Gordon “Gene” Talbott, age 79, of Savoy—formerly of Potomac—passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare of Savoy.

Visitation will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac. A funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with Pastor George Desmond officiating. Burial will be at Potomac Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Accolade Health Care of Savoy Memory Care Unit. The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home to celebrate Gene’s life.

Born March 14, 1946, in Danville, Gene was the son of Gordon and Elizabeth (Rumble) Talbott Sr. He graduated from Potomac High School in 1964. On September 10, 1967, he married Marilyn (Duncan) Talbott in Potomac, who survives him.

He is also survived by their three children: Matt (Stefanie) Talbott of Decatur, Ross Talbott of St. Joseph, and Jessica (Brian) Coakley of Royal; five grandchildren—Connor, Cadence, Aidan, and Jonny Talbott, and Maxwell Coakley—as well as several nieces and nephews.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents.

He loved watching westerns and sports on TV, especially NASCAR, and enjoyed a cold beer. He was passionate about fishing and frequently traveled to Kentucky for fishing trips with his brother-in-law.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Blurton Funeral Home at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Rex Leroy Harden, 92, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:57 P.M. Monday, January 19, 2026, at Gilman Healthcare Center in Gilman, IL. He was born June 2, 1933, in Rossville, IL, the son of Hubert E. and Bernece (Jackson) Harden. He married Joyce Ann Hafner on May 19, 1957, in Danville, IL. She survives in Hoopeston.

He is also survived by his three children, Kathryn Harden of Hoopeston, IL, Rex L. Harden Jr. of Westville, IL, and Jeffrey T. (Teresa) Harden of Conway, AR; two sisters, Annis Kirts of Kingman, AZ and Linda Masengale of Rossville, IL; two brothers, Ken (Carol) Harden of Muncie, IN and Blayne E. (Paula) Harden of Anaheim, CA; sister-in-law, Janet Harden of Noblesville, IN; brother-in-law, Gary Divan of Oakwood, IL; his grandchildren, Josh (Melissa) Wallace, Dylan (Hannah) Wallace, Roseann (Chris) Fanone, Ryan & Maranda Harden, and Tayla & Kyra Harden; his great-grandchildren, Elena & Calvin Fanone, Rhys Harden, and Ruby Wallace; a special nephew, Rex and Maureen Martin; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Lila J. Divan and Leta L. Shores; three brothers, Lester Harden, Larry (Madeline) Harden, and Ron (Betty) Harden; and two brothers-in-law, Larry Masengale and Danny Kirts.

Rex owned and operated Rex’s Welding for 43 years. He served in the United States Army from 1953-1956. He was a lifetime member of Antioch Church of Christ where he served as a trustee and deacon. He was also a member of the Hoopeston Lion’s Club. Rex enjoyed woodworking, camping, fishing, and golfing. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, gardening, and square dancing with his wife, Joyce.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Monday, January 26, 2026, 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. Monday at the funeral home with Pastor Earl Eells officiating. A private graveside service will be held, and military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial to be made to Antioch Church of Christ, 37604B N 1900 E Rd, Rossville, IL 60963.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Cheryl Price, 76, of Wellington, IL, passed away at 7:52 P.M. Sunday January 18, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells. Arrangements are pending at Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL.

Cheryl Sue Price, 76, of Wellington, IL, passed away at 7:52 P.M. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells. She was born June 22, 1949, in Terre Haute, IN, the daughter of William E. and Alene (Adkisson) Richardson. She married Richard Lee Price on June 1, 1969, in Terre Haute, IN. He survives in Wellington, IL.

She is also survived by her daughter, Amanda (Juan) Lugo of Hoopeston, IL; her daughter-in-law, Audrey Price of Rossville, IL; sister, Jane Richardson of Urbana, IL; brother-in-law, Carl Burkybile of Urbana, IL; six grandchildren, Katelyn and Victoria Johnson, Lydia and Logan Lugo, and Mara and Avery Price; four great-grandchildren, Peityn, Kaysen, Oakley, and Jayden; and two nieces, Anne B. Kosek and Carrie Taylor. Cheryl was one of eleven cousins who grew up almost as a large extended family and remained close and caring friends throughout their lives; cousins who survive are Ellen Burkybile, Marilyn Trefz, Bill Adkisson, Roger Kibler, Martha Kuehn, and Beth Jennings.

She was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; her beloved son, Matthew, born in 1981; one sister, Ruth Ann Richardson Burkybile; nephew, John Burkybile; and cousins, Carol Geffs and Mark Kibler.

Cheryl was an elementary school teacher for over 40 years and was loved by other teachers and her students. She was a creative, energetic, and dedicated children’s program leader at both Central and Philo Road Church of Christ, frequently working with her son, Matthew. Cheryl previously served as the Rankin Village Clerk and was a former Girl Scout troop leader. She was an amazing seamstress, had a love for reading, and was a fan of Fighting Illini basketball. She also enjoyed attending gospel concerts and taking extended family vacations. Cheryl’s children and grandchildren were her greatest achievement and brought her much joy.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Thursday, January 29, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. The memorial service will follow the visitation and will begin at 12:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home, with Tim Taylor officiating. The graveside service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 30, 2026, at Casey Cumberland Cemetery in Casey, IL.

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

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Scott Lee Sims, 69, of rural Wellington, IL, passed away at 5:11 P.M. Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at his home. He was born November 9, 1956, in Danville, IL, the son of Floyd and Margaret Anne (Neathery) Sims. He married Denise Renee Stock on September 25, 1976, at the First Christian Church in Hoopeston. She preceded him in death on July 21, 2021.

He is survived by his daughter, Emily (Logan) Davis of Bloomington, IL; two sons, Lucus Sims of Hoopeston, IL and Seth (Alexis) Sims of Hoopeston, IL; two sisters, Debbie Alkire of Hoopeston, IL and Soni Holmes of Covington, IN; four grandchildren, Rowan, Oakley, Sydney, and Olivia; his mother-in-law, Kathy Stock; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Denise, Scott was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Margaret Anne Sims; two brothers-in-law, Robert Alkire and Darrell Holmes; his father-in-law, Gilbert Stock; and one niece, Stephanie Alkire.

Scott owned and operated Sims Construction for over 20 years. He was a member of the Wellington-Greer Fire Department, the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge, and the Hooterville Iron Car Club. He enjoyed going to car shows and working on his ’67 Camaro and many other hot rods over the years. Scott especially loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL, with a masonic service at 7:00 P.M. by the Hoopeston Masonic Star Lodge #709. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made to Scott’s family C/O Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

Joyce Glover, 90, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 5:25 A.M. Sunday, January 18, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Marion, IN. She was born on August 28, 1935, in Williamsport, IN, the daughter of Franklin Eugene and Grace Mae (Daley) Barnes. She married James Francis Glover on March 13, 1954, at the First Church of the Nazarene in Danville, IL. He preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Vicki Lynn (George) Glover-Atkins of Marion, IN; her son, Bradley Eugene Glover of Hoopeston, IL; four grandchildren, Mandy Lynn Schunke Capp, Joy Lynn Paray Parker, Bradley James Glover, and Jamee Mae Coon; eight great-grandchildren, Abagail, Madison, Logan, Austin, Jaxon, Armani, Payton, and Brayden; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, James, she was also preceded in death by her parents; two sisters; and one brother.

Joyce worked as a receptionist for Dr. Strzembosy, and later in the office at Gulbranson. She loved reading, crocheting, sewing, and spending time with her family.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday January 22, 2026, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL, with Pastor Micah Mobley officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joyce to the Hoopeston First Church of God, 1004 E. Orange St., Hoopeston, IL 60942.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Harry G. Gillette, 81, of Milford passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at his residence. He was born on October 12, 1944, in Watseka, the son of Ellis and Blanche (Jessee) Gillette. They preceded him in death along with his in-laws, Byron and Betty Kern, and two brother-in-laws, Joe Eckersley and Byron Larry Kern.

Harry married Sandi Kern in Watseka on August 16,1983 and she survives.

Also surviving are three children, Donna (Randy) Hiltz of Milford, Bopper (Stacey Smith) Gillette of Stockland, and Becky (Sean) McCalla of Milford; grandchildren, Jamie (Darren) Bakken of Sheldon, Jennifer Mowrey of Atlanta, Georgia, Jesse Gillette (Ryan Covarrubias) of Bourbonnais, Hannah McCalla of Belfast, Northern Ireland, Kendall McCalla (Chris Ford) of Urbana, Grace Smith (Luke McCabe) of Watseka, and Ella Smith of Watseka; great-granddaughter, Cecelia Bakken of Sheldon; Also surviving are his two sisters, Punk Eckersley of Cissna Park, Tink (Gary) Voss of Cissna Park and many nieces and nephews.

Harry was a lifelong farmer and at the age of 8, he drove his granddad’s first combine. Harry graduated from Milford Grade and High School. During his school years, he was an athlete and member of the FFA. He received the Parliamentary Procedure Award and the State Farmer Degree, the same award his dad received. At the age of 18, Harry rented his first 80 acres and began farming on his own. In 1980, Harry purchased a tidewater plantation farm, “Belle Isle Farm”, in Virginia and farmed in both Illinois and Virginia for 10 years before selling Belle Isle Farm. Harry was very active in the community having served on the Milford School Board and Milford Township Board. He helped organize the first FFA Hog Roast in 1980 and helped establish the Milford 4-H Club. He also served as superintendent of the swine barn at the Iroquois County Fair for many years. Harry and his wife, Sandi, worked together on everything: on the farm, in their catering business, and as Federal Crop Adjusters for Country Companies for 18 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on the Gillette Family Farm on Saturday, January 24, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Milford.

Beverly Jane Yaden, 94, of Hoopeston, IL, passed away at 4:17 A.M. Friday, January 9, 2026, at her home. She was born August 21, 1931, in Danville, IL, the daughter of Earl Henry and Irma (Brougher) Stormer. She married Cecil Lee Yaden on January 8, 1949, in Danville, IL. He preceded her in death on January 29, 2000.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Irma Stormer; her son, Don; and two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Melinda.

She is survived by three daughters, Judy (Ron) Custer of Rankin, IL, Jane (Geike) Longfellow of Hoopeston, IL; and Julie (Robert) Kirby of Hoopeston, IL; two sons, John (Joan) Yaden of Hoopeston, IL and David Yaden of Hoopeston, IL; five grandchildren, Chad, Carrie, Elizabeth, Melinda, and Stephanie; and six great-grandchildren, Mia, Elly May, Alyssa, Halie, Nathan, and Christian.

Beverly was a farm wife living on the family Centennial Farm that was established in 1904. She was a member of Antioch Church of Christ where she served as a pre-school Sunday School teacher for over 65 years and was a part of the Antioch Church homemakers club. Beverly had a love for being outdoors and especially enjoyed gardening, mowing, and operating her Christmas Tree Farm. She also loved putting puzzles together, assembling many over the years.

Visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Thursday January 15, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St., Hoopeston, IL. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, January 16, 2026, at the funeral home with Pastor Kevin Purdy officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Beverly to Iroquois Memorial Hospice, 200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Mary Jane “Janey” Mertz, age 77, of Rossville, passed away on January 5, 2026, at 11:29 a.m. at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana of a broken heart.

Born September 20, 1948, in Danville, Illinois, Janey was the daughter of John and Daisy (Ellis) Loden. She was united in marriage to Allen E. Mertz on February 28, 1982, at the Rossville United Methodist Church. Mr. Mertz preceded her in death on December 21, 2025.

Janey is survived by her daughters, Rose Kiser (Larry Kleiboeker) of Patoka, Illinois, and Christina Gossett (Pete) of Biloxi, Mississippi; son, Anthony Mertz of Danville; ten grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Linda Corley and Patty Phillips, both of Danville; as well as several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Bruce Eldridge; daughter, Brandy Mertz; son-in-law, David Kiser; brother, Rex Loden; sisters, Diana McDaniels and Rita Hays; sister-in-law, Karen Loden; and brothers-in-law, Vern McDaniels and Jim Corley.

A graduate of North Vermillion High School, Janey dedicated much of her life to caregiving, particularly for children. She was a member of the Rossville United Methodist Church and Eastern Illinois ABATE. Among her many interests were listening to Elvis Presley, crocheting, gardening, working crossword puzzles, and art. She greatly enjoyed motorcycle rides with Allen and traveling, especially trips to Daytona Beach during bike week.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 12:00 p.m. In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will follow the services, and she will be interred at Bethel Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Eastern Illinois ABATE.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Blurton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be shared with the family at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Carl Marvin Anderson, 94, of rural Alvin, IL, passed away at 3:20 P.M. Thursday, January 1, 2026, at his home. He was born August 26, 1931, in Danville, IL, the son of Sexton and Fannie (Lundquist) Anderson. He married Janice Healy and she preceded him in death.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; his son, William “Bill” Anderson; and one sister, Betty Leverenz Lockhart.

He is survived by his daughter, Sharon Anderson Britton of Tilton, IL; one granddaughter, Angela Britton Florin; and three great-grandchildren, Zachary Edwards, Aiden Florin, and Ariana Florin.

Marvin served in the United States Marine Corp. from January 22, 1952, to January 23, 1954. He then became a life-long farmer and worked at Heaton Grain Elevator until his retirement. In his younger years, Marvin learned his love for sheep at the Anaconda Copper Mine in Montana where he worked with a local veterinarian and learned the trade. When he was young, he rode the rail with his sheep in boxcars transporting them across the country. He later raised champion Hampshire Sheep at his home in rural Alvin, winning many championships at the Illinois and Indiana State Fair and many local fairs.

Visitation will be held 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Wednesday January 7, 2026, 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. Wednesday at the funeral home with Pastor Gary Milton officiating. Burial will follow in Mann’s Chapel Cemetery in rural Rossville. Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post #384.

Memorial donations may be made in memory of Marvin to IMH Hospice, 200 East Fairman Avenue, Watseka, IL 60970.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.