; three sisters, Paula
Bright and husband Steve of Mattoon, Gina Harris and
husband Mike of Cowden, and Marsha Stewart and
husband Stacy of Elgin. Junie also leaves many nieces and
nephews, the most special aunt in the world, Paulene J.
Hudson of Terre Haute, Ind. and some of the most
wonderful friends in the world and of course her loving
animals, both living and gone.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mrs. Longcor was employed at Mattoon Precision
Manufacturing for ten years and had formerly been
employed at Justrite and Associated Spring in Mattoon,
and Has-Stor in Charleston. Junie loved flower gardening,
horse-back riding and spending time with family and
friends.

Family requests no flowers. Memorial gifts may be made
to the Regional Cancer Center of Sarah Bush Lincoln
Health Center.

Pha Love

TAYLORVILLE - Pha Alberta Love, 98, of Taylorville,
died at 7:39 a.m. Tuesday (May 8, 2001) at St. Vincent's
Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.

The funeral will be 11 a.m. Friday at the
Connolly-McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville, with the
Rev. Randy Myers officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill
Cemetery, Taylorville. Visitation will be 10 to 11 a.m.
Friday at the funeral home.

She was born Aug. 5, 1902, in Clarksdale, the daughter of
John Franklin Love and Mary Elinor Zapf. She married
Glen R. Love in 1920; he preceded her in death.

Surviving are four sons, James R. Love of Mattoon,
William F. Love of Huntington Beach, Calif., Kenneth E.
Love of Arcola and Robert Love of Taylorville; two
daughters, Marianne Wilhite of Taylorville and Shirley
Critchlow of Quincy, Calif.; 14 grandchildren; 26
great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two sons, two sisters
and two brothers.

Mrs. Love was a homemaker. She was a member of the
Davis Memorial Christian Church of Taylorville,
honorary member of the Taylorville Women's Club,
lifetime member of the Christian County PTO, and
Hospital Auxiliary at St. Vincent's Memorial Hospital.

Maude Whitson

SULLIVAN - Maude Tracy Whitson, 73, of rural Sullivan,
died at 2:56 p.m. Monday (May 7, 2001) at St. Mary's
Hospital in Decatur.

A graveside service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the Maple
Hill Cemetery, Westfield, with the Rev. Leonard Moore
officiating. Visitation will be two hours before the service
at the Markwell Chapel in Westfield.

She was born Dec. 24, 1927, in Missouri, the daughter of
Lawrence and Maude Tracy Herrington. She married
Rexford Whitson in 1945; he died in 1989.

Surviving are two sons, Bill Whitson of Westfield and
Mike Whitson of Steger; two daughters, Madeline
Johnson of New Lima, Ohio, and Jane McIntyre of
Steger; three brothers, Charles Herrington of Spokane,
Wash., Darrell Herrington of Florida and Bernard
Herrington of Paris; one sister, Ellen Eckert of St. Louis;
17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by one son and one
brother.

Mrs. Whitson retired as a teacher from Central Junior
High in Steger. She was a member of the Jonathan Creek
Christian Church in Sullivan and American Legion
auxiliary of Sullivan.

Memorials may be made to the Johnathan Creek Cemetery
rural Sullivan.

May 9, 2001

Anthony Bontreger

ARTHUR - Anthony "Tony" Ryan Bontreger, 28, of
Arthur, died at 10 p.m. Monday (May 7, 2001) in Macon
County.

Arrangements are incomplete at Edwards Funeral Home
in Arcola.

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