Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: T. G. Redfern

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T. G. Redfern

T. G. Redfern, 54, of Lovington passed away Sunday, January 29, 2023 in Wisconsin.

Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Mel Workman officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Saturday.  Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Redfern was born June 3, 1968 at Decatur, Illinois, the son of Theron E. and Cheryl Davis Redfern. T. G. farmed with Dawson Farms for 35 years with 25 of those years being the farm manager. He also had done custom baling with his father. T. G. was a member of the Lovington American Legion and the Illinois Farm Bureau. T. G. married Dawn Ferguson on March 21, 2009 at Lovington.
Survivors include his wife Dawn; children McKenzie (Javon) Brown of Lovington and Janette (Collin) Budd of Decatur; mother Cheryl Redfern of Lovington; sisters Trisha (Mark) VonLanken of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma and Kelly Bolt (Fiancé Bob Alexander) of Clinton; numerous nieces and nephews; his tractor and combine buddy Maddox Reedy and his fur baby Mr. Cooper.
He was preceded in death by his father and brother David.

T. G. had a close relationship with all of the Dawson Farms family. For T.G. the summertime was for spending time boating on Lake Shelbyville. In the wintertime was snowmobiling in Wisconsin. T. G. was a natural born leader but especially experienced when it came to planning outings with family and friends. Anyone could always depend on T.G. to help them with anything they would need. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Recent Obituaries: Donald Sanders

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Donald Sanders
Donald G. Sanders, 90, of Sullivan, passed away 2:08 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Memorial services will be held 6:00 p.m. Monday, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Military Rites will be held at McMullin-Young Funeral Home at 4:30 p.m. Monday, performed by the Bethany American Legion Post #507. Burial will be held at a later date in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to Prairie Heart Institute: Dr. Kola 1800 E Lakeshore Drive, Decatur, IL 62521

Donald was born on October 29, 1932, in Lincoln; the son of Lowell and Edith (Bosley) Sanders. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He married Esther Callahan on December 22, 1951; she preceded him in death on May 4, 1985. He later married Maurene Munch Netherton in June of 1986; she survives. Donald retired from Commercial Lovelace as a truck driver. He was a member of the Lovington Church of God. He enjoyed fishing and boating. Donald loved playing the harmonica, music, spending time with his grandchildren and gardening.

He is survived by his wife, Maurene of Sullivan; son, Donald L. Sanders of Wilton Manor, FL; daughters, Diana Calhoun of Bethany and Cheryl (Randy) Florey of Jonesboro, AR; step-sons, Mark Munch of Bethany and Michael Munch of Sullivan; step-daughter, Sandy (Joe) Harchous of Allenville; brothers, Thomas (Laurie) Sanders of Deville, LA, and Steve (Rose) Sanders of Pineville, LA; sister, Carol (Larry) Sowers of Jewitt. Donald is also survived by 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, 6 step-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and 2 step-great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Esther, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

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

Recent Obituaries: Velda LaVerne Betzler

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Velda LaVerne Betzler

Velda LaVerne Betzler, 91, of Sullivan, passed away 12:20 a.m. Saturday, January 21, 2023, at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 25, 2023, at the Sullivan Church of God. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Wednesday at the church. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Velda was born on January 28, 1931, Rucker, MO; the daughter of Elmer Lou and Gertrude (Meeks) Colley. She married Darrell Betzler on June 1, 1953, in Clark, MO; he survives. Velda was a member of the Sullivan Church of God for 65 years.

She is survived by her husband, Darrell Betzler of Sullivan; sons, Steven Kent (Teresa) Betzler of Sullivan and Roger Darrell (fiancé Michelle) Betzler of Sullivan; daughter, Rose Renee (Jim) Palmer of Sullivan. Velda is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, several brothers and sisters.

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

Recent Obituaries: Sara Rutledge

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Sara Rutledge

Sara D. Rutledge, 78, of Sullivan, passed away 12:35 a.m. Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 20, 2023, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the New Life Church in Sullivan or to the donor’s choice.

Sara was born on December 24, 1944, in Glasgow, KY; the daughter of William B. and Willion Dean (Powell) Hurt. Sara married George W. Rutledge on September 21, 2012, in Decatur; he preceded her in death on January 19, 2022.  Sara graduated from Vidal Sassoon Academy in London, England. She was a hair stylist and owner of Sara’s Brush N Dry. Sara was a member of the New Life Church in Sullivan.

She is survived by her son, Todd (Jackie) Maxedon of Sullivan; grandson, Cody (Maddie) Maxedon of Ft. Myer, FL; great-granddaughter, Mila Maxedon; niece, Anita (Tom) Key of Sullivan; special sister-in-law, Diana Hilliard of Sullivan; step-sons, Darryl Rutledge of Joliet and Jeffrey Rutledge of Charleston; step-daughters, Georgina Y. Rutledge of Romeoville and Venetia E. Rutledge of Joliet. Sara is also survived by her step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

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

Recent Obituaries: Robert D. Newcome

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Robert D. Newcome

Robert D. Newcome, 68, of Bethany, died December 27, 2022 in his home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2023 in Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua.
Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to the Casey Williams Foundation.
Robert was born on May 12, 1954 in Decatur, IL, the son of Robert T. and Norma J. (Nichols) Newcome. He married Donna Williams on July 16, 1977 in Assumption, IL. She survives.
Robert was a member of UAW #751 and retired from Caterpillar, where he worked for 35 years. He was also a security officer at Decatur Memorial Hospital for 30 years.
Surviving is his wife of 45 years, Donna; daughters: Ashley (Brigham) Hagerman of Sullivan, IL and Haley Cabit of Lincoln, IL; grandchildren: Eden Hagerman, Elise Hagerman and Jayden Cabit; and sisters: Beverly Griffith, Patricia (Ron) Long, Sue (Terry) Smith, Tami (David) Jones, all of Moweaqua, IL, and Brenda (Tom) Sargeant of Blue Mound, IL.
Robert was an accomplished artist and enjoyed pheasant and quail hunting, raising red setters and reading. A true family man, he cherished his wife, children, and grandchildren.
Preceding him in death are his parents.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements.  Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com .

Recent Obituaries: Rev. Sharon White

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Rev. Sharon White
Rev. Sharon L. White, 79, of Taylorville, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 6:15 AM Wednesday December 21, 2022 at Memorial Medical Hospital, Springfield.
Visitation is Tuesday, December 27, 2022 10:00 a.m. followed by funeral at 11:00 a.m. in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials can be sent to Crossroads Apostolic Ministries in Taylorville, IL (PO Box 345) or pay online at crossroadstaylorville.com. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Sharon was born March 2, 1943 in Sullivan, the daughter of Claude and Milon Reed. She was a graduate of Apostolic Bible Institute in St. Paul, Minnesota, and a licensed minister for the United Pentecostal Church International for over 50 years. Sharon co-pastored several churches and was a leader in the Ladies Ministry (UPCI)  in Illinois and Kentucky for many years. Sharon was known for playing the accordion, piano, organ and ministering in song and never failing to preach the Gospel. Her ministry changed lives.
Surviving are her daughters, Stephanie Price of Decatur and Michelle (Tim) Hancock of Taylorville; brothers Kenneth (Shelba) Reed of Casper, Wyoming and Gary (Linda - deceased) Reed of Columbia, Missouri; sister Yvonne (Gawain) Bevis of Arthur and a grandson Spencer Hill of Decatur.
She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter Cynthia White.

Recent Obituaries: Ronald Moody

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Ronald Moody

Ronald Douglas Moody, 81, of Sullivan, passed away 2:52 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022, at Courtyard Estates, Sullivan.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, with Military Rites by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project: PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or to the Sullivan American Legion Post #68: 8 E. Strain St. Sullivan, IL 61951.

Ron was born January 18, 1941, in Chadron, NE; the son of Robert Douglas and Laveeta Mae (David) Moody. He served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. Ron married Gayle A. Kruse on August 21, 1965, in San Francisco, CA; she survives. He enjoyed old cars, reading and having coffee with his friends at Red Apple. Ron loved spending time with and attending his grandkids’ activities.

He is survived by his wife, Gayle of Sullivan; sons, Damon Moody of Sullivan and Jason (Joni) Moody of Sullivan; daughters, Christine (Kurk) Grohler of Sullivan, Tonya (Scott) Bales of Sullivan, Lori Moody of New Mexico and Shannon (Jeff) Rose of Troy; grandchildren, Justin Grohler, Brock Bales, Nicola Grohler, Lily Bales, Marek Rose, Hayden Moody, Declan Rose, Julia Moody, Callum Rose, Matthew Moody and Ronan Rose; sisters, Connie (Deno) Ori of East Peoria and Bonnie Ridenoure of Elkhorn, NE

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Recent Obituaries: Susan Matusas

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Susan Matusas

Susan B. Matusas, 57, of Sullivan, passed away peacefully in her sleep in her residence on Saturday November 26, 2022.

A Celebration of Life reception will be from 6 - 8 pm. Friday in the Sullivan VFW. Private family services will be Saturday December 3, 2022 in the Liberty Cemetery, Sullivan. Susan requested memorials to Moultrie County PAWS, 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951, where she had adopted her two dogs, Gerdie and Stella. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Susan was born December 31, 1964 in Naperville, Illinois, the daughter of  David W. and Ruth Mark Miller. She had been a cook for the Sullivan Elementary School for several years. Susan was a member of the Sullivan First Baptist Church and Sullivan T.O.P.S. She enjoyed gardening and tending to her apple orchard. She enjoyed playing canasta, chinese checkers, and her favorite was monopoly. Susan was a devoted wife and mother and a people person who enjoyed socializing and was a good listener for people to talk to. She married Phillip Matusas on August 11, 1984 in Sullivan.
Surviving are her husband Phillip of Sullivan, children Cory (Michelle) Matusas of Decatur, Jasmine (Shane) Mize of Lovington, Heather Matusas of  Bethany,  Holly Matusas and partner Nathan Tavoletti of Bement and Phillip ( Kristin) Matusas, II of Oak Harbor, Ohio;  brothers Byron (Pam) Miller of St Charles and David (Barbara) Miller of West Chicago; sister Marcia (Pat) Casey of West Chicago and grandchildren Brooklyn Matusas, Brett Matusas, Baylor Matusas, Tatum Williams, Laynee Williams, Alexus Mize, Gavin Alsup, Kalie Alsup, Olivia Matusas, Sofia Matusas, Phillip Matusas III and Rozalie Matusas.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Nancy Bown.

Recent Obituaries: Evelyn Harris

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Evelyn Harris

Evelyn Lenora ‘Nory’ Harris, 86, of Sullivan, passed away at 6:36 p.m. Monday November 28, 2022 at Aspen Creek of Sullivan.

Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday December 3, 2022 at Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Interment will take place at Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan, Illinois immediately after the service. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Lenora was born August 16, 1936 in Sullivan, the daughter of Shirley and Evelyn Keen Kirk. She was a lifelong member of the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ. She married Rodney Harris on July 23, 1960 in Sullivan, and he preceded her in death on April 14, 2022. Lenora was a creative and talented person who created beauty in all she did. She loved to sew, upholster furniture, embroider, decorate, and arrange flowers. She made elaborate costumes for the Little Theatre, her church, family, and friends. Taking inspiration from her world travels, she learned Japanese flower arranging and the Austrian art of lacemaking, among many other arts. Her love of dolls led Lenora and her sister Mary to start a business called Treasure Haus where they imported and sold German-made “Lizzie” dolls. She also had a passion for the past and loved collecting photos and family histories from distant relatives scattered all across the country and world. She especially loved the Christmas season and made it magical, decorating with elegant and handcrafted ornaments, bringing the family together, setting a beautiful table for holiday meals, and making her house a home for everyone. She loved walking with her family, and was joyous in greeting loved ones and friends with her laughter and smile. Most of all, Lenora excelled at creating a happy, enchanted childhood, first for her own children, and then for her grandchildren.
Surviving are her daughters Jacqueline S. (Matthew) Lane of Sullivan and M. Allison (Steve) Witt of Monticello; son Jonathan C. (Elsa) Harris of Aliso Viejo, California; brother Ralph (Barbara) Kirk of Sullivan; sister Mary White of Sullivan; grandchildren Adriene Lane, Brendon Lane, Caleb Lane, Emmeline Witt, Liam Witt and Jonah Harris. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brothers Julian, Frank, Leon and Quentin.
To honor her passion for history and genealogy, memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County Historical Society, or to Moultrie County PAWs to honor her love of dogs.

Recent Obituaries: Corwin “Cob” Hill, Jr.

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Corwin “Cob” Hill, Jr.
Corwin “Cob” Hill, Jr., 94, of Lovington, passed away 6:15 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022, at the Arthur Home.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2022, at Hammond Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Ambulance Service. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Cob was born August 21, 1928, in Linter; the son of Corwin Lee Hill, Sr. and Virginia (Traxler) Hill. He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Cob married Mary Lou Price on January 15, 1954, in Lovington; she preceded him in death on February 10, 2010. He enjoyed buying and selling bicycles and used cars. Cob loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his son, Greg (Becky) Hill of Lovington; grandson, Justin (Stacy) Hill of Sullivan; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Blayne and Emery; niece, Kim Murphy of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 1 brother and 1 sister.

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