Vickie Arlene Clayton, 73 of Taylorville, passed away Friday, November 29th, 2024.  She was born on July 15th, 1951, in Taylorville, the daughter of James and Vesta (Prior) Hendricks. She graduated from Taylorville Senior High School in 1969. Vickie worked hard all her life, employed for over 17 Years at Georgia Pacific until the plant shut down in 1994. She took the initiative to go back to school and soon became a substance abuse counselor and an advocate of Suicide Awareness. Vickie took great pride in her family. More than anything she loved spending time with her nieces and Grandchildren. 

 

She is survived by her Son: Brandon (Cassi) Clayton of Los Angeles; Sister Debbie Radzimanowsky; Nieces: Terri (Gary) Edwards, Tina (Chad) Paine, Kristi (Shane) Carey; Nephew: Gary Swindall; Grandchildren: Nic (Crystal) Turner of Shelbyville, Madelyn & Benjamin Clayton of Los Angeles; her Great Nieces and Nephews: Caitlin, Andrew, Tiff, Ava, Cohen, Daniel, Alexis. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sister Carol, Brother Jimmy, Brothers-in-Law Richie and John, and her eldest son Roger Clayton Jr. (Buddy)

 

If it were cold out, Vickie would not attend your funeral, and she expects the same from you. Vickie will be cremated as per her wishes, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Sonja Ann Heldebrandt born May 15 1938, passed away November 24 at 1 pm at Nokomis Nursing and rehab home.  Sonja was youngest of 7 children, born to Lee and Faye Peters of Taylorville. She graduated from Taylorville High. Sonja met the love of her life, Darrel in 1955 at the Calico Twirlers club and married December 15^th 1957, they were married for almost 65 years. Sonja helped Darrel in 4-H. She raised a vary large garden and canned every bit of her bounty. Sonja was a very good cook and was known for her famous bread making and her jellies. She loved being with her large family.

 She worked at worked at Flenches grading eggs, Jewels shopping center, Johnstons shopping center for 5 years and last she was the baker in the bakery at County market for 16.5 years.

Mrs. Heldebrandt is survived by children, Charotte (Rick) Edgecombe, Lee (Gale) Heldebrandt, Sue (Terry) Roberts, Jane (Morris) Johson, Cathy (friend Norman Griffin) Walker, Charles (Kim) Heldebrandt, and Amy (Jarod) Durbin. Eighteen grandchildren, Twenty- eight great grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Heldebrandt is preceded in death by her husband Darrel, her parents and four brothers Darrell, Roy, Jerry and Gene, two sisters Pheobe and Hope.

The family suggest donation to go to Nokomis FFA chapter and Illinois 4-H foundation or the MCCA.

91 year old Norma Niehaus of Morrisonville, passed away Sunday, November 24. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 29 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Nokomis. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:00 a.m. until service time.

Mr. Melvin LeRoy Hurelbrink, 90, of rural Taylorville, IL passed peacefully from this life at home with family by his side at 4:12 a.m. Thursday, November 21, 2024.

He was born in Taylorville, IL the son of Arthur and Cleta (Chandler) Hurelbrink.  Melvin married Sandra Laney on September 22, 2006, in Springfield, IL.

Mr. Hurelbrink honorably served his country in the U. S. Army between the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  He has quite a history.  He formerly raced motorcycles and held records in the state of Kansas which were broken just recently.   Melvin worked for Allis Chalmers who sent him to welding school.  He held more than 50 different welding certificates.  Mr. Hurelbrink even welded for the Gemeni Space Program through Westinghouse in California where he also spent time working as a logger.  He had worked as a heavy equipment mechanic.  Later in his work career, Melvin put several million miles in as an over-the-road truck driver.  He will be forever remembered as a great husband, father, provider and a very kind man.

Surviving are his loving wife Sandra Hurelbrink of rural Taylorville, IL 2 daughters Teresa (husband Michael) St. Louis of Taylorville, IL and Melisa (husband Steve) Seiler of Owaneco, IL 5 grandchildren Kayla (Kyle) Paine, Kayla (Chelsea) Boehme, Kyle (Shelbey) Stilwill, Ashley Baker and Zack Seiler, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers Richard (Amy) Hurelbrink of Colorado and Paul (Sue) Hurelbrink of Mt. Auburn, IL along with several nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Donald Hurelbrink, 2 grandchildren Samuel and Selah St. Louis and a nephew Tommy Hurelbrink.

Private services will be held with full military honors by the U. S. Army and the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County at Camp Butler National Cemetery.  Masterson Funeral Home is honored to be assisting with his arrangements.

Condolences are encouraged to be left at mastersonfh.com.

 

Maurice “Dewey” Dewimille, 93 of Springfield, passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Senior Living in Rochester.  He was born on July 15, 1931, in Taylorville, the son of Eugene Dewimille Sr. and Maxine Flahart Dewimille.  He graduated from Taylorville High School in 1949 and was a member of Little Flower Catholic Church in Springfield.  Maurice had a long career in banking, starting at First Trust Bank in Taylorville and many years at Illinois National Bank in Springfield. 

He is survived by his nieces: Carole Newberry (Bill) and Janice Adya (Ned); several cousins including Pat Pettus of Taylorville; and many great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Eugene Dewimille Jr.; beloved sister-in-law: Mary Dewimille; nephew: Dane Dewimille; and niece: Jackie Dewimille.

Maurice will be cremated, and a graveside memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with Fr. Al Kemme officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic School in Taylorville or Little Flower Catholic School in Springfield.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Clarence L Christopher Jr passed away at the age of 77, November 10th, 2024 at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.  Junior was a native to Edinburg Community not just an Alumni graduate at Edinburg High School, he resided there for many years. Junior graduated from Lincoln Land Community College as an Electrician.

Junior was a very dedicated worker. From 1968-1983 he worked at Continental Grain. In 1983 to 1997 Junior and Marilyn ventured into the bar business where they met so many wonderful people.  2000 to 2020 Junior ran Carey's Disposal with his current wife Grace. A lifetime of achievements even after retirement Junior was still working.

He was a man who consistently brought laughter and smiles to everyone he met.  He loved reading and sharing captivating book recommendations. His passion for history was exceptional. As well as playing a great game of cards. Throughout it all he remained our father, grandfather, great grandfather and husband.

He leaves behind his wife Grace, daughter Nina Ayers (Mike), son Arron (Amy) Christopher;
grandchildren: Christopher, Steven, Angie, Emmy and Hadlee; a great-granddaughter Bella, as well as several siblings, nieces and nephews.

There will not be a service, but a celebration of life will be announced at a later date to embark on his life. Now both parents are together again watching over our family. He will be missed dearly.

Devin Michael Binger, 62, of Decatur, IL, passed away on November 16, 2024, at his home following a short cancer illness. He was born on September 30, 1962, in Decatur, IL, to Brent W. and Linda (Beckham) Binger.

Devin was raised in Dalton City and attended the Dalton City/Mt. Zion school system, graduating in 1980. He joined the United States Marine Corps Band and was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. After his service, Devin came to Taylorville to work in the family business as manager of Taylorville Dairy Queen. He also worked at CTI as a technician and later at Decatur Memorial Hospital as a networking analyst.

Devin married Dana Jo Harris and they later divorced. He married JoAnn Jones Aguilar, and they celebrated 29 years together. They both loved to travel, going to all 50 states twice and to all provinces of Canada, and many foreign countries. Devin loved anything pertaining to history, especially the Civil War. He would tell you that he was the keeper of the mausoleum of useless facts which helped him to be an excellent game player. Devin had begun a new career of doing voiceover acting and had several parts he was working on.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Binger of Decatur, IL; brother, Rustin Binger (Lauren Berry) of Valdosta, GA; sister, Cheri Engle of Blue Mound, IL; mother, Linda Binger of Langleyville, IL; as well as many nieces, nephews, and brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his father, Brent Binger, and his grandparents.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 11:00-1:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., and interment with Military Honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Devin’s honor may be made to Memorial Home Hospice, located at 200 North Edward Street, Decatur, IL 62526.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.

William J. Waud Sr., 86 of Springfield, passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.  He was born on December 14, 1937, in Taylorville, the son of Roscoe V. and Dorothy J. (Parker) Waud.  He married Joyce J. Johnson on June 4, 1960, in Taylorville, and she preceded him in death on December 23, 2017.  William graduated from Eastern Illinois University with his bachelor’s degree and earned his master’s from the University of Illinois and had a long career in education.  He was a fan of Illini basketball and Cardinals baseball and loved Frank Sinatra’s music.  Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren and was a devoted husband, especially during Joyce’s times of poor health.

He is survived by his children: William J. Waud Jr. (John McDermand) of Springfield, Tracy Marsh of Springfield, Jill Richards (Jerry) of Yulee, Florida, Carrie Behl (Art) of Springfield, and Tricia A. Waud of New Berlin; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister: Judy Gardner (Dr. Jerry) of Taylorville; cousin: Mari Lynn Bates and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents and wife. 

Mr. Waud will be cremated, and no services are planned at this time.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Linda Sue Shafer, 74, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 1:15 p.m. at her residence. She was born on October 23, 1950, in Mt. Vernon, IL, to Richard and Mary Lou (Wente) Barber. She married Tommy D. Dickerson, and they later divorced. She later married James L. Shafer in 1987, and he preceded him in death in 2016.

Linda and her husband owned and operated Shafer Funeral Home in Taylorville for 30 years. She then went to work in 2009, at Springfield Clinic, Taylorville, as a greeter. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Taylorville. Linda enjoyed gardening with beautiful flowers, golfing with the girls, and enjoying her weekends at the Lake of the Ozarks with her best friend, Pam.

She is survived by her children: David J. (Jenny) Dickerson of Fishers, IN, Joseph T. (Patty) Shafer of Elgin, IL, and Dacia A. Nisbet (Tim Passoni) of Normal, IL; grandchildren: Averi Nisbet (fiancé Jacob Carver) Nick Norman, Noah Passoni, Kynnedi Goldstein, Laney Dickerson, Molly Shafer, Korbyn Passoni, Jack Shafer, and Quynn Passoni; sister: Sharon (Terry) Holderfield of Mattoon, IL, brothers: Ronald (Annie) Barber of Charleston, IL, and Kenneth (Velma) Barber of California, as well as several nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James L. Shafer, and her daughter, Dana Lynn Dickerson.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Brennan Hurley officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorials to honor Linda may be made to Quad County Hospice or to the American Lung Association.

Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.

Rodell L. Gross, 80 of Taylorville, passed away on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at Prairie Rose Health Care Center in Pana.  He was born on December 7, 1943, in Taylorville, the son of Benjamin and Turia (Buckner) Gross.  He married Patricia Stanley on March 13, 1968, in Taylorville.  Rodell proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.  He was a member of the Taylorville Southern Baptist Church.  He previously worked at Wareham’s Dairy, Commonwealth Eddison, and Kroger. 

He is survived by his wife: Patricia Gross of Taylorville; son: Dan Gross of Taylorville; and siblings: Jim Gross (Diane) and Velma Davis (Larry).  He was preceded in death by his parents.

In keeping with Rodell’s wishes, he will be cremated, and no services are planned at this time.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Philip Henderson Tullis passed away November 12, 2024, at Taylorville Carriage Crossing.  He was 84 years old.

 

Philip was born to Jesse and Myrtle (Cox) Tullis in a cabin in Mill Shoals, Illinois on June 28, 1940.  Philip grew up in Fairfield, Illinois where he met and married Henryetta Moore on August 19, 1960.  Phil and Henryetta enjoyed 64 years of marriage.

 

He is survived by his wife, Henryetta; children Sheila (Skip) DePaepe -  Taylorville,  Rhonda (Sue Jones) Tullis - Chicago, and Brad (Trina) Tullis - Owaneco; grandchildren, Louis (Emily Durbin) DePaepe - Taylorville, Jenny (Jacob Kilduff) Tullis - Boardman, OH, Meredith DePaepe - Taylorville, and Jonathan Tullis - Owaneco; siblings Naomi Barnett - Anderson, IN, David (June) Tullis - Taylorville, Mary (Ron) Kelley - Taylorville, and Alan Niles “Nick” Tullis - Fairfield, IL; brother-in-law, Terry (Donna) Moore - Taylorville; and many nieces and nephews.

 

Philip was predeceased by both parents and brother Dale Tullis.  

 

Philip worked various jobs in construction early in life in Florida and eventually settled in Taylorville.  He started work at Caterpillar in Decatur and got into training, learning mechanical drawing.  He advanced to the Improved Design department and was named on two patents for Caterpillar.  Creative and innovative, he invented an elevation grade rod, built a treehouse on top of a large hollow sycamore tree for his children, and with his youngest brother Nick, constructed a double-sided piston engine they called “PhiNick”.  Phil always had a side business in addition to his regular job, doing home remodeling and eventually excavating.  He hauled many loads of black dirt all over Taylorville, often having his kids, nieces and nephews along to pull the lever, dumping the load.  In 1982, Philip left Caterpillar to go into excavating full time with one tractor and a dump truck.  Through hard work, perseverance, and outstanding results, he grew Phil Tullis Excavating into a successful business, with six tractors and three trucks, which continues today with his son in charge.  

 

Known for his humor, kindness, and authenticity, Phil will be missed by many.

 

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Sutton Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.   

 

Take Phil’s words to heart: “Don't forget, in your life, have a little fun!”

 

Dr. Robert W. Slaybaugh, local optometrist, passed away on Monday, November 11, 2024, at Taylorville Estates.

Dr. Slaybaugh was born February 3, 1928, in Taylorville, IL, the son of Clarence W. and Louise (Wilson) Slaybaugh. He married Patricia Buckles on September 25, 1948, in Clinton, IL.

Dr. Slaybaugh was a graduate of Taylorville High School, where he was inducted to the Athletic Hall of Fame as a member of the 1943-44 State Champion Basketball Team. He was the last survivor of the team. He attended the University of Illinois and graduated from Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago, after which, Dr. Slaybaugh had a local optometry practice for over forty-five years. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing golf and tennis, and especially enjoyed his annual trips to the Florida Gulf Coast every winter.

He is survived by his sons, Bob (Sue) Slaybaugh and Jim (Lynell) Slaybaugh; grandchildren, Jaclyn (Luke) Hennings and Lesley (Ryan) Keel; great-grandchildren, Carter Hennings, Tanner Hennings, Kendall Hennings, Landon Keel, and Morgan Keel, all of Taylorville. His sister, Sandy (Ray) Stepura of Gainesville, FL, and sister-in-law Mary Roberts of Naples, FL, also survive, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dr. Slaybaugh was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Patricia.

Cremation rites have been accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date.  Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign out online guestbook at suttonmemorialhomes.com.

Irene Jean Johnson, 88, of Nokomis passed away November 8, 2024.

 

Visitation for Irene Johnson will be Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 4 PM to 7 PM at St. Louis Catholic Church, Nokomis, IL

 

Funeral Mass will be Thursday, November 14, 2024 at 10 AM at St. Louis Catholic Church.  

 

Burial will follow at St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery, rural Nokomis .

 

Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Homes are in charge of the arrangements. 

Carol Ann Baumgartner, 69 of Taylorville, passed away at Taylorville Memorial Hospital on November 7, 2024.  She was born on April 17, 1955, in Joliet, the daughter of William Lloyd and Lois Bernice (Hoppe) Holmstrom.  She married Dale Alan Baumgartner on June 25, 1977, in the St. Peter Lutheran Church in Joliet, the same church she was baptized and confirmed in.  She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church.  She graduated from Ferris State University and worked for many years at Advanced Eye Care as an Optometric Technician.  She enjoyed gardening, sewing, and spending time with her family. 

She is survived by her husband: Dale Baumgartner of Taylorville; sons: David Baumgartner (Christina) of Fenton, Missouri, and Jonathan Baumgartner of Taylorville; grandson: Finn Baumgartner; and sister: Joyce Hurley (Tom) of Fox River Grove.  She was preceded in death by her parents and son: Daniel Baumgartner. 

A visitation for Carol will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at the McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  A funeral service will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor Brian Johnston officiating.  A graveside committal service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Kankakee Memorial Gardens in Kankakee.  Memorials may be made to Loving Arms Pregnancy Center or In His Hands Orphans Outreach.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Donald R. Kramer, 86 of Taylorville, passed away on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at Taylorville Estates.

Donald was born on February 10, 1938, to Leslie and Bertha Kramer of Palmer, IL. He was a 1956 graduate of Morrisonville High School where he played in the marching band and earned the FFA State Farmer award. Donald was a lifelong farmer in the Palmer/Morrisonville area. He married Nancy Allen on June 9, 1959, and they divorced in 1977. He remarried Effie Sisco on April 20, 1978. Donald was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He is survived by his wife, Effie Kramer; sons, Michael (Andrea) Kramer of Dallas, GA, William (Beckey) Kramer of Palmer, IL, and Matthew Kramer of Teutopolis, IL; as well as his stepdaughters, Claire Parker (Archie) of Virden, IL, and Kim West (Steve). He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Monica Edwards.

A visitation will be held on Monday, November 11, 2024, from 12:00-2:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Sheryl Van Dyke officiating. Interment will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.

Memorials in Donald’s honor may be made to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhome.com.

Larry William Craig, 79, of Pana, IL, passed away on November 4, 2024 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.  Larry was born October 15, 1945, in Pana, IL, the son of William and Edna Richardson Craig.  He married Candice Daugherty on June 11, 1977 at First United Methodist Church in Pana, IL.
Surviving are his wife, Candice Craig of Pana; his children, Christopher (Ashley) Craig of Florida; and Bryce (Jimmie) Craig of Pana, IL; three grandchildren, Jax, Journey, and Jovi “Bub” Craig, with baby Will due soon.  He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and infant sister. 
Larry owned and operated Craig Antenna Service in Pana since 1972.  He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pana for many years.  He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and would attend games regularly as he was a season ticket holder.  He was well known in the community of Pana and will be dearly missed.  He also enjoyed traveling to Gatlinburg and getting some sun on the beach in Florida.  
The family will receive family and friends at First United Methodist Church in Pana, IL from 5:00 pm – 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024.  A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, November 9, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Pana, IL with Pastor Jessica Baldyga Officiating.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church and will be accepted by McCracken- Dean Funeral Home in Pana who is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Keith Kerwin of Taylorville passed away at his home on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, on what would have been the 64th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife Shirlee Kerwin. She preceded him in death in 1998.  

Keith was an over the road self-employed truck driver for most of his adult life, even leading two of his sons into the profession. He retired from trucking in 2007 and settled into his life of being a farmer, continuing his father’s legacy on the family farm near Taylorville.  Keith was a devoted NASCAR fan and an avid reader, especially of westerns and murder mysteries.  He also found great joy in driving around the farm in the spring and fall to watch the planting and harvesting in action.

Besides his wife Shirlee, Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Harriett (Dunbar) Kerwin, a brother William (Carol) of Morrisonville, and a brother Donald of Nokomis. He is survived by a sister Martha Kerwin of Taylorville, sons Jeff (Maria) of Springfield, Joseph (Lori) of Rochester, John of Edinburg, and daughter Janet (Paul) Morell of Pawnee, four grandsons, five granddaughters, and one great-granddaughter.

A public visitation will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  A private family funeral will take place, and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. 

M. Kathleen “Kathy” Butler, 64, of Sullivan, IL, passed away at 11:06 a.m. Monday, November 4, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL, surrounded by her family.

In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, a graveside service for family and friends will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2024, at Humboldt Township Cemetery, Humboldt, IL, with Rev. Bud Hance officiating. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL. To honor Kathy’s love for animals, memorials may be given to the Coles County Animal Shelter and mailed to Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 North Broadway, Shelbyville, IL, 62565.

Kathy was born on March 25, 1960, in Shelbyville, IL, the daughter of Robert Jay and Mildred Louise (Osborn) Miller. She attended Shelbyville High School with the Class of 1978. She met Randall W. Butler at the Nazarene Church in Shelbyville, IL, and they were married on April 14, 1978. Kathy enjoyed going shopping, spending time with her family, and loving on her pets.     

Kathy is survived by her husband, Randy; mother, Mildred Miller of Shelbyville, IL; son, Jeremy Butler and wife Megan of Mattoon, IL; daughters, Elizabeth Ruge and husband Al of Mattoon, IL, and Sarah Gentry and husband Mike of Bethany, IL; sister, Tina Tripp and husband Steve of Sullivan, IL; brothers, Randy Miller and wife Cathy of Taylorville, IL and Charles Miller of Jefferson City, MO;  six grandchildren, Brayden and Owen Butler, John and Hannah Gentry, Aden Butler, and Conner Ruge; and her beloved dog, Oreo.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Jay Miller; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Jean Butler; and sister-in-law, Deb Miller.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

Jack Ray Matthews, 62, of Pana passed away Thursday, October 31, 2024 in Springfield Memorial Hospital.  He was born July 12, 1962.  He married Janice Matthews and they later divorced.   

Jack served as a combat engineer in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1979-1985 and worked a prison guard in Baltimore, MD for 12 years.  He enjoyed playing pool.

Jack is survived by his friends: Jacob Steck & James Challans.

Per Jack’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded and no services are planned.

Memorials in Jack’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project and will be accepted by McCracken-Dean Funeral Home who is assisting the family.

www.mdfh.com