Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Jack Shroyer

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Jack Shroyer
Jack M. Shroyer, 98, of Lovington, passed peacefully on Thursday, January 27, 2022, at the Arthur Home, one day before his 99th birthday.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at Keller Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials may be made to the American Foundation for the Blind: 1401 S. Clark St., Ste. 730Arlington, VA 22202. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

 Jack was born and raised in Lovington until he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 1942. During WWII Jack was stationed in San Diego where he met and married Martha Ferling who also served in the Marine Corp.

Jack and Martha returned to Lovington after the war and stayed until 1962 when they moved their young family to New Jersey. Jack retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a Contracting Officer around 1982 and he and Martha returned to Lovington.

Jack enjoyed hunting pheasant with his brittany spaniels and enjoyed attending draft horse shows throughout the Midwest. Jack was also a life member of the Free Masons Lovington and Arthur Lodge for 72 years.

Jack is survived by his children, Gary of Lovington and Rebecca of Pioneer, CA. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his wife Martha, his brothers Don and Harold and his sister Betty Jane who passed as a young child.

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

Recent Obituaries: Everett and Doris Elzy

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Everett and Doris Elzy

Doris Elzy, 84 of Sullivan, passed away at 12:50 a.m. Thursday January 13, 2022 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday January 17, 2022 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Mark Bjornbak officiating. Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan First Baptist Church. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending the visitation and funeral to please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Everett was born March 6, 1932 in Doniphan, Missouri, the son of Delmar and Minnie Kidwell Elzy and Everett passed away on June 21, 2021 in his residence in Alton, Missouri. He had worked as a chemical engineer for U.S.I. at Tuscola from 1956 until 1993. Everett was a
U. S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and had been a member of the Sullivan First Baptist Church. He is survived by his sisters Darlene Burgess and Ina Pickle of Sullivan and brothers Gale (Charlene) Elzy of Sullivan, Kenneth Elzy of Gainesville, Texas and Marshall (Kathy) Elzy of Sullivan. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother and sister and brothers Ralph ‘Red’ Elzy and Dean Elzy and granddaughter Rebekah..
Doris was born March 14, 1937 in Bethany, the daughter of Walter and Leota Hughey Oathout and Doris passed away on January 13, 2022 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She had worked as a cook for the Sullivan School System and the Masonic Home in Sullivan. Doris had been a member of the Sullivan First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Marion Oathout, Bill Oathout and Clyde Oathout and granddaughter Rebekah.
Everett and Doris were married May 22, 1955 in Sullivan. They moved to Colorado in 1997 where they open their home and became foster parents to over sixty children until 2010. They were members of the Faith Fellowship Church in Canon City, Colorado. They are survived by sons Steven Elzy of Monrovia, Indiana, Gary Elzy of Mattoon and Daniel Elzy of Lake George, Colorado; grandchildren Evan Elzy, Bethany Elzy, Jacob Elzy and Samuel Elzy and great grandchildren Damien Martinez Elzy and Aiden Martinez Elzy.

Recent Obituaries: Myra Williams Beachy

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Myra Williams Beachy

Myra Williams Beachy, 78 of Arcola, IL passed away at 4:50 A.M. on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at the Linda White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, January 4, 2022 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main St., Arcola, IL. Pastor Darrel Miller will officiate. Burial will be in the Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston, IL. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral, from 10:30 A.M to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, at the funeral home.
Myra was born on December 18, 1943 in Charleston, IL. She was a daughter of John and Bernice (Sims) Elston. She married Tommie Williams in 1976 in Arcola, IL; he passed away in 1991. She later married Larry Beachy.
She is survived by her daughters, Jeanette Suding of Sullivan, IL, and Tara Reed and her husband Charles of Villa Grove, IL, her husband Larry Beachy of Arthur, IL, two step-sons, Randy Williams and his wife Lennie of Arcola, IL and Mickey Williams and his wife Cindy of Oakland, IL, one step-daughter, Cindy Clements of West Frankfort, IL, nine grandchildren, Lindsey Slama and her husband Stephen of Fenton, MO, Jara Mendenhall of Mattoon, IL, Ben Good of Effingham, IL, Zach Good and his wife Darian of Fairgrange, IL, Matt Williams and his wife Lyndsay of Arcola, IL, Allison Biggs and her husband Rob of Arcola, IL, Andrea Robertson and her husband Alex of Waterloo, IL, Brandon Williams of Oakland, IL and Nathan Clements of West Frankfort, IL, 14 great-grandchildren, and one very special sister, Donna Canary and her husband Don of Springfield, IL.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and one husband, Tommie Williams.
Myra was a member of the Arthur Mennonite Church. She really enjoyed managing the Raggedy Ann and Andy Museum in Arcola, IL. She had worked at Eastern Illinois University and the Dutch Kitchen in Arcola.
Myra loved to decorate cakes, antiquing and flower gardening. She enjoyed visiting Florida, looking for seashells on the beach and spending time in the sun, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her girls.
Memorials may be made to the Arcola Public Library, Moultrie County PAWs or Sullivan Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

Recent Obituaries: Loueva Spires

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Loueva Spires

Loueva Spires, 81, of Sullivan, formerly of Litchfield, passed away at 10:15 p.m. Tuesday December 21, 2021 in Mason Point, Sullivan.

Private family graveside services will be Thursday December 24, 2021 in the Rosamond Grove Cemetery in Rosamond, Illinois with Pastor Roy Eller officiating, assisted by Pastor Don Lusk. Memorials are suggested to the Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi, Illinois. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Loueva was born December 31, 1939 in Coffeen, the daughter of Lawrence E. and Hazel D. McClain Williams. She had worked as a medical billing clerk for various area doctors. She was a member of the Sullivan Southern Baptist Church. Loueva married Kenneth Spires on July 5, 1958 in Oconee, and he preceded her in death on July 1, 2014.
Surviving are her sons William (Linda) Spires of Springfield, David (Daina) Spires of Bartelsville, Oklahoma and Lonnie (Jennifer) Spires of Bollingbrook; daughter Lisa (Eric) Shuman of Sullivan; brother Lorrie George Williams of Crossville, Tennessee; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Lawrence “Lannie” Williams and a grandson Tyler Lawrence Spires.

Recent Obituaries: Robert Floyd Abbott

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Robert Floyd Abbott

Robert Floyd Abbott, 77, of Sullivan, passed away 9:20 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, 2021, at his home in Sullivan.
Memorial services will be held 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan, with Military Rites following the memorial service by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Wednesday evening at the funeral home in Sullivan. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the service. Burial will be at a later date in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.
Robert was born on March 25, 1944, in Mattoon; the son of L. G. and Lulu (Gullion) Abbott. Robert attended Sullivan Schools. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Robert married Mary Elizabeth Musson on December 20, 2003, in Mattoon; she survives. He was a member of the Grant Street Church of Christ in Sullivan. Robert worked for the Illinois Central Railroad as an inspector and he was a ASC Certified Mechanic. He loved NASCAR, was an avid Jeff Gordon fan and had a huge Jeff Gordon memorabilia collection. Robert built his own Drag Car and loved drag racing, he also loved country music and came from a musical family and he played the bass guitar.
He is survived by his wife, Mary of Sullivan; son, Robert Glen Abbott of Michigan; daughter, Melinda Dawn Abbott of Mattoon; step-daughter, Lila Drennan of Tennessee; siblings, Merlyn Abbott of Mattoon, Eva Closson of Flora and Glenda Webster of Mattoon. He is also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, aunts and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brother, Albert Lloyd Abbott; brothers, Roger, Bill and Clark; step-daughter, Shari Caine.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Recent Obituaries: “Jay” Lane

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“Jay” Lane
JH “Jay” Lane passed away peacefully at 7:22 a.m. Sunday, December 12, 2021, at his home in Lovington with family members at his side. He was 85 years old.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 14, 2021, at Keller Cemetery, Lovington. The family requests face masks to be worn and to practice social distancing for the graveside services. Memorials may be made to the Lovington Ambulance Service. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.
Jay was born April 16, 1936, to James Delbert and Lois (Linville) Lane in Scottsville, KY. He and the former Lovina Kirkwood were married February 1st, 1956 and they were blessed with three daughters, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Jay was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and father-in-law and a devoted family man who enjoyed nothing more than the time he spent with his girls and their children.
He owned Lane Siding and Seamless Gutters for many years. Jay loved vacationing with his family in their motorhome and he also logged countless hours and miles being a “baton Dad” as each of his daughters were competition baton twirlers. He could always be found in the stands proudly holding trophies and medals as they were awarded. When not traveling to baton contests or working, you could often find Jay with his charcoal grill. He could grill almost anything, but his specialty was his golden “Lake Shelbyville Chicken.” Jay also loved to fish and did so every opportunity he could, but his family always came first.
Jay is survived by his wife Lovina; daughters, Diane Gore of Lovington, Beverly (Mike) Dillow of Jackson, MO, Pamela (Charles) Allen of Mims, FL; grandson, Heath Meece of Mims, FL; granddaughter, Angela Gore and great-grandson, Logan Emel both of Lovington; sister, Carolyn (Oliver) Walker of Sullivan and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three older brothers, Roger, Aubrey and Willie.

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

Recent Obituaries: Richard W. ‘Dick’ Sowers

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Richard W. ‘Dick’ Sowers

Richard W. ‘Dick’ Sowers, 91, of Bethany, passed away at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 8, 2021 at Aspen Creek in Sullivan with his family by his side.

A Celebration of Life service will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 13, 2021 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Chip Sanders officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Following the service military rites will be conducted by the Bethany American Legion.  Burial will be at a later date in the Marrowbone Twp. Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials are suggested to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Bethany American Legion. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Sowers was born on January 10, 1930 at Greenup, Illinois, the son of Hobert and Bertha Hutson Sowers.  Dick worked for and retired from the Village of Bethany. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Bethany, the Bethany American Legion and was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Dick was a woodcarver, loved camping, fishing and playing cards. He proudly served in the U. S. Army during the Korean conflict and had participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. and that trip meant a lot to him.
Dick married Wanda Tipsword on August 21, 1954 at Toledo, Illinois and she survives. Also surviving are his children Steve Sowers (Melody) of Bethany and Nancy Mueller (Gene) of Bethany; six grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter and a sister Pat Hayden-Titus of Greenup.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Pete, Kenny, Jim, Randy and Bill and one sister Betty.

The Sowers family would like to extend a special thanks to the Aspen Creek Staff for the wonderful care given to Dick during his stay there.

Recent Obituaries: Peggy Shipman

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Peggy Shipman

Peggy Shipman, 87, of Harrison, Arkansas, formally of Sullivan and Lovington, went to her heavenly home on Monday, December 6, 2021 at North Arkansas Regional Hospital in Harrison.

A Celebration of Life service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Mike Fender officiating. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Peggy was born on February 23, 1934 in Moultrie County, Illinois, the daughter of Earl and Nettie (Slover) Freese, who preceded her in death. Peggy graduated from Sullivan High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, Larry Shipman on September 19, 1957. They were married for 62 wonderful years and their life was full of adventure and fun. They were always together, spent winters in Texas, and enjoyed time with family and friends. Larry preceded her in death on July 23, 2019.

Peggy is survived by her daughter and son in-law, Debbie (Shipman) and Kevin Olinger of Wisconsin, her sister Nancy (Freese) Hostetler of Pennsylvania, niece Tammy (Hostetler) Royer of Pennsylvania, and a host of dear friends and family.

Recent Obituaries: Glen Ray

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Glen Ray
Glen Ray, 68, of Sullivan, passed away at 10:50 p.m. Tuesday November 23, 2021 in Carle Hospital in Urbana.

Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday December 1, 2021 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Steve Meyer officiating.  Visitation will be Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery in Sullivan.  Memorials are suggested to the Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance or to the Lakeside Baptist Church in Sullivan.  The family kindly suggests masks and social distancing for the visitation and services.
Glen was born January 2, 1953 in Decatur the son of Henry M. and Alberta May Harl Ray.
He had worked at Firestone in Decatur, Kaiser Chemical in Sullivan, Trailmobile in Mattoon, Illinois Department of Transportation at the Sullivan Shed from 1984 to 2009 and he worked for Earl Walker Company in Sullivan.  Glen had also helped farmers Eric Shuman and Mike Bone. Glen was a member of the Lakeside Baptist Church.  He was a avid outdoorsman.  He loved fishing, hunting, trapping, camping in Southern Illinois and going to Wyoming.  He loved to prank people and visit at Faststop for coffee with his friends Bob Emel and Cheryl Coddington and go fishing at the river with Terry Lane.  He was an avid CUBS fan.  Glen was a great father and grandfather.  He married Jane Funk on July 13, 1985 in Sullivan.
Surviving are his wife Jane of Sullivan; children Heath Ray of Sullivan, Jeremy (Autumn) Ray of Sullivan, Patricia (Mike) Carter of Charleston, Chad (Brandi) Vail of Champaign and Mark (Sarah) Vail of Mattoon; grandchildren Grace Ray, Matthew Ray, Joe Carter, Abby Carter, Elexa Vail, McKinzie Ray, Logan Ray and Briannae Saunders.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark Ray, sister Becky Emel and half-sister Matina Wiggins.

Recent Obituaries: Sharon Lee Houser

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Sharon Lee Houser
Sharon Lee Houser, 79, of Sullivan, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 9:19 p.m. Thursday, October 28, 2021, at her home in Sullivan, surrounded by her family.

 Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Monday, November 1, 2021, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan, Memorials may be made to the Moultrie County Illinois PAWs; 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951

Sharon was born August 26, 1942, in Champaign; the daughter of Clifford C. and Pearl (Bruder) Reynolds. She married Leroy W. Houser on March 29, 1969, in Urbana; he preceded her in death on August 6, 2007. Sharon worked at General Electric as a Quality Assurance Manager for 35 years. She loved her pets, watching the birds and sitting by her pond. Sharon also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and watching their sports games.

She is survived by her sons, Donald Wayne “Butch” (Melisa) Bennett, Jr. of Villa Grove and Michael F. (Mindy) Houser of Mattoon; daughters, Paula Ann (John Daily) Marlow of Sullivan, Kelly L. (Kevin) Conour of Lovington and Lisa K. Todd of Sullivan; sister, Dorothy Fitzsimmons of Villa Grove; grandchildren, Chris Bennett, Jeremy Bennett, Jaimie Moore, Mindia Clodfelder, Stacy Hill, Shelly Moore, Leroy “Jacob” Todd, Tyler Todd, Bradlee Todd, Fletcher Houser and Esme Houser. She is also survived by 16 great-grandchildren.

Sharon was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 1 brother, 4 sisters, son-in-law, Leslie Todd, granddaughter, Taleana and great-grandson, Dakota.

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