Deborah Jean Hughes, 61, of Boscobel, WI, passed away at 4:23 A.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at her sister’s home in Hoopeston, IL. She was born January 17, 1963, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Jerry and Sandra J. (McCalla) Hughes.

She is survived by her partner, Linda Rabe of Boscobel, WI; step-daughter, Ashley Starkey; step-son, Carl Rabe; three sisters, Glenda (Brian) Cremeens of Rossville, IL, Tamara Hays of Hoopeston, IL, and Carol (Greg) Trotter of Prattville, AL; seven grandchildren, Jonathan, Ellie Jo, Miranda, RyAnne, Tianna, Journee, and Chesnee; two great-grandchildren, Taylor and Bentley; six nieces and nephews, Guy Dale (Jennifer) Foster, Logan (Jenna) Foster, Jill Johaningsmier (late Joseph Johaningsmier), Kaylee (Jeff) Beer, Jacob Trotter, and Emily Trotter; one great niece; and 3 great nephews with one more on the way. She is also survived by special friends, Pete Beer, Katie Reynolds, and Tina Chojnacki.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents.

Deborah was a Captain with the Wisconsin Correctional Facility. She enjoyed playing softball and watching the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. She also enjoyed caring for many rescue pets.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday December 7, 2024, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Gary Milton officiating.

The family requests no flowers, but memorial donations may be made in memory of Deborah to the Hoopeston Area High School Softball Program, 615 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Loretta G. Burke was born a coal miner’s daughter on a cold, snowy morning on February 16, 1933, in a little house in Katie Hollow (near Denton) Kentucky to Carl and Mable (Crum) Davis.  She was called to her Heavenly home on November 20, 2024.  When she was a year old her parents moved to Greencastle, West Virginia.  She lived in West Virginia until her graduation from high school when she went to Washington DC to work for the FBI.  That began her 30-year career with the Federal Government.

While in DC she and two friends formed a singing duo and visited Veteran’s Hospitals on weekends to entertain the veterans.  When returning from Walter Reed Hospital on August 19, 1951, they struck up a conversation with two G.I.’s and later that evening the guys showed up at their boarding house.  The next day when she got home from work, she was told that a guy by the name of Bill Burke had been calling her.  When he called again, they made a date to go see the Marine Band perform at Lincoln’s Monument and that began a love story that lasted until Bill’s sudden death on December 30, 2000.  After their wedding on March 21, 1952, and the birth of their son Bill II, they moved to Potomac.

After growing up in the hills of Kentucky and West Virginia, Loretta loved the flat land of Illinois, especially Potomac.  She quickly became involved in Junior Women’s Club, Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron in 1972-73 and in the United Methodist Church where she served on numerous committees, as a Sunday School Teacher, President of the Pastor/Parish Committee for 10 years, President of the United Methodist Women for more than 20 years.

Always active in community projects, she served as Secretary for the Library Board for 15 years, Secretary for the Veteran’s Memorial Committee and was a Lions Club member for 25 years.  She loved to bake so she made several cakes each month for the Lions Club cake walks and for the American Legion fish frys.  She wrote a weekly column “What’s Happening in Potomac” for the Rantoul Press for 10 years.

During her career with the US Government, she was a Clerk-Typist for the FBI and a Secretary in several offices at Chanute Air Force Base.  She received many awards and retired as Secretary to the Commanding General in July 1993.  After her retirement of 26 years at Chanute AFB, she always had time for her friends and family.  Although she sold her home in Potomac and moved to Danville in 2009, she stayed active in her church and the community.  When she later moved to an assisted living community, she stayed active there by helping any of the residents who needed help. 

Loretta was a loving daughter, a proud mother of her children and glowed with pride when talking about their accomplishments and those of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She was a good friend, always willing to lend a helping hand.  Loretta loved antiques and she loved shopping especially for clothes, shoes, purses and jewelry.  She never saw a pair of shoes she didn’t like and loved decorating her home for the holidays.

Loretta is survived by her children: William S. Burke II and Elizabeth Anne Jolley (Doug), grandchildren: Jessica Atchie (Andy), William S. Burke III (Jessica), Tyler Jolley (Heather), Christian Jolley (Claire), Kaitlin Willis (Caleb), Allison Richardson (Killian), Great-Grandchildren: Jaren Burke West (Megan), Jadyn West, Tobi West, Michaela Bryant (Tim), Mackenzie Atchie, Jacob Atchie, Alexa Burke, Noah Burke,  Jameson Willis, Emma Jolley, Grace Willis, Mason Jolley, Daxton Jolley, Callie Richardson, Theodore Jolley, Carson Richardson and Hudson Bryant: Brother Don Davis: several nieces, nephews and cousin: Best Friend Sonna Carley and her very patient hairdresser Linda Downing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bill, brothers Bob and Larry Davis, sisters-in-law Jackie Davis, Edna Davis and Anne Duncan, brother-in-law James Duncan, daughter-in-law Chris Burke, great-grandsons Miles and William Jolley, special cousin Freda Stewart and many special friends.

Visitation will be at Middlefork United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 25 immediately followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor George Desmond.  Burial will be at Potomac Cemetery following the funeral services.

Wendy Elaine Staley, 57, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:50 P.M. on Friday November 8, 2024, at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL. She was born October 6, 1967, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Robert P. Staley Sr. and Juanita (Jackson) Staley.

She is survived by three daughters, Amanda (Todd) Coon of Hoopeston, IL, Samantha Beatty (Derrick Manson) of Melvin, IL, and Taylor Beatty (Justin Redman) of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Dawn (Joe) Deaton of Hoopeston, IL and Lisa Staley of Watseka, IL; two brothers, Robert P. Staley Jr. of Hoopeston, IL and Jeff Staley of Hoopeston, IL; three grandchildren, Chase Baird, Jerrika Manson, and Rosalynn Redman; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Juanita Staley and one sister, Amy.

Wendy was a homemaker, caring for her family. She loved to sing, cook, and spend time with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed sitting outdoors and drinking a cup of coffee.

Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday November 14, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 15, 2024, at the funeral home, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Wendy to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Frank Curtis Rutledge, 86, of Milford, IL, passed away at 2:45 P.M. Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee, IL. He was born April 6, 1938, in Hoopeston, IL, the son of Walter and Elvira (Love) Rutledge. He married Bonnie Huebner on June 27, 1981, in New London, WI. She survives in Milford, IL.

He is also survived by three daughters, Christina (Steve) Quaintance of New London, WI, Melissa (Jeff) Johnson of Hoopeston, IL, and Rebecca (Earl) Hansen of Milford, IL; two sons, Ron (Jodi) Rutledge of New London, WI and Jim (Laura) Swanson of New York; one brother, Gilbert (Marilyn) Rutledge of Milford, IL; eight grandchildren, Natasha Quaintance; Joshua and Jacob Johnson, Conor, Emma, and Aly Hansen, and Alex and Dean Swanson; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elvira Rutledge; his in-laws, Francis and Hazel Huebner; three sisters, Esther, Alice, and Leah; one brother, Ernest “Ed”; and two brothers-in-law, Leonard and Roy.

Frank worked for JB Hunt as a truck driver and then for Mike Martin Inc. doing irrigation. He later worked at T & D Metals until his retirement. He served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the Hoopeston United Methodist Church where he had served on several boards. Frank was a past commander of the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384 and the Hoopeston VFW Post #4826. He was also a member of the Milford Lions Club. Frank enjoyed reading books, calling Bingo, and helping with fish fries at the VFW. He also loved to go fishing and hunting and was an avid Green Bay Packers fan.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday November 16, 2024, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL, followed by the funeral service at 12:00 P.M. Pastor Kathy Murphy will be officiating. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384. Per his wishes, following the service, cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Frank to the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384 Color Guard, 502 E. Penn St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Charlotte Lorraine Marko, 98, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 11:45 A.M. Thursday November 7, 2024, at Autumn Fields Adult Community in Hoopeston. She was born December 8, 1925, at home in Hoopeston, the daughter of Charles and Flossie (Skinner) Allison. She married Robert Marko on October 17, 1948, in Hoopeston. He preceded her in death.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Betty Hollen and Maxine Garner; one sister-in-law, Barbara Brittingham; and one nephew, Randall Garner.

She is survived by four nieces, Dee Miller, Sandi Thompson, Linda Leigh, and Judy Schmitz.

Charlotte worked in the office at FMC in Hoopeston until her retirement. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking pies.  She also enjoyed bowling, reading, and traveling with her husband.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Charlotte to the BrightFocus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, 22512 Gateway Center Dr., Clarksburg, MD 20871.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Emma Lou Silver, 82, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 8:56 P.M. Tuesday November 5, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Hoopeston. She was born April 8, 1942, in Sky, KY, the daughter of Freelin and Besie (Mullins) Stevens. She married Thomas Reynolds on September 10, 1962. He preceded her in death in 1990. She then married Mickey Stumph, and he preceded her in death on April 9, 1998. She later married Jack Silver on July 24, 2009, in Hoopeston, and he preceded her in death on April 16, 2020.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; one son, Kevin Eugene Reynolds; two sisters, Maggie Back and Wanda Back; two brothers, Charles Stevens and James Stevens; and two brothers-in-law, Benny Gibson and Frank Stumph.

She is survived by three daughters, Emma Jean (James) Fierens of Evart, MI, Lindy Lou (Jerry) Serban of Hoopeston, IL, and Edna Mae (David) Parker of Rossville, IL; one son, Charles Edward Reynolds of Hoopeston, IL; daughter-in-law, Pam Reynolds of West Lebanon, IN; four step-sons, Mark (Barb) Silver of Fruitland Park, FL, Marty (Cynthia Casey) Silver of Rossville, IL, Monte (Peggy) Silver of Hoopeston, IL, and Marlin Silver of Peoria, IL; one sister, Linda Gibson of Jackson, KY; one brother, Larry (Barb) Stevens of Crawfordsville, IN; two sisters-in-law, Donna Stevens of Jackson, KY and Ann Stumph of Hoopeston, IL; brother-in-law, Ray Back of Jackson, MI; nineteen grandchildren, Chrissy (Donnie) Best, Bradley (Brittany) Lawson, Daniel (Daveena) Lawson, Jessica Serban, Meaghan, Susan, and Jamie Fierens, Heather (Brandon) Mackovitch, Michaela (Kyle) Edwards, Lindze Parker, Joshua Silver, Jered (Kelli) Silver, Jessica Doeden, Jolyn (Brandon) Clapp, Justin (Anna) Silver, Julian Silver, Jack Silver, Jeremiah (Breanne) Silver, and Jenna (Shane) Leslie; twenty-four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Lou worked at Schumacher Electric for twenty years, until her retirement. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hoopeston where she taught Sunday school for thirty years. She enjoyed working in her yard, sewing, traveling, and spending time with her family. Lou also enjoyed doing volunteer work at her church and delivering Sam’s meals.

A visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Saturday, November 9, 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 the funeral home, with Pastor Adam Taubert officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Attica, IN.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Lou to the First Baptist Church, 323 E. Seminary, Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

William “Bill” O. Pancake, 81, of Hoopeston, passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at Iroquois Resident’s Home, in Watseka.

He was born on October 2, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, the son of George and Gladyes Marie (Robinson) Pancake.  He married Brenda Thomas on August 31, 1974, in First Christian Church, in Milford.  She survives.

He is also survived by two children- James (Christie) Pancake and Jennifer (Melissa) Moyer both of Hoopeston; grandson- Michael Gummere of Zionsville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters- Delores Oakley, Darlene Mann and Dorothy Thrasher, and brother- Eugene Pancake.

Bill graduated from Milford High School, in 1963.  He served in the United States Army, from 1965 to 1967, as a tank operator and drove the troop commander.  Bill began working at Vermilion Iron, in 1978, and worked there until his retirement in 2011.  He enjoyed reading western books, watching John Wayne movies and watching the WWE.  Bill loved a good home cooked meal and giving people a hard time.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the Blurton Funeral Home, in Hoopeston, with Pastor John Franklin officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.  The family has asked everyone attending to wear their casual everyday clothes to honor Bill.  Following the services cremation rites will be arranged.  Memorials may be given to the family.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home to assist them in honoring Bill’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Wanda "Daniels" Price, 77, of Danville, Illinois passed away at 5:55 AM, Tuesday October 29, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born July 10, 1947, in Danville, IL.

Arrangements for cremation are under the direction of the Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, IL.

Per Wanda's wishes, there will be no services but there will be a Celebration of Life held November 16, 2024, at the Black Bear Bar & Grill,

1902 West Williams (Hungry Hollow Road) Danville, IL. It will be from 8:00

PM to Midnight with Troy Daniels with Rockstar Karaoke doing

DJ/Karaoke.

She was preceded in death by her parents Henry & Grace Daniels.

She is survived by her children: Troy Daniels (Anna) of Danville, IL and Malocka Shurr of Pikeville, TN. Wanda also has a sister Sondra Hess of Oakwood, IL and a brother Jim Daniels (Sissy) of Indianapolis, IN and her beloved dog Rockz. Wanda has several nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and a great-great nephew.

She was strong willed and stubborn at times, but she also had an enormous heart and wonderful sense of humor. She cared so deeply for the people around her and she made an impact on many lives, that everyone started calling her Momma Wanda. She loved to sing all the time and would go to karaoke 4 nights a week. She also loved to follow her son's band around to listen to him sing. Wanda also enjoyed doing crafts, reading, looking at all types of magazines, writing poems and much more.

Her children and her dog were her world. Everyone has so many memories that will be cherished forever. She will be forever missed, until we all meet her again.

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

Donna Marie Lake, 64, of Georgetown, IL, passed away at 3:52 P.M. Wednesday October 30, 2024, at OSF Heart of Mary Medical Center in Urbana, IL. She was born June 8, 1960, in Hammond, IN, the daughter of Charles Nelson and Mary Ann Pritchard. Her mother survives. She married Mark Lewin, and he preceded her in death. She later married Audey Lake on May 4, 1996. He survives in Georgetown, IL.

She is also survived by her two daughters, Brandi (Matt) Carl and Terra (Joshua) Nord; two sons, Chris Lake and Audey Lake, Jr. (Laura Jordan); three sisters, Denna Hutson, Debbie (Larry) Saunders, and Sandy Howell-Skates; one brother, William (Debbie) Howell; grandchildren, Samantha and Ethon Tull, Anjoelina Anderson, Aeden McConkey, Raegen Carl, Sawyer Hufford-Carl, and Braxton, Weston, and Haley Lake; her grand-fur babies, Finn, Arlen, Nylea, Oden, and Mr. Wiggins; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her first husband, Mark Lewin, Donna was preceded in death by her father, Charles Nelson; step-father, Richard Howell; daughter, Cassandra Lake; sister, Judy Howell; two brothers, David and Doug Howell; grandson, Kaedon Lee; niece, Marybeth Winslow; nephew, Timothy Bodine; father-in-law, Clinton Raymond Lake; and mother-in-law, Juanita Lake.

Donna worked for uBid and then at Provena Medical Center in registration. She later worked as a receptionist at Aunt Martha’s for several years. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Danville. Donna enjoyed going camping with her husband, taking road trips with her family, singing karaoke, and playing computer games.

A visitation will be held 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Tuesday November 5, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 824 E. Main St., Danville, IL. The funeral service will follow the visitation and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday at the church with Rev. Kent Tibben officiating. Burial will follow in the Lutheran Cemetery in Danville, IL.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Donna to STEP Recovery Center, 2500 Georgetown Road, Danville, IL 61832.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.