JOY H. LANE
(1925 - 2005)
EAST PEORIA - Joy Henrietta Lane, 79, of 900 Centennial Drive in East Peoria, died at 5:58 p.m. Monday, March 7, 2005 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. She was formerly a Peoria resident.
Born September 21, 1925 in Chicago to Albert and Henrietta 'Hattie' Sorensen Hunt, she married Robert Wayne Rowe. She later married Roger M. Lane. He died in 1986. She also was preceded in death by two brothers.
Surviving are one son, Wayne R. (Karen) Rowe of Pekin; six grandchildren, Chad M. Rowe, Jory N. Rowe, Brandon R. Rowe, all of Pekin, Bryan W. Rowe of Peoria, Paul R. Rowe of Chicago and Tristan W. Rowe of Fort Campbell, Kentucky and her sister-in-law, Lucille Hunt of Peoria.
She worked as a secretary for the RCA Company in Peoria. She then worked for many years at Bradley University as a secretary for the ROTC program. She then retired to Arizona for 20 years.
She was of the protestant faith. She enjoyed playing cards.
There will be no services or visitation. Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Center, 8800 North Route 91, Peoria, Illinois 61615 or to the American Heart Association, Memorial & Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674.
PAUL A. ALLEN
(1934 - 2005)
PEKIN - Paul Aaron Allen, 70, of 1515 South 7th Street, died at 11:35 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born June 13, 1934 in Pekin to P. Aaron and Pauline Dinquel Allen, he married Helen Marie Hurt on August 8, 1953 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Kathy (Darrell) Schmidt of Pekin; three sons, Steve (Shelly) Allen Lincoln, IL, Dan (Anne) Allen and Gary Allen, both of Pekin; eight grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and one sister, Vera Volk of Las Vegas, Nevada. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister.
He owned Allen and Associates Real Estate in Pekin from 1960 until semi-retiring in 2000. He received his real estate license in 1960 and his broker's license in 1971. He was a graduate of the Realtors Institute and was a State of Illinois certified real estate specialist, receiving a designation for each. He also was a State of Illinois licensed Continuing Education Instructor in real estate. He was a member of the local, state and national Board of Realtors since 1969, serving as President of the Pekin Area Board of Realtors in 1991. He served on numerous committees for the state and local boards. He also was a member of the Houston and Bloomington Board of Realtors. In 1993, he was selected as Realtor of the Year by the Pekin Area Board of Realtors. He became a licensed Real Estate Appraiser in 1998.
Before working in the real estate profession, he worked at Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville. He also was a former partner in the Liquor Cabinet.
He was a member of Pekin Lodge 29, Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of Illinois. He also was a member of South Pekin Congregational Church. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited. He was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan.
He formerly served as a trustee on the South Pekin Village Board. He also was a former member of the Spring Lake Advisory Board, a position appointed by former Governor Kerner.
He volunteered in the past for the American Cancer Society as a special events chairman and with the American Heart Association.
His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 9, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Tom Cone will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at the funeral home, with Masonic rites at 8 p.m. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (M.D.S.) Foundation, P.O. Box 353, Crosswicks, New Jersey 08515.
JOAN M. "JODY" ASBELL
(1931 - 2005)
PEKIN - Joan Marie 'Jody' Asbell, 73, of 311 Country Club Drive, died at 5:58 a.m. Friday, March 4, 2005 at Pekin Hospital.
Born April 9, 1931 in Freeport to Lester A. and Gladys E. McLaughlin Rahn, she married Robert Stansell Asbell on August 15, 1954 in Pekin. He died December 19, 2002 in Pekin. She also was preceded in death by one grandson, David A. Cummings and two sisters.
Surviving are two sons, Stephen R. (Susan) Asbell of Tacoma, Washington and Scott A. Asbell of Pekin; two daughters, Susan M. (R. Harris) Cummings of Cary, North Carolina and Sheila J. (Leslie) Allen of Bloomington and seven grandchildren.
She attended Oberlin College in Oberlin, Ohio and graduated in 1954 from Bradley University in Peoria, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music. She was a member of Pi Beta Phi and Sigma Alpha Iota at Bradley
She worked for Caterpillar, Inc. in Graphic Communications from 1974 to 1994. She also had taught music at schools in Tremont and Pekin, along with private lessons.
She was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood and Pekin Country Club. She also had been a member of Pekin Civic Chorus. She was a member of the first group of 'Melody Maids' at Pekin Community High School.
She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin, where she was the choir director for several years.
Her funeral will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Rev. Glenn R.A. Niemann will officiate. Visitation will be two hours before services Tuesday at the funeral home. Private burial will be Wednesday at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to WCBU 89.9, 1501 West Bradley Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61625 or to St. John's Lutheran Church, 711 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
CAROL J. FRYMAN
(1931 - 2005)
PEKIN - Carol Jean Fryman, 73, of Pekin, died at 1:20 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2005 at the Hopedale Hospital.
She was born April 24, 1931 in Peoria County to Lee and Cora Alice Wyre Fryman.
Surviving are three brothers, Jimmy (Bernadine) Fryman, Thomas Fryman and Jack (Bonnie) Fryman, all of Pekin; one sister, Helen Fryman of Pekin and many nieces and nephews.
Three brothers and four sisters preceded her in death.
She had worked for Standard Brands in Chicago and for Ideal Troy in Peoria.
Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hopedale Medical Foundation, P.O. Box 267, Hopedale, Illinois 61747-0267.
GRACE A. MARTIN
(1915 - 2005)
PEKIN - Grace A. Martin, 89, of 935 East Jefferson Street in Morton since 1990, died at 8:44 p.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at the Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc. in Morton. She formerly resided in Pekin for over 50 years.
Born August 27, 1915 in Forest City to Warren and Verna Rapp Neikirk, she married Thomas F. Martin on December 5, 1933 in Forest City. He died January 31, 1983 in Pekin.
Surviving are one brother, Marvin W. (Guyneth) Neikirk of Forest City; one niece, Nanciann (Larry) Cedarquist of Pekin, who helped care for her and one nephew, Marc H. (Phyllis) Neikirk of Carrollton, Texas.
A homemaker, Mrs. Martin had worked at Caterpillar, Inc. during the 1940's.
She attended schools in Forest City and San Jose.
She was a member of First Baptist Church in Pekin, where she attended the Maranatha Sunday school class. She also was a member of the Celestial City Chapter 333, Order of the Eastern Star in Pekin.
Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Clarence F. Heilman will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the funeral home. Graveside services will be at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Apostolic Christian Restmor, Inc., 935 East Jefferson Street, Morton, Illinois 61550.
H. DEAN CRAWFORD
(1937 - 2005)
PEKIN - Herbert Dean Crawford, 67, of 100 Thrush Ave. died at 6:45 a.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at his home.
Born April 23, 1937 in Manito to H. Herbert and Mary Helen VonDerHeide Crawford, he married Phyllis Ann Hoffman on December 29, 1956 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; his mother of Pekin; 1 son, Rocky Dean Crawford of Pekin; 1 daughter, Tammy JoAnn (Kevin) McCabe of Pekin; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Dorothy June Crawford of Pekin.
He was preceded in death by father on April 22, 1991; and 1 sister.
Mr. Crawford was a police officer for the City of Pekin from January 1, 1968 until retiring on January 1, 1989.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #105 in Pekin.
He enjoyed working on cars, especially Corvettes.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, March 4, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Chaplin Ronald E. Little will officiate. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin where honors will be accorded by the Pekin Police Department Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Light Hospice, 200 W. Pioneer Parkway, Suite 18 B, Peoria, IL 61615.
DAVID A. LOHMAN
(1953 - 2005)
CREVE COEUR - David Allan Lohman, 51, of 311 Hawthorne Circle died at 8:24 a.m., Monday, February 28, 2005 in the emergency room at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
Born July 29, 1953 in Rock Island to Donald Clem and Patricia Lucille Birrell Lohman, Sr., he married Jill Ann Doty on May 1, 1981 in Pekin.
Surviving are his wife; his father of Mission, Texas; 2 brothers, Denny (Barbara) Lohman of Bartonville and Rick Lohman of East Peoria; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother; and 1 brother.
Mr. Lohman had worked as a maintenance man at the Club Phoenix in Bartonville for 3 years, last working on Monday. Previously, he had been a self-employed carpenter for 4 years, and a meat cutter at Krogers in East Peoria for 10 years.
He was a member of Creve Coeur Christian Church and the Peoria Boat Club.
He was a volunteer for both St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate and Crusaders for Kids. He was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed woodworking.
Funeral services will be at 7 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur chapel. Rev. John Haney will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, March 3, 2005 at the funeral home.
Cremation will follow funeral services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the David Lohman Memorial Fund at Bank Plus in Morton.
LAWRENCE H. RUTH
(1927 - 2005)
GREEN VALLEY - Lawrence Harlin Ruth, 77, formerly of rural Green Valley, died at 10:15 p.m., Sunday, February 27, 2005 at Pekin Manor.
He was born September 10, 1927 in Green Valley to John H. and Emma L. Storck Ruth, Sr.
Surviving are 2 sisters, Dorothy Burton of Pekin and Emma Vetter of Silver Spring, Maryland; several nieces and nephews; and a close friend who cared for him during his illness, Martha Chamberlain of Jacksonville.
He was preceded in death by 2 brothers and 3 sisters.
Mr. Ruth was a life-time farmer in Sand Prairie and Malone Townships in Tazewell County.
He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957.
He was a former member of the National Farmers Organization.
He was a history buff and an avid 'Jeopardy' TV show fan.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, March 3, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Michael Shirey will officiate. Visitation will be one and one half hours prior to the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at 2 p.m., Thursday at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield.
The Sangamon County Inter-Veterans Burial Detail will provide military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 N. Knoxville Ave., Peoria, IL 61614 OR to a charity of the donor's choice.
WARREN L. HALL
(1924 - 2005)
GREEN VALLEY - Warren Lee Hall, 81, of 15100 Christmas Tree Road, died at 10:48 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2005 at his home.
Born February 12, 1924 in Haywood, Oklahoma to Ernest Joe and Callie O. Lee Hall, he married Laverne Oberle on January 26, 1947 in Pekin . She died March 9, 1986 in Pekin . He was also preceded in death by his parents, one brother (John J. Hall), and one sister (E. Olean Trail).
Surviving are one son, Arlen L. Hall of Des Moines, Iowa; one daughter, Janice M. Hall of Peoria; two grandsons, Todd A. (Renae) Hall and Trevor L. (Angela) Hall, both of Pekin, who both helped care for him; two great-grandsons, Trevor L. 'T.J.' Hall, Jr. and Travis L. Hall, both of Pekin ; two brothers, Vell (Georgia) Hall of Shawnee, Oklahoma and Buddy Joe 'B.J.' (Evelyn) Hall of Ashland, Oklahoma ; and four sisters, Dolena Trammell of Coalgate, Oklahoma, M. Opal Martin of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Jurlean (Stan) Gilliland of Stillwater, Oklahoma, and M. Lee Bevelhimer of Muskogee, Oklahoma .
A United States Army veteran of World War II, he served from August of 1944 to July of 1946 in the infantry.
Mr. Hall farmed for numerous years in Tazewell County, retiring December 3, 1988 . He was a Pioneer seed dealer for many years. He also raised livestock.
He was a member of St. John's (Sand Prairie) Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley, Tazewell County Farm Bureau, and the American Legion. He bowled in the Tuesday night men's league at Roxy's Lanes in Pekin for many years.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Green Valley . The Rev. Thomas R. Wenndt and DCE William Krueger will officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Burial will be in Sand Prairie Cemetery in rural Green Valley, where military rites will be accorded by the Tazewell Area Ceremonial Team.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's Lutheran Church, 13443 Townline Road, Green Valley, Illinois 61534 or to Methodist Medical Center Hospice Services, 221 Northeast Glen Oak Avenue, Peoria, Illinois 61636 .
DELBERT R. WELLS
(1933 - 2005)
PEKIN - Delbert Ray Wells, 72, of 1003 Summer Street, died at 12:52 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2005 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born February 2, 1933 in Brown County, Ohio to Floyd Raymond and Mildred L. Kinchloe Wells, he married Sharon K. Sawney on December 26, 1963 in Cocoa, Florida . She died July 28, 2003 in Pekin . He was also preceded in death by his parents and two sons (Kenneth Wells and Scott Wells).
Surviving are one daughter, Lee Ellen Fitzler of Ohio; one grandson; two great-grandchildren; one brother, Kenneth Rowe of Ohio; and his sister-in-law, Juanita VanBuskirk of Pekin and niece, Neoma Jenson of East Peoria, who both helped care for him.
A United States Navy veteran of the Korean War, he served from 1951 to 1953 and attained the rank of Seaman Apprentice.
Mr. Wells worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville for 27 years, retiring in 1998 as a wire drawer.
He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #1869 in Pekin and the Rainbow Dancers.
He attended First Christian Church in Pekin .
Private services were held Saturday, February 26, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Christine Bell officiated. Cremation will be accorded following services.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 2675 Allentown Road, Pekin, Illinois 61554 .
FREDA G. KOPPENHOEFER
(1953 - 2005)
METAMORA - Freda Gail Koppenhoefer, 51, of 341 Grebner Road, Worth Township, died at 9:50 a.m. Friday, February 25, 2005 at her home.
Born December 24, 1953 in Dearborn, Michigan to Johnie Rayburn Sr. and Jeanette Mary LaVigne Vick, she married David Eugene Koppenhoefer on July 12, 1975 in Peoria. He survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Amanda Violet (Scott) Hohenbery of Washington and Heather Beth Koppenhoefer of Metamora; one son, Brian David Koppenhoefer of Metamora; one grandson, Hunter Scott Hohenbery of Washington; and two sisters, Elaine (Neil) Robinson and Yvonne (Mike) Park, both of Pekin.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers (Jay R. Vick and Johnie Rayburn Vick, Jr.).
Mrs. Koppenhoefer worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 8 years as a hand trucker in building LL in East Peoria. She later cleaned offices for Dixon's Fisheries in East Peoria for several years, last working in 2002.
She enjoyed gardening.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, February 28, 2005 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
HESTELLA M. ROBINSON
(1926 - 2005)
CREVE COEUR - Hestella Mae Robinson, 78, of 116 Oak Lawn Terrace, died at 5:06 p.m. Thursday, February 24, 2005 in the emergency room of Pekin Hospital.
Born December 4, 1926 in Bush, Illinois to Willie and Lena Carter Childress, she married Leonard Allen Robinson in January of 1951 in Shawneetown.
Surviving are one son, Leonard A. (Charlotte) Robinson, Jr. of Pekin; one daughter, Judith D. (Hector) Cuevas of Creve Coeur; five grandchildren. Erika E. Cuevas and Sherry L. Robinson, both of Pekin, Anthony M. Cuevas of East Peoria, Carissa A. (Ben) Adams of Lewistown, and Lon E. Robinson of Jacksonville; three step-grandsons, Robert (Kelley) Beeney, Joseph Beeney, and Jeffrey Beeney, all of Pekin; six great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one sister, Sarah (Don) Knapp of West Frankfort; and one brother, Leroy (Choi) Robinson of Herrin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, step-father (Frank Robinson), and one brother (William Robinson).
Mrs. Robinson worked as a cook at the Cliftwood and later at Club 150, both in Morton. She then worked for the Wagon Wheel Restaurant in East Peoria for 12 years as the assistant manager. She last worked as a biscuit maker for Hardees in Creve Coeur from 1992 to 2000.
She was a member of the Creve Coeur Christian Church.
She enjoyed her cat and cooking.
Funeral services will be at noon Monday, February 28, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Creve Coeur Chapel, where visitation will be two hours before services. The Rev. John W. Haney will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Creve Coeur Christian Church, 101 South Thorncrest Avenue, Creve Coeur, Illinois 61610.
NELLIE M. JOHNSON
(1908 - 2005)
PEORIA - Nellie Marie Johnson, 97, of 8305 Rothlisberger Lane in Hollis Township, died at 6:25 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at her home.
Born February 11, 1908 on the farm at which she died, to Jacob and Myrtle Powell Rothlisberger, she married Jessie Roscoe Johnson on August 29, 1929 in Peoria.
She was preceded in death by her husband in March 1961 in Peoria; and 3 sisters.
Surviving are her niece and nephew, whom she helped raise, and they then lived with her and cared for her during her final years, Carol Blandin and Jerry Blandin.
Mrs. Johnson last worked at American Distilling Company in Pekin as a labeler for over 20 years, retiring in 1973. Previously, she was a seamstress at both Pabst Brewing Company in Peoria Heights and at Peoria Tent and Awning.
She was a member of the Mapleton Church.
She was also a member of Celestial City Chapter #333-Order of the Eastern Star; Victoria Shrine #83-Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem, both in Pekin; the Peoria County Farm Bureau; and Peoria County Home Extension.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Keith Huff will officiate. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mapleton Church.
JUDITH H. BAKER
(1955 - 2005)
PEKIN - Judith Helena Baker, 49, of 514 N. 5th St.,Apt. 106, died at 6:45 a.m., Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at her home. She was a Pekin resident since 1987.
Born April 20, 1955 in Chicago to Thomas William and Dorothy Betlewski Baker, Jr., she married Robert Davies in Chicago.
Surviving are 5 daughters, Raina Leigh Davies of Chicago, Shanaray Kenya Green, Shivona Kenya Green, Shondell Kenya Green, all of El Paso, Illinois, and Tina Marie Gibson of Niles, Illinois; 1 son, Tyrone William Green of El Paso; 1 sister, Bonnie Jean Baker of Chicago; and 1 half-sister, Caroline Baker of Union City, Tennessee.
Also surviving is her close friend, Susan Kooi, who cared for her during her illness.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2005at Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin. There will be no visitation.
Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.
Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel is in charge of arrangements.
ROLAND K. STRUBHAR
"ROLLIE KEITH"
(1928 - 2005)
PEKIN - Roland Keith 'Rollie Keith' Strubhar, 76, of 1471 Valle Vista Boulevard, Unit 14, died at 8:19 p.m., Monday, February 21, 2005 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria.
Born June 16, 1928 in Pekin to Clarence 'Jerry' and Dorothy Phillips Strubhar, he married Jacqueline Albee on November 18, 1950 in Pekin.
Surviving are 2 sons, Steve C. (Darrah) Strubhar and Scott T. Strubhar, both of Pekin; 1 daughter, Teri (Jim) Breeden of Licking, Missouri; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; and 1 sister, Lucille R. 'Cele' Benson of Peoria.
'Rollie Keith' was a weather forecaster for 44 years, last working for WMBD channel 31 in Peoria from 1981 until retiring in 1996. Previously, he had worked at WRAU channel 19 (now WHOI) from 1960 to 1965, where he did news, sports, weather, and even hosted the popular kids TV show, 'Bids for the Kids'. After a short weather stint at WMC channel 5 in Memphis, he returned to channel 19 in 1966, staying until 1981. He started his career in radio at WLIO in Liverpool, Ohio from 1952 to 1957. He then worked at WSIV in Pekin from 1957 to 1960, before moving into television.
For several years, Rollie was involved in the Salvation Army's 'Share the Spirit' campaign and he was the MC for the Easter Seals Telethon for over 20 years.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to until being discharged as a Seaman First Class on July 6, 1948.
He was a founding member of Sunset Hills Country Club in Pekin and a former member of the Pekin Lions Club, Grandview Lodge #1112 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Peoria Heights, and the Mohammed Temple Shrine in Peoria.
He was a former member of Pekin Bible Church.
He had attended Western Illinois University and graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a degree in speech.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Friday, February 25, 2005 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel. Rev. Dwight Winnett will officiate. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, February 24, 2005 and one hour prior to services Friday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Methodist Medical Center Foundation, Methodist Inn Fund, 120 NE Glen Oak Ave., Suite 209, Peoria, IL 61603-9905.
KAREN S. WARD
(1958 - 2005)
EAST PEORIA - Karen Sue Ward, 46, of 300 Arnold Avenue, Apartment 3, was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m. Saturday, February 19, 2005 in East Peoria.
She was born April 19, 1958 in Fort Ord, California to Sherman Franklin and Bonita Virginia Jones Ward.
Surviving are one son, Steven R. Cusac of East Peoria; one daughter, Stephanie S. (Nathan) Mordhorst of Washington; five brothers, Billy F. Ward of East Peoria, Tom F. (Claudia) Ward of Leslie, Arkansas, Donnie L. (Kim) Ward of Canton, David A. Ward of Morning Star, Arkansas, and Sean E. (Dawn) Ward of Pekin; and three sisters, Ruth Ann Trent of Peoria, Bonnie L. (Stephen) Short of Brimfield, and Debra L. (Kim) Wiese of Norman, Oklahoma.
Her parents preceded her in death.
A licensed cosmetologist, she had worked at several area salons including Regis Salon in Pekin and Chicago Hair Cutting Company in East Peoria.
She was of the Christian faith and enjoyed reading the bible and listening to gospel music. She also enjoyed fishing and crocheting.
Private funeral services and visitation will be Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Donald L. Blasing will officiate. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ward family in care of CEFCU.
ERNEST J. STEPHENS
(1926 - 2005)
PEORIA - Ernest Jackson Stephens, 78, of 8508 S. Powell Rd. in Hollis Township, died at 12:45 a.m., Sunday, February 20, 2005 at Pekin Hospital.
Born November 16, 1926 in Marion, Illinois to Jacob and Ruth Turnage Stephens, he married Catherine Shadowens on May 28, 1948 in Oceola, Arkansas. She died June 28, 2000 in Peoria. He later married Mary Brimmer Givens in August 2000 in Kentucky.
Surviving are his wife; 3 daughters, Joyce (Tearry) Smith of Glasford, Debra (William) Tibbs of Mapleton, and Rebecca (Bill) Pierce of Athens, Illinois; 2 sons, Bennie Stephens of Peoria and E. Gordon (Debra) Stephens of Glasford; 1 step-daughter, Joy (Aziz) Jamaluddin of Houston, Texas; and 1 step-son, Roy Stephens, also of Houston, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 10 step-grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 5 brothers, Douglas Stephens of Indian Valley, Idaho, J. Lester (Betty) Stephens of Pekin; J. Lawrence (Claudette) Stephens of W. Frankfort, Indiana, Franklin (Mildred) Stephens of Eustis, Florida, and Walter (Meredith) Stephens of Bloomington, Illinois; and 2 sisters, Helena Bullock of Pekin and Mildred (Jim) Clark of Normal.
He was also preceded in death by 1 brother.
Mr. Stephens worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 40 years, 4 months, retiring from the shipping dock at the Mapleton foundry on January 1, 1991.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a paratrooper in both the 11th Airborn Division and the 82nd Airborn Division.
He was a member in good standing of the United Auto Workers Local 974 in East Peoria.
Cremation will be accorded.
Friends may call from 1 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at the Pavillion in Butler-Haynes Park in Mapleton.
Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin chapel is in charge of arrangements.
