Clarence Dean Coghlan, 68, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on Monday, December 30, 2024, at Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Clarence was born on August 4, 1956, in St. Louis, MO, to the late Lawrence Eugene Coghlan and Isabel Murry (Gould). In 1976, he married the love of his life, Joyce Lynn Record, in St. Louis, Mo, and they spent many happy and loving years together.  

Clarence is survived his wife, Joyce Coghlan of Springfield, IL; children, Debra Blake of Edinburg, IL, Deana Coghlan of Springfield, IL, Dolly Coghlan of Springfield, IL, Dawn (Kenneth Wayne) Truax of Edinburg, IL, Darrel (Amanda) Coghlan of Taylorville, IL, Donna Saunders of Taylorville, IL, Danny Coghlan of Springfield, IL Denise Coghlan of Springfield, IL, Dennis Coghlan of Taylorville, IL; adopted child, Sean Denton (Coghlan); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters, Mamie Richardson of Murphysboro, IL, Ethel “Kay” Barron of Troy, MO; as well as several nephews and his beloved pet, Pistol Pete.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Lawrence Eugene Coghlan II, and his brother-in-law, Bill Richardson.

A visitation will be held on Friday, January 3, 2025, from 10:00-12:00 Noon at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A memorial service will begin at 12:00 Noon.

Memorials may be made to the wishes of the family, c/o Sutton Memorial Home.

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

Richard A. Smith, 63, of Morrisonville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born on July 7, 1961, in Taylorville, IL, to the late Keneth and Reta (Chambers) Smith.

Richard spent his entire life on the farm where he was raised, dedicating his years to working for Bloome Farms. He enjoyed driving his semi hauling grain, but above all, he loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his sisters, Karen Thompson, Donna Eson, Marsha (Sam) Ellinger, Michelle (Jerry) Luttrell; brothers, Larry Smith, Kevin (Jenny) Smith, and Randy Smith, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Keneth and Reta Smith, his brother, Gary Wayne, a brother-in-law, Richard Thompson, and several aunts and uncles.

Per Richard’s wishes, a private graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to the Taylorville Memorial Foundation.

Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville, IL, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at assalleyfuneralhomes.com.

Mr. Tyler Francis Alexander, 26, of Pawnee, IL passed from this life on December 25, 2024, at home.

He was born in Springfield, IL on May 31, 1998, the son of Mark and Kimberly (Watkins) Alexander.

Tyler worked as a manager at Black and Co.  He loved all things sports related; golf, tennis, disc golf, bowling, football, and attending as many live sporting events as possible including NASCAR.  He was a great cook and griller, always had a smile on his face and especially loved the time he got to spend with his family.   

Surviving are: his mother Kimberly Alexander of Springfield, IL his father Mark Alexander of Glenarm, IL a brother Zach wife Reagan Worth of Rochester, IL a sister Brittany Worth of Chatham, IL his girlfriend Gabrielle Smothers of Kincaid, IL maternal grandparents Boone and Bonnie Watkins of Waverly, IL furry friends Layla, Piper and Dennis the cat, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, a nephew and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandpa Francis Alexander, an aunt Sherry Watkins and a cousin Austin Stults.

Cremations rites have been accorded.  Masterson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.     

Richard Steven Wake, 71 of Morrisonville, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.  He was born on August 7, 1953, the son of Wilburn Wake Sr. and Mary Elizabeth (Teer) Wake.  He married Valorie J. Durr on January 18, 1991, in Carlinville.  Richard graduated from South Fork High School in 1972 where he held the pole-vaulting record.  He worked at Peabody Mine #10 until it closed and continued working in Kentucky before retiring from Patriot Coal.  He was a member of UMWA, a fan of the Chicago Bears, and enjoyed NASCAR.  He could fix anything and enjoyed spending time outside spraying weeds and mowing the grass.  Fishing was another favorite pastime of his, especially the many trips he took with his brother Jerry and buddy Ray Lucas.  More than anything he loved his family and especially enjoyed attending his grandson’s sporting events. 

He is survived by his wife: Valorie Wake of Morrisonville; children: Joey Ballion of Taylorville, Katie Davis of Taylorville, Brandon Wake (Hannah Neisler) of Kincaid, and Dalton Wake of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; was Pappy to: Liam Davis, Elijah Davis, Emmett Wake, Erickson Wake, and Everett Wake; siblings: Wilburn Wake Jr. (Donna) of Rochester, Kay Hart (Gary) of Kincaid, and Jerry Wake (Mary) of Girard; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and his faithful companion: Chummy.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: Ronnie Lee Wake.

Richard will be cremated, and his family will host a memorial service at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Stone Pillar Church, 108 E. Douglas in Edinburg with Josh Wertz officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00a.m. until noon on Saturday at the church.  Memorials may be made to the Wake family.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Glenda Carrol Obzut, 81 of Taylorville, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, in her home.  She was born on April 27, 1943, in Jenkins, Kentucky, the daughter of George and Mary (Blanton) Hoback.  She married Raymond Obzut on December 24, 1958, in Baltimore, Maryland, and he preceded her in death on December 28, 2004.  Glenda worked at Farmers Grain Company in Kenney for many years.  More than anything, her family was the center of her life. 

She is survived by her children: Mary Manner of Chestnut and Raymond Obzut Jr. (Melissa) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Keith Manner (Tawny), Melissa Radespiel (James), and Justin Obzut (Sarah); great grandchildren: Emily Radespiel,  Eric Radespiel, and Abigail Manner; and brother: Martin Saulsberry of Florida.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and several siblings.

Glenda will be cremated, and the family will host a graveside service at a later date in the Laenna Cemetery in Chestnut.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Rhonda Lee Ondrey, 60, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. She was born in Arizona on June 1, 1964, to the late Bartow Rickman and Joann Austin. On May 14, 2014, she married Rick Ondrey in Taylorville, and he survives.

Rhonda worked in home health care for many years. She was very creative and loved crafting in her free time. Above all, she loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, and she is dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband, Rick Ondrey of Taylorville, IL; children, Angie Rogers of Taylorville, IL; Heather Dobyns of Taylorville, IL; step-children, Jacob Nash of Pawnee, IL; Corey Ondrey of Springfield, IL; Taylor Vaughn of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren, Aiden; Payton; George Jr.; Shiana; Camron; Miriam; Shyla, Jazlyn, Aubree, Elias, and Vera; brothers, Rex (Terri) Rickman of Taylorville, IL; Jerry (Wendy) Dobyns of Taylorville, IL; as well as two brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Michael Jonas (Jill Jonas) and Joe Ondrey (Kim Ondrey).

Rhonda was preceded in death by her parents, Bartow Rickman and Joann (Jerry) Dobyns, her son, James Rogers, and two brothers, Bart and Brett Rickman.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will be held the following day at 10:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home with Fr. John Burnette officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials in Rhonda’s honor may be made to the Taylorville Food Pantry.

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

Hazel Lucille Carlen, 91, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on Monday, December 23, 2024, at Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Taylorville. Hazel was born on August 26, 1933, in rural Greenup, IL, to the late Harold and Emma (Hays) Kemper. On May 25, 1950, she married Thomas Carlen Jr. in Greenup, IL, and they spent many happy years together before he preceded her in death on September 2, 1975.

She is survived by her children, E. Lucille (Thomas) Herman II of Taylorville, IL; Thomas (Shelley) Carlen of Taylorville, IL; Larry (Priszella) Carlen of Taylorville, IL; Rick (Denise) Carlen of Beecher, IL; Michael (Nanilyn) Carlen of Chatham, IL; Kevin (Debbie) Carlen of Shelbyville, IL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren; as well as her brothers, Leonard Kemper and Lowel Kemper both of Greenup, IL.

Hazel was preceded in death by her loving husband, one son, Billy Carlen, her sister Louise and brothers, Leroy, Francis, and Gene.

A visitation will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 11:00-12:00 Noon at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at noon with Pastor Dennis Metsker officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorials in Hazel’s honor may be made to either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, to the VFW Post 4495, or to American Legion Post 72.

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

Mr. Jerry W. Young, 79, of Tovey, IL passed from this life at 3:42 P.M. Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Villas East in Sherman, IL. 

He was born in Taylorville, IL on October 7, 1945, the son of Charles and Velma M. (Martin) Young.

Jerry had quite the career in local government and at the State of Illinois.  Some of the offices he held were:  Tovey Village Trustee from 1968 to 1971, Democrat Precinct Committeeman South Fork #3 in Christian County 1968 to 1992, President of the Christian County Young Democrats 1968 to 1971, Christian County Board Member District #2 from 1972 to 1980 and 1992 to 1999, Supervisor of South Fork Township from 1980 to 1989, and Christian County Board of Review 1996 to present.  He worked 15 years for the State of Illinois, 8 years with the South Fork Senior Citizens, and 30 Years with local governments.  Jerry was very dedicated to the South Fork Senior Citizens, arranging and taking them on many trips and attending to their needs.  He graduated or attended Tovey Grade School, South Fork Community High School, Illinois Business College, Chicago Real Estate Education Company, Realtors Institute of Illinois, and was a G.R.I Graduate of course B and C.  He had a range of employment from: a self-employed Real Estate Broker through Curvey Real Estate, Supervisor of South Fork Township from 1980 to 1989, Auditor of the Cemetery Care Act and Funeral and Burial Funds Act for the Comptroller of the State of Illinois, Administrative Assistant for Dr. Joseph M. Cronin at the Illinois Office of Education, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Michael J. Bakalis Superintendent of Public Education at the State of Illinois, and a driver’s license examiner at the Illinois Secretary of State.  Mr. Young was a member of St. Rita’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus both in Kincaid, Christian County JTPA Board and the Central Illinois Board of Realtors.  Jerry was a lifelong Tovey resident and loved playing Santa Clause for the kids.

Surviving are:  his Uncle Andrew Young and his family, cousins Tammy and Ricky Young and family, Bev and Dwight Taylor and their family, Joe and Gloria Dorr and their family, Dena and Don Goeckner and their family, special friends Cynthia Sapetti and her family, Rudy and Ginger Kink and their family, Mike Perona and Joy Boyd.

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

As requested by Jerry, private services will be held and Jerry will be buried next to his parents in Oak Hill Cemetery, Taylorville, IL.  Masterson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.  Memorial contributions in loving memory of Jerry are suggested to St. Rita Catholic Church, PO Box 439 Kincaid or the South Fork Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 258, Kincaid, IL 62540.

Brett Wayne Mills, 63, of Harvel passed away Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

Brett was born August 16,1961 in Henderson, KY to Billy L. Mills and Phyllis (Middleton) Miles.

Brett enjoyed fishing, finding treasures at auctions, hunting down the freshest mushrooms, and absolutely adored his grandchildren.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his longtime companion Linda Susie Cearlock; his daughter Terra Mills; grandchildren, Dallas Knightley, Saint Newman, Samara Newman; his sister Terra (Chris) Daykin; Step-Brothers Mark (Sonya) Westray, David (Genie) Westray; nieces, Hannah Daykin and Erica Taylor; nephews, Ryan Daykin and Steven Westray; and his best friends, Kevin Schmitz, John Campbell, and Tim Chumley.

He was preceded in death by his father, Billy L. Mills; his brother, Billy D. Mills; stepbrothers Rodney Westray and Jeff Westray; and John Westray, whom he considered his Dad.   

A memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 10 am until noon at Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis with funeral services to follow at noon with Dr. Ryan Follis officiating.   A luncheon will be held following services at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, Nokomis,IL.

Per his wishes cremation rites will be accorded with a private family burial to follow at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. 

Online condolences can be left at stiehldawsonfh.com.

Martha Elizabeth (Potsick) Furimsky, 99, of Nokomis, IL passed away on December 9, 2024. She was born on October 23, 1925, in Moweaqua, IL, one of seventeen children of Michael and Veronica Potsick. She lost her father at the age of 7 to the Moweaqua coalmine disaster. She married Andrew Furimksy of Coalton on May 15, 1954, in Chicago, IL and together they raised 4 children. After Andrew's retirement they returned to Coalton, IL to care for her sister Ann Fetsko and made Coalton their home until Andrew's passing on August 14, 2007. She later moved to Mokena, IL where she was lovingly cared for by her son Andy and his wife Betty, until she decided that she wanted to be closer to her husband in her final years. She moved to the Nokomis Nursing Home where she took comfort in being able to see his final resting place from her windows.

To the outside observer she may have lived a simple life, but to her family she lived a simply beautiful life. She never had a drivers license or worked outside of the home, but she got everything done with a pull behind shopping cart and her own two feet and hands. She kept the family clothed, fed, doctored, educated, the house clean and the yard weed free. She never asked for anything but gave everything. She loved her family and her God. Her legacy of love and generosity will live on in our hearts.

She leaves behind to celebrate her life and mourn her death her son Andrew (Betty) Furimsky of Mokena, IL; daughter Eva Wilcoxson of Canmer, KY; daughter Amy (Bill) Scheel of Ave Maria, FL., and son Edward Furimsky of Evergreen Park, IL; along with her granddaughters Valerie (Mike) Zulevic of Orland Hills, IL., Samantha Scheel of WI.; great-grandchildren PVT2 Ryne Sternberg and Maureen, Mikey, Maggie and Robert Zulevic; her only remaining sibling Mike Potsick of Moweaqua, IL.; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, 15 siblings and her husband, Martha was predeceased by her grandson, Brandon Scheel, her son-in-law, Bruce Wilcoxson, and many nieces and nephews.

The family of Martha Furimsky would like to thank everyone who looked after our Mother over the years, including special nieces, Joanne Montgomery and Anna Adermann, friend, Pixie Sparks, the entire Jachino family, her church family of the St. Louis Catholic Church of Nokomis, the entire staff of the Nokomis Nursing Home, and countless others whose names we do not know.

The family will receive family and friends at Sutton Memorial Home in Nokomis, IL from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 18, 2024.  A private graveside service will follow visitation.

The family requests no flowers. Memorials in Martha's name can be made to the St. Louis Catholic Church.

Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at suttonmemorialhomes.com.

Lenora Kay Brown, 78, of Morrisonville IL, passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. Lenora was born on October 25, 1946, in Olney, IL, the daughter of Clem and Wanda (Merrell) Brinson. She was previously married to Michael H. Ochs of Ste. Marie, IL.  Later in life, she married David E. Brown of Harvel on March 30, 1984, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Springfield, IL.

Surviving in life are her husband of 40 years, David Brown of Morrisonville, IL; two daughters, Marla (Lance) Rhutasel of St. Louis, MO; and Jessica (David) Armentrout of Morrisonville, IL; four grandchildren, Sabrina and Aiden Rhutasel, and Josie and Mack Armentrout; her siblings, Larry (Sheryl) Brinson of Willow Hill, IL; and Sherry Bourne of Charleston, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and a son, Michael Kevin Ochs.

Lenora graduated from Newton Community High School.  She held several secretarial jobs, provided care for the elderly, and worked on a dairy farm before she retired from Morrisonville Farmers Co-op.  She was raised on a farm and loved being outdoors, raising livestock, and lending a helping hand to her husband.  Lenora was known for her delicious cooking and was loved for her decadent cinnamon rolls.  She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, reading books, and she was always happy to lend a hand to neighbors, friends, and family.    

A visitation will be held at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home in Morrisonville, IL from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024, with a committal service to follow at Harpers Ferry Cemetery in Palmer, IL.  The family extends an invitation to a celebration of life honoring Lenora at the Morrisonville K of C Hall following services at the cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lenora’s honor to the Morrisonville Community Ambulance Service or to the Kitchell Memorial Library in Morrisonville, IL. 

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

Betty Lou Rose, 91, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on December 6th, 2024, peacefully at home. Betty was born on November 7th, 1933, in Vermont, Illinois to Carl Sexton and Fern Palmer. Betty, 18, married Robert Andrew Rose, 21, on July 4th, 1952, and had a loving marriage of thirty-nine years until Robert's passing on February 21st 1991. Betty and Robert loved traveling and always celebrated their anniversary in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri. After Robert's passing, Betty continued the tradition of celebrating their anniversary for many years. During their time together, they grew their home in Rushville, Illinois, with four kids on the farm that they both loved. Betty's career began at Dawson's Furniture in Springfield, Illinois, in the 70's. Betty left Dawson's and set out with her good friend Karen Gates to start a store of her own. Betty Rose's Furniture began as a resale furniture store that eventually grew to a ten thousand square foot space on the Taylorville Square. Owning a store meant she could accomplish what she loved most, helping others in need; from supporting local families furnish their first home to giving her granddaughter and others their first job. Betty retired and closed Betty Rose's Furniture in 2021 after serving Central Illinois for just over thirty-one years. Betty was truly 'ladyluck' when it came to her love of bingo, casinos, and playing any competitive game. She enjoyed traveling and driving across the country, not only to see the sites, but also get one more pull at a slot machine. Betty loved sitting down with family and friends and playing her favorite game Yahtzee. Though her inherent luck could be found in any new game she played.

Remaining to cherish Betty's memory, are daughter Diane Scarpaci; Grandchildren, Thomas (Jeffrey) Nicolaus-Ziri, Jamie (Lindsay) Breckenridge, Jean Breckenridge, Jessica (Martin) Breckenridge-Cobb, Jaclyn (Sam) Bajrami, Amanda (Steven) Nelson, James Scarpaci, Joseph (Aurora) Scarpaci, Elizabeth (Jennifer) Scarpaci, Robert Rose, and many great Grandchildren. Preceeded in memory by beloved husband Robert Rose, three children: Deborah Breckenridge, Danny Rose, and Richard Rose. Her close siblings, Vivian, Johnny, Agnes, Vera, Lillian, Dillard, Carl, and Ike. Additionally, Jennifer Ziri, Martha Rose, Michael Scarpaci, and more.

Betty was a gentle but fierce soul who saw goodness in everyone, whether you were a local or a familiar face or someone new, she loved sharing her joy and kindness. 

Betty's services will be at Sutton's Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL on Thursday December 12th, 2024. Visitation will begin at 9:30am and services to follow at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, Betty would have cherished a donate to a cause close to her heart: The Shriners Childrens' Hospital. To make a charitable donation in her memory, please use this website https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/#!/donation/checkout?c_src=lttr.

Betty's daughter, Diane, has also shared her email if you'd like to share the notification of your donation. Email: diane-33@hotmail.com

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donna Dianne (Eggerman) Stephens, 86, of Taylorville, IL, passed away on December 6, 2024, at 10:59 a.m.  She was born February 19, 1938, to Maxine Clements (Cleo) Brower and Clifford (Virginia) Eggerman.  Donna lived a life full of love, devotion, and service to her family, friends, and community. 

On November 25, 1956, she married the love of her life, Donald Stephens at Davis Memorial Christian Church, and together they shared a bond that lasted over four decades before his passing.  They had two children:  Donald Ray “Donnie (Chris) Stephens and Dawn (Gregg) Crites.

Donna was a proud 1956 graduate of Taylorville High School, and her commitment to her community and her family remained a cornerstone throughout her life. 

Donna was a lifelong member of the Taylorville Chapter 1263 of the Women of the Moose, serving as Senior Regent for many years.  She was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Beta Epsilon Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Alpha International Sorority where she served as treasurer, and the Taylorville Business and Professional Women’s Club.  Her dedication to these organizations reflected her generous spirit and desire to contribute to her community. 

Professionally, Donna began working at Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company while in high school.  She returned to the company on October 8, 1970, and spent more than 20 years in service before retiring. 

An Avid golfer and exceptional bowler, Donna was known for her competitive spirit and enjoyed decades of high games and series.  Her enthusiasm for sports brought her both joy and lasting friendships. 

Donna’s greatest pride was her family.  She is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Gregg) Crites and her grandchildren:  Gatlin (Shea) Crites, Zac (Mallory) Crites, Samantha (George) Seaver, Kryshna (Christian) Crowder, Cody Crites, Chase (Lacey) Crites, Gunnar Stephens, and Trey Crites; as well as 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a source of immense joy in her life.  Donna’s siblings were Marjorie (Dave) Adams, Edward (Bennita) Brower, Ernest (Judy) Eggerman, Larry (Pat) Eggerman and Nancy Jane Eggerman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don; her son, Donnie; her brother, Ernie; her sister, Nancy; and her brother-in-law, Dave.

Donna’s love, laughter, and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her.  Her legacy of love, service, and devotion will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. 

The family will receive family and friends at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, 2024.  A funeral service will take place following the visitation with Pastor Dennis Metsker officiating.  A graveside service will follow her service at Fraley Cemetery. 

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

Alethea Joan Read, 88 of Decatur, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, December 2, 2024, in her home.  She was born on September 9, 1936, in Chicago, the daughter of Hiram H and Lillian M. (Funderburk) Hardin.  Alethea graduated from Taylorville High School in 1954 and was a member of the Eastern Star for 67 years.  She married Roger O. Read on October 31, 1970, in Decatur, and he preceded her in death on January 10, 2004.  Alethea worked for many years in medical insurance billing.  She was an enthusiast of antique cars and enjoyed attending car shows.  Traveling was a favorite pastime of Alethea’s, and she enjoyed many trips to various destinations around the world. 

She is survived by her son: Gary Long (Tammy) of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina; stepson: Bruce Read (Marguerite) of San Antonio, Texas; stepdaughter: Sandra Stiverson of Oak Island, North Carolina; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister: Dorothy Lamb; and brother: Gary Hardin.

Alethea will be cremated, and a graveside service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Anderson Cemetery in rural Palmer with Pastor Seth Emerson officiating.  Family and friends may gather at 10:30 a.m. at McClure Funeral Home to proceed to the cemetery.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Elliot A. Beard, 2, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away at home on December 2nd, 2024. He was born November 12th, 2022, to Allison M. Ladage and Bryan A. Beard.

Elliot was a sweet and happy little boy; known for his love of cars, especially Hot Wheels, dinosaurs, playing along with Bluey, singing and dancing to his absolute favorite song, “Wheels on the Bus”. He could almost always be seen holding at least one of his loveys close and with him at all times. His adventurous side led him to constantly exploring and challenging himself to climb on anything and everything, while his downtime was often spent snuggling with his Mommy and Daddy or being all wrapped up in the biggest, softest blanket he could find.  Although he was so small, he knew how to love bigger than life. Elliot made an extraordinary impact to everyone around him in the short time he had here with us on Earth. Elliot, you will always be our little Bubby, the strongest little Dravet Warrior.

Elliot is survived by his parents, Allison M. Ladage and Bryan A. Beard; his grandparents, David Ladage, Karen Ladage, Pam Beard, and (Val) Jake Free; his great-grandparents, Hazel Beard and Virginia Wendling; his aunt, Rachel (Max) Getz; cousins, Gaige and Gabby Getz; and many great-aunts, great-uncles, and extended family.

Elliot was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Ronald Beard, Mary A. Ladage, and Kenneth D. Wendling.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, December 7th, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. with a Funeral Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 221 W. Jackson St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. Elliot will be laid to rest in Oakland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elliot’s name and memory to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, www.dravetfoundation.org/donate or P.O. Box 3026, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald L. “Jake” Lozier, 63 of Taylorville, passed away on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  He was born on January 15, 1961, in Trenton, New Jersey, the son of John H. and Maragret E. (Titsworth) Lozier.  He married Ruth Ann Yasinski on July 25, 1987, in Burnsville, North Carolina.  Donald was a talented craftsman and along with his wife, operated a drywall business in North Carolina.  He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast and was a huge football fan.  He will be remembered for his outgoing personality and quick wit.

He is survived by his wife: Ruth Ann Lozier of Taylorville; daughters: Faith Ann Lozier of Taylorville and Ashlyn Nykol Hrabak of Assumption; grandchildren: Anna Elizabeth Hrabak, Rebel Grace Hrabak, Lydia Renee Durbin, and James Anthony Durbin; siblings: Betty Sue Grubb (Greg) of Lexington, North Carolina, Lois Desio (David) of Rochester, New York, and Charles Howard Lozier of Lexington, North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings: John Henry Lozier Jr., Rhonda Georgette Lozier, and Mandy Hulin.

Mr. Lozier will be cremated, and the family will host a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 14 at Crossroads Apostolic Ministries in Taylorville. Memorials may be made to the Lozier Family.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

David Reid Lashbrook, 58 of Taylorville, passed away on Sunday, December 1, 2024, in his home.  He was born on January 19, 1966, in Los Angeles, California.  David worked different jobs such as construction, landscaping, and maintenance.  He loved spending time at the lake, fishing, and hiking.  More than anything, David adored his son and was extremely proud of him. 

He is survived by his son: Jason Lashbrook (Lexi) of Stonington; grandchildren: Eligh, Evan, Emily, and Ethan; siblings: Kenneth Lashbrook of Edwardsville and Brenda Jahanbani (Ben) of Temecula, California; special friend: Mary Durham; and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his father: William Lashbrook; mother: Carol Sue Loman-Hasara; son: David Reid Lashbrook Jr.; brother: Steve Lashbrook; and sisters: Regina Lashbrook and Patty Waterman; and niece: Sarah Waterman.

David will be cremated, and a private family graveside service will be held in the Morrisonville Cemetery at a later date.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Dorothy “Dot” Allen Amos, 89 of Edinburg passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 1:55 p.m. at her home in rural Edinburg, IL with her family by her side. She was born on February 18, 1935, in St. Louis, Mo the daughter of Ervin and Dorothy (LeDent) Tindell. She married Herman Amos on August 27, 1955, in Colorado Springs, CO. Her love of her life was her husband and being surrounded by all her family especially all her grandbabies and great grandbabies. Her passion were God, crafting, and cooking for her large family.

She is survived by her children of Edinburg; children: Earl (Debbie) Amos of Edinburg; Glen (Penny) Amos of Edinburg; Nora (Scott) Black of Edinburg; David (Connie) Amos of Kincaid; Karol (Herb) Craig of Edinburg; Wayne (Christy) Amos of Edinburg; Kathy (Lloyd) Watson of Florida; Fifteen Grandchildren, nineteen Great-Grandchildren, one great-great grandson, brothers: Jerry Tindell, Gary Tindell, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, son: Vernon Amos, 4 brothers, 2 sisters and foster daughter Barb Hawthorne.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 10:00-12:00 Noon at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will begin immediately following the visitation starting at 12:00 noon with Pastor Valarie Tarter officiating. Burial will be held in Anderson Cemetery in rural Palmer, IL. The funeral service will be live streamed on the Sutton Memorial Home Facebook page starting just a few minutes before 12:00 for family and friends not able to make it.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.