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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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Recent Obituaries: Bridget A. Van Hook

News Progress Posted on October 23, 2026 by webmasterOctober 23, 2026

Bridget A. Van Hook, 80, of Sullivan, passed away 12:11 a.m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Green Gardens Memory Care, Sullivan.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Sunday, October 25, 2026 at the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ, Sullivan with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating.  Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning at the church.  Memorials are suggested to the Elim Springs Church of Christ or Habitat for Humanity.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Bridget was born April 2, 1946 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of James and Patricia Young Galligan.  Bridget married Stanley Van Hook on May 21, 1969 in Sullivan and he preceded her in death on February 22, 2011.  She had been an administrative assistant for Agri-Fab in Sullivan and Parke Warehouses in Decatur.  Bridget had been a member of the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ where she was very active in church activities, Tuesday morning social and Vacation Bible School.  Bridget took pride in her home and always had an open door.  She enjoyed hosting her family and friends for all occasions.  

Survivors include her daughter Emilie (Nathan) Beagle of Sullivan; granddaughter Elinore Beagle of Sullivan; sisters Mary Catherine (John) Camper of Chicago, Patti (Mark) Stieren of Springfield, Illinois; brothers Jim (Amy) Galligan of Sullivan, Phil (Terri) Galligan of Decatur and Mick (Natalie) Galligan of Monteverde, Florida; five nieces and five nephews and a large extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and nephew Matt Galligan.

Emilie would like to extend a special thank you to the aides at Green Gardens who took such loving care of my mother.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Keith Richardson

News Progress Posted on October 20, 2026 by webmasterOctober 20, 2026

Keith Richardson, 91, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away peacefully at his home at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan on October 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Sunday, October 25, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Memorial services will be held 12:00 p.m. Sunday at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. A private burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany, with Military Rites by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Veterans Service Organization Post #507.

Keith was born on January 25, 1935, in Decatur, to Reverend Otto and Sylvia Richardson. His early years were spent getting into a little trouble, but his life took a different direction when he joined the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Serving as an aircraft mechanic, Keith developed lifelong knowledge of airplanes. Even at 91, he could still name the planes he worked on and explain what they did.

Following his military service, Keith married his beloved wife, Joyce Moore and they welcomed their oldest daughter, Pamela. The family then moved to California, where they spent 15 years and welcomed daughters, Nancy and Kathy. Eventually, they returned to Illinois, where their twin sons, Brian and Brent, completed the family. At the urging of Keith’s best friend, Chester Doris, they settled in Bethany, where they raised their five children and built a lifetime of memories.

Keith worked at Firestone for 25 years, retiring in 1991. Retirement, however, never meant sitting still for long. He stayed busy with handyman work, giving advice at the “Garage of Knowledge”, riding around in his golf cart with Joyce, and walking his best friend, Lucky (the dog he never wanted but came to love.)

Above all, Keith was a proud father to Pamela (Kevin) Stetler, Nancy (Terry) Wendel, Kathy (Rick) Rhodes, Brian (Chris) Richardson and Brent (Traci) Richardson. He shared a special love for each of his children and the families they built.

Keith lost his beloved Joyce in 2020, leaving behind a lifetime of love and memories. He adored his grandchildren: Zachary Stetler, Cody Stetler, the late Jeremy Hill, Justin Hill, Mandy Stollard, Molly Rhodes, Leslie Richardson, Taylor Eckel and Sydney Clawson. His family continued to grow, blessing him with 14 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, grandson, Jeremy Hill; sisters, Sharon Hook, Sue Grotjan and Betty Jane Richardson.

In his final days, Keith was able to visit and share conversations with the people he loved most. As he grew weaker, his family remained by his side, surrounding him with love until he peacefully fell into his final sleep. On October 19, 2026, Keith was reunited with Joyce, resting once more in God’s glory and peace.

The family would like to give special appreciation to the staff at Heritage Woods “Courtyard Estates” of Sullivan for the care and treating our Dad as Family.

Keith will be loved and missed forever, but his family knows how blessed they were to have him for so many years. His life was filled with hard work, family, friendship, laughter and memories that will live on for generations.

And, as Dad always said “They all went to heaven in a peach basket; Toodles!”

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Phyllis J. Lane

News Progress Posted on October 5, 2026 by webmasterOctober 5, 2026

Phyllis J. Lane

Phyllis J. Lane, 90, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 3:41 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Ella Springs Senior Living in Houston, Texas.

Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, October 5, 2026 in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, with Pastor Justin Cullen officiating. There will not be a visitation. Arrangements by Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Phyllis was born July 31, 1936 in Mattoon, the daughter of Duard and Murle Scroggins Reider. She was a member of Sullivan Faith Lutheran Church. She had worked as a secretary in the insurance business. Phyllis married Donald ‘Wayne’ Lane on December 7, 1956 in Mattoon and he preceded her in death on January 15, 2004.

Surviving are her daughters Kimberly (Larry) Rushing of Kingwood, Texas, Sandra (Victor) Zujewski of Cary, Illinois and Nancy Lane of San Diego, California and son Donald (Cathy) Lane of Des Plaines, Illinois; grandchildren Victor Zujewski, Daniel Zujewski, Robbie Rushing, Kristen Rushing, Robert Rushing and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Kenneth Minnis

News Progress Posted on September 28, 2026 by webmasterSeptember 28, 2026

Kenneth Robert “Kenny” Minnis, 54, of Bethany, went to be with Christ at 6:33p.m Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at his home.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00a.m. Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Sullivan. Visitation will be held one hour before services. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Kenny was born on February 13,1972, in Portsmouth, VA; the son of Robert P. and Stella (Callahan) Minnis. He was a member of the Faith Lutheran Church. Kenny had one of the most beautiful voices and music was a big part of his life. He was a phenomenal artist and it was his passion. Kenny painted pictures to keep and for his family. He was a very loving man and showed that by giving his nieces and nephews cute little nicknames like Gummy Bear and King Loofy. Kenny will be missed dearly.

Kenny is survived by sons, Keeley Eikenberry and Robert L. Minnis; Parents Bob and Stella Minnis of Bethany; Brother Nicholas (Jamie) Minnis; Several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his Maternal grandparents Mary and Bob Callahan, Paternal grandparents Helen and Ken Minnis. Brother Christopher Minnis.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Lavonne Graven

News Progress Posted on September 9, 2026 by webmasterSeptember 9, 2026

Lavonne Graven

Lavonne Graven, 94, of Sullivan passed away at 11:16 p.m. on September 7, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House, in Mattoon, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made to the donor’s choice or to the Willow Breeze Hospice: 10660 E Co Rd 800 N Mattoon, IL 61938

Lavonne was born July 28, 1932 in Shelby County to Ancil and Ruth (Winings) Perrine. She graduated in 1950 from Sullivan High School and later drove school buses for Sullivan. She married Mac Graven in First Christian Church, Sullivan, on July 7, 1951, and he preceded her in death April 25, 2005. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and was an avid Illini basketball fan. 

She is survived by her sons, Mark of London, England, Mikel (Nancy) of Warrensburg; daughter, Lori Kelso of Champaign; granddaughters, Kayla Graven and Michelle Graven (Arthur Steiner) of Springfield, Lindsey Kelso (JT Moscardini) and Sydney Kelso of the Chicago area.

She was preceded in death by husband, Mac; parents; brothers, Bill (Emma Lee) Perrine, Vernon (Beverly) Perrine; infant brother, Ralph Eugene; and sister, Dorothy (Lawrence) Morrison.

The family would like to thank Willow Breeze Hospice House for the care of Lavonne and her family in her final days. 

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Marjory Queen

News Progress Posted on September 2, 2026 by webmasterSeptember 2, 2026

Marjory Queen

Marjory J. Queen, 87, of Bethany, passed away August 31, 2026, at her home.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Bethany or to the Marrowbone Public Library, Bethany. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Marjory was born on July 4, 1939, in Sidell; the daughter of Clarence V. and Rachel E. (Guthrie) Goodall. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with her Bachelor’s degree in teaching. Marjory went on to teach in the local schools for many years. She married Paul K. Queen on June 6, 1970; he preceded her in death on January 7, 2015. Marjory was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Bethany.

She is survived by sisters, Carol L. Wock of Urbana and Catherine K. Allen of Lebanon; nieces and nephews, Bradley Allen of Edwardsville, Becky K. Grob of Lebanon, Catherine (Uwe) Goodall-Heising of Berlin, Germany, and Andrea (Milyon) Goodall-Trulove of Portland, Oregon.

Marjory was preceded in death by her parents, husband and brother, Charles W. Goodall.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Steven R. Phillips

News Progress Posted on August 20, 2026 by webmasterAugust 20, 2026

Steven R. Phillips, 44, of Arcola, passed away 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Penn Township Cemetery, Moweaqua. Memorials may be made in care of the family.

Steven was born February 1, 1982, in Decatur; the son of James Odell and MaDonna D. (Wright) Phillips. As an avid outdoorsman Steven enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and just being in the woods. He loved spending time with his friends, family and his loving fiancé, Angie.

Steven is survived by his father, James Odell Phillips of Austin, KY; fiancé, Angie Ziegler of Arcola; son, Austin Ziegler of Arcola; siblings, Richard Phillips of Austin, KY, Pam (Jim) Marler of Urbana, Dave Phillips of Sullivan, Cristal Harris of Austin, KY, Jamie Phillips of Arthur and Clemmie Adams of Arthur. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Steven was proceeded in death by his grandparents, mother, 2 brothers, Timothy and Robert Phillips.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Richard Probus

News Progress Posted on August 10, 2026 by webmasterAugust 10, 2026

Richard Allan Probus, 69, of Sullivan, passed away 8:43 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2026, at his home with his family by his side.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. The family requests casual attire, with an emphasis on racing shirts. In lieu of flowers; memorials may be made in care of the family or to the donor’s choice.

Richard was born April 19, 1957; in Decatur; the son of J L and Audrey Josephine (Benton) Probus. He married Linda Burgess on March 18, 1978, in Sullivan; she survives. In his younger years, Richard enjoyed fishing and trains while he was working for the Rail Road. He was an avid Dirt Track Racing fan and also a fan of NASCAR. Richard loved spending time with his friends and family, especially going out to eat on Friday nights. Another past time of his was taking Boston and Buddy on golf cart rides around town.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Probus of Sullivan; siblings, Cathy (Tom) Strohl of Neoga, Becky (Greg) Hill of Lovington, Lisa (Harold) Garmon of Lovington and Jeff (Monica) Probus of Decatur; sisters-in-law, Shirley Lindley of Sullivan and Susie Burgess of Sullivan; uncle, John Cain of La Place; aunt, Nancy Metzger of Georgia; special fur baby, Buddy. Richard is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, son, Richie Probus; 2 brothers, Mike and Robert Probus; brothers-in-law, Ron Burgess and Bill Lindley; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Cecil and Darlene Burgess.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Kevin Mark Yates

News Progress Posted on August 3, 2026 by webmasterAugust 3, 2026

Kevin Mark Yates, 71, of Sullivan passed away 6:25 p.m. Friday, July 31, 2026, at his home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105

Kevin was born April 3, 1955, in Peoria; the son of James W. and Ruth M. (Sampson) Yates. He worked in the labs of Mars/Kal Kan as a chemist helping to research and create new products. Kevin was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed antique cars. He was a fan of Western movies and the music of Seals & Crofts. Kevin was a big history buff and took part in Civil War and World War II reenactments. Most of all he loved spending time with his family and took great joy in his nieces and nephews.

Kevin is survived by his sister, Marsha (David) Webb of Macon; sister-in-law, Patricia Yates of Washington, IL; nieces and nephews, Ryan (Karyn) Yates of Washington, IL, Adam Yates of Eureka, Donhavan (Amy) Webb of Niantic, Tyler (Austin) Webb of Decatur, Miranda (Brent) Cox of Trophy Club, TX, and Derek (Alexis) Conger of Washington, IL. He is also survived by several great-nieces, great-nephews. 1 great-great-niece and 1 great-great-nephew.

Kevin was proceeded in death by his parents, 1 brother, Michael K. Yates and his faithful fur baby, Andy.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Obituaries: Carolyn McFarland

News Progress Posted on July 31, 2026 by webmasterJuly 31, 2026

Carolyn I. McFarland, 88, of Sullivan, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026 in Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Fred Hauck officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Carolyn was born July 12, 1938, in Creve Coeur, Illinois, the daughter of Eugene M. and Virdie Swisher Gorrell. She was the secretary for the Sullivan Little Theater on the Square and the Moultrie County Counseling Center. Carolyn was a member of the Sullivan First Church of God and enjoyed the Monday evening Monicals Ladies Group. She married Vernon F. ‘Mac’ McFarland on September 28, 1957, in Newton and he preceded her in death on October 24, 2002.

Surviving is her sons Jeffrey (Julia) McFarland of Maryville and Rick (Janet) McFarland of Sullivan; daughter Michele McFarland of Sullivan; sister-in-laws Marna Gorrell of Morton and Lois Gorrell of Peoria; 5 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Vernon F., son Vernon, three brothers and two sisters. 

Posted in Recent Obituaries

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Giving life



News Progress


Photo by Sonya Best

Will Miller, first time donor, provided support to Daisy Richardson while she donates her third unit of blood at the American Red Cross blood drive at the Sullivan American Legion last Friday.


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