Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Clarence Eugene “Pickle” Standerfer

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Clarence Eugene “Pickle” Standerfer

Clarence Eugene “Pickle” Standerfer, 84, of Sullivan, passed away 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

 Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. –2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 13, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Findlay Cemetery, Findlay.  Memorials may be made to the Sullivan Fire Department or to the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center Activity Fund.

Pickle was born November 19, 1937, in Allenville; the son of Samuel Clarence and Mabel Marie (Webb) Standerfer. He served in the United States Army Reserves. He married Darlene June Britton on February 3, 1962, in Decatur; she survives. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sullivan. Pickle enjoyed coaching youth softball and baseball. He was an avid Ford and NASCAR fan. Pickle was a Dirt Track Champion and was inducted into the Farmer City Raceway Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife, Darlene of Sullivan; sons, Scott (Lisa) Standerfer of Charleston and Rodney (Missy) Standerfer of Brighton; daughter, Janice Standerfer of Sullivan; grandchildren, Phil (Laura) Humphreys, Donnie Standerfer, Bill (Kaity) Standerfer, Scotty Standerfer, Danielle Standerfer and Jonathan Gavin; sister, Karen Rodgers of Sullivan. Pickle is also survived by 6 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Recent Obituaries: Alex Rothrock

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Alex Rothrock

Alex Timothy Rothrock, 29, of Bethany, IL, received his coronation at 8:07 a.m. Wednesday, October 19, 2022 in Manchester, TN.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2022 in Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Sullivan, IL with Pastors Tim Henderson and Josh Mclain officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, 415 N. Broadway, Shelbyville, IL 62565. Burial will be at a later date in Findlay Cemetery, Findlay, IL. Memorials may be given to Teen Challenge.
Alex was born on April 21, 1993 in Decatur, IL, the son of Timothy Jay and Brenda Annette Yantis Rothrock. He graduated from Okaw Valley High School in 2011 and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theological Studies from the University of Valley Forge, Phoenixville, PA in 2019. He graduated summa cum laude with honors. Alex LOVED baseball. His knowledge and recall of MLB history, statistics and players was astonishing. He was a lifelong die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. Alex rarely attended a game where he did not receive a game ball. Whether it was catching a foul ball, a batting practice ball, or just getting a player to toss him a ball – he just seemed to have a knack for one of those to end up in his own glove, which he always took with him.
 Alex completed Teen Challenge in March of 2015 and upon completion, worked with this faith based recovery ministry in various roles. Later on he worked with Be the Bush recovery ministry in Manchester, Tennessee.  Most recently, Alex worked as a scout for Prep Baseball Reports.
He was a member of Jonathan Creek Christian Church, Sullivan, IL.
Alex is survived by his parents, Tim and Brenda; sister, Ariel Annette Short (Dylan) of Mattoon, IL; nieces, Kinley and Keller Short; grandparents, Ron Rothrock of Findlay, IL, and Jim and Julie Yantis of Decatur, IL; uncles, Jim Yantis (Kendra) of Cumming, GA, and Jeff Rothrock (Karen) of Utica, IL; cousins, Bella, Connor, Collin and Brody Yantis of Cumming, GA., and Kyle and Janelle Rothrock of Utica, IL.
Alex was absolutely wild in love with his sweet nieces Kinley and Keller.  They shared an amazing relationship and the girls just adore him. He was really looking forward to meeting his new niece Charley who is due to arrive any day.
The special people in Alex’s life are too numerous to list. If you knew him - you loved him and the feeling was mutual. Alex was a friend to many and felt with deep empathy for the hurts and trials of others. Whether to share a laugh or a cry – you could count on him to be there with his full support. He just loved people.  No judgement – Unconditional love.  He could always be counted on with his quick wit to make you laugh or smile no matter what you were dealing with.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” John 8:36
By accepting Jesus as his Lord and savior, Alex is now no longer bound by the chains of addiction but has been set free.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Sue Rothrock.

Send condolences to www.howeandyockey.com

Recent Obituaries: John R. Henderson

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John R. Henderson
John R. Henderson of Springfield went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ on October 17, 2022.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2022, at Smyser Christian Church, rural Gays. No visitation will be held. Burial will be in Smyser Cemetery, rural Gays. Memorial contributions may be made to the West Side Christian Church, Springfield, Illinois. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
John was born July 8, 1938 in Mattoon, Illinois, the son of Charles and Margaret Cole Henderson. He graduated from Sullivan High School in 1956, Lincoln Bible Institute in 1960, Washington University in St. Louis with an MSW degree in 1969 and Sangamon State University in Springfield, Illinois with a Master’s in Public Administration degree in 1978.
As an ordained Christian minister, John served as youth and adult minister in Illinois area churches, and as Director of Social Services for Children’s Christian Homes. For several years he served as elder and adult bible fellowship teacher at West Side Christian Church in Springfield. He retired from the state of Illinois, Dept of Children and Family Services after 35 years of service.
John married Joyce Johnson of Windsor, Illinois in 1959 in a double wedding with his brother Dane and Joyce’s sister Nancy. He is survived by 2 daughters, Dee Henderson and Tammy Henderson, both of Springfield, son Mike Henderson, of Braidwood, IL, and Grand-daughter Breanna Henderson of Springfield. He is also survived by his brother, Dane (wife, Nancy) of Sullivan, Illinois, several nieces and nephews and their families.  His mother and father preceded him in death.

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

Recent Obituaries: Helen Louise Hunt

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Helen Louise Hunt

Helen Louise Hunt, 84, of rural Sullivan, passed away 11:03 p.m. Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Sullivan. Burial will be in Smyser Cemetery, rural Gays. Memorials may be made to the Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice: 1004 Health Center Drive, Suite 202Mattoon, IL 61938.

Louise was born March 31, 1938, in Windsor; the daughter of Andrew and Helen (Cummings) Weakley. She married Jesse Edwin Hunt on May 20, 1961, in Windsor; he preceded her in death on September 7, 2022. She was a member of the Smyser Christian Church in rural Gays.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Clough of Mattoon; grandchildren, Matt (Tiffany) Hunt of Mattoon and Jesse Clough of Mattoon; brother, Richard (Karen) Weakley of Clifton. Louise is also survived by 5 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: Lazan Harshman

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Lazan Harshman

Lazan Harshman, age 70, of Sullivan passed away Thursday (September 29, 2022) at St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur, Illinois.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 4th at the Reed Funeral Home in Sullivan. Celebration of Life services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 22nd at the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ in Sullivan, Illinois with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Ambulance Service.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Lazan was born July 29, 1952 in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of John D. and E. Joyce Misenheimer Poland. Lazan graduated from Sullivan High School in 1970 and attended Lakeland College before marrying her high school sweetheart, Bruce Harshman on December 12, 1970. They raised two children together, Carrie Perry of Sullivan and John Harshman of Bethany.
Having been voted "most polite" by her graduating class, it's no surprise that Lazan was known for her immense kindness and bubbly personality. She never once met a stranger, making all who met her feel special and important. Lazan was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She was a homemaker for the majority of her life, but had many hobbies and interests outside of the home. She never encountered a crossword puzzle that she couldn't solve, a jigsaw puzzle that she couldn't piece together or a species of bird or tree that she couldn't identify. Both Carrie and John extend their appreciation to her for doing their freshman year "leaf project". More than a wife, mother and grandmother, she was our best friend, our traveling companion and our heart. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years and both parents. Survivors include her daughter, Carrie Perry of Sullivan; son, John Harshman of Bethany; grandson, Samuel Perry of Sullivan; and brothers, Steve (Theresa) Poland and Jim (Mary Lou) Poland both of Sullivan.

Recent Obituaries: Mary Margaret Dolan

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Mary Margaret Dolan
Mary Margaret Dolan, 96, of Sullivan, went to be with the Lord, 5:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital, Mattoon.

Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1, 2022, at New Life Church, Sullivan. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Church. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, at a later date. Memorials may be made to The Life Center Food Pantry.

Mary was born October 11, 1925, in Orange County, Paoli, IN. Mary is the oldest child of William and Effie (Lashbrook) Morris. She graduated from Bethany High School in 1944. She married Stanley M. Dolan on May 7, 1950, in Bethany, IL; he preceded her in death on September 3, 2016. Stanley and Mary were the owners of the Resale Shop in Sullivan for eight years and they were the administrators of The Ministry Center at New Life Church for 28 years. Mary was employed as a telephone operator in the old Standard Oil Building in Decatur. Later she worked as an Administrative Secretary in the purchasing department at Houdaille-Hershey in Decatur. Houdaille-Hershey was the war plant that manufactured parts for the Atomic Bomb. When the plant closed Mary went to work as an Administrative Secretary to Purvis Tabor at Tabor Grain Company in Sullivan. During her life she was a soloist for graduations, funerals, weddings and she sang with Wilma Wilhelm and Marsha Righter in the Jonathan Creek Church Trio.

She is survived by her sons, David (Debra) Dolan of Sullivan, Daniel (Barb) Dolan of Mattoon and Robert Dolan of Sullivan; sister, Jeannette Cochran of Saratoga Springs, NY; brother-in-law, Bob Primmer of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Jenn (Eric) Crouse, Liz Dolan, Jonathan (Kaela) Dolan, Aaron (Tiffany) Dolan, Rachel Dolan, Becca (Aaron) Wilhelm, Faith Dolan, Timothy Dolan and Christian (Kristen) Dolan; great-grandchildren, Bretton (Hattie) Crouse, Reagan Crouse, Anderson Crouse, Hudson Dolan, Isabel Dolan, Elliot and Remi Dolan, Ayden Dolan, Brooklyn and Jaxon Davis, Madelyn and Emersyn Wilhelm; great-great-grandchildren, Alyric Collins, Josie Crouse and baby Crouse in February.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sisters, Emma Lou Primmer and Genell Keown; brother, Bill Morris; brother-in-law, Leon Cochran; sister-in-law, Erna Morris.

The family would like to give a special thanks to her son Robert Dolan for more than 20 years of loving care for Stanley and Mary.

A special appreciation to our best friends for more than 60 years, Charlie and Bernadine Casteel and Estel and Roberta Freese.

A special thanks to Becky Morgan of Help at Home, Jayne Stewart and Jeannie Brown who helped with Mother.

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

Recent Obituaries: Carroll “Sonny” Chaney

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Carroll “Sonny” Chaney
Carroll “Sonny” Chaney, 87, of Decatur, IL, passed away Tuesday, September 20, 2022 at his home at Randall Residence in Decatur, IL.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 26, 2022, with visitation 5 to 7 p.m., Sunday, September 25, at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany, IL.  n lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Sonny’s honor to: American Legion in Bethany, IL.
Sonny was born August 8, 1935, in Sullivan, IL, the son of James Eugene and Ruth (Plummer) Chaney.  He married D. Joan Pritts on November 24, 1984 in Decatur, IL.  She preceded him in death on April 13, 2018.
Sonny proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Wyandot during the Korean conflict.
Sonny was a member of First Christian Church.  He worked for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring after 38 years of service and later for the Decatur Auto Auction. Sonny was a member of the American Legion in Bethany. He enjoyed fishing, watching NASCAR races and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals.
He is survived by his children: Mark Chaney (Katheryn) of Florida, Allan McDaniel (Wynette) of Morton, Susan McDaniel of Burnsville, NC, Joni A. Thee (Dennis) of Decatur, Leslie Snyder (Jim) of Walla Walla, WA; grandchildren Josh Chaney (Morgan) of Springfield, Philip McDaniel (Katie) of Arkadelphia, AR, Nick McDaniel of Morton, Darin Doty (Kristin) of Champaign, Trent McDaniel of Long Beach, CA, Blake Wells (Rachelle) of Moweaqua, Alyssa Goodman (Kyle) of Morton, Jared Wells of Decatur, Hope Snyder of Seattle, WA, Abby Snyder of Walla Walla, WA, Jesse Snyder of Walla Walla, WA; 11 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife of 33 years, Joan, and sister Joanna Cole.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes at www.brintlingerandearl.com.

Recent Obituaries: Larry Loy

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Larry Loy
Larry D. Loy, 80, of Hammond, passed away 3:02 p.m. Thursday, September 15, 2022, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 19, 2022 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 20, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Family requests casual attire. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the Hammond Community Booster Club.

Larry was born February 21, 1942, in Galesburg; the son of Lawrence D. and Lois (Lundquist) Loy. He married Phyllis R. Maxedon on August 12, 1961, in Sullivan; she survives. He enjoyed hunting, sports and gardening. Larry loved spending time and being with family.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Hammond; son, Larry Douglas Loy of Firestone, CO; daughters, Barb (Dan) Davies of Champaign, Pamela (Douglas) Sims of Hammond and Jackie (Heath) Welch of Marion; brothers, Ronald Loy of Tennessee, Richard (Carol) Loy of Mt. Zion, Ray Loy of Sullivan and Dave (Tami) Loy of Sullivan; sister, Myrna Kercheval of Sullivan. He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Recent Obituaries: Timothy Squire Roberts, Sr.

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Timothy Squire Roberts, Sr.
Timothy Squire Roberts, Sr., 69, of Lovington, passed away 11:05 p.m. Sunday, September 11, 2022, at Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2022, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the funeral home in Lovington. Burial will be in Wright Cemetery, Findlay. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

 Timothy was born September 7, 1953, in Decatur; the son of Elmer R. and Betty (Cox) Roberts. He married Karen L. Wentzel on April 24, 2010 in Decatur; she survives. He was a member of the Lovington First Christian Church. Timothy enjoyed jail ministry, hunting, baking and storytelling.

He is survived by his wife, Karen of Lovington; son, Timothy S. (fiancée Rebecca Homerin) Roberts, Jr. of Rantoul; daughter, Amanda (Tim) Sides of Sullivan; step-sons, Nicholas (Missy) Vitai and Daniel Vitai both of Pittsburg, PA; brother, James Roberts of Decatur; sisters, Marilyn Kaye Gifford of Columbus, IN, Judy Peifer of Springfield, Theresa Roberts of Decatur and Toni (Lance) McTaggart of Chatham. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild.

Timothy was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Diane Oliver, several aunts and uncles.

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

Recent Obituaries: Mattie Jo Fifer

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Mattie Jo Fifer
Mattie Jo Fifer, 102, of Sullivan passed away 5:09 PM Thursday, September 8, 2022 at Courtyard Estates, Sullivan.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in Mt. Zion General Baptist Cemetery, Mattoon. Memorials may be made to Courtyard Estates, Activities Fund.

Mattie Jo was born May 29, 1920 in Sullivan, the daughter of John Ivan and Lena Marie (Reedy) England. She was retired from Brown Shoe Company, Sullivan. She was a member of the Mt. Zion General Baptist Church, VFW Auxiliary, Mattoon and the Mattoon Eagles. Mattie Jo enjoyed life and sewing.

She is survived by her daughters, Joline Rollings and Dixie Arthur both of Sullivan; grandchildren, Kevin French of Louisville, Ky, Mark French of Gays, Vonnie (Doug) Lee of Sullivan, Aimee (Jeff) Boswell of Mattoon, Tera (Travis) Wallace of Mattoon, Gina (Kevin) Moran of Sullivan and Erika Arthur of Mattoon; 5 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug Arthur; 2 brothers, Jack and Bob England and granddaughter, Greta Arthur.

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