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Obituaries Pike County IL
MAVIS (BRANCH) ABER
, prominet and well liked resident of Pittsfield, died at 5:30 Thursday morning in DePaul Hospital, St. Louis, MO. She had been in ill health for some time, but continued in her work as head of the Old Age Assistance in Pike County, until February, 22nd when she entered St. Mary Hospital in Quincy, IL for major surgery for relief from gall stones.
She did not improve satisfactorily and about a month later a second operation was performed. She continued to grow worse, and a week before her death she was taken to DePaul Hospital where she under the care of a specialist. For a few days she seemed to improve and the family was a little encouraged by her condition the first of the week. However on Wednesday it became apparent that she was not so well and death came about dawn Thursday morning. Her Mother, husband, or other relatives had been at her bedside continuously during the past six or eight weeks.
Mavis was born here, June 20, 1898 the oldest of the three daughters of Mr and Mrs. Harry Bart Branch of this city. She graduated from the Pittsfield High School in 1915 and was Valedictorian, although she was the youngest member of her class. She took a position at the First National Bank in this city where she was employed until her marriage to Frank William Aber on October 31, 1916. They were the parents of four daughters, Mrs. Mavis Idell Whipple, who with her little daughter Barbara Lee, is here with her father since her husband Sgt. Jerry Whipple has been called into serice. Mrs. Frances Jeanette Wood of El Dara, IL, Mrs. Eleanor Jane Barber who is here part of the time and also with her husband, Capt. K. C. Barber who is in the service: and Miss Donna Carol Aber, who is a student at the University of Illinois. Besides her parents, husband and daughters and granddaughter, she is survived by two sisters, Ruth Kern of this city and Mrs. Dorothy Brown of New York City, NY. Also her aged father-in-law, Charles Aber, with whom they have made their home at present, and to whom Mavis has always been a loyal and affectionate daughter-in-law.
At the time of her death, Mrs. Aber was the County Superintendent of the Pike County Department of Public Assistance, which position was formerly known as Old Age Assistance. She was appointed in 1938 and was most efficient manager of her department. Mavis Aber was loved by all who knew her. Possessed with unbounded energy she was a tireless worker, whether at her job, in her home, or engaged in some civic project. She was kind and sympathetic in dealing with the old folks with whom she came in contact with her work. At the same time her unfailing sense of humor may times relieved the tension when solving a knotty problem. She was devoted to her home and family who will feel her loss most keenly.
Hundreds of sorrowing relatives and friends filled the Methodist Church to capacity Sunday afternoon at the funeral service, with even the balcony being used to accomodate the crowd.
Miss Mardell Smith of Springfield, IL, and Mrs. Mary Lucille Winans Chandler of Jacksonville, IL sang several beautiful numbers, accompanied by Miss Henrietta Kaeser at the organ. Rev. Preston Horst offered a prayer and Rev. R. F. Boodker was in charge of the service. Rev. Booker paid a beautiful tribute to Mrs. Aber's life, speaking particulary of her many fine characteristics which were known to all. There was a wealth of beautiful floral offerings, over seventy-five baskets and pieces sent as a token of love to the family. Mrs. Esterh Blansett of Mt. Sterling, IL, who holds a similar position to Mrs. Aber in Brown, County was present toa ttend the sevice, but gas and tire rationing prevented other co-workers from coming any distance. However, lovely flowers were received from the Chicago office, and also from numerous surrounding counties. Many people remarked that they had never seen more beautiful flowers, or such quantities of them at any funeral in recent years. The flowers were cared for by members of the Happy Hour Club, a social group to which Frank and Mavis had belonged in years past including Mrs. Vera Zimmerman, Mrs. Myrtle Zimmerman, Mrs. Leta Nicholson, Mrs. Gladys Niebur, Mrs. Edna Penstone, Mrs. Eva Colver, Mrs. Emily Khulman and Mrs. Ruth Logsdon. Pallbearers were Guy and Earl Zimmerman, Frank Penstone, Dean Logsdon, George Brown and Bentley Caughlan. Burial was in the West Cemetery.
Among those who were here from out of town to attend the funeral were Capt. K.C. Barber of DeRidder Field, LA., Sgt. Jerry Whipple, Camp Wolters, TX., Mr. and Mrs. Dyton Gordley, Mt. Sterling, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Johnson, Springfield, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Strickland, Winchester, Miss Katherine Heibing, one of Mavis' nurses, Quincy, Mrs. Sada Aber, Willsey, Chicago, John and Charles Miller, Macomb, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Mixer, Liberty, Mr. and Mrs. Charley Cooley, Fish Hook, Her nephew Lt. Wm. Scott Kern and wife of California were expected to arrive here the first of the week.
JACQUELINE MERCILLE ADKINS
, 89, of Horseshoe Bend, Ark., daughter of the late Wade C. Fesler and Lillian Hoskins Fesler, was born April 25, 1920, in Neelyville, Mo.
The family eventually moved back to Barry, where Jackie graduated from Barry High School in 1939 and was the queen of the first Barry Fall Festival that year. She has a lot of friends and family residing in the Pike County Area. She married Ralph Adkins of Hull. and they resided in Taylorville where Ralph was the farm agent. They spent many happy years of retirement in
Horseshoe Bend, Ark. Jacqueline was a homemaker and a member of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Horseshoe Bend.
A memorial service was conducted at the church Nov. 24, 2009. She leaves to morn her passing : son, Greg Adkins of San Diego, Calif; one brother; Curtis D Fesler and wife Dorothy of Boise, Idaho; one sister, Eileen Lokkart and husband Hans of Glendale, Calif. and one grandson, Gregory Adkins, of Tulsa, Okla. and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceeded in death by her husband.
CURTIS D. AIKEN
, 73, of Pittsfield , passed away Sunday, January 10, 2010 at Eastside Health & Rehabilitation Center in Pittsfield . Born November 12, 1936 in Baylis , IL , he was a son of Charles V. and Edna Coyle Aiken. He was first married to Zoe Benson of Pittsfield and later married Helen Winston on June 20, 1980. Curt was a car salesman for twenty-five years at the Benson Motor Company in Pittsfield . He was of the Methodist faith and was a member of the Pittsfield Lodge #790 AF & AM, longtime member of the Old Orchard Country Club where he enjoyed socializing and playing golf. He enjoyed gardening and in his earlier year’s he coached Little League baseball and was a St. Louis Cardinal fan. His greatest enjoyment was his six grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Surviving are his wife, Helen, one son, William Aiken of Pittsfield ; stepdaughter, Lisa (Jeff) Cox of Monroe, NC. and stepson, Dean ( Nancy ) Capps of Pittsfield. Also surviving are five grandsons, Christopher Aiken of Chicago, Adam (Juli) Cox of Kansas City, Mo; Jeremy Capps of Phoenix , AZ ; Ryan (Erin) Howland of Pittsfield; Bryan Howland of Pittsfield ; and one granddaughter, Sarah (Robby) Denbow of Norman, OK. One great granddaughter, Lili Cox of Kansas City , Mo. also survive along with two sisters, Mary Lou (Andy) Chaplin of Griggsville, Wava (John) Grisham of Pittsfield and a brother, Jim (Louise) Aiken of Tama, IA.
COLLEEN J. AIKMAN
, 79, of Quincy, formerly of Kinderhook, died Friday, May 21, 2010, in Blessing Hospital in Quincy.
She was born Feb. 18, 1931, in Roseville, California, to Otho and - Oreinna (Bergantz) Kelly. They preceded her in death.
She married Lewis Edward Aikman on August 8, 1954, in - Oakland, California. He died May 1, 1990.
She is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Alex (Judy) VanAlstine, of Kinderhook and two sons, Robert B. Aikman, of Quincy and Lewis .. Aikman III, of Hannibal, Mo. She' is also survived by 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildien. She was preceded in death by one brother, Pat Kelly.
Colleen enjoyed sprint car racing. She loved making American Doll clothes and was active in the Wee League bowling team at the Quincy Seniors Center. She always made a point to have lunch with her daughter on Wednesdays. She loved spending time with her family.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 29, in the Aitrium of the Quincy Seniors Center, 639 York St., Quincy, Illinois. Disposition will be private. Memorials are suggested to Juvenile Diabetes. Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry is in charge of arrangethents.
BEULAH MARION CONKLEY ALDRICH
- b: 11 Nov 1905, Atlas, IL; d: 20 Aug 1988, Milton, IL (Folk Center); bu: River View Cemetery, Louisiana, MO; m: Roy Conkley (date and place not stated) and 2) C. W. Aldrich (date and place not stated); fa: Henry Marion; MO: Carrie Brown. Both husbands preceded in death; first one in 1966. A resident of Pittsfield, IL Survived by two sisters: Bernice Douglas of Hinsdale and Thelma Campbell of Lansing, MI
ERNEST E. ALLS
- b: 11 Apr 1899, Pike Co., IL; d:10 Dec 1978, Jacksonville, IL; bu.: Robinson Cemetery, Hannibal, MO; m: Deborah E. Reading (place not stated); fa: (not stated); MO: Beulah Porter. Resident of 340 Marion, Jacksonville, IL Wife preceded in death 4 Jun 1950. Survived by his mother: Beulah Porter Alls Turner of Jacksonville; a granddaughter: Mary Alice Lewis of Jacksonville; and three cousins: Edward Robinson and Vester Alls, both of Hannibal, MO, and Molly Alls of Frankfort, MO Preceded by his father and a step-son: Charles Lewis.
SUE ANN ALTMAN
, 72, died in Land O'Lakes, Fla. Aug. 28, 2009.
Sue Ann grew up in Barry and attended Barry schools from first grade through graduation in 1955. She was the daughter of Julius and Mildred Altman.
In high school, she was active in the band as a saxophonist and as a student conductor and in the drama club. She was also good in sports. She had a flair for salesmanship, and always earned the most points for selling magazine subscriptions to benefit the Band. She earned the prestigious Betty Crocker award which allowed her to be part of Girls State competition in 1954. She was also active in the Barry Baptist Church and in 4-H Club.
After graduating from Barry High School, she attended McMurray College and then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where she was stationed in Texas. After her discharge, she moved to Springfield, where she met and married Dick Creel. They had two sons, Michael and Todd, and three grandchildren, Tiffany, Nicholas and Timothy Creel, all of whom survive her.
She worked for Franklin Life Insurance in Springfield. She and her family moved to Valrico, Fla. in 1970 where she had a career with Telecredit, fighting credit card fraud. When in Florida, she was especially happy to fulfill her life-long ambition, that was to be a band conductor. She formed the highly-respected "Strawberry Ridge Kitchen Band" and was their director for many years. They performed concerts locally and played at nursing homes and community events. She was greatly appreciated and admired for being the founder and leader of the group, which she led under her professional name of Altman. Camping was something she loved doing with her family. Even after developing medical problems, this was her favorite activity. She also had a beloved dog, Boomer, a dachshund, who accompanied them on many of their camping trips in their R.V.
Her grandchildren were a highlight of her life. She enjoyed following their activities in school, soccer, baseball, etc.
Due to declining health, she entered the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home in Land O' Lakes in 2007 where she was very popular with the other residents and staff for her great sense of humor and her skill at card games and board games.
Her ashes are interred at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida near Tampa.
DALENE C. ANSELL
, 102, of Liberty Village in Pittsfield, and formerly of Mozier, died Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Liberty Village.
Dalene was born June 26, 1908 in Hamburg, a daughter of John William and Roix Foster Clugsten. She married Carl Ansell April 20, 1935 in Virginia, and he died June 28, 1971.
Dalene was a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and Macomb Teacher’s College. She taught school for 42 years in Calhoun and Pike Counties, starting in 1928 at the Elm Grove School, later at Mt. Hope and Fox Creek, then spending 31 years at Belleview before retiring from Pleasant Hill in 1972.
Dalene was a member of the former Belleview United Methodist Church and more recently had attended the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the North Calhoun Women’s Club.
Survivors include nephews, nieces, friends, neighbors and all of her former students.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Esther Becker and Hazel Conrad and by a brother, Paul Clugsten.
Funeral services were held Friday, March 18, at 11 a.m. at the Lummis Funeral Home in Pleasant Hill conducted by Don Peebles. Burial was in the Summit Grove Cemetery near Kampsville. Visitation was held one hour prior to the services. Memorials may be made to the Belleview School Scholarship Fund, which was established in her honor, in care of the Bank of Kampsville, Pleasant Hill branch.
DONALD W. APPS
, 87, of Pittsfield, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at his residence.
He was born Feb. 8, 1922 in Syracuse, N.Y., son of the late Edwin F. Apps, Sr. and Helen Coles Apps.
He married Dorothy Rukgaber March 12, 1946 at the First Christian Church in Pittsfield, and she survives.
Also surviving is a daughter, Helen Earls and husband William of Pittsfield; a son, Donnie Apps and wife Tereasa of Nebo; nine grandchildren, Julie Lierly of Marietta, Ga.; Jacque Walston and husband Chris "Butch" of Pittsfield, Jeffrey Lierly and wife Jaime of Dayton, Ohio, Jennifer Griffith and husband John of Marietta, Chris Apps and wife Amber of Pittsfield, Patrick Apps of Nebo, Michael Earls and wife Kim of New Canton, Jodi Markham and husband Rocky of Jerseyville and Michele Everhart and husband Carlton of San Antonio, Texas ; 14 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edwin Apps, Jr. of Placerville, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Margaret Apps Alfonsetti and Jeanne Apps Elkins.
Don owned and operated the Apps Grocery Store in Pittsfield for over forty years. Following high school, Don served for 42 months in the United States Air Force during W.W. II. He was stationed in various locations like the Philippines, Japan, and other parts in the Pacific.
Don served on the Pittsfield City Council as an Alderman for one term, as well as the Pike County Board for ten years where he served as board chairman for two years. During this time he was instrumental in getting the new roof and dome of the Pike County courthouse established. Don was also a strong participant in the Martinsburg Road Paving and helped in the flood of 1993. Don loved children and worked with the Pike County Little League Association for many years. Don served the First Christian Church community of faith for many years and in many capacities. He taught Sunday School for over forty years as well as serving as deacon and an elder, and served as Chair of the Board of Elders as well as Chairman of the Executive Board several times. He received the honor of Elder Emeritus in 2000 and served on most of the committees at the church at one time or another. He also led nursing home Bible study for more than 30 years. Don was also a member of the American Legion Post 152 for more than 60 years and a member of the Lions Club for many years.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 at Pittsfield First Christian Church in Pittsfield. Burial will be in Goodin Cemetery south of Pittsfield. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Wednesday at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Memorials may be made to the Pittsfield First Christian Church, Goodin Cemetery, or to Pike County Hospice all c/o Airsman-Hires Funeral Home
DARRELL ARMISTEAD
, 69, of Jacksonville, and formerly of Barry, died Wednesday April 21, 2010, at Passavant Hospital in Jacksonville.
He was born Dec. 31, 1940 in Mexico, Mo., son of Ernest Melvin and Iris Mildred Fish Armistead. Surviving is his mother, Iris Armistead of Pittsfield; a sister, Janie Schlieper and husband Roger of Pearl; two brothers, Frank Armistead and wife Ruth of Barry, and Larry Armistead of Barry; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father. Darrell was an avid reader and loved reading books on American Presidents and also loved music and enjoyed playing guitar. Darrell also enjoyed working in the horse barns at the State Hospital in Jacksonville many years ago.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 25 at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial was in Pittsfield West Cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pittsfield West Cemetery c/ o Airsman-Hires Funeral Home, Box 513, Pittsfield. 62363
NATALIE ARMISTEAD
, 54 of Barry , IL passed away Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at the Illini Hospital Emergency Room in Pittsfield . Natalie was born in Jacksonville , IL on May 29, 1955, a daughter to Leonard and Katherine Daniel Ballinger. She married Larry Armistead in Pigeon Forge, TN on February 2, 2002 and he survives. Natalie was a journeyman carpenter and worked for the Carpenter Local Union #904 in Jacksonville, IL.
Natalie was confirmed at the Salem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville , IL . She served as vice president of the New Philadelphia Association and worked to get funding for the project. She was a member of the Carpenters Local Union #904 of Jacksonville , IL . She enjoyed hunting, gardening, fishing, her family genealogy, sewing and doing seamstress work.
She is survived by her husband Larry, her mother, Katherine Ballinger of Florence, IL, two sons, William “Billy” (Candice) Havey of Craig, CO; Robert (Jane) Armistead of Barry, IL; four daughters, Radell (Rusty) Tedrow of Pittsfield; Betsy (Chris) Thomas of Peoria; Becky Lynn (Steve) Bone of Collinsville, IL; and Amy (Richard) Willard of Monroe City, MO. Twelve grandchildren and two brothers, Larry (Linda) Ballinger of Carbondale, CO and Hurley (Carla) Ballinger of Florida also survive.
She was preceded in death by her father in 1984 and an infant brother Leon 1942.
Services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2010 at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. David Kelly officiating. Burial will be in the Blue River Cemetery in Detroit , IL . Visitation will be held on Friday evening, February 12 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home
GERALD ARNETT
, 85, of Barry died Wednesday, Sept. 7, 1994 at Illini Hospital in Pittsfield. Born Jan. 7, 1909 in Barry, he was a son of Roy E. and Maude Burrus Arnett. He married Darline Barley June 5, 1932 in El Dara and she survives.Also surviving are a niece, Mary K. Bennett of Vandalia; a nephew, W.W. Scott of Chicago; a sister-in- law, Mrs C. J. (Esther) Bash of LaSalle-Peru; and five great-nieces.A graduate of the University of Illinois, Mr Arnett was a school teacher and superintendent at Atlas and Meredosia. He was a Navy veteran of World War II, lieutenant junior grade. He worked in Civil Service, then served in the War Man Power Service Commission in Washington, D.C. during the Truman administration, returning to the Chicago area and retiring from the Joliet Arsenal in May, 1968. Mr Arnett was a member of Braidwood Lodge 704 AF and AM for 63 years, serving as Worshipful Master in 1964, Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of AF and AM of the state of Illinois; Pike County chapter Order of Eastern Star for 62 years; Royal Arch Masons of Illinois Chapter -10; Ascalon Knights of the Temple 49; Lodge Council Chapter Consistory; Scottish Rite in the Valley of Bloomington; Mohammad Temple AAONMS of Peoria; 50-year member of Barry United Methodist Church; member of American Legion Post 815; member of Disabled American Veterans and Pike County Farm Bureau. Services were held at 2 p.m. Monday at Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry with burial in Park Lawn Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Barry United Methodist
WILLIAM D. ARNOLD
, 78, if 635 S. Seventh, died at 3:44 a.m. Friday (Dec. 14, 1984) in his home. Mr. Arnold was born April 12, 1906 in Barry, a son of William D. and Della Stevens Arnold. He married Veta Leckbee, April 15, 1929, in Quincy. She survives. Mr. Arnold worked for the Pape-Loos Milling Company for over 20 years. He later worked many years as a carpenter for Hinton Truck sales and retired in 1973. Also surviving are a son, William D. Jr. of Quincy; two daughters, Mrs. Chuck (Jean) Brady and Mrs. Clarence A. (Janice Sue) Peters, both of Quincy; a brother, Noel Thompson of Keokuk, Iowa; a sister, Mrs. Dorothy Myers of Pittsburgh, Pa; 10 grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and a grandson. Services...Monday in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home by the Rev. Bobbie Peters of Oakland, Iowa. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery. Memorials...West Central Illinois Lung Association.
H. DEAN ARTMAN
, 81, of Pittsfield died Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008, at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield. H. Dean Artman was born on May 26, 1926, in Detroit, the son of Henry Ferdinand Artman and Cornelia Randa Artman, and was raised in the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods. Immediately following his graduation from Royal Oak High School in 1944, he joined the U.S. Navy and received training in the operation and maintenance of boilers at Naval Station Great Lakes and the Philadelphia Navy Yard. He was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Franklin and was aboard when she was attacked on 19 March 1945, leaving her the most severely damaged ship to subsequently make port under her own power in World War II. Following his rescue by the USS Hunt, he served the remainder of the war on destroyers.
After the war, he received his doctor of optometry degree from the Northern Illinois College of Optometry in September 1949, and practiced optometry in the Chicago area and Kewanee before settling in Pittsfield in early 1955.
On February 13, 1956, he married Cornelia Green Graham in Effingham, and she predeceased him Feb. 8, 1984. He married Arliss Tucker Godfrey on Jan. 9, 1987, in Pittsfield, and she survives.
Dr. Artman examined eyes and prescribed glasses in Pittsfield from his arrival until he retired in the early 1990s. He volunteered extensively for the Pittsfield Lions Club for many years. His main avocations were golf, boating and reading, and he was still playing golf as recently as November 2007. He was a founding member of Old Orchard County Club in Pittsfield and had been a member of the Con Trios Yacht Club in the St. Louis area. He also enjoyed traveling with Arliss following his retirement.
He is survived by a son, Eric, of Tiburon, Calif.; four stepdaughters, Barbee Swofford (Ken) of Pacific Grove, Calif., Linda Smith (Richard) of Traverse City, Mich., Susan Moses (Michael) of Chicago, and Joan Benz (Don) of Payson; 12 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2008, and services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008, both at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. The Rev. Linda Peyla will be officiating. Burial will be at West Cemetery in Pittsfield with military graveside rites by the Pittsfield American Legion Post 152.
There will be a lunch following the services in Orr Hall at United Methodist Church. Those wishing to send contributions in lieu of flowers may donate to the Pittsfield Lions Club in furtherance of their assistance to those with vision problems.
RICHARD ASHBURN
, 83 of Pearl, died Friday, May 6, 2011 at Illinois Veterans Home in Quincy. He was born Sept. 24, 1927 in Pearl, the son of Alvin Leroy and Zula Ellen Lane Ashburn. He married Evelyn Ard in December of 1950 in Granite City, and she preceded him in death Dec. 2, 2000. He then married Florence McDowell and she survives.
He is also survived by his children, Brenda (husband, Larry) Conner of Fordland, Mo., Deborah Moore of Pittsfield, Rick (wife, Elana) Ashburn of Jacksonville, Fla. and Sheila (fiance, Buddy Summers) Marable of Winchester; 11 grandchildren, Scott (Rachel) Conner, Brady Conner, Rodney (Deana) Ashburn, Courtney (Robert) Nelson, Richard K. Moore, Mindy Moore, Shane Ashburn, Kenneth L. Marable, Kylar Marable, Clayton Summers and Austin Summers; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Frank, Lester, and Roy Ashburn; two sisters, Hilda Madden and Ada May Ashburn, in infancy; and a son-in-law, Billy Moore.
Richard was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II. He then worked for Illinois B & O Railroad, before becoming a cutter in the steel industry. He was employed several years for American Steel in Madison County as well as other area steel mills. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and the NRA. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to fish and hunt, especially coon hunting.
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, May 11, at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Burial with military honors will be at Green Pond Cemetery near Pearl. Family met friends 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials gifts are suggested to Crippled Children’s Services. Condolences may sent to the family online at www.airsman-hires.com. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield is in charge of the arrangements.
REBECCA ALICE (ALLEN) ASKEW
- Funeral services were held at the Keller-Lock Funeral home Friday afternoon...for Mrs. Alice Peterson, who died Wednesday, Nov 29, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clarence Hornback. Rebecca Alice Allen was born at Fishhook, Ill., April 30, 1852, the daughter of A. B. and Emily Allen. She was one of a family of 10 children, namely, Benjamin, who lives in the West, and Asa, Nathan Thomas, William Charlie, Richard, Daniel and Lottie, all deceased. She was married to Isaac Askew of Barry in 1869, to whom there were born seven children, Perry and Lucy, at present living, and Daniel, Artist, Benjamin, Pearl and Alfred, all deceased. In 1902 her husband died, and on May 20, 1920, she was again married, this time to B. F. Peterson. Mr. Peterson died Dec. 12, 1928. Mrs. Peterson's age was 86 years, 6 months and 29 days, at the time of her death. Services were in charge of Rev. J. C. McMahon, Fred Davis sang. Burial was in Park Lawn cemetery. Casket bearers were Dewey Askew, Sydney Mudd, Archie Baker, Milo Kelly, Roscoe Miller and George Lippincott.
ELDON R. ATWOOD
, 89, of Pittsfield, died Tuesday, July 14, 2009, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield.
Eldon was born Oct. 24, 1919, to Ray and Alice Sigler Atwood of Pittsfield. He married Alberta "Bertie" May Bullard Oct. 18, 1941, in Jefferson City, Mo., in a double wedding ceremony with his sister, Martha and Jay Thomas.
He graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1937, earned a Masters Degree from Western Illinois College, and worked on his Ph.D. for one summer at the University of Illinois. Eldon is a member of the Sports Hall of Fame at Western Illinois University where he lettered in four sports each year of college and was the Outstanding Athlete of the year at WIU in 1940-1941. He also played baseball for the St. Louis Cardinals farm team in Springfield, the Macomb baseball team and the Griggsville Night Hawks for several years.
Eldon was an educator for 38 years and was a teacher and coach at Owaneco, a teacher, coach and principal at Chambersburg and teacher, coach and principal at Milton. He was elected the Pike County Superintendent of Schools, later designated Regional Superintendent of Schools for a total of 27 years, with his wife, Bertie, serving as his secretary for 25 years. He was also a past president of the Pittsfield High Schools PTA and past president of Region III county superintendents of schools. He was a life long member of the First Christian Church of Pittsfield and was awarded the Elder Emeritus award. He served the First Christian Church as Board Chairman, trustee, deacon, elder, Sunday school superintendent, teacher of the Ward S. Humphrey class and secretary of the Sunday school.
He was also a loyal supporter and leader of the Saukee Area Council of the Boy Scouts of American since 1931 and served as president of the Saukee Area Council as well. He was the recipient of the Award of Merit, the Silver Beaver Award and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He and his son, Elmer Ray, both earned their Eagle Scouts award. Eldon served in the Masons for 50-plus years, serving for 11 years as the executive secretary of the Valley of Quincy Scottish Rite Bodies with the office in the Masonic Temple in Quincy. He was the Past Master of the Pittsfield Masonic Lodge 790, Past Thrice Illustrious Master of Jacksonville Council, Past High Priest of Union Chapter 10 - Pittsfield, Past Commander of Ascalon Commandery - Pittsfield, member of Knight York Cross of Honor, member of Ansar Shrine Temple of Springfield, Thirty-third degree Mason, member of Red Cross of Constantine, Area Deputy Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Illinois and Grand Lecturer.
Eldon was an active member of the Pike County Chapter of the American Cancer Society, serving as county chairperson, county Crusade chairperson and member of the local cancer board and had 48 years of perfect attendance as a Rotarian in the Pittsfield Rotary Club and was a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow award.
He greatly enjoyed the game of golf and served for 27 years as the secretary of Old Orchard Country Club and had the honor of hitting two holes-in-one at OOCC. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and he and wife Bertie were active square dancers and Eldon loved calling the square dances.
Eldon was a World War II U.S. Army combat veteran of the European Theater and was a member of American Legion Post 152. He was named Most Valuable Player in basketball and was Director of the Civil Defense in Pike County for several years. For the past eight years, Eldon and Bertie traveled between Long Beach, Calif., and Pittsfield. While in California, Eldon and Bertie stayed with Bertie's sister, Ann O'Brien. Eldon especially loved walking on the beaches of southern California and collecting seashells and sand dollars.
He had an extensive collection of shells and collected nearly 300-plus different caps and hats from all over the world.
Eldon is survived by his wife, Alberta "Bertie" of Pittsfield; one son, Elmer Ray "Butch" and wife Deborah Jean of Greenville; and one daughter, Carol Jane and husband David Ellis of Pittsfield. Also surviving are two sisters, Wilma Crosson of Wheatland, Iowa, and Martha Thomas of Louisiana Mo.; along with five grandsons; five great-grandsons; five great-granddaughters; three great-greatgrandsons; and one great-great-granddaughter. A brother, Leroy Paul; sisters, Naomi Curfman and Dale Webel; and one great-great-grandson, Kyden Montgomery, preceded him in death.
Funeral services were Friday at 11 a.m. at the Pittsfield First Christian Church with Michael TenEyck officiating. Burial was at Pittsfield West Cemetery with military rites being accorded by Pittsfield American Legion Post 152. Friends called today after 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Masonic services will be held today at 7 p.m. by the Pittsfield Lodge 790 A.F. & A.M. In lieu of flowers, family requests that memorials be made to The First Christian Church of Pittsfield, Pittsfield Lodge 790 A.F. & A.M. Scholarship Fund, Shriners Hospital for Children or Saukee Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. Condolences may be left at www.nieburfh.com.
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