James Daugherty Sr., 98 of Taylorville passed away on Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 7:20 a.m. at Carriage Crossing Senior Living Center in Taylorville, IL. He was born on October 26, 1925, in Kincaid, IL, the son of Charles Chester and Rose (Dilbeck) Daugherty. He married Johanna Noren on February 20, 1946, in Sterling, IL and she preceded him in death on March 28, 2003. James worked as a Coal Miner for Peabody Mine and then an Electrician for IBEW 146, Being a member of the Union for 70 years. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving in WWII. James was a Lifetime Member of the VFW Post # 4495, First Baptist Church in Taylorville later joining Bethel Baptist Church, Taylorville Moose Lodge #1516. He was an assistant Scout Master for Troop # 67. In his spare time, he loved gardening, bird watching, walking and carpentry, making stilts for the neighborhood kids.  

He is survived by his son: James (Mary) Daugherty Jr. of Taylorville, IL; daughters: Susan (Don) Nazy of Charlotte, NC, Rosemary Candelaria of Taylorville, IL; grandchildren: Todd Daugherty Taylorville, IL, Michelle Yenerall of Springfield, IL, Jeremy (Sheila) Daugherty Downers Grove, IL, Matt Nazy of Sunrise, FL; Luke Daugherty (Amanda) of Taylorville, IL; Nick (Carrie) Daugherty of Stonington, IL; great-grandchildren: Lucy Daugherty, Max Daugherty, and Hazel Daugherty all of Downers Grove, IL; Allyson Yenerall, Carter Yenerall both of Springfield, IL; Brock, Blake, Johanna and Julia Daugherty of Taylorville, IL; Elizabeth Daugherty of Stonington, IL; Sister: Katherine Oseland of Teutopolis, IL; Sisters-in-Law: Marilyn Voggetzer and  Louise Noren; brother-in-law: Ronnie (Connie) Noren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Son Michael Daugherty, daughter: Winnie Daugherty and several siblings.   

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 10:00-12:00 Noon at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville. Funeral service will be held immediately following the visitation starting at 12:00 noon at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville with Pastor Steve Robinson officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with military graveside honors.

Memorials may be made to Gods Helping Hands Hospice.   

McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Roy Thomas Durbin, Jr., 54, of Kincaid, IL., passed from this life at 5:41 P.M. Friday, January 26, 2024 in Kincaid.

He was born Sunday, April 13, 1969 in Springfield, IL., the son of Roy Thomas and Barbara Jean (Neville) Durbin, Sr.

Roy enjoyed time spent with family and friends and having a good time.  He will be sadly missed by many in the Midland area.

Surviving are: his father Roy Thomas Durbin, Sr., of Petersburg, IL., 3 brothers Rev. Don Durbin of Taylorville, IL Terry (Wife Codi) Durbin of Athens, IL Todd (Wife Chastity) Durbin of Jacksonville, IL several nieces, nephews, cousins and a great many friends.

Roy was preceded in death by his mother Barbara Jean Durbin in 2014.

Memorial visitation for Roy will be held from 5:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at Masterson Funeral Home in Kincaid, IL.  Funeral services will follow with Rev. Don Durbin officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL.  

Aaron Gregory “Buckwheat” Boltz, 25, of Tower Hill, IL, passed away at 1:43 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday February 1, 2024 at Tower Hill Christian Church, Tower Hill, IL, with Pastor Derrick Ritchie officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – noon Thursday in the church. Burial will be in Tower Hill Cemetery, Tower Hill, IL. Memorials may be given to AAMP (Autism And Movement Project) Pana, IL.  Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL.

Aaron was born on March 24, 1998 the son of Gregory A. and Nancy S. (Wells) Boltz. He graduated from the Taylorville FACeS Program and was a member of AAMP in Pana, IL. Aaron worked at Brewin’ Hope Coffeehouse in Pana, IL.  He enjoyed listening to music, driving his red golf cart, farming with Ethan, riding in the semi with his dad, long car rides looking for deer, helping his dad work on hot rods, going to car shows and cruises, and playing pranks on his family and friends.  Aaron attended Tower Hill Christian Church, Tower Hill, IL. He loved well and always enjoyed being with family and friends.

Aaron is survived by his parents, Greg and Nancy Boltz of Tower Hill, IL; sister, Alissa Boltz (Ben Stirrett) of Tower Hill, IL; brother, Ethan Boltz (Ciera) of Oconee, IL; niece, Emery Boltz due in April 2024; paternal grandmother, LaVonne Boltz of Pana, IL; uncles, Timothy Wells of Shelbyville, IL, Ricky Boltz of Assumption, IL, and Tim Boltz of Springfield, IL; aunts, Cathy Allsop (Floyd) of Monticello, IL and Michelle Reatherford (Bob) of Pana, IL; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard Boltz; maternal grandfather, Bob Wells; maternal grandmother, Mary Wells; and uncle, Mark Wells.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com 

Myron L. (Bull) Durham, 84, of Taylorville, passed away at 7:00 am on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 surrounded by his loving wife and children.

Bull was born on December 3, 1939 in Sharpsburg, Illinois, the son of Carl and Beulah (Violet) Durham. He married Sheila Greenan on September 23, 1961 in the St. Mary Rectory in Taylorville. Bull was a 1959 graduate of Mt. Auburn High School. He retired from Peabody Coal Company in 1995 after a 27-year career. He went on to work as a bailiff for the Christian County Courthouse, a custodian for the Taylorville School District, and ended his work career as a corrections officer at Taylorville Correctional Center. 

Bull was a member of the UMWA, the Knights of Columbus, the Fraternal Order of Police, a lifetime member of the NRA, and a member of the Taylorville Rifle and Pistol Club. Bull was proud to play basketball as a Mount Auburn Eagle and enjoyed reminiscing with lifelong friends at the Mount Auburn breakfast. Bull served in the 170th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Illinois Air National Guard from 1958 to 1964, and participated in the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight in April of 2019.

Bull is survived by his wife, Sheila, of 62 years; four children, Mark (Kellie Hamell) Durham of Taylorville, David (April) Durham of Rochester, Lynn Durham of Taylorville, and Chris (Tania) Durham of Taylorville; seven grandchildren, Jordan (Nick Geary) Durham; Brandon, Andrew (Mckenzie) and Daniel Durham; Jennifer (Luke Miller) and Logan (Mackenzie) Goodman, Taylor Durham, and Bradley Kirchoff; great-grandchildren Maylee and Ellie Durham, Maddox Goodman, Meredith Miller, and many nieces and nephews.

Bull was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Marvin Durham, sister Elaine Prior, and nephew Roger Prior.

Visitation will be held from 1:00p.m. until 3:00p.m. on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home, and the family requests patriotic dress to honor Bull and all those who have served or are serving in the military. Military honors will be accorded at the conclusion of the visitation. In accordance with Bull’s wishes, the family will conduct a private graveside service at a later date. Memorials can be made to Land of Lincoln Honor Flight, 57 Country Place, Springfield, IL 62703.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Judy A. Austin, 80 of Whitefish, MT, passed away on December 31, 2023, in Whitefish, MT. She was born on September 5, 1943, in Golconda, IL, to the late John Moore and Allie Metcalf. On October 13, 1962, she married Neal Robert Austin, and he preceded her in death.

Judy graduated from Metropolis High School with the class of 1961, then went on to work for the Taylorville School system for many years before moving out to Montana with her family. Judy loved to express her creativity through art and home decorating and found joy in line dancing in her spare time. She was a loving person and a friend to many, and is missed dearly.

She is survived by her son, Doug (Najela) Austin and her three grandchildren, Paul, John, and Daniel Austin. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John and Allie Moore; her husband, Neal Austin; siblings, Maxine Williams, Joe Moore, and Linda Rose; as well as her son, Matthew Austin.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will begin at noon with Pastor Becky Lembke officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Dianna Mae Sims, 75 of Taylorville, passed away at 10:27 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, in her home.  She was born on November 24, 1948, in Decatur, the daughter of Louis and Gertrude (Parish) Borkhardt.  She married Roy Sims on April 22, 1977, and he preceded her in death on May 29, 2005.  Dianna worked at Taylorville Memorial Hospital in the food service department and was a member of the Southern Baptist Church.  Dianna loved county music, especially Blake Shelton.  She loved spending time outdoors, sitting on her porch watching hummingbirds.  She loved her dog, Minnie, but more than anything adored her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had a beautiful soul: Your work on earth is done. 

She is survived by her children: Tony Erwin (Sharilyn Kibler) of Arcola, and Marion Erwin (Kim) of Atwood; grandchildren: Tisha Sheppard (Tyler), Chris Erwin (Nikki), Cassidy Robinson (Tom), Hanna Heady (Jesse), Zack Erwin, Addie Erwin, Remington Erwin, Winston Erwin; and Tania Erwin; great grandchildren: Kaylee Campbell, Jacob Campbell, Kendra Erwin, Lawrence “Boo” Erwin, Keegan Erwin, Xander Schneider, Sawyer Robinson, Lucy Robinson, Bonnie Robinson, Henry Robinson, Archer Robinson, Hudson Heady, Oliver Heady, Charlotte Heady, Teddy Heady, and Carter Dummit; and sibling: Kay Mendenhall.  She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter: Rebecca Lynn Roach; and brothers: Terry Borkhardt, Gary Borkhardt, and Louis Borkhardt.

Dianna will be cremated, and a graveside service will take place at 1p.m. on Friday, January 26, 2024 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.

Ruby Irene Forrest, 65 of Taylorville, passed away on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  She was born on September 4, 1958, the daughter of Claude and Martha (Tyler) Jeffers.  She married Thomas A. Forrest, and they enjoyed 44 years together.  She worked for 35 years at the Christian County Mental Health Association as a client trainer.  She enjoyed raising chickens for many years.  More than anything she loved her friends and family, by whom she will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her husband: Tom Forrest of Taylorville; children: Dawn Richards (Shad) and T.J. Forrest (Rachel) both of Taylorville; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren: siblings: Phyllis Jett, Ada Lane, and Chas Jeffers (Sandy) all of Litchfield, Mary “Maggie” Scott (Lonnie), Ruth Cooper, and Harrold Jeffers (Bonnie) all of Taylorville; brother-in-law: Larry Jett of Litchfield; and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Claudette Jett, Patricia Jansen, Marilee Jeffers, Cecelia Tyler, Andrew Jeffers, John Jeffers, and Robert “Bob” Jeffers. 

Ruby will be cremated, and a memorial visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Memorials may be made to the Christian County Mental Health Association Workshop.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.    

Joshua E. “Josh” Durbin, 36 of Lincoln, formerly of Taylorville, passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Sherman.  He was born on May 2, 1987, in Taylorville, the son of Bo and Joy (Berroyer) Durbin.  Josh graduated from Taylorville High School in 2006.  He worked for several years as a correctional officer at the Lincoln Correctional Center, and most recently as a police officer for the City of Lincoln.  In his younger years, Josh was an avid motorcross racer, competing in races all around the Midwest.  He enjoyed working out and staying in shape.  He spent time at many area gyms including REPS Gym in Lincoln.  He attended West Side Christian Church in Springfield.  Josh also enjoyed UTV racing and was an event promoter for Razors of Illinois.  More than anything he loved his family, especially his son.  Brexton was his entire world.  Together they enjoyed shooting hoops, bike rides, Nerf gun wars, playing board games, and watching him race quarter midgets.

He is survived by his son: Brexton A. Durbin of Mt. Pulaski; parents: Bo and Joy Durbin of Taylorville; brother: Billy G. Durbin (Kimberly) of Taylorville; grandmother: Verna Berroyer of Taylorville; aunts and uncles: Tom and Tonya Durbin of Morrisonville, Aunt Sharon of Taylorville, Dan and Char Poteet of Missouri, Shawn and Shelly Berroyer of Kincaid, Tim and Sheila Berroyer of Hot Springs, Arkansas; niece and nephew: Kenlee Durbin and Barrett Durbin and several cousins.  He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Gene and Carolyn Durbin, and Lyman Berroyer.

A visitation for Josh will take place from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  The funeral service will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday with Elder Lori McClung officiating.  Memorials in Josh’s memory may be made to the family for an educational fund for his son, Brexton.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Just like her heroine Cinderella at the ball, Lynne Justine Mekshes did not say “goodbye” when she passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, in the emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, IL. Shortly before her sudden death at age 70, she had been found unresponsive in her Disney-bedecked room at nearby Bryan Manor, a home for up to 100 souls like herself identified as “developmentally disabled.”  

       Not a word was spoken by Lynne, ever. Any potential verbiage was trapped in her brain’s shriveled cortex, a birthright bestowed on Feb. 18, 1953, when she was born in Davenport, Iowa. The tragedy potentially barred the door on family life with parents Paul and Helen and siblings Michael, 9; Sondra, 10, and Carol, 13. Helen’s heart shredded as her mother’s instinct grasped for even small celebrations of progress in her baby and found none.

            Early on, doctors recommended Lynne be institutionalized for lifetime care. Paul, who dropped out of eighth grade because his Lithuanian immigrant parents had no money to buy him shoes, agonized over losing Lynne. Cuddling her in his arms, Paul vowed, “She’ll stay home until Christmas!” That post-yule exit never happened. Joyfully welcomed to help avert a looming empty nest down the road, Lynne became a forever child.

            Growing up in Bettendorf, Iowa, Lynne attended pioneering special education classes in her hometown and neighboring Davenport and Scott County. She was the belle of the ball at proms, where her dark hair glistened like a stallion and her flawless skin radiated ethereal sparkle in frothy second-hand dresses. She didn’t dance; nor did she “work” at the sheltered workshops she adored, accompanied by her Mickey Mouse lunch box. Even rote tasks eluded her “functioning level of five months” and her “profound range of mental retardation,” documented in voluminous support plans over her lifetime

            Despite seemingly insurmountable odds, Lynne exalted in life. “I have a sense of humor and enjoy watching Disney movies, going shopping, and participating in parties,” surmises a statement on “What People Admire about Me” in her recent support plan at Bryan Manor. Those aren’t Lynne’s words of course, but who could doubt them?

            Lynne’s family took her everywhere. For years, she was ambulatory and her mother’s zest for travel was infectious. Into middle age, Lynne experienced the good life, usually aboard an Amtrak long-distance train going north, south, east, or west. Thanks to Lynne, she and her mother and sister Carol traveled like potentates in sleeping cars equipped with spacious compartments, including private bathrooms, for the disabled.

In 2001, shortly after 9-11, they boarded the California Zephyr in Chicago and rode the rails on and off for 30 days! In San Francisco, Lynne hopped on and off cable cars with the aplomb of a Flower Child. She dined at Top of the Mark in San Francisco, hobnobbing with locals on a Friday night. She lunched at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel as stars’ agents sparred over deals. She spent a week at Disneyland in Anaheim. In Las Vegas, singer Wayne Newton left his stage to hug her.

By then, Lynne had been living on South Washington Street in rural Taylorville, IL with her mother in a two-story house adorned by ribbons of iris, brought from Iowa after Paul passed away. Her perch was the stellar front porch. Swaying in the wooden swing, Lynne welcomed the local Breeze-Courier newspaper carrier every afternoon and proceeded to “read” every page from front to back. Her comprehension baffled everyone, including her mother, who guessed Lynne somehow taught herself to recognize certain words along with pictures of friends (and sister Carol, who moved there after marrying into a local family.) Lynne’s mother never learned to drive. The two of them walked everywhere, especially to the town square three blocks away and the nearby McDonald’s, where co-owner Sally K. Davis treated them like VIPs.

People still reminisce about the mother-daughter outings. Helen striding ahead … Lynne, in her Disney princess togs, shuffling behind.  Into her eighties, Helen tucked her beloved daughter into bed every night. Alas, even though Lynne was bereft of what is considered normal and taken for granted, it wasn’t enough as the fates, DNA, nature, or whatever aimed like bandits in the night. Her legs gave out; replaced by wheelchairs. To avoid choking, pureed everything invaded her menu. Her fingers contorted into skeletal angles. She could not even turn the pages of picture albums from her trips or feed herself.

The assaults are listed in raw detail in her health records: Atherosclerosis of arteries of extremities and legs, nail dystrophy, corns and callouses, hyperlipidemia, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, alopecia, disorder of bone and cartilage, scoliosis, autism …

Toggling among her passions, Lynne leaves behind a trove of Disney and Roy Rogers videos, a vast clown collection, dozens of hair adornments from shiny crowns to beribboned creations, and a wardrobe of shirts, jackets, and sneakers echoing all things Disney. All are bequeathed to dear friends at Bryan Manor.

There is one trait about “Lynne being Lynne” that is not left behind. Never to be heard again are Lynne’s raucous screams that burst from her tiny frame down through the decades when her facial expressions, her invented sign language, and communication boards failed her.

Lynne’s favorite person in the whole world was her niece April Slattery, who was greeted after birth by 10-year-old Lynne. At a recent reunion in Centralia, Lynne’s eyes welled with tears when April arrived from 1,200 miles away.

“I always felt much love for and from her,” April, who lives in Waltham, MA, said a few days ago. “Now in heaven and free of her disabilities, I love to think of her as happy and joyous with the Lord, singing and running through fields of flowers, free at last.”

Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville is assisting Lynne’s family. A service for Lynne will be held at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, Iowa, when weather permits. She will be buried beside her parents at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Davenport.

Michael “Mike” Assalley, age 38, of Taylorville, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, Illinois after a brief, but mighty battle with acute leukemia of which he was recently diagnosed.

Mike was born on November 12, 1985, in Bloomington, Illinois, the son of William “Bill” Assalley and Carolyn (Koehler) Assalley. As a youngster, Mike attended school in Mahomet, IL before his family moved to Effingham, IL at the start of his high school career. It was in high school that Mike met his future wife, Lauren. A product of a beautiful, close-knit family, Mike also spent much time in the LaSalle, IL and Peru, IL areas, visiting frequently with his beloved grandparents and extended family.

On August 4, 2012, he married the love of his life, Lauren (Sanders) Assalley in Effingham, Illinois. Mike and Lauren shared 20 wonderful years of life together as a couple–11 of which were in Marriage. They were blessed with three beautiful children, and Mike’s young family was his pride and joy.

Mike graduated from Effingham High School in 2004. While in high school, he was voted “Homecoming King,” was co-captain of the football team, and was also voted as “most talkative” by his peers. He had a brilliant mind and was knowledgeable on many topics–earning notable awards such as Daughters of The American Revolution (DAR), All-American Scholar, and induction to the French National Honor Society. He spent his post high school years working as a pharmacy technician for Walgreens before hearing his calling to service and returning to school. Mike graduated from mortuary school at Carl Sandburg College (Galesburg, IL) in 2014, with honors.

He started his early career working for Butler Funeral Homes in Springfield, IL, as a school intern, licensed funeral director apprentice, and then as a licensed funeral director. In May 2017, Mike ventured into entrepreneurship and acquired four funeral homes from Perfetti Funeral Homes, Inc. (Taylorville, Morrisonville, Sorento, and Panama, IL locations), and in July 2021, he acquired Young Funeral Home in Greenville, IL (his fifth funeral home). Mike garnered much success with his career and businesses in his young life. His legacy for service will continue. He was a parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Taylorville, a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council 2120. He was currently serving as President of the Executive Board of Directors for the Greater Taylorville Chamber of Commerce, committee member for Sangchris & Taylorville Chapters of Ducks Unlimited, and he served on numerous other community agency boards including the Board of Directors for DowntownTaylorville.org and serving as a Past President of the Christian County United Way. He provided and awarded many scholarships to local high school students. Mike immersed himself in his community and had a true servant’s heart.

One of the most interesting and multi-faceted persons one could meet, Mike had a multitude of interests and skill sets including: music (playing multiple instruments, writing and recording songs), hunting–especially ducks and waterfowl–and outdoorsmanship, traveling, history, politics, sports (Chicago Cubs & Bears and Notre Dame Football were favorites), collections (often sourcing family heirlooms such as his ancestral Koehler duck decoys), and making memories with his family and friends. He hardly knew a stranger and touched many lives in his short time on earth with generosity, compassion, and authenticity. His quick wit and gifted mind brought much laughter and joy to all who loved him. Mike was a man of strong faith in God.

Mike was a loving husband, a devoted father to his three children, caring son, protective brother, and loyal friend. He is survived by his wife, who he often called “Love of my Life” and “My Queen,” Lauren E. Assalley of Taylorville; his children, Ila Belle Assalley (age 8), Vincent Francis Kent Assalley (age 5), and John William Assalley (age 1), all at home; his parents, Bill and Carolyn Assalley of Taylorville; his mother-in-law, Debbie Sanders of Watson, IL; his father-in-law, Derek Sanders of Newton, IL; his sisters, Lauren (husband, Wesley) Layton of Ypsilanti, MI, Sydney Assalley (significant other, Dillon Williams) of Ypsilanti, MI; his sister-in-law, Nikki (husband, Richard) Vahling of Teutopolis, IL; his brother-in-law, Logan Sanders (significant other, Catherine Zumwalt and her sons, Noah and Nicholas); his niece and goddaughter, Aubrey Vahling; his grandmothers, Jacquelyn Assalley of Peru, IL & Linda Koehler of Peru, IL; and many doting
aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Frank E. Assalley and maternal grandfather, Kent L. Koehler; paternal uncle, Robert H. Assalley; and a best friend, Zachary Fish of Effingham, IL, who also had an untimely passing.

Visitation & Funeral Mass: The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 108 West Adams Street, Taylorville, Illinois 62568. The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, also at St. Mary’s Church in Taylorville, with Rev. Piotr Kosk officiating.

Interment will follow the Funeral Mass with his final resting place to be at St. Maurice Cemetery in Morrisonville, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to an educational fund for Mike & Lauren’s children, c/o Lauren Assalley.

Arrangements have been entrusted to his own Shafter-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home in Taylorville, Illinois.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Michael, or to offer condolences to his family.

Colleen Annette Bost, 48, of Morrisonville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on January 11, 2024, at her residence. She was born on June 30, 1975, in Taylorville, IL, to the late Larry Bost and Rita (Spencer) Bost Greenwood.

Colleen was a warm and vibrant person who dedicated her life to the communities of family and friends who were drawn to her enthusiasm, loyalty, and kindness. She loved them all as fiercely as they loved her, and she will be missed dearly.

Colleen began her career as a customer service representative for State Farm in 1993, working under insurance agent Barbra O’Brien and then Joe Meeks. She quickly became a friendly and familiar face to all their clients and was proud of her work.

Outside of her day job, Colleen was a writer whose work overflowed with her unique wit, observation, and whip-smart sense of humor. She was a member of the Romance Writers of America and several related groups, including Chicago North Romance Writers, Heart and Scroll RWA, and the Missouri Romance Writers of America, for whom she was the past secretary and the current membership chair. The joy Colleen found in the presence of other writers led her to create Chapter HEA, an online author community that grew out of the RWA Pen2Paper group she was involved with. For her author friends, Colleen was a daily source of exuberance and encouragement.

Colleen cherished her time with her family. She was generous with her affection and had an uncanny ability to always find the perfect gift for the people she cared about. You counted yourself lucky to be part of Colleen’s circle of loved ones.

Colleen is survived by her sisters: Tracey (Sean) Wyant of Irving, IL; Kristy (Allan) Larson of Atlanta, IL; Linda (Ryan) Henry of Sullivan, IL; and her step-father: Robert Greenwood of Morrisonville, IL. She was a beloved aunt to four nieces and six nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents: Larry Bost and Rita Bost Greenwood; as well as her grandparents and many aunts and uncles.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Sutton Memorial Home in Taylorville, IL. A funeral service will be held the following day at 11:00 a.m. at Sutton Memorial Home with Pastor Clifford Davis officiating. Interment will follow at Morrisonville Cemetery.

Memorials in Colleen’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or Morrisonville Community Ambulance Service.

Sutton Memorial Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Janet Eileen Clarke, 82, of Taylorville, IL passed away January 12, 2024 at Taylorville Care Center. She was born July 29, 1941, to Merle J. And Mildred (Wicker) Brown.  She graduated Taylorville High School with the class of 1959 and studied at Northwestern Illinois University.

A lifelong resident of Taylorville, Janet enjoyed reading, knitting, and spending time with family. She was the Office Manager at Trinity Motors, and Gordon GMC for a number of years.

Janet is survived by her children: Elizabeth Kneller (Jeff) of Burnet, Texas; Doug Forbes (Priscilla) of La Jolla, California; and Kerri Williams (Dennis) of Tovey, IL; and grandchildren: Dawson and Rachel Williams and Nick Castro; and niece Dianna Heiss of Ottawa, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, sister and brother-in-law Alice and Bud Smick and nephew Ronnie Smick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Janet’s name may be made to the Animal Protective League (APL).

Cremation rites have been accorded and there are no services planned at this time.

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

Erma Jean Faulkner, 96 of Taylorville, passed away at 3 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Taylorville Care Center.  She was born on November 23, 1927, in Taylorville, the daughter of Frank and Leah Mabel (Miller) Hibbetts.  She married Henry Richard Brown on August 17, 1944, and he preceded her in death on October 5, 1978.  She later married Carl Faulkner and they later divorced.  Jean previously worked at Cohn’s Furniture, and as a secretary at Meadow Manor Nursing Home and the Christian County Sheriff’s Office.  She enjoyed working in her yard and around her home.  Jean had a love of many types of crafts including quilting, embroidery, and knitting, and even sold her creations at craft shows.   

She is survived by her daughter: Yolanda Marucco of Taylorville; grandchildren: Rick Marucco (Mary) of Taylorville, Casey Brown of Taylorville, and Delanee Padron (Alex) of Lake Worth, Florida; great grandchildren: Kirsten Hiltner (Kirk), Kelsey Stark (Ryan), Ben Padron, and Brooks Padron; and several cousins.  She was preceded in death by her parents; son: Rick Brown; and brothers: Orville Hibbetts, Dale Hibbetts, and Paul Hibbetts. 

A funeral service for Jean will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home with Pastor Gerald McPhillips officiating.  Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Thursday and burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.     

Sherry Lee Repscher, 75 of Taylorville, passed away at 1:05 p.m. on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Carriage Crossing Memory Care in Taylorville with family members at her side.  She was born on April 9, 1948, in Litchfield Illinois, the daughter of Frank L. Repscher and Dorothy G. (Reber) Repscher.  Sherry graduated from Taylorville High School in 1966 and Illinois Wesleyan University in 1970. Sherry then moved to Utah where she had a very successful and highly recognized career. She first taught elementary school in Tooele, Utah and then moved to Salt Lake City where she began her career of advocacy for the disabled community in the State of Utah and the nation. She was the first coordinator of the University of Utah’s Center for Disabled Student Services and then the Executive Director of the Utah Governor’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities under three different administrations. During this time, she ran the Miss Wheelchair Utah Pageant and was instrumental in the running of the Miss Wheelchair USA pageants. Also, during this time, she worked for and helped draft and pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and was present at the US White House on July 26, 1990, when President George H. W. Bush signed the ADA act into law. Her next career move was to the position of ADA Compliance Officer for the Utah Transit Authority (UTA) where she insured that all trains, train stations, buses, and bus stops operated by the UTA were ADA compliant. She was responsible for the training of all UTA transit operators to ensure that they followed the ADA compliance requirement. Sherry retired in 2014 and enjoyed spending time and traveling with her friends in Utah before moving back to Taylorville in 2021. Sherry loved attending Taylorville sporting events, attending the Taylorville United Methodist Church, spending time on the Repscher family farm, and enjoying the Holidays and meals with her family.

She is survived by her brothers: Frank Repscher (Barb) of Maui, Hawaii and Melvin Repscher (Rita) of Taylorville; sister-in-law: Janice Repscher of Taylorville; nieces and nephews: Michelle Beckmier (Craig), Matt Repscher (Melissa), Mike Repscher (Emily), Myles Repscher (Jessie), Jaeson Repscher (Tracy), Joseph Repscher, Annika Repscher, Kip Repscher (Nicole), Tad Repscher (Tara), Blaine Repscher (Jennifer), Hilary Tschanz, Kent Tschanz (Katie), and Courtney Bailey (Matthew); and several great nieces and nephews including: Kade Beckmier, Cole Repscher, Lydia Repscher, Beau Repscher, Meredith Repscher, Lyla Repscher, Isaac Repscher, Maleah Repscher, Maybel Repscher, and Myla Repscher. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother: Larry Repscher; great niece: Kiley Beckmier.

A visitation for Sherry will take place from 4:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Following the visitation, a memorial service will take place at 6p.m. on Thursday officiated by Pastor Becky Lemke.  Memorials may be made to the Taylorville First United Methodist Church Youth Group. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.  

Novice Parker Allen, Jr., 97, of Waggoner, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024 at 3:03 p.m. at Taylorville Skilled Nursing and Rehab Center in Taylorville. 

Born December 1, 1926, in Drakesboro, KY., a son of Novice Parker and Elizabeth (Kelly) Allen, Sr.  A lifelong Coal Miner. Mr. Allen worked at the Peabody Coal Co. #10 Mine in Pawnee for several years. 

Mr. Allen proudly served his country during WWII serving in the U.S. Navy and upon receiving his honorable discharge enlisted in the U.S. Army toward the end of WWII and pre–Korean War. During his tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Allen was stationed in the Asiatic-Pacific area, and was present during the historic raising of the American flag at Iwo Jima.

Mr. Allen married the former Anna Jean Beck on January 15, 1947 at Greenville, KY. Mrs. Allen passed away on April 10, 2014. Mr. Allen was a member of the Waggoner Christian Church, United Mine Workers of America Local #9819, and the Farmersville American Legion Post.  He loved to camp and go fishing at Lake Carlyle with his family. 

Surviving are his son, Bill D (Bonnie) Allen of Springfield, IL., two daughters, Libby (Don) Dennison of Morrisonville, IL., and Bonna (Steve) Rothe of Modesto, IL., Eight grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren.  He also leaves his good and true friend, Bill (Virginia) McQuire of Taylorville, IL.

In addition to his wife, Anna, Mr. Allen is preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bobby Allen, a grandson, Jeffrey Jones, and a great granddaughter, Alyssa Dennison.

Funeral services for Mr. Allen will be held Monday, January 8, 2024 at 12:00 Noon at the Plummer Funeral home in Litchfield.  The Rev. Chad Foster, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville will officiate and burial will be at the Cedar ridge Cemetery in Honey Bend.

Visitation will be held Monday from 11:00 until the time of service at the funeral home.  The family suggests memorials to the First Baptist Church of Morrisonville. 

To light a virtual candle, sign the online guestbook or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com

Roy L. “Buddy” Childers, 73 of Taylorville, passed away at 12:55p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, in his home. He was born on March 17, 1950, in Taylorville, the son of Vincent L. “Bud” and Emily L. (Shivers) Childers. He married Linda Turner on May 2, 1975, in Taylorville. Buddy worked as a truck driver for many years, most recently for Brown’s Trucking. He was a member of the First Baptist Church. He was an avid knife collector, enjoyed CB’s, fishing, and tinkering. He is survived by his wife: Linda Childers of Taylorville; daughters: Tricia Cox (Del) of Pana and Heather Jones (Willie) of Taylorville; grandchildren: Chris Rogers, Brittany Rogers, Zack Hale, Miyah Hale, and Willie Jr. Jones II; great grandchildren: Journie Rogers, Jariya Smith, and Ky’ree Jones; and several nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother: David M. Childers. A graveside service for Mr. Childers will take place at 2:00p.m. on Friday, January 5, 2024, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville with Pastor Chad Foster officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements. 

James Michael Jamison, 75 of Taylorville, passed away at 11:28a.m. on Monday, January 1, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.  He was born on August 10, 1948, in Taylorville, the son of James C. Jamison Jr.  and Josephine (Brown) Jamison.  He married Sharon Buckmire on August 29, 1980, in the Taylorville First Presbyterian Chapel.  Mike graduated from Taylorville High School in 1966.  He was an Eagle Scout and attended the 1964 National Scout Jamboree held in Valley Forge.  Along with his brother-in-law Mike DeMichael and dear friend John Green, Mike operated one of the first area DJ services, entertaining at many events throughout the 80’s.  Mike retired from the Illinois Department of Transportation in 1999 after a career of 34 years.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mike was a proud member of the Taylorville Rifle and Pistol Club where he loved target shooting and was always eager to share this passion with family and friends.  He was a talented woodworker and enjoyed crafting projects ranging from ink pens to furniture.  Holiday traditions had special meaning to Mike including ham and beans on New Years Day, shooting his 10-gauge cannon on the 4^th of July, and cooking scrapple with his daughter after Thanksgiving.  More than anything, Mike loved spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife: Sharon Jamison of Taylorville; children: Michelle L. Jamison of Taylorville, Shaun M. Vincent (Jennifer) of Maroa, and Camron J. Jamison (Tara) of Fenton, Missouri; grandchildren: Kai Vincent, Landon Vincent, Amelia Lamb, Tristan Lamb, Kaleb Jamison, and Jeremy Herman; cousins: George Jamison (Mary Lou Goodpaster), David Jamison (Joyce), Lea Dodd, and Sherryl Dodd; sister-in-law: Karen DeMichael; brother-in-law: Bruce Buckmire (Shelia Wareham); nephew and niece: Brent DeMichael (Stacey) and Susie McClure (Scott); great niece and nephews: Hudson DeMichael, Hayden DeMichael, Peyton DeMichael and Brayden McClure.  He was preceded in death by his parents; sister: Penny Jamison; granddaughter: Mackenzie C. Jamison; brother-in-law: Mike DeMichael.

A visitation for Mike will take place from 4:00p.m. until 6:00p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at McClure Funeral Home in Taylorville.  Following the visitation, a funeral service will take place at 6p.m. on Thursday officiated by Pastor Brennan Hurley.  A graveside inurnment will be held at 11a.m. on Friday at Oak Hill Cemetery.  Casual attire is requested for his services. Memorials may be made to the Taylorville Rifle and Pistol Club or the American Cancer Society.  McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.