Karen F. St. John, 79, of Potomac, passed away at 8:04 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2024, at her home.

She was born on January 23, 1945, in Danville, the daughter of Alva and Pauline (Zorns) Weidenburner.

She is survived by her son-Matt St. John of Potomac; daughter-Susan Pickett of Danville; three grandchildren- Zane and Maci St. John and Skylar Pickett; great-granddaughter- Alane Pickett; nephew- Lloyd Gouty of Attica, IN; and niece- Audrey Cox Farrell of Ogden, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son- Joshua St. John, three sisters- Mary Lou Gouty, Peggy Cox and Irene Weidenburner.

Karen graduated from Bismarck High School.  She worked for over 50 years for Albertsons, Jewel and Schnucks, in Champaign, until she retired.  She enjoyed dancing, listening to music and going to the Gao Grotto listening to bands.  She also loved her dogs, cats and horses and most importantly spending time with her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Karen’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, with Pastor Randy Holden officiating.  She will be laid to rest following the services in Potomac Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 29, 2024, at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made in Karen’s name to Hooves of Hope.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Karen’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorials page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Candace Harriet “Candy” Castellano, 75, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 12:58 P.M. Friday February 23, 2024, at her home. She was born April 2, 1948, in Chicago, IL, the daughter of Don and Harriet Robertson. She married Anthony Carmen Castellano on December 19, 1970. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by one daughter, Dawn Paulsen of Batavia, IL; two sons, Anthony (Celeste) Castellano, Jr. of Savannah, GA, and Gino (Michelle) Castellano of Cleveland, TN; two sisters, Pam Rank of Bolingbrook, IL and Lynn (Frank) Nusbaum of Houston, TX; one brother, Mark (Michelle) Robertson of Bartlett, IL; eleven grandchildren, Johnathon, Michael, Cheyenne, Chase, Mollie, Sabrina, Gino Glenn, Elektra, Michaelangelo, Leonardo, and Gino Mario; two great-grandchildren, Adalynn and Azariah; and nine nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Candy was preceded in death by her parents, Don and Harriet Robertson.

Throughout her life, Candy held various jobs. She had worked as a waitress at various restaurants, was a caretaker for pets, and delivered Just the Facts news publication to Hoopeston and surrounding towns.

Cremation rites will be accorded, and no services will be held.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Mrs. Carolyn Sue Hedrick, age 87, of Central Illinois, peacefully passed away Friday morning, February 23, 2024. 

She was born February 11, 1937, in Broadlands, Illinois, and was the second daughter of the late Roy Robert and Mary Evelyn Jeffers McCormick. Her late sisters Janie and Kay were her lifelong best friends and a picture of the three of them hung in her room until the very end. 

Mrs. Hedrick was originally married young to the late Clarence William Davis. Together they were stationed at the United States Naval Bases in Millington, Tennessee, and Alameda, California. They had four daughters: Marcy Karlene Walker, Kimberly Sue DeLong, Joy (Shelly) Michelle Ewing, and the late Karen Mary Eyestone. Life shifted and she remarried the late Tracy McGill Hedrick, son of Daniel and Martha Hedrick of Penfield, Illinois. 

Prior to being a solid farmer's wife, Mrs. Hedrick worked in Champaign, Illinois as a legal secretary for three years and for the Eisner/Jewel Companies for 18 years. During this time, she was also very active with the American Business Women’s Association. Additionally, when asked by her great-grandchildren what her very first job was, she proudly declared, “detasseling.” The ultimate fun fact is that she was also an excellent belly dancer and baton twirler back in the day.

Her retired years were spent either on a road trip with Tracy or on the Hedrick Farm in Penfield, Illinois. Whether she was surrounded by corn fields, family, livestock, big rigs, or gospel music – she always gave the subject her full attention. When in her presence, she let you know you were the soul focus with those blue eyes. She was kind, incredibly patient, gentle-hearted, yet beyond resilient, could handle the tough days, and never batted an eye about doing the dirty work. She was the pillar.

Mrs. Hedrick was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Tracy Hedrick; one daughter, Karen Eyestone; two sisters, Doris Jane Bosch and Marilyn Kay McComas; one stepsister, Jo Coleman; and one son-in-law, Mike Ewing. Her legacy lives on through three daughters, Marcy Walker, Kim DeLong (Rob) and Shelly Ewing; one stepdaughter, Liz Shroyer (Jon); ten grandchildren, Robb DeLong (Heather), Ryan Walker (Kayla), Danielle Day (Dusty), Matthew Walker (Katie), Angela Byrne (Jake), Eric Ewing (Clementina), Ashlee Shroyer, Amy Eyestone, Emily Ewing, and Danny Shroyer; and just shy of a dozen great-grandchildren. She was a proud aunt and cousin as well; this list does not contain the additional extended family and friends she frequently spoke about. 

The funeral service will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at 11am at Blurton Funeral Home with Pastor Jon Callahan officiating. A burial will follow at the Potomac Cemetery. A visitation will be held on the previous evening, Friday, March 8, 2024, 5-7pm also at Blurton Funeral Home: 400 North Vermilion Street, Potomac, Illinois 61865.  Memorials may be made in Mrs. Hedrick’s name to St. Jude’s Children's Hospital. 

A note of gratitude towards The Glenwood Assisted Living (Mahomet, Illinois), Bickford Senior Living (Champaign, Illinois), and Transitions Care Hospice for your recent grace and authentic presence. 

Condolences may be shared with the family on Mrs. Hedrick’s everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Maria Ines Ortiz, 89, of Danville, IL, formerly of Hoopeston, passed away at 11:28 A.M. Saturday February 24, 2024, at OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center in Danville, IL. She was born January 21, 1935, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, the daughter of Pedro and Juana (Lopez) Banda, Sr. She married Rodolfo Ortiz on August 16, 1959, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Martha (Angel) Ramirez of Danville, IL and Lucy Ortiz of Danville, IL; one sister, Beatriz Lopez of Coast Palm, FL; nine grandchildren, Alicia (Lucio) Torres, David (Julia) Ramirez, Angel Ramirez Jr., Adrian Ramirez, Carina Bernal, Rogelo (Vanessa) Bernal, Jr., Chelsea Bernal, Jesus Bernal, and Claudia Bernal; ten great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Maria was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Pedro Banda Jr.

Maria enjoyed babysitting children, as she loved kids. She was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Hoopeston and later attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Danville. Maria volunteered her time helping at the St. Anthony taco stand during the National Sweetcorn Festival. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Maria also enjoyed crocheting, baking, and making cakes.

A visitation will be held 10:00 – 10:45 A.M. Thursday February 29, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral mass will follow the visitation and will begin at 11:00 A.M. Thursday at St. Athony Catholic Church, 423 S. Third St. Hoopeston, IL, with Father Ignatius Mulenda officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Maria to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 423 S. Third St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Hildegard Selma “Hilda” Luhrsen, 88 of Buckley, died at 4:36 a.m. Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Heritage Health, Hoopeston.

Arrangements are incomplete at  Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton.

C. Mike Blankinship, Jr, 85, of Liverpool, NY, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 9:40 A.M. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Sunnyside Care Center in Manlius, NY. He was born March 26, 1938, in Decatur, IL, the son of Clark Julian Blankinship, Sr and Margaret (Miller) Blankinship. He married Janet Ruth Carpenter on September 25, 1960, in Kingman, IN. She preceded him in death.

He is survived by one daughter, Deborah Blankinship of Liverpool, NY; one daughter-in-law, Veronica Blankinship of Raleigh, NC; and three grandchildren, Brian Davis, Taylor (Matt) Cary, and Robert Ferrick.

In addition to his wife, Mike was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Michael.

Mike worked for Ken Canfield and later worked as a cable television field engineer, until his retirement. He served in the United States Army Reserves where he worked on Nike Guided Missiles. While living in Hoopeston, he was extremely active in the Hoopeston Jaycees where he served as a past festival chairman and was a JCI Senator. Mike was also a past member of the First Presbyterian Church in Hoopeston.

A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 27, 2024, 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. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Mike to the Hoopeston Jaycees, P.O. Box 28, Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Lawrence “Larry” Petry, 85, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 7:16 P.M. Monday, February 19, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. He was born October 28, 1938, in Danville, IL, the son of George and Lois (Wicks) Petry. He married Edith (Henrichs) Schumacher on January 25, 2013, in Danville, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one daughter, Mary (Cory) Bushong of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, George (Joan) Petry of Rapid City, SD; two grandchildren, Nate Bushong of Nevada, MO and Baylee Bushong of Hoopeston, IL; one great-grandson, Jax Johnson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Michael.

Larry worked at Hoopeston Grain and Coal, which his family owned and operated. In 1962, he began farming until his retirement in 2007. He was a Ham Radio operator since the age of 16, a member of the Porsche Club of America-Chicago Region since 1962 and was an avid Chicago Blackhawks fan.

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Friday February 23, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the funeral home, with a one-hour visitation prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Larry to the Courage Kenny Handiham Program, 3915 Golden Valley Road, Mail Route 78446, Golden Valley, MN 55422 or to the donor’s choice.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Willadean Smith Morris, 88, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:22 A.M. Saturday February 10, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born September 17, 1935, in Cullman, AL, the daughter of Sidney and Dora (Heaton) Smith. She married James O. Morris on February 20, 1987, at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Sauk Village, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by two daughters, Phyllis (Paul) Schreiner of Hoopeston, IL and Sondra Morris of Milano, FL; one son, David (Rosemarie) Capes of Dyer, IN; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; 23 nieces and nephews; and a host of great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Willadean was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; two sons, Jimmy (MaDonna) Morris and Billy (Sharon) Morris; two sisters, Ollie Mae (Riley) Chidester and Pauline (Peter) Whatley; three brothers, Milford (Ollie Mae) Smith, James Bartow “JB” (Lorene) Smith, and George Comer Smith (Mary Gilbert). She was also preceded in death by her miniature chocolate dachshund, Sadie.

Willadean was an Air Filter Assembler at United Air Cleaner Co. in Chicago. She was an actively involved member of The First Free Will Baptist Church in Hoopeston. She loved putting puzzles together and framing them, gardening, cooking, and doing word finds. She also enjoyed changing her furniture around in her home, as it brought her great satisfaction. Willadean was an avid fan of Alabama football as she watched every game, cheering them on. During the warmer weather, she loved sitting outside on her front porch swing. Willadean stayed in touch with family and friends through Facebook, phone calls, and text messages and through the years she touched many lives.

A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday February 15, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday February 16, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, with Pastor Paul Schreiner officiating. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery in Tab, IN.

Memorial donations may be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church, 522 N. 10^th Ave., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

William Harvey “Bill” Acton, 94, of rural Henning, IL, passed away at 9:08 P.M. Thursday February 8, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. He was born January 28, 1930, in Danville, IL, the son of Robert and Una (Dale) Acton. He married Shirley Jean Parsons on September 18, 1954, at St. James United Methodist Church in Danville, IL. She survives in rural  Henning, IL.

He is also survived by two sons, Jeffrey (Cynthia) Acton of Danville, IL and John (Karen) Acton of Cayuga, IN; one sister-in-law, Peggy White of Danville, IL; three grandchildren, Kaitlin Jo Acton (fiancé, Derek), Kelly Jean (Andrew) Kaufmann, and Jeffrey Cole (Megan) Acton; three great-grandchildren, Liyah Jean, Milo Andrew, and Neil William Kaufmann; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, William Todd Acton; one sister, Barbara Jean Acton; and two brothers, Robert Dale Acton and Thomas Jackson Acton.

Bill began his farming career in 1951.  After his retirement, he continued to help his son, Jeff, on the family farm. He was a member of St. James United Methodist Church where he sang in the choir for over 60 years, sang at many funerals and weddings, and served on multiple Church boards.  He most recently  attended the Middlefork United Methodist Church in Potomac.  Bill served on the Bean Creek Drainage District and the 8 Mile Drainage District for many years. He was the South Ross Township Clerk for 28 years and was a Vermilion County Farm Bureau Board Member along with serving on other various Farm Bureau committees. In 2022, Bill received the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Distinguished Service Award. He also served as a Republican Precinct Committeeman. He was a long-time member of the YMCA where he enjoyed playing volleyball. Bill enjoyed hunting and fishing with his two sons and was able to teach them about God’ s creation.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and continued the tradition of the Northern Wisconsin family vacation which was started in 1935.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. CST,  Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Middlefork United Methodist Church, 109 S. Vermilion St., Potomac, IL, with Pastor George Desmond officiating. Burial will follow in Spring Hill Cemetery, 301 E. Voorhees St., Danville.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to the Vermilion County Farm Bureau Foundation, 1905-C U.S. Route 150, Danville, IL 61832, or Fair Hope Children’s Ministry , 1225 E. Voorhees St., Danville, IL 61834.

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.

Larry David Lobb, 80, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:26 A.M. Thursday February 8, 2024, at his home. He was born April 13, 1943, in Clinton, IL, the son of Otha Lobb and Edith Anderson Lobb Maple. He married Priscilla Kay Young on June 10, 1967, at St. Patrick Church in Danville, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one daughter, Deborah Kay (Max) Green of Copperopolis, CA; one son, David Mark Lobb of Medford, OR; two sisters-in-law, Margaret (Ray) Dyer of Kalispell, MT and Mary Janette (Pete) Kinnamon of Lakeland, FL; one brother-in-law, William (Mindy) Young of Blue Mound, IL; three grandchildren, Jessica (Marcel) Lee, Jermanie (Marco) Kivett, and Jarod Lambert; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and three brothers.

Larry was a math teacher at Hoopeston Area High School for over thirty years. He was always very supportive of his students, helping them build floats, teaching summer school, and working the concession stand. During the summer months, he worked at Joan of Arc Canning Company in Hoopeston. After his retirement from Hoopeston Area High School, he taught at DACC for several years.  Larry was a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church where he had previously served as a trustee. He also served as a past-President of the Hoopeston Area School Board and volunteered to work the gate at the Hoopeston Sweetcorn Festival. Larry had an interest in local sports from attending every Hoopeston Area High School game to being an avid follower of the Fighting Illini. He also enjoyed social media, playing card games on his iPad, and playing slot machines for entertainment. One of Larry’s greatest attributes was helping others during their time of need.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 423 S. Third St., Hoopeston, IL, with Father Timothy Sauppé officiating. Following the mass, a celebration of life will be held at The Legion, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL. A private family burial will be held.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Lloyd Eugene Blackwell, 81, of Byrdstown, TN, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Livingston Regional Hospital. He was born May 25, 1942, in Milford, IL, the son of James Calder Blackwell and Lucille (Finch) Blackwell. He married Marsha Jean Rickart on July 12, 1985. She survives in Byrdstown, TN.

He is also survived by two daughters, Robyn (Tommy) Reagan and Lori (Rey) Montez; one son, Jeremy Furrow; six grandchildren, Nick (Ashley) Montez, Autumn (Ethan) Clark, Ashtyn (Hunter) Pryor, Emilee (Tyler) Vodacek, Aubrey Furrow (Daeshaun Garnett), and William Furrow; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Carol Marez; two brothers, Harold Blackwell and Steve Blackwell; four sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Steve) Howell, Betty Edwards, Brenda (Raleigh) Marlin, and Ruth Grether; and one brother-in-law, Robert (Dorothy) Rickart Jr.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lucille Blackwell; two sisters-in-law, Barb Blackwell and Connie Rickart; and one brother-in-law, Allen Edwards.

Lloyd was an iron molder for John Deere Foundry in Hoopeston, where he also served as a union representative. He also worked at FMC in Hoopeston, and later for J & S Construction and Fitzgerald Glider Trucks in Tennessee. He served as a past board member for Grant-Ross Credit Union and was a former city councilman for the City of Hoopeston. Lloyd’s hobbies included fishing and hunting.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. at Brown Funeral Chapel, 202 W. Main St., Byrdstown, TN.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday, February 10, 2024, 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. Saturday at Anderson Funeral Home, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Pauline Lucile Bury, 95, of Milford, passed away at 6:58 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Iroquois Memorial Hospital, in Watseka.

She was born on June 11, 1928, to Ross and Mildred (Davis) Bury. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, infant brother and brother- Lloyd Bury.

She is survived by several cousins.

She graduated from Stockland High School in 1946 and earned her BS, in 1950 and her MS, in 1956, from the Illinois State University, in Normal, Illinois.  Pauline was the valedictorian of the class of 1946 and received the DAR award. 

She taught school at Saybrook-Arrowsmith High School, Wellington High School, Hoopeston High School, Heidelberg American High School, in Germany and Hinsdale Township High School South, until her retirement in 1985.  In 1958 she was selected as Teacher of the Year by the Women’s Club and in 1965, she received the Sustained Honor Award from DOD.  She continued in the field of education following her retirement by supervising student teachers for Northern Illinois and University of Illinois-Chicago, teaching gifted 7^th and 8^th graders and other mathematics classes for the College of Du Page and being Associate Director of an NSF Institute from Northeastern University.

She was a member of the Pleasant Hill and later the Stockland United Methodist Church.  Pauline belonged to many professional organizations- National Education Association, Illinois Education Association, Illinois Retired Teachers Association, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, Illinois Council of Teachers of Mathematics (Newsletter Editor 82-84, secretary 1957), Metropolitan Mathematics Club, National Supervisor of Teachers of Mathematics, Women in Mathematics Education, School Science and Mathematics and Association of Wimen in Science.

She participated in Elm School, Hinsdale PTO activities, was a member of the Hinsdale Caucus for #181 and secretary for 4 years.  She provided a home for two singers for the Hinsdale Opera Company.  She was also a volunteer for the Hinsdale Chapter of Lyric Opera. 

After retirement she was an active quilter in the Lettuce Lake Quilters, in St. Ogden, Florida, Disconnected Piecers Quilt Guild, in Port Charlotte, Florida, Land of Lincoln Quilting Association of Illinois, and the Hands All Around Quilters, in Bloomington, Illinois.  She provided quilts to raffle for the Milford Library, Stockland Community Gym, Milford Methodist Church and Milford Swimming Pool.  Pauline was an avid participant in the Milford early morning swim.

A Celebration of Pauline’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8, 2024, at Blurton Funeral Home, 309 E. Washington St. Hoopeston, with Pastor Mindy Weller White officiating.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest following the service in Sugar Creek Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Milford Park and Pool Foundation or the Milford Public Library.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Pauline’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Paula Ann Hatfield, 78, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 6:47 A.M. Saturday February 3, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. She was born June 18, 1945, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Paul and Grace (Hughes) Nolan. She married Robert L. Hatfield on April 12, 1964, in Hoopeston, IL. He preceded her in death on September 4, 2020.

She is survived by two daughters, Julie A. (Kevin) Roskopf of Hoopeston, IL, and Amy L. (Todd) Rush of Hoopeston, IL; one son, Richard L. (Paula) Hatfield of Dahlgren, IL; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren with one more on the way; three aunts, Jean Eighner, Margaret Sims, and Lois Cantwell; several in-laws, Betty (Wilbur) Knight, Ed (Anne) Hatfield, Don (Lana) Hatfield, Dan (Marian) Hatfield, Steve (Sarah) Hatfield, and Anne (Chuck) Murray; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Paula was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Lois DeVore; one brother, Loren “Bud” Nolan; and one great-grandson, Richey Johnson.

Paula worked at City National Bank in Hoopeston and later as a bookkeeper for Michael P. Graham and then Russell Leigh and Associates. She later worked as the Vermilion County Financial Systems Coordinator for fifteen years until her retirement.  She was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women where she served as the treasurer.  Paula enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, reading, and spending the winters in Florida.

Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Wednesday February 7, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday February 8, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating. Burial will follow in East Lynn Cemetery in East Lynn, IL.

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

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Jean “Rita” Keippel Jeffers, 74, of Hoopeston, passed away at 9:13 a.m. Thursday, February 1, 2024, at her home.

She was born on June 9, 1949, in Desplaines, Illinois, the daughter of Harold and Daisy Belle (Blossom) Glasscock Sr.  She married Don Jeffers on November 29, 2020, in Hoopeston.  He survives.

She is also survived by a daughter- Josephine (Tommy) Egofske of Aurora, Illinois; son- Johnny Keippel of Chicago, Illinois; three grandchildren; brother- Michael Glasscock of Chicago, Illinois; two sisters- Vivian (John) Summerville of Norwood Park, Illinois and Sandra (Daniel) Mantzaris of Orlando, Florida; two brothers-in-law- Tom Bergner of Chicago, Illinois and David (Christina) Jeffers of Prescott Valley, Arizona; two sisters-in-law- Tina (Donald) Jeffers Jackson of Hoopeston and Vickie Jeffers Pierson of Prescott Valley, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers- Robert and Harold Glasscock Jr. and one sister- Peggy Bergner.

Rita worked as an office manager for several years at a large paper company in Chicago.  She enjoyed sewing, gardening, collecting dolls and going out to eat.  Rita also loved animals, especially her dog Gizmo.

According to her wishes cremation rites will be arranged by the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston.  A celebration of her life will be held at a later date and a burial will be held in Fairfield, Illinois.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Rita’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Charles Robert “Charlie” Potter, 73, of Henry, TN, formerly of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 1:42 P.M. Monday, January 29, 2024, at his home. He was born June 26, 1950, in Danville, IL, the son of Samuel Henry and Eileen Mae (Beshears) Potter. He married Ann Willard on September 2, 1972, at the Antioch Church of Christ in rural Rossville, IL. She survives in Henry, TN.

He is also survived by five children, Sarah Beth (Cary) Aubrey of Zionsville, IN, Charles Samuel “Bud” Potter (fiancée, Bonnie Voyles) of Chapel Hill, TN, Molly Ann Potter of Henry, TN, Robert Dale (Kristin) Potter of Sheridan, IN, and Thomas Morgan (Becca) Potter of Franklin, TN; two brothers, Craig (Debbie) Potter and Clark (Jacquie) Potter; five grandchildren, Kaitlyn Anne, Elliott Blaine, Emery William, Madelynn Lucielle, and Everett Raymond Potter; and twelve nieces and nephews, Matt Willard, Allen Willard, Andrea Buechsenschuetz, Allison Kasper, Candice Freeman, April Handy, Kayla Potter, Russell Johnson, Samantha Johnson, Natalie Rayfield, Clayton Potter, and Lauren Stream.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Eileen Potter; maternal grandparents, Ernest and Marjorie Beshears; paternal grandparents, Bud and Zella Potter; and his sister, Sara Jane Johnson.

Charlie was a life-long farmer and worked in agricultural sales selling seed, chemicals, and fertilizer. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1970-1977. He was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church, where he had previously served as a trustee. He most recently attended the Henry United Methodist Church in Henry, TN. He was also a member of the antique car club and the Rossville Jaycees. Charlie’s hobbies included reading, collecting antiques, and studying civil war history and visiting sites.

Visitation will be held 2:00 – 5:00 P.M. Sunday February 4, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday February 5, 2024, at the funeral home, with Pastor Chris Quick officiating. Burial will follow in Mann’s Chapel in rural Rossville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Charlie to Mann’s Chapel C/O the Vermilion County Museum, 116 N. Gilbert St. Danville, IL 61832.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.