Joseph T. “JT” Schwartz Sr., 74, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 2:48 P.M. Wednesday June 26, 2019 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL.  He was born September 3, 1944, in Hayti, MO, the son of Henry Houston and Birdell Marie (Clifton) Schwartz.

He is survived by one sister, Shirley Ann (Ronnie) Leppard of Hoopeston, IL and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; and three brothers.

Joseph worked as an electrician until his retirement.  He loved spending time with his family, having cookouts, and drinking ice cold beer. 

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. Monday July 1, 2019 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  A graveside service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:30 P.M. Monday at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Sam Terrell officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston VFW #4826, 428 W. Orange St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Joseph’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Jay Robert “Bob” or “Ed” Prillaman, Jr., 83, most recently of Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on June 25th, 2019 at Indian River Hospital, Vero Beach, FL. His services will be at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, July 6th at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30p.m. Burial will immediately follow services at the Rossville Cemetery.

Jay Jr. was born May 3, 1936 to Jay R. Prillaman, Sr. and Cleeta (Smith) Prillaman of Rossville, IL. Both preceded him in death.  He graduated class salutatorian from Rossville High School in 1954, received a BA in psychology and English with honors from Atlantic Christian College, NC, then received his MS degree in guidance and counseling at Illinois State University. He married Lynn (Goss) of East St. Louis, IL in 1961, had two daughters, then married Betty in 1980. He was proud to have worked for General Electric supporting the Apollo Space program in Daytona Beach, FL by recruiting scientists and engineers that eventually led to the moon landing. He won an award for his work and was honored to add his own “slice of history” and contributions to such an historic project.

He then pursued his love of teaching and learning while working with high school students for many years both in Florida and then back home in Illinois.  He enjoyed playing and coaching football, basketball, baseball, and golf.  He and his wife lived in North Carolina for ten years before retiring and relocating to Vero Beach, FL, where he pursued his passion for teaching and sharing his expertise of bridge with others while personally earning the level of Sapphire Life Master as a member of the American Contract Bridge League.

Jay is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 39 years, “Betty” (Myrtle McCoy) Prillaman; two daughters,  Lisa (Mark) Goeken-Galliart, Lake Bloomington, IL; Laura (Jim) Steffey, Tremont, IL;  three step-children, Diane (Jim) Sibley, Chillicothe, IL; Roger (Sharon) McCoy, Canoe, GA;  Mary Hall and Mike Grohskopf, St. Louis, MO; a combined 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his four brothers: Terry Sr. (Sharon), Rossville, IL; Danny (Peg), Bloomington, IL; Gregg (Cindy), Annandale, VA; Roger (Janine), Champaign, IL; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Also surviving are brothers-in-law: David (Rhonda) Mixon, New London, IA; Harold (Barbara) Mixon, Laurel, MS; and Howard (Janet) Mixon, Atlanta, GA.

Jay had an infectious laugh, was loved and respected by many, and will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all the fierce partners and opponents at the Vero Beach Bridge Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorials be made to the Vero Beach Bridge Club (VBBC), 1520 14th Ave., Vero Beach, FL 32960, where he was an active member for almost 20 years and whose members recently held a special day in his honor. Memorials will help continue the education and love of the game of duplicate bridge.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Jay’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Ruth Estelle Watson, 58, of Alvin, passed away at 8:10 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, 2019.

Ruth was born on November 12, 1960, in Peoria, the daughter of Willard and Nancy (Haun) Adkins.  She married Rick Watson on March 5, 2015, in Sarasota, Florida.  He survives.

She is also survived by one daughter- Shannon Sommer of Mossville, Illinois; one son- Strider (Laura) Sommer of Creve Coeur, Illinois; step-daughter- Michelle (Kerry) Pagel of Atwood, Illinois; step-son- Dusty Watson of Henning, Illinois; four grandchildren- Ian, Amelia, Tavin and Estella; four step-grandchildren- Ayden, Jeridyn, Ahna and Courtney; sister- LeeAnn Conrad of Lacon, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and her extended family- Stephanie Blount, Lacey Williams, David Vonk and their families. 

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Ruth graduated from Illinois Valley Central High School, in 1978.  She volunteered for several years with the Peoria area ESDA dive team, where she served as a certified diver on the underwater rescue team.  Ruth enjoyed playing cards, computer games, gardening, animals, riding her Harley, camping and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  Ruth loved a good piece of cheese and eating chocolate. 

A Celebration of Ruth’s Life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 23, 2019, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac.  Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home.  Following the services cremation rites will be accorded.  Memorials may be made to the family.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Ruth’s life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Waneta Wilson Schneider Bertrand Smith Jentsch was born December 15, 1918 to Fay Wilson and Myrtle Gritten Wilson in Bismarck, Illinois. The family moved north to Dolton, Illinois when Waneta was in grade school.  As a teenager, Waneta assisted with running the household and caring for her younger siblings. 

Waneta gave birth to 6 children – 3 with her first husband, and 3 with her second husband, and she happily acquired a step-daughter with her marriage to her fourth husband. Through these 7 children, Waneta’s descendants include 14 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Waneta loved her family and friends and was always ready to help people.  She loved to cook, and did some catering which led to a job as a cafeteria manager at Tinley Park High School.  She was also an accomplished seamstress and sewed clothing for her children and grandchildren, she also made prom dresses and wedding dresses.  Several weddings featured brides, bridesmaids, and mothers of the bride and groom all wearing Waneta’s creations.  She would attend the reception with sewing kit on hand, just in case.

Waneta had a wonderful sense of humor, loved to read, try different cuisines, and travel.   In her later years, Waneta travelled as often as possible with friends, senior groups, and family members.   She went river rafting in Colorado, touring in Alaska, cruising the Mediterranean, and RVing in New Zealand.  She rode camels and donkeys, hiked up the Acropolis, and explored the canals of Venice.

For a full century, Waneta was full of life and love, and ready with a smile. 

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, June 21, 2019 at Gundy Cemetery in Bismarck, IL, with Pastor Gail Meyers officiating.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Joshua Wayne Jerome, 37, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:23 P.M. Saturday June 15, 2019.  He was born February 11, 1982, in Danville, IL, the son of Dennis and Angelique (Forbes) Jerome.

He is survived by his mother, Angelique Jerome of Hoopeston, IL; two daughters, Pandora Jerome of Hoopeston, IL and Maya Webber of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Leah Jerome (Randy) of Alvin, IL and Kirah (Joel) Zinyemba of Dallas, TX; one brother, Carroll (Tammy) Jerome of Hoopeston, IL; and five nieces and nephews, Gage Fouse, Aubree Jerome, Lilly Jerome, Kaizen McCalla, and Shingirai Zinyemba.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dennis Jerome. 

Josh was a meat cutter at Price-Less Foods and later at IGA grocery store in Hoopeston.  He was a life-long member of the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709.  He enjoyed playing his guitar, painting, and making crafts.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and no services will be held at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family for his daughter’s education.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Josh’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Hildegard Margarete Green, 93, formerly of Rossville, passed away April 1, 2019, in Nurnberg, Germany.

Hildegard was born August 20, 1925, the daughter of Franz and Kate Staab.  She married Glen Green on January 16, 1949, in Rossville.  He preceded her in death on January 6, 2009, in Nurnberg, Germany.

She is survived by one daughter, Margarete (Don) Uzarski;  Granddaughter, Amy (Marc) Lovell; Greatgrandchildren, Margarete and Raphael Bennett; Cousin, Jurgen (Brigitte) Forster with daughter Celina; extended family and friends in the Village of Sailauf (near Frankfurt); Sisters-in-law, Eileen Layden, Lois Roberts and Mary (Phil) Briggs; Brother-in-law, John (Cookie) Green and a great many nieces, nephews and other much loved extended family in Hoopeston/Rossville and scattered throughout much of the US.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, in Hoopeston, with Father Thomas Gibson officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2019, at Blurton Funeral Home, 309 E. Washington Street, Hoopeston, Illinois.   Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 22, 2019 at Manns Chapel Cemetery.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Mrs. Green’s life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Alma Lee Coffey, 50, of Warren, Indiana, formerly of Potomac, passed away at 12:07 p.m. est. Thursday, June 13, 2019, at Lutheran Hospital of Indiana, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.

Alma was born on January 21, 1969, in Danville, Illinois, the daughter of Steve Cross and Shirley (Coffey) Linder.  She is survived by her parents; three children- Tim (Chelsea) Whitlow of Indianapolis, Indiana. Karissa (Josh) Brooksher of Warren, Indiana and Devin Coffey of Indianapolis Indiana; four grandchildren- Hunter, Elliott, Nia and Rhoen; two brothers- Johnny (Tina) Linder of Rossville and Ronald Linder of Hoopeston; two sisters- Brenda Cox of Potomac and Helen (Josh) Roberts of Hoopeston; and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her uncle- Jacky Coffey and aunt- Ruth Royals.

Alma worked at Marion Community Schools, in Marion, Indiana for several years.  She enjoyed shopping on Amazon, being outdoors, painting, drawing, baking, being on Facebook and going to the casino.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Alma Lee Coffey's Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 17, 2019, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Dan Mikel officiating.  Visitation will be from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest following the service in Potomac Cemetery.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Alma's life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Mary Jane Dillon, 99, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:02 A.M. Wednesday June 12, 2019 at her home at Autumn Field’s Adult Community in Hoopeston.  She was born September 16, 1919 in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Swan and Agnes (Magnuson) Johnson.

She is survived by one son, Lyle Grant (Linda) Mitchell of Hoopeston, IL; two grandchildren, Vickie (Pat) Rushing and Vincent (Tracy) Burress; and one great-grandson, Kyle (Jenny) Houser.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Paul, Don, Glen, Bernice, and Evelyn.

Mary Jane was the past secretary to a number of officials and eventually to the President and board at Joan of Arc.  She was a member of the National Secretaries Association where she was awarded Secretary of the Year in 1973.  In her later years, she enjoyed playing bridge and was an avid reader.  She also enjoyed many travels with Jo Holder and Evelyn Attebury.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Autumn Fields and staff for their great care.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and a burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston United Methodist Church 403 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Mary Jane’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements. 

William Lewis Dickison, 52, of Alvin, IL, passed away at 5:30 A.M. Wednesday June 12, 2019 at his home in Alvin.  He was born July 13, 1966, in Danville, IL, the son of Lewis and Lois (Rumble) Dickison. 

He is survived by one son, Levi Dickson of Danville, IL; three sisters, Louisa (James) Stevens of Danville, IL, Mary (Jay) Lewis of Lanark, IL, and Lynette Hancock of Alvin, IL; one brother, James (Sherrie) Dickison of Bismarck, IL; and several nieces and nephews.  Also surviving is Levi’s mother, Tammy McFadden and Levi’s half-brother and half-sister, Garrett McFadden and Kaylee McFadden.

He was preceded in death by one brother, John Dickison.

William was a truck driver for many years.  He attended the Alvin Church of God.  He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, cooking, roller skating, and photography.  He loved spending time with his family and his greatest enjoyment was being a Dad.  William had a caring heart and enjoyed helping others.  He will always be remembered for being outgoing and talkative.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated.  A visitation will be held 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Wednesday June 19, 2019 at the Alvin Church of God, 109 South St. Alvin, IL.  A memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 6:00 P.M. at the church, with Pastor Dan Hunt officiating.  Burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the family of William C/O his son, Levi Dickison.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view William’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Debbie Lynn Compton, 57, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:27 P.M. Monday June 10, 2019 at her home.  She was born July 26, 1961, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Sandria Kay (Richards) Burress.  She married Bruce Alan Compton on September 26, 1981.  He preceded her in death.

She is survived by one daughter, Carrie Compton of Hoopeston, IL; one son, Christopher Compton of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Tammy Grabinski of Hoopeston, IL and Paula Burress of Mahomet, IL; one grandchild, Makaya Compton; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Sandria Burress; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Author and Faye Compton; brother-in-law, Ronnie Compton; and nephew, Jeffro Wallace.

Debbie worked at Howard’s, then at Schumacher Electric, and later as a housekeeper at the nursing home.  She enjoyed doing word searches and watching the Pioneer Woman on the Food Network.  She also enjoyed sports and especially watching the Hoopeston Hornets, but most of all, Debbie enjoyed spending time with her family.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Friday June 14, 2019 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made to the Hoopeston Animal Shelter 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Debbie’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Janet “Delores” Cox, 84, of Hoopeston, IL, went to be with the Lord at 9:15 P.M. Thursday June 6, 2019 at her home.  She was born December 25, 1934, in Hoopeston the daughter of Vader and Lydia (Matthews) Dilley.  She married Glen Cox on September 2, 1955 in Baltimore, MD.  He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Mary Jennings of Hoopeston, IL and Cindy (Joe) Compton of Hoopeston, IL; son-in-law, Milt Pierce of Paxton, IL and one brother, Robert Dilley of Hoopeston.  She was the proud grandmother of two granddaughters, seven grandsons, fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson and “grandma” to many others.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and two special nieces, Sherry Coon and Sissy Goodrum. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Teresa Pierce; three sisters, Nadine Longfellow, Sally Kirts, and Thelma Miller; two brothers, Ardell Dilley and Tony Dilley; one baby sister; and one grandson, Andy Coon.

Delores was a proud American serving in the Women’s Army Corp. She enjoyed reading her Bible everyday and spending time with her grandchildren.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Wednesday June 12, 2019 at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. 

Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Delores’ eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

William S. Ray, 94, of Rossville left his earthly home on June 8, 2019 to be with the Lord whom he loved and served all of his life.  Born June 5, 1925 in Van Wert, Ohio, to William Fernam and Louise Ray, Bill was the 8th generation of Rays where the first son was named William.  The family returned to Illinois when he was 3 where as a child of the Great Depression, he developed a strong work ethic, a deep faith, and a stubborn determination that would create the proud, compassionate man whom his family and friends loved.

Bill’s lifelong love of learning began at home and continued in a one room school.  He graduated early from Sidney High School in 1943 so he could attend the University of Illinois for a semester before enlisting in the US Navy on his 18th birthday.  As a mid-shipman, he continued his education at Notre Dame and Cornell University.  He was commissioned as an Ensign in 1945 and assigned to the USS Indianapolis which was carrying the atomic bomb to be dropped on Japan.  Because of the high security surrounding the ship and its mission, he never boarded the ship and it was sunk by a Japanese torpedo after delivering the bomb components.  He completed his active duty on the USS Nashville as part of the Admiral’s staff.  The Nashville was part of Cruiser Division 5 which was assigned to accept the surrender of Japanese troops in Shanghai who refused to surrender to the Chinese. He was honorably discharged from the Naval reserves as a ltjg in 1958.  Like many of the greatest generation who were determined to save our liberty and the free world and were fortunate enough to return home, he lived his life grateful for his blessings proudly serving his God and country.

After returning home in 1946, Bill completed his degree at the University of Illinois where he graduated in 1947 on time with his original class.  He and Rosella Downs were married on August 3rd, 1947.  He then taught school and coached basketball and baseball at McLean High School.  After a successful 4 years, Bill and Rosella accepted an offer to return to farming and the independent lifestyle they had loved as children.  They spent one year in Chenoa before settling in Funk’s Grove near McLean on the farm where they would raise their family and continue their life of faith, hard work, and service for the next 27 years.  

Bill displayed his love for young people with his involvement with them by coaching Little League and a church basketball team, being a church youth group leader, or by just being “Grandpa” to many kids beyond his own family. 

Bill and Rosella fulfilled their dream of owning their own farm when they took a leap of faith and a financial risk to purchase the Christman Farm east of Rossville which is still farmed by their family and they named Raynbow Acres.   Rossville has been home since they moved there in 1975.  Bill retired from active farming in 1987 but continued to work hard. He continued to work as long as he could including mowing his own yard until this year.  He took great pride in his farm and his retirement home in Rossville, but he also greatly enjoyed winters in Florida with his family and friends there.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed his grandchildren, woodworking, and golf.  Each grandchild and great-grandchild has a special wooden truck, trunk, or jewelry box made by grandpa that they can treasure.  As the oldest member at Hubbard Trail Country Club, he was still last year with his buddies in the old timer’s league and his friends in Florida.  Also, it is fun to say that he was able to golf with his great-grandchildren. 

A life-long Methodist, Bill served the United Methodist Churches in McLean, Chenoa, and Rossville in many capacities including Sunday School teacher, Chairman of the trustees and lay speaker.  He also participated in many mission trips and activities.  Through the years, Bill was involved in community and school organizations including the American Farm Bureau.  He was a member of the American Legion for 72 years.  He was called upon to use his business expertise when he was elected Chairman of the Board of Carribean Isles in Florida when the park residents purchased the park to become one of the first resident owned corporations.

Bill Ray loved his family.  He is survived by his wife Rosella, his sister Mary Helen Moser Jedlick; four children:  Cathy Douglass (Jerry), Chris Mount (John), and William Robert “Bob” (Mary Jo) and his foster son David Ealy (Sandy).  Nine grandchildren:  Garrett (Heather) Douglass, Annette (Ryan) Moravec, Kara (Shane) Dowell, Tammy Knight (Craig Canfield), William Gregory Ray, Bradly Ray, Brian Ealy (Janice), William Benjamin Ealy (Justine), and Patrick Ealy (Laura), a godson John McCalla (Kim), and a chosen grandchild from Peru, Sofia Delgado.  Nineteen great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. 

Services for Bill will be held at the Rossville United Methodist Church, 116 Maple St. Rossville, IL, on Thursday, June 13 at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Chris Quick officiating.  Visitation will be held at the church from 3-7 P.M. on Wednesday and one hour before the funeral.  Burial will be in the Rossville Cemetery.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorials may be donated to the Rossville United Methodist Church or Mustard Seed Christian Daycare. 

The family would like to thank Iroquois Memorial Hospice for their excellent care, so Bill was able to stay at home and Anderson Funeral Home for making all the funeral arrangements.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Bill’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Georgia Belle Allison, 88, of Alvin, passed away at 12:33 a.m. Friday, June 7, 2019, at Champaign Rehabilitation Center.

Georgia was born on April 13, 1931, in Fairmount, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Estella (Mitchell) Sanks.  She married David Allison Jr. on August 13, 1948, in Corinth, Mississippi.  He preceded her in death on April 11, 2007.

She is survived by five children- Richard D. (Barbara) Allison of Alvin, Diane Allison of Alvin, David (Lori) Allison of Bismarck, Debi (Michael) Stimac of Danville and Belle (John Stimac) Allison of Danville; twelve grandchildren- Joanna, Chad, Karyanna, DJ, Troy, Clayton, Jeremy, Amber, Dani, Cole, Brandon and Dalton; 22 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son- Daniel "Boone" (Donna) Allison, grandson- Toby Allison. two sisters- Lillian Wright and Barbara Draper, and her dance partner- Frank Hagerman.

Georgia worked in her younger years at Stokley-Van Camp and Schumacher's in Hoopeston.  She later worked in home care and cleaning houses.  Georgia was a member of the Alvin Church of Christ and her Bunco Club.  She enjoyed dancing, doing puzzles, canning, playing bingo and Bunco and traveling to different casinos.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family and she enjoyed spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2019, at Gundy Cemetery, in Bismarck, with Father Steve Loftus officiating.  Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, to assist them in honoring Georgia's life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Russell Karl Porter of Rossville, Illinois passed away on Saturday, June 1st, 2019 at 7:57 a.m. with his spouse, Scott Leaver, by his side at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Delaware. He was 49.

He was born on September 15, 1969 in Dover, Delaware, the son of Amos Karl Porter and Betty Lou Dennis Porter.

Russell was raised in Greenwood, Delaware by his foster parents Thomas and Cora Tennefoss.

Russell later moved to southeast Florida. While living in Hallandale Beach, Florida on January 26th, 2010 he met his forever partner, Scott Leaver. They later made their home in Rossville, Illinois and married on January 26th, 2016.

Russell "Two Crows" Porter loved his Native American heritage, Nanticoke/Cherokee. He loved Pow Wows, native american dancing and singing (especially Fancy Dancing). He loved native american beadworking and craftworking. He loved working and educating at Frontier Town Western Theme Park in Berlin/Ocean City Maryland. He loved his pets, Owie, Enoli, Stripes, C-A-T, Yona and now playing forever with Lucas, Jessie, and Cuda. Russell loved spending time with his family and friends. He loved God the Creator, Jesus Christ, and the Bible.

He is survived by his spouse, Scott Leaver of Rossville, Illinois. He is also survived by his biological mother, Betty Lou Porter of Parksley, Virginia; two brothers, Chris Porter of Greenwood, Delaware and Bill Porter of Lewes, Delaware; one niece, Katie Porter of Georgetown, Delaware; one nephew, Chris Porter Jr. of Greenwood, Delaware; his foster mother, Cora Tennefoss of Greenwood, Delaware; and a large foster family of brothers and sisters. He is also survived by a special friend, Jeff Lazarus of Sunrise, Florida. He was preceded in death by his biological father, Amos Karl Porter; and his foster father, Thomas Tennefoss.

A funeral/celebration of life service will be held on Monday, June 10th, 2019 at 6 p.m. at the Framptom Funeral Home-Fleischauer Chapel in Greenwood, Delaware. The family will receive friends with a viewing from 5-6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to stay for the service at 6 p.m.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 12th, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, IL, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society at donate3.cancer.org

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com to view Russell’s eternal tribute page and to send the family condolences.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling burial arrangements. 

Thelma L. Wesley, 90, of Potomac, passed away at 11:59 p.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019, at her home surrounded by family.

Thelma was born on August 3, 1928, in Rossville, the daughter of Benjamin Harold and Mildred Elizabeth (Watson) Way.  She married Hubert Ray Wesley on October 30, 1948, in Danville.  He preceded her in death on February 7, 1991.

She is survived by two daughters-Nancy J. Duncan of Potomac and Valerie (Randy) Birge of Potomac; one son- Richard (Irma) Wesley of Arkansas; seven grandchildren- Tamara Duncan of Potomac, Darren (Natalie) Duncan of Rossville, Amy (Leon) Hudson of Potomac, Matthew Wesley of North Carolina, Deanna (Rob) Ryburn of Arkansas, Elizabeth Birge of Potomac and Zachary Birge of Potomac; fourteen great-grandchildren- Erin, Nathan, Trevor and Caleb Elliott, Emily, Allison, Laura and Adam Duncan, Noel, Christian, Jonathan and Madelyn Hudson, Sabina and Ruby Ryburn; two brothers- Wayne (Frances) Way of Danville and Lyle (Pam) Way of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one son- Donald Wesley.

Thelma enjoyed crocheting, gardening and she was an avid Cubs fan.  Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with her family.

A Celebration of Thelma's Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, June 7, 2019, at Blurton Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Holden officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest in Manns Chapel following the service.  Memorials may be made to the donor's choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Thelma's life.  Memories or photos may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday June 5, 2019 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL, for Merle K. and Ora Mae (Nunn) Smith of Mackinaw, IL.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post 384.  Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the service.