Category Archives: Recent Obituaries

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

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