Obituaries
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PFEIFFER, Gretchen J. - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, May 2, 2003 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Gretchen J. Pfeiffer, 88, of Ashland, and formerly of Ashton, died Wednesday evening, April 30, 2003 at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   She was born Oct. 24, 1914 in Amboy, the daughter of William and Inez Walters Finch. She married Glenn John Pfeiffer Feb. 28, 1940, and he preceded her in death Oct. 29, 1979.
   She is survived by two daughters, Jacqueline J. Spradlin of Ashland and Sandra R. (husband, Jim) Ranney of East Peoria; five grandchildren, Tara R. Eiken of Port Charlotte, Fla., Tammy R. Kesterson of Ashland, Tracy R. Bennett of Edina, Minn., James A. Ranney of Annapolis, Md., and Christine L. Ranney of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; 11 great grandchildren; and three nephews. She was preceded in death by one brother, William Finch, and one sister, Ruth Burrell. Mrs. Pfeiffer was a graduate of Amboy High School and attended Illinois State University. She was formerly employed at Ashton Bank in Ashton and worked several years as an administrative assistant at the Del Monte plant in Rochelle. She relocated to Mesa, Ariz., for 20 years after retirement. She was a member of the Ashton, United Methodist Church and the Order of Eastern Star.
   Cremation rites have been accorded. Private family committal services will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts are suggested to the Ashland Public Library for the Books On Tape Program. Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home in Ashland is in charge of the arrangements. Messages of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.buchananfuneralhomes.com.

PHELPS, Jacqueline 'Jackie' Elizabeth - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, April 20, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Jacqueline 'Jackie' Phelps, 1924-2007, Beardstown
   Jacqueline "Jackie" Elizabeth Phelps, 82, of Beardstown, died Thursday, April 19, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   She was born Sept. 7, 1924, in Rushville, the daughter of Robert H. and Lucy Self Morrow. She married Robert Lee Phelps on April 27, 1940, and he survives.
   She is survived by one daughter, Sandra (husband, Jerry) Lovekamp of Arenzville; one grandson, Greg (wife, Barb) Lovekamp of Springfield; and two great-grandsons.
   Mrs. Phelps graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1941. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Beardstown. As a homemaker, she enjoyed working crossword puzzles, reading, and cooking.
   Graveside funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the funeral service Saturday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Memorials are suggested to the Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

PHERIGO, Lois A. - Virginia Gazette,Virginia, Illinois - Submitted by Carol Orwig
Lois A. Pherigo, September 12, 1951-September 19, 1996
Lois A. Pherigo, 45, Chandlerville, was pronounced dead at 9:50 a.m. Thursday, September 19 in Springfield.
   She was born September 12, 1951 in Beardstown, the daughter of William Everett and Hazel Cox Hish. She married Rick Pherigo on January 15, 1971.
   She is survived by her husband, Rick Pherigo; two sons, Anthony Wayne Pherigo and Jayson Lee Pherigo, both of Chandlerville; a daughter, Wendy LeAnne Pherigo of Chandlerville; her parents, William Everett and Hazel Hish of Chandlerville; two sisters, Mrs. Martin (Wilma) Fox of Thayer and Mrs. Douglas (Rosa Lee) Brockhouse of Kirkwood, MO; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
   Mrs. Pherigo was a bookkeeper for Jack Tanner Towing Company of Havana. She was a member of Chandlerville United Methodist Church where she served as treasurer for several years and the Chandlerville American Legion Auxiliary.
   Funeral services were held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Chandlerville United Methodist Church with Rev. Mark Horn officiating. The organist was Melinda Taylor. Burial was in Bethel Cemetery, north of Chandlerville.
   Memorial gifts may be given to the Chandlerville United Methodist Church.

PHILLIPS, Ruth Ella (Dieckman) - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois - Submitted by Mark E. Phillips
Ruth E. Phillips, 1911-2002, Jacksonville
   Ruth E. Phillips, 90, of Jacksonville and formerly of Murrayville, died Monday, April 1, 2002, at her residence.
   She was born July 1, 1911, in Orchard, Neb., the daughter of Henry Herman and Margaret Elizabeth Schneider Dieckman. She married William P. Phillips, and he preceded her in death in 1938. She then married Raymond Clyde Phillips Feb. 24, 1943 in Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on July 23, 1981.
   She is survived by four daughters, Jacolyn R. (husband, Richard) Hermes of New Berlin, Pat (husband, Don) Covey of Grapevine, Texas, Margaret (husband, Don) Mathews of Roodhouse and Dixie (husband, Keith) Pennell of Murrayville; two sons, Jon R. of Jacksonville and Thomas C. (wife, Diana) of Murrayville; 20 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Bill J.; a brother, Louis Henry Dieckman; a sister, Elise Lousetia Jones, and a grandson.
   Mrs. Phillips graduated from Arenzville High School.
   Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday at Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Murrayville, with burial at Murrayville City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Hospice of Illinois or St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis.

PLUMMER, Joshua Clark - Beardstown Central Illinoian, November 25, 1869
   Mr. Plummer, living near Virginia, IL fell on the railroad tracks while turkey shooting and a gunshot entered his leg. He refused to have the leg amputated and died a short time later. He leaves a wife and five children.

PLUNKETT, Annabel - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, February 28, 2008, Beardstown - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Annabel Plunkett, 77, of Beardstown, died early Tuesday morning, Feb. 26, 2008, at her residence.
   She was born Aug. 19, 1930, in Meredosia, the daughter of Robert Lee and Lena Stuhmer Workman. She married Walter M. Plunkett on Aug. 5, 1948, and he survives.
   She is also survived by two sons, David W. of Beardstown and Henry L. (wife, Katherine) of Denison, Texas; one daughter, Nancy A. (husband, Don) Riddle of Denison, Texas; five grandchildren, Alexa and John Plunkett, Stephanie and Tracy Riddle and Jennifer Young; two great-grandchildren; and one brother, Russell L. Workman of San Antonio. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Thrasher and Norma Jean Durr.
   Mrs. Plunkett graduated from Meredosia High School in 1948. She was a member of First United Methodist Church and Circle 6 in Beardstown. Her hobbies included crafting, reading and quilting. She had many talents and was kind to everyone she met.
   Following cremation rites, there will be private services held at a later date. Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

POST, Lena Mae - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, November 27, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Lena Mae Post, 88, of Beardstown and formerly of Meredosia, died Sunday evening, Nov. 25, 2007, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   She was born May 30, 1919, in Chapin, the daughter of James and Pearl Surratt Shinnebarger. She married Donald "Bud" Post in 1935, in Jacksonville, and he preceded her in death in 1959.
   She is survived by one daughter, Donna (husband, Jack) Allen of Meredosia; two granddaughters, Deborah (husband, Steven) Surratt of Meredosia and Jackie (husband, Matt) Post of Arenzville; three great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Charles (wife, Shirley) Shinnebarger of Walnut Grove, Mo.; and one sister, Virginia Bean of Norman, Okla. She was preceded in death by one brother, Delbert Shinnebarger.
   Mrs. Post was a homemaker. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.
   Private services will be held at a later date, with burial at Chapin Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.buchanancody.com.

PRICE, Rozillia 'Rosie' Bell - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, February 27, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Rozillia 'Rosie' Bell Price, 1929-2007, Beardstown
   Rozillia "Rosie" Bell Price, 77, of Beardstown, died Monday Feb. 26, 2007, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.
   She was born May 29, 1929, in Adair, the daughter of Elmer Bert and Eunice Florence Lindsey Thurman. She married Earl Harold Price on Sept. 27, 1958, in Palmyra, Mo., and he survives.
   She is also survived by two sons, Lemuel (wife, Kitty) Hymes of Gilroy, Calif. and Michael Hymes of Illinois; two daughters, Linda (husband, George) Absher of Beardstown and Patricia (husband, Dick) Holt of Smith Lake; one stepson, Ed Price of Beardstown; 16 grandchildren, Amy Phillips, Brian Newman, Michael Hymes, Tiffany Thompson, Jennifer Dingman, Jennifer McCombs, Jimmy Hymes, Nathaniel Absher, Tammy Drake, Nicole Gregory, David Holt, Connie Dossett, John Price, Shane Price, Mandy Price and Cody Thurman; 30 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack (wife, Donna) Thurman and Harry (wife, Joann) Thurman, both of Beardstown; three sisters, Kathryn Rohn and Delores (husband, Kenny) Workman, both of Beardstown and Christina Crews of Carthage; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one stepson, David (surviving wife, Linda of Beardstown) Price; five brothers and one sister.
   Mrs. Price attended school in Beardstown. She was a faithful and active member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary and Guthrie-Pierce VFW Ladies Auxiliary, both in Beardstown. She assisted in numerous luncheons served by both organizations and operating the American Legion Bingo in Beardstown for many years. She was formerly employed as a waitress at various local restaurants including Star Cafe', Yates Cafe', and Arrow Restaurant, all in Beardstown. She enjoyed playing bingo and cards.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Thursday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown with burial at Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

PRIEF, Justin Robert - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, July 31, 2007 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Justin Robert Prief, 1982-2007, Beardstown
   Justin Robert Prief, 24, of Beardstown, died Sunday afternoon, July 29, 2007, at his residence.
   He was born Nov. 11, 1982, in Springfield, the son of John A. and Debora A. Donaldson Prief.
   He is survived by his parents of Beardstown; and one sister, Kristen A. Prief of Beardstown. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Donaldson; and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Prief.
   Mr. Prief was a 2001 graduate of Beardstown High School and was an avid collector of Nutcracker and Wade Figurines. He enjoyed e-mailing his friends, spending time with his family and his two toy poodles, Nikki and Annie.
   Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown, with burial at Oak Grove Cemetery in Beardstown. Family will meet with friends from 10 a.m. until time of services. Memorials are suggested to Dr. Stan Korsmeyer Science Education Fund. Condolences may be sent to sagerfh@casscomm.com.

PROFFITT, Hollis - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, December 13, 2006 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
Hollis Proffitt, 1918-2006, Beardstown
   Hollis Proffitt, 88, of Beardstown, died Monday, Dec. 11, 2006, at Heritage Manor East in Beardstown.
   She was born April 23, 1918, near Roodhouse, the daughter of Ray and Marie Arendell Walker. She married Ernest Proffitt on Sept. 24, 1937 in Hannibal, Mo., and he preceded her in death Dec. 22, 1997.
   She is survived by two sons, Larry (wife, Brenda) of Jacksonville and Ronnie (wife, Mary) of Literberry; one daughter, Cathy (husband, Butch) Sprague of Roodhouse; 13 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; two sisters, Mona Bradshaw of Jacksonville and Mary Lou (husband, Bob) Wilson of Arizona; and one brother, Roy (wife, Nancy) Walker of Benton. she was preceded in death by one great-grandchild; and two brothers, Gene Walker and Ray (surviving wife, Pat of Arizona) Walker.
   Mrs. Proffitt was a seamstress at J. Capps and Sons in Jacksonville for 16 years. she was a charter member of the Jacksonville Moose Auxiliary and served in all chairs. She was a member of the College of Regents of Moose, V.F.W. Auxiliary, and the Church of Our Saviour.
   Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m. Friday at Church of Our Saviour in Jacksonville, with burial at Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call after 11 a.m. Thursday at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, where the family will meet friends following a 5:45 p.m. prayer service, until 8 p.m. A Moose Auxiliary service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Thursday. Memorials are suggested to the Church of Our Saviour. Condolences may be left at www.airsman-hires.com.

PURKEY, Bernice - Journal-Courier, Jacksonville, Illinois, September 2002 - Submitted by Marcia Cox
   Bernice Purkey, 84, of Virginia, died Sunday September 1, 2002, at Heritage Manor South in Beardstown.
   She was born May 11, 1918, in Cass County, the daughter of Tom and Esther Marguerite Williams Cox. She married Howard L. Purkey in 1944 in Cass County; he died in 1981. A daughter, Janet Sue Richmeier, also preceded her in death.
   Mrs. Purkey operated a day-care center in Garden Grove, Calif., for 21 1/2 years. She was a cook and a waitress at R.G. Letourneau's in Peoria. She was active in church missionary work and Bible teaching at Walker Nursing Home in Virginia. She was a member of Virginia Lioness Club for many years and Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Virginia. She was a former member of Church of the Nazarene in Danville, Ark.
   Survivors; two sons, Thomas H. (wife, Claudia) Purkey of Gaylord, Mich., and Dale C., (wife, Mary) Purkey of Sherman, Texas; six grandchildren; a great-grandson; three brothers, Charles of Eugene, Ore., and Kenneth and Thomas Russell Cox, both of Virginia; two sisters, Margaret Chilton of Virginia and Hazel Hish of Chandlerville; and several nieces and nephews.
   Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Massie-Buchanan Funeral Home, Virginia. Burial: Thursday, Earl Ladd Cemetery, Danville.

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