Important Notice from the PA

Dear Funeral Director:

During the difficult time of loss that your clients face, you can make one decision easier for them – having their loved ones’ obituaries published in the Prairie Advocate News and online at www.PACC-News.com.

The Prairie Advocate News is the largest circulation newspaper in Carroll County, delivered to every home and business, as well as Hanover, Pearl City and Sabula, IA, and nearly 1,000 verified newsstand copies throughout Northwest Illinois – a total Verified Circulation of over 12,400 and GROWING! The web site also has an average of 1,500-2,000 weekly unique viewers - the only newspaper in Carroll County with a site. Online at www.PACC-News.com, we will also include a free link from the obituaries page to your own web site or email address. This will provide your funeral home with additional publicity and free marketing.

Effective on August 19, 2009 (publication date) obituaries submitted to the Prairie Advocate News will be $40, with or without a photograph. Each obituary will be printed and included online so long as it is submitted by email to , including the photograph. A simplified death notice of 10 lines or less (approximately 40 words), no photograph, will remain free of charge. Please note that the Prairie Advocate News has the right to edit obituaries as necessary, based on available space. Obituaries that require typesetting and/or photograph scan (i.e. faxed or mailed) will be assessed an additional $25 set up fee.

Due to increased costs with postage, printing, etc. and the requests of our readers and customers to include more news coverage, it is now necessary that we begin to charge for obituaries. We are a free weekly newspaper and rely on the support of our advertisers to publish each week, and have the largest coverage area of any weekly newspaper in northwest Illinois – reaching your clients’ family and friends.

Please do not hesitate to contact our office at (815) 493-2560 should you have any questions. Thank you for your consideration and support.
Regards,
The Prairie Advocate News

Marlene J. Burkholder

Marlene J. Burkholder, 72, of Lanark took her next journey in life to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 13, 2009 at her daughter's home n Lanark surrounded by her loving family.

She was born January 23, 1937 at St. Francis Hospital in Freeport, IL to Arthur and Olive (Mackey) St. Clair. On December 1, 1956 Marlene married Ray Allen Burkholder at St. John Catholic Church in Savanna.

She graduated in 1955 from Chadwick High School and was an inspector at Elkay Manufacturing. She was a member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church.

Marlene was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed her animals, doing her crafts and going to shows to visit with all her friends. Her grandchildren always looked forward to her baking. She also enjoyed her garden and flowers.

Marlene is survived and will always be remembered by her loving husband, two sons Raymond (Mary) Burkholder of Green Bay, WI; Timothy (Tammy) Burkholder of Lanark and three daughters Teresa Stajcar of Lanark, Christina (John) LaPointe of Shannon and Elizabeth (James) Baclet of Marion, IA; fifteen grandchildren Christine & Brock Burkholder of Green Bay, WI; Lauren Slamp and Keller Burkholder of Lanark, Justin Stajcar of Lanark; Caleb Burkholder, Mia, Paige, Nevaeh & Pegan Sheffield, Gram and Adelyn LaPointe of Shannon; Jonathon, Ericka & Alexandre Baclet of Marion, IA; 2 great grandsons; her loving sister Patricia (Gary) Turney of Fair Haven, IL; her niece Peggy Chase of Seattle, WA; one nephew Lee (Karla) Turney of Iowa City, IA and great niece and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Shirley & Karen St. Clair.

The funeral will be Tuesday, August 18th at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon with Father Michael J. Bolger officiating. A visitation will be Monday, August 17, 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. A Rosary Service was held following the visitation. A memorial fund has been established in her memory.

Lois M. Miller

Lois M. Miller, age 81, of Hanover, Illinois died Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at her home. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2009 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Hanover, with Reverend David Vidler officiating. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover. A visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Sunday, August 16, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Hanover. Memorials may be given in Lois’s memory. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Ayako “Doris” Longmire

Ayako “Doris” Longmire, Age 73, of Savanna, Illinois, died on Friday, August 14, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center West, Davenport, Iowa. Cremation rites will be accorded and her cremated remains will be returned to her family. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Larry Joseph Lacina

Larry Joseph Lacina, age 67 of Thomson, Illinois, died on Friday, August 14, 2009 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. Larry has chosen to give the gift of body donation. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 17, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Thomson. Reverend Dave Davies will officiate. A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Unity Hospice of Western Illinois, 1201 7th Street, Suite 101, Rochelle, Illinois 61068 in Larry’s memory. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Edward C. Massie

Edward C. Massie, age 80, of Savanna, Illinois, died on Saturday, August 8, 2009, at his home in Savanna. A memorial mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2009, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Burial will follow in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. prior to the service on Friday in Antl Hall at the Church. Memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church or to Mercy Hospice. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Edward was born on July 18, 1929, in Genoa, Wisconsin, the son of Charles and Mabel (Ross) Massie. He attended school in Savanna. Edward served in the United States Army from 1947 to 1948. He married Lorene “Rene” Carey on May 4, 1951 in Morrison, Illinois.

Edward was a lifelong resident of Savanna, who wintered in Tucson, Arizona. He worked as a conductor and brakeman for the Milwaukee Railroad for thirty - five years, retiring in 1988. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Edward was head of the Savanna Little League Association and a member of the Chestnut Park School Board in the 1960’s. He was a member of the Savanna Moose Lodge and the Savanna V.F.W. Edward was an avid golfer and a fan of the Chicago Cubs.

Edward is survived by his wife Lorene “Rene” Massie of Savanna, Illinois; one daughter, Barbara (Alex) Masters of Jacksonville, Florida; four sons, Carey Massie of Savanna, Jerry (Theresa Farrell) of Monteno, Illinois, Jack (Kris DeSpain) of Stevensville, Michigan, and Kurt (Jackie Marken) Eldridge, Iowa; ten grandchildren, eight great - grandchildren; one sister, Eileen (widow of Roxie) St. Ores of Tucson, Arizona; two brothers, Raymond (widower of Frances) Massie of Campo, California, and Jack (Dixie) Massie of Tucson.

Edward was preceded in death by his parents; one infant son, David; and one sister, Darlene Graham - Drevyankoa

Norma Jean Kent

Norma Jean Kent, 53, of Charleston, Illinois, formerly of Lanark, passed away peacefully at 10:18 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2009 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon.

Norma was born February 12, 1956 at Freeport, Illinois, the daughter of Clyde and Josephine (O'Neill) Kent. She is survived by one son; Shane Kent of Houston, TX; two sisters: Sandra Wagner of Earlville, IL and Donna Leachman of Charleston, IL; one brother: David Kent of Cornell, IL; her step-mother: Beverly Kent of Lanark, IL; three step-sisters: Barbara Nowak of Baileyville, IL; Janet Groezinger of Stockton, IL and Julia Wright of Lanark, IL. Norma is also survived by 3 neices, one nephew, 9 great-neices and nephews along with her two dogs: Camillia and Sheila also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister: Mary.

No services will be scheduled. Arrangements were made at Caudill-King Funeral Home, Charleston, IL.

Judith M. Heath

Judith M. Heath, age 64, of Thomson, Illinois, died on Tuesday, August 5, 2009, at her home in Thomson. Cremation rites will be accorded. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the family. Online memorial condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Judith was born September 29, 1944, in Willimantic, Connecticut, the daughter of Emile William and Marianne Burnice (Wells) LeBlanc. She graduated from high school in Mansfield, Connecticut. Judith married Robert Heath on May 16, 1989, in St. Augustine, Florida.

Judith worked as a Certified Nurses Assistant in Connecticut and Florida before moving to Thomson with Robert. Together they were the owners of BJ’s Resale in Thomson. Judith and Robert regularly attended yard sales, flea markets, and antique sales. Judith loved antiques and collectibles, and it was more of a way of life than a hobby.

Judith is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert Heath of Thomson, Illinois; two daughters, Teresa Rampulla of Central City, Connecticut, and Lisa (John) Rampulla – Grady of Hampton, Connnecticut; one son, Jeffery Rampulla of Willimantic, Connecticut; two grandsons, Jacob Rampulla and Michael Grady; one sister, Joyce Burber of Connecticut; one brother, Dwayne LeBlanc of Connecticut; and her loving pets, Dolly and Molly.

Judith was preceded in death by her parents, and adopted mother, Hilda LeBlanc.

Daniel M. “Dann” Coats

Daniel M. “Dann” Coats, age 56 of Boise, Idaho formerly of Mount Carroll, Illinois died Saturday, August 1, 2009 in Springfield, Illinois. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 7, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mount Carroll. Burial will take place in Center Hill Cemetery, rural Mount Carroll. Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the Frank-Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. A memorial fund has been established in Dann’s memory. Online condolences and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Dann was born on March 2, 1953, the son of Cloy J. and Mary A. (Hall) Coats in Sterling, Illinois. He attended Milledgeville area schools and later graduated from Mount Carroll High School with the Class of 1971. After graduation he traveled the country and found a new home in Boise, Idaho. Dann married Sue Rattray on July 26, 1981 in LasVegas, Nevada.

Dann was a real estate agent for ERA West Wind for over twenty years. He started 1st Century Mortgage in 1995, where he was a loan officer. He was also an excellent finish carpenter. Dann was a loving father who devoted his life to his children from the day they were born. He enjoyed crosswords, reading and taking college courses; he loved to learn. He also enjoyed the outdoors, especially hiking, running and biking.

Dann will be dearly missed by his daughter, Faere Elayne (Brad) Watson of Boise, Idaho; four brothers, Cloy J. (Teresa) Coats of Livermore, California, David A. Coats of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jack E. (Stacy) Coats of Clinton, Iowa, and Tim L. Coats of Livermore, California; three sisters, Jan S. Coats of Mt. Carroll, Patty A. (Jeff) Lessman of Lanark, Illinois and Nancy J. (Clinton) Sewell of Clarkston, Washington; eleven nieces and nephews; six great-nieces and nephews; and three uncles, Wendell (Helen) Coats of Mesa, Arizona, Keith Coats of Sterling, Illinois and Lyle (Margorie) Coats of Mt. Carroll, Illinois. Dann was preceded in death by is parents and his son, Eric Daniel Coats.

Jeannine Carroll

Jeannine Carroll, 80, of Lanark, died early Sunday morning, Aug. 2, 2009 at Rockford Memorial Hospital. She was born on Feb. 6, 1929 in Lanark, the daughter of Arthur and Ruth (Sweitzer) Guentner. She married Charles Carroll on Aug. 20, 1949, and they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.

Lanark was her home and she lived there her entire life, but found much joy in the world of antiques. Heading east to do an antique show in Pennsylvania was a favorite vacation, and entertaining her Northern Illinois Antique Dealers Association friends was an event she always looked forward to. She and Chuck collected antiques for close to 60 years and their home and surrounding expressed that. Her other favorite spot was Door County in October. She couldn’t get enough of Main St. and the harbor in Fish Creek and never left the peninsula without 2 cases of chopped cheery jam.

Jeannine is survived by her husband Charles, a daughter; Kathleen Carroll and a son Michael Carroll and his wife Trish all of Lanark. She was preceded in death by her parents and an infant brother; Dean Authur.

Visitation will be on Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009 from 4 to 7 pm at the Russell-Frank Funeral Home in Lanark. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday Aug. 5 at St. Wendelin Catholic Church in Shannon with Fr. Jerome Walsh officiating. Burial will be in Lanark Cemetery. A Memorial fund has been established in her memory.

Lawrence Arthur Hiher

Lawrence Arthur Hiher, age 86 of Savanna, Illinois, died on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Carroll County Good Samaritan Nursing Home, Mount Carroll. A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, August 6, 2009 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Savanna. Burial will take place in the St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery, Savanna. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 at the church with a Rosary Service held at 7:00 p.m. Online memorials and tributes may be sent to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Lawrence was born on February 7, 1923, the son of Arthur and Mildred (Tyler) Hiher in Savanna. He graduated from Savanna High School with the Class of 1941. After graduation, Lawrence served his country in the United States Army Corps of Engineers from 1943 – 1946.

Lawrence worked as a rate clerk for Carstensen Freight Line, Clinton, Iowa and the Milwaukee Railroad Yard in Savanna for several years. He was a member of the Savanna American Legion Post VanBibber-Hansen #148 and was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Lawrence was a lifetime member of the Boy Scouts of America and served as an adult leader for 29 years. He was also a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he was active in the church choir. Lawrence enjoyed the outdoors and riding his bike. He would always shake your hand when he met you and would end your visit by saying “God Bless You”.

Lawrence is survived by one brother; Edward Hiher of Savanna; one sister, Doris (Edward) Urbanik of Winchester, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews.

Eldon B. “Tom” “Punkin” Zink

Eldon B. “Tom” “Punkin” Zink, age 58, of Savanna, Illinois, died Friday, July 31, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center North, Clinton, Iowa. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the Spring Lake Cemetery in Savanna. Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 5, 2009 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family. Online condolences and tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com.

Eldon was born June 28, 1951, the son of Robert and Lucille (Green) Zink at the Savanna City Hospital. He attended school in Savanna and Thomson, Illinois, where he graduated with the Thomson Class of 1970. Eldon worked at several local taverns. He also enjoyed working on cars. Eldon worked for Metform for over twenty years as the shipping and receiving coordinator.

Eldon married Sharon Ritchie on October 18, 1986 in Thomson. They had their daughter Annie June on November 18, 1991. Eldon loved his dogs, camping, tractors, his fifty-seven Chevy, Elvis, collecting McDonalds plates, decorating for Christmas, auctions, watching W.W.E and his favorite event was the annual Allis Run. But most of all Eldon cherished cookouts with friends and family.

Eldon is survived by his wife, daughter; three brothers, Dennis (Connie) Zink of Savanna, Robert (Georginia) Zink of Savanna, Terry (Lorraine) Zink of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters, Janice (Stanley) Westerman of Savanna; Beulah Stingley (Edward Wildman) of Indiana.

Eldon is preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; cousins; and several aunts and uncles.

Douglas A. Spencer, Jr.

Douglas A. Spencer, Jr. ; 84, of Largo, Florida passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2009 at the Woodside Hospice Villas in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Douglas was born on January 19, 1925 in Alameda, California to parents Douglas and Margaret Spencer. Douglas received his B.A. degree in Business Administration from Armstrong College in Berkeley, CA. He served in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1943-1945 as a 1st Lt., Navigator in the 8th Air Force (WWII). Douglas’ career was in the retail music industry working for Sherman Clay & Co.in San Francisco, CA and the Hammond Organ Company.

Douglas married Priscilla E. Gettle on June 20, 1947 in Alameda, California. Priscilla passed away on January 28, 1984. Douglas remarried on April 5, 1989 to Ellen Rathbone.

He is survived by his wife Ellen Rathbone Spencer of Largo, Florida; his daughter Susan (Kurt) Atherton of Lanark, IL; his grandchildren, Jessica Atherton (Matt Zumdahl) of Lanark and Spencer Atherton of Lanark. He is also survived by his brother, William F. (Nadine) Spencer of Walnut Creek, CA. and 3 nephews and 1 niece.

Douglas was predeceased in death by his parents, wife Priscilla E. Spencer and son William D. Spencer.

Private family services will be held at a later date for the scattering of his ashes under the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, California.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the wonderful care provided to Douglas by the staff at the Woodside Hospice Villas of Pinellas Park, Florida.

Chelsea Lea Toot

Chelsea Lea Toot, age 17, of Elizabeth,Illinois, passed away on Monday, July 27, 2009 as a result of a car accident.

Visitation will be held from 3:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Elizabeth Illinois. The Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, August 1st, 2009 at the First United Methodist Church, Elizabeth, Illinois. Burial will be in the Elizabeth Cemetary immediately following the funeral service.

Chelsea participated in football and basketball cheerleading and was a member of the Boomerang Club at River Ridge School. She was also preparing for her second year in the JoDavies County Fair Pageant. In 2008 she won the People's Choice Award and Miss Congeniality.

Chelsea Lea Loved Life and Lived Life to the Fullest during her 17 short years with her family and friends. Her Smile lit up the room, her laughter and Love of Life was Contagious!

Chelsea will be dearly missed by her parents Scott and Brenda Toot and her sisters Katelyn and Britnea Toot of Elizabeth; Maternal Grandparents, Lois and Charles Petsche of Stockton and Harold Scace of Woodbine; Paternal Grandparents, Ronald and Angela Toot of Winnebago; Paternal Great Grandmother, Vera Hawley of Elizabeth; five Uncles, Brian (Char) Scace of Galena, Junior (Kim) Scace of Woodbine, Kenneth Toot of Rockford, Keith Toot of Rockford, Steven (Tanya) Toot of Erie Colorado; eight beloved cousins; many Great-aunts and Uncles and numerous other family members and friends. She Loved Everybody, With All of Her Heart. She was an Angel in Life as well as in death.

Chelsea was preceded in death by her cousin, Marissa Scace and her Great Grand Parents.

Online Condolences and Memorial Tributes may be given to the family at www.lawjonesfuneralhome.com A Memorial Fund has been established in Chelsea's Memory at the Elizabeth State Bank.