Ramona L. Lesley-Hertlein, 96, of Sullivan, passed away at 8:55 p.m. Tuesday May 27, 2025 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Celebration of Life services will be at 12 p.m. Monday June 2, 2025 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Rob Roy officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Bethany United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Ramona was born December 2, 1928 in Shawneetown, the daughter of Gordon and Beulah Hatcher Ozee. She had worked at the Bethany Grocery Store, Peters Market in Decatur, Svendsen Florist in Decatur and the Sullivan Senior Center Ramona married Robert ‘Bob’ Lesley on September 13, 1947 and he preceded her in death on April 17, 1977. She then married Eugene ‘Gene’ Hertlein on May 10, 2011 in Bethany and he preceded her in death on April 23, 2014.
Surviving are her daughters Helen (George) Levi of Effingham, Patti (Rieck) Kendall of Sullivan and Brenda Kirk of Sullivan; sister Doris Murphy of Shelbyville, brothers Roger Ozee of Shelbyville and Larry (Judi) Ozee of Arcola; grandchildren Lori (John) Thomas, Jennifer Levi, Alison Yoder, Kari (Troy) Rogers, Katy (Bryan) Fogerson, Adam, (Leann) Lesley, Michael (Marci) Kirk, Alyssa Kirk and Erin (Tim) Fricke; twelve great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, five brothers and a sister.
webmaster
SES 4th graders “Living Wax Museum” impresses

Student’s project entertaining and informative
•May 28, 2025•
by DM Williamee
On Wednesday, May 14th, Sullivan Elementary School 4th-grade students from Mrs. Wilson’s, Mr. Campbell’s, Mrs. Smith’s, and Mr. Friese’s classes wowed with their end-of-year “Living Wax Museum” project, which was open to the public. Each student chose a person they admired, whether alive or deceased, to represent---in character. After extensive research about their person, they created outlines, essays, flash cards, tablet presentations, wardrobes, posterboards, and props. They then practiced their public speaking skills and delivery in a class dress rehearsal before show time. Researching an individual and transforming themselves into that person, then speaking as that person to others in the first person is no small feat, but these 4th graders handled it with style and enthusiasm and were well prepared.

Poppies of Remembrance and Sacrifice

Stork pins awarded

Marrowbone Public Library Summer calendar of events
•May 28, 2025•
Marrowbone Public Library will soon begin its “iRead 2025” summer reading program, which will run from June 5th through to July 5th, with July 5th being the “Summer Reading Carnival.” Reading rules: All books must be checked out overnight to count; you may read as many books as you like, but no more than thirty (30) books total will be counted (For adults, no more j=than twelve); books checked out must be at or above your reading level; participants through Kindergarten may count books that are read to them; audiobooks count as one (1) book; and to attend the Carnival, thirty (30) books must have been read and counted.
Every book (or 50 pages) read equals a chance to win a special prize. Every five books read equals a window tag and small prize or coupon, and when youth participants reach thirty (30) books read, they will receive a Library carnival Ticket. Adult prizes: every book read equals a chance to win a special prize, and every three books read equals a small prize.
Read MoreLovington Public Library June programs
•May 28, 2025•
The sign-up deadline for the “Sign up for Summer Reading” program is June 30th; stop in and get signed up before time runs out to participate in this fun and educational program.
June 2nd, 16th, and 30th - Needle night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. If you would like to learn to crochet, knit, needlepoint, or sew, participants are there who can help. If you already sew and want to commune, come join the group.
June 3rd - Story time from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. This month, we will be reading “My Dad” by Anthony Brown and singing songs.
June 6th - Kids craft time from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. This month, we will be making Father’s Day Cards.
Read MoreBear places second at 1A State

ETML “Summer Reading Theme”: Level Up at Your Library
•May 28, 2025•
Submitted by Laura Davison
Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library is launching its “Level Up at Your Library” summer reading program. It all begins with our Summer Reading Kickoff party on May 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., free and open to the public, with all ages welcome. At the party, there will be two inflatables, an obstacle course, and a slide. There will be snow cones, cotton candy, face painting, and crafts for the children.
Summer reading starts the week after school is out, and children started reading on May 26th for prizes. Registration is open now. There will be an open registration on May 30th at the party, as well. You can register online using the QR code on any of our flyers or the link that is posted on our Facebook page, which has a Google form to fill out as well. Another option is to come into the library or call during business hours.
Read MoreRemembering who we are………60
Who’s Here?
•May 28, 2025•
by Janet Roney
First, it was one dog; then two; then three more. Soon, every dog in town was barking. I guess hikers don’t often walk through Allenville.
We were a curious sight as our family trudged along the old Charleston Road on our hike to Mat-toon. Our backpacks, topped with sleeping bags and a tent, towered over our heads; canteens clat-tered at the kids’ sides; and a stuffed animal peered out of a pocket in Cynthia’s pack.
A dozen men and boys were milling about or leaning on a car in a yard ahead of us. More were draped over the fenders, peering under the hood. All held an open beverage can except for the man who was actually working on the engine with a wrench. When we got even with them, they spotted us. Their banter and laughter stopped.
Read MoreAgri Fab Inc. to host Blood Drive
•May 28, 2025•
Agri Fab Inc. to host Blood Drive Agri Fab Inc. will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 9:00 am to 1:30 pm on Friday, June 13 at 809 S Hamilton St, inside Gold Classroom. To donate, contact ImpactLife Urbana at (800) 747 5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 71025 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, call ImpactLife at (800) 747 5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before 4/18/25 are eligible to give at this drive.