Obituaries

Jan 15, 2025

Peggy Ann Watson, 90, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2025, at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. A woman of quiet strength and unwavering faith, Peggy's life was a reflection of humility, kindness, and a contentment that is rare in today's world.

Born on October 30, 1934, the only child of William Perry Drennen...

Jan 12, 2025

Richard “Dick” Allen Kent, Sr., 88, of Palestine, IL, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2025, at Arbor Rose in Robinson, IL. Born on October 31, 1936, in Montgomery Township to Paul & Frances (Hanover) Kent, Dick’s life was guided by the simple yet profound motto he lived by: “We were put on this earth to help each other.”...

Jan 11, 2025

Mary Jo Rains, 86, passed away on January 11, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of charm, wit, and timeless elegance. Born to Russell & Audra Rains on December 14, 1938, in Hutsonville, IL, she grew up surrounded by the simple beauty of rural life, which shaped her love for local history and community.

Mary Jo...

Jan 11, 2025

Linda Sue Cooley passed away on January 11th, 2025, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana. She lived 66 years, with her life beginning on December 21st, 1958, when she was born in Lawrenceville, IL, to Lawrence & Reba (Ford) Midgett.

She left high school during her senior year to care for her ailing mother,...

Jan 6, 2025

Betty J. (Wheatly) Crutcher, 97, passed peacefully at Ridgeview Care Center after a short illness. Everyone who knew Betty loved to watch her work in her yard. She was incredibly proud of her yard and continued caring for it until she was in her nineties. Throughout the years, Betty was an avid bowler and played in tournaments all over....

Jan 5, 2025

Melody Ramsey, 70, of Palestine, IL, passed away on January 5, 2025. Born on September 5, 1954, in Terre Haute, IN, to Roscoe Eveland & Lucy (Dunlap) Carver, Melody entered this world carrying a story unlike any other. Though she was meant to be a twin, she always believed she lived with two heartbeats—a symbol of her remarkable resilience...

Jan 2, 2025

Some men leave footprints; Charlie Smith left tire marks.

Charlie, 67, of Oblong, IL, passed away on January 2, 2025, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. To know the man was to know someone truly one of a kind—a man who lived life unapologetically and made sure everyone around him felt his vibrant, larger-than-life...

Jan 1, 2025

Rocky Rash, 69, of Marshall, IL, wasn’t just a man—you might say he was more of a force of nature! Born at the Allen Sanitarium in Robinson, IL, on May 21, 1955, Rocky was destined to roam. He lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Tennessee, and Indiana, but Illinois pulled him back, having lived in Robinson, Newton, Marshall, and West Union...

Dec 27, 2024

If you ever met Wanda Shields, chances are you left with a smile on your face and a story to tell. Wanda, 68, of Palestine, IL, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2024, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by family—exactly the way she wanted it. Born in Aurora, IL, Wanda was the daughter of Leonard & Isabell...

Dec 26, 2024

Grace Lorraine Cafin, 94, of Duncanville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing. Born on January 3, 1930, in Chauncey, IL, Grace was the daughter of Jesse & Viola (Hopkins) Gowin. Her life began on her family’s 80-acre farm in the Klondike area, where hard work was a way of life and long...

Dec 25, 2024

Linda Sue Spade, 60, of Bridgeport, IL, formerly of Flat Rock, IL, passed away at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL, on Christmas Day, 2024—a poignant farewell on her favorite holiday. Linda was a bright light to all who knew her, her life a joyful celebration of family, sports, and the magic of the season.

...

Dec 24, 2024

Phillip "Phil" Bailey, 52, of Sullivan, IN, passed away unexpectedly on December 24, 2024, in Merrillville, IN. He was born on October 2, 1972, in Vincennes, IN, and grew up in Palestine, IL, where his natural talents began to shine early. An exceptional athlete, Phil played football and excelled on the track. He was known for his speed, running...

Dec 23, 2024

Charles "Charlie" Clark Nickum of Robinson, IL, passed away unexpectedly on December 23, 2024. He was born January 21, 1936 in Mattoon, IL, the son of Charles and Vera (Clark) Nickum, both of whom preceded him in death.

On August 25, 1957, he married Diane Shore, embarking on a 67-year companionship. Charlie is survived by...

Dec 19, 2024

John C. Boyd, 64, of Palestine, IL, passed away unexpectedly at his home on December 19, 2024. A man of curiosity, ingenuity, and heart, John's life was filled with the connections he built, the skills he mastered, and the love he shared with his family. Born on August 30, 1960, in Lawrenceville, IL, to Rev. Robert Charles Boyd &...

Dec 17, 2024

Paul Adam Griffin, 33, of Nashville, TN, formerly of Oblong, IL, passed away unexpectedly on December 17, 2024, at Vanderbilt Medical Center in Nashville. Though his time with us feels far too brief, Paul filled every moment with humor, kindness, and a deep love for the people in his life.

Born on May 9, 1991,...

Dec 15, 2024

Mildred Hein, 96, of Robinson, IL, passed away on December 15, 2024, at Robinson Rehab & Nursing, surrounded by the love of her family. Born May 21, 1928, in New Hebron, IL, to Carl & Opal (Goff) Weger, Mildred grew up with a relentless work ethic. Whether putting up hay as a child or helping raise her baby brother,...

Dec 11, 2024

Louise Ellen Callaway, 88, of Hutsonville, IL, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, at the St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, IN. Her heart was always with her family, and it beats on in the countless lives she touched with her love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Born in Robinson on January 5, 1936, Louise was the only daughter...

Dec 10, 2024

Samuel R. "Bob" Pettigrew, 68, passed away on December 10, 2024, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospital in Mattoon, IL.

He was born on September 20, 1956, to Samuel & Bette Pettigrew in Lawrenceville, IL.

On January 8, 1977, he married Marsha R. Drum, who survives him.

Bob...

Dec 9, 2024

Karen Jo (Calvert) Hunt, 72, of Palestine, IL, passed away on December 9, 2024, at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, IN. Born on March 2, 1952, in Palestine, she was the daughter of Robert “Dwight” Calvert and Shirley Rose (Neely) Calvert-Smith, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her special cousin, Connie...

Dec 8, 2024

Robert David "Bob" Rice, II, 56, of Sainte Marie, IL, passed away on December 8, 2024, at his home. Born on August 7, 1968, in Robinson, IL, Bob grew up at West Lake, where he first developed his love for the outdoors and his reputation for mischief first took root. A graduate of Robinson High School’s Class of 1987,...