Debra Winters, 68, of Hoopeston, passed away at 8:52 P.M. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at Heritage Health Therapy and Senior Living in Hoopeston.  She was born December 1, 1955, the daughter of Edward and Phyllis (Scott) Jones.  Her mother survives in Hoopeston.

She is also survived by two daughters, Michelle Jones and Rachael Jones; one brother, Edward “Mudcat” Jones of Hoopeston; three grandchildren, Caitlyn whom Debra raised, Bladyn, and Makayla Jones; and two great grandchildren, Aiden and Lola.

She was preceded in death by her father, Edward Jones.

Deb worked at Schumacher Electric and then Hoopeston Hospital. She later worked at Heritage Health until her retirement.  She attended the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Hoopeston. Deb volunteered at the Lorraine Theater and was a board member for the Hoopeston Historical Society.  She also enjoyed bowling, dancing, and playing bingo.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.  A memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Debra to the Save the Lorraine Foundation, PO Box 247, Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Gene Hofbauer, 87, of Rankin, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Heritage Health in Hoopeston. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., at Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at Christian Bible Church in Cissna Park, with additional visitation one hour prior. A graveside service with military rites will follow at Rankin Union Cemetery. Cox-Knapp Funeral Home in Rankin is assisting the family with arrangements.

Yvonne J. King, 92, of Champaign, formerly of Cissna Park, passed away peacefully on May 14, 2024, at 5:33 p.m. at Accolade Healthcare of Savoy.

She was born on June 29, 1931, to Cecil and Dorothy (Freeman) Safford. She married Merritt Emory King on April 9, 1950. He preceded her in death on January 21, 1973.   

She is survived by her daughter, Melody (Dan) Simeone; grandsons, Matthew (Michelle) Simeone and Ryne (Mandi) Simeone; great grandchildren Stella and Jack Simeone, and Reghan and Peyton Shelmadine. She is also survived by great nephews Brent (Judy) Danforth, Kirk (Linda) Danforth, and Wade (Jessica) Danforth, and several great-great-nieces and nephews.  

Blurton Funeral Home, Hoopeston, IL, is in charge of arrangements.  There will be private graveside services held at the Danville National Cemetery, Danville, Illinois.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Yvonne’s life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Champaign County Humane Society. 

Condolences may be shared with the family on her everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Michael Allen Lawson, 79, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:10 P.M. Friday May 17, 2024, at his home. He was born May 22, 1944, in Danville, IL, the son of Daryle and Helen (Tyler) Lawson. He married Hazel Suzanne McCrory on March 8, 1964, at the First Christian Church in Hoopeston. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by three daughters, Tonia Jo Lawson of Paris, IL, Lisa Kaye Martinez (Mark Mann) of Milford, IL, and Tracy Ann Lawson of Hoopeston, IL; 12 grandchildren, Michael Drollinger (Brandy Meeker), Karlisa (Kaleb) Gibson, Miranda Martinez (Morgan Hammerschmitt), Hali Martinez (Mick Rogers), Kelsey (Luke) Neal, Aaron Cannon (Tosha Uppinghouse), Macalie Martinez (Nathan Blanton), Breanna Staats (Joey Platters), Caleb Staats (Faith Burkert), Ciara Mann, Gage Mann, and Liam Lawson; 13 great-grandchildren, Nevaeh, Troy, Baliee, Aryanna, Jayce, Ryley, Landon, Remi, Riker, Kambria, Jordyn, Rylee, and Kamdyn (Gordo); and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Rick Lawson and Donnie Lawson; his mother and father-in-law, Francis and Robert McCrory; sister-in-law, Barb Snyder; and brother-in-law, Bobby McCrory.

Mike worked at FMC in Hoopeston for 40 years until his retirement in 2001. He later worked for the Hoopeston Park District and most recently for C&D Lawn Care. He was a past member of the Hoopeston Fire Department where he served for over 20 years. Mike enjoyed playing golf, camping with his family, and traveling to Texas with his wife, Suzanne.

Per his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday May 28, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston. The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Larry Baughn officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.

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

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.

Michael A. Lawson, 79, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:10 P.M. Friday May 17, 2024, at his home. Arrangements are pending at Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston.

Edmund E. Barnard went to his heavenly home on May 2, 2024.

Ed was born on September 18^th, 1945, to Louie W. and Marian (Elliott) Barnard. Ed spent most of his early years in Honolulu, Hawaii and moved to Danville, Illinois at 12 years of age. Ed graduated from Schlarman High School in Danville in 1964. Ed married Nancy Jo Stahr on June 6, 1998. They made their home in Rankin, Il. They were members of St. Anthony’s Church. He retired from Stone Container in Danville after working there for 39 years in 2006.  Ed was a staunch believer in Jesus Christ and was of the Catholic faith. He had a compassionate heart and always added a prayer for the homeless at his family’s Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. He had an amazing memory for dates and was a master trivia expert particularly in the areas of music and major league baseball. Ed enjoyed participating in on-air discussions on WLS radio in Chicago.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Nancy (2022).

He is survived by his sister, Mary Ann Barnard of Honolulu, Hawaii and by his cousins who cherish his memory.

Ed will be buried next to his wife Nancy in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, Illinois. There will be a graveside service on Thursday, May 23rd at 11am with Father Ignatius Mulenda officiating.  Memorials may me made in Ed’s name to St. Paul’s Catholic Church or St. Anthony’s Catholic Church.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Ed’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at:  www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

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.