News Progress

Jayden N. Taber, 30, of Monticello, passed away at 10:54 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2026.

Celebration of Life services will be 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026 in the Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan with Pastor Don Lusk officiating. Visitation will be 3-5 p.m. Saturday. Memorials are suggested to the family for the children’s education fund. Online condolences may be sent to the family at reedfuneralhome.net.

Jayden was born February 9, 1996 in Mattoon. Jayden worked out of the Local 159 Labor Hall in Decatur. He attended the Southern Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, cooking and spending time with his children.

Surviving are his father Jay Taber of Sullivan; mother Juli Taber of Sullivan; significant other Jessie Pierce of Monticello; children Hayden Taber of Charleston, Julian Taber and Stevie Jo Taber both of Monticello; brother Hunter Taber of Sullivan; sister Breanne Taber of Avon, Indiana; maternal grandmother Carolyn Rawlings of Bethany; paternal grandmother Vivian Taber of Sullivan; nieces Kenadee McCoy, McKinlee Rawlings and Annalise McCoy and nephew Keegan Rawlings.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Larry Rawlings and paternal grandfather John Taber.

Dawn L. Becker, 69, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed from this life to life eternal at 9:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, Illinois.

Dawn was born November 3, 1956 in Effingham, the daughter of Van and Eva Dunagan Anderson. She married the love of her life, Bill Becker, on May 20, 1978, in Arcola. Together they built a loving home centered on family, laughter, and unwavering support for one another. Dawn served as a secretary for Sullivan Middle School for 20 years, volunteered on the Board of Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library and was a member of St. Columcille Catholic Church in Sullivan.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, Bill Becker of Sullivan; her three sons, Allen (Jackie) Becker of Edwardsville, Nathan (Cassie) Becker of Sullivan, and Ryan (Hannah) Becker of Champaign; and her seven beloved grandchildren, Evan, Drew, Dean, Nora, Mya, Eva, and Sophie, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her parents, Van and Eva Anderson of Arcola, uncle, Dana Anderson of Stewardson, and her cousins, Randy Rothrock, Vicky Coffin, and Angie Temples.

Dawn found happiness in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games, reading books, listening to music, and sharing her home with her beloved beagles. She possessed a wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a joke, bringing smiles to those around her.

More than anything, Dawn will be remembered for her deep love of family, her resilient spirit, her generous heart, and her ability to find joy and laughter even during life's greatest challenges. Her courage in the face of adversity and the love she shared so freely will remain with those who were blessed to know her.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Tuesday July 7, 2026 at St. Columcille Catholic Church, Sullivan. Prayer service will be 4:30 pm Monday with visitation to follow from 5-7 pm at Reed Funeral Home, Sullivan. Rite of Committal and Burial will be in Greenhill Cemetery, Sullivan. Memorials are suggested to Sarah Bush Lincoln Home Care, Elizabeth Titus Memorial Library or to the Champaign County Humane Society.