Verla Jump, 93, of Taylorville, passed away on December 28, 2013 at 10:38 a.m. at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville, IL. She was born on February 17, 1920 in Blacksnake, KY; the daughter of Nathaniel and Bessie (Ellis) Ealy. She married Henry E. Jump on January 18, 1936 in Kentucky; he preceded her in passing in1982. She was a retired homemaker and a member of Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville. She enjoyed cooking, quilting and spending time with family and friends. She always had a smile and a kind word for everyone,

She is survived by her sons, Wendell (Barbara) Jump of Columbia, TN, Ron (Kathy) Jump of Rochester, IL and Steve (Lisa) Jump of Howell, MI; daughters, Betty (JD) Bowman of Taylorville, IL, Brenda (Wayne) Sumner of Pontiac, MI, Karen Weddle of Wallace, NC and Debra (Broudis) Wolfenbarger of Wallace, NC; grandchildren, Melanie Groves, David Jump, Kristy DeBrun, Suellen Buttram, Norman Sumner, Pam Lyman, Ryan Jump, Melissa Williams, Trisha Jump, Kris Jump, Whitley Jump, Jeffery Weddle, Jennifer Weddle, Cory Jump, Brock Jump, Blake Jump, Brandy Wolfenbarger and Broudis Ray Wolfenbarger; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and cousins.She was preceded in passing by her parents and husband, Henry;sons, Edwin and Frank Jump; daughter, Helen Hall; sisters, Elva Jump and Adeline Miracle and brother, Carter Ealy

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. Graveside services will be held at Cumberland Memorial Chapel in Lily, KY at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014 with Pastor Wendell Jump officiating. Burial will be at Cumberland Memorial Gardens in Lily, KY.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 900 Northern Ave., Taylorville, IL 62568

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Timothy T Lynn, 71, of Stonington, IL died at 4:45 pm Tuesday, December 24, 2013 at Vibra Hospital of Springfield.

He was born December 11, 1942 in Chandlerville, IL the son of William Worth and Marjorie E. Blessman Lynn. On August 24, 1963 he married Shirley Ann Malloy at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Springfield. Tim was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington, and had served on the Pastoral Council and was Past President of the Finance Committee of Holy Trinity. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Taylorville, Christian County Farm Bureau, Moose Lodge, Taylorville. He was active coaching youth baseball in Stonington for many years and was the former zoning officer for Stonington and was a member of the Stonington Village Board. He worked for Christian County F.S. for 28 years, and then sold buildings for American Buildings, Cleary Buildings, and Apple Creek Construction. He retired in 2011. His greatest past time was his grandchildren, watching sports on tv and the car wash he built by hand. He loved learning and took many college courses on Agriculture from Lincolnland Community College and the University of Illinois.

Surviving are his wife: Shirley Lynn of Stonington; Sons: Timothy Lynn and wife Megan of Owaneco, Todd Lynn and companion Kara Langan of Stonington, and William “Bill” Lynn of Stonington. There are 6 grandchildren: Jeremy Lynn, Matthew Lynn, Tharon Lynn, Claudia Lynn, Chloe Lynn, and Callie Lynn. Brothers: John Lynn and wife Joann of Havana, and Larry Lynn and wife Donna of Oakford, and sister: Roszeta Monroe and husband Bryce of Athens. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters and brothers-in-law: Nancy Unruh and husband Earl and Mary Ann Koch and husband Pete.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, December 28 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Stonington with Fr. Alan Hunter officiating. Burial will be in Old Stonington Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm Friday at McClure Funeral Home Taylorville.

Memorials may be made to: Holy Trinity Catholic Church, P.O. Box 257, Stonington, IL 62567-0257.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Loyd J. Swiney, 98, of Taylorville, IL died at 3:25 pm Thursday, December 19, 2013 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

He was born July 3, 1915 North of Pana, IL, the son of Martin and Mary Eck Swiney. On October 27, 1935 he married Marjorie R. Smith at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Assumption. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2012. Loyd graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School in Assumption and started farming with his father. Later he and Marjorie owned and operated a farm West of Assumption and he retired from a lifetime of farming in 1991. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, Christian County Farm Bureau, and was a Cargill Seed Dealer. He had also been a School board member for Brushy Branch School until it was incorporated into the Taylorville Public Schools, and he was a 4-H leader of the Blue Ribbon 4-H Club for many years.

Surviving are his sons: Lyle E. Swiney and wife Virginia of Lakewood, IL and Larry J. Swiney and wife Pam of Bradford, TN; Daughter: Joyce B. Hunsley and husband Jim of Decatur, IL. There are 9 Grandchildren, 15 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 Brother: William Swiney, and 1 Sister: Pauline Schwab.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, December 23, 2013 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Fr. Alan Hunter officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery Assumption, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am until time of service in the Church on Monday.

Memorials may be made to: St. Mary's Grade School, 422 S. Washington, Taylorville, IL  62568

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.  

Larry Alan Snyder, formerly of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away at his home in Indian Trail, North Carolina on Dec. 16^th. He was 67 years old.

He was born on Sept. 14^th, 1946, in Dearborn, Michigan. He was the son of the late William F. Snyder and Ann Snyder. Mr. Snyder was a retired Major in the United States Air Force and served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. He worked as a Nurse Anesthetist for Taylorville Memorial Hospital for 20 years. He was a member of Taylorville Christian Church, E.A.A, V.A. and N.R.A. Survivors include his wife, Sally Snyder of 44 years; daughter, Lisa Sankowski (husband Alex); grandchildren: Laurel, Aiden, Landon and Adele Sankowski; brother, Daniel (wife Carol) and sister, Carol (husband Larry). Preceding him in death was his brother, William.

Visitation will be on Sunday, Dec. 22^nd from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Taylorville Christian Church in Taylorville, IL

Funeral services will be on Monday Dec 23^rd at 11:00 a.m. at Taylorville Christian Church, followed by graveside services with Military Honors at 1:00 p.m. at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Memorials may be sent to: Veterans of America, 4647 Forbes Blvd., Lanham, MD 20706

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.

Online condolences may be made atwww.goodshepherdfuneralhome.net or www.suttonmemorialhome.com

Lillian M. Bailey, 96, of Taylorville, IL died at 9:35 am Monday, December 16, 2013 at Taylorville Care Center. She was born April 13, 1917 in Taylorville the daughter of Homer and Winifred Carey Bailey.

Lillian, a 1936 graduate of Taylorville High School, was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville and St. Vincent Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Her previous employment was as a dispatcher for a taxi company, an assistant to the Christian County Assessor, St. Mary’s Office, and Bodendieck Tool Company. She was a faithful blood donor giving many gallons of a rare blood type. Lillian loved all sports especially football and golf, and enjoyed bowling and playing golf. She was an avid reader and pinochle player. Lillian was also a founding member of the Christian County Democrat Women and served as its first Treasurer.

Surviving is her sister: Jane Hafliger of Taylorville; Nieces and Nephews: Jim Noren, Barbara Pelati, Ron Noren, Marilyn Voggetzer, James Bailey, Deanna Weaver, Carol Jo Myer, Molly Cotton, Richard Corso, Ty Corso, Robert Lasco, Phil Lasco, Danny Lasco, Karen Redskins, Susan Tipping, and Sandra Tipping. There are many Great Nieces and Great Nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Brothers: Merle Bailey, Dwight Bailey, William “Babe” Bailey, Sisters: Mary Bailey Noren, Helen Bailey McGee, Elizabeth Bailey Corso, Winona Bailey Tipping, and Josephine Bailey Lasco and Nieces and Nephews: Ted Noren, Bill Noren, Lindy Noren, Johanna Daugherty, Don McGee, and Jesse Tipping.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 20 at Oak Hill Cemetery with Father Alan Hunter officiating. There will be no visitation.

McClure Funeral Home is in charge of arrangments.

91 year old Marilyn Himstedt of Litchfield passed away Wednesday December 11th in Heritage Health Therapy & Senior Care.

Ann M. Morris, 91, of Taylorville, IL died at 2:36 pm Monday, December 9, 2013 at Taylorville Care Center.

She was born January 29, 1922 in White City, IL, the daughter of Michael and Mary Benkovic Zupsich. On November 23, 1940 she married Albert H. Morris in Benld, IL. He preceded her in death on September 23, 1992. She was a 1965b Graduate of Millikin University earning a BS in Education. She taught school at the Tovey Grade School for 20 years and St. Mary’s Grade School for 2 years. Mrs. Morris was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville, Catholic Daughters of America, life member of Christian County Historical Society, Member of St. Vincent Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, American Association of University Women, Business and Professional Women, V.F.W. Auxiliary, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, Christian County Retired Teachers Association, Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary, and the Millikin Alumni Association.

Surviving are her two sons: Albert George Morris of Taylorville and Stanley Morris of Coulterville, and daughter Patty Andrews of Houston, TX, There are 15 Grandchildren and 20 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Eloise Wachala, a daughter-in-law Debbie Morris, 6 brothers and two sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, December 14 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Taylorville with Father Alan Hunter officiating. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday at McClure Funeral Home with a prayer service at 4:45.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.  

Shirley Fern Owens 73, of Morrisonville, IL, passed away on December 6, 2013 at 3:20 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. She was born on August 28, 1940 in Buckhart Township, Christian Co., IL; the daughter of Emra and Winnie (Durham) Hughes. She married Wilbur Owens in October of 1956 in Taylorville, IL; he preceded her on May 28, 2006. She was a Mental Health Professional for the Christian County Mental Health in Taylorville for twenty years.

She is survived by her son, Willie ( Melisa) Owens of Taylorville, daughters: Becky (Bill) Reed and Karen Christian both of Morrisonville, IL grandchildren: Sarah Tapia, Travis Christian, Shawn Christian, Blake (Trista) Reed, Brooke (Mike) Ferrill, Jessica (Tay) Robinson, Halie Owens and Cole Owens; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in passing by her parents, husband, brothers: Curtis Hughes, James Hughes, Jess Hughes and Dennis Hughes; sisters: Betty Clyburn, Roxie Ginger and Cora Ginger; great-grandson, Dalton Christian; son-in-law, Jeff Christian; grandson-in-law, Rey Tapia

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville. Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Sister Rose McKeown officiating

Memorials may be made to Morrisonville Community Ambulance Service. Morrisonville, IL

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Vesta M. Hendricks, 87, of Taylorville died at 6:15 pm, Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Taylorville Memorial Hospital.

She was born November 20, 1926 in Britt, Iowa the daughter of Walter E. and Alma M. Elder Prior.  On February 1, 1947 she married James D. Hendricks in Taylorville, IL.  Mrs. Hendricks was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Taylorville and retired from Sangamon Company in 1992. 

Surviving are her husband Jim Hendricks of Taylorville; Daughters: Vickie Clayton of Taylorville and Debbie Radzimanowsky and husband John of Taylorville; Son: Mike Hendricks and wife Lori of Taylorville; 10 Grandchildren: Brandon Clayton, Tina Brest, Kristi Carey, Corey Hendricks, Matthew Hendricks, Tyler Hendricks, Brian Hendricks, Jeff Hendricks, Gary Swindall, and Terri Lyn Edwards.  There are Several Great Grandchildren.  Also surviving are sisters: Laverta Tewell, Margaret Burge, Erma Mills all of Taylorville, and Gladys Tippett of Dawson. Vesta was preceded in death by her parents, Son: Jim Hendricks, Daughter: Carol Durbin, Grandson: Roger D. Clayton, Jr.; Brothers: Bill Prior, Bob Prior, Wayne Prior, and Tom Prior, and sister Edna Prior.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at First Church of the Nazarene, Taylorville with Pastor Ed Heppe officiating.  Burial will be in Anderson Cemetery, Palmer, IL.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Tuesday at McClure Funeral Home, Taylorville and one hour prior to services in the church on Wednesday.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.  

Trela M. Virden, 80, of Taylorville, passed away on December 4, 2013 at 4:35 p.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. She was born on October 27, 1933 in Macon Co., IL; the daughter of Guy and Telitha Ann (Sutton) Crickman. She married Gilbert L. Virden in 1952, they later divorced. She was a retired waitress and a bartender. She was the owner and operator of the Corner Pocket Restaurant in Assumption, IL. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church in Taylorville and a past member of the Lions Club. She also had memberships in the Eagles Club of Pana, VFW Auxiliary #4495, the Senior Citizens of Christian County and the Christian County Democrats. She was currently serving as the Queen Mother of the Silly Sassies (Red Hat Society).

She is survived by her daughter, Tammy Lynn (Rodney) Newberry of Lovington, IL; sons: Lonnie Ray Virden of Taylorville, IL and Robert Alan (Lora) Virden of Assumption, IL; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; three sisters and one brother; several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in passing by her parents, and a twin brother who passed at birth.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 9, 2013 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Beverly Diane (Oyler) Taylor-Groff, 66, of Taylorville entered her Heavenly home at 8:24 am Tuesday, December 3 at her residence.

She was born March 1, 1947 in Taylorville the daughter of Loren and Louise Smith Oyler. On February 13, 1971 she married William “Bill” Taylor in Springfield, IL and he preceded her in death on April 25, 1995. Beverly then married Gary L. Groff on May 23, 1998 at Taylorville Christian Church. Mrs. Groff was a 1965 graduate of Taylorville High School and had been employed at Sangamon Greeting Card Company and Continental Grain Company.

She is survived by her husband: Gary Groff of Taylorville; Children: Scott Taylor of Macomb, IL, Stacey Taylor-Stallings and companion Joe Lomprez of Taylorville, Darrell Groff and wife Kathleen of Mattoon, and Janolyn Groff of Macon. Grandchildren: Taylor Neal, Corey Groff, Mitchell Reuter, Ashley Groff, Whitney Groff, and Abrielle Groff. Great Grandchildren: Valkyrie Groff and Aries Groff. She was greeted in Heaven by her parents, first husband, Bill Taylor, and Brothers Richard Oyler in infancy and Ronald Oyler.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, December 7 at McClure Funeral Home. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm Friday at McClure Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.  

Mrs. Shirley Jean Leaderbrand, 75, of Morrisonville, IL formerly of Kincaid, IL passed away at 9:43 am Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at home.

She was born in Jacks Fork, MO March 14, 1938 the daughter of John Franklin Howard of Litchfield, IL and Dolores Edgar of St. Charles, MO.

Shirley married Harold Leaderbrand on June 23, 1952 in Jefferson City, MO.

Mrs. Leaderbrand was a member of Kincaid Baptist Church. She retired from Wal-Mart in 1994. Shirley sang for several country bands in her younger years, and she loved spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 59 years Harold Leaderbrand of Morrisonville, IL 5 children Terry (Tricia) Leaderbrand of Greys Lake, IL Darla (Tim) Pieper of Kincaid, IL Mike (Kim) Leaderbrand of Decatur, IL Laura Fulton of Springfield, IL and Christie (Ron) Nelson of Kincaid, IL 7 grandchildren Trevor, Tara, Sean, Bethany, Derek, Mackenzie, and Nicholas and 1 great grandchild Ethan Fulton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a granddaughter Tiffany Pieper in 1997.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Friday, December 6, 2013 in Masterson Funeral Home, Kincaid. Rev Chad Foster will officiate. Burial will follow in Glen Haven Memorial Gardens, Taylorville, IL. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until the service time at 11:00 am Friday at Masterson’s

A funeral luncheon in Shirley’s memory will be held at the Kincaid Baptist Church following the service. The church will be open for food drop off before, during and after services.   

Mary Jane (Bates) Martin, 87, of Witt, IL, passed away on December 1, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. at the Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. She was born on September 2, 1926 in Taylorville, IL; the daughter of Edward and Nelllie (Simpson) Bates. She was married to Glenn W. Martin on March 29, 1949 at the Buckeye Methodist Church in Owaneco, IL. He preceded her in passing on March 11, 1994. She was homemaker, Clerk/Presser at Keele’s Dry Cleaning and a Bookkeeper at Storm’s Lumber. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Irving, IL and the VFW in Holiday, FL. She loved being a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels in Witt, IL. 

She is survived by her sons: George Martin of Queen Creek, AZ and Frank Martin companion Teresa Schappaugh of Stanford, IL; daughter: Nancy Martin of Witt, IL; grandchildren: Craig Martin, Jill (Matthew) Bernard, Kristofer (Amanda) Martin and Kaleb (Kim) Martin; great-grandchildren:Emma Jane Bernard, Jadyn Martin, Emmett Martin and Klaire Martin; brother, William Z. Bates of Taylorville, IL; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded by her parents, husband, brothers: James Bates and John Bates.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 6, 2013 at Sutton Funeral Home, Nokomis, IL. Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis with Rev. Ralph Ward and Rev. John Nelson officiating. Burial will be in Witt Cemetery, Witt, IL

Memorials may be made to: Meals on Wheels, Memorial Home Services-Taylorville Hospice or Sharing Wishes; Donor’s Choice

Arrangements by Sutton Funeral Home, Nokomis, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com

Leonard White 75, of Taylorville, passed away on November 26, 2013 at 3:02 p.m. at Prairie Rose Care Center in Pana, IL. He was born on January 11, 1938 in Naples. IL; the son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry White.

Funeral services will be held at Sutton Memorial Home at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 with Pastor Don Bettis officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL

Arrangements by Sutton Memorial Home, Taylorville, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Dwight Eugene Pray, 94, of Coffeen, IL, passed away on November 30, 2013 at 11:57 a.m. at his residence in Coffeen, IL. He was born on August 21, 1919 in Rosamond, IL; the son of Hardin and Grace (Beattie) Pray. He was married to Frances Kettelkamp on February 1, 1948 in the South Fork United Methodist Church in rural Nokomis, IL. He was a retired dairy farmer. He raised beef cattle and was a craftsman who enjoyed woodworking. He made many toys and other things for his family and friends. He was a member of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau and the Coffeen United Methodist Church in Coffeen, IL. Dwight was a U.S. Army veteran who served in WWII from 1941 until 1945. H was given a battlefield commission to 2^nd Lt. He landed at Normandy, France on June 6, 1944. After fighting through the hedgerows against the Germans his unit was seriously deleted. He is a decorated veteran who was wounded in both legs during combat earning him two Purple Heart Medals. At the age of 91 he was and able to go on an Honor Flight with seven family members to Washington, D.C. where he was honored. Dwight was a quiet spoken man who always thought before he spoke. He was kind and friendly. He is survived by his wife, Frances, sons: Dwight L. (Marcia) Pray of Harrisburg and Delmar (Marsha) Pray of Nokomis, IL; daughters: Eugenia(Mike) Barham of Thayer, IL, Phyllis (Larry) Schraut of Hillsboro, IL and Karen (Ron) Lawrence of Litchfield, IL; twelve grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; five step-grandsons; brother, Perle Pray of Assumption, IL. He was preceded by his parents, brother, Merle (Roberta) Pray and nephew, Roger Pray.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at Coffeen United Methodist Church, 300 W. Main St., Coffeen, IL and Wednesday, December 4, 2013 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis, IL. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at the Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis with Pastor John Walsh officiating. Burial will be at Kettelkamp Cemetery in rural Nokomis with Military Rites accorded by Waple-Bauer American Legion Post #94.

Memorials may be made to Kettelkamp Cemetery, c/o Roger Bauman, 22275 East 24^th Rd., Nokomis, IL 62075

Arrangements by Sutton Funeral Home, Nokomis, IL.

Sign our on-line guestbook at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.