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Mr. Richard L. Smith
Richard L. Smith, 66, of Jacksonville, died Friday morning, January 24, 2003, at his residence, after a battle with cancer. He was born in Frankin, on August 12, 1936, the son of Lawrence and Dorothy Ryan Smith. He married Muriel Cooper on September 28, 1983 in Jacksonville, and she survives. He is also survived by a son, Jeff Niblock of Naples, Florida; a daughter, Sheri (husband, John) Thompson of Yorba Linda, California; a step-son, Brian (wife, Karen) Cooper of Ft. Bragg, North Carolina; six grandchildren; two brothers, J.W. “Bill” (wife, Carol) Smith and Charles D. “Don” (wife, Abbie) Smith, both of Jacksonville; and one sister, June Dietrich of Sedona, Arizona. He was preceded in death by one son, Mark; one sister, Wilma Gillespie, and one brother, Robert. He is also survived by a former wife, Judy Smith, and her sons, Kevin, Kerry, and David. Mr. Smith graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1954 and from Hardin Business College. He served in the United States Air Force from 1954-58. He was a sales representative for Metropolitan Life Insurance and served on the Jacksonville Fire Department. The major part of his life was spent in advertising sales for WLDS-WEAI from 1969 until his death, except for a three-year stint as advertising manager for the Jacksonville Journal Courier. Mr. Smith belonged to the Ambucs for many years and was a member of the Elks Club and Moose Lodge. He was an avid fisherman and loved spending time with his wife at their cabin on Franklin Lake. Friends may call after 12 Noon on Tuesday at the Williamson Funeral Home where the family will meet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Private funeral services will be held. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Central Illinois, Jacksonville Branch; or the Elks Little League.
Jessie M. Sponsler (Schudle)
Jessie M. Sponsler, 93, of Tuscola formerly of Green e County, died at 1 A.M. on Wednesday Jan. 22, 2003 at the Tuscola Nightingale Manor in Tuscola. born on Feb. 26, 1909 she was the daughter of the late Clara Walter Cummings. On July 2, 1929 she married Ira Sponsler and he preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 1964. Surviving are a daughter Barbara J. Sudduth of Tuscola, 4 grandchildren: Joseph Sponsler Sudduth, Dennis Neil Sudduth, Jay Dean Sudduth, June Kaye Sudduth Duley, 6 great grandchildren, a brother: Howard E. Cummings of Jerseyville and 4 sisters: Geraldine G. Kraushaar of White Hall, Wilma E. Thornton of Green field, Clara Viola McCormick of Mulberry Grove and Imogene Charpontier of Rock Falls. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers: Delbert, Donald and Oran Olin Cummings and 2 sisters: Bernita M. Varble and Mable Retherford. She was a longtime member of the Carrollton Methodist Church and an over 50 year member of the Order of the Easter Star Chapter 775 of Alton. She worked for Sandwell Interiors and Goldblatt Dept. Store in Champaign. She also graduated business school in 1928. Visitation will be from 9 A.M. on Saturday until service time at 11 A.M. at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Burial will follow in the Carrollton City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Tuscola Senior Citizens Center or the Lincolnland Hospice of Sara Bush Lincoln Hospital.
David C. Steckel
David C. Steckel, 76, of Carrollton died on Wed. March 26, 2003 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. born on Sept. 13, 1926 in White Hall he was the son of the late Clarence F. and Gladys Boone Steckel. On March 17, 1955 he married the former Donna Osborne and she preceded him in death on March 20, 1982. Surviving are 4 daughters and spouses: Brenda and Dick Midkiff of Carrollton, Sheila Lake of St. Louis, Mo., Zena and Phil Brown of Carrollton, Judy Richardson of Champaign, 3 sons and spouses: Marc and Leigh Steckel of Carrollton, Brian Steckel of Heyworth, Greg and Cathy Steckel of Carrollton, 20 grandchildren: Amy Evans Struble (husband Mark),Linda Evans Buchanan (husband Kevin), Andy Steckel (wife Jenny),Adam Steckel, Lauren Steckel, Brandon Steckel,David Steckel, Matt Lake, Anna Lake, Tim Brown, Nathan Brown, Luke Brown, Dane Brown, Briana Steckel, Chancey Steckel, Cody Steckel, Crystal Gabel, Kelcie Steckel, Brittany Richardson and Tiara Richardson, 5 great grandchildren: Madison, Emily and Blake Struble, and Marissa Barber and Hayden Steckel. 2 sisters: Marion and George Winters of Imperial, Mo., Nancy Roark of Kane, and a brother: Mark and Joyce Steckel of White Hall. Preceded in death by a sister Frances Overby and a brother Paul Steckel. Mr. Steckel was a longtime farmer and member of the Green e Co. Farm Bureau. He was a World War II Army Veteran. Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. on Thursday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton where services will be held on Friday at 11 A.M. with burial to follow in the Carrollton City Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Mrs. Berneice Green e Alderson Stewart (Homer)
Berneice Green e Alderson Stewart, 80, of South Jacksonville, and formerly of Chapin and Franklin, died Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2003, at Prairie Village Healthcare Center in Jacksonville. She was born May 5, 1922, in Beardstown, the daughter of Roy and Dovie Martin Homer. She was preceded in death by three husbands: William Green e, George Alderson, and Stanley Stewart. She is survived by one son, Gary (wife, Linda) Green e of Jacksonville; one daughter, Elaine Kleinschmidt of Chapin; four step-sons, Bob (wife, Carol) Stewart of Jacksonville, Wayne Stewart of Franklin, David (wife, Janet) Stewart of Hillview, and Darrell (wife, Pam) Stewart of Waverly; one step-daughter, Sandra Turley of Waverly; four grandchildren; several step-grandchildren; six great-grandsons; several great-grandchildren; one sister, Blossom Nergenah of Chapin; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one son, Roy Taylor Alderson, two brothers, Melvin Homer and Clifford Homer; and two sisters, Alberta White and Louise “Johnny” Medlock. Mrs. Stewart was a homemaker and a member of Prairieland Heritage Museum. She attended Franklin Baptist Church. Mrs. Stewart enjoyed crocheting and fishing, but her greatest joy was her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2003, at the Williamson Funeral Home with burial at Chapin Cemetery. Friends may call after 12 Noon on Friday at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Hospice Care of Central Illinois, Jacksonville Branch; or the Senior Citizen’s Bus.
Iona B. White
Iona B. White, 85, of Winchester passed away Sunday (February 9, 2003) at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. She was born September 25, 1917 in Glasgow the daughter of the late F.M. and Nettie Daniels Smith. Also preceding her in death were 2 sisters Flora Glossop and Kathy Riddell, a brother Richard Smith, 2 grandsons, a great grandson and great granddaughter, 3 half sisters and a half brother. She attended Glasgow and Winchester schools. She was a homemaker and also worked as a housekeeper in the area for many years. She was a member of the Winchester Assembly of God and the Royal Neighbors. Survivors include her 3 sons Ray (wife Ruth) White, Bob (wife Ada Ruth) White, and Dave (wife Linda) White all of Winchester. 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and a great great grandson. Private family services will be held. Burial will be in the Glasgow Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Winchester EMS. The Coonrod Funeral Home in Winchester is in charge of the arrangements.
Mrs. Minnie L. Wiant (Lofters)
Minnie L. Wiant, 103, of Jacksonville, died Wednesday morning, February 5, 2003, at Prairie Village Healthcare Center in Jacksonville. She was born June 26, 1899, in Jacksonville, the daughter of William and Joquenia Munis Lofters. She married Lyle B. Wiant on May 8, 1922, and he preceded her in death on January 10, 1968. She is survived by one daughter, Jacqueline (husband, Jack) Justice of Kansas City, Kansas; two grandsons, five great-grandchildren; one step-granddaughter, and one step-grandson. She was preceded in death by one son, Lyle Wiant, Jr., and several brothers and sisters. Mrs. Wiant was a lifelong member of Northminster Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville. She loved to play bingo and socialize with her many friends at the Laborer’s Home on South Diamond. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2003, at the Williamson Funeral Home with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Northminster Presbyterian Church.
Wilbur W. Willenburg
Wilbur W. Willenburg, 62, of Carrollton died on Wednesday March 12, 2003 at 5:15 A.M. at Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton. born in Calhoun Co. on Jan. 25, 1941, he was the son of the late Walter and Alice Zimmerman Willenburg. He married the former Rosemary Edwards on Oct. 24, 1964 in Jerseyville and she survives. Also surviving are, 2 sons and daughters-in-law: Keith and Nancy Willenburg of White Hall, David and Cindy Willenburg of Carrollton, a daughter and son-in-law: Christina and Dean Garner of Eldred, 4 grandchildren: Ronnie Garner, Richie Garner, Brendan Willenburg, Katelyn Willenburg, 2 sisters: Joyce (husband Wally) Davenport of Jacksonville and Margie Wollenweber of South Jacksonville. He was preceded in death his parents and a brother-in-law Leslie “Dick” Wollenweber. Mr. Willenburg worked at Kroger in Carrollton for 38 years just retiring recently. He was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. on Friday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Carrollton. Services will be at the funeral home on Saturday at 10 A.M. with burial to follow in Eldred Memorial Gardens. Memorials are to the American Cancer Society.
Thelma L. Wilson
Thelma L. Wilson, 85, of Winchester passed away late Thursday night (January 23, 2003) at NBA Barton W. Stone Christian Home in Jacksonville. She was born July 7, 1917 in Tamaroa, IL the daughter of the late Clarence and Lillian Campbell Jones. She married B. Russell Wilson July 1, 1938 in Madisonville, Kentucky. He preceded her in death September 8, 1997. Mrs. Wilson graduated from DuQuoin High School and attended Western Kentucky University at Bowling Green . She worked for General Telephone in Winchester and then for Winchester National Bank until her retirement. She was a member of the 1st Christian Church in Winchester for 54 years where she taught Adult Bible class, children's Sunday school, she also served as a Deaconess and a leader of the CWF. She over the years had been active in many community organizations and activities. She is survived by her children Angela (husband Duane) Weiss of Sherman, Karen (husband Wayne) Tomhave of Jacksonville, C. Foster Wilson of LasVegas, NV, Cindy (husband Richard) Goss of New Berlin, and Kim P. Wilson of LasVegas, NV. 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM Monday (January 27, 2003) at the Coonrod Funeral Home in Winchester. Burial will be in the Winchester City Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday from 11:30 am until the time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the 1st Christian Church in Winchester, NBA Barton W. Stone Christian Home, or to the Kidney Foundation.
Mr. William R. Wood
William R. Wood, 83, of Jacksonville, died Saturday evening, May 17, 2003, at Passavant Area Hospital. He was born April 1, 1920 in Exeter, the son of Ray Henry and Apha Rowe Wood. He married Barbara Tankersley and she survives. He is also survived by one son, Richard Ray (fiancé, Dee Lacy) Wood of Batesville, Arkansas; one daughter, Deborah Lynn Wood of Jacksonville; one grandson, Buckie Ray Wood of Champaign; two sisters, Celia (husband, Larry) Gardner of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and Mary Dietsch of Jacksonville, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert R. Wood. Mr. Wood was a truck driver for over 30 years, driving for Merchant’s Motor Freight of St. Paul and Mid-American Truck Lines of Kansas City. Following his retirement, he was head bus driver for Pathway Services Unlimited for 18 years. Mr. Wood was a member of First Baptist Church in Jacksonville and a 55 year member of Harmony #3, A.F. & A. M. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2003, at the First Baptist Church in Jacksonville with burial at Gillham Cemetery near Winchester. Friends may call after 12 Noon on Wednesday at the Williamson Funeral Home, where the family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m.; and one hour prior to the service at the church. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, First Baptist Church Handbell Choir, or Pathway Services Unlimited.
Mr. Kenneth L. Woods
Kenneth L. Woods, of Jacksonville, died Monday, February 3rd, 2003, at Prairie Village Healthcare in Jacksonville after a brief battle with throat cancer. He was born on July 3rd, 1928 in Stockton, the son of James and Edna Isenhour Woods. He married Lora Lee Livingstone of White Hall in 1961, and she survives. He is also survived by one daughter, Patricia (husband, George) Marshall of Carbondale, one grandson, David Allan Marshall; and one sister, Charlene (husband, George) Loisel. Ken attended Springfield High School until he joined the army in 1946. After leaving the military, Ken graduated from Jacksonville's MacMurray College in 1970, and completed his master's degree at Sangamon State University (now University of Illinois at Springfield) in 1974. Ken served his country for twenty years, including tours of duty in Korea and Vietnam. He also spent sixteen years as an English teacher at Jacksonville High School, then retired to many happy years as a renaissance musician and itinerant calligrapher. Locally, he was well-known for his illuminated calendars, which he exhibited at MacMurray College, and for his support of a wide range of madrigals and renaissance faires, particularly Jubilee Olde English Faire at Jubilee College near Peoria. He was especially fond of playing for schools, and he performed at many grade schools, middle schools, and high schools across Illinois, bringing to students authentic medieval and renaissance tunes played on period instruments. Ken was a member of the Jacksonville chapter of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars as well as the Springfield branch of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a medieval re-enactment group. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2003, at the Williamson Funeral Home, with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The family will meet friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to MacMurray College.
Mrs. Nettie Wright (Friday)
Nettie Wright, 88, of Jacksonville, died Monday morning, February 10, 2003, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. She was born on March 1, 1914, in Schuyler County, the daughter of Henry and Mary Elizabeth Robbins Friday. She married Reuel Arthur Wright on March 1, 1979, in Jacksonville, and he preceded her in death. She is survived by three sisters, Faye Crawford of Mt. Sterling, and Helen Stocker and Clara Schmidt, both of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Fairy Pullam and Blanche Riggs, and two brothers, Hugh Friday and George Friday. Mrs. Wright was a caregiver and enjoyed making crafts. She was a member of Brooklyn United Methodist Church in Jacksonville. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2003, at Diamond Grove Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice. The Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Elizabeth R. Zeigler (Robertson)
Elizabeth R. Zeigler, 89, formerly of Jacksonville, died Thursday afternoon, January 30, 2003 at Delmar Gardens Nursing Home in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born August 8, 1913 in Cleveland, Ohio, the daughter of William More and Lilias Gray Fraser Robertson. She married George B. Zeigler on March 6, 1948 in Washington, D.C., and he preceded her in death on April 11, 1999. She is survived by one daughter, Susan (husband, Thomas) Scott of St. Louis; two sons, Robert (wife, Diane) Zeigler of Indianapolis, and Stephen (wife, Margaret) Zeigler of Portland, Oregon; six grandchildren, Jonathan (wife, Natalie), Andrew, Ashley, and David Zeigler, and Justin and Lindsay Scott; one great-grandson, Dylan; two sisters, Lilias Pippert of Providence, Rhode Island, and Eleanor Green (husband Ove) of Seattle, Washington. She was preceded in death by one brother, John Robertson. Mrs. Zeigler received a B.A. degree from Monmouth College and a M.A. degree from the University of Michigan. She began her career as a teacher in Joliet, Illinois before moving to Washington, D.C. to work for a Congressman. She joined the Office of Strategic Services (O.S.S.) in 1944 and served in London and Cairo during World War II. She continued as a Branch Chief in the Central Intelligence Agency (C.I.A.) until 1950. She joined the faculty of Illinois College when the family moved to Jacksonville in 1965. She retired as professor emeritus in 1978. She was active in the League of Women Voters for many years, serving as Director of Publications and International Relations. She was responsible for editing the Illinois Voters Handbook and helped revise the Morgan County Voters Handbook. She was a supporter of the Jacksonville Public Library. She was also a member of the Sorosis Literary Society. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Williamson Funeral Home. The family will meet friends at the funeral home beginning at 6:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Library Fund of Illinois College.
