July 2017

Helen Crawford, 89, of Marseilles, died peacefully on Tuesday night, June 27th, 2017 at Ottawa Pavilion.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 1 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Helen was born on November 23, 1927 at 1621 Post Street in Ottawa, to John and Dora (Holt) Fennessey. Helen attended Jefferson School, Ottawa High School in 1945, and LPO Junior College in LaSalle. Eventually she earned her Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Education.In 1947 Helen started as a teacher in the one room Grove School in Rutland Township. She taught first grade at Sheridan Grade School and Harding Elementary until she retired in 1997. She always said teaching children how to read was the most satisfying part of the job. Helen taught generations of kids over the years.

Helen met William S. Crawford at Bianci’s to discuss aviation because they were pilots and owned their own airplanes. She married William S. Crawford on August 19, 1951. There interest in aviation continued for the rest of their lives while other pursuits like flea markets and engine shows developed along the way. They had real zest for their lives. Their marriage lasted 63 years before Bill passed away in 2015. Helen was a devoted mother. She would organize trips with friends during the summer to visit  the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Brookfield Zoo with their children. Helen and Bill would fly Melissa to St. Louis and Milwaukee in the Stearman, a double-winged bi-plane. During a summer Birthday party, Helen drove five little girls in her 57’ Thunderbird convertible from the southside of Ottawa to Bill’s family farm for pony rides.  Helen loved antiques and shopping. She was a firm believer in ‘things go better with Coca-Cola’ She loved Coke and had anything advertising Coke.

Helen is survived by her daughter Melissa Murphy Nolan, of Ireland, four nieces Sheila, Barbara, Peggy, Noelle, Fred the cat, and all the little ones.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, her parents, a brother John Fennesseyone aunt and uncle, Olive and Edward Murray  and her beloved cat, Baby.

Helen will be missed by her family, friends, the Waite/Foster family, and cats.

Memorials may be directed to Pet Project.

Pallbearers will be Bruce, Randy, Gene, and Brett Waite, Andrew Elzer, and Joe Elzer.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at OSF St. Elizabeth and Ottawa Pavilion for their kindness and compassion.

Helen has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Ten Commandments.

Norma J. Armstrong, 87 of Grand Ridge passed away Tuesday (June 27^th) at the OSF Center for Health, Streator.

A visitation will be held Saturday from 9:30 – 11 AM at the Grand Ridge Funeral Home.  Services will be held Saturday at 11 at the funeral home.  Entombment will be in Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa.

Serving as pallbearers will be family and friends.

Norma was born on December 8, 1929 in Ottawa to George and Marguerite (O’Brien) Crank.  She married Samuel “Joe” Armstrong on September 10, 1949.  He preceded her in death on January 29, 2013.

Surviving is a daughter Kim Michelle Smith of Grand Ridge, grandson Ryan Scott (Stephanie) Terry and 2 great-grandsons Rhys and Declan.

Norma is preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Joan Marie Donahue, grandson Aaron Michael Terry, brother Melvin Crank and sister Reta Young.

She graduated from Ottawa High School in 1947 and retired as post mistress from the Grand Ridge Post Office in 1989.  Norma enjoyed sewing and knitting.

Memorials may be made to the family to be determined for an organization at a later date.

Norma has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Prayer.

Nancy Mann Hynd of Ottawa, IL, went to be with the Lord on June 24th, 2017, after a long courageous battle with leukemia.  She was surrounded by her family and friends at her home.

A Celebration of Life service will be at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 1st at First United Methodist Church of Ottawa with the Rev. Cheri Stewart, pastor, officiating.  Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 30th at Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, IL.

 Nancy was born in Manteno, IL on February 14th, 1937, to Francis and Helen (Beedy) Mann.  She was the oldest of three children.  She married Barry Lee Hynd on August, 3, 1963 in Kankakee, IL.  Nancy graduated in 1955 from Manteno High School.  She went to Illinois State University to become an elementary school teacher.  For over 40 years, she truly loved teaching and considered it a privilege. Her motto was, “To teach is to touch a life forever”. Nancy left a little “sparkle” wherever she went.  Whether she was volunteering her time or playing games with her grandchildren.  She was a strong, independent woman who encouraged everyone she met with wise words, cards, or meals.  She had the gift of listening well and generously loving others always looking for a memory to be made.    Nancy was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa.  She held many office positions and taught VBS and Sunday School. Her greatest treasures were her family and close friends.

  She is survived by her three daughters, Susan (John) Lewis of Wheaton, IL, Sheila (Jerry) Williams of Grandview, Texas, and Saralyn (Steve) Shetterly of Peru, IL; seven grandchildren, Jacob, Carly, Joseph, and Henry Lewis, Olivia, Phoebe, and Erin Shetterly; and one sister, Barbara (David) Nixon of Kankakee, IL; and her fiancé, James Schaive of Ottawa, IL; two nieces, 8 great nieces and nephews.

 She was preceded in death by her husband, Barry Hynd in 1986 and one brother, Neil Mann.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the First United Methodist Church of Ottawa.

Nancy has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Gerald R. Chambliss, 83, of Ottawa, died on Tuesday night, June 20, 2017 at the Ottawa Pavilion.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12 noon on Saturday, June 24, at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Ottawa, with Rev. David Kipfer, Pastor officiating. Full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard following the Mass. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, at the Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory in Ottawa. Burial in Oakwood Memorial Park will be private.

 Gerald was born on June 28, 1933 in Alton, IL to Henry and Elizabeth (Sessions) Chambliss. Gerald was a US Air Force Veteran and served during the Korean War. He married Margaret Meek on July 4, 1953, in Alton, IL. Gerald was the General Manager at Nabisco in Marseilles until his retirement in 1985.   He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church, and American Legion Post 33.

 He is survived by his wife, Margaret, 4 children, Patricia (Gary) Boe, of Ottawa, Michael (Mary Lynne) Chambliss, of Ottawa, Barbara Krug, of Grand Ridge, and Deborah Burke, of Montgomery, 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 brothers James Ross (Patricia) Chambliss, of Overland Park, KS, and Charles (Carol) Chambliss, of Bonne Terre, MO. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

 Pallbearers will be Blake and Aaron Boe, Greg Burke, and Eric, Bradley, and Chris Chambliss. 

Memorials may be directed to St. Francis of Assisi Church.

Gerald has been laid to rest in the Garden of Devotion.

Brent E. “Bull” Billings, 53, of Ottawa passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at his home in Ottawa after a courageous ten year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am Monday, May 1, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Augustin Kaasa officiating, with military rites being provided by the Ottawa American Legion veteran’s group honor guards. Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Sunday, April 30, 2017 at Ottawa Funeral Home with the rosary at 1:45. He will be laid to rest at Oakwood Memorial Park following cremation.

Brent was born May 17, 1963 in Ottawa, IL to Gary E. and Katherine (Farrell) Billings. He married Ramona (Perez) Billings on December 31, 1994 in Ottawa. He was employed as a Union Pipefitter (Local 597) with 21 years of dedicated service. He honorably served in the US Navy from 1985-1990 and was aboard the USS Acadia in Operation Desert Shield.

Affectionately known as “Bull” by his Union Brothers, Brent never met a person without putting a smile on their face. He was an avid Chicago sports fan (except the Cubs), but especially the Bears and White Sox. He loved the little things, like the fire pit and having a beer with a buddy. But most of all, loved spending time with family and spoiling his dog, Finn. Despite the 10 year battle with cancer, Brent always showed up to work, Monster Energy Drink in hand, cracking jokes and making people laugh. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his loving wife Ramona (Perez) Billings; his mother, Katherine (Farrell) Billings; his daughters, Cassandra Amici, Justina (Randy) (Amici) Kitzmiller; his grandchildren, Jordan Amici, Emily Kitzmiller, Nevin Kitzmiller, Avery Kitzmiller, Jackson Kitzmiller, Jensen Pether; his siblings, Brenda (Lenny) (Billings) Beals, Becky (Billings) Grear, Bridget Billings, Brian (Heather) Billings; and his nieces and nephews, Gary Grear, Isabella Billings, Lainey Billings, Alex Billings.

He is preceded in death by his father, Gary E. Billings.

Pall Bearers will be Steve Cox, Kelly Kennedy, Dana Kennedy, James McKee, Mark Alderman, Matt Mettille.

Brent has been laid to rest in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum, Sanctuary of Seasons.

Mabel Anderson, 82, of Ottawa, Illinois died peacefully during the night in her home on June 13, 2017. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory. Burial will be held at a later date in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Born Mabel Lucille Heggie in Cumberland Furnace, Tennessee on July 11, 1934, she was the eldest daughter of William Franklin Heggie and Zelma Lucille Wall Heggie.  While working in Clarksville she met and married Ward Carroll, Jr. a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division of the U.S. Army. Upon his discharge from the Army they moved to Ottawa.

Mabel and Ward had three children: John, Jim and Barb. She devoted herself to raising her three children of whom she was especially proud. She loved landscaping, and her pride and joy was her flower garden filled with irises of all colors.

She married Richard Anderson in 1983 and cherished their 23 years of marriage before his passing in 2006. During her marriage with Richard, she worked at Borg-Warner in Ottawa. Mabel had an enduring faith in God.

She is survived by her children, John Carroll (Ann Christoff) of San Antonio, TX; Jim (Janette) Carroll of Manassas, VA; and Barb (Larry) Kinzer of Ottawa, IL; two grandchildren, Joe (Catie) Kinzer of Seattle, WA; and Jen (Ken) Sampson of Woodridge, IL;  great-granddaughter, Rosie Kinzer; one brother, Herbert Heggie of Dickson, TN; and one sister Betty (Tom) Dunlap of Norcross, GA.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Gracey Heggie, Neil Heggie, and Robert Heggie; and sister, Emma Winstead.

Mabel has been laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Shirley (Angell) Vernoy, 74, of Ottawa, died on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at her daughters home surrounded by her family.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Epworth United Methodist Church, with Rev. Carolyn Lukasick, Pastor, officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Memorial Park on a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. 

Shirley was born on June 21, 1941, in Ottawa to Edwin C. and Delores Marie (Johnson) Angell. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School, and worked for Seattle Sutton Foods for over ten years. Shirley loved sewing, making clothes for her children and grandchildren, and was an excellent cake maker.

She is survived by 5 children, Debbie (Mark) Wheeler, of Ottawa, Peggy (Jim) Reynolds, of Ottawa, Vince (Vicky) Vernoy, of Medway, OH, Robin Vernoy, of Ottawa, and Danny (Alvena) Vernoy, of Iuka, MS, 11 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and a sister Bette (Stanley) Krafft, of Ottawa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 husbands, and a brother Jerry Angell.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Shirley has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Marie Helgeson, 86, of Ottawa passed away Friday, June 16, 2017 at Pleasant View.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at St. Francis of Assisi Church with Rev. Jeff J. Windy officiating. Her visitation will be 9:00 – 10:30, prior to services, Wednesday at Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in Oakwood Memorial Park.

Marie was born January 5, 1931 in Ottawa to Jack and Catherine (Machetta) Simcich. She was married to Ralph Helgeson for 61 years until he passed away December 27, 2012.

Marie was a clerk at the LaSalle County Courthouse for many years. She loved spending time with her family. In her free time she enjoyed golfing and fishing. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Naplate.

She is survived by two sons, Rich (Gloria) Helgeson of Ballwin, MO; and Jack (Lynne) Helgeson of Hawthorn Woods, IL; six grandchildren, Troy (Danielle) Helgeson, Amy (Steve) Bopp, Scott (Amy) Helgeson, Nathan (Tiffany) Helgeson, Christopher Helgeson, and Corey Helgeson; four great-grandchildren, Cole, Logan, Eli, and Avery; and one brother, Jim Simcich.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Eleanor Lyman; and brother, John Simcich.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Marie has been laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Robert Wegrzyn, 76, of Oglesby died on June 8, 2017 at his home. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 12, in the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa with the Rev. Nathan Lambie of  Christ Family Four Square Church in LaSalle, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the funeral home.

Robert was born on Nov. 14, 1940, in Chicago to Walter and Estelle (Uczen) Wegrzyn.  He was a graduate of Lockport High School. He was a Grounds Specialist at Argonne National Laboratory.  He married Marlene Mann Modesitt on June 1, 1991 in Morris. He is survived by his wife, Marlene, 2 children Randy (Ann) Wegrzyn of Chatsworth, Illinois, and Kathy (Fred) Orosco, of Joliet, 4 step-children, Russell Modesitt of Ottawa, Terry Reints, of LaSalle, Julie (Mario) Berber, of Ottawa, and Don (Athena) Modesitt, of Ottawa, 19 grand and step-grandchildren, and 2 sisters Carol (Terry) York of California, and Elaine (Bob) Steffes, of Florida. 

He was preceded in death by one son Robby Wegrzyn, and one brother Richard Wegrzyn. 

Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice. 

Pallbearers will be:  Randy Wegrzyn, Russell Modesitt, Don Modesitt, Randy Wegrzyn, Jr, . Mario Berber, and Russell Modesitt,  III.

Robert has been laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.