Samuel Glenn “Sam” Terrell, 82, of Hoopeston, IL, entered into God’s kingdom on October 25, 2023, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born October 21, 1941, in Harvey, IL, the son of Glenn and Ruby (Watts) Terrell. He married the love of his life, Joan Ruth Hamilton on December 24, 1960, at the bride’s home in Cullom, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one daughter, Leslie Ann (Carey) Wiesner of Pontiac, IL; one son, Matthew Glenn (Kristie) Terrell of Hoopeston, IL; son in law, Mike Richie; two sisters, Debra “Candy” Koehl and Rebecca (Ron) Hunt; nine grandchildren, Jared Richie, Abbey (Jason) Fosdick, Trevor (Brenda Villasana) Wiesner, Brendan (Chloe) Wiesner, Adam (Anna Gannon) Wiesner, Jacob (Taylor) Haskins, Drew (Keaton Longest) Braden, Raij Irvin, and Matthew Terrell; nine great-grandchildren, Jack, Sophia, and Hank Fosdick, Carsen Wiesner, Arlo Braden, Doc Longest, Eleanor and Chuck Ruder, and Evelyn Richie; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Ruby Terrell; his step-mother, Ann Rutledge Terrell; two daughters, Angela Richie and Melinda Terrell; infant daughter, Patricia Ann Terrell; one sister, Charon Edwards Brydon; two grandsons, Sean Richie and Colby Haskins and two infant grandsons, Kyle Richie and Jeffrey Wiesner.

In his early years, Sam worked in the trucking business. He and his dad owned a trucking company for a short time and then he became an over the road truck driver for Pittsburg Steele, for many years. Later, a trucking dispatcher job for Rayls Bros. Transfer would take him and his family to Hoopeston. When he was done trucking, Sam became an insurance agent until his retirement. Over the years, Sam had many different jobs, but he loved volunteering his time teaching Sunday school, holding Bible studies, and filling in as a lay minister at various churches. He was a member of the Hoopeston First Church of God where he served as an elder. Those that knew Sam, knew his love for the Lord, the Chicago White Sox, and fishing, with the Lord being his only constant. He also enjoyed playing cards and chess.

A visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday October 29, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday October 30, 2023, at the Hoopeston First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL with Pastor Micah Mobley and Pastor Carlos Sanchez officiating. Burial will follow in Westlawn Cemetery in Cullom, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to METAvivor, 1783 Forest Dr., #184 Annapolis, MD 21401, for metastatic breast cancer research or to the Hoopeston First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Sherrie Lynn Thompson, 62, of Rantoul, passed away at 10:56 p.m. Monday, October 23, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

Sherrie was born on April 26, 1961, at Ft. Sam Houston Air Force Base, in San Antonio, Texas, the daughter of John David and Shirley Joan (Boen) Cox. 

She is survived by her mother; daughter- Lindsey (Kyle) Lewis of Rantoul; two sons- Ben (Amber) Self of Potomac and Kyle “Cody” Parks of Rantoul; seven grandchildren- Jayde Parks, Kylie Self, Riley Parks, Aubrey Self, Braxton Self, Landen Lewis and Natalee Lewis; two sisters- Cindy (Jay) Young of Potomac and Denise (Bert) Pitchford of Catlin; special friend- Missy Bezely of Paxton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father, maternal and paternal grandparents.

Sherrie graduated from Potomac High School in 1978 and attended college at DACC.  She worked at Bell Sports for 17 years, in Rantoul, and Developmental Services Center for 20 years, in Champaign.  She most recently worked at the Champaign Country Club, as the office administrator.  Sherrie loved traveling to the beach and visiting the Flora-Bama. She also enjoyed Vegas and playing slot machines.  Out of all her hobbies, her favorite pastime was spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. 

A Celebration of Sherrie’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2023, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Randy Holden officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the service in the Potomac Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made in Sherrie’s name to the Developmental Services Center.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Sherrie’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

David Alexander Hodge, “Alex”, 43, passed away on October 20, 2023, in Chandler, AZ, after battling cancer since May, with his parents and beloved friends by his side. He was born on December 7, 1979, in Danville, IL to David and Diane Hodge and grew up in Hoopeston, IL as a die-hard Cornjerker. It was here he began his love for sports video production, under long time media instructor, Dan Reed.

Immensely respected by his colleagues and admired by many who he taught his craft to over the years, in 2019 Hodge was named the 2018-19 Pac 12 Video Coordinator of the Year by the Collegiate Sports Video Association. Hodge was selected to receive the honor by his Pac 12 peers and would go on to be a finalist for the prestigious Bob Marley National Video Coordinator of the Year Award, presented annually to the vice coordinator who displays innovation, determination, perseverance, and technical skill as portrayed by the late Bob Marley, video coordinator from Texas A & M.

Hodge’s remarkable career spanned 25 years, with more than 11 of those years coming from Arizona State University after being appointed to his position in 2012 by former head football coach Todd Graham. In his time with the Sun Devils, Hodge was responsible for managing the football video department, which consisted of providing daily video and technical support to the football coaches and staff, overseeing the acquisition of practice and game video for player evaluation and various other projects that would evolve over the years. 

Hodge was reunited with longtime colleague and current ASU football video coordinator Dan Wayne. Together they established ASU’s football video department into one of the most well-respected units in the country. The two were responsible for the design of the state-of-the-art video lab, which includes a 60-station XOS digital network.

Hodge began his video career at Hoopeston Area High School and then moved up to Illinois State University, where he graduated with a BS in Communications in 2003. He moved to Wisconsin and worked as Assistant Video Coordinator for Barry Alvarez, a role he would hold for 3 years before being named video coordinator at Rice University in 2006. It was at Rice University where Hodge encountered Todd Graham, who was head coach of the Rice Owls. Hodge went on to join Graham at the University of Tulsa in 2007 where he helped the sports departments transition into the era of digital video exchange. Hodge would continue to follow Graham to Pittsburg and ASU, where he would serve the remainder of his career. 

Alex is survived by his parents, David and Diane Hodge of Hoopeston, IL; two brothers, Andrew Hodge (Melissa) of Jonesboro, AR and Adam Hodge (Shea Britton) of Fort Collins, CO; nephew, Jacob Hodge; niece, Amelia Hodge; and grandparents, Dwight and Jane Hoffman of Hoopeston, IL.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Ted and Louise Hodge.

A visitation will be held 3:00 – 6:00 P.M. Sunday November 5, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday November 6, 2023, at Second Church of Christ, 3350 E. Voorhees St., Danville, IL with Pastor Greg Taylor officiating. A private burial will be held.

The family requests memorial donations in place of flowers and donations may be made to a memorial fund established in Alex’s name. Checks may be made payable to the Alex Hodge Memorial Fund C/O First Farmers Bank, 905 S. Dixie Highway, Hoopeston, IL 60942. The money will be split among various causes that meant a lot to him including, Cornjerker Sports Boosters, Arizona State video department and his brother’s program, Colorado State video department.

The family also requests that guests wear their favorite sports attire to the visitation and funeral.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

James Russell Roberts, 76, of Armstrong, passed away at 10:00 AM Saturday, October 21, 2023, at his home. 

Jim was born on January 7, 1947, in Danville, Illinois, the son of Russell and Ruth (Harrison) Roberts. He married Judith “Judy” Sappenfield on January 21, 1968, in Royal, Illinois. She survives. 

He is also survive by two daughters - Kristy (Thomas) Vandekerckhove of Evanston, Illinois, and Shelly (Aaron) Stewart of Naperville, Illinois; three grandchildren- Aiden and Drew Vandekerckhove and Ethan Stewart; three sisters- Bonnie Gordon of Champaign, Illinois, Cheryl Bosley, of St. Joseph, Illinois and  Lori O’Rourke of Arcola Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

Jim graduated from Armstrong High School in 1965. He worked his whole life as a farmer until his retirement at the end of 2021.  Jim continued helping his farmer friends and neighbors during the harvest season after his retirement.  He had a love of farming and once a farmer always a farmer.  Jim also loved preserving old tractors and old farm equipment.  He was a jack of all trades, enjoyed target shooting and also was an aviation enthusiast. Jim was a member of the former Hope Church of Christ.

A celebration of Jim‘s life will be held at 10 AM Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac.  He will be laid to rest following the service in Partlow Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 4 PM to 7 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.  Memorial’s may be made to the donors choice.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home  to assist them in honoring Jim’s life.  Condolences may be sent to the family on Jim’s everlasting memorial page at:  www.blurtonfuneralhomes.com.

Phyllis J. Corssen, 91, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:11 A.M. Thursday October 12, 2023, at her home. She was born July 18, 1932, in Argo, IL, the daughter of Herman and Vida (Hewett) Veldman. She married Detmar J. “Dick” Corssen on December 19, 1964, in Romeoville, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by one daughter, Anne (Arthur) Gaham of Joliet, IL; one granddaughter, Emily (Brian) King; one grandson, Christopher Berglund; and two great granddaughters, Senna and Sela Berglund.

In addition to her husband, Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; one son, David Harvey; and four brothers, Herman Jr., Norbert, Ted, and Hal.

Phyllis worked as a secretary at Englewood Electrical Supply in Joliet, until her retirement. She was a member of the Seventh day Adventist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

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

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Stephen Earl “Steve” Bruens, Sr., 72, of Wellington, IL, passed away at 6:03 A.M. Monday, October 16, 2023, at his home. 

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Monday October 23, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the funeral home with Pastor John Franklin officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Steve to the American Cancer Society for research, American Diabetes Association, or the Wellington-Greer Fire Department.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Christopher James Denton, 50, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 10:03 A.M. Friday October 13, 2023, at The Waters of Covington in Covington, IN. He was born July 11, 1973, in Danville, IL, the son of Clarence Denton and Cathy (Cain) Brooks.

He is survived by his mother, Cathy Brooks of Rossville, IL; two brothers, Matt Denton and John Brooks both of Rossville, IL; and one half-sister, Christine Meacham. He is also survived by his best friend, his Italian Mastiff dog, Vegas.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James and Frances Cain and Alfred and Cora Denton, and his father, Clarence Denton.

Christopher graduated from Rossville-Alvin High School in the class of 1991. He served in the United States Air Force from 1991-1993. He then attended Danville Area Community College where he served as a student trustee. Chris later worked at Morton Buildings and most recently, Genpact. He was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston. Chris enjoyed woodworking and jewelry crafting.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and a celebration of life will be held by Chris’ family at 1:00 P.M. Monday, October 23, 2023, at the Rossville Fire Station, 617 N. Chicago St., Rossville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Christopher to the Hoopeston Animal Rescue Team (H.A.R.T), 901 W. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Alice Jean Ervin Hufford, 90, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 1:20 P.M. Saturday October 14, 2023, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born June 30, 1933, in Vermilion County, IL, the daughter of Marion and Rose Nell (Beatty) Ervin. She married Byron O. Hufford, Sr., in 1967 in Henderson, NV. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by one son, Byron O. (Robin) Hufford, Jr. of Rossville, IL; three sisters, Betty Mathews of Hoopeston, IL, Carolyn (Larry) Ridl of Rossville, IL and Connie (Norman) Neal of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Harley (Deanna) Ervin of Danville, IL; one grandchild; two step grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Chris White of Rossville, IL, who was like a daughter.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Ray (Freddy) Ervin and Richard (Marilyn) Ervin; one brother-in-law, Red Mathews; one niece, Marty Ervin; and one nephew, Mike Ervin.

Jean was a homemaker, caring for her family. She had also worked as a private home care provider. She enjoyed crocheting and gardening. Jean especially enjoyed growing strawberries and teaching others how to grow them.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday October 18, 2023, at Rossville Cemetery in Rossville, IL, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

George William “Bill” Cox, 66, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 7:10 A.M. Thursday October 12, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born July 8, 1957, in Danville, IL, the son of George Clinton and Francis Louise (Cornell) Cox.

He is survived by two daughters, Amber (Donald) Stow of Rossville, IL and April Vance of Rantoul, IL; one son, Matt (Tiffany) Cox of Arab, AL; one step daughter, Christina Casey of St. Joseph, IL; nine grandchildren, Madeline, Aubrey, and Lincoln Cox, Shane and Mackenzie Stow, Sierra (Brandon) Crawley, Alexandria and Jaxson Vance, and Jacob Maxwell; one great-granddaughter, Sophia; and a special cousin who was a like a brother, Don (Lori) Cornell.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Betty Grogan.

Bill owned and operated Bill’s Body Shop from 1976-1989. He then drove a school bus for Rossville-Alvin schools for thirty-one years, until his retirement. He also owned Cox’s Disposal for twenty-one years and drove the Rossville ambulance for ten years. Bill enjoyed watching westerns, cruising around town, camping, and painting cars at Bill’s Body Shop. He especially loved spending time with his family and friends.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded, and a visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday, October 27, 2023, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. No burial will be held.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to Rossville-Alvin Grade School, 350 N. Chicago St., Rossville, IL 60963.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Betty Hamm, 91, of Danville, IL, passed away at 7:31 A.M. Monday October 9, 2023, at her home. She was born October 26, 1931, in Danville, the daughter of Clarence and Blanche (Holt) Gossett. She married Laverne Hamm in Danville, IL, in 1977. He preceded her in death on August 27, 2023.

She is survived by one son, Michael Bruens; one daughter-in-law, Patty Bruens; three step daughters, Delynn Mann, Jackie Knudsen, and Carol Bourland; one step son, LaVerne Hamm; five grandchildren, Travis Bruens, Christopher Bruens, Melissa (Bob) Storm, Michael Bruens, and Jason Bruens; seventeen step grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and twenty step great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Mark Bruens; four brothers, Gerald, Harold, Donald, and Ronald; one step son, Gary Hamm; and one step daughter, Sharon Tester.

Betty worked at Howard Industries and later was a homemaker. She was a member of the Milford Lutheran Church. She enjoyed painting ceramics, gardening, flowers, and most of all, spending time with her family.

Per her wishes, she will be cremated, and private graveside service will be held.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Betty to the donor’s choice.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Barbara G. Rethelford, 81, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 1:50 A.M. Sunday October 8, 2023, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born April 30, 1942, in Prairie Green Township, the daughter of Joseph T. and Victoria (Wray) Catron. She married Perry Rethelford on March 4, 1967, in Anna, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Rita Rethelford of Hoopeston, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marvin and Judy Rethelford of Catlin, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and five brothers, Clarence, Gilbert, Ray, John, and Dale Catron.

Barb worked as a dental assistant for ten years and was the co-owner of Rethelford Carpeting for forty years. She was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church. She was an avid golfer, winning the Club Championship for over twenty years. Barb also bowled for more than fifty years and was inducted into the Hoopeston Bowling Hall of Fame in 2001.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Barbara to the Hoopeston United Methodist Church, 403 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Linda J. Martin, 70, of Hoopeston, Illinois, passed away October 8, 2023. Linda was born on January 19, 1953, in DeKalb, Illinois to Richard (Dick) and Evelyn (Hofer) Martin. They preceded her in death.

Linda is survived by two sons, Sean (Bianca) Danner of Madison, Wisconsin and Scot Danner of Catlin, Illinois. She was the proud grandmother of Madison, Ella, Felix, and Gemma Danner. Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life and one of her greatest sources of pride was seeing her sons become loving fathers. She treasured the long-awaited role of grandma and had kept her favorite books, toys, and activities from teaching and parenting to share with them.

She was the oldest of four siblings. She enjoyed leading the way and looking out for her younger siblings early in life, and she relished in her big sis role later in life. She is survived by sisters Carol (Shari Grote) Martin of Minneapolis, MN and Donna (Sarah Reckmeyer) Martin of Ottawa, IL, and a brother, David (Brenda Villa) Martin of Cincinnati, OH.

Linda is also survived by several other important people who she “adopted” as family: Norene Harrison, her longtime “Little Sister” of Big Brothers Big Sisters; Christy Mielke, friend of Carol’s who became another sister; Marie Hespel, exchange student daughter from Belgium; and José Cabrera and Egyptian Banks, both “Little Brothers” of David.

Linda grew up on the Iroquois side of the county line road and attended Wellington Schools through 9th grade. Her family moved to Maple View Farm north of Hoopeston, and she graduated from Hoopeston High School in 1971. One of her fondest memories of high school was the camaraderie she shared with fellow members of the Hoopeston HS Marching Band.

Linda earned a Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University then began her teaching career in Danville. For the majority of her career, she was the Early Childhood Special Education teacher at Maple School in Hoopeston, during which she earned a Master’s degree from Eastern Illinois University. She was a champion for young children who needed extra support as they entered school.

Throughout her career, Linda was active in the Hoopeston Education Association and Hoopeston Music Boosters. She was a teacher in the Hoopeston summer school for children of migrant workers. She was also a member of education organizations Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma. Upon her graduation from Eastern Illinois University, she earned a special award as an outstanding teacher of early childhood education. Linda was a Cornjerker through and through.

 A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston, Linda served as an Elder, Clerk of Session, and Deacon. She also sang in the church choir and rang in the handbell choir. This church has been her spiritual home and community.

 Linda loved sharing a meal with friends, especially on Friday nights with the “teachers group.” Although she experienced many health challenges, she rarely missed the opportunity to attend a concert, meet her friends, chase hot air balloons, or take a drive to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Linda had a resilient spirit. If it’s true that a person shows us who they really are in crisis, in her last year, she revealed just how big her heart was and modeled how to keep on going even when the going gets tough. Her passing leaves a big hole in the lives of her family and friends. In Linda’s memory, please take a moment to help someone who needs an extra boost.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. A Celebration of Life will be on Friday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Hoopeston, 915 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Judi Geistlinger officiating. A luncheon will be held at the church following the service. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Anderson Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Youth Group (Hoopeston), Hoopeston Area Music Boosters, or the Early Childhood Program at Maple Grade School (Hoopeston).

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

Christine A. Mackiewicz, 72, of Potomac, IL, passed away at 3:14 A.M. Friday, October 6, 2023, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She was born July 20, 1951, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Edward and Ruth (Draper) Mann. She married Dale E. Mackiewicz on July 27, 1969, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Danville, IL. He survives in Potomac, IL.

She is also survived by one daughter, Jennifer (David) Shadowens of Dunlap, IL; one son, Darin (Birgitta) Mackiewicz of Peoria, IL; one brother, Mike (Jo) Mann of Champaign, IL; three grandchildren, John Mackiewicz and Lillian and Harper Shadowens; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; twin sister, Crystal Albert; three brothers, Scott, Steve, and Craig Mann; and one granddaughter, Grace Marie Shadowens.

Christine worked at Big Lots in Danville for over thirty-five years until her retirement. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, Halloween, and the Christmas season. She also loved collecting Cobalt glass and Hallmark ornaments. Most of all, Christine loved spending time with her family and friends.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Friday October 13, 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. Friday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Mann’s Chapel in rural Rossville, IL.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Middlefork Seeders and Weeders C/O Gifford State Bank, Potomac Branch, 108 State St., P.O. Box 436, Potomac, IL 61865.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Thomas “Tom” W. Rethelford, 70, of Kentland, Indiana, passed away at 6:33 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, in Watseka.

Tom was born on April 11, 1953, in Danville, Illinois, the son of Richard Raymond and Edna (Hushaw) Rethelford.  He was committed to Kelly Bertram Young on March 3, 2019, at the Darrow Church of Christ.  She preceded him in death on August 3, 2019.

He is survived by his sister- Debbie (Robert) Devault of Ogden; uncle- Marvin (Judy) Rethelford of Catlin; aunt- Kay Cox of Tennessee; niece- Melynda (Floyd) Davis of Paxton; nephew- Christopher (Halee Evitt) Allen of Paxton; and three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister- Cynthia Rethelford.

Tom graduated from Milford High School.  He worked as a self-employed truck driver for Angels Teaming, until his retirement.  He was a member of the Darrow Church of Christ.  Tom enjoyed cooking, especially BBQ, blacksmithing, watching NASCAR and enjoyed watching cooking videos on YouTube and sending them to family and friends.  He also spent many hours working on his ancestry.  Tom had a heart of gold and always enjoyed a good time, especially harassing his sister.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor’s Aaron Burnett and Gary Milton officiating.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  A burial will follow the service in Floral Hill Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Tom’s name to the Prairie State Christian Service Camp.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Tom’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Sharon Ann Ward, 79, of Urbana, formerly of Potomac, passed away at 6:40 p.m. Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Carle Foundation Hospital, in Urbana.

Sharon was born on November 16, 1943, in Clarence, Illinois, the daughter of K.L. “Bud” and Frances E. (Nelson) Cain.  She was previously married to Jim Ward.  Together they had three children- Brian (Collette) Ward of Covington, Pam (Kevin) Boen of Potomac and Kim (Mike Snyder) Ward of Paxton.

She is survived by her children; three grandchildren- Cobie (Clay) Norris, Shayla (Jacob) Ohl and Cain Snyder; four great-grandchildren- Cowden, Coy and Cruze Norris and Sage Ohl; sister- Linda (Dallas) Rutledge of Urbana; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Sharon graduated from Armstrong High School in 1961.  She later attended beauty college.  She worked for over 20 years at the University of Illinois at the College of Education, until her retirement.  Prior to that she worked from home as a hairdresser for several years at her home.  She also did cake decorating for several years and enjoyed baking.  Sharon loved her grandchildren and always followed them to all their activities.  She also enjoyed following her son’s band.  Sharon’s other great love was traveling.  She always had her bag packed and ready to go, especially if it was to somewhere warm.  She enjoyed going to Disney World and going to the beach, especially to Hawaii.  Sharon loved her family and loved to talk to anyone, and she didn’t know a stranger.

A Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023, at Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac, with Pastor Randy Holden officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the service in Partlow Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Sharon’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

A very special person of ours, heart stopped beating on September 28, 2023, at her home in Tab, IN at 5:38 P.M.

Roberta Louise (Miller) Fink, 68, left her earthly family and friends to be with her heavenly family and friends. She will be sadly missed.

Roberta was born November 29, 1954, to Robert and Florence Louise (Cox) Miller. She married Vernon Fink II on April 29, 1971, at the Nazarene Church in Hoopeston, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two sons, Vernon Fink III of Tab, IN and Daryl (Rhonda) Fink of Rossville, IL; two sisters, Myra (Rusty) Harper of Jamesburg, IL and Janie Carmin of O’Fallon, IL; two granddaughters, Danyel and Baylee Fink; and two great-granddaughters, Ava and Vaya Fink.

In addition to her husband, Roberta was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Michael Fink; and two brothers, Carl “Mike” Doss and Robert Miller Jr.

Roberta worked at Bell Helmet many years ago. She loved spending time with her family and friends.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. The family will hold a memorial service at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time, Saturday October 14, 2023, at the family home in Tab, IN.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.