LaVerne Hamm, 97, of Danville, IL, passed away at 8:59 P.M. Sunday August 27, 2023, at his home. He was born November 13, 1925, in Lewisville, IN, the son of Hobert and Myrtle (Clark) Hamm. He married Betty Gossett in Danville, IL, in 1978. She survives.

He is also survived by three daughters, Delynn Mann, Jackie Knudsen, and Carol Bourland; one son, LaVerne Hamm; one step-son, Michael Bruens; 20 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Gary Hamm; one step-son, Mark Bruens; two sisters; and two brothers.

LaVerne was a truck driver until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hunting, and fishing. He also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in his immaculate vegetable and flower gardens.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a private graveside service will be held.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Maggie Sue Strawser, 35, of State Line City, IN, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 10:18 A.M. Sunday August 20, 2023, in Danville, IL. She was born July 11, 1988, in Champaign, IL, the daughter of Richard “Dick” Strawser and Kimberley (Adams) Strawser.

She is survived by her parents; one son, Emmerie Lopez; two sisters, Bridget and Olivia Strawser; one brother, Richard Strawser; paternal grandmother, Inge Kent; maternal grandparents, Eugene Adams and Beverly Licciardo; two nieces; and four nephews.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Richard Strawser Sr; two aunts, Gwen Mattox and Elizabeth Bishop; and one uncle, Zachary Block.

Maggie graduated high school in Clinton, WI, and then attended DACC studying radiology. She later worked at Waffle House in Vidor, TX. She enjoyed graphic arts and playing volleyball and basketball.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Tuesday August 29, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made to a fund set up for Maggie’s son, Emmerie Lopez, C/O First Financial, 323 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Margaret I. (Botkin) Freeman, 92, of Hoopeston, passed this life on August 26, 2023, in the comfort of her home.

Margaret is survived by her husband Daniel Freeman, her five grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Margaret is preceded in death by her late husband Lindsey “Ray” Botkin, her sons-Edward Botkin and Lindsey C. Botkin, granddaughter- Angel Botkin, three brothers and one sister.

She is dearly missed by everyone who knew her.

A Celebration of Margaret’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at the Hoopeston First Baptist Church, with Pastor Adam Taubert.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, at the church.  She will be laid to rest in Rossville Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, to assist the family in honoring Margaret’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Jennie May Osborn, 87, of Potomac, passed away at 3:40 p.m. Monday, August 21, 2023, at Heritage Health, in Hoopeston.

Jennie was born on October 30, 1935, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Lawrence and Ethelyn (Horning) Shisler.  She married John L. Osborn Sr. on January 17, 1953, in Jackson, Michigan.  He preceded her in death on July 23, 2016.

She is also survived by two daughters- Diana (David) Larkin of Potomac and Melody Osborn of Tolono; six sons- George (Elizabeth) Osborn of Potomac, John “Jack” Osborn Jr. of Potomac, Andrew (Mary) Osborn of Potomac, Charles Osborn of Abilene, Texas, Roger (Barbara) Osborn of Rossville and Robert Osborn of Potomac; sixteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five brothers and two sisters.

Jennie was a member of the Potomac Church of Christ.  She enjoyed quilting, crocheting and needlepoint.  She also enjoyed walking, riding her bike around town and sitting in her porch swing.

The family would like to give the staff at Heritage Health and IMH Hospice a very special “Thank You” for their great care of Jennie.  They would especially like to thank Amy Bogard for her years of care to Jennie.

A Celebration of Jennie’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Randy Walters and Pastor Adam Talbert officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest following the service in the Potomac Cemetery.  Memorials may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Jennie’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Mary Leona Coonce, 73, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:27 P.M. Friday August 18, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born January 14, 1950, in Warren, AR, the daughter of Devo E. Leslie and Willie Mae Lephiew. She married Michael Dale Coonce on January 15, 1972, in Danville, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two sons, Jason Allen Coonce of Hoopeston, IL and Anthony Dale Coonce of Watseka, IL; one daughter, Ashley Hanner of Canada; son-in-law, Kevin Hanner, Sr.  of Hoopeston, IL; one sister; five grandchildren, Aisha Coonce, Autumn Hanner, Krystal Hanner, Marissa Coonce, and Kevin Hanner, Jr; two great-grandchildren; one nephew, Larry Leslie; and several great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one sister; and two brothers.

Mary was a homemaker and enjoyed reading books.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a visitation will be held 5:00 – 6:00 P.M. Monday August 28, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Mary to the donor’s local animal shelter.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Tyler S. Fanning, 24, of Milford passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023. He was born on April 7, 1999 in Lafayette, Indiana, the son of Terry and Jody (Lyon) Fanning.

Surviving are his parents of Milford; his sister, Bailee Fanning of Milford; grandmother, Carol Ball of Milford; aunt, Julie (Phil) Jensen of Newton and cousins, Mark and Aaron Jensen; aunt, Stacey Piwoni of Bourbonnais and cousins, Austin and Jacob Piwoni; uncle, Tim (Diana) Fanning of Rankin; cousin, Sierra (Justin) Moyer; aunt, Linda Larimore of Milford and cousins, Brianna (Tom) Sechriest and Wyatt Alt.

Tyler was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, John Lyon; and his paternal grandparents, Larry and Janet Fanning.

Tyler was a member of the Milford Christian Church. He was also a member of the Milford FFA and the Sugar Creek 4-H Club. Tyler was a 2021 graduate of the University of Illinois. Tyler enjoyed all things farming and had a love for showing swine. He also loved listening to country music and especially loved spending time with his friends and family.

Visitation will be on Thursday, August 24, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Milford Christian Church. Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. also at the Milford Christian Church with Rev. Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow at the Sugar Creek Cemetery in Stockland.

Memorials may be given to the Milford Fire and Ambulance.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Wendell Eric Heeren, 67, of Milford passed away on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at his residence. He was born on June 7, 1956 in Watseka, a son of Harry A. and Evelyn M. (Smith) Heeren. Wendell married Carole Wolfe on April 16, 1977 at St. John's Lutheran Church at Schwer and she survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Josh (Erin) Heeren of Watseka and Jake (Liz) Heeren of Sheldon; one daughter, Danielle (Daniel) Walls of Watseka; five grandchildren, Lydia, Elijah, Luke, Anna, and Elle Heeren; two granddogs, Luna and Willow; two sisters, Sherrill Grimes of Gresham, Oregon and Annette Storm of Milford; two brothers, Richard (Judy) Heeren of Colorado Springs, Colorado and John (Marcy) Heeren of Westville.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Dave Grimes and Tim Storm; and his granddog, Sadie.

Wendell loved farming. He was a member of Cornerstone Church in Woodland. Wendell also loved doing sound for the band, Hallel, which was truly a band of brothers. Wendell was an amazing husband, father, and grandfather. Wendell truly enjoyed attending his grandchildren's events and loved to teach them about farming. He also loved taking his granddogs on truck rides.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the Cornerstone Church in Woodland. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Cornerstone Church in Woodland with Pastor Jerry Parker officiating. Burial will follow at Iroquois Memorial Park near Watseka.

Memorials may be made to the Iroquois Memorial Hospice or St. Paul's Lutheran School of Woodworth.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka.

Please share a memory of Wendell at www.knappfuneralhomes.com

Nancy Lee Anderson, 84, of Milford, IL, passed away at 4:15 A.M. Friday August 18, 2023, at Arcadia Care in Clifton, IL. She was born October 31, 1938, in Hoopeston, IL, the daughter of Floyd and Lenora (Williams) Sheffield.

She is survived by many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three children; and one sister, Nora Joan Sheffield.

Nancy worked at various hospitals throughout her 45-year career as a surgical nurse. She began her training at Lakeview Hospital in Danville, and then went on to work at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, Hoopeston Hospital, and Rush Medical Center. She was a member of the Milford Christian Church where she helped the parish nurse. She also volunteered as a tutor at Epworth Methodist Church in Chicago. Nancy was a life-long Chicago Cubs fan and was active in the photography club.

A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:30 A.M. Wednesday August 23, 2023, at the Milford Christian Church, 811 E. Hickory St., Milford, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:30 A.M. Wednesday at the church with Pastor Brent Zastrow officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Nancy to the parish nurse fund at Milford Christian Church, 811 E. Hickory St., Milford, IL 60953 or to the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Roger Newton Thorn, 85, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:07 A.M. Sunday August 20, 2023, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born April 20, 1938, in Palestine, WV, the son of Claude and Thelma (Parsons) Thorn. He married Nancy C. Painter on June 11, 1961, in Hoopeston, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one son, David W. (Tammy) Thorn of Hoopeston, IL; one sister, Mary (John) Thatcher; two brothers, Ronald (Cookie) Thorn and Claude (Mary) Thorn, Jr.; two grandchildren, Amanda and Cody Thorn; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents.

Roger worked as a mechanic at Stokely USA for over 27 years before his retirement. He served in the United States Air Force from 1959-1963. His hobbies included woodworking and mechanics. Most of all, Roger loved his family, especially his grandchildren.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Friday August 25, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home with Rev. James Elrod officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston with military rites being accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of Roger to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T), 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Rhonda Lee Compton, 65, of Danville, IL, passed away at 1:52 P.M. Sunday August 13, 2023, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL. She was born September 11, 1957, in Granite City, IL, the daughter of Robert and Dorothy (Barred) Hartzel. She married Carl Joe Compton on May 21, 1988, in Glen Carbon, IL. He survives in Danville.

She is also survived by her twin sons, Robert (Carey) Compton of Chenoa, IL and Joseph (Karena) Compton of Chicago, IL; one sister, Tammy (Tim) Stambaugh; one brother, Ron (Joyce) Champion; one grandson, Eliyahu Compton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Rhonda worked in retail at JCPenney and Meis and later became a retail buyer.  She served as a volunteer for Danville High School band and show choir. She was an avid fan of Andy Griffith and enjoyed watching westerns. She also enjoyed doing word searches and Sudoku puzzles. Most of all, Rhonda loved her family.

A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Saturday August 19, 2023, 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. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made in memory of Rhonda to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

O’Dell Sexton, 79, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:35 P.M. Saturday August 12, 2023, at his home. He was born November 3, 1943, in Kentucky, the son of Clavas A. and Myrtle (Roach) Sexton. He married Linda Carol Wheeler, and she preceded him in death on April 21, 2023.

He is survived by one daughter, Lisa Sexton of Hoopeston, IL; one granddaughter, Linda Louise; one sister, Colleen (Darrell) Logsdon of Munfordville, KY; two brothers, Dennis (Nellie) Sexton and Scott (Sheila) Sexton both of Canmer, KY; and five nephews.

In addition to his wife, Linda, O’Dell was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Steven Sexton; and one brother, William “Billy” Patrick Sexton.

O’Dell was a welder at FMC in Hoopeston until his retirement. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, and playing the guitar. He also enjoyed watching westerns and Perry Mason.

A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Thursday August 17, 2023, 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. Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor Carlos Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made to the donor’s choice.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

POSSESSION CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, SUSPENDED REGISTRATION, H23-4290 Time: 4:44 am Location: S 2nd Ave/W Elm St Arrested: Christina A Sweeney (F) (26) of Wellington IL Details: HPD Conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with suspended registration from IL SOS. Upon further investigation a Controlled Substance was found in the vehicle of the arrestee. Vehicle was PNT and towed, person was transported to HPD processed and later transferred to PSB Danville to await hearing before a judge. 

Lester Calvin Moore, 77, of rural Rossville, IL, unexpectedly passed away at 9:38 P.M. Monday, August 7, 2023, at his home. He was born March 8, 1946, in Danville, IL, the son of Calvin and Zeda (Kenter) Moore. He married Mary Ruth Brain on March 30, 1969, in Alvin, IL. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Kristie Moore of Rossville, IL; one son, Scott (Carol) Moore of rural Hoopeston, IL; two grandchildren, Bryce and Madyson Moore of rural Hoopeston, IL; three sisters-in-law, Linda Day of Danville, IL, Nancy Brain of Danville, IL, and Sara (Rick) Andrews of Alvin, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers-in-law, Melvin Day and John Brain; and one nephew, Andrew Juvinall.

Lester was a lifetime farmer. He started farming in June 1965 at the age of 19 after his father’s passing and continuing until 2023.  He resided on the family farm his entire life.  He was a member of the Alvin Christian Church. He served as a past Rossville-Alvin School Board member, Ag Extension Council member, South Ross Township Assessor from 1999-2014, and was a Gundy Cemetery Association Trustee and Agent for many years. Lester had several hobbies which included playing the piano, collecting farm toys, and watching westerns. He also enjoyed riding his John Deere gator and attending farm related events.    He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many who knew him.   He cared deeply for his family and enjoyed attending his children and grandchildren’s activities.  In recent years, he enjoyed eating at the Rossville Family Restaurant which gave him the opportunity to catch-up with family and friends.    

A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday August 13, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday August 14, 2023, at the funeral home, with Pastor Jason Schimke officiating. Burial will follow in Gundy Cemetery in rural Bismarck, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alvin Christian Church, 109 Center St. Alvin, IL 61811, or to the Women’s Care Clinic, 1509 N. Bowman Ave., Danville, IL 61832.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com

Wilma Elizabeth Johnson, 96, of Hoopeston, IL, formerly of Rossville, IL, passed away at 5:27 P.M. Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born April 5, 1927, in Bagley, IA, the daughter of John Monroe and Greta Marie (Zeller) Hamilton. She married Robert Asa Johnson on March 26, 1947, in Troy, KS. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by four children, Philip (Linda) Johnson of St. Joseph, IL, Patrice (Wayne) Huston of Hamilton, OH, Randy (Kris) Johnson of Lake Havasu, AZ, and Janice (David) Ray of Rossville, IL; eleven grandchildren, Jessica Johnson (Felix Velazquez), Mary Johnson (Axel Swanson), Robert Johnson, Somer (Dan) Lyons, Mason (Sushma) Huston, Brandon (Julie) Huston, Dan (Elizabeth) Gordon, Dylan Gordon, Jayla Johnson, Allie Johnson, and Asa Ray; thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Wilma was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Stephen Craig (Rebecca) Johnson; and three brothers, James, Richard, and Craig Hamilton.

Wilma graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Home Economics. She later became a 4^th grade teacher at Bismarck-Henning Elementary School until her retirement. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and the Home Extension Club. Wilma enjoyed playing Bridge, square dancing, and camping. She especially enjoyed spending the winters in Texas with her husband and spending time with her family. These past few years, Wilma loved living at Autumn Fields in Hoopeston, where she received wonderful care.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Tuesday August 8, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Burial will follow at Mann’s Chapel in rural Rossville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Wilma to the Rossville United Methodist Church, 116 Maple St., Rossville, IL 60963.

Please visit www.anderson-funeral-home.com