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CONSOLIDATED ELECTION RESULTS FOR 4/1/2025
Results will be updated as they come in.

Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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Recent Obituaries: Scott Long

News Progress Posted on February 12, 2025 by webmasterFebruary 12, 2025

Scott J. Long, 66, of Sullivan, IL, died February 8, 2025, in his home.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua. A visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Burial will be in Westside Cemetery, Moweaqua. Memorials may be made to Moultrie County Paws.
Scott was born on June 4, 1958, in Decatur, IL, the son of Paul J. and Mabel (Foreman) Long. He married Vicky Collins on December 30, 2009.  She survives.
Scott was affiliated with the Catholic Church. He was formerly employed with Bodine Electric and Hazelriggs Auto of Decatur, and spent many hours dredging Lake Decatur. Scott enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially fishing and boating.
Surviving is his wife, Vicky; daughters: Jenny Price of Mt. Zion, IL and Nicole (Jonathan) Stevenson of Naples, FL; five grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
Preceding him in death are his parents and sisters, Linda Cole and Debra Davidson.
Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Mary Grooms

News Progress Posted on February 5, 2025 by webmasterFebruary 5, 2025

Mary Grooms, 102, of Sullivan, died at 10:25 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025 at the Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home in Mattoon.
Mary was born June 25, 1922 in Humboldt, the daughter of Oliver and Bessie Seeley Starwalt. She married John W. “Jack” Grooms in Humboldt on June 7, 1941; he preceded her in death on May 11, 2001.
Survivors include her daughter, Mary Ann Sphar of Phoenix, AZ; son, John R. (Debbie) Grooms of Sullivan; grandchildren, Leigh Anne Sphar of Phoenix, AZ; Angie (Steven) Avila of Mesa, Arizona; Kristen (Brad) Hubble of Leroy, IL; Nick (Dr. Heidi) Grooms of Sullivan; Tyson (Kasey) Grooms of Sullivan; great grandchildren, Haegan Baumann and Brooklyn Sphar; Kailey, Brayden, and Brock Hubble; Gabby, Grace, and Jack Grooms; Tucker and Kiley Grooms.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jack; brothers, Willard and Rex Starwalt; sisters, Esther Clark, Mona Von Behren, Opal Borror, Charlene Young, Hettie Reece, and Alice Speck.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2025 at the Humboldt Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Shrader Funeral Home, 204 N. Locust Street, Arcola.
Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Sports Boosters or American Heart Association.
Online condolences to the family may be shared at www.hilligosssshraderfh.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Jane Ramsey

News Progress Posted on December 31, 2024 by webmasterDecember 31, 2024

Jane Ramsey

Jane Ramsey, 82, of Sullivan, passed away at 10:50 a.m. Sunday, December 29, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 2, 2025, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made in care of the family.Jane was born on May 3, 1942, in Tower Hill; the daughter of Hiram and Lona (Harlow) Bland. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, friends and her cats. Jane enjoyed sewing, the outdoors and gardening. She is survived by her sons, Carl Wayne Ramsey of Sullivan and William Langley of Pana; daughter, Katrina (Tary) Guynn of Sullivan. Jane is also survived by 9 grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Carl “Butch” Ramsey, 9 brothers, 8 sisters, 2 sons, 1 daughter and 1 grandson.Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Sheri DeAnn Williams

News Progress Posted on December 19, 2024 by webmasterDecember 19, 2024

Sheri DeAnn Williams, 57, of Dover, Tennessee passed away at 4:30 p.m. Sunday December 15, 2024 in the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky surrounded by her family.
Celebration of Life services will be at 12 Noon Saturday December 21, 2024 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Grant Wade officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Sheri was born April 22, 1967 in Decatur, the daughter of David and Connie Miller Smith. She married the love of her life, Robert ‘Rob’ Williams on May 17, 1986 in Decatur. Sheri had been a bus driver for public schools for over twenty-five years.
Surviving are her husband Rob Williams of Dover, Tennessee; daughter Tiffany Williams of Decatur; son Scott (Kyleigh) Williams of Decatur; mother Connie Smith of Sullivan; brothers Bryan (Dana) Smith of Kankakee and Tighe (Donna) Smith of Buchanan, Tennessee and grandchildren Brianna, Brilee, S. J., Jameson and Ryder.  Being a Grammy was one of the greatest treasures of her life.
She was preceded in death by her father David Smith and granddaughter Addilynn Williams.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries:Joyce Ellen Shellabarger

News Progress Posted on December 16, 2024 by webmasterDecember 16, 2024

Joyce Ellen Shellabarger

Joyce Ellen Shellabarger, 85, of Sullivan, passed away 8:41 a.m. Friday, December 13, 2024, at her home with her loved ones by her side.Memorial services will be held 11:30 a.m. Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Sullivan First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service Monday at the church. Memorials may be made to the Cunningham Children’s Home: 1301 N. Cunningham Ave, Urbana, IL 61802 or to the Sullivan United Women in Faith. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.Joyce was born on January 8, 1939, in Urbana; the daughter of Stanton and Catherine (Buntain) Bonwell. She married Richard Shellabarger on June 17, 1962 in Champaign; he preceded her in death on February 10, 2018. Joyce was a member of the Sullivan First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Moultrie County 4H for many years. She was a Cub Scout leader and merit badge counselor. Joyce was a Sullivan Junior High teacher, a Sullivan girls basketball coach and an assistant track coach. She loved sewing, baking and traveling with her husband Richard. Joyce loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.She is survived by her children, Sherry Shellabarger of Georgetown, TX, Sondie (Eric) Epley of San Antonio, TX, Samantha Berner of Sullivan, Stan (Dutes) Shellabarger of Chicago, Susan (Wyatt) Hicks of Charlotte, NC, and Seth (Amy) Shellabarger of St. Louis, MO. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and 1 brother.Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Dan J. Sentel

News Progress Posted on November 25, 2024 by webmasterNovember 25, 2024

Dan J. Sentel

Dan J. Sentel, 55, of Sullivan, passed away at 11:30 p.m. Friday November 22, 2024 in his residence.Celebration of Life services will be 11 :00 a.m. Tuesday November 26, 2024 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be 5 - 7 p.m. Monday. Burial will be in the Camfield Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Sullivan Police Department Equipment Fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.Dan was born August 9, 1969 in Decatur, the son of Frank J. and Lois Valentine Sentel. He was  a service technician for Sloan Implement and originally Schilling Brothers John Deere in Mattoon. Dan was a member of the Windsor Christian Church. Dan dedicated his life to John Deere and farming. He married Denise Naab on August 1, 1992 in Windsor.Surviving are his wife Denise of Sullivan, son Wyatt Sentel of Sullivan; brother David Sentel of Sullivan; mother-in-law Rosetta Naab of Sullivan, a nephew and three nieces and their families.He was preceded in death by his parents and father-in-law Roger Naab.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Robert Arthur “Bob” Childers

News Progress Posted on September 4, 2024 by webmasterSeptember 4, 2024

Robert Arthur “Bob” Childers

Robert Arthur “Bob” Childers, 87, of Gays, passed away 10:56 a.m. Monday, September 2, 2024, at his home in Gays.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 6, 2024, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the services. Burial will be in French Cemetery, rural Allenville. Memorials may be made to the Moultrie County PAWs: 10 Leisure Acres, Sullivan, IL 61951
Bob was born on April 2, 1937, in Bethany; the son of William Robert and Margie (Buckley) Childers. He married Barbara N. Nichols on June 5, 1959, in Charleston. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and working on cars. He loved all music, but he especially enjoyed Elvis and Johnny Cash.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Steve Childers of Mattoon; daughter, Sheila (Lyle Schoonover) Childers; brothers, Rick Childers of Allenville and Jeff Baker of Michigan; sister, Linda (Gilbert) Burns of Mt. Morris, MI, and Cherie Polk of Windsor; grandchildren, Michael Childers, Greg Childers, Heidi Childers and Alex Carter; sister-in-law, Betty Crites of Mattoon. He is also survived by 10 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Alan Lynn, sister, Eula and brother, Randy.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Edwin R. Righter

News Progress Posted on August 23, 2024 by webmasterAugust 23, 2024

Edwin R. Righter

Edwin R. Righter, 67, of Sullivan passed away at 3:43 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2024 in his residence.

Celebration of Life services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 26, 2024 in the Reed Funeral Home with Doug Fultz officiating. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the Solid Rock Chapel in Sullivan. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Righter was born on February 17, 1957 in Morris, Illinois, the son of Roy and Betty (Hahn) Righter. Edwin had worked as the maintenance supervisor at the Sullivan School District, he then retired from the City of Sullivan as the Electric Plant Manager and also worked at Wiley Brothers Farms. Edwin attended the Solid Rock Chapel in Sullivan and had been past president of the Christian County Tractor Pulling Association. He married Cheryl Johnson on September 6, 1981 in Arthur, Illinois.
Survivors include his wife Cheryl; children Jared (Melissa) Righter of Naperville, Illinois and Kelsey Righter of Texas; grandchildren Ella Righter, Inara Welty, Callum Welty and Isabel Elliott; mother Betty Righter of Sullivan and a brother Mark (Amber) Righter of Sullivan.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Byron F. Abrams

News Progress Posted on August 22, 2024 by webmasterAugust 22, 2024

Byron F. Abrams

Byron F. Abrams, 87, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:55 p.m. Tuesday August 6, 2024 in the Sullivan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday August 24, 2024 in the Sullivan Highway Church of Christ with Wayne Miller and Robert Hemingway officiating. Memorials are requested to the Sullivan Highway Church of Christ. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.
Byron was born January 16, 1937 in Sullivan Township the son of Homer Edmon and Edith Lillian Sager Abrams. He had been a truck driver for Bekins Transport. Byron was a member of the Sullivan Highway Church of Christ. He was an avid photographer, ham radio operator and was a published author. He married Susan Perry on December 26, 1958 in Sullivan.
Surviving are his wife Susan of Sullivan; daughter Paula (David) Evans of  Lovington; son Kevin Abrams (Frances Smith) of Rantoul; sister Barbara (Tom) Dean of Sullivan; four grandchildren and four great grandchildren
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Charles H. Abrams.
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Sharon K. Sibigtroth

News Progress Posted on August 19, 2024 by webmasterAugust 19, 2024

Sharon K. Sibigtroth

Sharon K. Sibigtroth, 74, of Sullivan, passed away at 1:39 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024 at St. Mary's Hospital, Decatur.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ, rural Sullivan with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.
Mrs. Sibigtroth was born on July 17, 1950 at Bloomington, Illinois, the daughter of William and Vera (Lee) Lishka. Sharon was a nurse and a member of the Elim Springs Church of Christ and the American Nursing Association. She married Daniel Sibigtroth on September 1, 1973 at LaSalle, Illinois and he preceded her in death on September 7, 2005.
Grams as she was affectionaly called by her grandchildren is survived by her children Andrea Sibigtroth-Harshman and her husband Daniel Harshman of Sullivan and Joseph Sibigtroth and his wife Jennifer of Granville, Illinois; grandchildren Ulrich Harshman, Frederick Harshman and Michelle Cox; great grandson Christopher Kaufman; brothers Bobby Lishka of Parma, Ohio and William (Carol) Lishka of Bloomington; sisters Joyce Helen (Cecil) Harris of Highland, Illinois, Darlina (Dillard) Wright of Antioch, Tennessee and Lorina (Scott) Purdum of Wickliffe, Ohio and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother William Medley and sisters Mary Margaret Poston, Sherry Duley and Nancy Searl.
Posted in Recent Obituaries

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Easter Donation



News Progress


The Kirby Foods meat department delivered hams to the Moultrie County Food Pantry on Wednesday the 16th, thanks to a generous anonymous donation. The hams will provide a nice Easter dinner.


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