JAMES F. SAXBERRY - Payson, Ill., Nov. 2 1951 - Funeral services for James F. Saxbery, 85, of 718 Monroe, Quincy, will be held Sunday afternoon at 2 in the Cosgrove funeral home here, conducted by the Rev. J. R. McAllister. Burial will be in the Payson cemetery. Mr. Saxbery died Wednesday night in his home. He was born Jan. 1, 1866, in New Canton, a son of William and Lucy Davis Saxbery. (My note- Should read James not William) Surviving are a son, William Saxbery of Quincy; two daughters, Mrs. Florence Allensworth of Durham, MO., and Mrs. Lucy Gardner of Maywood, Mo.; 15 grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Another notice in unknown paper - Saxberg-Funeral services for James F. Saxberg, 718 Monroe, Quincy, Ill., formerly of New Canton, Ill., will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock in the Cosgrove Funeral Home, Payson, Ill. Interment in Payson cemetery. Friends invited. Friends may call at the funeral home Saturday evening and Sunday until time of services
Contributed by Rosemary Reeves

JANET SCHEWE , 78, of Pittsfield died Thursday, July 9, 2009) at the Pittsfield Manor. She was born June 21, 1931 in Bedford, Ind. daughter of the late Lester and Ada M. Plank Sparks. Surviving is a daughter, Pam MacDowell and husband Douglas of Lafayette, La.; a son, Daniel Scheweand wife Dana of North East, Md.; four grandchildren, Travis MacDowell of Lafayette, Zachary Schewe of Southampton, N.J.,and Nicholas and Emma Nichole Schewe both of North East,; a brother, Harold Sparks of Boca Raton, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a sister-in-law, Cammie Sparks. Mrs. Schewe was a graduate of Alton High School in Alton, and attended nursing school at St. Luke's School of Nursing in St. Louis, Mo. She was a surgical nurse at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield, for many years and later became a volunteer at the hospital. She was a member of Bridge Club and Book Club in Pittsfield and assisted with Pike County Meals on Wheels. She was an avid Cardinal Baseball fan. Funeral services were held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial were held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, at Valhalla Cemetery in Godfrey. Visitation was held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home
Contributed by Billie Browning

HANORA (HICKEY) SHANAHAN , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Hickey was born in Ireland, County of Cork, July 25, 1841, and died at her home in El Dara Illinois, Dec. 2, 1908 at 10 o'clock, aged 67 years 4 months and 7 days. The funeral was preached Friday at 10 a.m. at the M.E. Church by Rev. Hogan and the remains were laid to rest in the Hornback Cemetery. Miss Hickey was married to Michael Shanahan in the year 1863 in Ireland after which they came to this country. Eleven children were the fruit of this union, six of whom are living while the other five, two boys and three girls died in infancy. The living are John, Michael, Ella, Mrs. Nancy Browning of El Dara and Mrs. Mary Phebus of Thornbury, Texas all of whom were present to pay the last tribute to their beloved mother. Beside the loving children, the deceased leaves a sorrowing husband and nine grand-children, seven girls and two boys to mourn their loss. She had two brothers and one sister, and if living their whereabouts are unknown. Mrs. Shanahan was a devoted wife, affectionate mother and a kind neighbor, willing to help the needy and make a pleasant and happy home. She will be sadly missed by all.
Source: Rootsweb Message Board 4/10/2005 Obituary Date: December 2 1908 Newspaper published in: Barry

ETHEL (MARDELL) SHANKS , 88, of Many, LA, died March 25, 2009, at Sabine Medical Center. She was born Feb. 1, 1921, in Pearl, a daughter of Ernest and Verna Kessinger Smith. She married Rev. Claude Shanks and he preceded her in death. She is survived by three daughters, Shirley (husband Doyle) Lewing of Fort Jesup, LA, Verna Hammons of Many, LA, and Claudia (husband Earl) Carver of Fisher, LA; three sons, Paul Shanks of Barry; Earl (wife Sang) Shanks of Rosepine, LA, and Darrell (wife Barbara) Shanks of Shreveport, LA; two sisters, Emma Patton of Pittsfield and Leona Boren of Detroit; 19 grandchildren; 31 great- grandchildren; four great- great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; and a son James Bryan Funeral services were March 28 at Lewing Chapel in Many, LA, with Rev. Donnie Paul Lewing and Pastor Derrick Joyce officiating. Pallbearers were Shawn Shanks, Timothy Shanks, Shannon Shanks, Marty Carver, Casey Lewing, Bryan Robertson and Curt Sargent. Burial was at Pine Knott Cemetery. Warren Meadows Funeral Home in Many, LA, was in charge of arrangements
Contributed by Billie Browning

KAROLYN J. (BEATTY) SHEPPARD , 76 of rural Pittsfield, died Friday, April 24, 2009 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. Born April 3, 1933 at New Salem, she was the daughter of Cicero C. Beatty and Mary Jane Curless Beatty. She married John W. Sheppard Sept. 20, 1953 at the New Salem United Methodist Church. Karolyn was a member of the New Salem United Methodist Church and attended the Time Community Church. She attended Western Illinois University at Macomb, was a fifty-year member and an officer of the Pike County Home Extension, an active member and leader of the Pike County 4-H Foundation, member of the Order of the Eastern Star and an officer and organizer of the Pike County Color Drive Committee. She enjoyed scrapbooking on family genealogy, tole painting, flower gardening, traveling and visiting historical sites, reading and puzzles. Karolyn greatly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. Karolyn was the beloved wife of John, and the beloved mother of five sons and three daughters: Robert (Linda) Sheppard, Pittsfield, Tom Sheppard, Pittsfield, Bill (Martha) Sheppard, Pearl, Jim Sheppard, Pittsfield, and Ron Sheppard, Carlinville, Mrs Sandy (Larry) Wigington, Pittsfield, Mrs. Mary (Dave) Lagemann, Pearl and Mrs Kathy (Tom) Scranton, Milton. Twelve grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services were Monday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Rick Musgrove and Rev. Jerry Edison officiating. Burial was at the Pittsfield West Cemetery.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

JAMES WILLIAM SHIVE , 54, of Bloomington, formerly of Macomb, died Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Bromen Medical Center in Normal. He was born March 9, 1955 in Macomb to James Willliam, Sr. and Betty Jean Ross Shive. He married Mary Funk. He later married Leanne Trotter at the Western Illinois Union in Macomb on Nov. 21, 1998. She survives. Also surviving are two sons, Jason Christopher Shive and Jeremy Robert Shive, both of Bloomington; his mother, Betty Jean Shive of Pittsfield and one brother, Steven Gene Shive of Las Vegas, Nev. He was preceded in death by his father and one brother, Daniel Lee Shive. He lived in Macomb and has lived in Bloomington for the last 30 years. He served in the Illinois National Guard serving in Panama and Desert Storm. He did security work and was a Spanish translator for the IRS. Graveside services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Pennington Point Cemetery in New Salem Township West of Adair. There was no visitation. Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb was in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning

HORTON L. SIDWELL , 80, of Pearl died Aug. 13, 2009, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield. Harland was born April 7, 1929 a son of Charles W. and Lela Sorrels Sidwell. He married Mary Jo Doyle March 26, 1955 in Pittsfield. She preceded him in death Dec. 4, 1994. He was a member of the Farmers Ridge Church of Christ and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Before retiring, he was a meat cutter for Oscar Meyer in Beardstown and was still active as a livestock farmer near Pearl. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming and raising cattle. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his kids and grandkids and writing poetry. He enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with family and friends about the "good ole days". Surviving are three children, Jeff (Rose) Sidwell of Pearl, Janice (Rex) Swartz and Joyce (Danny) Piper, both of Pittsfield; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Mrs Charlene Clendenny of Mozier. His wife, three brothers, Wayne, Charles L. and Leland Sidwell, preceded Harlan in death. Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 17, at 11 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Bro. Wilson Ramsey officiating. Burial was in the Hess Cemetery near Pearl with military rites accorded by the Pittsfield American Legion Post 152. A lunch for family and friends was served at the Pearl Community Center after the internment. Visitation was held Sunday, Aug. 16 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Hess Cemetery or the Pearl Community Center. Condolences may be sent to the family at info@nieburfh.com Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

N. EILEEN SIEMENS , age 83, of Liberty Village in Pittsfield and formerly of Manhattan, died Sunday, Feb. 15, 2009, at Liberty Village. She was born June 16, 1925 in Ilasco, Mo., the daughter of Marvin F. and Minerva O. Goewey Barnes. She married George Siemens Jan. 18, 1949 and George died Nov. 27, 1980. Eileen was a caregiver for the elderly. She enjoyed crocheting, attending music shows and going on senior citizen outings. She was a member of the Pittsfield United Methodist Church. Survivors include a sister, Doris Thomas of New Salem; four brothers, Merlin Barnes of Peoria, Jesse Barnes of Jonesboro, Tenn., Terry Barnes of Elverta, Calif. and Leo Barnes of Manhattan; also four step grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two brothers, Fred and Frank Barnes and by two step daughters. Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill conducted by Rev. A1 Laird. Visitation was from 4 p.m. until time of services Tuesday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held today, Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Joliet. Memorials may be made to the charity or organization of the donor's choice. Lummis Funeral Hone in Pleasant Hill is handling arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning

SUSAN (WATSON) SIVERT , 72, died Monday, Jan. 12, 2009 in Carrollton, Texas. She was born July 27, 1936 in Jacksonville, a daughter of Kenneth (Friday) and Shirley I. (Jean) Reavis Watson. She married Richard Sivert in Pittsfield Dec. 27, 1963. He preceded her in death in 1993. Susan was a 1954 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She attended Western Illinois University and graduated from McConnell Airline School in Minneapolis, Minn. She worked for American Airlines and later for Braniff Airlines. She was an American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor and had been very active in the Parent Teacher Organization of Mary Immaculate School in Carrollton. She is survived by one daughter, Cara, of Dallas, Texas; two sister, Becky Acuff of Pittsfield and Nancy (Mrs. Jeff) Bocher of Richfield, Wisc.; three nieces, Rebecca (Mrs. Sean) Murphy of Kirksville, Mo., Noel (Mrs. Carl) Rajski of Niles and Adrienne (Mrs. Liam) Cormier of Fort Polk, La.; and eight great nephews and one great niece. Graveside services were held Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009 and burial was in Hilltop Memorial Park in Carrollton
Contributed by Billie Browning

DOROTHY SKINNER , was a lovely woman, generous of spirit and kind of heart. Her bright eyes and warm smile illuminated the lives of her family and many friends. Dorothy died at Valley Nursing Home Dec. 17, 2008. Dorothy was born in Rockport Jan. 29, 1930, to Henry and Marie Dober Yokem, the second of four children. Sisters Mildred and Donna and brother Marion remained extremely dear and close throughout her life. After high school, Dorothy moved to Billings to live with her aunt Ruth and uncle Hooley Lewis. A pretty teenage farm girl from Pittsfield, she met a strapping handsome baseball player from California and feel deeply in love. Jack and "Dottie" were married in 1948, with a reception in the home of Dave McNally's mother. Their love endured for 57 years. The Skinners were great sports fans and rarely missed a Billings high school basketball game or baseball game at Cobb Field. After many years of enjoyable work as a bank teller, Dorothy retired from US Bank and joined her husband Jack as a volunteer at Deaconess Billings Clinic. In 1999, Dorothy underwent a desperately needed liver transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. A laurel of thanks goes to the anonymous donor who allowed her to live for many more years. Dorothy was always very proud of the fact that although neither she nor Jack attended college, all three of their children, Gary, Corby and Jackie, graduated with university degrees. She took great pleasure in returning to Illinois for the Pittsfield Community High School reunions and to visit with her sisters Donna and Mildred and their families. As a widow, Dorothy met widower Louis Brueggemann at Autumn Springs Retirement Home in 2006 and they spent many hours together in comfort and joy. Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Jack, who passed away in 2005. She is survived by eldest son, Gary Skinner and wife Anita Thelen of Nine Miles Falls, Wash.; Corby Skinner of Billings; and daughter Jackie Corbally and her husband Bill of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Grandchildren include Trevor, Corey, Kyle and Luke Skinner and Jason Corbally. Dorothy was blessed with six great-grandchildren. Michelotti-Sawyers have arranged a private family burial. A celebration of Dorothy Skinner's life will be held Saturday, May 2, 2009, so that relatives, family and friends can gather to honor her life with music, reminiscences, laughter and good cheer. Thumbprint cookies and mincemeat pie will be served.
Contributed by Billie Browning

DONALD SLOAN , 89, of Kirkwood, died at OSF Holy Family Medical Center in Monmouth April 25, 2009. Donald was born June 20, 1919 in Detroit, and is the son of Alonzo and Marguerite Porter Sloan. Don was raised in Detroit and graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1937. Don was a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps as a navigator during WW II. He married Wilma I. Guthrie Aug. 22, 1942, in Detroit. Donald first was a salesman for Moorman Feeds for several years. He then received an Insurance License and was an agent for 20 years. For 15 years he was a trimmer for Southard Tree Service. Since his retirement until the present, he worked for Southard's Car Wash in Galesburg. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church in Biggsville, where he was a Deacon. While they lived in Oakwood, he was an elder in the Oakwood Christian Church. Donald was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan. He was very handy and could fix anything. He worked in earlier years with Scouting and Little League Baseball. More recently he volunteered with Relay for Life in Henderson County. Surviving Donald is his wife, Wilma Sloan of Kirkwood; two daughters, Judy (Chuck) Carl of' Ogden and Nancy Hull of Biggsville; two sons, Gary (Debbie) Sloan of Lakeland, La. and Todd (Joan) Sloan of Olmsted Twp., Ohio; eight grandchildren, Tracy Wahlfeldt, Cary Sloan, Sherri Hampel, Camie Telthorster, Sara and Amy Hull and Nicole and Heather Sloan; seven great grandchildren; four step great-grandchildren; three step great-great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers. Funeral services was held at 2 p.m. April 20 at the Biggsville United Presbyterian Church in Biggsville. Interment with military honors was in the Monmouth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established for Biggsville United Presbyterian Church. Turnbull Funeral Home in Biggsville is in charge of the arrangements
Contributed by Billie Browning - From The Pike Press

SAM SPICER , aged about 70, a farm laborer and a bachelor was found dead this morning at the home of Mr and Mrs Jas Fletcher at 602 Madison street. Mr Spicer came over from Butler Saturday and went to the ranged to stay until this morn Fletcher rooming house and ar ing (? quite strange, like the lines were out of order) He was apparently in good health and talked with ing (? lines out of order, again). He asked to be called at Mr and Mrs Fletcher last evening 6 o'clock this morning and made no response and Mr Fletcher thinking he was still asleep went on to work. Mrs Fletcher could not rouse him later so she called Victor Fletcher who pried open the door and found him dead. His body was still warm when found. The body was taken to Dood's Undertaking parlors where Coroner Boyd held an inquest. As far as could be learned Spicer worked on farms near Butler, Hillsboro, and Gillespie. He is believed to have relatives in Pike county.
[Litchfield Daily Union, Monday, May 28, 1928 - Submitted by: Lynn Boyd Reener (Kim Torp) ]

HENRY STADLER - a barber formerly of Beardstown, died of Apoplexy on Tuesday at Mt. Sterling. He was a witness in the murder trial here last week, and came near dying while at the Mansion House in this place. He is a victim of a love of strong drink.
He Pike County Democrat 1869

VIRGINIA ANN (SUTTON) STEINBERG , died at her home in Venice, Fla. on June 16, 1997. She was born Feb. 21, 1940 to Everett and Hattie A. Neese Sutton in Pleasant Hill. She was educated in the Pleasant Hill schools and graduated from Gem City College, Quincy. She married Tony Steinberg Dec. 28, 1966 at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. They kept many foreign exchange students in their home; Lars Bruhn of Copenhagen, Denmark lived with them in 1968­69 and was considered by Tony and Virginia as their son. Virginia is survived by her hus­band Tony, their son Lars, his wife Karen and three grandchildren, Christine, Thomas, and her god­daughter Julie; cousins Marilyn Wright of Pleasant Hill; Bonna June Prater of Nebo, and Linda Thomas of St Augustine, Fla. Virginia was of the Baptist faith and served as a volunteer for the Pike County Ambulance District and the Pike County Hospice Association.
Contributed by Billie Browning

EVELYN M. STEPHENSON , 85, of Pittsfield, died March 25, 2009, at the Eastside Health and Rehabilitation Center, Pittsfield. She was born April 9, 1923, in Pittsfield, the daughter of Russell and Ina Anderson Smith. She married Charlie Stephenson Feb. 7, 1942, in Hannibal, Mo., and he preceded her in death Aug. 30, 1987. Mrs. Stephenson was a secretary for Farmer's Mutual Insurance, a partner and cook at the Pittsfield Sale Barn, and a Lunch lady at both Milton School and Pittsfield High School. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Detroit, Pittsfield American Legion Auxiliary, and Pike County VFW Post Auxiliary. Survivors include three sons, Robert Stephenson of Canton, Larry Stephenson of Sayner, Wis., and Chuck Stephenson of Griggsville; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie; a brother, Russell Vern Smith; and a sister, Etta Smith Carlander. Funeral services were held Monday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Dave Kelly officiating. Burial at the Blue River Cemetery, Detroit. There will be a lunch at the Detroit Town Hall following the services. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 29, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield. Memorials are suggested to the Blue River Cemetery, or the Detroit United Methodist Church, or the Family Readiness Group U.S. Army Reserves.
Contributed by Billie Browning

RAY BRYAN STEPHENSON , 90, of Bedford, Va. and formerly of Jacksonville and Pittsfield died Friday, June 19, 2009 at the home of his daughter. He was born Sunday, Jan. 19, 1919 in Pike County the son of Ray and Dewey Rush Stephenson. He married Kathryn Baker and they celebrated 69 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Kathryn Stephenson of Bedford; two daughters, Carol Stephenson of Mesquite, Texas and Barbara (husband, L.T.) Skinnell of Bedford; daughter-in-law, Veronica Stephenson of Mesquite; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, Roger W. Stephenson and one grandson. Mr. Stephenson farmed for many years in the Detroit area in Pike County and retired from Eisenhower School in Jacksonville. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2009 at Pittsfield West Cemetery in Pittsfield. The family will meet friends from 10-12 Noon on Saturday at Williamson Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to Gentle Shepherd Hospice
From Billie Browning - Pike Press

MARILYN STILL , 61, of Pittsfield, died Sunday, July 26, 2009, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Marilyn was born Oct. 26, 1947 in Quincy, the daughter of Floyd Orville and Claire Law Fischer. She married Norman W. Still Jr. Dec. 21, 1963 at the Liberty Christian Church in Liberty. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1965 and was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at the age of 25. She attended the Pittsfield First Christian Church. She was a daycare provider for more than 25 years and dearly loved touching the lives of so many children. She greatly enjoyed attending her grandchildren's many activities and enjoyed traveling, boating and tubing on the river and at the Lake of the Ozarks. Norman and Marilyn recently traveled to Arizona. Her loving husband, Norman and mother, Claire Fischer of Liberty survive. She was a loving mother to David (Laura) Still of Ballwin, Mo., Mark (Missy) Still of Milton and Mrs. Stacy (Jason) Duke of Pittsfield and a loving grandmother of Dawson and Hunter Still, Stephanie and Tanner Still and Shelby and Brady Duke. Three sisters, Mrs Nona (Ron) Steffen of Ham Lake, MN., Mrs Holly (Rick) Knuffman of Manville, and Mrs Paula Knuffman of Liberty, and a sister-in-law, Becky Stevenson of Azel, Texas along with several nieces and nephews, also survive her. Marilyn was preceded in death by her father, Orville, and her mother- in-law, Dorothy J Still and father-in- law, Norman W. Still, Sr. Services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 30, 2009 at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Bro. Jerry Edison officiating with burial in the Oakwood Cemetery. Family and friends may call today, Wednesday, July 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Oakwood Cemetery or to the donors choice.
Contributed by Billie Browning

MARGARET STRUB , to Harry and Violet Read Sept 27, 1928 and graduated from Gem City Business College in Quincy. There she met and mar­ried Gene Strub and they later moved to Tampa, Ha. She worked on occa­sions doing secretarial duties for his construction company and raised their four daughters. She is survived by her husband, Gene Strub; daughters, Kathryn Goodman, Karen Van Den Bogaert and Albert, Kaye Mixson and Tom, Kristina Klein and Charlie; four grandchildren; Jacob Goodman, Gene Richardson and Leslie, Michelle Mixson and Daniel Mixson; two great-grandchildren, Setten and Logan Richardson; cousin, Richard Read. She lived a wonderful life surrounded by her family and is now resting peacefully with our Lord. Funeral services were performed by SylvanAbbey (www. SylvanAbbey. corn) and a small service was July 16. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude's Children's Research, Alzheimer's Assoc. or Save the Manatee Club.

RANDALL WAYNE SUTHERLAND , 61, of Griggsville, died Monday, July 27, 2009, at St. John's Hospital ER. He was born Nov. 13, 1947 in Panther, W.V. to Edward Jack and Gladys Sutherland. He was of Catholic faith. Randall enjoyed reading, especially religious books, the outdoors, visiting with people, movie watching, collecting antique articles and especially loved spending time with his family. Survivors include a special friend, Georgia Gorham of Griggsville; four sons, Randall Brian Sutherland and Christopher Wayne Sutherland both of Griggsville and Brian Keith Sutherland and David Sutherland both of Springfield; one daughter, Brianna Sutherland of Auburn; two brothers, Edward Sutherland, Jr. of New York and Keith Sutherland of Illinois; and one sister, Cathy Tarrant of Illinois; and one granddaughter, Ashlee Nichole Sutherland of Pittsfield. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Judy Sutherland. Private funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 6 at the McCord Cemetery near Perry. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning

NAOMI B. (SCRANTON) SWEER , 97, of Willimington, Mass. died Saturday, April 11, 2009 at the Lahey Clinic Medical Center in Burlington, Mass, following a brief illness. She was born Oct. 5, 1911 in Pleasant Hill, the daughter of Charles Henry and Qrpha Long Scranton. She grew up in Pleasant Hill and graduated from MacMurray College in Jacksonville. She taught for several years in Pleasant Hill and Barry. After marriage in 1942, she left teaching, becoming a homemaker and mother to her step-daughter. After being widowed in 1963, she was an instructor and later a dormitory housemother at IL Weslyan University. She retired and moved to Georgetown, Texas in 1971, later moving to Massachusetts in 2003 to live with her son, William, and daughter-in-law, Patricia. Naomi was an active member of her Baptist Church wherever she lived. Naomi was the beloved wife of the late Cullen B. Sweet, loving mother to William D. Sweet, the late Ruth Ann Sweet and the late Goyla Sweet Wolfmeyer, and devoted grandmother of Julia Sweet of San Antonio, Texas. She is also survived by many relatives in Illinois and many friends in Illinois, Texas, Massachusetts and elsewhere. Funeral services will be held today, Wednesday, April 22, at 3:30 p.m. at the Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill. Burial will follow at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill. The family will meet with friends from 1 p.m. until services Wednesday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers in keeping with her heart, the family suggests memorial donations be made in her name to a children's charity or a food aid program of the donor's choice. Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill is handling the arrangements.