Waynesville -- Susan D. Barr, 77, of Waynesville, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at her home.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Waynesville Christian Church with her grandson Zachary Craig officiating.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service.

Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Waynesville.

Susan Diana Rich was born on September 8, 1947, in Bloomington, the daughter of Charles Ernest and Mary M. Halsey Rich. She was united in marriage to Jimmie H. Barr, Sr. on July 11, 1992. He survives.

Also surviving are her children: Kimberly (David) West, Tammy Bode, Misty Gordon, Tina Barr, Jimmie (Leigh) Barr, Jr., and John (Alisha) Barr; two sisters: Maryetta Thomas, and Brenda (Randy) Baker; two brothers: Steven (Jackie) Rich and David (Julie) Rich; nineteen grandchildren: Rondy Craig, Zachary Craig, Cody Ruff, Abbi Bode, Skyler Grill, Josh Gordon, Ashten Griffen, Brody Snyder, Aaron Sparks, Zach Barr, Landon Barr, Ryker Barr, Carlee Barr, Isaiah Barr, Keagan Barr, Alex Barr, Phillip Barr, Kieryn Snyder, and Kamdyn Snyder; and seventeen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers: Dwayne Rich and Daniel Rich.

Susan retired from Westminister Village as Director of House Keeping Development after 32 years. She was a member of the Waynesville Christian Church. She deeply loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as they were her life. She loved Disney and visited many times with her sisters and grandchildren. Her favorite quote to Jimmie was, "I have been thinking."

The family wants to give a big thank you to Kaylee Wise for her care for their wife, mom, and family this past week.

Memorials can be made to the Waynesville Christian Church Youth Group.

Quiram-Peasley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Heyworth – Susan Mary Dion Brooks, 59, of Heyworth, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2025, surrounded by her loving husband, children, and family.

A Celebration of Sue’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Heyworth American Legion Post #624, 203 E. Main St., Heyworth, IL. The celebration will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Military Funeral Honors will be conducted at 3:00 p.m.

Sue was born April 4, 1965, in Buffalo, NY, to John and Eileen Spencer Dion. Sue married David K. Brooks on February 9, 1988, in Buffalo, NY.

Sue is survived by her husband of 37 years, David, and her children, Matthew and Megan Brooks. Also surviving are her sister Kathy (Jerry), and brothers Jim (Marie), Dan (Renee), and John (Pam), mother-in-law Helen, brother-in-law Norman (Roberta), sister-in-law Rebecca (Nathan), and 18 nieces and nephews.

Sue was preceded in death by her beautiful daughter Mackenzie, parents John and Eileen, brothers Tom and Michael, sister Eileen, and father-in-law Norman.

Sue was a proud Army Veteran serving from 1986 to 1990, stateside and in Germany. Sue and Dave created many memories traveling across Europe with Matthew, touring several countries and participating in many festivals. Sue cherished football season, as she was the ultimate Buffalo Bills fan, and she could easily convert you simply with her passion. Whether an excellent play or a bad call, the entire town was aware. Sue was also a 30-year member of the American Pool Association, in which she qualified for Nationals on three occasions. Sue enjoyed relaxing on the beach, riding jet skis on the lake, watching sunsets, and beating the slots into submission.

Sue’s home was always welcoming to family and friends. She was the cornerstone by always providing a shoulder to lean on, imparting sound advice and keeping Dave out of trouble. Matthew and Megan will forever cherish the support and love she bestowed upon them. Whether enjoying wings, a cookout, or simply a visit, Sue will lovingly be remembered for her strength, friendship, good humor, mischievous smile, and always with a Pepsi in hand (occasionally blended with Bacardi).

Memorials may be made in Sue’s memory to Ronald McDonald House at www.rmhc.org.

Russell F. Davidson, 74, of Farmer City, Illinois, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

Cremation rites have been accorded.  A visitation will be held Monday, March 31, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Farmer City, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Russell Davidson Memorial Fund, c/o First State Bank of Forrest, 1004 Purnell Dr., Mahomet, Illinois 61853.  All memorial donations will go towards the care of his wife, Jackie Davidson.

Russell was born June 4, 1950, to Francis O. and Leona (Feco) Davidson.  He married Jacqueline Jones on April 15, 1973, in LeRoy, Illinois. She survives.

He is also survived by his daughter, Teresa (Nick) Drinkwater; grandchildren, Abigail Johnson, Annabell Johnson, Halley Drinkwater, Emma Drinkwater, and Joseph Drinkwater; and sisters, Barb Arnold and Sharon Parks.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Harley Davidson.

Russell loved to sit outside next to a campfire.  He was an amazing grandpa who would do anything to help his grandchildren.  Russell was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Richard “Dick” Howell 76 of Maroa, Illinois passed away 1:18 A.M. March 25, 2025 at Carle BroMenn Medical Center, Normal, Illinois

Services will be 11 AM, Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Scott Marsh officiating. Burial will follow at Texas Township Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to The Richard Howell memorial fund for future agriculture scholarships.

Dick was born April 2, 1948 in Decatur, IL the son of James W. and Irene (Lancaster) Howell. He married Pam McKinley June 27, 1971 in Forsyth, IL.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Howell, Maroa, IL; son, Zack (Rebecca) Howell, Maroa, IL; grandchildren:  Davis Howell and Preston Howell, Maroa, IL; and his beloved dog, Ellie.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Robert Howell.

Dick retired as the President and Farm Manager of the John Warner Bank, Clinton, IL.  He served as School Board President, President of the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Dick was a member of the Texas Christian Church.  He had a life-long passion for farming and raising livestock.  

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Robert D. Doenitz, 90, of Wapella, IL passed away 1:42 PM March 23, 2025 at Luther Oaks, Bloomington, IL.

Memorials may be directed to Clinton United Methodist Church, The DeWitt County Museum, or Gentiva Hospice. 

Bob was born December 11, 1934 in Bloomington, IL.  The son of Charles and Catherine (Clay) Doenitz.  He married Sharon Garber November 18, 1956 in Jerseyville, IL. She passed away September 27, 2023.

Survivors include his children, Amanda Doenitz, Los Angeles, CA and Todd (Ellen) Doenitz, Plymouth, MI; five grandchildren, Halle (Jackie) Doenitz, Amy (Ryan) Lilly, Major Andrew (Breanna) Doenitz, Courtney (Mario) Macari, and Charles Doenitz; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents and one sister, Mary Messamore.

Bob started his professional career as an accountant for Ralston-Purina, moving his family across the country to states including Iowa, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, before returning home to Bloomington, IL. He eventually transitioned to farming in Wapella and served as a Northrup-King seed dealer for many years. He was a strong supporter of The DeWitt County Museum, Apple & Pork Festival, and many local businesses. His hobbies included fixing antique clocks, working on his land, and traveling with his wife and friends to antique auctions. 
 
Bob was known for his quick wit and outgoing personality. In his spare time, he enjoyed visiting his neighbors, friends, and fellow farmers whenever he had the chance. Bob also loved spending time with his grandkids, sharing his passions with them. He was dedicated to his bride of 67 years, Sharry, accompanying her to quilt shows, festivals, and anywhere else she wished to go. Above all, his faith in God guided him his entire life, as evident by the legacy he left. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

We are saddened to announce the passing of Linda (Lindy) Green Rousey, who left us on March 14, 2025, at her home in San Tan Valley, Arizona surrounded by her loving family.

Born on March 8, 1948, to John L. and Margaret Green, Lindy grew up on a farm with her parents and three sisters outside Wapella IL. She attended St. John’s Catholic elementary school in Clinton Il through the 6^th grade.  She then attended junior high and high school in Wapella where she graduated in 1966. She was a homecoming queen and FFA Sweetheart at Wapella High School and participated in many extracurricular activities. Her enthusiasm was contagious to all who knew her. She graduated in 1970 from Illinois State University with a B.S. degree in Elementary Education. She started her full-time teaching career in LeRoy IL and spent most of her 35-year teaching career in the Mt. Zion IL school district as a 5^th grade teacher.  She retired from there in 2006. Lindy resided in Maroa IL for many years before moving to Arizona in 2017.  Lindy and her husband Steve spent their summers in Maroa, returning to AZ at the beginning of each fall.

Lindy is survived by her husband, Steve Rousey. They were married April 13, 2018, in Florence AZ. She had previously married Stephen Hale and later Richard Owens (deceased). Also surviving are her children Gregory Hale (Laura), Wapella IL; Stephanie Hale, Clinton IL; stepchildren Jennifer Sarter (Mike), Scottsdale AZ and Emily Park (Jason), Chicago IL. Surviving grandchildren include Mason Mandrell, Morgan Mandrell, Ian Hale, Melissa Hale, Stone Stith, and step grandchildren Luke Sarter, Jude Sarter, and Hayden Park. Surviving sisters include Mary Evans (Ken), Havana IL, Peggy McDonald, Land O’Lakes FL, Betty Eastman (William), Ripon WI. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A celebration of life to honor Lindy will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1-5p at the Community Center in Wapella IL. Friends and family are invited to gather and celebrate the wonderful person she was. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, which was near and dear to her heart, or the Maroa Public Library. Maroa IL.   There will be a private inurnment service for the family.

Lindy will be truly missed but never forgotten. May her soul rest in peace.

Paul J. Spencer, 72, of Heyworth, passed away at home Saturday, March 15, 2025.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. all at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, IL.  Burial will be in Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth, IL.  Memorial donations may be made to Wapella Fire and Rescue or Donor’s Choice.

Paul was born March 1, 1953, in Bloomington, IL, a son of Boyd E. and Glenna (Burnsmeir) Spencer.  He married Terri Coone, June 28, 1974, in Heyworth, IL.  She survives.

He is also survived by his two daughters, Lisa Ellis of Heyworth, IL, and Tammi (T.J.) Renfrow of McLean, IL; grandchildren, Dalton (Kaitlyn) and Sydney Spencer, Sage and Broc Ellis, and Beckett Renfrow; three brothers, Boyd (Carol) Spencer, John (Rita) Spencer and Pete (Denise) Spencer; and three sisters, Jean (Jack) Kilcrece, Marjorie Sheppleman and Ellen Spencer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, JoAnn Kleist, Ed Spencer and Danny Spencer.

Paul was an avid outdoorsman and very hard worker.  He loved to hunt, fish, go fast driving motorcycles and cars, sing karaoke, build stuff, and collect treasures.  He was a collector of all things and lived by “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.”

Paul’s outdoorsmanship extended beyond just hunting and fishing. He loved to be in his yard and anytime he could use his chainsaw to cut trees in his yard, friend’s yard, or the neighbor’s yard he would jump at the opportunity earning him his nickname “Chainsaw Paul.”

Paul was also a devoted family man.  He was a mentor to many children not just his own.  He was always open to teaching many lessons from important rules about hunter safety to how to properly mix chocolate syrup in your vanilla ice cream. Paul had a big heart and was a big kid himself.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.

Connie Lynn Durbin, 77, of Clinton, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025, at Goldwater Care of Clinton.

Connie was born July 11, 1947, the daughter of Paul and Jeanice Durbin of Farmer City.

Connie retired from teaching business in the Wapella School District and later retired from being the office manager at Moore & Warner Ag Group in Clinton.

Connie is survived by a sister Deanna Ester of Farmer City, a sister-in-law Charlene Durbin of Catlin. Four nieces: Lisa (Lyle) Carlson of Kingman, IN; LeAnn (Dave) Clodi of Bourbonnais; Jill (Larry) Schonert of Fairmount; Nicole (Kevin) Cheuvront of Fairmount; and one nephew, Doug Ester of Farmer City. She is also survived by several great-nieces and great-nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Paul and Jeanice Durbin, a brother Kent Durbin and a brother-in-law LeRoy Ester.

There are no public services.  Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home of Farmer City, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Preston Kendale Ballentine, 49 of Farmer City, IL formerly of Paris, IL passed away 9:45 AM March 18, 2025 at his home in Farmer City, IL.

A celebration of Preston’s life will be at a later date. The family entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with cremation rites.

Preston was born November 21, 1975 in New York, NY the son of Rawle Preston King and Jeannie Gibbs.

Survivors include his wife, Barrie J. Ballentine, Paris, IL, father, Rawle Preston King, Macon, GA, mother, Jeannie Gibbs, St. Albans, NY, daughter, Lauren Ballentine, Midtown, TN, brothers, Rawle Preston King, Jr; Rawle Dovan King; Jack Black, sisters, Dominique Gibbs; Tiffany King; Crystal King; Vondesha King, and maternal grandmother, Earnastine Pressley. Also surviving are three step-children and four step-grandchildren.

Preston was deeply committed to serving the communities he lived in and served as a firefighter, EMT and deputy sheriff in the past.  He transitioned that experience into a successful career in safety and emergency management.  

Preston was a 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry with the Valley of Danville Masonic Center. He enjoyed spending time at home and with his family. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Carleston "Carley" Nadene Prewitt

May 24, 1939 - December 19, 2024

Carley was born in Corbin, KY, May 24, 1939, to Van and Laura Prewitt of Heyworth, IL. She went to heaven on December 19, 2024, in Clinton, IL.

She is survived by four children, Jo Lovins of Pekin, IL; Patty Lovins McAnnally of Clifton Forge, VA; Holly Lovins (Jay) Briggs of Havelock, NC; and Richard Lovins of Heyworth, IL; two sisters, Mary (Paul) Mollet of Dekalb, IL, and Tammy (Dean) Harris of LeRoy, IL. Carley had 9 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carley enjoyed the companionship of her friends at the Dewitt County Friendship Center in Clinton, IL, where she participated in many activities and of her beloved cat Boots.

She was preceded in death by her parents and infant brother, Orville.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Heyworth, Illinois.   In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the American Cancer Society.

Nancy A. Pence, 76 of Bloomington, IL formerly of Clinton, IL passed away 9:55 PM Thursday, February 27th, 2025 at her home surrounded by loved ones. 

To honor Nancy’s wishes there will be no services. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. 

Nancy was born August 28th, 1948 in Kenney, IL the daughter of John and Martha Pence.

Survivors include her children, Tracy (Randy) Rich of Bloomington, IL and Lewis (Tracy) Loudermelt of Clinton, IL, two grandchildren, Nancy Puckett and Brian Dubson both of Clinton, IL, along with four great grandchildren. Also surviving are her siblings, Allen (Barb) Pence of Wapella, IL, Dennis Pence and Julie Pence of Marion, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents John and Martha Pence, one brother, Mickey Pence, and one half-brother, Ron Tucker.

Nancy worked for many years at Clinton Imperial China Inc. and Wallace Press. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Sharon V. Gardner, 93, of Denton, TX formerly of Clinton, IL passed away 11:35 AM February 19, 2025 at Carriage House Assisted Living, Denton, TX.

Services will be 11 AM Tuesday, March 18, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Stephen Gardner officiating.  Burial will follow at Maroa Cemetery, Maroa, IL.  Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Tuesday at the funeral home.  

Memorials may be directed to Concho Hearts Hospice, 2007 W Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TX 76901 or Anchor of Hope Hospice, 7708 San Jacinto Place, Suite 100, Plano, TX 75024.

Sharon was born December 17, 1931 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Harvey and Leona Fern (Snodgrass) Woizeski.  She married Gerald Thomas “Jerry” Gardner April 1, 1951 in Clinton, IL.  He passed away November 5, 2007.

Survivors include her children: Stephanie Hartong (Gene) Denton, TX; Stephen (Kathy) Gardner, Branson, MO; David (Susan) Gardner, Stelle, IL; Michael (Shayla) Gardner, Puyallup, WA; William “Chip” Gardner, Beloit, WI; and Barbara (Paul) Heinich, Colorado Springs, CO; 15 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren also survive.

Sharon was a member of the Clinton Presbyterian Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Janice Sprague, 71, of Clinton, IL passed away 3:10 PM, March 6, 2025 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Services will be 11 AM, Friday March 21, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Pastor Darrell Howard and Rev.Tracy Ray officiating. Burial will follow at Mausoleum Park Cemetery, Clinton, IL.  Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be directed to DeWitt County Animal Shelter or Weldon Springs Foundation.

Janice was born January 25, 1954 in Clinton, IL the daughter of Paul A. and Ruth (McHaney) Sprague.

Survivors include her sister, Norma (Neil) Nichols Maroa, IL, sister-in-law Nancy Sprague of Clinton, IL, two nieces: Julie (Scott) Kelly and Jennifer (Tony) Rhodes all of Clinton, IL. A nephew, Chris (Jeff Hanover) Nichols of Normal, IL. Great nieces and nephews: Stacy (Dominic) Curcuru, Clayton Kelly, Natalie Rhodes, all of St. Louis, MO, and Nolan Rhodes of Clinton, IL. One great-great niece and two great-great nephews, and her treasured dog Lexie.  Janice also leaves behind many close and loving friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a brother Charles, and her beloved dog Onyx.

Janice worked in the office of several Clinton businesses and was a member of First Church of God in Clinton.  Janice was an avid Chicago Cubs and Illini Fan and she loved sewing, crocheting, crafting, gardening and her dogs.  Most of all she loved spending time with her family and friends.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Vernon J. Greutman, 94 of Maroa, IL passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 at Liberty Village, Clinton, IL. 

Visitation will be 10 – 11 AM Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Maroa, IL and funeral service following at 11 AM at the funeral home with his grandson, Pastor Nick Tynan officiating. Vernon will be laid to rest next to his loving wife, Kathryn, in the Maroa Cemetery, Maroa, IL with Military Honors. 

Vernon was born at home, December 26, 1930 in Maroa, the son of Vernon A. and Anna (Oltmanns) Greutman. He married Kathryn J. Kay on December 23, 1955. They were married for 50 years.

Vernon attended Cox Elementary School and graduated from Maroa High School. He served for three years in the National Guard, and four years in the Air Force before being honorably discharged. He served in the Korean War.

Vernon retired from Caterpillar in 1985, after working there for 30 years.

Through the years, Vernon was a Maroa Youth League boys baseball coach, church deacon, Sunday School teacher, and enjoyed gardening, photography, hunting, trapshooting, and golf. 

Vernon is survived by his children, Theresa (Larry) Tynan, Maroa, IL; Monty (Sharon) Greutman, Maroa, IL; Penny (Jack) Davis, Springfield, IL; four grandchildren, Michael Greutman, Nick Tynan, Jennifer Foster, Alissa Fry; five great grandchildren, Madison, Ian, Logan, Maggie-Kate, and Elizabeth; sister, Eileen Black, Decatur, IL; and several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother, and two sisters.

The family wishes to thank all loving caregivers Vernon had through the years.

Memorials may be directed to Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois Foundation, Attn: Rhonda Luther, 210 West McKinley Avenue, Suite 1, Decatur, IL 62526.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Frances D. Webb, 85 of Clinton, IL, passed away 5:31 AM March 4, 2025 peacefully with her daughter, Victoria Thrasher and grandson, Jared Thrasher by her side at her family home in Clinton, IL.

Graveside Services will be 10 AM Friday, March 7, 2025 at Riverside Cemetery, Mahomet, IL with Pastor Jonathan Roberson officiating. There will be no visitation. The family has entrusted Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with arrangements.

Memorials may be directed to the Dementia Society of America.

Frances was born January 29, 1940 in Champaign County, IL the daughter of Marion and Iva (Babb) Stites. 

Survivors include her children, Victoria D. (Lynn) Thrasher, Clinton, IL; Kevin (Lisa McKinzey) Webb, Clinton, IL; Gary (Kathy) Webb, Mahomet, IL; and Joseph Webb, Clinton, IL, along with 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. 

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and two brothers.

Frances worked at Revere Copper & Brass in Clinton for 33 years. After her retirement, she was a breeder of Yorkshire Terriers for 20 years. She loved shopping and shopping trips. 

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com

Uzziel Ocampo Rivera, 80, of Clinton, IL passed away 4:15 AM March 2, 2025 at his family residence surrounded by family.

Mass Of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday, March 6, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church, Clinton, IL with Fr. Thomas Szydlik Celebrant. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Clinton, IL. Visitation will be 5 – 7 PM Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, IL with Rosary Service at 4:30 PM.

Memorials may be directed to Uzziel Ocampo Rivera Memorial Fund c/o Jacqueline Ocampo.

Uzziel, one of 12 children, was born August 2, 1944 in Guerrero, Mexico the son of Valente and Guadalupe (Rivera) Ocampo.

Survivors include his son, Zeus (Lucia) Ocampo, Clinton, IL, daughters, Xochilth (Mario) Gutierrez, Clinton, IL; Jacqueline (Jose Herrera) Ocampo, Clinton, IL, 13 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Rosie Anali Osorio.

Uzziel loved gardening and spent many years working at The World's Finest Chocolate factory, Chicago, IL. Most of all he loved spending time with his family.

Online condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com