BARBARA ANN HARTMAN
Oct. 4, 1942 – April 16, 2019
Dr. Barbara Hartman had an insatiable curiosity for people, places and experiences. The 90 pinheads on her world map, indicating countries she had visited, were proof of that inquiring mind.
Her small town Midwestern upbringing gave no hint of her passion for travel. After retiring from the University of Illinois Springfield in 1993, her husband, Jim Melville, encouraged her to see the world. So, off she went.
It didn’t matter that she didn’t know anybody where she was going, didn’t speak their language or was unfamiliar with the culture. She enjoyed connecting with locals and learning about their customs wherever she went, in addition to meeting many interesting fellow travelers.
It could have been different. When she was fi rst out of college, she took a low-budget trip to Europe with her roommate. Despite six weeks of washing clothes in bidets, sleeping on straw mattresses and living on bread and cheese, they remained lifelong friends.
Barbara’s creative souvenir shopping meant loved ones back home shared the fruits of her wanderings. Better yet, she convinced some of them to accompany her.
Even a cancer diagnosis 11 years ago did not deter her excursions until near the end. Despite fi ghting multiple myeloma, she made the most of her remaining time by adding yet more pins to her world map and touching even more people by her grace and courage.
Submitted by her friends, Helen Adorjan and Judy Everson
JEANNIE MARIE “BEA” HANSEN
Sept. 21, 1970 – June 20, 2019
When Jeannie graduated from Tri-City High School, she hoped to join the Illinois State Police and majored in criminal justice at Lincoln Land Community College. Only imperfect eyesight kept her from that goal.
Jeannie met her husband, Craig, on a blind date in December 1989 and they were married on May 19, 1990.
Jeannie’s loving nature included animals, as demonstrated in her rescue of Motor, a pet parrot. Motor took to Jeannie immediately and never relented in her companionship.
She was a Practical Shooter Association competitor and range offi cer and a sports fan, including auto racing. She enjoyed playing sports and loved playing with the children of her family and friends.
Twenty-fi ve years ago, Jeannie started work at HSHS St. John’s where she later became a fi nancial counselor and insurance specialist. While there, she received the Colleague of the Month award, followed by Colleague of the Year. In 2018, she was asked to join the Colleague Advisory Council, an appointment she proudly accepted.
Jeannie was an outstanding example of a kind, caring and giving person. Her life was about helping others and she continues this today through an endowment supporting a St John’s College of Nursing scholarship and the Jeannie M. Hansen Memorial Foundation.
Submitted by her husband, Craig Hansen
JAMES MACMAHON “MAC” GRAHAM
Aug, 28, 1938 - April 18, 2019
Mac Graham exemplifi ed a life well lived. His love for his wife and family guided his every action while core values of faith, family and community permeated his life.
Architecture was a calling which enabled him to express these values in churches, schools, hospitals and other buildings. His carefully considered designs inspire as places of worship, gathering, learning and healing.
Generous with his talents, he was a kind, patient teacher who mentored others. His curiosity was insatiable and infectious whether traveling, reading or drawing with his grandchildren.
A loving father and loyal friend, Mac was always willing to help and to share a laugh. He listened intently, leading with quiet strength and good humor.
He shared his passion for travel, art and music with his beloved wife, Carolyn, family and friends.
Grounded in genuine humility, his dedication and integrity made him a respected leader of a 50-year business and multiple community organizations.
We seek to honor Mac by doing our best and seeing the best in others. We are blessed with memories especially tangible through his watercolors and the legacy of the buildings he designed. For these reasons, we celebrate and cherish the gift of his life.
Submitted by his wife, Carolyn Graham
LINDSAY ANNE HEDGEPATH
Jan. 8, 1981 - May 15, 2019
My daughter, Lindsay, was a sweet blond-haired, blue-eyed child with a quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.
She loved to draw and was a talented artist. She even tried her hand at writing and taught herself how to play the bass guitar.
Her love for cooking stayed with her throughout her life and she had a long career in the food industry, working as a dishwasher, pastry chef, line cook and chef for well-established restaurants, bars and grills and cafes throughout Springfield.
As a mom, I was proud of my daughter for many things. But I was most proud of Lindsay’s willingness to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. Although I worried that some would take advantage of her generosity and compassion, Lindsay never faltered in her efforts to help those down on their luck.
As the holidays approach, I know they will be bittersweet this year without my beloved daughter’s physical presence. We had spent every Christmas together since her birth. But this year all we will have are our memories of past celebrations with her and to feel thankful for the time we had Lindsay with us, if even for a little while.
Submitted by her mother, by Valerie Hedgepath
LILLIAN SCOTT
June 30, 1934 – July 13, 2019
Lillian was humble by all the defi nition of the word and honored by more generations than she knew.
As a young woman, she was an amazing athlete who set records that earned her a place in the Women’s Hall of Fame for softball fastpitch. She was also well known for her rank in women’s golf and women’s bowling leagues as well.
Lillian was amazing, kind and caring. She will be missed by so many.
Submitted by her niece, Donna Harris
BRENDA WREST
Sept. 2, 1953 - Nov. 26, 2019
My mom was the kindest, most giving person I knew. I did not realize until she passed just how many lives she had touched.
Her love for her family and grandkids was beyond extraordinary. She was always there for anyone with an ear or shoulder and never expected anything in return.
She made everyone feel warm with her beautiful smile and laugh.
Submitted by her daughter, Stephanie Robinson
MICHAEL GINGER
Dec. 10, 1954 – June 7, 2019
Mike was about the sweetest person you could ever meet. He would do anything for those he loved. His compassion and caring were always noticed by everyone he met.
Every morning he would be at our house for breakfast and coffee with Charles. I always asked him how he was doing and he’d reply with his catch-phrase, “I’m old, fat and bald.”
His sense of humor was always present, even on bad days. We really miss you, Mikey. You will always be in our hearts.
Submitted by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Debby Ginger
W. JOSEPH “JOE” GIBBS
April 23, 1931 – Jan.18, 2019
Dad was a state representative in the early 1970s. He loved Springfield very much. The city was always on his mind when he traveled as he was always searching other cities for ideas to make his better.
One day we were in Denver waiting for a red stoplight to change to green so we could turn right. The driver behind us was honking impatiently. Dad was curious why, so he asked and learned about Colorado’s state law that allowed a driver to make a right turn when a stoplight was red.
When he returned home to Springfield he sponsored a bill permitting motorists to make right turns at red stoplights.
He was a wonderful man who always tried to make things better for others.
Submitted by his children, Kelly Gibbs, Tim Gibbs and Ruth (Gibbs) Rankin
LEE E. KILBOURNE
April 15, 1924 – Sept. 5, 2019
Although I married into his family, Lee Kilbourne felt like a full-blooded grandpa to me. He was always available with a smile, a conversation or a compliment. He gave those generously.
I cannot adequately summarize the consequential life of Lee in a few paragraphs. Suffi ce it to say that on Sept. 5, I lost a grandfather, mentor and friend, and this world lost a good and faithful servant.
He was a good and faithful servant to his country, having served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
He was a good and faithful servant to members of his parish and his community who could always count on his constancy.
Mostly, he was a good and faithful servant to God and family. All of us who knew him hailed him as our North Star. When we saw his servant’s heart during the fi nal years of Grandma Kilbourne’s life, we also saw his faithfulness to his love and a wonderful example of God’s love for us.
On Sept. 5, Lee was reunited with the love of his life, and I believe he heard those words, good and faithful servant, once again.
We love you, Grandpa. Rest in peace.
Submitted by his grandson-in-law, Brian Hendricks
CRAIG MANNSCHRECK
Nov. 6, 1944 – Aug. 21, 2019
Craig Mannschreck passed away in August after bravely battling lymphoma for three months, and he will be dearly missed by his team at Resource One and in the Springfield business community. He enjoyed dual citizenship, splitting his time between Springfield and his hometown of St. Joseph, Missouri. For 18 years, Craig was a weekday fi xture of downtown as a business owner, landlord, resident and merry soul. It is hard to fi nd a shop owner or long time downtown offi ce worker that did not recognize Craig from his daily jaunts in a freshly pressed shirt, tie and slacks. Craig would stop to talk to everyone from a bookshop owner to a bank president – treating everyone with respect and courtesy. He never walked past a person on the street without asking them how they were. He knew many homeless by name and offered them help in the form of advice or a friendly ear. He was well-loved and respected by his employees as a kind-hearted and wise boss, and he always took a keen interest in his team’s personal accomplishments and family lives. A proud Marine, an American hero and a kind soul – we’ll miss you, Craig.
Submitted by his business partner, Chris Davis
VIRGINIA MEGREDY
Nov. 16, 1919 – Feb. 4, 2019
Virginia Megredy was the greatgranddaughter of early settlers of Sangamon County and the granddaughter of a Civil War soldier. Deeply connected to the land, she lived most of her long life on a sesquicentennial farm near Loami. She had an indomitable spirit, courage in the face of adversity and was tough as nails with a very sensitive heart.
Virginia attended Waverly High School. She wanted to take shop, but couldn’t because she was a girl. She graduated from Blackburn College in 1939 and taught in one-room schoolhouses in Sangamon County. She attended the University of Illinois but didn’t graduate, refusing to take a required swimming class due to her fear of water. Although she couldn’t swim, she was masterful with numbers. At 98 when her doctor asked her to count backwards from 100 by seven, she did so without faltering – after flashing a look filled with daggers.
Virginia’s husband died when she was 53, leaving her to manage the family farm, which she did adeptly. Growing up on a farm where hard work was the norm helped her become fiercely independent. She cherished nature, was an early adopter of conservation practices and worked to be a good steward of the land.
She had two daughters, Carolyn Patterson and Martha Megredy. Through my friendship with Carolyn, I had the pleasure of meeting Virginia on several occasions. We share a farm family background, and I admired Virginia for being a strong woman in a male-dominated environment. I can see Virginia’s love of nature, deep curiosity, kindness, and her strong, brave personality reflected in my friend and her loving daughter, Carolyn.
Submitted by Karen Ackerman Witter
PATRICIA LEACH
Oct. 23, 1933 - Feb. 1, 2019
Mom grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. She came of age as a bobbysoxer and married at age 17. The marriage of Patricia Atteberry and Lum Leach lasted more than 50 years, until his passing. It left quite the legacy of fi ve kids, 13 grandchildren, and a crop of great-grandchildren that continues to grow.
But her legacy went well beyond that. Ask her children what they remember about growing up with her and they will all say the same thing – she was always there, no matter what you needed – a hot meal, a Band-Aid or a hug – no need ever went unattended.
Her legacy is unconditional love, fervent faith and wisdom laced with humor. In her later years, dementia took hold, but it could not diminish the light in her eyes when she saw someone she loved, even if she didn’t necessarily remember them. Once her daughter greeted her and asked if Mom knew who she was. Mom thought for a second and said, “How could I forget you? I love you.” She may not have remembered everything, but she never forgot how to say just the right thing.
Submitted by her son, Jim Leach
THOMAS PAUL LEWIS
Jan 7, 1966 – Aug. 11, 2009
My dear son, Tom Lewis, passed away this year after succumbing to a long battle with cancer. He was the third generation of Thomas Lewis’s and his dad died in 2004.
Tom was a very kind, sweet person and a talented musician who played blues guitar with several local bands, including The Debbie Ross Band and Mojo Cats.
He loved his family dearly – his wife, Tammy Lewis, and his daughters, Krista Moore and Kayla Lewis. The fact that he was not going to be around for the birth of his fi rst grandchild this December saddened him the most.
Tom was also an artist and sometimes created monument artwork for Arnold Monument.
He had many friends in the local music community who sponsored a memorial jam at the Curve Inn one rainy Sunday in September. At one point in the afternoon, someone called me to tell me to look up at the sky and lo and behold, a rainbow appeared. The event was attended by many and the T-shirt made for the event read, “Play on Tommy – play on.”
Submitted by his mother, Gwen Lewis
ADRIENNE LORRAINE MCNEIL
Oct. 30, 1989 – June 21, 2019
With a love for the 1940s and vintage clothing, music, movies, poetry, books and superheros, Adrienne was born in the wrong era. Her two sisters, stepbrother, parents and stepparents miss her unique ways.
Springfield Vintage hosted a pinup class where Adrienne discovered pinup contests to enter. She was killed in a car accident while traveling to a contest in Minnesota. At the contest, Adrienne’s group walked on stage with her contestant number and read her bio.
Afterwards, her Springfield pinup group, the Hot Totties, rallied to support her family in many ways and, along with her poetry group, held a Pinup and Poetry contest to honor her on her 30th birthday. In doing so, Adrienne’s family, college and high school friends and pinup group were able to help fulfi ll her birthday wish – to say goodbye to her 20s by dressing in 1920s outfi ts and going to St Louis.
Adrienne had epilepsy but would not let it defi ne her. Thousands of dollars have been donated by her co-workers, pinups, friends and family to the Epilepsy Foundation in Adrienne’s honor.
Submitted by her mother, Carol Forestier
MERLE RAY HAYNES
Aug. 7, 1922 - Nov. 4, 2019
Merle was born in Tovey, Illinois. He loved to talk about his service in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Levy DE162 where the signing of the Japanese surrender at Wake Island took place. He wrote a poem describing his time aboard ship that was published worldwide in the Navy newspaper.
He had a witty sense of humor that at times would make you think. He would always be available to lend a helping hand. You could usually fi nd him at Ritz’s Lil Fryer eating lunch and making friends.
Merle passed away at the age of 97. His history lessons will be missed as will his smiles and laughter.
Submitted by his daughter, Danna Haynes
RICHARD MARTINIE
Jan. 26, 1928 – June 28, 2019
Our father, Richard “Dick” Martinie, and mother, Marian, started their family in 1950. They had three boys and a girl, all of whom were blessed by having them as parents.
Pop was a school board member, a Cub Scout leader and an active PTA member while we were in school. He was also on the board of elders at West Side Christian Church for many years. He was admired because he was a devout Christian who lived his faith.
He lost his wife, who was the love of his life, to leukemia in 1994. That period of grieving and recovery was hard on him, but he continued on with his priorities of God, family and serving others.
Our father treated all of his children and grandchildren equally, and most importantly, demonstrated and witnessed his faith in Christ and the church steadfastly for the rest of his life.
He is greatly missed, but his example will live on through all of us who knew him and choose to follow his example.
Love you forever, Pop.
Submitted by his sons and daughter, Dan, Ginger, Mark and Phil
CHARLES “CHUK” ROBERTSON
Oct. 20, 1971 - Aug. 18, 2019
Grief shatters your world and the grief of the loss of my husband did just that. Though a lot of people believe he was only good for laughs, dirty jokes and pink bubble wrap, I knew better.
Chuk was a man who was able to make you laugh when upset or smile when you were down. He was a true friend and showed that the idea of family was not just about sharing blood.
The man I knew was a dad, a stepfather and a husband. Mostly he was my best friend.
Chuk had been active in the local theater community for over 10 years. In that time, he helped to entertain audiences in performances of Little Women, The Nerd, Harvey, Robin Hood and others.
He also worked as a custodian for Ball-Chatham School District 5 until his death.
Chuk was a simple man with an amazing sense of humor, a deep love for friends and family and a talent that was seen on the stage and heard on the radio.
Though I’m still shedding tears, I know that the love I and others had for Chuk will help keep his memory alive forever.
Submitted by his wife, Kelly E. Robertson
LAWRENCE “LARRY” ROERIG
Feb. 24, 1938 - March 25, 2019
I have been lost since Larry passed away. He fi t so well into my life, he really did complete me in every aspect.
I could talk to him about anything and everything and often did. In fact, there is nothing I would love better than to have a discussion with him. I would give up anything to hear him again read statistics from automobile, aircraft or train books and magazines, which were usually beyond my grasp.
I keep hoping to return from an errand and fi nd him on the couch reading, watching a race or football game – wishing it all was just a terrible nightmare. Even now, I cannot make it through a day without remembering his silly smile and sense of humor.
After almost 20 years together, we still held hands.
Several times a day he asked, “Have I told you today how much I love you?” and “Did I tell you how lucky I am to have you in my life?” But I was the lucky one.
He made me feel better about others, the world and myself. I know I never doubted how much he loved me, and I will never stop missing and loving him.
Submitted by his wife, Lisa Rusher
MARCUS RANDALL
June 7, 1961 – Feb. 9, 2019
Sometimes, when someone is quiet, you may not notice if they slip away. Marcus Randall, a humble, quiet man, left us suddenly this year, but his absence has left an audible silence in our lives.
Marcus lived his whole life in Springfield, graduating from Southeast High School and Sangamon State University, and he worked his entire career at SIU School of Medicine. He was the longest-serving researcher at the medical school and had just retired after 30 years when he passed away. After his death, SIU renamed their Researcher of the Year award, adding Marc’s name to the title.
A man of science, Marc was also man of quiet, deep faith. He became a Christian as an adult, amazed at God’s grace. He fi rst began to attend church while dating my sister, Shari, and would watch over my nephew, Max, as she practiced for worship.
He was a musician who played hand drums and had a beautiful tenor voice. He was drawn fi rst by the music, and then to God.
He married Shari, and they had two more kids, daughters Vanessa and Allison. He delighted in his family’s musical gifts.
In his memory, the Springfield Civic Orchestra dedicated their spring concert in Marc’s honor. Marcus Randall’s quiet life spoke volumes.
Submitted by his sister-in-law, Nancy Kyrouac
RAYMOND A. ROWDEN
Dec. 2, 1939 – May 4, 2019
Dad was an only child and had to create his own entertainment. His parents operated a tavern (Dale & Carol’s) in rural Alexander, so he enjoyed talking with and listening to the bar patrons’ stories and that helped him develop the gift of gab.
After high school, Dad attended Springfield Barber College – the fi rst of many occupations.
Dad truly loved community work and was active in Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, St. Paul’s Lodge, Illinois Right to Life and several car clubs. While working with these groups he seemed get to know everyone in town.
His love for community peaked when he was elected Springfield Ward 3 alderman and he found his true calling for building relationships. There he would use his own style of governing and storytelling ways to work through some of the more diffi cult issues that were in front of the council.
Through his diverse jobs and all of his life adventures, he met many people and wherever we went with him, we would run into somebody he knew. Truly he was a man with many brothers and sisters.
Dad, you are larger than life and your family misses you deeply.
Submitted by his son, Raymond T. Rowden
ANTONINA “NINA” MADONIA
March 12, 1941 – May 11, 2019
GIOACCHINO “JACK” MADONIA
Aug. 11, 1934 – June 27, 2019
There are so many things I would love to share about my parents. But for the moment, I will focus on their undying and unconditional love for each other and their family.
To me and to those that knew them, it is not a surprise that they left this earth within a short time of each other. They had a bond. They both had been raised in Sicily, and at the time of their death, they had been married for just shy of 55 years.
They considered their marriage a gift to each other and they took it seriously – always by each other’s side in good times and in bad, seeing past each other’s faults and failures. They knew the importance of compromise and they certainly were a living testament to “until death do us part” and “in sickness and in health.” They worked together as a team and considered each other as partners. Theirs was a marriage not just of love, but also of mutual respect. Things were not always perfect, but they always kept working on it.
My mom suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for 16 years. My father cared for her at home throughout the duration of her disease. He was her full-time caregiver up until the last fi ve months of her life when he was struck with Lou Gehrig’s disease.
They would say their biggest accomplishment was their family. To the outsider, this may have seemed insignifi cant. To them, it was huge, priceless, limitless and irreplaceable. In my 45 years, they have taught me the value of countless things including unconditional love, gratitude, pride in work and belongings, hard work, a smile and a kind word to a stranger, humor, lending a helping hand, perseverance in the face of hardship, sincerity, compromise, team work, standing up for what is right and just, family and respect of marriage.
We live in an imperfect, fast-paced world. It is easy to get lost in the negativity and darkness of it all. In a sometimes selfi sh world, their marriage was and always will be refreshing and comforting. The lessons they taught me and others they met provided hope, strength, knowledge and courage to press on. This marriage and the love it produced is a gift for which I am eternally grateful.
Submitted by their daughter, Trina Stremsterfer
MILTON JONES
June 10, 1928 - June 2, 2019
My dad was raised in Missouri. He did not get to fi nish school, but went to work to support his brother and sister. He was a hard worker and I do not remember a day when he was not working. There were nine of us kids – six boys and three girls.
When he moved to Illinois, Dad worked as a carpenter. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do and there wasn’t a home he couldn’t fi x. If it was broken, he fi xed it. Whether his body hurt or not, he still did his work. He always said to do it while it needs done. Even after he fell, he still tried to work.
We had our ups and downs, but Dad didn’t believe in charity and I don’t remember not having food. We were never without. He taught us to work for what we wanted and he had a lot of pride.
Near end of his life he had fallen and hurt his head and neck, but he kept on working. He lived a long, hard life, but he never gave up and always did the best he knew.
Submitted by his daughter, Ann Ridgeway
MIKE WEBB
Dec. 21, 1957 – Sept. 8, 2019
The fi rst time I saw Mike he was strolling on top of a picnic table in a beer tent at the State Fair, playing an on-fi re fi ddle solo on a white violin. Then he switched to a Telecaster with chops that might have made Chet Atkins jealous and then a pedal steel, and he played it with equal fl air. I remember thinking, “Who is this guy?” This was the City Limits Band and Mike was their multiinstrumentalist phenomenon.
But I quickly found out Mike’s other great passion – raising money for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Mike’s fi rst idea for combining fundraising and music was Stuff the Boot for St. Jude. Fans would fi ll up his boots with cash as he strutted by on a tabletop.
He was an enthusiastic, constant volunteer and always asked how could he help. During Michael’s time of involvement with the St. Jude charity, he helped the organization raise over $150,000 for the hospital.
Mike was truly one of Springfield’s wildly talented showmen and a selfl ess, passionate advocate for children who were depending on people like him to step up and lend a helping hand.
We miss you, old partner.
Submitted by his friend, Bill McKenzie
E. EUGENE SCHUSTER
May 11, 1932 – May 22, 2019
Gene was a remarkable man. He was always there for family and friends and even strangers. He would do anything for anyone. He never had a bad thing to say about anyone and he was, by far, the best example of what a father should be.
He believed in hard work and to always be the best that you could be in everything that you do. He always asked, “If you don’t have time to do it right, how will you ever fi nd the time to do it over?” He was a quiet man and led by example. He believed in “to each his own” and never judged anyone.
No doubt he is now in heaven, smiling down on us all and will continue to be missed every day.
Submitted by his daughter, Sherry Rath
MIDGE KEEN Oct. 31, 1927 - April 25, 2019
Midge Keen lived in Springfield her entire life and she loved everything about Christmas. She instilled in her family all the warmth and joy of the holiday season including tradition, togetherness, holiday baking and spreading joy.
This will be our fi rst Christmas without GG and I know we will all do our best to carry on her legacy through the holiday season.
Submitted by her granddaughter, Kaitlyn Keen
ROSE MARIE BUESCHER CORGAN
July 18, 1929 – Jan. 17, 2019
Rose Corgan was a great teacher, a delightful conversationalist, had a quick wit and always gave advice, if you asked for it. She was loving, generous, had a hearty laugh and made a great chocolate meringue pie.
She read and wrote voraciously, played Scrabble with a vengeance, talked politics and religion fearlessly and asked questions with genuine interest in others’ opinions.
Rose loved to travel and could be ready to roll in fi ve minutes. She was a feminist and a champion of equity and justice.
As a fi fth grade teacher she told her students at the start of the year, “We will have fun, you will learn a lot and you are the fi nest people in the world.” At the end of their time with Rose, her students knew they were the fi nest.
She always fought for the underdog whether it was a student, a peer who needed support, a family member, a friend or a stranger.
Rose was a fabulous educator, a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. We miss her voice, her laugh, her verve.
Submitted by her husband, Jim Corgan, and her daughter, Carol Corgan
BYRON ROGER DISTLEHORST
Feb. 22, 1938 - April 16, 2019
What could be better than a day that includes your favorite things – coffee while leisurely reading the morning paper, a home-cooked breakfast with your wife and dog, a golf game on a warm afternoon, grilling a steak while having a vodka and enjoying the day turning to evening? For Roger that was a perfect day—the simple life at its best. Only God knew it would be his last perfect day.
He grew up on a farm and valued the land all his life. He cherished his dog and loved his family. He was straightforward with simple expectations. He wanted the best for his children, chose to help the disadvantaged, both human and animal, and valued and supported public education.
He loved the Cardinals and Fighting Illini. His favorite games were those he watched with his kids and grandkids. Little compared to a golf game with friends or family, and at this time of year he dreamed of a warmer climate where he could try to perfect his game.
I’m glad he had that perfect Sunday and that I was able to share it and learn from him that a simple life is the better life.
Submitted by his wife, Linda Distlehorst
MARY AGNES SULLIVAN KENNEDY
Dec. 11, 1919 - July 13, 2019
Mom would have been 100 years old this month.
She was the mother of seven kids, yet still found time to volunteer wherever she was needed, be it the hospital, school, church or homeless shelter.
She taught hundreds of kids the rules of basketball and baseball, and shared her own backyard. In the late 1970s, little kids would knock on the door and ask if she could come out to play.
When she was in her late 60s, a couple of kids wanted to mow her lawn because they needed a putting green. Mom gave them permission and then taught them how to line up a putt. This was how my Mom showed her love and care.
When I had just turned 10 years old, I told Mom I was bored. She slammed a thick book in front of me on our kitchen table and said, “Read all of this. Then you can ask me questions.” That book was Webster’s Dictionary and I obeyed her (that time). I learned many years later that her own mother had challenged her with Webster’s back in 1927.
Love you, Mom.
Submitted by her daughter, Molly Kennedy
CLEON “LEACH” BELL
Nov. 2, 1931 – Aug. 18, 2019
How does one capture the essence of a well-lived life? Cleon Bell was born two years after the Great Depression hit. Cleon was raised on farms east of Springfield, the youngest daughter of 11 children born to Lilburn and Lottie Leach, and she reveled in the joys of growing up in a large and loving family.
Upon graduation from Rochester High School, she began work at the power company, CILCO. She later worked at Springfield Credit Bureau and then spent 26 years with the Secretary of State.
During that time, she married Paul Bell. They remained together over 68 years. She gave birth to a daughter and son, and her circle of love was later made complete with the birth of two grandsons.
Even though Cleon worked full time, she never failed to provide a hot meal for her family’s supper – no fast food for her. She never had a dishwasher other than her daughter.
She loved to spend holidays with her extended family. So many good memories were made with Cleon, her three sisters and their offspring.
Her one bucket list item she never fulfi lled was attending the Kentucky Derby. You deserve all the roses, Mom.
Submitted by her daughter, Deb Heaberlin
FRITZIE BELZ
Aug. 20, 1932 - Aug. 23, 2019
Just by having the fun name of Fritzie should tell you that our mom was all about fun. You could call her up on a minute’s notice to go somewhere fun and she was game, unless it was her volunteer day at St. Martin de Porres. If it was that day, she was out. She was a very dedicated volunteer who had fun doing it.
She also lived for our many fun family vacations.
She instilled in her kids and grandkids the idea that there was no better beach to visit than Siesta Key Beach.
Fritzie also loved the after-church Sunday gatherings at her house. She would say it was a fun way to catch up on all the family news.
We lost our mom at the end of the summer, but we will always have her fun spirit among us. Fun, faith, family – you have to love a person with the name of Fritzie.
Submitted by her daughter, Kathy Grubb
LACY ANDERSON-DEVINE
July 20, 1990 – Nov. 9, 2019
Lacy was a warrior. She was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in July 2018. Lacy was one of eight members of the Anderson family who were diagnosed with a genetic mutation called CDH1, and she believed in the importance of genetic testing.
While spending weeks and months at a time in the hospital, she and her husband, Adam, made the best of each day. They had movie nights and pizza parties at the hospital. That is true love.
She also inspired many people near and far by documenting her journey on Facebook and reminded us of how precious life is and to not take it for granted.
There are many people that miss Lacy and her loss has left such a hole in our lives. Her memory will live on in us all.
Submitted by her sister-in-law, Heather Anderson
WESLEY “WES” BARR, JR.
May 16, 1963 – Oct. 1, 2019
Wes Barr was an amazing husband, friend, community servant and law enforcement offi cer. He came from humble beginnings, having lived in the John Hay Homes. Through hard work he became a member of the Marine Corps, a law enforcement offi cer and, eventually, the Sangamon County sheriff.
Wes loved our community and was a friend to everyone, regardless of their race, politics or economic means. He saw the best in everyone, focused on the good in mankind and encouraged people to be their best.
Wes never forgot where he came from and treated everyone with respect. He volunteered with many organizations, including Toys for Tots, Contact Ministries and Habitat for Humanity. Few people know that Wes also bought Christmas presents for individual families that needed fi nancial help. He enjoyed doing random acts of kindness and helping others.
Wes loved life, loved to laugh, have fun and make others smile. Through the grace of God, during his campaign he made the decision to accept Jesus Christ.
Wes’ life was an example to everyone. He was deeply loved by so many. He will be greatly missed.
Submitted by his wife, Sherry Barr
MARY CHRISTMON
Jan. 21, 1928 – Aug. 11, 2019
My mother was the best momma in the world, and was called Grandma by hundreds of children.
At one time she lived across the street from Lanphier High School. Three of her grandchildren went to Lanphier and she was a fi erce Lion supporter. When her grandchildren played in sports, she attended all of the home games. If their games were away, she would sit on the porch to wave at the bus as they left.
She never knew a stranger, and we still continue the tradition of inviting people to our holiday dinners. She raised six children and lived to see four of them retire from their jobs.
She was known for making the best potato salad and fried chicken. She also had a very green thumb and could grow any type of plant.
Thanksgiving was hard this year, but Momma’s spirit was with us, reminding us to be thankful for all of God’s blessings.
She was the matriarch of our family and has left a void in our lives. We have a large legacy to fulfi ll, but we are up to the challenge and will continue to follow in her footsteps.