Champaign County, IL Obituaries

Champaign County Genealogy and History

Champaign County
Obituaries

Eddie L Aikman
URBANA - Eddie L. Aikman Sr., 69, of Urbana died at 3:23 p.m. Friday, July 20, 2007, at Provena Covenant Medical Center, Urbana. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel and Crematory, Urbana. Mr. Aikman was born Aug. 9, 1937, in Urbana, the son of Donald E. and Gladys Dorothy Horton Aikman. He married Mary L. Rusher on July 4, 1995, in Urbana, She Survives. Also surviving are his six sons: Eddie Aikman Jr of Ogden, Donald Aikman of Urbana, Brett Peacha of Champaign, Brian Peacha of Chicago, John Peacha of Florida and Graig Peacha of Urbana. one sister Donna Scott of Champaign, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandson. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr Aikman was a retired maintenance man for thr Urbana school Dist 116. He was a member of the VFW post 630 Urbana. Sons of the American Legion post Urbana . An avid bird watcher, Artist, Musician and jewelry maker.

Mary Hall Barnard
January 26, 1882
Died At Champaign, Jan. 6, Mary Hall Barnard, 87, step-mother of John Barnard of this city.

(From the Champaign Gazette)
Mrs. Mary Hall Barnard, aged 87 years, entered into rest on the evening of January 6, 1882. Mrs. Barnard was born in Sudbury, Vermont, April 13, 1794.

Ann Bender
Champaign- Funeral services for Ann Josephine Bender 91, of 309 E. Springfield Ave.Champaign will be at 10 a.m Tuesday at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 403 W. Clark St. Champaign. The Rev Robert Spilman will officiate. Burial will be in Grandview Memorial Gardens, Champaign. Visitation will be Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St. Champaign Mrs. Bender died at 4:55 p.m Monday ( March 24, 1997 ) at ManorCare Health Services, Champaign. She was born Nov. 13, 1905, at Chicago , a daughter of William Otis and Mary Martin Laduke. She married Wayne Bender on June 5, 1935, at Rockwell, Iowa. He died April 19, 1986. Survivors include a son, Robert Bender of Las Vegas, Nev: a daughter, Virginia Warden of Great Falls Mont: 10 grandchildren ; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son and a sister. Mrs Bender was a member of Holy Cross Church and Catholic Daughters of America. She taught school at Holy Cross School, retiring in the mid-1970's.

Mrs. Edward Block
Mrs. E.E. Block Dies Sunday
Services for former resident of Champaign to be held here
Mrs. Edward E. Block, former Champaign resident and mother of Mrs. Albert E. Wuesteman, died at 4 p. m. Sunday in her home in Alhambra, Calif., after a long illness, according to word received here Monday.
Mrs. Wuesteman was with her mother at the time of her death, having left for Alhambra last Tuesday. She will accompany the body back to Champaign, leaving Tuesday and arriving here Friday noon. Funeral services will be conducted in Mitendorf's funeral home at 10 a. m, Saturday, with Rev. Adolph Bohn, pastor of the Champaign Presbyterian church, officiating. Mrs. Block was born in Warren Mich., Aug. 7 1860. Her early married life was spent in Sidney, the family moving to Champaign in 1900, where Mr. Block was in the real estate business with the firm of Sullivan & Block. She has lived in California for the last eight years.
Besides Mrs Wuesteman, she leaves two other children, Walter R. Block of Evasville, Ind., and Capt. Elmer R. Block, San Antonio, Tex. [May 20, 1935, The Evening Courier - Submitted by K. Torp]

Norma Bryan
Norma L___Eunice Robbins Bryan 91, of 509 N. Adelaide St., Normal, died at 5:45 a.m. Tuesday, (May 15 2007) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Normal. Her funeral will be at 11: a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, with the Larry Gaylord officiating. Burial will be in Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the Memorial Home.
She was born July 1, 1915 at LeRoy, a daughter of Vernon and Edith Warren Robbins. She married, Roy J. Bryan on June 12, 1937. He died Sept 25, 2000. Surviving are two sons, Robert J. Bryan,Buffalo Grove, and Harry T. (Shirley) Bryan,Glen Ellyn. One daughter, Edith (Fred) Plummer, Normal, eight grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Phil Bryan; five brothers and one sister and one great granddaughter.
Eunice received her master's degree in education in1958 from Illinois State Normal University. She taught at LeRoy High School and Normal Community high School. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church Normal.
[Unknown Newspaper, 17 May 2007 - Contributed by Verla Morris]

John McMullen
John McMullen died at his home near Seymour, Ill, on March 1, aged 83 years. The deceased was born and raised in Center township and was a son of Alexander and Catherine McMullen. In 1850, he was married to Elizabeth Dickey, a sister of the late Geo. Dickey, of Center township. Mr. McMullen lived several years in Indiana and was employed here as a carpenter, later moving to Illinois where he was engaged in farming. His wife and three sons, all residing in Illinois, survive, as well as one brother, Dr. James McMullen, of Brushvalley, and three sisters: Mrs. John L. Robinson, of Kent; Mrs. James Simpson, of Seward, Neb.; Mrs. S.M. Soreson, of Thistle, Utah, and Miss Ellen McMullen, of town. [THE INDIANA PROGRESS, INDIANA, PA., WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23, 1904 - Contributed by Donald Buncie]

Ora Bell Chapman
At Odgen, Champaign county, May 26, Ora Belle, aged 1 year, daughter of Benjamin W. Chapman, formerly of Whitefield. [Henry Republican, May 29, 1873 - Sub. by Nancy P.]

Francis Deters -16 Oct 1999
CHAMPAIGN - Francis J. "Bud" Deters, 79, of 204 S. Van Doren St. C, died at 1:44 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 16, 1999) at Carle Foundation Hospital. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Holy Cross Church, Champaign. The Rev. Monsigner Albert Hallin will officiate. Burial will be in Mount Hope Mausoleum. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St. C.
Mr. Deters was born June 29, 1920, at Sigel, a son of Herman and Bernadine Deters. He married Rita Anderson on Jan. 27, 1951. She survives. Also surviving are three sons, Patrick Deters of Mahomet, Bill Deters of Champaign and Brian Deters of Monticello; a daughter, Nancy Meyer of Sadorus; 10 grandchildren; and two brothers, Ally Deters of Effingham and Victor Deters of Teutopolis. He was preceded in death by four brothers and four sisters.
Mr. Deters was in the Holy Cross Choir, Sierra Club, Knights of Columbus Twin City Council 899 and Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 149. He served in the Navy during World War II in the Pacific. He worked for the University of Illinois from 1949 to 1977.

George W. Ewalt
At Champaign, Nov. 22, of apoplexy, George W. Ewalt, aged 63 years, formerly of Whitefield. [Henry Republican, December 3, 1874 - Sub. by Nancy Piper[]

Matthias Lane Dunlap, died on his farm, Champaign County, Ill., about February 14, 1875, aged 60½.
[He was listed in the 1843 Chicago City Directory] Contributed by K. Torp

Henry Fielder
H. Fiedler, Native of Thomasboro, Dies
Henry G. Fiedler, for the past 30 years dealer in hardware and farm equipment in Thomasboro, died in the family home at 3 a.m. Thursday after an illness of several months. Death was due to complications. Services will be conducted at 9:30 a. m. Saturday in St. Elizabeth's church in Thomasboro. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Mr. Fiedler was born near Thomasboro 65 years ago. He leaves his wife, formerly Miss Grace Stockdale, four children, Mrs. James Kane and Mrs. N. A. Gordon of Champaign, Miss Helen Fiedler at home, and Joseph H. Fiedler of Thomasboro, three sisters, Mrs. Carl Yeagle and Mrs. Joseph Maier of Thomasboro and Mrs. Charles Heimbeiger of Rantoul, and two brothers, Ferdinand Fiedler of Rantoul and Ed Fiedler of Thomasboro. [April 11, 1935, The Evening Courier - Contributed by K. Torp]

Jesse A Fulfer 5 Nov-1945
Champaign -202 E Bellfontaine street,an employee of the Champaign street department for the last 18 years died at 12:32 P.M today in Burnham city hospital after a lingering illness. He was 53 years old. The body was removed to the Owens funeral home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete.
Mr Fulfer, a resident of Champaign for 32 years, had been in the hospital since Aug 14. He was born May 16 1892 in Arthur and spent the first 10 years of his life there. He then moved to southern Illinois for 9 years before coming to Champaign, where he was married to Ilma Taylor of Xenia in 1915. He worked for the city street department from September,1927 until his recent illness.
Mr Fulfer is survived by his wife Ilma, two brothers: Roy,1306 West Clark street and Fred, 1604 West Springfield ave: A sister, Mrs Lela Bennett, 907 N State St, a son, Russell, of Champaign; a daugter; Mrs Marie Shaffer, of Urbana, and six grandchildren. He was a member of the first Methodist church of Champaign. [submitted by Donald AIkman]

Ilma ( Taylor) Fulfer 20 Dec-1990
Urbana - Ilma Blanche Fulfer 94, formerly of 202 E Bellfontaine street Champaign died at 7:30 a.m Thursday ( Dec 20 1990) at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana.
Private family services were today, and the Rev. Morris Christman officiated. Burial was in East Lawn Cemetery, Urbana. Renner-Wikoff Chapel, Urbana is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs Fulfer was born March 6, 1896 at Oskaloosa, a daughter of Granville and Mary Katherine Nash Taylor. She married Jesse Fulfer on Aug 31 1913 at Oskaloosa. He died Nov 5 1945.
She is survived by one son, Alfred Russell Fulfer of Champaign. Two sisters, Bessie m Jacobs of Valdosta Ga. and Edith B King of Xenia. 10 Grandchildren, 24 Great Grandchildren, and 27 Great Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four brothers, one sister, and one daughter.
Mrs Fulfer was a member of First Methodist Church, Champaign. and the Wheel of six at the church.She also was a member of the Pithian sisters, Royal Neighbors of America, The Rebekah lodge, the Eagles Lodge and the Mosse Lodge. [submitted byDonald Aikman]

Vergil Ruth Everman Gain
RUSHVILLE - Vergil R. Gain, 92, of 502 Bessie St. died at 8 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital.
Born March 20, 1906, in Urbana to James and Ann Kirby Everman, she married Leslie W. Gain on June 24, 1928, in Astoria. He died Aug. 29, 1987. One sister and two brothers also preceded her in death.
Surviving are three sons, Allen of Springfield, Joel of Petersburg and Jeffrey of Hardin; one sister, Hazel Wilson of Vancouver, Wash.; eight grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
She, her husband and his brother, Ernie Gain, built and operated Gain Brothers Greenhouse in Rushville.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Rushville; PEO Sisterhood, Chapter AL; Daughters of the American Revolution, Be-Kik-A-Nin-Ee Chapter; Schuyler County Historical Society; and Culbertson Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Worthington Funeral Home. The Rev. Scott Henley will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Astoria Cemetery.
[Peoria Journal Star, November 16, 1998 - submitted by Sara Hemp]

Vergil R. Gain
RUSHVILLE - Vergil R. Gain, 92, of Rushville died Saturday, Nov. 14, 1998, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital, Rushville.
She was born March 20, 1906, in Urbana, the daughter of James and Ann Kirby Everman. She married Leslie W. Gain in 1928 in Astoria; he died in 1987.
Mrs. Gain, a resident of Rushville since 1928, built and operated Cain Brothers Greenhouse in Rushville with her brother. She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Rushville, Chapter AL, PEO Sisterhood, Be-Kik-A-Nin EE Chapter of the DAR, Schuyler County Historical Society, and Culbertson Hospital Auxiliary.
Survivors: three sons, Allen E. Gain of Springfield, Joel L. Gain of Petersburg and Jeffrey W. Cain of Hardin; eight grandchildren; a great-granddaughter; and a sister, Hazel Wilson of Vancouver, Wash.
Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Worthington Funeral Home, Rushville, the Rev. Scott Henley officiating. Burial: Astoria Cemetery.
[State Journal-Register, Springfield, IL, November 16, 1998]

Ralph Getz -22 Oct 1999
Dyer Indiana -- Ralph J. Getz, 95, of Dyer, Indiana, formerly of Urbana, Illinois died Friday, October 22, 1999 in Dyer. He had a farming background and was a retired employee of the Food Technology Department at the University of Illinois. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Urbana for 62 years. He was born March 7, 1904 in Carroll County, Illinois to Jacob and Mary (Ripper) Getz. Survivors include two sons, Ralph W. Getz of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, and Lionel Getz of Paris, Texas; one daughter, Evelyn Leonhardt of Hammond, Indiana; two brothers, Melvin Getz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Jacob Getz of Savanna, Illinois, and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife. Funeral services were Tuesday, October 26, at the First United Methodist Church of Urbana with the Rev. David Alberts officiating. Graveside services were held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Urbana. (Contributed by Alice Horner)

Dorothy Nadine (BURKITT) Grunder
Urbana - Dorothy Nadine Grunder, 80 yr, of Urbana and formerly of Jefferson County, died at 2:15 p.m. on Monday, 13 Oct. 2003, at Northern Illinois Medical Center in McHenry. She was born on 27 April 1923, in Bluford,<Jefferson Co, IL>, daughter of Everett and Ora Mae (Shaw) Burkitt. She married Wayne Grunder and he preceded her in death. <They were divorced>.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix. John Skelton will officiate. Burial will follow in New Home (Lowery) Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Osborn Funeral Home in Dix.

Mrs. Grunder is survived by three sons, David Grunder and wife Minnie of Bolingbrook, Daniel Grunder and wife Kathy of Colorado, and Anthony Grunder and wife Helene of Johnsburg; daughters, Sandra Olson and husband John of California, Rebecca Jordan and husband Paul of DesPlaines, Shari Peck and husband Jerry of Makena; and Valerie Ailes of California; grandchildren Bryan, Zach, Stacey, Chris, Katy, Matt, Ashton, Katrina, Bill, Nick, Alec, Jake, Nathan and Michael; great-grandchildren Jeremy, Justin, Crystal and Joey; a brother, Lowell Burkitt and wife Betty of Batavia; sisters, Vera Lee Wilcox and husband Guy of Shelbyville, Lela Pierce and husband,Glen of Bluford and Alice French of Mt. Vernon and Ruth Witzel and husband, Lyle, of Mt. Vernon; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, John Burkitt and Dale Burkitt; a grandchild in infancy; and a brother-in-law, Darrell French.

Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix with John Skelton officiating. Interment will follow at the New Home (Lowery) Cemetery. For more information you may contact Osborn Funeral Home in Dix at 266-7231. [13 Oct. 2003, submitted by Marlene Olson, genealogy800@yahoo.com]

Frederick E. Hanners
Mahomet - Frederick Earl Hanners, 60, rural Champaign, died at Mercy Hospital, Urbana, at 9:50 p.m. March 17, 1967. Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the Blair Funeral Home, Mahomet, with Rev. Robert Faulkner officiating. Prospect Ave. chapel, champaign. Burial will be at the Block Cemetery, Greenup. He was born June 10, 1907, in Greenup, son of Amos and Della Mae [Ward] Hanners. He was married June 9, 1937, to Porchia ViNezzie Wilson. He was a laborer foreman for Champaign Asphalt Company. ["Champaign News Gazette", March 18, 1961... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Margaret Hickes
Hanged Herself
Kankakee, Ill., Mar. 8 - Mrs. Margaret Hickes, of Urbana, Ill., aged 50 years, who was committed to the Illinois Eastern hospital for the Insane two weeks ago, eluded her attendants and committed suicide by hanging herself to a window bar with her stockings [The Wild Rose, Wild Rose, Wis. - Thursday March 15, 1906 - Sub. by Linda Rodriguez]

Larry Dale Hinkle
Mahomet - Larry Dale Hinkle , 61, was born on Jan.19, 1946, at Burnham Hospital in Champaign , son of the late Leland Dale Hinkle and his surviving mother, Betty lou Peck Hinkle. Also surviving is his brother, James Hinkle of Bondville, a sister, Linda Hinkle Cook of Arcola, a nephew, Loran Hinkle of Seymour, and a nephew, Casey Cook of Rowlett, Texas. Mr Hinkle attended schools in Urbana, then moved to Mahomet, and was a graduate of Mahomet-Seymour High School.He played football on the chamionship team at the high school, winning 33 straight games. He joined the Navy and was stationed at Great Lakes, California, and Memphis, Tenn, where he trained to be a jet mechanic. He then moved to South Bend Ind, and was employed by Bendix Corp as a tool machinist. After moving back to Mahomet, he became disabled at a young age, but enjoyed some years of hunting, fishing, motorcycling and having coffee with friends at the local restaurants. Larry passed away at 9:52 a.m on Aug 6 2007 , at Champaign county Nursing Home in Urbana. All services will be conducted by Blair-Owens Funeral Home (102 E. Dunbar) in Mahomet, and will be private. ["Champaign News Gazette", April, 2007... Contributed by Donald Aikman]

Alexander Hutchinson
A. Hutchinson, 90, Dies Wednesday in County Hospital
Alexander Hutchinson, 90, died in the county hospital at 3:30 pm Wednesday from the effects of pneumonia. His last address was ?003 North Berkely avenue.
Mr. Hutchinson was born in Ireland and came to America when five years old. He lived near Thomasboro until about 15 years ago when he moved to Urbana. The only known relatives are a niece in Boston and a nephew in Zanesville, O, whose names are unknown.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 pm Friday in the Leonard funeral home with Rev. Charles L. B?om? pastor of the First Baptist church officating. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. [The Evening Courier, 4 Mar 1935 - Contributed by K. Torp]

Sarah A. Kaler
St. Joseph, Ill. - Sarah A. Kaler was born at Cuba, Ill. March 15 1852, departed this life at her home in St. Joseph, Ill. at 12:30 Saturday morning after a long period of suffering with tuburculosis. She was at the time of her death sixty-two years and 13 days old.She was the daughter of Joseph and Mary Kaler being one of four children, all of whom save a brother, Joseph Kaler of Cuba, IL, having preceeded her to the great beyond. Her father died about ten years ago. The mother died when Sarah was but a baby of two years She was married to Issac N. Johnson April 4, 1864. To this union was born 10 children, two having preceded there mother to their long resting place. They were Henry Raymond and Rebecca Arvilla. The children left are Mary J. Zimmerman, Wawaka, Ind.; Lewis Edward and Newton A. of Theif River Falls, Minn.; James Perry, A. W. and F. H. of St. Joseph; Mrs. Minerva Huffman, of Mayview, Ill. and Mrs Nora Besore, of Payne, Ohio. Besides the children and husband and brother she leaves several grandchildren, one half brother and 3 half sisters. She with her husband had lived in Champaign Co. some 35 years, 22 in St Joseph. Looking into her life, we are brought face to face with many high and noble qualities. Hers was a quiet, deep, earnest spirit. Her life and character was founded upon the eternal principles of our Lord Jesus Christ. She united with the Church of Christ, St Joseph, under Rev. Clemmons 20 years ago. Because of poor health she was unable to lead the active energetic life that she wanted ..Oh call it not death - it is life begun, For the waters are passed, the home is won;The ransomed spirit hath reached the shore, Where they weep and suffer and sin no more. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. R. H. Linville at the Church of Chirst on Monday morning at 11 o'clock. There were lots of relatives including: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Zimmerman of Wawaka, Ind.; O. O. Besore and wife of Payne, Ohio; Joseph Kaler, Cuba Ill.; Lewis and N. O. Johnson of Thief River Falls, Minn.; and Mrs. and Mr. Frank Armstrong of Sidney, Ill. [Contributed by Sara Hemp ( Not Related)]

Verla Gordon Kennedy
Father of Piqua man is stricken
Verla Kennedy, 68, of Urbana, father of Ray Kennedy, 525 Brice Ave., Piqua, died at Champaign county hospital in Urbana Sunday morning of bronchial pneumonia.
The son of Ezra and Alice Kennedy, he was born and reared at Alcony and later moved to Urbana. His wife Rosa Boitnoit Kennedy, died 13 years ago.
He was a member of the Upper Honey Creek Reformed Church.
Surviving besides the son in Piqua are six other children, Mrs. Savilla Curtis of Tipp City, Virgil of Springfield, Kenneth and Mrs. Pricilla Lavey, both of Troy and Mrs. Mary Ward and Mrs. Malissa Seybold, both of near Fletcher and a sister, Mrs. William Tyler of Troy.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Irvin funeral home at Troy. Friends may call at Irvins after 2 p.m. Tuesday. [1947 - Submitted By: kennedystowing.biz]

Philip S. Knowles
VERMONT - Philip S. Knowles, 58, of Rural Route 1, Box 21, died at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 1992, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville.
Born July 23, 1934, in Champaign to Clint and Darlene McCreey Knowles, he married Beverly June Johnston on April 7, 1955, in Rushville. She survives. Also surviving are one daughter, Mrs. Robert (Kim) Thomas of Browning; one son, Terry S. of Industry; one half sister, Martha Ramage of Arlington, Va.; and one grandchild.
He was a riverboat pilot for 13 years and worked at King Seeley Thermos in Macomb.
Private family graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Vermont Cemetery. Collis Trone will officiate. There will be no visitation. Cremation has been accorded. Kost Memorial Home in Vermont is in charge of arrangements. [Peoria Journal Star, October 7, 1992, Page: D9 - submitted by Sara Hemp]

Frances E. Little
MRS. LITTLE DIES ON SUNDAY
Obituary Notice of Mrs. Frances E. Little, Who Died in Hospital At Sioux City
The funeral of Mrs. Frances E. Little took place at two o'clock Sunday afternoon from her late home, three miles southeast of Tolono. The services were conducted by Rev. W.W. Wilson, pastor of the Presbyterian church, and a large number of sorrowing friends were in attendance. At the conclusion of the services the remains were tenderly laid to rest on the family lot in Ash Grove cemetery. Among the relatives in attendance at the funeral were:
E.P. Little and family, Champaign; Mrs. M.E. Lawton, Worthington, Minnesota; Mrs. Addie Blair, Marseilles, Illinois; Mrs. C.W. Forrest, Norwalk, Connecticut; L.A. Little and family, Tolono; William Schwartz and wife, South Bend, Indiana.
Frances Elizabeth Basford, was born February 25, 1831, in the town of Waterbury, Va. When two years old, she with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Horace Basford, moved to New York state and two years later to the state of Michigan. When she was eight years old they moved to Illinois, which state had been her home eve since, she having lived in several localities. At the age of ten she was converted and joined the Methodist Episcopal church in the city of Rockford. Afterward she and her parents moved to LaSalle county. At the age of 20, in the year 1850, she was married to Mr. John Little at Lowell, Ill. In 1857 she joined the Congregation church at Tonica, Ill., being one of the charter members of that church. Nine children were born to her and her husband; four died in infancy and five are living. Those living are: Mrs. Addie A. Blair of Marseilles, Illinois; Mr. Egbert P. Little, of Champaign; Mr. Leslie A. Little, of Tolono, Illinois; Mrs. Luella Lawton, of Worthington, Minnesota; and Mrs. Charles W. DeForrest, of Norwalk, Connecticut. She is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
In the fall of 1868 they moved to Tolono which place had been her home ever since. At Tolono she united with the Presbyterian church and ever after remained a faithful and loyal member. Her husband died April 8, 1899. Since that time she has kept her home here in Tolono, but has lived most of the time with her children until her death, which occurred in St. Joseph hospital, Sioux City, Ia., following a very serious operation. She passed away at eight o'clock the morning of November 9, 1911, aged eighty years, eight months and fourteen days.
Her daughter, Mrs. Luella Lawton, of Worthington, and her son, E.P. Little, of Champaign, Ill., were with her until the last.
[Thursday, November 30, 1911, Worthington Globe, Worthington Mn - Submitted by Gary Boomgaarden]

Hazel Mathews
Hazel Mathews of 201 E. Clark St. C, widow of Hershel Mathews, died at 12:01 a.m. Friday, August 20, 1976 at Mercy Hospital. Funeral services will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Owens Chapel. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Mrs. Mathews was born at Greenup, a daughter of Thomas and May Ward Matthews. Mr. Mathews died in 1941. Survivors include 2 sons, Donald of Urbana, and Edsel of Champaign; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers, Ward "Buck" Matthews, of Urbana, and Walter Matthews of Champaign; three sisters, Mrs. Luella Disney of Decatur, Mrs. Maudeline Craig of St. Augustine, Florida, and Mrs. Myrl Brett, of Urbana. She was preceded in death by two sisters. She had worked as a seamstress for many years. ["Champaign News Gazette", August 20, 1976... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Mabel Matthews
Urbana-Mabel Isabell Matthews, 87, of Trenton, Ga., formerly of Urbana, died Thursday October 15, 1998 at Lafayette Healthcare Center, Lafayette, Ga. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Renner-Wikoff Chapel, 1900 S. Philo Rd, U. The Rev. Morris Christman will officiate. Burial will be in Bailey Cemetery, Tolono. Mrs. Matthews was born Jan. 11, 1911, at Tolono, a daughter of Norman and Fannie Edwards Wilson. She married John William Matthews on June 28, 1930, at Urbana. He died September 3, 1986. Survivors include a son, Robert Matthews of Trenton, Ga; daughter Betty Swinford of Norman, Okla.; a brother, Russell Wilson of Tolono; four sisters, Nezzie Hanners of Tolono, Bernice Nidle of Mahomet, Ilene Smith of Clearwater, Fla., and Lillian Greer of Bowling Green, Ky; 17 grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. ["Champaign News Gazette" October 16, 1998... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Mrs. Myrtie Matthews
Mrs. Myrtie Matthews, 304 Greenview, U, died at 11:00 p.m. March 31, 1970 at her home. She was 83. Funeral arrangements will be completed at the Renner-Wikoff Funeral Home. Mrs. Matthews was born in Beatle, S.D. on May 5, 1884, daughter of John and Anna Edwards Ward. She married Walter J. Matthews at Greenup, Ill in 1903. She is survived by a son, John W. Matthews, 310 Brady Lane, sisters Della Hanners, Olney, Faye Kellog, Tuscola, and Neva Snearley, Strasburg; 3 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. ["Champaign Urbana News Gazette", April 1, 1970... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Thomas B. Matthews
Thomas B. Matthews, 83, 207 E. Bellefontaine, died at 2:50 p.m. March 15, 1959 at home. Friends may call from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the Owns Funeral Home. Services will also be at 1:30 Tuesday at Mt. Zion near Greenup. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Cemetery. Mr. Matthews was born in Macon County, southwest of Decatur, December 6, 1875, son of William W. and Elizabeth Johnson Matthews. He married May Ward December 24, 1899 at Hazel Dell in Cumberland County. They lived in Cumberland and Jasper Counties before moving to Champaign in 1928. He was employed for several years by the General Paving Company, until his retirement 9 years ago. Surviving are the following children: Mrs. Hazel Bule, Champaign; Mrs. Gayle Arnold, Janesville, Wisc., Mrs. Myrl Bret, Champaign; Mrs. Thelma Hammond, Freeport, Mrs. Maudelene Craig, Lake Worth, Florida, Mrs. Luella Watts, Champaign, Ward, Urbana; Walter H., Champaign; 24 grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren; one brother Walter, Route 2, Urbana. ["Champaign Urbana News Gazette", March 16, 1959... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Tepa (Aunola) Mostert
Tepa Mostert (75) of Champaign, IL died at the Heartland Health Services Center in Champaign Friday afternoon December 9, 2011 after a lengthy illness. A native of Oulu, Finland, she was born Terttu Tuulikki Aunola on January 13, 1936 the daughter of Aimo Kalervo and Tyyne Johanna Lohva Aunola. (Her name was officially changed when she was naturalized a US citizen.) She grew up in the midst of the fighting of World War II. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1956 and less than a year later was called to serve as a missionary for the LDS Church in Finland. After her 18 month mission she moved to England where she worked as a nanny. On April 30, 1960 she was married in the London Temple of the LDS Church to Andre J. Mostert, who had also served a mission in Finland. They are the parents of five surviving children: Colonel Kari A. (Gina) Mostert of Chesapeake Beach, MD; Timo Mostert of American Fork, Utah; Mika (Itzel) Mostert of San Diego, CA; Erik (Mindy) Mostert of Sandy, Utah; and Sherry (Troy) Waltersdorf of Hartford, WI. Between them they have given Tepa and Andre 13 and a half grandchildren. (Daughter Sherry is pregnant with her second son.) Tepa was preceeded in death by her parents, a younger sister, and a still born son Samuel Anders Mostert. She and Andre with their family moved to Champaign for his work in 1979 and have lived in their present house since 1985, except for a four year period when they took work in Springfield, IL. Tepa was a happy stay at home mom most of her life, although she enjoyed her work as a US Census worker for the 1980, 1990, and 2000 census. She loved to be with her family and to join her husband as they participated in their LDS Church activities. Arrangements for cremation are being made by the Morgan Memorial Home. Her family will take her remains to the South Lineville Cemetery in northern Missouri. At her request, there will be no viewing or funeral services, but a Memorial Service will be held at 7 pm December 27th at the LDS Church on Windsor Road in Champaign. Her friends are invited to join her family that night in celebrating her long and productive life.
[Champaign-Urbana, IL News-Gazette, Dec. 11, 2011 - Sub. by Andre Mostert]

Virgil E. Oliver - 11 May 1994
CHAMPAIGN, IL - Virgil E. Oliver, 77 yr, of Champaign, formerly of Mattoon, died at 4:55 a.m. Wednesday (11 May 1994) at the Covenant Medical Center in Urbana. The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Owens Funeral Home in Champaign with Larry Simms officiating. Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery, Champaign, with graveside military rites conducted by VFW Post 5520. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

He was born 10 June 1916, in Altamont,<Effingham Co, IL > the son of Ezra and Corda Foster Oliver. He married Hilda Saathoff in 1961; she survives. Also surviving are a son, Thomas V. Oliver of Fisher; a step daughter, Stella Sue Baugher of McClure; two brothers, Farrell Oliver and William J. Oliver, both of Mattoon; three sisters, Hazel Creviston of Decatur, Juanita Farris of Mattoon and Virginia Hilligoss of Humbolt; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother.

Mr. Oliver owned Oliver Radio and Repair Service in Mattoon and worked at Glenn Poor's Television and Video in Urbana. He was a WWII U.S. Army Veternan and a member of American Legion Post 24 and Fraternal Order of Eagles, Champaign. [submitted by Marlene Olson, genealogy800@yahoo.com]

Hannah Platter
Champaign county, Sept. 13, at her daughter's Mrs. John Combs, of old age, Mrs. Hannah, aged 81 years, wife of the late Jacob Platter. Grandmother Hannah Platter, wife of Father Jacob Platter, was born in Miami county, Ohio, on the 13th day of September 1795, and died in Champaign county, this state, Septembe 13, it being her 81st birthday. She, with her family, emigrated to this state in 1841, and settled in Peoria county, and lived there till 1852, when she moved into Whitefield town, Marshall county, where she lived until September of last year, when she went to her oldest son on a visit in Indiana. She stayed there until sometime during the following winter, when she went to her oldest daughter in Champaign county, where she died of the infirmity of old age. She was the mother of 12 children, nine of whom are living, five boys and four girls, 52 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She became a member of the church of Christ over 50 years ago, living an exemplary christian and a devoted mother. [September 21, 1876 Taken From the Henry Republican At Tolonna]

Coroner's Jury Investigates Demise Of Mrs. Sarah B. Reed
Following an inquest conducted this morning, a coroner's jury composed of David E. Bruffett, William P. Smith, Louis Croiger, William Jones, F. W. Pullman, and George M. Johnson, returned a verdict that Mrs. Sarah Belle Reed, whose lifeless body was found in the gas filled bathroom asphyxiation or as the jury put it, "Came to her death by gas turned on with suicidal intent." All the evidence showed that Mrs. Reed was irresponsible, because of a nervous affliction. Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 o'clock this afternoon from the home, 403 West Green Street, by Rev. J. J. Wilson, Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. Interment was made in Woodlawn Cemetery. ["Urbana Daily Courier" January 15, 1919... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Samuel L. Richmond
February 20, 1873 At Urbana, Feb. 12, of paralysis, Judge Samuel L. Richmond of Lacon, aged 49 years.

Joseph Shaffer
Danville- Joseph C Shaffer 73, Tilton died at 8:30 p.m Saturday (Dec 14 1984) at Sy Elizabeth Hospital , Danville. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Lakeside Funeral chapel. Danville, the Rev. Steve Kerby officating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Cemetery, Danville. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m and 7 to 9 p.m Tuesday at the funeral home. Masonic services will be at 6 p.m Tuesday. Mr. Shaffer was born Feb 16 1911 at Urbana , a son of Danial W and Flora Bannister shaffer. He married Ora V. Sinkes on June 21, 1932, at Urbana she survives. Also surviving are two sons, Ronald L Shaffer of Danville and Joseph R. Shaffer of Tilton, a daughter, Phyllis Nightlinger of Catlin, three brothers, Milton Shaffer of Punta Gorda, FLa, Russell Shaffer of St. Joseph and Daniel "Mike" Shaffer of Batesville, Ark, A sister , Helen Reynolds of Urbana, 11 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, six step-grandchildren, and seven step- great- grandchildren. Mr. Shaffer retired as a millwright at General Motors, Danville, in 1973 after 27 years of service. He was a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge, the Danville Consistory, Local 579 and was a trustee of Local 579 and was a Republican precinct committeeman

Wilbur J. Snyder
Wilbur James Snyder 59, of 209 E. Main St. Urbana died at 11:50 P.M Sunday 1959 at his home . He formerly lived at 313 1/2 Walnut St. Champaign Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday in Benner Funeral Home with John Pierce, Minister of Webber St Church of Christ officiating. Burial will be in Roselawn Cemetery.
Friends my call form 7 to 9 P.M. Tuesday at the Funeral home. The son of James and Elsie Snyder was born Dec 31 1900 in Newcastle Pa. on june 15 1944 he was married to Ethel Aikman. Mr Snyder was a aircraft mechanic . employed at Chanute Airforce Base. He served in WW1 and WW2. He was a member of the United Brethern Church. He leaves his widow , his father in Florida: a step - daughter, Mrs Ruth Raquet, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. and a step- son, Lewis James Aikman, Chicago

Mrs. Vandeveer
Geo. Vanderveer received last week the sad intelligence of the death of his mother at the old family home at Urbana, Ill. Her age was not far from the 100 mark.
Thermopolis Independent, (Wyoming) January 11, 1907, page 5

The Funeral of Mr. A. E. Ward
Remains taken to Rantoul this afternoon for burial
The funeral of the late A. E. Ward of the grain firm of Sale & Ward, who died at his home on West Columbia Ave. Tuesday morning occurred at 1:00 this afternoon. An impressive service was conducted by Rev. George E. Scrimger, Pastor of the First Methodist Church and the lodge of Elks of which Mr. Ward was a member, attended the service in a body. The remains accompanied by a large party of relatives and friends were taken to Rantoul on the 2:20 Central train, burial being in the Rantoul Cemetery, Mr. Ward having spent the greater part of his life in that part of the county.
["Champaign Urbana News Gazette", May 30, 1900... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Kate Ward Dies at Hospital
Judge Freeman today was officially notified of the death of at the Kankakee Hospital for the Insane of Mrs. Kate Ward, a patient committed from this county. ["Urbana Daily Courier" January 15, 1919... Contributed by Barb Moksnes]

Death of A. H. Whitcomb.
Many of our citizens remember A. H. Whitcomb, who used to be here, a partner of W. R. Hill, in the real estate business. He was killed at Champaign, Illinois, some time ago. We have not the particulars of the killing, but we copy a special to the Inter-Ocean, dated August 14:
A. H. Whitcomb, who was disemboweled here in such a shocking manner, on last Monday by his business partner, Capt. J. M. Tracy, lingered along, surprisingly, but died this morning at one o'clock. This intensified the already intense excitement in the community.
Whitcomb's wife arrived from Kansas yesterday, not knowing the worst, and when told at the cars that her husband must die, broke down and went into a swoon. Whitcomb made a sworn statement, in view of death, that Tracy called him upstairs, first struck him with a piece of canon ball, and then in the closing struggle cut him with a knife. The knife had been freshly sharpened. These facts, together with frequent threats, alleged to have been made by Tracy, that he would kill Whitcomb, produced a strong feeling against Tracy, who is now in jail, and reported to be badly broken down. It is thought Tracy's wife will become insane. Whitcomb will be buried at ten o'clock tomorrow. [Source: "Hutchinson News" Hutchinson, Reno County, Kansas; Thursday, August 28, 1879, page - 3 *** column - 3 -- Sub. by Rose Stout]

Mr. Isaiah Wright
Mr. Isaiah Wright,one of the oldest citizens of St. Joseph, died this morning at 8 o'clock. Mr. Wright was a native of North Carolina. He moved to Indiana in an early day and built the first log house in what is now the city of Greencastle, in that state. He has lived in this part of Champaign Co for thirty years or more. He filled the office of Justice of the peace for a long time after the organization of St. Joseph township. He was respected by all. We don't think there was a more honest man in the township than father Wright. He was in his 86th year at the time of his death. July 9, 1877 [Champaign Co. Gazette July 11, 1877, page 4]

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