There are currently nine obituaries

Jeanette Alexander

1927 - 2010

Jeanette L. Alexander, age 82, passed away March 8, 2010 at 4:20 pm at her home on South Washington Street, surrounded by her friends & family.

She was born on September 24,1927, to James E. and Vernella B. (Swansey) Rose in Gaskins City. On July 29, 1950, she married Curtis D. “Curt” Alexander.

Jeanette worked as a telephone operator early in her life. She later elected to be a stay-at-home Mom. She took an active part in her daughters’ school careers as Room Mother and Girl Scout leader. She was a member of the Home Extension where she was the county and unit Chairwoman at times. She helped serve meals at Choisser’s Kitchen. She was an election judge and once was the Saline County Ladies Democrat Party Chairwomen. She had been the Saline County Co-chair of the Red Cross Blood Drive and was awarded a 16-gallon donor pin; she also loved to sew. She was baptized at the General Baptist Church in Gaskins City, and currently attended the First Church of God on McHaney Road.

Survivors include her husband, Curt Alexander of Harrisburg, two daughters, Suzanne Alexander of St. Charles, Missouri, and Jane Rose Tillman and husband Paul of St. Peters, Missouri, two grandsons, David Tillman and wife Lauren and Michael Tillman, and a sister, Letha Hall of Harrisburg.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Thurman Rose, and James “Jimmy” Rose, two sisters, Beatrice Stilley, and Maxadean Moore.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Friday, March 12, 2010 at the Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. Rev. Shawn Johnson will officiate; burial will follow in Sunset Lawn Cemetery. It was Jeanette’s request that flowers be omitted and memorials made to the Red Cross or the First Church of God Building Fund.

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Verla Belt

1917 - 2010

          Verla Belt, age 92, of Harrisburg, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2010 at Harrisburg Medical Center. She was born on July 7, 1917 in Hardin County to the late Charles and Gertrude (Burton) Young. She married Horace Belt in 1973 and he preceded her in death.

     Surviving family members include three grandchildren: Russell Cruson of Herod, Shelia McCabe and husband Butch of Ozark, and Lois Martin of Galatia; five great-grandchildren: Kaytlin Cruson, Hallie Hirsch, Tyler Hirsch, Malania Martin, and Abigail Martin.

     Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel. Rev. Art Watson will officiate. Burial will follow in Lavender Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel.

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David Bruce Rees

1937 - 2010

     David B. Rees departed this life at 6:55 PM, Thursday, February 25, 2010 at the Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, Indiana surrounded by the love of his family. David was born on January 1, 1937 in Harrisburg, IL to the late George and Naomi (Russell) Rees. On March 16, 1956, David was joined in marriage to Dianna Gidcumb at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. David was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg.

     David loved his family very much. He was a devoted, kind, family-oriented man and was always available to lend a helping hand. He is survived by his wife: Dianna Rees, with whom he would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on March 16. One son: Steven Rees and wife Elizabeth of Fort Smith, Arkansas; two daughters: Marlene Waller and her husband Bill of Evansville, IN, and Patty Evans and her husband David of Galatia. Also surviving are grandchildren: Shawn Rees and his wife Carmen, Mandy Fort, Dustin Rees and fiancé Melissa Moreno, Clinton Omohundro and his wife Katie, Lauren Brooks and her husband Eric, Kate Evans and fiancé Casey Hackbart, Jordan Waller, Addyson Evans, and five great-grandchildren.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bill Tom Rees, and a granddaughter, Anna Rees Waller.

     While growing up in Harrisburg, David was active in the Boy Scouts and later became a scout leader. After graduating with the class of 1955 at HTHS, David volunteered for service in the United States Air Force, serving from 1955 to 1959. He worked as a jet mechanic while stationed on Strategic Air Command Bases across the country. He was a longtime employee of Peabody Coal Company holding various management positions throughout his 27 years of service. David was an avid fisherman and spent many happy hours fishing with his family and friends on the Ohio River.

     Funeral services were held at 2 PM, Sunday, February 28, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel. Rev. David Estep officiated. Burial followed in Sunset Garden Cemetery. Visitation was from 5 to 8 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg. 

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Catherine E. McDowell

1914 - 2010

     Catherine E. McDowell, 95, of Decatur, formerly of Harrisburg passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 in Decatur. She was born on November 23, 1914 in Harrisburg, IL to the late Walter and Christine (Moore) Brewner. She married Russell McDowell and he preceded her in death.

     She is survived by one brother, Donovan (Jenese) Brewner of Decatur, Numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, and two brothers.

     Graveside services were held at 2 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation was held from 1 to 2 PM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel.

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Bessie Fulkerson

1908 - 2010

     Bessie Fulkerson, age 101, of Eldorado, formerly a long time resident of the Dorrisville area,  passed away at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at Fountain View Nursing Home in Eldorado.

     Bessie was born on Thursday, March 12, 1908, in Hardin County, Illinois to the late Otis and Magnolia Banks. She married George Fulkerson on Saturday, April 21, 1928 and he preceded her in death on Tuesday, September 17, 1996. She was a member of the Mt. Calvary General Baptist Church.

     Bessie is survived by five children, son, Randall Fulkerson of Harrisburg, daughter, Wanda (Prather) Wise and husband Bob of Harrisburg, son, Larry Fulkerson of Harrisburg, son, Don Fulkerson and wife Margie of Galatia, and Kenneth Fulkerson and wife Vicki of Elizabethtown; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-seven great-grandchildren, fourteen  great-great-grandchildren.

     Bessie was preceded in death by her parents, husband, George, twin brother, Jessie Banks, three sisters, Tessie Henderson, Virgie Fulkerson, and Eula Hooten, half brother, Glendell Banks, half sister, Pauline Donaldson one grandchild and one great-great grandchild.

     Funeral services were held at 11 AM, Saturday, February 27, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. Rev. Jared Mitchell officiated. Burial followed in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Visitation was held from 5 to 8 PM, Friday, February 26, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to the Fountain View Residence Fund. 

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Rosemary Evans

1950 - 2010

    Rosemary Evans, age 59, of Harrisburg, passed away on Monday, February 22, 2010 at Harrisburg Medical Center. She was born on March 11, 1950, the first of eight children born to the late Warren and Roberta (Lowe) Evans. She graduated from Harrisburg High School with the class of 1968, attended Southeastern Illinois College, and graduated from McKendree College in 1972. She then began a teaching career at New Simpson Hill School, which spanned 32 years and touched several generations.

     Rosemary was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Harrisburg and seldom missed a Sunday playing either the piano or the organ. Teaching and music were two of her passions, but her greatest passion was her family. She is survived by six siblings and a large extended family. Survivors include three sisters: Annalea and Nicky Winders of Marion, Kentucky; Marilyn and Jim Ellis and Regina and Stanley Rowlen, all of Harrisburg. Also surviving are three brothers: Danny and Nancy Evans, Wesley and Beth Evans, and Jon and Jamie Evans, all of Harrisburg. Rosemary is also survived by ten nieces and nephews: Bryce (Breeanna) Winders and Blair Winders; Natalie (Bradly) Chang and Emily Ellis; Chris (Amy) Evans and Ben Evans; J.D. (Tarah) Evans and Rachel Evans; and Ashley and Austin Evans. In addition, she is survived by a great nephew, Braxton Winders, and a great niece, Jaylee Lynn Evans.

     She was preceded in death by her brother, Samuel Evans, in 1969, her father, Warren Evans, in 1985, and her mother, Roberta Evans, in 1995.

     Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel from 4 to 8 PM. The funeral service was held at Reed Funeral Chapel on Thursday, February 25, 2010 at 3 PM. Burial followed in Lindale Memorial Gardens in Eldorado. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Saline County 4-H program in Rosemary’s memory. 

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Reita C. Church

1930 - 2010

    Reita C. Church, age 79, of Harrisburg, passed away on, Monday, February 22, 2010 at her residence in Harrisburg. She was born on August 17, 1930 in Equality, IL to the John A. and Annabelle (Wood) Crest. In 1964, she married Cecil Church and he preceded her in death on January 27, 2007.

     Surviving family members include a son: James Pearce of Equality; two step-sons: Mike Church and wife Linda of Harrisburg, and Gene Church and wife Cam of Harrisburg; Grandchildren: Jennifer Hale and husband David of Galatia, Jessica Woodrow and husband Clint of Emporia, KS, Angi Butler and husband Jason of Harrisburg, Todd Church and wife Stephanie of Harrisburg, Brent Church and wife Pamela of Harrisburg, and Rhonda Hughes and husband Donnie of Harrisburg; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother: John D Crest and wife Tammy of Equality; one sister: Ruth Colbert of Hammond, IN; several nieces and nephews survive.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son: Robert Wayne Pearce, and two sisters: Nancy Miller, and Ruby Syers.

     Private family services will be held at a later date.

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Edward P. Schroeder

1914 - 2010

    Edward P. Schroeder, age 95, of Harrisburg, passed away at 2:50 AM, Monday, February 22, 2010 at Saline Care Center in Harrisburg.

    Edward was born on Wednesday, December 9, 1914, in St. Louis, Missouri to the late Edward H. and Marie (Pereau) Schroeder.  Edward married Ida Lee Belt on Friday, May 23, 1952 and she preceded him in death on February 11, 2003. Edward was a World War II Navy Veteran. He was formerly a salesman for Sligo.  Edward was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Harrisburg, and the Shawnee Hills Chapter Barbershop Singing Organization and a member of “One More Four” quartet. 

     Survivors include Edward’s son by a previous marriage: Edward and wife Sandra Meng of Oregon, Missouri, a sister-in-law, Lois Belt of Peoria, 3 grandchildren: Stanley Meng, Lisa Meng Lang, & Stacy Meng Mitchell and 10 great grandchildren.

     Funeral services were held at 11 AM, Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. Father Bert Ifert officiated. Burial followed in Massac Memorial Gardens in Metropolis, Illinois. Visitation was held from 10 – 11 AM, Thursday, February 25, 2010 at Reed Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

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Jackie Dale Bethel

1953 - 2010

Jackie D. Bethel, 56, a resident of Equality, IL., passed away Friday in Harrisburg Medical Center. He was born November 24, 1953 in Harrisburg to Lee & Esther Viva (Morris) Bethel. On October 18, 1974 he married the former Sondra Horton and she survives. Jackie was a farmer, auto body mechanic and member of Equality Christian Center. He loved the Lord with all his heart and soul and his greatest dream was that all his family be saved and work for the Lord. He loved the outdoors, hunting, hiking & the country. He loved life, family and people and was the most humble, gentle man Sondra has ever known. He was a good, loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and brother-in-law.

In addition to his wife: Sondra Bethel, he is survived by: a son: Jack & wife Tracy Bethel of Harrisburg; a daughter: Tabitha & husband Mike Murrow of Harrisburg; Grandchildren: Trinity & Hannah Murrow; his mother: Esther Viva Bethel of Harrisburg; brothers: Bill & wife Sue Bethel of Harrisburg, Mark Bethel of St. Jamestown, Florida; Frank & Ruth Bethel of Harrisburg; sisters: Margaret & husband Rev. Jim Williams of Harrisburg; Christine Bowers of Stonefort; Fern McIntosh of Harrisburg, IL; Geraldine Martin of Tuscola, IL; Judy  Blankenship of Tuscola, IL; Janice & husband Paul Bierman of Elsberry, MO; Marla & husband Frank VonLienen of Harrisburg; Pat & husband Jerry Ferrell of Scott City, MO; & Cindy & husband Jeff Blackman of Harrisburg. Several Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces & Nephews & Great-Great Nieces & Nephews also survive.

Jackie was preceded in death by his father: Lee Bethel; 3 brothers: Cecil, Jr.; James Edward  & Kirk Bethel; Sister: Linda Barefoot & twin sisters in infancy.

Funeral services were held at 1 PM Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at the Equality Christian Center. Rev. Allen Porter officiated. Burial followed in Blockhouse Cemetery near Rudement. Visitation was from 5 to 8 PM, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at the Equality Christian Center. For those who wish, donations may be made to the family to offset funeral expenses.

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