March 2021

Margaret Marie Thompson, 96, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at her home, surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Gary Caster officiating at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Tom Hallam, Rob Snook, Shane Hallam, Matt Haage, Paul Snook, Scott Siebert, Jesse Burkhead, John Cook, Tony Tarr and Logan Rome.

Margaret was born December 3, 1924 in Ottawa to Mark and Lida (Vickers) Mohkovic. She married Thomas C. Thompson on October 15, 1949 at St. Patrick’s Church in Ottawa. Tom was the greatest joy of her life and they were married for 71 years. They resided in Hazel Crest, Illinois and returned home to Ottawa after they retired. They enjoyed 23 winters in Bradenton, Florida where they enjoyed golfing, walking the beach, playing games and time spent with friends.

Margaret was a bookkeeper at Borg Warner Credit Union. She also spent time at Wallace Paint, Peltier Glass, and Luminous Process. She was very detail oriented in her work. Margaret’s favorite hobbies were golf, bowling, dancing, sewing, and roller skating. She was a member of the Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, Illinois where she spent years on the golf course with Tom and her girlfriends. She loved celebrating birthdays and anniversaries with all her family.

Margaret is survived by her nieces and nephews; Linda (Sam) Hallam, Larry (Gloria) Snook, Lois (Mike) Haage, Russell (Melody) Mohkovic, Debby (Ken) Gross, Connie (Bob) Wawerski, Peggy Mohkovic, Raymond (Diane) Moore, Diane Derosset, Nanette Rhoden, Art Morrell and many great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mark and Lida; her beloved husband, Tom; her sisters, Lida Snook, Lucille Moore, and Anna Morrell; her brother, Russell Mohkovic; and her niece, Cathy Mohkovic.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Maryln M. Brown, 79, of Spring Valley passed away Friday, March 19, 2021 at Aperion Care.

Memorial services will be at 11 am, Thursday, March 25 at the outdoor pavilion at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa. Pastor Nathan Lambie of Christ Family Foursquare Church in LaSalle will be officiating. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with cremation rites.

Maryln was born January 10, 1942, in LaSalle, IL, to Ernest G. and Fayetta (Miller) Nicholson. She married Joseph W. Brown on July 18, 1964 in Ottawa. She retired from Ekas Corp. after more than 10 years of employment. Maryln enjoyed playing BINGO and cards, and especially going to the Boat. She was a member of Christ Family Foursquare Church in LaSalle.

She is survived by her son, Robert Brown of LaSalle; her daughter, Cathy Hayden of Sandwich; one brother, Robert “Nick” Nicholson of Utica; one sister, Nancy Yeager of DePue; and many nieces and nephews. Maryln was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Catherine Donovan and Margaret Nicholson; her sister-in-law, Deb Nicholson; four brothers, Joe, Gene, Frank, and John Nicholson; and one brother-in-law, Chuck Yeager.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Inspiration.

Robert L. Underwood, age 86, of Ottawa, passed away Friday, March 19, 2021 at his home.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home with Reverend Bill Clark officiating. Interment will follow in Oakwood Memorial Park with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. Wednesday morning at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Steve, Gary, and Dan Underwood, Eric Anderson, Mason Ruppert, and Lane Elleby.

Robert was born March 18, 1935 in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, one of seven children, to John William and Leoma (Wood) Underwood. He married Helen Held on May 29, 1959 in Elgin, Illinois. Helen was his wife of 60 years prior to her death February 10, 2020. Robert is survived by their three children, Steve (Tammy) Underwood of Newark, Gary Underwood of Marseilles, and Debra Lambert of Ottawa. He also leaves grandchildren, Traci (Eric) Anderson, Dan (Allie) Underwood, Amy (Lane Elleby) Underwood, Amanda (Quintin) Knudsen, and Chloe (Mason Ruppert) Underwood; great grandchildren, Roman Underwood, Wesley Anderson, and Ruby Ruppert; and a brother, Ray Underwood of Eldorado. Robert was preceded in death by four brothers, James, Glen, Neal, and Carl Underwood; and a sister, Eva Underwood.

Robert proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. Robert was a machinist and inspector for Caterpillar Tractor Company, retiring after thirty years of employment. He enjoyed reading and gardening, and never missed an opportunity to watch his beloved St. Louis Cardinals play baseball. His family meant the world to him and he especially enjoyed visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

John W. Blossy, 92, of Ottawa, passed away on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 22, 2021 at the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa with Rev. Cheri Stewart, Pastor of First United Methodist Church, Ottawa officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park, where full military rites will be accorded by the American Legion Post 33 Honor Guard. Visitation will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home on Monday. Due to current State of Illinois guidelines face coverings and social distancing will be required.

John was born on February 8, 1929 in Lily Lake, IL to William and Iva (Taylor) Blossy. He was a graduate of Tonica High School Class of 1948. John married Mary M. Gutierrez on January 8, 1955 at St. Mary’s Church in DePue. He was a Veteran of the US Army, and served in the Korean War. John was a mechanic for 50 years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Ottawa, Ottawa River Rescue Squad, and the Ottawa Moose. John volunteered at the hospital and various church committees and served on the Ottawa Planning Board. He enjoyed gardening, fishing and Twilight Travelers campers.

He is survived by two children, Mary Beth Blossy of Ottawa and Kathleen (Brad) Holcman of Oglesby; four grandchildren, Ryan (Linda Pfalzgraf) Holcman, Chad (Ashley) Holcman, Christopher (Rebecca) Holcman, and Katie (Dale Hansen) Holcman; a great grandson, Casey M. Holcman; and a sister, Mardel Trager.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary on October 5, 2015; his step father, Alan Nicolson; two brothers, Carl and George Blossy; and two sisters, Esther Vitale and Cynthia Nicholson.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Margaret “Peg” Reynolds, 80, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, March 13, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Friday, March 19, 2021 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. Gary Caster officiating. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 am, prior to services, at the funeral home. For those attending the services, you will be kindly asked to wear a mask and follow local guidelines on social distancing. Peg will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Peg was born June 21, 1940 in Ottawa to Francis Hollenbeck and Margaret (Koenig). She married Dean Reynolds on November 24, 1960 in Ottawa. She worked as a secretary for St. Patrick’s Church and Christ Episcopal Church for many years. She was a member of St. Columba and St. Patrick’s Church choirs.

Peg was a lifelong learner and had a thirst for knowledge. She was passionate about things she loved, and always enjoyed good conversation. She was an avid reader and loved doing any kind of puzzle. Peg was ahead of her time in the technology world and was always up to date on world events. She loved going for long car rides and out to eat with her husband, family, and friends. She also made and repaired jewelry and collected antiques.

Peg is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Dean; her son, Ron Reynolds; three grandsons, Joshua Lee, Adam Michael, and Nathan Jerome (Brandy); three sisters, Judy (David) Meling, Marie (late Willy) Newcomer, and Sherry Bennett; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis Hollenbeck and Margaret Iverson; and her sister, Pat Leach.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Lucille M. Roth, 85, of Ottawa passed away Thursday, March 11, 2021 at OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center.

Funeral services will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, March 18 at Ottawa Funeral Home, with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 1 pm, prior to services, at the funeral home. Due to COVID guidelines, masks and social distancing will be mandatory. She will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park.

Lucy was born November 19, 1935 in Ottawa to William and Marguerite (Charlier) Fribbs. She married Donald Roth on April 19, 1958 in Ottawa; they were married for 60 years before his passing on June 25, 2018.

Lucy always had a smile. She was kind, loving, and generous. She had a great love of all animals, especially her dachshunds. She enjoyed sitting on the back porch and watching the deer and wildlife. She loved to crochet and was always making something for her family and friends. Everyone who knew her loved her. She will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her daughter, Deborah Erickson; her sister, Dolores Rossiter; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; sister, Alberta Killelea; brother, Earl Fribbs; and her son-in-law, Randy Erickson.

Pallbearers will be Ervin Fullerton, Tom Killelea, Patrick Gray, and Kevin Fribbs. Honorary pallbearers will be Patty Gray and Rita Fullerton.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Psalms.

Phyllis Arlene (Stevenson) Manigold, 92, formerly of Grand Ridge, passed away on Tuesday March 2, 2021 at Pleasant View.
Due to current State of Illinois guidelines in regards to the pandemic, private family services will be held. Burial will take place at Oakwood Memorial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a future date.
Phyllis was born on December 22, 1928 in Ottawa to Milton and Ethel (Clairmont) Stevenson. She was a graduate of Ottawa Township High School. Phyllis married Owen W. Manigold on August 21, 1949 at the Epworth United Methodist Church in Ottawa. She was an active member of the Grand Ridge United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women’s Group and was a past president of the Ottawa Concert Association.
She is survived by four children; Dr. David O. (Maribeth) Manigold of Ottawa, Mark (Becky) Manigold of Batavia, Sarah (Roy) Yelverton of Woodlands, TX, and Rev. Brian (Kathy) Manigold of Hoopeston, IL; ten grandchildren, Cortney (David) Zamora, Lindsey (Danny) Pace, Lauren Yelverton, Kyra (BJ) Parrott, Kyle Manigold , Abby (Jerad) Campbell, Jenna (Sean) Porter, Jessica (Ryan) Yonkman, Kristin (Gage) Anderson, and David (Jessica) Olivero; eleven great-grandchildren; a sister, Betty (Kenneth) Blake of Goshen, IN; and a sister-in-law, Maryellen Stevenson of Ottawa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Owen, on February 7, 2008; two sisters, Marilyn Roesler and Mildred Lucas; and five brothers, Arnold, Ted, Robert, Wayne, and Richard Stevenson.
Pallbearers will be her grandchildren.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.

Ricky L. Stayton, 65, of Ottawa, Illinois, passed March 10, 2021 surrounded by loved ones in his daughter’s home in Streator, Illinois.

Ricky was born to Arland and Rita (Shapcott) Stayton, June 1, 1955, in Ottawa, Illinois. He graduated from Ottawa High School and continued his education while enlisted in military service. He is survived by his dog Dante of Streator and wife Mary (Nevin) Stayton of Streator.

He leaves as his legacy several children: daughters Jennifer Stayton of St. Augustine, FL; Jessica (Matt Slager) Stayton of Streator, IL; sons Joshua (Andrea) Stayton of St. Augustine, FL; Jacob (Holly) Stayton of Palatka, FL; Nathan (Tesha) Nevin of Streator, IL; and 11 grandchildren. He also leaves to cherish his memory 7 siblings: sisters, Phyllis (Bill) Hopkins of Seneca, IL; Brenda (Tom) McCague of Ottawa, IL; Sandy (Jerry) Tapp of Emington, IL; Kathy (Gary) Dickinson of Morris, IL; and brothers, J.R. (Janice) Stayton of Port Orchard, WA and David Stayton of Streator. His family remembers him as a light of wisdom and kindness.

He was preceded in death by Arland and Rita Stayton, (parents), and Greg Stayton, (brother).

Ricky served in the United States Army as a 51B Army Carpentry and Masonry Specialist. He was a master craftsman who owned and operated FM Woods in Streator, IL. He also worked for St. Mary’s Hospital and OSF Streator in security and maintenance.

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.” – author unknown

Ricky spread light in the world by sharing his many talents with all who knew him. When someone picks up a guitar, brushes off sawdust, or listens to some Clapton, they will walk away with a piece of that light.

A Funeral Service is scheduled for March 14, 2:00 PM at Brush Arbor Meeting Cowboy Church in Long Point, IL. All are welcome to attend. A private burial will be located at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa, IL. Full military rites will be accorded. Memorials may be directed to the Brush Arbor Meeting Cowboy Church.

He was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Mary Lee Catherine (Boyle) Ross, age 90, of Ottawa passed away Saturday, March 6, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 11 at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd in the Oakwood Memorial Park Mausoleum with Reverend Gary Caster officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Pallbearers will be her children. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home.

Mary was born November 3, 1930 in Keokuk, Iowa. She married James Ross on February 15, 1958. He preceded her in death on November 28, 1991. Mary was a loving sister to Annie and Jane who both preceded her in death. She was a proud mom to her six biggest supporters, Jeanne Balber of Bourbonnais, Daniel (Jerri K) of Iowa, Kevin (Sherri) of Iowa, Robert (Michelle) of Monticello, Marianne (Scott) Wold of Ottawa and Donna (Michael) Hall of Ottawa. She is also survived by eleven grandchildren, Ryan (Becky) Balber, Jennifer (Izzy) Vallejo, Matthew Balber (Felicia), Landon, Katherine, Michael and Benjamin Ross, Courtney Groves, Chelsi Ross, Libby (Alec) Macko, Andrew Wold (Kayla Knobloch) and her bonus grandchildren, Morgan and Evan Hall. She is also survived by several great grandchildren.

Mary Lee was a member of St. Patrick’s Church. She enjoyed her Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Hour for many years. She worked secretarial and clerical jobs through the years. She enjoyed praying the rosary, listening to music while cleaning her house. She and Donna took a bus trip from St. Pat’s to Chicago for many years. She had an unwavering sense of faith which was an inspiration to those who knew her. She loved dogs and enjoyed many family dogs through the years. She always had treats and a warm couch for all of her visiting grandpups. She grew up on the Southside of Chicago and was very proud of her Irish Heritage. She loved St. Patrick’s Day, the White Sox and her many political shows. She looked forward to planting flowers every spring and caring for them all summer. She enjoyed a good Bloody Mary whether at Berta’s with Donna or the Christmas Eve Celebrations. The last few years her favorite things to do were go for walks at Oakwood Memorial Park and sit at Alan Park. She loved to feed the geese and watch the boats. More than anything she loved family get togethers.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of Prayer.

Lounetta Ceja, 80, of Ottawa passed away Monday, March 1, 2021 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Private family services will be held. She will be buried at Oakwood Memorial Park. Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.

Lounetta was born March 18, 1940 in Campbellsville, Kentucky to Kyle Abell and Ruth McConnaughhay. When Lounetta was young, her mother remarried Joseph A. Frig of Ottawa, who Lounetta considered her father. Lounetta married Richard Ceja on June 16, 1956, and together they had four children. Lounetta enjoyed taking fishing trips to Wisconsin with her husband. Her true joy in life was caring for her family. She loved taking care of her daughters when they were growing up, and continued to care for her grandchildren. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Richard; four daughters, Deborah (Don) Crowl, Carolyn (Francis) Gaudi, Ruth (late Lorence) Davis, and Paula Ceja; grandchildren, Richard and Joseph Crowl, Nicholas (Tina) Davis, Ashley (Nikki) Davis, Adam Gaudi, Jerod (Sheree) Ceja, and Kyleigh (Brandon) Ceja; fifteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandsons; sister, Jean Deats; sister-in-law, Cathy Knox; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Mary Jo and Carol; and her brothers, Butch and Don.

She was laid to rest in the Garden of the Last Supper.