Faye Stephens, 86, of Taylorville, passed away at 9:50 pm Monday, October 29, 2012 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  She was born September 2, 1926 in Taylorville, the daughter of Bert and Sarah Smith Neal.  On September 25, 1943 she married Howard L. Stephens in St. Charles, MO.  she graduated from Taylorville High School and was a lifelong resident of the Sharpsburg area.  She was a member of the Presbyterian Church in Taylorville.

She is survived by her husband, son, Danny Stephens and wife Marilyn of Taylorville; daughter, Bonnie Leach and husband Lyman of Springfield; 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; and sister, Kathryn Aichele of Springfield.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 brother, 1 sister and a granddaughter.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00am Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Bethel Cemetery in Sharpsburg with Rev. David Anderson officiating.  There will be no visitation. 

Arrangements by McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Condolences may be sent on-line at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Thelma I. Melton, 92, of  Taylorville formerly of Stonington passed away Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 5:20pm at Lincoln Rehab Center in Decatur.  She was born May 9, 1920 in Beecher City the daughter of Frank and Nancy Mae Shell Hogge.  She married Lester Eugene Melton in January, 1955 in Decatur.  He preceded her in death in August, 1997.  Mrs. Melton was a homemaker and a member of Grace Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughters;  Judith Kimmons and husband Robert of Decatur and Delores Jantz of Palm Desert, CA.; 5 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 3 brothers and 1 sister.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 12 noon at McClure Funeral Home with Pastor Philip Neumann officiating.  Burial will be in Old Stonington Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 10:00am until time of service Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.

Arrangements by McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Condolences may be sent on-line at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com. 

Marilyn P. Belangee, 81, of Taylorville passed away at 4:20 pm Tuesday October 23, 2012 at Garden Court Shelbyville Manor in Shelbyville.  She was born June 9, 1931 in Taylorville, the daughter of Russell Edward and Leona Bates Bell.  On October 22, 1950, she married Douglas Peters in Taylorville and he preceded her in death in January, 1963.  She then married Virgil W. Belangee in November, 1965 in Taylorville and he preceded her in death in April, 1998.  She graduated from Taylorville High School in 1949 and spent her lifetime as a bookkeeper working for the Christian County Farm Bureau, Essen Hardware, Hopper-Sangamon Credit Union and the Taylorville Community Credit Union.  Marilyn was also part owner of the V & M variety Store on the Taylorville Square.  She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville serving on many committees through the years.  She was also active with the United Methodist Women, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and several bridge clubs. 

She is survived by sons; Mark Peters and wife Sharon of Taylorville, Bradley Peters and wife Bridget of Monticello, Step-son Dave Belangee and wife Paulette of Chicago; 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; step sisters, Elma Masters and Gloria Jones.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 husbands and 2 sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, October 29, 2012 at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until time of service in McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church 200 S. Walnut Taylorville, IL.  62568 or Garden Court of Shelbyville Manor 1111 N. 12th St. Shelbyville, IL.  62565 

Arrangements by McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Condolences may be sent on-line at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com. 

Phyllis J. Boch, 69, of Taylorville, passed away at 6:43am Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at meadow Manor Nursing Home in Taylorville.  She was born December 11, 1942 in Nokomis the daughter of Orville Dean and Hilda Hopwood Morell.  Mrs. Boch had been employed in the Data Processing division of Hillsboro Hospital for many years and then she later worked at First Union Bank in Charlotte, NC.

She is survived by her daughters; Dee Krueger and husband Kevin, and Michelle Boch; 3 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; sisters; Jeanette Ball of Moweaqua, Vicki Bell of Hillsboro, and Ruth Ward and husband Gary of Orlando, FL.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

There will be graveside services at a later date.

Condolences may be sent on-line at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com. 

Catherine Sparling, 91, of Taylorville, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:00pm at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville.  She was born April 6, 1921 i Kirksville, MO, the daughter of Angelo and Celestina Sebben Andrighetti.  SHe married Berlin L Sparling on December 27, 1941 in St Charles, MO and he later preceded him in death July 3, 2012.  She worked several years at Taylorville High School Cafeteria.  She was a member of VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  She attended the First Presbyterian Church in Taylorville.  She loved her family and was loved by all that knew her.  For several years her favorite pasttime was B-I-N-G-O!

She is survived by her daughter: Judy (husband Larry) Stringer, grandchildren: Robyn Lazzarini of Decatur, Debra (husband George) Yard of Taylorville, Ricci Lazzarini of Decatur, step grandchildren: Sam Stringer, Sue Ellen Vince both of Taylorville, Crissy Evans of Kincaid, great grandchildren: Sammy, Shane and Ryan Stringer of FL, Abby and Lauren Evans of Kincaid, Kevin and Noah Vince of Taylorville, twin sister: Antonia Verardi, brother: James (wife Greta) Andrighetti of Taylorville, sister in law: Helen Johnson of Taylorville and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and sisters: Angelina Daros and Mary Borio.

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 25, 2012 from 9-11am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Funeral Services Thursday October 25, 2012 at 11am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Dr Charles Banning officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to VFW Ladies Auxiliary, 515 N West Ave Taylorville, IL 62568 or First Presbyterian Church of Taylorville, 116 East Franklin Street Taylorville, IL  62568.  Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign online guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.

Harold Clayton Jr., 55, of Springfield, passed away October 18, 2012, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born October 1, 1957 in Highland, the son of Harold and Betty Farley Clayton.  He worked at the State Fair Grounds in Springfield.

He is survived by sister, Mary (Dale) Lowis of Taylorville and Carol (Roy) Meskil of Wildwood, FL.; brothers, Larry and Gary Clayton of Wildwood, FL., and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and 4 sisters.

Cremation rites will be accorded and service will be at a later date.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.

Faye J. Conrad, 60, of Fillmore, passed away October 16, 2012 at 12:54pm in Montgomery County Rehab, Taylor Springs, IL.  She was born April 25, 1952 in Hillsboro, IL., the daughter of James Michael and Wanita Reichart Woods.  She married Edward B. Fitzpatrick in July, 1971 in El Paso, TX. He preceded her on June 1, 1992, she then married Arthur S. Conrad in Hillsboro, he preceded her in February, 2010.  She was a retired homemaker and motel manager for 7 years in MA. and a member of Baptist Church.

She is survived by daughter, Andrea Mercauto of NY; sons, John (Janet) Fitzpatrick of Ramsey and Arthur S. Conrad of WI.; step-daughter, Melissa Grifone of MA.; sister, Maurica Manley of Ramsey; brothers, Jake (Loretta Wood of Christopher, Michael James (Shirley) Woods Jr. of Benld and Keith (Judy) Woods of Irving; several grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded by parents, both husbands, sister, Nancy (jim) Billingsley and Brenda Knipper; brothers, George W. Wood and Arthur Larue Woods in infancy.

Graveside services will be at a later date with Inurnment at Antioch Brunswick Cemetery in Westervelt, IL.

Arrangements by Allen and Sutton Funeral Home in Fillmore.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Wade W. Allen, 72, of Stonington passed away Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 6:05am at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  He was born January 12, 1940 in Stonington the son of Merrill A. and Alice M. Myers Allen.

He is survived by an Uncle, Paul Myers of Decatur; Aunts, Lexie Cook of Moweaqua, Rosemary Leonard of Decatur and Joanne Andis of Oklahoma City, OK and his caregiver, Becky Nation.

Private family graveside services will be held Thursday, October 18, 2012 at Old Stonington Cemetery in Stonington with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating.

Condolences may be sent on-line at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com. 

Randall E. Smallwood, 39, of Taylorville, passed away October 13, 2012 at 2:55pm at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.  He was born April 10, 1973 in Taylorville, the son of Charles Smallwood and Larry and Brenda Adams.  He married Tammy Brown in 2000 in Mattoon.  He was a cab driver and a member of Life Tabernacle Church and Taylorville Christian Church. 

He is survived by his wife, Tammy; parents, Charles Smallwood of Cincinnati, OH., Larry and Brenda Adams of Taylorville; step-son Nick Navarra of IA.; sister Marcia Fleming of Taylorville; Aunt and Uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Smallwood of Cincinnati, OH.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Charles and Goldie Smallwood and Sam and Mary Fleming.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 10:00am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Dick Wamsley officiating.  Burial will be in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens in Taylorville. 

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Sutton Memorial Home 327 N. Clay St. Taylorville, IL. 62568 

Geraldine L. "Gerry" Sockel, 92 of Taylorville, passed away on Friday, October 12, 2012 at 11:40am at Taylorville Care Center.  She was born March 12, 1920 in Moweaqua, the daughter of Orville and Sarah Elizabeth (Longden) Fuller.  She married Frank Sockel in June, 1947 in Edinburg, he preceded her in death in January, 2010.  Gerry was a beautician and owner/operator of Gerry's Style Centre for many years and a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and VFW Post 4495 Auxiliary.

She is survived by daughters;  Sandy Fassero of Taylorville and Nancee (Duane) Meester of Omaha, NE.; sons, Gary (Janet) Sockel of Omaha, NE., Mark (Charlene) Sockel of Taylorville and David (Sharon) Peters of Harristown; sister, Shirley Nored of Placerville, CA., daughter-in-law, Penny Sockel of South St. Paul, MN.; 15 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded by her husband, parents and son, Steven Sockel.

Funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 11:00am at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Taylorville with Father Dan Willenborg officiating.  Burial will follow at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be held Monday, October 15, 2012 from 5-7pm at Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home in Taylorville.

Arrangements by Shafer-Perfetti Funeral Home in Taylorville.

Everett R. Tester, 81, of Taylorville, passed away October 10, 2012 at 6:08am at his residence in Taylorville.  He was born September 6, 1931 in Montgomery County, IL., the son of Edward Christopher and Mary Louise (Sievers) Tester.  He married Erma Jean Miller in May, 1951 in Taylorville.  He retired in 1988 from Caterpillar as a storage control man.  He was a veteran of the U S Army and served in the Korean War and a lifetime member of the VFW Post #4495.

He is survived by his wife; son, Randy Ray Tester of Taylorville; daughter, Sharon Sue (Bob) Slaybaugh of Taylorville; 3 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, 1 brother and his beloved dog Lilly.

Private Family Services will be held upon Mr. Tester's request on Friday, October 12, 2012 with Pastor Rodney Blomquist officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society P O Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or Christian County Animal Control 300 S. Baughman Rd. Taylorville, IL.  62568.

Donald E. Burkhart Sr., 82, of Taylorville, passed away October 9, 2012 at 11:20am at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville.  He was born January 7, 1930 in Stonington, IL. the son of Albert and Gladys (Moore) Burkhart.  He married Paula Jean Rush in March, 1950 in Blue Mound.  He was retired from Caterpillar as a Mechanical Adjuster.  He was a member of the Beacon of Hope Free Methodist Church of Pana and Local #751 UAW.

He is survived by his wife, sons;  Donald (Carolyn) Burkhart of Blue Mound and Bill (Cherie) Burkhart of Galesburg, IL.; daughters, Diane Marts of Taylorville, Rebecca (George) Buerk of Owaneco and Debbie Burkhart of Mattoon; 15 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Robert Dale Burkhart, 2 sisters and 2 brothers

Graveside services and Inurnment will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 2:00pm at Old Stonington Cemetery in Stonington with Rev. Kurt Feneley officiating.  There will be no visitation.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Beacon of Hope Free Methodist Church of Pana 210 W. 4th St. Pana, IL.  62557 or The Shriners Hospital for Children 2001 S. Lindburg Blvd. St. Louis, MO. 63131 or American Parkinson Disease Association Midwest Chapter 2050 Pfingsten Road Suite 127 Glenview, IL.  60025

Marsha Faye (Brasel) DeWilde, 55, of Taylorville, passed away October 8, 2012 at 9:10pm at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.  She was born June 23, 1957 in Centralia, IL., the daughter of Harry and Alice (Frimel) Brasel.  She married Jim DeWilde in February, 1981 in Effingham.  She was an Art Teacher at Taylorville Junior High School.  She was a member of First United Methodist of Taylorville, the National Education Association and the Illinois Art Educators Association.

She is survived by her husband, parents, son, Jordan DeWilde of Byron, IL., daughter, Caitlin (Karl) DeWilde Bock of Webster Groves, MO.; brother Jeff Brasel of Edwardsville, IL. and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 10:00am in Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Visitation will be held Friday, October 12, 2012 from 5-8pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Donate Life America 701 E. Byrd St. 16th Floor Richmond, VA.

Alene Hauser Grabbe, 100, of Nokomis, passed away October 5, 2012 at Nokomis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Nokomis.  She was born September 15, 1912 in Dallas, TX. the daughter of Grover Cleveland "G C and Corda Smith Hauser.  She married Vern A. Grabbe in September, 1935 in Elizabethtown, KY.  He preceded her in death in May, 1976.  She was joint owner and accountant of the Grabbe Chrysler-Plymouth Automotive and Grabbe Ford Implement dealerships, a insurance agent for State Farm Insurance Company and was recognized as the first female to sell $1 million of insurance for the company, a self-employed tax accountant for 52 years in the Nokomis area, a member of Nokomis Business and Professional Women's Assoc., Independent Accountants Assoc. of Illinois, Eastern Star, and Methodist Church.

She is survived by four children;  Sharon (Kenneth) Kleinik of Nokomis, Phillip (Kay) Grabbe of Fillmore, Sally (Ronald, deceased) Sides of Nokomis and Vern "Gus" Grabbe of Lee; 5 grandchildren, 1 step-grandson, 4 great-grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and a half sister.  She was preceded by her parents, husband,sister, step father, half-brother and 1 step brother.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:00am.  Visitation will be held from 9-11am on Monday, October 8, 2012 at United Methodist Church in Nokomis. Burial will be in Nokomis Cemetery in Nokomis with Rev. Steve Williams Officiating.

Sutton Funeral Home of Nokomis is in Charge of Arrangments.  Memorials may be sent to the United Methodist Church of Nokomis 220 S. Cedar St. Nokomis, IL.  62075

Phyllis Wessels, 90, of Taylorville, passed away October 6, 2012 at 10:50am at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville.  She was born June 6, 1922 in Taylorville, the daughter of Harlin and Clollie Sims Denning.  She married John Jack Wessels in June, 1942 in Missouri.  She was a retired machine operator at Cleaning Company.  She was a member of the Moose Lodge in Taylorville.

She is survived by son, Ron Wessel of Taylorville; daughter Virginie Craig and companion George Troutt of Taylorville; 3 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchildren, 1 brother-in-law and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers, 4 sisters and 1 great-grandson.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 10:00am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with John Craig officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 9, 2012 from 5-8pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Moose Heart or Catch a fish day for William Walter 1146 W. South St. Taylorville, IL.  62568 

B. Ramane Boyd, 93, of Taylorville, formerly of Cadillac, MI., passed away September 29, 2012 at 6:55pm in Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville.  He was born February 17, 1919 in Cadillac, MI., the son of Benjamin George and Lillian (Rasmussen) Boyd.  He Married Doreen M. Hubrecht in June, 1947 in Grand Rapids, MI.  He was a retired Store manager of Sherwin Williams Store in Cadillac, MI.  He was a veteran of the US Army and served with the 90TH Division during WWII and was a member of Grace Memorial Church in Edinburg, IL.

He is survived by his wife; daughters, Sharon (Michael) Broggie of Prescott, AZ., Carlene (James) Wallace of St. Petersburg, FL. and Diane (Alan) Stender of Taylorville, IL.; 6 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Gregg G. Boyd, sister June Hope and brothers, Laddie G. Boyd and Virgil Dirk Boyd.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 5, 2012 at 2:00pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Ken Lawson officiating.  Burial will be in Bethel Baptist Cemetery in Sharpsburg with Military Graveside Honors.  Visitation will be held on Friday, October 5, 2012 from 1-2pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sigh on-line guest book www.suttonmemorialhome.com.  Memorials may be made to Grace Memorial Church in Edinburg, IL. 

Sheila K. Long, 56, of Taylorville, passed away September 30, 2012 at 3:25am in Taylorville Memorial Hospital.  She was born January 2, 1956 in Taylorville, the daughter of Amsey and Helen Cummings Booker.  She married Terry Long in May, 1986 at Kincaid Baptist Church in Kincaid.  She was a cashier at Casey's General Store in Taylorville.  She like casinos, bingo, and loved her family.

She is survived by her husband Terry; son, Jason (Marsha) Long of Stonington; daughters, Tamie (Walter) Martine of Kincaid, Melinda (A J) McKinney of Taylorville; 10 grandchildren, 2 sisters, 1 brother and seversl nieces, nephews and cousins.  She was preceded by her parents, sister, Patricia Turner and nephew, Jeff Barlow.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at 10:00am at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Chad Foster officiating.  Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 5-8pm at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. 

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.  Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.