News Progress

Peggy Dorothea Harmon, 75, of Arthur died Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana surrounded by her family. Celebration of life services will be held 11:00 am on Saturday at the Arthur United Methodist Church with Pastor Jill Bunker officiating. Visitation will be 5-7p.m. Friday at the church and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will follow at the Arthur Cemetery. Shrader Funeral Home, Arthur, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorials are suggested to the Arthur United Methodist Church, Backpack Program and Arthur EMT Association.

Peggy was born on August 4, 1950, in Decatur, the daughter of Glen and Muriel (Casteel) Harmon.

Peggy graduated from Arthur High School in 1968 and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Eastern Illinois University and master’s from Illinois State University. 

Peggy dedicated 37 years of her life to teaching at Greeley and Centennial Elementary Schools in Streator, Illinois. A passionate reader herself, she found great joy in teaching her students to read and fostering a lifelong love of learning in the classroom. During her years in Streator, Peggy also pursued a variety of artistic hobbies and was actively involved in the American Red Cross, the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), and the Streator United Methodist Church.

Peggy was a cherished sister, aunt and great-aunt who brought joy and magic to every family gathering. She never missed a big or small moment and had a special tradition of encouraging the nieces and nephews to create a piece of artwork annually as they grew up – a treasured memory for all.  

Peggy was also a proud member of the Casteel “Cousins Crew” and shared a lifetime of adventures and traditions with her 19 first cousins – from making apple butter as a child, to annual family reunions and traveling the world together.  

After retirement Peggy returned home to Arthur. She embraced her retirement years with many adventures – traveling on cruises, bus tours and attending quilting retreats in Oblong with friends. She lovingly made quilts for her great-niece and nephews and spent many autumns working at The Great Pumpkin Patch in the Bridle Shop. 

A devoted member of the Arthur United Methodist Church, Peggy gave generously of her time by helping with Wednesday youth group and community dinners, participating in Bible studies, visiting nursing home residents and lending a hand to those in need. 

Survivors include her sister, Joyce (Steve) Jurgens of Arthur; nephew and nieces, Andrew (Crystal) Jurgens of Janesville, Wisconsin, Laura (Michael) Griffin of Madison, Wisconsin, Mary (Jordan) Knepp of Sycamore, Illinois; great niece and nephews Samuel and Matthew Jurgens, Grace and Grant Griffin, and Leo Knepp and several cousins.

She will be remembered as a loving sister, cousin, aunt, great-aunt, teacher and friend – someone whose warmth, kindness and joyful giving spirit touched countless lives. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.hilligossshraderfh.com 

Barbara Jean (Molzen) Trower, 90, of Lovington, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Eberhardt Village in Arthur, Il. 

Graveside services will be held 3:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Arthur Cemetery, Arthur, IL. As per Barbara’s request there will be no visitation. Memorials may be made to The Eberhardt Village Activity fund, St, Jude or Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice. McMullin-Young Funeral Home is in care of the arrangements.

Barbara was born on January 13, 1935, in Decatur, IL, the daughter of Ralph and Sarah Frances (Devine) Molzen, spending her youth growing up on the family farm in rural Lovington. She graduated from Arthur High School in 1952 and continued her education at Brown’s Business College in Decatur. Barbara had a diverse career, starting with the Mueller Company and retiring from Masterbrand in Arthur. Her biggest joy was spending time with her family; she would often joke that she spent half her life in school gyms or on football and soccer fields watching her children and grandchildren participate in various sports. She also enjoyed preparing large meals when most of her family would return for the holidays; the food was always plentiful and excellent. Always a sports fan, she watched the Illinois football and basketball teams whenever possible as well as football on Sundays.  During her later years she enjoyed doing crafts which she would proudly display in her apartment. She was a member of the Antioch Christian Church of Decatur.

Surviving are her sons, Jeff (Carolyn) of Lovington, Tim (Sandy) of Baraboo, WI, Phil (Gayla) of Beebe, AR; daughter, Pam Wood of Rock Hill, SC, sister, Phyllis Regalia of Ukiah, CA; brother, Roger Molzen of Sullivan IL.  She is also survived by many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. 

She was proceeded by her parents, husbands, Robert Trower and Loren Phillips, and son, Mark. 

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Eberhardt Village staff for their friendship and excellent care during her years there and most importantly their compassion during her final months, allowing her to spend her final days in her apartment with grace and dignity. We would also like to express our appreciation to the hospice nurses from Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice for their kindness and excellent care and Dr. Ellington for years of excellent care.

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