Obituaries

Jan 31, 2025

Rosalie Buchner, 87, of rural Oblong, IL, passed away peacefully on January 31, 2025, in the comfort of her sister’s home. Born on January 26, 1938, in Peoria, IL, Rosalie spent most of her life in Rockford, IL, where she worked as a supervisor in the mail department at the National Lock Company for 20 years. But her real...

Jan 29, 2025

Like a river, life moves in steady currents, carving its way through time and memory, shaping everything it touches. For 87 years, Bill Turner moved with that current, and on January 29, 2025, Bill’s journey reached its final bend as he drifted into the eternal in the comfort of his home in rural Palestine, IL.

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Jan 26, 2025

Stephen "Steve" Goff, 64, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2025, in the comfort of his mother's home. Born on August 19, 1960, in Vincennes, IN, Steve was a man who found his greatest joy under the warmth of the sun, whether on a job site or at a beach with a fishing pole in hand....

Jan 22, 2025

Nina Mae Pethtel, 87, of Robinson, IL, passed away peacefully on January 22, 2025, at Ridgeview Nursing & Rehab in Oblong, IL—the same town where her story began. Born in Oblong on July 7, 1937, Nina was the daughter of Perry & Bertha (King) Lackey, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by...

Jan 22, 2025

Gary O'Dell of Robinson, IL, passed away on January 22, 2025, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL, just one day shy of his 78th birthday. The melody of Gary's life began on January 23, 1947, in Mattoon, IL. From those early notes, his life's tune carried him and his family through Mattoon, Oblong, and rural Lawrenceville before...

Jan 16, 2025

Joan Marie Knoblett, 84, of Robinson, IL, left this world to enter into the presence of her Savior on January 16, 2025. She passed peacefully at her son's home, leaving behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and a life lived with deep purpose and love. Joan was born on January 22, 1940, in Sidney, IN, the daughter of Robert...

Jan 15, 2025

Peggy Ann Watson, 90, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. A woman of quiet strength and unwavering faith, Peggy's life was a reflection of humility, kindness, and a contentment that is rare in today's world.

Born on October 30, 1934, the only child of William Perry Drennen...

Jan 12, 2025

Richard “Dick” Allen Kent, Sr., 88, of Palestine, IL, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at Arbor Rose in Robinson, IL. Born on October 31, 1936, in Montgomery Township to Paul & Frances (Hanover) Kent, Dick’s life was guided by the simple yet profound motto he lived by: “We were put on this earth to help each other.”...

Jan 11, 2025

Mary Jo Rains, 86, passed away on January 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of charm, wit, and timeless elegance. Born to Russell & Audra Rains on December 14, 1938, in Hutsonville, IL, she grew up surrounded by the simple beauty of rural life, which shaped her love for local history and community.

Mary Jo...

Jan 11, 2025

Linda Sue Cooley passed away on January 11th, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana. She lived 66 years, with her life beginning on December 21st, 1958, when she was born in Lawrenceville, IL, to Lawrence & Reba (Ford) Midgett.

She left high school during her senior year to care for her ailing mother,...

Jan 6, 2025

Betty J. (Wheatly) Crutcher, 97, passed peacefully at Ridgeview Care Center after a short illness. Everyone who knew Betty loved to watch her work in her yard. She was incredibly proud of her yard and continued caring for it until she was in her nineties. Throughout the years, Betty was an avid bowler and played in tournaments all over....

Jan 5, 2025

Melody Ramsey, 70, of Palestine, IL, passed away on January 5, 2025. Born on September 5, 1954, in Terre Haute, IN, to Roscoe Eveland & Lucy (Dunlap) Carver, Melody entered this world carrying a story unlike any other. Though she was meant to be a twin, she always believed she lived with two heartbeats—a symbol of her remarkable resilience...

Jan 2, 2025

Some men leave footprints; Charlie Smith left tire marks.

Charlie, 67, of Oblong, IL, passed away on January 2, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. To know the man was to know someone truly one of a kind—a man who lived life unapologetically and made sure everyone around him felt his vibrant, larger-than-life...

Jan 1, 2025

Rocky Rash, 69, of Marshall, IL, wasn’t just a man—you might say he was more of a force of nature! Born at the Allen Sanitarium in Robinson, IL, on May 21, 1955, Rocky was destined to roam. He lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana, but Illinois pulled him back, having lived in Robinson, Newton, Marshall, and West Union...

Dec 27, 2024

If you ever met Wanda Shields, chances are you left with a smile on your face and a story to tell. Wanda, 68, of Palestine, IL, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family—exactly the way she wanted it. Born in Aurora, IL, Wanda was the daughter of Leonard & Isabell...

Dec 26, 2024

Grace Lorraine Cafin, 94, of Duncanville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. Born on January 3, 1930, in Chauncey, IL, Grace was the daughter of Jesse & Viola (Hopkins) Gowin. Her life began on her family’s 80-acre farm in the Klondike area, where hard work was a way of life and long...

Dec 25, 2024

Linda Sue Spade, 60, of Bridgeport, IL, formerly of Flat Rock, IL, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL, on Christmas Day, 2024—a poignant farewell on her favorite holiday. Linda was a bright light to all who knew her, her life a joyful celebration of family, sports, and the magic of the season.

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Dec 24, 2024

Phillip "Phil" Bailey, 52, of Sullivan, IN, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2024, in Merrillville, IN. He was born on October 2, 1972, in Vincennes, IN, and grew up in Palestine, IL, where his natural talents began to shine early. An exceptional athlete, Phil played football and excelled on the track. He was known for his speed, running...

Dec 23, 2024

Charles "Charlie" Clark Nickum of Robinson, IL, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2024. He was born January 21, 1936 in Mattoon, IL, the son of Charles and Vera (Clark) Nickum, both of whom preceded him in death.

On August 25, 1957, he married Diane Shore, embarking on a 67-year companionship. Charlie is survived by...

Dec 19, 2024

John C. Boyd, 64, of Palestine, IL, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 19, 2024. A man of curiosity, ingenuity, and heart, John's life was filled with the connections he built, the skills he mastered, and the love he shared with his family. Born on August 30, 1960, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Rev. Robert Charles Boyd &...