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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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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

Recent Obituaries: Roger O. Waggoner

News Progress Posted on July 24, 2026 by webmasterJuly 24, 2026

Roger O. Waggoner, 84, of Decatur, passed away at 6:16 p.m. Monday, July 20, 2026 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 24, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Bethany. Memorial are suggested to the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Roger was born January 18, 1942 in Sullivan, the son of Ray and Edna Helen Heiland Waggoner. He had been an electrician for A. E Staley in Decatur. Roger attended GT Church in Decatur. He married Esther D. Patrick on April 14, 1962 in Mattoon and she preceded him in death on November 11, 2007.  

Surviving are his daughters Kimberly Sue (Joe) Carnahan of Decatur, Maryann (Brent) Carter of Florida and Tracy Cook of Sullivan; son Roger A. Waggoner of Decatur; granddaughter Brooke Elizabeth Kidwell and sisters Judy (Terry) Lane and Cathy Waggoner of Sullivan.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother Ron Waggoner.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Terry Warren

News Progress Posted on July 19, 2026 by webmasterJuly 19, 2026

Terry P. Warren, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 12:00 Noon, Friday, July 18, 2026 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at the Reed Funeral Home with Pastor Bill Wiggs officiating. Burial will be the Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Monday evening. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Fire and Ambulance Service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Terry was born June 7, 1941 in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Kermit and Clema Reynolds Warren. He married Sharon Gustin on June 3, 1962 in Sullivan.

Survivors include his wife Sharon; sons Derick (Rebecca) Warren of Sullivan and Bart Warren of Lerna; grandchildren Alisha (Derek) Alms, Brody (Lauren) Warren, Chelsea Warren and Jacob Warren; great grandchildren Darren Alms, Harley Alms, Harper Warren, Sawyer Warren, Ava Warren, Audrey Warren, Mia Warren and Olivia Warren and a sister Dianne K. Warren Strufe.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In his early years Terry was active in the Brushy Bend 4-H Club and not only exhibited animals but also participated in the 4-H tractor driving contest in which the driver had to back a wagon into a roped off space. He won the Moultrie County contest for several years, the Illinois State Fair competition and garnered the privilege of going to the Texas State Fair to compete on the national level.

At the age of 18 Terry bought his first farmland and continued to farm for the remainder of his life. There are not enough words to describe Terry’s love of farming and taking care of his family. If you knew Terry you will have many memories of his dedicated work ethic and kind soul. His favorite hobbies included collecting farm toys, toy horses and carriages and coins.

He also owned and operated a catering business for over 30 years. He was famously known for his pork BBQ sandwiches and pork chops that fell right off the bone.

Throughout his life Terry donated his time and resources back to the community that which he loved. Terry’s most treasured accomplishment was that he served as a trustee for the Sullivan Fire Protection District for over 31 years and held the position of President for many of those years.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Norma Standerfer

News Progress Posted on July 16, 2026 by webmasterJuly 16, 2026

Norma Jean Standerfer, 90, of Sullivan, formerly of Bethany, passed away 3:51 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at Heritage Woods of Sullivan.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 p.m. –1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Moultrie County Memorial Park, rural Bethany. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Transitions Hospice or to Heritage Woods of Sullivan.

Norma was born April 21, 1936, in Bethany; the daughter of Fredrick Donald and Jeanette Pearl (Sporleader) Smith. She married Thomas Wayne Standerfer on July 24, 1955, in Bethany; he preceded her in death on May 19, 2020. Norma was raised in the United Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Nite Owls, the RSVP of Moultrie County and a member for many years in the Home Extension. Norma was a child care provider and a beloved baby sitter. She and her husband were Winter Texans, spending many winters in Galveston, TX. Norma spent over 30 years exercising 5 days out of the week at the Sullivan Civic Center with her friends. She was a very caring person; Norma spent time caring for her nieces, nephews, parents, sister and many other friends and family. She cooked many years at the Bethany Grade School. Her greatest past time was spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her children, Brent (Christine) Standerfer of New Braunfels, TX, Sheila (Jim) Smith of Sullivan and Brenda (Stuart) Wade of Bethany; grandchildren, Brooke (Dan) Webner, Katie (Dane) Zike, Melanie Jean (Cody) Brands, Toni (Mike) Murphy and Christina (Jared) Hartman; step-grandchildren, Chris Durbin, Matthew Durbin, Morgan (Joey) Orr and Malyssa (Matt) King. She is also survived by 13 great-grandchildren, 10 step-great-grandchildren and a soon to be born great-great-grandson, Levi Webner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 granddaughter, Amber Smith, 2 siblings, Marge Sanner and Wayne Smith.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and love for the staff at Transitions Hospice and Heritage Woods of Sullivan. The love and kindness the staff showed to Norma and her family will never be forgotten.

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

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Jayden N. Taber

News Progress Posted on July 15, 2026 by webmasterJuly 15, 2026

Jayden N. Taber, 30, of Monticello, passed away at 10:54 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026.

Celebration of Life services will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Don Lusk officiating. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Saturday. Memorials are suggested to the family for the children’s education fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Jayden was born February 9, 1996 in Mattoon. Jayden worked out of the Local 159 Labor Hall in Decatur. He attended the Southern Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, cooking and spending time with his children.

Surviving are his father Jay Taber of Sullivan; mother Juli Taber of Sullivan; significant other Jessie Pierce of Monticello; children Hayden Taber of Charleston, Julian Taber and Stevie Jo Taber both of Monticello; brother Hunter Taber of Sullivan; sister Breanne Taber of Avon, Indiana; maternal grandmother Carolyn Rawlings of Bethany; paternal grandmother Vivian Taber of Sullivan; nieces Kenadee McCoy, McKinlee Rawlings and Annalise McCoy and nephew Keegan Rawlings.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Larry Rawlings and paternal grandfather John Taber.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

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Food Myths and nutrition



News Progress


Photo courtesy Mid Illinois Senior Services

On September 1st, Certified Health Coach Larry Wetnight presented to a packed house at Mid Illinois Senior Services for their monthly ‘Dine with a Doc’ free luncheon, discussing Food Myths and nutrition. The Q&A portion was especially lively, with a great number of productive takeaways for all. 


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