ALAN R. WALCH , 73, of Hull died Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2009 on his farm near Hull. He was born Aug. 23, 1935 in Quincy to Harry and Otellia Eddingfield Walch. He married Sara Boyd, July 23, 1960 at the Hull Baptist Church and she survives. Mr. Walch enjoyed his work as a second generation grain and livestock farmer on his farm near Hull. He graduated from Gem City Business College and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for six years. Alan served on the West Pike Board of Education, the Pike County Board of Supervisors, and the Pike County Senior Citizens Board. He also served as a Deacon at the Kinderhook - Hull United Baptist Church and as sexton for the Akers Chapel Cemetery Board of Directors. He was a member of the Hull Lions Club, Hull Lodge #910 A.F & A.M. and the Quincy Consistory. Besides enjoying farming he also loved collecting toy tractors. Survivors include his wife, Sara; a son, Paul Walch (wife Cassy) of Barry; a daughter, Martha Woodward of Hull; two brothers, Wendall Walch (wife Jan) of Springfield and Ed Walch (wife Carmen) of Payson; five grandchildren, Joseph Woodward of Quincy, Blake, Jon, Jacob and Samuel Walch, all of Barry; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held at 10:30 am, Saturday, Jan. 10, at the United Baptist Church in Kinderhook with Dr. Greg Maize officiating. Burial was at Akers Chapel Cemetery near Hull following the services. Visitation was from 5 - 8 pm, Friday, at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry. There was a Masonic service by the Hull Lodge 910 A.F. and A.M. at 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. Memorials are suggested to the United Baptist Church of Kinderhook. On-line condolences maybe left at nieburfh.com. The Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry handled the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning

HARRY D. WALCH , 90, a longtime farmer and Pike County Board member of Hull, died at 10:55 p.m. Friday (July 30, 1993) in Blessing Hospital at llth Street. Mr. Walch was born Dec. 7, 1902, in Kinderhook, a son of Charles Allen and Eva Ross Walch. He Married Otellia Eddingfield on May 28, 1925, in New London, Mo. She died Jan. 12, 1986. Mr. Walch farmed more than 60 years at Hull where his farm and home are now under Mississippi River floodwaters. He was a Kinderhook township supervisor for 50 years and served on the Pike County Board, where he was a past chairman of the board. Mr. Watch was a 69 -year member of Hull Masonic Lodge 910 AF&AM, where he was past master and secretary for many years. He attended First Baptist Church in Hull and was a former member of the Hull School Board. Mr. Welch also was a member of the Hull Lions Club. Survivors include three sons, Alan R. of Hull, Wendell E. of Springfield, and Ed of Payson; one brother, Fred Welch of Hull; one sister, Marjorie Walch of Hull; seven grandchildren, Mrs. Edgardo (Susan) Pimentel of Westmount, Capt. Michael (Jane) Francis of Hampton, Va., Mrs. Carl (Martha) Woodward of Jacksonville, N.C., Anthony Castegnaro and Grant and AnnWalch, all of Springfield; and Paul Walch of Barry, and three great-grandchildren. Mr. Walch was preceded in death by a brother, Loren Walch. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday in Akers Chapel Church of Christ north of Hull by the Rev. James Poll. Burial will be in Akers Chapel Cemetery.Visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m. Thursday until time of services. The Hansen-Spear Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Hull.
Transcribed by Rosemary Reeves - Contributed by Ella Tittsworth

DAVID L. WALKER , b: 26 May 1961, Hannibal, MO; d: 24 Aug 1987, Chicago, IL (University of Chicago Hospital); bu: Samuel Taylor Cemetery, Rockport, IL; m: Debbie Buchanan on 24 May 1986 in Baylis, IL; fa: Lyle Walker; mo: Dixie Dolbeare. A resident of rural Barry, IL Survived by his wife; his parents of New Canton; a daughter: Elizabeth, at home; one sister: Mrs. Bad (Deborah) Monkman of Cleveland, OH; two brothers: Elmer and Brian, both of New Canton; and several aunts and uncles. Preceded by his grandparents.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

GERALD A. WALKER , b: 14 Dec 1906, Pike Co., IL; d: 6 Sep 1976, Pittsfield, IL (Illini Hospital); bu: Sam Taylor Cemetery; m: 1) Julie Smith on 24 Dec 1930; and 2) Mabel Kindle in May, 1967 (places not stated); fa: John Walker; mo: Della Sweat. 1st wife preceded in death in 1966. A resident of New Canton, IL Survived by his wife, these children: Owen of Pittsfield, Junior of New Canton, Lyle of Barry, John and Don of New Canton, Della Minear of Pittsfield, Mrs. Twella Smith of New Canton, Minnie Maynard of Barry, and Linda and Dolly Ann, at home; 25 grandchildren; two sisters: Bernice Shaw of Colorado and Libby Krutzer of Idaho.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

LYLE L. WALKER , 71, of New Canton died Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008 at his residence. Mr. Walker was born May 22, 1937 in Martinsburg to Gerald A. and Julia M. Smith Walker. He married Dixie Dolbeare Sept. 27, 1958 in Hannibal, Mo. and she survives. Lyle worked as a welder and press operator for Electric Wheel in Quincy, retiring after almost 25 years of service. He was also a grain and livestock farmer and did custom bailing. He was a member of the Christian Church and also a member of the Samuel Taylor Cemetery Board, the National Rifle Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. Lyle loved his family and especially enjoyed his grandchildren. In his leisure time he enjoyed fishing, hunting and raising horses. He is survived by his wife, Dixie; two sons, Elmer Walker of O' Fallon, Mo. and Brian (Laura) Walker of Wentzville, Mo.; a daughter, Mrs. Debbie (Brad) Monkman of North Royalton, Ohio; four brothers, Owen (Connie) Walker of Pittsfield, Junior (JoAnn) Walker, John (Rosemary) Walker and Donald (Janice) Walker, all of New Canton; four sisters, Mrs. Twila (Eugene) Smith of New Canton, Mrs. Minnie (Jack) Hively of Barry, Mrs. Linda Walker of Hannibal and Mrs. Dollie (Darren) Sexton of New Canton; a stepmother, Mable Walker of New Canton; and seven grandchildren; and one great grandchild. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents, a son, David Walker in 1987 and a sister, Della Minear. Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 29t at 10 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry with Bro. Bert Sapp officiating. Burial was at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery in Rockport following the services.
Contributed by Billie Browning

RODNEY RICHARD WALKER SR. , 69, former Grafton resident, died at 6:08 a.m., Sunday, March 6, 2011 at Alton Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family. He was born Oct. 7, 1941, and was the son of the late Donald & Cora Lee (McBride) Calvey. He was raised in Pittsfield, and graduated from Pittsfield High School. Soon after graduation he enlisted with the U.S. Navy, and served during the Vietnam War. Immediately after his discharge, Rodney began his long career with CIPS (now Ameren) as a lineman, and retired as a foreman after nearly 40 years of service. His love of the Illinois Fighting Illini, St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Rams was only surpassed by his family. Rodney married the love of his life, the former Sandra Jean Flynn on June 18, 1965 at the home of her parents, in Meredosia. During their 45 year marriage they shared many joys as well as several heartbreaks, but they two always managed to support one another, encourage, and be each others best friend through it all. Both Rodney and Sandy were concentrated on making those around them happy and not dwell on the misfortunes that life throws at you. They made those around them better people. Rodney once again dealt with another blow with the death of Sandy less than a year ago on May 1, 2010. Family was everything to Rodney, and he was very blessed to have a son & daughter in law, Rodney R. "Rick" & Teresa Walker Jr. of Grafton; along with three of Sandy sisters who blessed to consider him a brother as well, Tami Slocum of Woodson, Jilly Flynn of Richmond, Va., and Candace and her husband, Dale Woolsey of Roodhouse; along with his faithful canine companion, Natalie. In addition to his parents and his wife, Rodney was preceded in death by his two beloved children, both killed in seperate vehicle accidents, Shayne Jean Walker on July 13, 1988, and JayDe Walker of June 14, 1997; as well as a brother, David Calvey. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday. Rev. Wayne Hammitt will officiate. He will laid to rest alongside his family in Scenic Hill Cemetery in Grafton.
Contributed by Billie Browning

WILLIAM LYLE WALTERS , 53, of Mendon, IL. formerly of Pike County, IL. died on Saturday, April 2, 2005 at 9:34 p.m. at Blessing Hospital Emergency Room in Quincy, Illinois. Born on May 10, 1951 in Monmouth, IL to Thomas L. and Lorena M. “Sue” McGlauchlen Waters. He was a groundskeeper/maintenance at Spring Lake County Club in Quincy, Illinois. He was retired from the U.S. Navy in 1993 after twenty-two plus years. He was of the Catholic faith. Bill was a member of the wild Turkey Federation, an avid deer hunter, fisherman, mushroomed, avid bowler, golf, softball, excellent in basketball and baseball in high school. Graduated from Perry High School in 1969. Survivors: Stepfather and mother, Mrs. Delbert (Sue) Zumwalt of Pittsfield, companion Barbara Stolte, of Mendon and her daughters Kari and Kesi and son Kraig Schmiedeskamp all of Mendon, IL., three daughters Dusty Waters of Rhode Island, Jennifer Waters, Maryland and Christine Waters of Maryland, two brothers Jerry (Jeannie) Waters of Jacksonville, IL and Jim (Jeanna) Waters of Pittsfield and two sisters Carol (Bladimir) Hernandez of Naples, FL and Diane Shaw, Griggsville, IL., several cousins, uncle Steve Neese, Quincy, IL, Aunts Mary Waters, Jacksonville, IL. and Edna McGlauchlen, Quincy, IL. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with Rev. Ben Early officiating. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery with military rites by Pittsfield American Legion Post #152. Friends may call at the Niebur Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 6, 2005 6 till 8 p.m. Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or donor’s choice.

CHARLES WENDLING , 94, of North Adams Home in Mendon, formerly of rural Griggsville, died at 4:24 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2009, in the North Adams Home. Born June 26, 1914, in Pike County, Charles was a son of Victor and Mary L. Dwyer Wendling. He married Grace I. Thompson on March 23, 1940, in Palmyra, Mo. She died Jan. 27, 2009. Charles was a member of the United Brethren Church of Fishhook and was a Boy Scout leader for many years. He will be remembered by his family and friends as the "World's most dedicated Democrat." Charles farmed all of his life in Pike County and worked as a carpenter for many years. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Sade and her husband, Jay, of Quincy and Nina Arleth and her husband, Chris, of Seaside, Calif.; three grandchildren, Charlie Sade and his wife, Lisa, of LaGrange, Mo., Jessica Murphy and her husband, John, of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Tony Durbin and his wife, Christine, of Golden, Colo; six great-grandchildren, Aryanna Sade, Chase Sade, Allyson Murphy, Falon Murphy, Taylor Murphy and Nolan Durbin; and many loving nieces and nephews. Mr. Wendling was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Grace; a twin sister, Geneva Stinebaker and her husband, Vern; and a brother, Ira Wendling and his wife, Beatrice. Services were held Thursday, April 9, 2009, in the Fishhook United Brethren Church in Fishhook, conducted by Pastor Mark Dickerson and Doug Wilson. Burial was at Wilson Cemetery near Perry. Visitation was held at 9:30 a.m. until the time of services Thursday, April 9, in the church in Fishhook. Memorials can be made to thet Blessing Foundation for Hospice, North Adams Home or the charity of the donor's choice. Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home in Quincy handled arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike Press

FAY A. WESTFALL , 5 of Baylis, died Sept. 21, 2009, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield. He was born on May 28, 1934 in Naples, to Arthur Marion and Zola Gresham Westfall. He married Sandra K. Booth Dec. 8, 1978 in Baylis, and she survives. He worked for the Operating Engineers #965 as an ironworker. Fay served in the Army for his country in peacetime in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Fay was a CB Radio/Ham Radio enthusiast. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles, loved horses, camping and fishing, visiting with friends and family. Survivors are his loving and devoted wife, Sandra; four sons, Gregory (Jessie) Westfall, Carrier Mills. Fay Eldred (Cathy) Westfall, Hornsby, Fay Arthur Westfall II, Springfield and Victor (Bethany) Westfall, Quincy; five daughters, Mrs. Marcia (Ron) Ridgeway, Carrier, Mills, Helen Westfall, Texas, Lesa Westfall, Springfield, Victoria (James) Baumann, Oswego and Erica Westfall (fiancée Tony Potter), Pittsfield; four brothers, Larry (Mary) Westfall, Valley City, Clifford (Carol) Westfall, Griggsville, Lester Westfall and family, Springfield and Dean (Diane) Westfall, Valley City; one sister, Joyce Fusselman, Baylis; 18 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and cousins. A special friend, "Connie" and special nephews, Rusty and Ben Westfall. Preceded by two brothers Benny and Darrell Westfall. Graveside services was held Thursday, Sept. 24, at 2 p.m. at the Baylis Cemetery with Rev. Jim Jacques officiating. The Griggsville American Legion Post 213 accorded military graveside rites. Memorial was to the Baylis Cemetery.
Contributed by Billie Browning from the Pike ress

ORVILLE L. WESTFALL , 82, of Valley City, died Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2009, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born June 15, 1926 in Flint Township, Valley City to the late Marion W. and Bessie Mae LaShore Westfall. He married Ellen Jane Bright in Auxvasse, Mo. Dec. 26, 1951 and she survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Velma S. Phillips and husband Richard of Perry and Linda R. Kells and husband Stephen of Valley City; five grandchildren, Preston M. Phillips of Quincy, Timothy M. Phillips of Quincy, Rhiannon M. Phillips of Springfield, Joseph L. Kells of Valley City and Stephanie R. Kells of Valley City; three great-grandchilden, Caleigh Raye Phillips of Quincy, Kaitlynn Aleen Phillips of Hawaii and Logan Raeann Hobson of Valley City; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Arthur Westfall, and two sisters, Dorothy Hobson and Genevieve Beards; a granddaughter, Heather Lynn Kells. Orville was a 1944 graduate of Griggsville High School. He was a mechanic for many years as well as working on the Wabash Railroad. He was a past employee of Mobile Chemical in Jacksonville, retiring in 1992 after 25 years of service. As a child, Orville spent many hours on the Illinois River dragging for mussel shells and fishing. He was known for being very outspoken, and loved mowing and taking care of his wife, "Mom". Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 1, at the Airsman-Hires Chapel in Griggsville. Burial was in Griggsville Cemetery where graveside military rites were conducted by Griggsville American Legion Post 213.. Visitation was held one hour prior to services Sunday at the chapel.
Contributed by Billie Browning

DONALD C. WESTGARD , 74, of Barry, died Tuesday, February 22, 2005 at Pittsfield Healthcare Center in Pittsfield. He was born April 1, 1930 in Arlington Heights, IL to Andrew and Signe Christenson Westgard. He married Gwen Hughes and she preceded him in death in January, 2001. Mr. Westgard served his country during the Korean War and was a member of the American Legion of West Chicago, IL. He worked as a salesman for Ariel France in Texas. His survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Dale (Dee) Downey of Barry, three brothers, Fred and Richard Westgard of Buffalo Grove, Il and Ray Westgard. He also has three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Cremation rites are being accorded and no services are planned.

DONNA ELIZABETH WESTPHALL , 81, of St. Charles, Mo. and formerly of Perry, died Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, in St. Charles, Mo. She was born Jan. 20, 1928 in Perry, to the late Robert and Elizabeth Butler Walker. She married Harold Westphal July 2, 1949 in Quincy, and he preceded her in death on October 8, 2005. Surviving is a daughter, Mary Keilty and husband James (Mike) of St. Louis, Mo.; a sister, Mary Tedrow of Pittsfield; a nephew, Bruce Bickhaus and wife Alice of Fairview, Texas; and two great-nephews, Scott and Craig Bickhaus. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a daughter, Ann Westphal. She was a graduate of Perry High School in Perry. She was a member of St. Johns United Church of Christ in St. Charles, Mo. Mrs. Westphal did volunteer work for many years in the St. Charles area. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at the Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Visitation was held one hour prior to services Monday at the funeral home. Burial was in Pittsfield West Cemetery. A memorial service will also be held at St. Johns United Church of Christ in St. Charles, Mo. Sunday afternoon Aug. 23. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Johns United Church of Christ c/o Airsman-Hires Funeral Home Box 513 Pittsfield, Il 62363. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield is in charge of arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

JOHN B. WHITELAW died at his residence here, today, after a long illness. Deceased, who was nearly 70 years old, was a noted government surveyor in the Northwest. Much of the surveying of Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota was done by him. His funeral will take place to-morrow. ( The Milwaukee Sentinel Milwaukee, WI December 4, 1884)

At the residence of his sister, Mrs. M. W. WHite, in Griggsville, Ill., December 3. Mr. John B. WHitelaw, aged 78 years. (St. Louis Globe-Democrat, st. Louis, MO December 4, 1884)

Advices were received yesterday of the death at Griggsville, Ill., of John B. WHitelaw, at the advanced age of 78. Mr. Whitelaw first came to St. Louis in 1839, but afterwards removed to Mineral Point, Wis., where he for some years followed is profession, that of civil engineer. He returned to St. Louis in 1850. After the death of his wife (Miss Caroline Gillett) he made it his home, with his only son, Mr. George P. Whitelaw. The past few years of his life have been spent, however, with his sister, Mrs. M. W. White, who resides in Griggsville, Ill.
Contributed by Margaret Rutledge -- (St. Louis Globe-Democrat St. Louis, MO December 4, 1884 )

WILLIS WHITLEY , 76, died at the home of his son, Mert Whitley at Illasco, Mo. Sunday evening, December 30 at 10:55 o'clock. The funeral services were conducted at the Union church in New Canton Wednesday afternoon...by Rev. Harlow Reed, pastor of the Nazarene church at Illasco and interment was made in the Shearer cemetery. He is survived by two sons, Mert Whitley of Illasco and Elmer Whitley of Hannibal, several grandchildren, a sister, Mrs. Nancy Saxbury of New Canton, a brother William Whitley of Carterville, Mo., and a half-sister, Mrs. Amanda Steele of Quincy. Mr. Whitley spent most of his life in New Canton. His first wife died a number of years ago. In 1906 he remarried and his second wife was a victim of the flood here September 8, 1926, when the Kiser creek levee broke near their little home, and swept through it with such force that the front of the house was washed out and she was carried away. Mr. Whitley looked on unable to aid her and when neighbors answered his calls an hour later, when the waters had abated, found the frail little man clinging to a dresser and heard his tragic tale. Her body was found several blocks away. Since then he has lived with his sisters and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Saxbury, but his health failed and last October he suffered a paralytic stroke. When he recovered sufficiently to be moved he was taken to Ilasco where he has since been.
Contributed by Virginia Gorton Bonne - [Barry Adage Wed. 9 Jan 1929]

ROSALEE WIEDMAN was born in France in 1843 and died at her home south of Pleasant Hill, Friday morning July 11, 1902, aged 58 years, 8 months, and 10 days. In 1847, while yet a mere child, Rosalee Meamber, in company with her father, mother and only brother, sailed from the sunny land of France for America and, after a tempestuous voyage of 90 days they reached the; American coast and proceeded to a French village in Illinois, near St. Louis, where shortly after their arrival her father died and 7 years later her mother was taken from her, thus leaving the sister and brother alone to face the battles of life. On March 1 1860 she was married to Frederick Wiedman and in 1869 they came to Pleasant Hill township where they have since resided. She was the mother of 10 children; 7 of which with an aged husband are left to mourn her loss. In early childhood she became a member of the Catholic church and all through her life was one of those strong, quiet, heavenly spirits, whose life, like a mellow song, leaves in the hearts or all who knew her the rythm of her beautiful life. Mrs. Wiedman was a faithful and affectionate wife, and a mother of whom her children were justly proud and whose memory they will lovingly cherish to the end of life's journey. May her life be an Inspiration to the bereaved hearts to look beyond this world of sin and death and find comfort in the expectation of a happy reunion in the "Sweet bye and bye."
From Rosemary Reeves (from Blanche (Barton) Sheppard's Pike Co newspaper clippings)

ALICE WILLIAMS - (September 11, 1882) - Twice within a year, the angel of death has entered the household of our respected townsman, E. T. Williams, Esq., and the entire community find sorrow and sympathy for the grief stricken family. Little Alice, after a protracted struggle yielded to disease and her gentle spirit passed away at 2 o’clock p.m. last Monday. She would have been eleven years old on the 6th of next December The funeral was at the family residence, Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Rev. S. M. Wilcox, and the interment at the Walnut Grove cemetery.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson

ARTHUR C. WILLIAMS , former resident of the Martinsburg community, died Sunday evening at his home, 603 N. Memorial, following a long period of ill health. Funeral services were held at 2 Tuesday afternoon at the Sutter Funeral Home, conducted by Rev. Wesley Hunt, pastor of the Baptist Church . Mrs. Lee Capps played the organ for the service, and Mrs. Athene Schimmel sang. Burial was in the West cemetery. Mr. Williams was born in Pike county, Dec. 16, 1882, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Williams. His first wife died and he later remarried, and is survived by his widow, one son, Lorraine of Barry, and two daughters, Mrs. Amanda Ballinger of Jacksonville, and Mrs. Ella Waggoner of Barry.

CLIFFORD WILLIAMS , 53 who lived west of Pittsfield, died at 9:45 Friday morning at Mini Hospital where he had been a patient for about a month, and had been critically ill all of the time. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lula Williams. The body was removed to the Locke Funeral Home in Barry and services were held Monday afternoon in the Rockport Christian church with burial at Rockport. Mr. Williams, son of Norman and Mary Keith Williams, was born April 23, 1908 in Rockport. He attended the Rockport schools and belonged to the Rockport Christian church. On March 1, 1940, he married the former Lulu Kendall in Bowling Green, Mo. Surviving, in addition to the widow are his stepmother, Mrs. Bonnie Williams of Barry; three sons, Hershel, Melvin and Leroy, all of Pittsfield; a brother Everett of Barry and a sister, Mrs. Lena Autry of Pekin. (Died 1962)
Contributed by Billie Browning

DORA MAE WILLIAMS , 67, of Pittsfield, formerly of Hull, died Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2008 in her home. She was born Sept. 27, 1941, in Brown County, to Albert and Blanche L. (Hughes) Williams. They preceded her in death. She is survived by three sisters, Bonnie Smith of Hannibal, Mo., Ruby Meyer, of Hull and Anna D. McNett, of Bay City, Texas. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends at the Work Activity Center in Pittsfield. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Deloris Perrine and Bertha Leona Williams, who died in infancy; and two brothers, Elbert Williams and Dale Leroy Williams. She was baptized in the Church of the Nazarene and was attending the Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield. She enjoyed family gatherings and shopping. Visitation was held from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. There was a private family burial at Kinderhook Cemetery in Kinderhook. Memorials are suggested to the Work Activity Center in Pittsfield.
Contributed by Billie Browning

ELLEN E. WILLIAMS - DIED, In Griggsville, Dec. 2nd, 1881, at half past eleven o'clock, A. M., Ellen E. Williams, aged 28 years. Miss Williams' death was not unlooked for and the sting of separation somewhat allayed by a long preparation. For about ten years she had been failing, and since September two years ago she bad been confined to her bed. Her last days were spent in the mournful pleasure, to here, of leaving little tokens of remembrance to her friends, and contemplating with a sweet serenity the approaching death she knew to be inevitable. Miss Willams' sorrowing friends like to remember her as she was before she disappeared from social life. They like to remember the merry, winsome girl who was the life of the world she moved in. And they like to remember her sweet, sunny smile, her amiable ways and her bright intellect. But the grave has opened its yawning jaws and closed them upon all that was mortal of the sweet girl. Her spirit, however, is with its God and is the bride of Heaven. The funeral services were conducted at the family residence by Rev. S. M. Wilcox, Sunday afternoon at one o’clock, the reverend gentleman reading a sermon that the deceased had selected before her death. The remains were interred in Walnut Grove cemetery.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson

FRANCES P. (SEYL) WILLIAM , 65, of Richfield, retired secretary and bookkeeper at the landfill, died at 3:28 p.m. Tuesday (May 9, 1995) in Blessing Hospital in Quincy. Born Jan. 25, 1930, near Shinn Station in Pike County, she was a daughter of Raymond and Mildred Orr Seyl. She married Elbert Wil­liams June 15, 1974, in Quincy. He survives. Mrs. Williams was employed by the city of Quincy for 12 years, retiring in 1992. Survivors included four daugh­ters, Mrs. Charlie (Millie) Beck, Janice Furhman, and Francine Lynch, all of Quincy, and Edna Wesolowski of Buffalo, N.Y.; two stepdaughters, Juanita Andrews of Quincy and Rhonda Parks of Frankford, Mo.; a stepson, Lee Wayne Williams of Baltimore, Md.; five sisters, Virginia Merritt of Griffith, Ind., Vi Hoaglin and Edna Seyl, both of Quincy, and Gladys Charleton and Wanda Calhoun, both of Louisiana, Mo.; a brother, Raymond E. Seyl of Barry; two half sisters; three grandchildren; eight step-grandchildren; nine great? grandchildren; and two great step-grandchildren. She was pre­ceded in death by son, Lloyd. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday in the Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Burial will be in Kinderhook Cemetery.Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Fund.
Transcribed by Rosemary Reeves - Contributed by Ella Tittsworth

HAVARD DELOSS WILLIAMS , 81, of Hannibal and formerly of Pike County, Ill., died at 3:25 a.m. May 24, 2000, at the Pittsfield Healthcare Center in Pittsfield, Ill. Graveside services will be at 3 p.m. Friday, May 26, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Keytesville The Rev. Neva Reese will officiate. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon Friday at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield. Mr. Williams was born Feb. 8, 1919, near Rockport, Ill., to Carson and Nellie Betts Williams. He was married to Ruth M. Buchanan in 1965 in Kahoka, Mo. She preceded him in death May 11, 1998. Survivors include two sisters, Eva M. Ogle and Naydean W. Nevins, both of Pittsfield. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Earl, Forbe, Duane and Lyndle Williams; and three sisters, Mable Williams, Mary Wheeler and Iona Williams. Mr. Williams worked for the city of Hannibal in the gas department.

HAZEL P. (WILSON) WILLIAMS , 94 of 1728 N. 12th Street in Quincy and formerly of Barry died Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at her residence. She was born September 7, 1911 in Pleasant Vale Township in Pike County to James and Dolly Fesler Wilson. She married Robert C. Williams in Pittsfield, IL. on April 7, 1931 and he preceded her in death on November 20, 1980. Mrs. Williams lived her entire life in the El Dara and Barry area. She and her husband farmed near El Dara until 1959 when they moved to Barry, where they ran the Standard Station on Hwy 36 for fifteen years. Mrs. Williams then worked for several years as a cook at Churchill's Cafe in Barry. After her retirement Hazel stayed busy at the Senior Center in Barry where she loved to play cards. She was an avid reader and was very active with her family. She was a member of the El Dara First Christian Church. Survivors are two sons Robert W. (wife Sue) Williams, Decatur, IL and Louis I. (wife Cindy) Williams of Shelbyville, IL, four daughters, Starr Gold of Quincy, IL, Mary Dell Ervin of Detroit MI, and Melba (husband Bob) Foster of Barry and Jeannie (husband Jim) Dunham of Maryland Heights, MO. Also surviving are eighteen grandchildren, thirty-nine great grandchildren, eleven great great grandchildren and a sister Louis Irvin Main of Barry. Mrs. Williams was preceded by her parents and husband, one grandson, one great grandson, four brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 5, 2005 at 10:30 A.M. at the Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry with Rev. Steve Dissler officiating. Friends may call Saturday morning from 9:30 a.m. till time of the services at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry. Memorials may be given to Blessing Hospice in Quincy or the Mid Illinois Talking Book Center in Quincy. Niebur Funeral Chapel in Barry is handling arrangements

HERSCHEL W. WILLIAMS , 62, of El Dara, died Sunday, May 25, 2003. He was born Oct. 17, 1940 at New Canton to Clifford and Lula Kindle Williams. He married Shirley Love June 18, 1960 in Barry. She survives. Other survivors include: his mother, Lula Robinson of Pittsfield; two sons, Lee Williams of New Canton and Wayne Williams of Louisiana, Mo.; two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Teresa) Clostermery of Griggsville and Mary Jane Houston of Louisiana, Mo.; two brothers, Melvin Williams of Pittsfield and Leroy Williams of Waupaca, Wis.; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father in 1962 and three grandchildren. Williams was a farm manager for J. Walter Dehart farm near Pittsfield and later worked at Callender Construction Company in Pittsfield. He loved to fox and coyote hunt and also loved family get-togethers. Funeral services will be today, Wednesday, at 2 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with the Rev. David Ford officiating. Burial will be at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery near Rockport. Memorials are suggested to his family.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

IDA (RUSH) WILLIAMS was born in Pike county Illinois, May 17, 1860. Married Frank Williams Oct. 16, 1884, passed peacefully and triumphantly away on the morning of March 29th, 1892, surrounded by loving friends. Her disease was lung trouble, brought on by repeated attacks of that dread disease la grippe. She was converted in early life and united with the M. E. church, and ever after lived a Christian life. She will be greatly missed in the church and Sunday school, but more especially in her own home, where she had lived to brighten for more that seven years. Her sickness was born; with patience and resignation to the Divine will, and when near the closing hours of life telling her friends farewell that she was going but it was all right, I am not afraid to die, as calmly as if going off on a journey, never expressing a regret at leaving her husband and only child, a little boy five years old, to the care of Him who doeth all things well. Her funeral was held at Asbury. Text Rev. 14:13, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord," and was attended by a large and sympathizing congregation after which her remains were laid away in their last resting place, there to await the resurrection of the just.
(Submitted by Sandi Donaldson from a newspaper clipping from a Pike county scrapbook)

JESSIE H. (WHITE) WILLIAMS , 93, of rural Barry died Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2006 at rural Barry. She was born Nov. 15, 1912 in Pleasant Hill, a daughter of Jessie (Ralph) White. She married Joe M. Williams Aug. 10, 1935 in Pittsfield and he preceded her in death Oct. 31, 1987. She is survived by a son Phillip (wife, Billy) Williams of New Salem; a daughter Mrs. Kurt (Martha) Gummerman of Bloomington; 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers; Edwin Lee White, Lawrence White, Erbie White and Gene White. Mrs. Williams was a member of the Pittsfield Assembly of God Church. She enjoyed playing dominos. She and her husband lived and farmed in Pike County all of their lives. Funeral services were held Friday at Kirgan Funeral Home in Barry. Burial was at Crescent Heights Cemetery in Pleasant Hill . Memorials were suggested to American Cancer Society for Advocacy to Breast Cancer.

JOHN R. WILLIAMS -- Died, in Griggsville, Ill., Thurs. day, Oct. 7th, 1886, John R. Williams, of typhoid fever. The illness which terminated the life of our friend crept upon him by insidious steps during many days before lie succumbed to its influence; his energetic nature and determin­ed spirit keeping him at his usual labors by day. The fever and de­lirium by night took sleep from his eyes and rest from his tired limbs. On Sunday, Sept. 19, he gave up the struggle with the disease and took to the bed from which he never arose. Upon the announcement of the nature of his sickness relatives looked forward to the end with dark forebodings; because of the six children of his parents who had preceded him into the valley of the dark shadow, none had survived the first serious illness. In his own mind something of this feeling seemed to hold sway, as, although for prudential reasons, he was never told the exact type of his fever and although during its first two weeks the fever pursued a mild and controllable course, yet he never spoke hopefully of his recovery.. At the beginning of the third week, the fever became higher, symptoms of cerebral congestion appeared and delirium became more marked and continuous. These steadily pro­gressed until the wild delirium that racked him by day and night was, on Wednesday, succeeded by the exhaustion, low muttering and stu­por, which but too plainly foretold the coming end. From Tuesday his consciousness never returned but, with his mind wandering in an unreal world, he lingered until the dead hours of Thursday night, when the vital organs became par­alyzed, and in the midst of loving friends, eager but unable to soothe his dying hours, his troubled soul found rest; and he entered the waters of the dark river alone and unconscious of the dear ones who tenderly and sorrowfully watched upon the shore. John R. Williams was born in Griggsville, Ill., June 25, 1860, being the third and last surviving child of Emsley T. and Sarah A Williams. His boyhood and early manhood were passed in our community, where he was well known to all for his exemplary life his kind and genial nature, and his sober and industrious habits. He was a dutiful son, a loyal and generous friend, earnest in every good cause, and honorable and upright in his relations with all men. He became a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1882, and was ever active and earnest in promulgating its principles. Its tenets and moral teachings he held in supreme reverence, and made them the guidance of his daily walk in life. He held a high place in the esteem of his brethren, and at the time of his death filled the honorable and im­portant office of Junior Warden of this lodge. On March 15, 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss M. Eva Jones. His short married life was filled with the joys of a happy, home; his companionship with his wife was congenial in every way, while the altar of their wedded love was consecrated by the coming of a beautiful and lovely baby boy. A useful and honorable career was before him; life and health and earthly joys seemed full of promise when the fell destroyer decreed his untimely end. To the bereaved ones human sympathy is extended with open hands and yearning hearts, and to the consolation that must come from the memories of his kindly life and honorable walk among men, there is blessed comfort in knowing, is added a reliance and dependence upon Him in whose bosom are un­searchable riches of love and com­passion, and upon the promise that He will never leave them nor forsake them.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson

LULA MAE (KINDLE) WILLIAM ROBINSON 82, died Tuesday, July 12, 2005 at 2:55 pm at her residence in Pittsfield, IL. Lula was born on October 10, 1922 in Rockport, IL to George and Dolly Shade Kindle. She married Clifford Williams on March 5, 1940 and he preceded in 1962. She then married Harvey Robinson on July 14, 1973 and he preceded. She worked at the Brown Shoe Company in Pittsfield doing piece work and sewing. Lula enjoyed cooking, baking pies and cakes, gardening and canning vegetables and sewing. Survivors: 2 sons, Melvin (Barbara) Williams, Pittsfield, IL and Lee (Beulah) Williams, Waupaca, WI, and 3 sisters Mary Hathaway, New Canton, IL, Virginia Mays, Barry, IL and Mable Walker, New Canton, IL, 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Preceded by her husbands Clifford Williams and Harvey Robinson, a son Herschel Williams in 2003, a brother Ray Kindle and a sister Gladys. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 15 at 2:00 pm at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with Rev. Linda Peyla officiating. Burial is at the Samuel Taylor Cemetery in Rockport, IL. Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 14 4 till 8 pm with family meeting friends 6 till 8 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Memorial is to the Blessing Hospice of Pike County.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson

MELVIN J. WILLIAMS , 68 of Pittsfield, died Friday, May 6, 2011 at Blessing Hospital in Quincy. He was born June 13, 1942 at Rockport, a son of Clifford and Lula Kindle Williams. He married Barbara Main Feb 21, 1988 in Louisiana, Mo. and she survives. Melvin was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Vietnam. He was a laborer working in the sanitation service and septic tank business. Melvin enjoyed watching western TV shows, fishing, he was a John Wayne enthuseist,gardening, he enjoyed his pet cat SophieMae and especially loved his grandchildren. Survivors are his wife, Barbara, of Pittsfield; a son, Melvin J. Williams of Kansas City, Mo.; a daughter, Kara Lynn Williams, of Kansas City; a stepson, Michael Hulett of Okeechobee, Fla.; a stepdaughter, Jody Hulett of Pittsfield; a brother, Lee Williams, of Waupaca,Wis.; and several grandchildren and a great-grandchild. Preceded by a brother, Hershall Williams, and his parents. Private family services will be held Monday at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

RAYMOND WILLIAMS , 56, of 2810 Oak, died Saturday (Aug. 19, 2000) in the Uni­versity of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. He was born June 10, 1944, in Pittsfield, a son of Willard and Katherine Dixon Williams. He married Darla Blazier, who survives. Mr. Williams attended Barry High School. He was a member of Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 669 in Columbia, Md., where he also was employed for 33 years. He retired in 1986 due to ill health. He was a member of the South Side Boat Club and National Rifle Association. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Survivors in addition to his wife are his mother, Katherine Williams of Barry; two daughters, Deanne Clinging and her husband, James, of El Dara and Michele Newman and her husband, Chris, of DeSoto; two stepsons, Richard Johnson and his wife, Jodi, of Abilene, Texas, and Kenneth Johnson and his wife, Amy, of Weldon; a stepdaughter, Darcy Johnson and her husband, Derric, of Milsap, Texas; 11 grandchildren, Dustin Christison of El Dara, Tyler Clinging of El Dara, Brandon, Shel­bi and Tristen Newman, all of De- Soto, Matt, Kyle and Dana Johnson, all of Abilene, Holden and Blake Johnson of Weldon, and Dakota Johnson of Milsap; a brother, Dewayne Williams and his wife, Shirley, of Barry; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and a sister in infancy. Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday in the Hansen-Spear Funeral Home. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery in Barry. The Barry American Legion Post 222 will conduct military rites at the cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Illi­nois Veterans Home Activity Fund or the charity of the donor's choice.
Contributed by Billie Browning

SARAH (CRAVEN) WILLIAMS eldest child of John and Esther Craven was born near Jacksonville, Morgan, Co., Ill., Feb. 25, 1833, and died in Thornberry, Texas, Feb. 16, 1905, at the age of seventy-two. She removed with her parents to Griggsville in March 1850, and was united in marriage to Mr. E. T. Williams, Dec. 28, 1852. To this were born seven children, all preceding their mother to their heavenly home many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Williams resided in this place until 1893, when, hoping to benefit the health of Mrs. Williams, they removed to Texas which has since been their home; but while change of climate brought improvement and added years to her life, it could not wholly restore. She leaves to mourn and an aged husband detained by illness in his Texas home, one grandson, Harold C. Williams, and one brother, Mr. John Craven, both of this city, beside many other relatives and friends. The life now ended was quiet and uneventful save for the great sorrow occasioned by the death of her children, sorrow which she bore with patience and fortitude. The kindness of her heart found expression in many unobtrusive deeds of charity, unknown except to the recipients, and the faithfulness with which she rendered service to those nearest her were marked characteristics worthy of imi­tation. Sunday evening the remains arrived in this city accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Deforest Bentley, and were conveyed to the residence of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Butler. The funeral took place Monday afternoon conducted by Rev. H. H. Appelman of the Congregational church, after which the interment took place at the Walnut Grove ceme­tery.
Contributed by Sandi Donaldson

SHIRLEY ANN (LOVE) WILLIAMS , 69, of Pittsfield, died Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2011, at Pittsfield Manor. She was born Feb. 6, 1942 in Barry, the daughter of Garnet and Jennie DeJaynes Miller Love. She married Herschel Williams June 18, 1960 in Barry and he preceded her in death May 25, 2003. She is survived by two daughters, Teresa (Robert) Clostermery of Griggsville and Mary Houston of Bowling Green, Mo.; two sons, Lee (Amber) Williams of Pittsfield and Wayne Williams of Troy, Mo.; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; and three grandchildren, Samuel and Melissa Clostermery and Maxwell Smart. Shirley enjoyed cooking, crocheting, watching soap operas and especially loved spending time with her family. Funeral services were held 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 12, at Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield, with burial at Samuel Taylor Cemetery, near Rockport. Visitation was held two hours prior to services at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to the family. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield is in charge of the arrangements.
Contributed by Billie Browning - Pike Press

STEPHEN R. WILLIAMS - The funeral services of the late Stephen R. Williams took place at the home of his son-in-law; Charles Drummond, on Friday morning. A large crowd attended the services, which were conducted by Elder Milton of Nebo. The burial took place in the family burying grounds near the home.
Contributed by Kathy Robinson - From the Quincy, Illinois Library Historical Newspaper Archives:

RODNEY WYCKOFF 43, of West Palm Beach Gardens, FL, formerly of Pittsfield, IL. died January 3, 2007 at his residence in West Palm Beach Gardens. He was born on October 7, 1963 to Billy "Gene" and Joyce E. McDowell Denison in Bloomington, IL. Mr. Wyckoff served his country in Okinawa from 1980-1984 in the US Marine Corp. Mr. Wyckoff was a surveyor. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He devoted much of his time to service work with Alcoholics Anonymous. Rodney was a 1981 graduate of Pittsfield High School, Pittsfield, IL. He attended Parkland Community College in Champaign, IL and SIU in Carbondale, IL. Rodney is survived by his mother Joyce Denison of St. Charles, MO., his grandmother Vivian Wyckoff of Bloomington, IL., a brother Chad (Cathy) Denison of St. Charles, MO., and nieces: Hannah and Hailey Denison of St. Charles, MO., and an aunt; Mrs. Beth (Leonard) Wade of Pittsfield, IL. Rodney was preceded in death by his father: Gene Denison, a brother: Vinton G. Denison and grandparents: Leonard and Francis Denison and Vaughn and Clara McDowell. Visitation for Mr. Wyckoff will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2007, from 1:00 p.m. until time of services at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. A Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at the Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, IL. Burial will be at the Smith Cemetery in Milton, IL at a later time.