Shirley Ann Hoskins, 89, passed away peacefully on August 10, 2024, in Corrales, New Mexico, surrounded by her loving family. Shirley’s life was defined by the connections she made with family and friends. She loved her cats and dogs, taking Sunday drives, attending the Covered Bridge Festivals, and going on family vacations throughout the country.

Shirley was born in Hoopeston, Illinois, on August 08,1935, to Ida and Lyle Miller. Shirley attended Lincoln Grade School and graduated from John Greer High where she met her high school sweetheart Frank Hoskins, Jr. Shirley invited Frank to the high school Sadie Hawkins dance. Soon after, they fell in love and married on October 8, 1955, for sixty-nine wonderful years. Shirley and Frank had two children, a daughter, Alicia Ramsey, and son, Andrew Hoskins.

Shirley began her career at John Deere Malleable Iron Works and left to work at FMC for 22 years before retiring in 1991. She had numerous friends and family and lived a long and fulfilling life.

Shirley is survived by her husband Frank Hoskins, her son Andrew Hoskins, and his wife Paula, her grandchildren Kristen and Derek Degenhardt and Matthew Hoskins, and great grandchildren Spencer and Oliver Degenhardt.  Shirley’s little sister, Cindy Brazel, recently passed away, and she was preceded in death by her daughter Alicia Ramsey, wife of Rick Ramsey, and her sisters Loretta McInturff, Margret Nimz and Donna Besson, and her parents Ida and Lyle Miller.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL.

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangement

Aaron Matthew Linares, 43, of Hoopeston, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in Danville.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24, 2025, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac. Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service. Memorials may be made to the funeral home to help the family with funeral expenses.

Aaron was born on September 9, 1982, in Danville, IL, to Ernie Linares and Angie Burton. He graduated from Hoopeston Area High School in 2001. In 2003, he married Barbie Gibson in Milford, Illinois.

Aaron worked as a laborer for Hoopeston Foods and as a CNA. He enjoyed cooking, listening to country music—especially Johnny Cash and George Jones—and spending time with his grandchildren.

He is survived by his four daughters, Hannah Linares of Westville, IL, Isabella Linares of Paxton, IL, and Karsyn Linares and Aaryn Linares, both of Indiana; two sons, Atreyu Maness of Paxton, IL, and Charles Linares of Indiana; his mother, Angie (Noe) Gonzalez of Hoopeston; his father, Ernie Linares of Hoopeston; five grandchildren, Khai’lyn Pawlak, Koah Pawlak, Asher Brown, Lane Wilson, and Casen Wilson; two brothers, Andrew (Becky) Linares of Catlin, IL, and Alex Linares of Joliet, IL; two sisters, Ashley Linares and Carissa Cahill, both of Champaign, IL; stepbrother, Nick Gonzalez of Paxton, IL; stepsister, Chanelle Davis of Rankin, IL; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Gracie Linares; paternal grandparents, Juan and Margarita Linares; maternal grandparents, Charles and Barbara Burton; aunt, Maria Linares; and two uncles, Eddie Linares and Mark Glenn.

The Linares family would like to thank everyone who supported and helped take care of Aaron throughout the years.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Larry Lee Powley, 91, of Paxton, IL (previously Hoopeston, IL) passed away on June 16, 2026 at the Danville VA Hospital.

He was born on January 1, 1935 to Harold Joy and Lorena Mary (Livingston) Powley in Hoopeston, IL. He was the youngest of six children who all preceded him in death: Harold Powley Jr., Virginia Dugas, Gerald Powley, Doris Nussear and Dorothy Boardman Schwartz.

Larry married Patricia Jane Chaney of Ambia, IN on December 1, 1956. She preceded him in death August 2005. He is survived by two daughters: Debra (Dennis) Slade and Lisa Bright and six grandchildren: Steven (H??ng Ho) Slade, Austin (Miranda) Slade, Katelyn Bright, Aaron Bright, Ryan (Marissa) Bright and Ethan Bright.

Following Pat’s death, Larry married Barbara Foster in 2006. She preceded him in death April 2022.

Larry served in the Air Force as a Mechanic on jet engines from 1957 to 1961 when he was honorably discharged. He received a Good Conduct Medal while serving.

Prior to his service and following, Larry was employed at the American Can Company/Silgan Container Corp from 1953 until his retirement in 1998 after 45 years.

In his younger days, Larry enjoyed camping, photography, ham radio and riding motorcycles. He and Pat were snowbirds for years in North Ft. Myers, FL.

Private Military graveside services will be held at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston at a future date. Blurton Funeral Home of Potomac is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

Condolences or memories may be shared with the family at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Donald Wayne Pickett, age 65, of Bruceville, Texas, who departed this world on Friday November 14, 2025, surrounded by family.

Donald was born on December 23, 1959, in Danville, Illinois, to his loving parents, Otis Wayne Pickett and Betty Sue Linder. With a life span of six and a half decades, Donald leaves behind a vibrant legacy marked by love of family, a strong work ethic and a steadfast commitment to those dear to him.

Donald spent his formative years in Illinois where he dedicated many years to Maintenance for Conagra Foods and Accolade Nursing home. His skilled craftsmanship and attention to detail became hallmarks of his work, earning him respect in his field and the appreciation of countless co-workers and residents.

He loved spending time with his family, fishing, hunting, fabricating, doing carpentry work, helping others troubleshoot the problem with their vehicles or something in their homes, and most of all, gardening. He loved his Chicago bears, Chicago Cubs and Nascar.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otis Pickett; his Maternal and Paternal Grandparents; one aunt; and six uncles.

His is survived by his wife, Pamela Pickett; his mother, Betty (Linder) Pickett; brother, Jim Pickett (Brenda); sisters, Teresa Pickett (Kenny) and Joanne Tuttle (Kent); his 4 children, daughters, Ashley Pickett (Nick), Alexis Pickett, Stepson James Hansen, Stepdaughter Nichole Hansen (Jana); Grandchildren, Gavin, Trenton and Reydon Montez, Lydia Martinez, Serenity Hansen, Kaia, Claire and Paul Walker, Cloey and Colton Lietz, and 2 great grandchildren.

Donald's memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him, reminding us to cherish every moment and hold our loved ones close. Rest in peace, Donald Wayne Pickett. You will be missed deeply.

Cremation rites have been accorded, and a graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL. 

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

John Michael Houston, 61, of Paxton, IL, passed away at 8:14 P.M. Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at his home. He was born on August 20, 1964, at the Paxton Community Hospital, the son of Jackie Lester Houston and Karon Kay (Krueger) Smith. He married Sara Verkler on November 8, 1990, in Paxton, IL. She survives in Paxton.

He is also survived by his mother and stepfather, Karon and Roland Smith and his two sons, Joshua Michael Houston and Jeremiah Lee Houston all of Paxton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his father, Jackie Lester Houston.

John was a CNC operator at Caradco, which later became Jeld-Wen. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Paxton. He enjoyed fishing, listening to music, playing golf, and caring for his dogs. John also enjoyed coaching his kids in baseball when they were younger. He was an avid Tennessee Volunteer sports fan, especially football, and loved Trans Am’s and Harley’s.

A visitation will be held 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. Tuesday June 23, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home, 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL. Following the visitation, cremation rites will be accorded.

Memorial donations may be made to John’s family.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston is handling the arrangements.

Betty Lou Cartwright, 82, of Hoopeston, IL passed away at 10:36 A.M. Sunday, June 14, 2026, at her home.  She was born April 1, 1944, in Boswell, IN, the daughter of Gerald “Jerry” and Opal (Smith) Gillen.  She married Virgil Cartwright on November 13, 1965, in Boswell, IN.  He preceded her in death in 2016.

She is survived by two sons, Chuck (Dawn) Nunan of Madison, IN and Joey (Elaine) Cartwright of Hoopeston, IL; two step daughters, Debbie Dawson of Milford, IL and Lisa (Gerald) Allen of Milford, IL; one step son, Bruce (Hangye) Cartwright; two sisters, Doris Andes of Fowler, IN and Barb Sabie of LaPorte, IN; one brother, Jerry (Jo) Gillen of Boswell, IN; twelve grandchildren, Kendra (Jefferson) Pike, Desi Martin (Justin Moore), Alex (McKensey) Nunan, Devin Cartwright-Seabaugh, Adam Cluver, Cody Cluver, Kori Cartwright, Kyle Allen, Nick Dawson, Stephanie Dawson, Andrea Luthy, and Zachary Martin; eleven great grandchildren, Nicholas, Lucas, Brody, Emma, Oliver, Jax, Avorie, Evelyn, Thomas, Peyton and Chance; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in -law, Mary and Bert Budreau; brother and sister- in - law, Jim and Stella Gillen; great grandson, Jackson Pike; and step daughter, Chris Cartwright.

Betty graduated from Boswell High School in 1962.  She worked at Stokely’s for several years and later worked at ConAgra.  She also did homecare, bartended at AMVETS in Fowler, and owned and operated B & J’s Restaurant.  She was a member of the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, where she was a church board member.  She was also a member of the CWF, VFW, and Women’s Auxiliary.  Betty was a chaplain at the local AMVETS and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed watching Hallmark movies, Chuck Norris in Walker Texas Ranger, Mark Harmon in NCIS, Matlock, and the Young and the Restless.  Most of all, Betty loved making memories with her great grandchildren.

A visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Anderson Funeral Home 427 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL.  The funeral service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Friday, June 19, 2026, at the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 502 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL with Pastor Judy Ridlen officiating.  Burial will follow in Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston.

Memorials may be made in Betty’s memory to the First Christian Church Disciples of Christ, 502 E. Main St. Hoopeston, IL 60942 or to the AMVETS.

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

Anderson Funeral Home in Hoopeston, IL, is handling the arrangements.

June Evelyn Clemmons, 88, of Potomac, passed away at home on Thursday, June 11, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 18^th, 2026, at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 p.m., with Pastor Gary Davis officiating. Burial will take place in Potomac Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Potomac Public Library.

June was born on June 9, 1938, in Collison, Illinois, to Rennell and Florence (Sprague) Howell. She graduated from Armstrong High School and Danville Junior College. On April 20, 1958, she married Harley F. Clemmons at the Potomac Church of Christ. He preceded her in death on March 30, 2003.

June worked for more than 20 years at Rantoul Products in the general store. She was a member of #10 Church of Christ and the Henning crafting club. She enjoyed making quilts and afghans and was known for her baking, especially pies and cinnamon rolls. June also taught local children and her grandchildren how to bake, and she cherished time spent with her family.

June is survived by two sons, Harlan (Becki) Clemmons of Sioux City, IA, and Marvin (Kimberly) Clemmons of Fisher, IL; eleven grandchildren, Eddie Clemmons, Betsy Clemmons, Kendall Clemmons, Jared Clemmons, Bradley Clemmons, Brandon Clemmons, Brooke Clemmons, Jordan Bidner, Jenna Clemmons, Wade Clemmons, and Maya Overlander; fourteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Margaret Doran of Potomac and Shirley Johnson of Collison; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and her son, Mark “Opie” Clemmons.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

Donald Lee “Don” Rector, 85, of Decatur, IL, and longtime Oakley resident passed away at 5:45 P.M. Friday, May 29, 2026 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.  He was reunited with his wife, Sandy, of 62 years.  He was born May 9, 1941, in Danville, IL, the son of James Armstrong and Lela America (Upchurch) Rector.  He married Pamela Jeanne (Sandy) Erickson on June 15, 1963 in Hoopeston, IL.   She preceded him in death on July 26, 2025.

He is survived by two children: Bryan Rector of Decatur, IL, and Cassi (Mike) Wildman of Oakley, IL; two granddaughters, Kaitie (Garrett) Mumm of Camby, IN, and Erin (Cody) Woollen of Oakley, IL; and was eagerly awaiting a great granddaughter due in December. He is also survived by two sisters, Doris McHugh of Coolidge, AZ, and Linda Duffin of Hoopeston, IL; a brother-in-law, Bob Duffin of Hoopeston and one sister-in-law, Kathy Erickson of Colorado Springs, Co, as well as many adoring nieces and nephews.

Along with his wife, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Virginia Stevens, Vela McBride, Maxine Meece, and Mary Lou Strain, and one brother, Jim Rector.

Don graduated from John Greer High School in 1959. After being drafted into the U.S. Army, he served a tour of Duty in Vietnam with the 25th Infantry Division at Cu Chi, south Vietnam in March 1967 to March 1968.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Expert Badge (M-60), and the Marksman (M16) Expert Badge (M-14).  Don worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company in Decatur for 37 years, retiring April 30, 2001, where he received a plaque confirming he was an "all around nice guy."  He was a member of the American Legion Post #384.  Don was an avid sports fan and would watch any sporting event on tv that he could, especially the Fighting Illini basketball and the St. Louis Cardinals baseball teams.  He also enjoyed watching old westerns, especially John Wayne movies.

A graveside service will be held 11:00 A.M. Thursday, June 4, 2026 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, IL with Pastor Kathy Murphy officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by the Hoopeston American Legion Post # 384.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Don’s memorial to any veteran’s charity or the donor’s choice.