Linda L. Lee, 85, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 3:15 A.M. Thursday May 16, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston. She was born July 26, 1938, in Rossville, the daughter of William and Pearl (Smith) Viles. She married Richard Dean Lee on April 12, 1958, in Corinth, MS. He preceded her in death on August 1, 2021.

She is survived by two daughters, Terri (Jim) Prather of Hoopeston, IL and Kathy (Scott) Barragree of Rossville, IL; one son, Tim (Dawn) Lee of Avon, IN; two brothers, Rick (Sue) Green of Rossville, IL and Mike Green of Rossville, IL; six grandchildren, Rene (Nate) Stewart, Kevin Barragree, Kyle (Laura) Lee, Megan (Randy) Stuffle, Tyler Prather, and Katie Prather; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and one sister-in-law, Judy Green.

Throughout her life, Linda did secretarial work, working for attorney Bob Acton. She had also managed Plaza Commons and co-owned and operated Lazy L Western Store and Boot Shop for many years. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church where she had been very active, helping with dinners and previously serving as church secretary. Linda enjoyed painting, golfing, and traveling with her husband in their RV to Pharr, Texas, for the winter.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the Rossville United Methodist Church, 116 Maple St., Rossville, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the church. Burial will follow in Mann’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Rossville.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Linda to Rossville United Methodist Church, 116 Maple St., Rossville, IL 60963 or Hubbard Trail County Club, 13937 E. 3680 North Rd, Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Lee Ann Lockhart, 68, of rural Milford, IL, passed away at 1:15 A.M. Friday May 10, 2024, at her home. She was born February 22, 1956, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Robert and Marilyn (Leverenz) Lockhart. They preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bobby Lockhart.

She is survived by one daughter, Stephanie Stebbins of Watseka, IL; one sister, Viki Hart of Pagosa Springs, CO; one granddaughter, Marissa Coonce of Watseka, IL; two great-granddaughters, Ava and Alexa Conley of Watseka, IL; two nieces, Molly and Tammy Lockhart; “adopted” son, Tony Coonce of Watseka, IL; and significant other, Urban Edelman of Onarga, IL.

Lee Ann worked as the office manager at Dralle’s in Watseka until her retirement. She enjoyed horses, especially the Kentucky Derby, listening to music, and attending tractor pulls. Most of all, Lee Ann enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday May 23, 2024, at The Legion, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Lee Ann to IMH Hospice, 200 Laird Lane, Watseka, IL 60970.

Lee Ann’s family would like to give a special thank you to Lisa McCann from IMH Hospice. The world is truly blessed to have people like you who give so much of their time and energy to helping those in need. We cannot thank you enough for the kindness and compassion you’ve shown to us throughout this difficult time.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Judith A. Curtin, 82, of Hoopeston, passed away at 5:35 p.m. Thursday, May 9, 2024, at the Iroquois Memorial Resident Home, in Watseka.

Judy was born on June 29, 1941, in Rossville, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (Denney) Bertram.  She married Ed Curtin on March 21, 1964, in Maine.  He preceded her in death in 2019.

She is survived by her sister- Wilma Ritter Gholson of Hoopeston; sister-in-law- Anise Bertram of North Carolina; and twelve nieces and nephews- Jeff (Kendra) Ritter, Kathy Ridl, Steven Bertram, Deborah Bertram Jacques, Scott (Meri) Bertram, Leslie (Ron) Sanches, Lisa Reinmann, Laura Pierceall, Mark Bertram, Tim (Brenda) Bertram, William Bertram and Angela (James) Ball.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers- Kenneth (Virginia) Bertram, Thomas (Marian) Bertram, Gordon Bertram and Harold Bertram and nephew- Brian Ritter.

Judy attended Rossville schools.  During Ed’s navy career they traveled here and abroad.  Following Ed’s military retirement, they were very active with bluegrass music and traveling in their RV.  When not singing and playing her mandolin, Judy was busy quilting and crocheting. 

A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, May 18^th, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating.  Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Saturday, at the funeral home.  She will be laid to rest following the service in the Rossville Cemetery.  Memorials may be made in Judy’s name to the Hoopeston VFW #4826.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Judy’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Danny Ellis Moore, 81, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 3:50 A.M. Sunday May 5, 2024, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born December 15, 1942, in Pontiac, MI, the son of Mary Jean Milligan and Robert Ellis Moore. He was later raised by his step-father, John Henry Pickering. He married Deloris Ann Vance on June 28, 1963, in downtown Chicago. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by one daughter, Lori Moore Thrower of Hoopeston, IL; two sons, Michael Ellis Moore of Tab, IN and Clayton (Jennifer) Moore of Hoopeston, IL; one step-sister, Mona Cantrell; five grandchildren, Nicholas, Trisha, Felisha, Brittanie, and Thomas; thirteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-parents, and one brother, Jack Moore.

Danny worked as a cushion maker for Ford in Chicago, IL, until his retirement in 1998. He then became the pastor at People’s Free Will Baptist in Chicago and later in Hoopeston. He loved fishing, bowling, woodworking, and tinkering in his garage. Danny especially loved his family, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and he always enjoyed helping others.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Thursday May 9, 2024, 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. Thursday at the funeral home with Rev. Billy Joe Maynard officiating. Burial will follow in Locust Grove Cemetery in Tab, IN.

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

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Harold Calder Blackwell, 89, of Hoopeston, passed away at 12:01 a.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Accolade Healthcare of Danville.

He was born on March 17, 1934, in Danville, the son of James and Lucille (Finch) Blackwell.  He married Naomi Jane Correll on August 31, 1990, at the Prairie Green Township Church, and they celebrated 27 years of marriage.  She preceded him in death on December 22, 2018.

He is survived by one step-daughter- Dorothy L. (Robert Jr.) Rickart of Hoopeston; step-granddaughter- Deana L. (Correll) Hurt, (Julie Rosebraugh); step-great-grandson- Shawn Hurt; brother- Steve Blackwell; sister-Carol Marez; sister-in-law-Marsha Blackwell and Joyce Correll; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother-Lloyd Blackwell, sister-in-law-Barbara Blackwell, great-niece-Sydni Blackwell, great-nephew- Alex Pickett, two sisters-in-law-Edna I. (Correll) Albright and Vonna M. (Correll) Finley, three brothers-in-law- Dick Correll, Kenneth Albright and Lee Finley.

Harold served in the United States Marine Corp from 1953 to 1956 and later from 1959 to 1963.  He later worked at Stokely’s and D.M. Fertilizers, as a truck driver, until his retirement.  He was a member of the Rossville American Legion and Hoopeston VFW.  He enjoyed hanging out with his friends at the VFW and bartending there as well.  In his younger years, he enjoyed calling bingo at the VFW and he loved his ice-cold beer.

According to his wishes cremation rites have been arranged.  Graveside services for Harold and Naomi Blackwell will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday May 10^th, 2024, at the Danville National Cemetery, with Larry Baughn officiating.  Full military honors will be conducted by the Hoopeston American Legion.  A Celebration of Life Luncheon will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 11^th, 2024, at the Hoopeston VFW #4826, 428 W. Orange Street, Hoopeston, Illinois 60942, where everyone is invited to attend and help celebrate the lives of Naomi and Harold Blackwell.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Harold’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

William Dale “Bill” Kirts, 67, of Rossville, IL, passed away at 2:15 P.M. Saturday May 4, 2024, at OSF HealthCare Transitional Care Hospital in Peoria, IL. He was born May 1, 1957, in Danville, IL, the son of Dwayne Kirts and Ruby (Eads) Kelnhofer. He married Aileen “Bernie” McCabe on September 24, 1984, in Bradley, IL. She survives in Rossville.

He is also survived by two daughters, Bridget Conn of Hoopeston, IL and Billie Kirts (Stephen Daily) of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Brenda (Larry) Moles of Dewey, AZ and Sandy Hessian of Hoopeston, IL; one brother, Paul (Angie) Kelnhofer of Wellington, IL; one sister-in-law, Debbie Buloc of Manchester, GA; two grandsons, Max and Jake Conn; and seven nieces and nephews, Jennifer Kirts, Dwayne Kirts, Lisa Lacey, Seth Lacey, Jessie Watson, Chris Kelnhofer, and Julie Allison.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Velber and Clara Jane Eads; parents; and brother, Allen Kirts.

Bill was a laborer for Local 751 in Kankakee until his retirement. He served in the United States Marines Corp. from 1974- 1976. He was the band leader and founding member of the Greely Wit Band. Bill enjoyed fishing, cutting wood, and mowing. In his younger years, he enjoyed attending concerts with his friends. Bill also loved coaching baseball and enjoyed watching racing and women’s college softball.

Visitation will be held 5:00- 8:00 P.M. Thursday May 9, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday May 10, 2024, at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with military rites being accorded.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Bill to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105 or to Bill’s family.

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.