Obituaries

Robert L. Morris

Robert L. Morris

Sep 9, 2025

Robert Lee Morris, 83, of Wataga, Illinois, died at 2:33 a.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2025 in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.

Bob was born May 3, 1942 in Frederick, Illinois, the son of Merle Melvin and Leona (Hedden) Morris. Bob entered the US Army on July 29, 1960. He was honorably discharged on July 31,...

Donald R. Hawthorne

Donald R. Hawthorne

Sep 8, 2025

Donald Ray Hawthorne, 73, of Waynesboro, Mississippi, died Monday, September 8, 2025 at Wayne General Hospital, Waynesboro.

Donald was born January 24, 1952 in Pensacola, Florida, the son of James Davis “J.D.” and Clara E. (Mixon) Hawthorne.

Don is survived by one son, Cedric (Bessie Short) Hawthorne, of Monmouth, Illinois; six sisters, Milean Davis of Georgia, Patricia (James Blackwell) Daniels of Galesburg,...

Virgie L. Scott-Shiman

Virgie L. Scott-Shiman

Sep 7, 2025

Virgie Lynn Scott-Shiman, 69, of Galesburg, died Sunday, September 7, 2025 at her home.

She was born in Galesburg, the daughter of Virgil Ralph and Rosalie Ann (Folger) Moore. Virgie graduated from Galesburg High School in 1974 and was also a student at Carl Sandburg College. She worked as a paraprofessional for Galesburg High School for many years until she became...

Joyce L. Helms

Joyce L. Helms

Sep 7, 2025

Joyce Lucinda (Larkins) Helms, 69, of Galesburg, Illinois passed away Sunday, September 7, 2025 after a brief battle with cancer at home with her loved ones by her side. Born March 29, 1956 in Galesburg, the daughter of John D. and Colleen J. (Sage) Larkins.

She is survived by her husband, Thomas Helms; two brothers, Dale (Pam) Larkins and Tim (Becky)...

Patricia R. Quick

Patricia R. Quick

Sep 5, 2025

Patricia Rea Quick, 77, of Oquawka, Illinois, died at 7:02 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2025 at Mercer Manor in Aledo, Illinois.

Pat, as she preferred to be called, was born September 4, 1948 in Geneseo, Illinois, the daughter of Elder Essex and Betty Marie (Tillie) Ingle. Pat graduated from Walnut Community High School as part of the class of 1966. She...

Rae Ann Staskiewicz

Rae Ann Staskiewicz

Sep 3, 2025

Rae Ann Staskiewicz, 75, of Galesburg, died at 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at OSF Richard Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois. She was born January 4, 1950 in DePue, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond Vincent and Helen Jane (Unholz) Staskiewicz.

After graduating from high school, she went on to pursue her career for the State of Illinois Agriculture Department...

Thomas A. Carver

Thomas A. Carver

Sep 3, 2025

Thomas Arthur “Hook” Carver, 75, of Biggsville, Illinois, formerly of Monmouth, Illinois, died at home, Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Tom or Hook as he was known by many, was born September 28, 1949 in Boone, Iowa, the son of Arthur William and Joan Mae (Hillsteadt) Carver. He graduated from Boone High School in 1967 and went on to marry Vaughn Kathleen...

John "Jack" Eichler

John "Jack" Eichler

Aug 28, 2025

John “Jack” Eichler, 87, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at 8:43 a.m. Thursday, August 28, 2025 at Marigold Health Care and Rehab, Galesburg.

Jack was born March 12, 1938 in New York, New York, the son of Mary Audrey Eichler. He was raised by his aunt and uncle and godparents, Mary Eloise (Eichler) and George Adkins. They both preceded him in...

Tina F. Wells

Tina F. Wells

Aug 26, 2025

Tina F. Wells, 65, of Galesburg, passed away at 6:17 p.m. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

She was born August 1, 1960 in Henry County, Indiana, the daughter of Rutherford D. and Melba E. (Killion) Ledbetter. After graduating high school, Tina attended nursing school and dedicated 19 years of working as an LPN at...

Harold "Gene" Benson

Harold "Gene" Benson

Aug 25, 2025

Harold "Gene" Benson, born on December 21 1939, passed away August 25 2025. Gene is survived by his wife, Mary (Edwards) Benson, his brother, Jerry Lee Benson, his children, Thomas (Cynthia) Benson, Cynthia (Pat) King, Kathy (Stan) Brown, Steven (Loni) King. His grandchildren, Madisson, Scott, James, Andrew, Dana, Taylor, Serria, Heath, Hank, Zac and Krista. As well as 9 great...

Josephine Haptonstahl

Josephine Haptonstahl

Aug 22, 2025

Josephine Haptonstahl, 76, loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on August 22, 2025, in her home at The Loft of East Peoria following a prolonged illness. Her only daughter and several siblings were at her side the days before she left, and at her time of passing.

Josephine was born on April 18, 1949, in Des Moines, IA...

Shantah L. Campbell

Shantah L. Campbell

Aug 20, 2025

Shantah L. Campbell, 51, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at 4:20 p.m. Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

He was born February 8, 1974 in Moline, Illinois, the son of William Hoskins and Sharon Campbell. Shantah graduated from Galesburg High School in 1992 and later attended Carl Sandburg College. He dedicated over 20 years working at Dick Blick in Galesburg.

Left to cherish his...

Nancy S. Hinshaw

Nancy S. Hinshaw

Aug 18, 2025

Nancy Sue Hinshaw, 69, of Oquawka, Illinois, died peacefully at Oak Lane Nursing Home, Stronghurst, Illinois on Monday, August 18, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

Nancy was born in Monmouth, Illinois, the daughter of Harold Wilson and Velma Mae (Simpson) Henshaw. She graduated from Westmer High School.

Nancy is survived by her two daughters, Amanda (and Brian) Randall of Gladstone, Illinois and their...

Theresa Bivens

Theresa Bivens

Aug 18, 2025

Theresa Bivens, 85, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at 5:05 a.m. Monday, August 18, 2025. Theresa was born October 14, 1939 in Galesburg, the daughter of Jake and Elizabeth (Matto) Glasnovich. She graduated from Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg. Theresa married William “Bill” Bivens on February 17, 1962 in Galesburg.

Theresa is survived by her three sons: Phillip of Newburgh,...

Mercedes "Sally" Cabrera

Mercedes "Sally" Cabrera

Aug 10, 2025

Loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mercedes “Sally” Cabrera, 96, of Lincolnshire, Illinois, (formerly of Galesburg) died August 10, 2025.

Sally was born September 24, 1928, in Silvis, Illinois, the daughter of John and Felicitas Martel. She married John R. Cabrera on February 2, 1957. He preceded her in death on December 26, 2012.

Sally’s greatest joy was her family. She was a...

Samantha "Sami" J. Boynton

Samantha "Sami" J. Boynton

Aug 6, 2025

Samantha Jo Boynton, affectionately known as Sami, 55, of Galesburg, passed away at 9:26 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center after bravely battling cancer. She was born July 19, 1970 in Galesburg to Laura (Eaves) Dowell and Paul Boynton.

Sami was reared and educated in Galesburg. She found her passion as being a devoted caregiver for...

Deborah A. Johnson

Deborah A. Johnson

Jul 31, 2025

Deborah Allen Johnson, 69, of Galesburg, died at 2:49 p.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

She was born September 7, 1955 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of David Buell and Barbara Moore (Brooks) Allen. Deborah was reared and educated in Galesburg graduating from Galesburg High School in 1974. She then became an RN and...

Leslie "Bill" C. Bomar, Jr.

Leslie "Bill" C. Bomar, Jr.

Jul 30, 2025

Leslie “Bill” Calvin Bomar, Jr., 68, of Galesburg, died at 5:24 a.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

He was born June 14, 1957 in Portland, Tennessee. After graduating from high school, Bill proudly served in the United States Air Force until he was honorably discharged in 1979. Throughout his younger years, he explored various...

Cynthia J. Smith

Cynthia J. Smith

Jul 30, 2025

Cynthia Jean Smith, 84, of Galesburg, Illinois, died in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, at 12:55 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.

Cindy was born February 16, 1941 in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Eugene Victor and Harriet Elizabeth (Beno) Monahan. Cindy married William Anthony Smith on June 17, 1961 at St. Mark Catholic Church, Peoria,...

Jack L. Howerter

Jack L. Howerter

Jul 26, 2025

Jack L. Howerter, 86, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 11:32 a.m. Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.

Jack was born on June 13, 1939 in Galesburg, the son of Harry L. and Mildred E. (Johnson) Howerter. Jack grew up in Victoria, Illinois, graduating from ROVA High School in 1957. He went on to work for a time with his...