Ronald D. Wade, 78 of Taylorville passed away on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at 12:30 a.m. at Meadow Manor Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Taylorville.  He was born November 6, 1937 in Tower Hill, IL the Son of Floyd and Norine (Lewey) Wade. He retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation and he was a member of IBEW in Springfield. 

Surviving are his Daughters: Tonda (Paul) Rhodes of Pana, IL; Nicole (Logan) Grider of Chicago, IL; Shandra (Luke) of England; Sons: Jeff Wade of Pana, IL; Steve (Beckey) Wade of Pana, IL; Ten Grandchildren; Six Great-Grandchildren; One Great-Great Granddaughter; Sister: JoAn (Fred) Nink of Oscada, MI; Brother: Frank Wade of Florida; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Parents and his Sister: Carol Gordon.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 4, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.  Memorial services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 4, 2016 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Cody Frazier Officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to SPARK C/O Trish Rooney 44 E. Galena Boulevard Aurora, IL 60505.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Funeral services for Helen Baietto have been cancelled tody due to the weather. It has been rescheduled for Friday, February 26th with visitation from 9-10:45 a.m. and funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Kincaid. The Masterson Funeral Home in Kincaid is in charge of all the arrangements. 

Cornelia Mae Colonius, 86, of Morrisonville, passed away at 9:00am on Monday, February 22, 2016, at Pana Community Hospital. She was born on December 7, 1929, in Taylorville, the daughter of Ray and Lois Bonnell Klinefelter. She married James Louis Colonius on June 20, 1953, at the Buckeye United Methodist Church in rural Owaneco. Mrs. Colonius graduated from Millikin University in Decatur and worked as the administrator for the Christian County Health Department. She was a member of the Buckeye United Methodist Church where she was the accompanist for many years and was active in the United Methodist Women. She was also a member of the Eastern Star and Christian County Home Extension. 

She is survived by her husband: James Colonius of Morrisonville; children: Neal Colonius (Marcia) of Magnolia, Arkansas, Brenda Colonius of Warsaw, Indiana, Mark Colonius of Shelbyville, Illinois, and Jay Colonius (Nenen) of Denver, Colorado; grandchildren: Mackinzey Colonius, Tristan Colonius, and Casey Colonius; one great grandchild: Norrell Colonius; and one sister: Doris Livingston of Denver, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son-in-law, Craig Norrell.

The funeral will be held at 10:00am on Friday, February 26, 2016, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville, with Rev. Betty Coffey officiating. Burial will be in the Buckeye Cemetery in rural Owaneco.  Visitation will be held from 5 until 7:00pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to: Buckeye United Methodist Church, 101 S. Church St., Owaneco, IL 62555, or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2309 W. White Oaks Dr., Suite E, Springfield, IL, 62704.

McClure Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memories of Cornelia or condolences to the family may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.

Mary Rose Resh, 55 of Taylorville formerly of Riverside, CA passed away on Monday, February 22, 2016 at 2:38 p.m. at her residence in Taylorville. She was born April 9, 1960 in Riverside, CA. the Daughter of Sam and Kathryn (Pifer) Resh.

Surviving are her Sisters: Kathy (Jack) Eells, Barbara Lacey, Mindy Resh, Gretchen Bettarel; Nieces: Shawna Shannon, Mindy and Regan, Nephews Scott, Jason and Jimmy. She was preceded in death by her Parents.

There will be no services.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Kenneth Ray McConnell, 78 of Bloomington, IN formerly of Nokomis, IL passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 4:57 a.m. at Golden Living Center in Bloomington, IN.  He was born February 11, 1937 in Nokomis, IL the Son of Arthur Stephen and Grace (Lee) McConnell. He married Norma Barger on September 8, 1956 and they later divorced.  He was a mechanic in the U.S. Air Force where he worked on the B-12 Bombers. He was a member of the American Legion in Round Lake, IL.

Surviving are his Sons: Kenny Ray (Jeannie) McConnell of Petaluma, CA; Tracy (Susan) McConnell of Twin Lakes, WI; Daughters: Kerri (Michael) Jackson of Bloomington, IN; Kathy McConnell; Kelli Vaughn of Round Lake, IL; Penni (Ted) Hendricks of Round Lake, IL; twenty Grandchildren; Brother: Ralph “Buzzie” McConnell; several Great-Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother: Robert “Bobby” McConnell, Fred McConnell, Sisters: Ruth Brannick.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 25, 2016 at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis with Rev. Tracy McConnell Officiating. Burial will be in Nokomis Cemetery in Nokomis, IL.

Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Darrell C. Mindrup, 87, of Sun City, Arizona, passed away on February 12, 2016 at the Banner Hospice Hospital.  He was born on May 25, 1928, son of Herman and Mary Mindrup, in Nokomis, Illinois.  Darrell worked at the Barnstable Feed & Hatchery before joining the Army in 1950.  After the service, he worked at the Nokomis Grain Elevator until his retirement in 1992, and then moved to Sun City.

Darrell was known as a hard-working man, always ready to help anyone whether they asked or not. He loved his family and will always be remembered for the stories he told, his infectious laugh, warm hugs and words of encouragement and advice. He enjoyed watching baseball and football, and was a fan of Nascar's Ken Schrader. He will be greatly missed by the many who loved him.

  Surviving are his wife Norine of Sun City; daughters: Mary Anne Johnson of Tovey, IL; Margie Taylor of Ft. Worth, TX; Gloria Twitty of Nokomis; Kathy Astle of Canada; Heather Roye and Angela Waters of Arizona; sons, Lee Sutherland of Arizona, and Steve Sutherland of California; brother, Russell Mindrup and brother-in-law Lester Bruns, both of Nokomis; 30 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 7 great great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sons, John and Pete Mindrup, sister, Doris Bruns and grandchild, Jonathan Sutherland.

  Services will be held on March 5th, 2016 in Sun City, AZ.  A Celebration of Life will be planned in Nokomis at a later date.

Norman LaVerne (Verne) Loreth, 82 of Taylorville passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 9:45 a.m. at Taylorville Care Center in Taylorville. He was born March 31, 1933 in May Township in Rural Christian County, IL the Son of Louis and Marie (Basil) Loreth. He married Lucille Leaderbrand in 1955 and they later divorced.  He worked as a laborer for Bill Hamell Concrete in Taylorville. He was a member of the Laborers Union and he was a United States Army Veteran serving during the Korean War. Mr. Loreth enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing, raising farm animals and sitting outside with his dogs.

Surviving are his Daughters: Vickie (Jerry) Williams of Rochester; Kim (Patrick) McGriff of Murphysboro, IL; Grandchildren: Cori Sue Loreth, Morgan Loreth, Julie Cheu; Step-Grandchildren: Colt Ramos, Luke Ramos, Tyler McGriff, Rhese McGriff; Great-Grandchildren: Bryson, Ariah, Izick and Qwintyn; Sisters: Patricia Casey of Kincaid, IL; Wanda Shake of Taylorville, IL; Sister-in-Law: Denise Loreth of Rantoul, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Son: Mark Loreth Brother: William Loreth, Brothers-in-Law: Bill Casey and Bill Shake and several aunts, uncles and Cousins. 

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 21, 2016 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.  Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 22, 2016 at Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville. Inurnment will be in Fraley Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Helping Paws Project C/O Carol Rodgers 2344 S. 6th St. Springfield, IL 62703 

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Donna L. Valente, 87, of Nokomis, passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at 10:33 a.m. at Pana Community Hospital in Pana. She was born July 9, 1928 in Nokomis, IL. The Daughter of Harold and Madeline (Slater) Vedder. She married Dominick Valente on October 30, 1947 in St. Louis, MO. She was the CO owner and operator at Dom’s Discount Ace Hardware in Nokomis. 

She is survived by her Husband: Dominick Valente of Nokomis, IL; Son: David (Companion Brooke Ruppert) Valente of Nokomis, IL; Daughter: Diana (Bill) Buechsenschuetz of Oreana, IL; Grandchildren: Daniel (Andrea) Buechsenschuetz of Carbondale, IL; Wade (Laura) Valente of Athens, IL; Amanda Buechsenschuetz of Green Bay, WI; Jennifer (Cameron) McCormack Dewitt, IA; Great-Grandchildren: Stella and Abigail McCormack, Amelia Buechsenschuetz, Mia Victoria and Dominick Michael David Valente; Brother: Herman Vedder of Louisville, KY; Sister: Bonnie (Don) Wareham of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Parents, a grandson Eric Valente and her Grandaughter Stephanie Lynn Buechsenschuetz.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis with Pastor Bert Eickhoff officiating. Burial will be in Nokomis Cemetery in Nokomis, IL. Visitation will be held Saturday, February 20, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718

Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements.

Please sign our on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Fred Harrison Sams, 88 of Taylorville passed away on Sunday, February 14, 2016 at 12:33 a.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. He was born December 22, 1927 in Taylorville, IL the Son of George Adam and Margaret Jeanetta (Bean) Sams. He married Phyllis Dianne Garriott on October 11, 1949 in Hillsboro, IL and she later preceded him in death on September 22, 1999.  He worked as a self employed carpenter and was a veteran of the United States Navy. 

Surviving are his Sons: Gregg (Anna) Sams of Taylorville, IL; Gary (Shirley) Sams of Taylorville, IL; Terry Sams of Pawnee, IL; Brad (Beth) Sams of Moweaqua, IL; Grandchildren: Brenda Bischke of Rockingham, NC; Adam (Ashley) Sams of Moline, IL; Scott Sams of Taylorville, IL; Jeanetta (Matthew) Gillick of Pawnee, IL; Jason (Jennifer) Sams of Pawnee, IL; Gregg (Lucy) Sams of Springfield, IL; Taryn, Lanie and Hayden Sams all of Moweaqua, IL; Great-Grandchildren: Grady, Lacey, Bryant, Madison, Joel, Grayson, Mia and Henley; Great-Great grandchildren: Carter, Paige and Kinsley; Niece: Carol Roberts; Nephew: Tom Bilyeu, Cousins: Jerry and Barb Sams. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Son: Bob, Granddaughter: Kalan, Grandson: Triston, Brother: George Sams, Sisters Betty Etheridge and Mary Catherine Moe.

Visitation will be held Friday, February 19, 2016 from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Rodney Blomquist Officiating. Inturnment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Laoka Jane Foster, 80, of Taylorville, passed away Thursday, February 11, 2016 at 8:38 a.m. at her residence in Taylorville. She was born May 4, 1935 in Taylorville, IL, the Daughter of Bennie and Juanita (Lamb) Hill. She married Wayne A. Foster on June 19, 1959 in the Buckeye United Methodist Church in Rural Owaneco, IL and he later preceded her in death on September 8, 2007. She worked as a homemaker.

She is survived by her Sons: Tim Monahan (James Reeves II) of Springfield, IL; Daughter: Leila Foster of Laurel Hill, FL; Grandchildren: Lyndsey Foster of Springfield, IL; Brother: Ben (Lynda) Hill; Sisters: Ivaloue Ashbrook, Clarrenna (Merrill) Bland, Bennita (Ed) Brower; Sisters-in Law: Sharon Riva of Mt. Zion, IL; Doris Allen of Taylorville, IL; Brother-in-law: James Richter of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Husband: Wayne A. Foster, Sister Louada Richter Brother-in-laws: James Ashbrook, Leland Allen, Reylar Riva.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL. Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 16, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville will be assisting the family with arrangements. Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

65 year-old Thomas E. Barry of Taylorville, passed away at 2:15 p.m. Thursday at his home in Taylorville. The Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis is in charge of arrangements. 

Services for 65 year-old Thomas E. Barry will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Taylorville. Services are by Stiehl-Dawson Funeral Home in Nokomis.

Doris Waterman, 93 of Taylorville passed away on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 9:18 a.m. at Hickory Estates in Taylorville, IL.  She was born November 14, 1922 in Berry, IL the Daughter of Richard and Jesse (Dannenberger) Dively. She married Max R. Waterman on March 17, 1943 in Sharpsburg, IL and he later preceded her in death on March 7, 2002.  She was a Homemaker and she worked in the Taylorville Schools’ Cafeterias for 47 years. She loved to be busy and did not retire until 91. She loved to Crochet. She and her husband Max spent 59 years on their farm in Johnson Township. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren, and she remained very independent despite her age. She was an avid Illini Basketball and Cardinals Fan. Doris was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Taylorville, IL. 

Surviving are her Daughters: Connie (Jack) Ahlberg; Dixie (Terry) White all of Taylorville, IL; Grandchildren: Tim Ahlberg of Carol Stream, IL; Noelle Kleiterp of Singapore; Hilary Morelock of Taylorville, IL; Spencer White of Woodstock, IL; Great-Grandchildren: Bryan Ahlberg; Alex and Mia Morelock; Lucas, Emily and Sarah Kleiterp; Sister-in-Law: Donna Waterman of Taylorville, IL; Several Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Sisters: Violet Davidson and Opal Dove; Brothers: Arnold Dively, William Dively and her Twin Brother Donald R. Dively.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, 2016 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Becky Lembke Officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Charles Ray Best, 75, of Pawnee, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 10:34 a.m. at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was born May 3, 1940 in Rosamond, IL the Son of Edwin and Helen (Schwartzly) Best. He married Lois Gabbert on October 3, 1971 at the United Methodist Church in Camden, IL. He worked as a File Clerk for the Illinois Secretary of State Police and was a member of the South Fork United Methodist Church in Rural Nokomis. 

He is survived by his Wife: Lois Best of Pawnee, IL; Brother: Eldon Best of Taylorville, IL; Sisters: Dorothy Eddington of Irving, IL; Wilma Spikes of Nokomis, IL; Several Nieces and Nephews. He was preceded in death by his Parents, Brother Edwin Best Jr. and a Niece Carla Best.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis with Rev. Ric Miles officiating. Burial will be in Kettlekamp Cemetery in Rural Nokomis, IL. Visitation will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 from 5:00-8:00 pm at Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718 or South Fork United Methodist Church 1431 E. 100 N. Rd. Nokomis, IL 62075

Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family with arrangements.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Edna C. Sanders, 94 of Taylorville passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2016 at 1:40 a.m. at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.  She was born July 17, 1921 the Daughter of Edwin and Eva (Walsmith) Sanders. She worked in the assembly line at General Electric in Decatur.

Surviving are her Daughter: Beverly Sanders of Taylorville, IL ; Sisters: Hazel Gudgel of Springfield, IL; Barbara Gudgel of Waggoner, IL; Several Nieces and Nephews. She was preceded in death by her Parents, Brothers: Leonard, Gus, George and Morris Sanders, Sisters: Lorene Adams, Ruby Volintin, Nellie Gill and Lelabell Leach.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016 at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville with Pastor Beckey Lembke Officiating. Burial will be in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangments.

Sign on-line guest book at www.suttonmemorialhome.com. 

Mr. Rayford C. "Ray" Hurtte, 98, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away at 5:38am on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Gadsden, Alabama on September 13, 1917.  His family moved to the Midwest when he was a young boy.  Most of his life has been spent in Taylorville and he graduated from Taylorville High School.  He was a WWII veteran, having served in the Army Air Force.  On April 18, 1940, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Chlebus, and they were married over 72 years.  She preceded him in death on September 20, 2012.  He worked for over 30 years for Peabody Coal Company, retiring in 1979 as Assistant Vice-President of Operations.

He was the father of three children: Judy (the late Daniel) Pittenger of Richfield, Wisconsin; Jim (Donna) Hurtte of Evansville, Indiana; and Janet (Jim) Nash of Decatur, Illinois.  He was the proud grandfather of thirteen, and great-grandfather of thirty-one.

Rayford always lived life to the fullest, by example, putting others first, with family and friends a priority.  He will be missed by so many.

Visitation will be held at McClure Funeral Home, 302 W Poplar Street, in Taylorville, from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Thursday, February 4, 2016.  Funeral service will be at 10:00am on Friday, February 5, 2016 at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville. Memories of Ray, or condolences to the family, may be left online at www.mcclurefuneralhome.com

Lyle C. Swigert, 81, of Stonington, passed away at 3:00pm, Monday, February 1, 2016, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  He was born on April 6, 1934, in Taylorville, the son of Elmer L. and Betty M. Miller Swigert. He graduated from Stonington High School. On July 20, 1952, Lyle married Anne Puckett, and she preceded him in death on July 24, 2015. Lyle owned and operated Swigert-Robinson Service Station in Stonington.

Surviving are his children: Carolou Morman and husband, Mike, of Edinburg; Deborah Braden and husband, Glenn, of Neoga; Curt Swigert and wife, Mary Sue, of Blue Mound; Cheryl Morman of Stonington; Kathleen DeClerck and husband, Richard, of Stonington; Timothy Swigert and wife, Sharon, of Waltonville; Robert Swigert of Stonington; Eric Swigert and wife, Cheryl, of Stonington; Grandchildren: Chad Swigert, Matthew Braden, Stacy Dillefeld, Nicholas Braden, Ryan Hawley, Jonathan Braden, Nathan Swigert, Ginny Shapiro, Ben Morman, Elizabeth Gipson, Adam DeClerck, Abby Bertelsen, Zachary Braden, Jaclyn Swigert, Scott Swigert, Trent Swigert, Alex Swigert, Megan Morman, Keith Swigert, Courtney Hiler, and Chelbi Williams; 29 Great Grandchildren; and 2 brothers: Roy Swigert and wife, Carole; and Wayne Swigert and his wife, Judy, both of Taylorville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; brothers: Keith Swigert and Donald Swigert; Sister: Suzanne Walker; grandchild: Casey Williams; and son-in-law: Dave Morman.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 6, 2016, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Stonington. Fr. Don Wolford will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Lyle’s honor to: the Holy Trinity Church Hall Remodel. McClure Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memories of Lyle, or condolences to the family, may be sent to: www.mcclurefuneralhome.com.