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March 17, 2026 Election Results

Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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Recent Obituaries: Ivan LaMarre Moon

News Progress Posted on December 4, 2020 by webmasterDecember 4, 2020

Ivan LaMarre Moon

Ivan LaMarre Moon, 83, of Bethany, passed away, Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at St. Mary’s Hospital, Decatur, with his wife by his side.
Ivan was born April 10, 1937, in Dora Township, Moultrie County, IL, the son of Carl R. and Bertha Viola Moon. He married Carolyn Sue Poole on June 5, 1960, in Bethany, IL. Ivan worked 55 years for area John Deere stores including F.H. Bland and Sons, Bethany, Patterson-Tice and Sloan Implement, Shelbyville. He was well-known in the farming community as a skilled, dependable mechanic who kept John Deere equipment running efficiently. He loved working outdoors mowing several yards in the community for many years.
Ivan leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Sue at home; children, Timothy (Karen) Moon of Bethany, Kelly (Dan) Robinson and Kathy (Gary) Crowe of Sullivan and Tony (Lisa) Moon of Trenton, IL. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Ivan was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, three sisters and a daughter-in-law, Allison Moon.
Ivan was a hard-working, quiet man of few words who will be missed by his family and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Bethany. Visitation will be held one hour before the services. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany. Memorials may be made to the Dalton City Christian Church, Marrowbone Public Library or donor’s choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Larry Williams

News Progress Posted on November 4, 2020 by webmasterNovember 4, 2020

Larry Williams

Larry D. Williams, 66, of Waynesboro, Pa., formerly of Illinois, died at 9:45 p.m. EST, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.
A private family graveside service with military honors and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Larry was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Joliet, Ill., a son of Floyd and Imogene Gill Wallace. He was a veteran and had served as post commander of American Legion Post 429.
Surviving are his daughters, Tammy (Andy) Williams of Waynesboro, Pa. and Mackenzie (Tristin) Gingerich of Arthur; grandsons Caiden, Ben, Alex, Christian Williams, and Myles Gingerich, and granddaughter Olivia Williams; sisters Diana (Tim) Champion, Alberta (Timmy) Banning, Leona Williams, and Becky Williams, all of Decatur and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Ronnie Williams and Floyd “Willie” Williams.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, memorial donations may be made to the family.
Contact Tammy at 240-422-2877 or Mackenzie at 217-552-2231 for information on donations.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Floyd William Seelow

News Progress Posted on October 29, 2020 by webmasterOctober 29, 2020
Floyd William Seelow
Floyd William Seelow, 91, of Paris, Missouri, formerly of Perry, passed away at 4:10 a.m. October 27, 2020, at University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia.
Private family graveside services will be held November 4, 2020, at the Smyser Cemetery in Gays, Illinois, with celebration of life services in Perry held at a later date.
Mr. Seelow was born July 7, 1929, in Shelby County Illinois, the son of Fred and Bertha Hubner Seelow.
He married Pauline Daily on March 15, 1950, in Mattoon, Illinois and she preceded him in death on August 22, 2004. He later married Ruth Forbis on October 24, 2009, in Paris and she survives.
Other survivors include: one son, Alvin (Nancy) Seelow of Williamsburg, three daughters; Lois (Tom) Razzano of Sullivan, Ohio, Brenda Greenlee of Davenport, Iowa, and Linda (Don) Merritt of Carthage, Illinois; two step daughters, Linda Henderson of Monteray, California and Patty (Brent) Motter of Kirksville, Missouri, two step sons; Mike Forbis of Mexico and Gary Forbis of Hallsville, two brothers; Francis Seelow of Lovington, Illinois, and George Seelow of Garden City, Michigan, one sister; Lois Whitaker of Eureka, Illinois, 10 grandchildren, and 23 great grandchildren.
Floyd was preceded in death by two sons, Carroll and infant Phillip Seelow; one daughter, Karen Seelow; one step son, Steve Forbis; son-in law, Bob Greenlee and one brother, Morris Seelow.
Mr. Seelow moved from Illinois fifty years ago and was a member of the Perry Christian Church where he served as elder,  later an honorary elder, and taught Sunday school. He enjoyed farming, Bible study, traveling and especially spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be his grandsons.
Memorial Contributions my be made to the Perry Christian Church, P.O. Box 476 Perry, MO 63462 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105.
Online condolences may be made at www.bienhofffuneralhome.com
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Connie West

News Progress Posted on October 15, 2020 by webmasterOctober 15, 2020

Connie West

Connie S. West, 73, of Sullivan, passed away at 2:58 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at St. Mary’s hospital, Decatur IL.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 17, 2020, at McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the services Saturday at the funeral home. Face masks are suggested and please practice social distancing for the services. Burial will be in Pea Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials may be made to the Bethany Fire and Ambulance Service.
Connie was born on February 26, 1947, in Decatur, daughter of Hershel and Agnes (Myers) Weaver. She was a lifelong resident of Sullivan, where she graduated from Sullivan High school.
Connie married Donald E. West on November 6, 1971. They turned overgrown timber ground into a small farm north of Sullivan where they moved an old farmhouse from down the road and converted it into their single-story homestead. They created many adventures for their 3 children and 12 grandchildren working and playing on the farm. For many years they enjoyed going to frontiersmen rendezvous until the kids got older. She loved to make holidays special for the family and fostered many family traditions and fond memories, showering her grandkids with gifts that often came with a bit of harassment just to be ornery. Connie enjoyed sharing her love of baking with her grandchildren and taught them to make cinnamon rolls and homemade beef and noodles.
Connie adored her husband and words cannot describe the impact of his passing on May 31, 2013. She continued to take care of the farm with just a little help from her sons and her grandchildren, but even with the love she had of her family, life was not the same for her.
Connie is survived sons, Michael (Melinda) West of Bethany and David (Jaime) West of Monticello; daughter, Debbie (Jake) Walker of Chillicothe; grandsons, Owen West, Elijah Walker, Canon West, Benjamin Walker; granddaughters, Suzanna West, Rebecca West, Karsyn West and Miryam Walker, great granddaughter, Miabella Walker; step-grandchildren, Noah Richards, Trevor Richards and Mackenzie Richards; brother, Carroll (Nancy) Weaver and Elmo (Chris) Weaver of Sullivan; sister, Betty (Charles) Bolin of Sullivan; sister-in-law, Betty Lou Weaver of Sullivan.
She is preceded in death by her husband, both parents and brother, Wayne Weaver.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mcmullinyoung.com

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Sara Baker

News Progress Posted on September 17, 2020 by webmasterSeptember 17, 2020
Sara Baker
Sara L. Baker, 60, of Sullivan, passed away at 5:47 p.m. Tuesday in Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.
Celebration of Life services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Dave Dolan officiating. Visitation will be from 10 -11 a.m. Saturday. Burial will be in Arborcrest Memorial Park, Effingham. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family request that masks be worn and everyone practice social distancing for the visitation and funeral.
Sarah was born May 25, 1960 in Vandalia, the daughter of Leonard and Virginia Antrim Mack.
She was a member of the New Life Tabernacle in Sullivan and was a licensed cosmotologist and had also worked for the Sullivan Senior Center and had been a DJ for Cromwell Broadcasting in Mattoon. She married Larry Baker on February 14, 1987 in Normal.
To her family and friends, she has left her legacy of holding faith, family and friends as the most important ingredients of a life well lived. She rested knowing that they would keep the faith and care for each other.
Surviving are her husband Larry of Sullivan, daughter Brianna (Phil) Stoneburg of Mt. Zion; sons Jeremy Baker of Mattoon and K. R. Baker of Oakley eight grandchildren and a grandson.
Sara’s life well-lived included a very extended family that embraced and loved her. Her grandmother and her namesake, Rosalie Sarah Antrim, and her grandfather Alonzo Maloy Antrim, as well as aunts and uncles from bother her mother’s family and father’s family have preceded her in death. She is also survived by aunts Joan Lynch, who she lovingly called "Aunt Mom" and Betty Toops; as well as uncles Richard Antrim and Lee Antrim. Sara was also loved by her many cousins who have survived her, especially Cathy Hawks who was Sara’s kidney donor.
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Mary E. James

News Progress Posted on August 31, 2020 by webmasterAugust 31, 2020
Mary E. James
Mary E. James, 90, of Sullivan, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Saturday August 29, 2020 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield.
Private family Celebration of Life services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Nikki Reed, Certified Funeral Celebrant officiating. There will not be a public visitation. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County PAWS, Moultrie County Food Pantry or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family atreedfuneralhome.net.
Mary was born June 8, 1930 in Augusta, Illinois, the daughter of Frank and Alice Magill White.
She graduated from Augusta High School and Western Illinois University. She had been a physical education teacher and worked with her husband at their Sullivan Veterinary Clinic. She married Jason E. ‘Doc’ James, DVM on July 3, 1955 in Augusta, Illinois and he preceded her in death on January 21, 2007.
Mary was a member of the Sullivan United Methodist Church. She enjoyed bowling, playing Bridge, the Birthday Club, watching sports and reading.
Surviving are her sons David M. (Jackie) James of Lovington and Robert W. (Sarah) James of Shelbyville; granddaughter Kaya Sue James of Lovington; sister-in-law Allene White of Quincy; nieces Janet (Jim) Totsch of Quincy and Lori (Tracy) Kirbach of Springfield; nephews Paul (Ann) White of Minier and Richard (Dee) White of Quincy and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Bob White and Richard ‘Dick’ White and sister-in-law Judy White.
Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Linda Taylor

News Progress Posted on August 17, 2020 by webmasterAugust 17, 2020

Linda Taylor

Linda K. Taylor, 75, of Bethany, passed away at 6:46 a.m. Friday August 14, 2020 at Decatur Memorial Hospital, Decatur.
Graveside services will be 11:30 a.m. Wednesday in the Marrowbone Township Cemetery, Bethany with Pastor Ron Otto officiating. Visitation will be from 10 - 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family atreedfuneralhome.net. Please wear a face mask and observe social distancing at the visitation.
Linda was born February 28, 1945 in Springfield, the daughter of Joseph Parker, Jr and Beulah Elmore Parker. She had been a registered nurse for Cancer Care Specialists of Central Illinois in Decatur. Linda married William Taylor on June 21, 1969 in Assumption.
Surviving are her husband William of Bethany; daughter Jennifer (Paul) Bone of Clinton; son Todd Taylor of Orlando, Florida; brother Joseph D. (Lynn) Parker of Pawnee; grandchildren Camillia (Bryce) Hunsley of Manito, Brittney (Zach) Horrell of Kahoka, Missouri, Allison Bone of Clinton and Quentin Bone of Clinton and great granddaughter Eliza Hunsley.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter Hope Bone.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Frank Elzy

News Progress Posted on July 17, 2020 by webmasterJuly 17, 2020

Frank Elzy

Frank Elzy, 87, of Sullivan, passed away at 3:55 p.m. Tuesday July 14, 2020 in his residence.
Celebration of Life services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until service time. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan with military rites conducted by the Sullivan American Legion Post #68. Memorials are suggested to a charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending please wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Frank was born August 11, 1932 in Sullivan, the son of William Hurl and Lottie Ballenger Elzy.
Frank had been a farmer and was a member of the Sullivan Highway Church of Christ. He had been a member of the Sullivan AMBUCS, the Sullivan American Legion Post and the Sullivan VFW Post and is a member of the Moultrie County Rural Public Water District Board. Frank was a U. S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He married Marilyn Wood on May 26, 1951 in Sullivan.
Surviving are his wife Marilyn of Sullivan; daughters Lisa Jean Elzy of Charleston and Tania Marie Davis of Searcy, Arkansas; brothers Richard Elzy of Alton, George Elzy of Lexington; step-brother Dale Hall of Tennessee; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and son Eric.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Wandalee Rankin

News Progress Posted on July 7, 2020 by webmasterJuly 7, 2020

Wandalee Rankin

Wandalee (Wanda L.) Latch Rankin of Mattoon died around 9:45 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care. Wanda was born September 30, 1926 in rural Shelby County, Illinois to Artie D. and Mabel (Williams) Latch. She married Donald E. Rankin on February 21, 1946 at the rural Windsor residence of Reverend Ira Blythe. Don preceded her in death on December 29, 2014.
Wanda helped Don manage their farming operation near Sexson Corner until their retirement in 1985. She was the Ash Grove “Avon lady” for many years. In addition, she was a talented seamstress, gardener, crafter, and cook, as well as a very loving mother and grandmother. Cherishing the memories of her love are her four children David (Cheryl) Rankin of Mattoon, Carolyn (George) Ledbetter of Sullivan, Steven (Susie) Rankin of Decatur, and Beverly (Lee) Williams of Ohio. Wanda also leaves twelve grandchildren, thirty great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. One great-grandchild and two great-great-grandchildren preceded her in death.
A celebration of Wanda’s life will be held on Tuesday July 7, 2020 at Lovins-Lockart Funeral Home in Windsor at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be at the same location from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Please dress casually. The family understands that some may be keeping to themselves at this time. Condolences may be shared through the funeral home’s website at https://www.lockartgreenfuneralhome.com/ or to any of the children individually.
Wanda was a life-long member of the Ash Grove Christian Church. The family requests that those who wish to make memorial donations in her honor do so to the church or to the Activity Fund at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care where Wanda was very lovingly cared for the last several years.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

Recent Obituaries: Patricia Hagerman

News Progress Posted on July 6, 2020 by webmasterJuly 6, 2020

Patricia Hagerman

Patricia Ann Sitton Hagerman died July 4, 2020 at her home in Sullivan, IL, surrounded by her family. Patricia was born on February 4th, 1936 in Nacogdoches, TX and grew up in Marshall, TX. She met Felix Hagerman of Sullivan while vacationing in Estes Park, CO, and they married in 1960. She held secretarial positions at Shell Oil in Houston and at several Sullivan businesses. Patricia was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who cherished time spent with her family. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, and weekly coffee and lunches with friends. Patricia was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ in Sullivan. She was preceded in death by her loving husband in 2017, her parents and two brothers. She is survived by son David (Teresa) Hagerman of Sullivan, daughter Felicia (Dave) Benning of Sullivan, and grandchildren Camille, Keeley (fiancé Ked Houser), Sydney, Shelby, Isabella, Savannah, and Gabriel, and honorary daughter Sandy Hagerman. The family would like to thank all of the many loving caregivers who made it possible for Pat to live at home, especially Carlin, Dani, and Lily for their overwhelming kindness and compassion that helped develop her age-in-place program.

Celebration of Life services will be at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday in the Elim Springs Church of Jesus Christ with Vanessa Patient and Brigham Hagerman officiating. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until service time at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be in the Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to the Moultrie County Food Pantry. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net. The family requests that those attending to please wear a mask and practice social distancing. Arrangements by the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan.

Posted in Recent Obituaries

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Poppies to honor those who gave all



News Progress


On Friday, May 22nd, Ruth Keown, Vice-President of the Sullivan American Legion Auxiliary Unit 68, greeted the public at the entrance to the local Post Office, distributing Memorial Poppies. Each year, millions of Americans wear these Memorial Poppies in memory of American service members who lost their lives in war while serving their country, and to assist those Veterans who are now hospitalized or in rehabilitation, suffering from wounds and illnesses. Memorial Day poppies distributed by the American Legion symbolize the ultimate sacrifice made by service members and are a tribute to those who lost their lives in war. Wearing the poppy is a way to honor the fallen and ensure their bravery is never forgotten.


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