Obituaries

Jimmy Ward

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 1:47pm

MORRIS—Jimmy Ray Ward, 54, formerly of Wilmington, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2023 at his home in Morris, surrounded by family.
Born Nov. 6, 1968 in Joliet, Jimmy Ray was a son of Brenda (Don) Riley, of Morris and Fred (Oshia) Ward, of Tennessee. He was raised in Morris and Wilmington, and worked as a laborer throughout the years in construction and excavating. Remembered for his love of everything outdoors, Jimmy enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping, and hunting for morels.

Charles C. Foster

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 9:59am

WILMINGTON—Charles C. Foster, 84, of Wilmington, IL passed away Friday, July 7, 2023 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.
Born Jan. 26, 1939 in Blairsville, GA, he was the son of Robert and EllaRee (nee Wilson) Foster. Charles retired from Pace Suburban Bus as a supervisor after serving over 45 years of employment. In the past, he had a love for woodworking and hand painting his finished products. He also had a passion for vegetable gardening, but most importantly he was a family man who enjoyed every moment spent with his loved ones.

Margaret Crosman

Published by admin on Tue, 07/11/2023 - 9:56am

BRAIDWOOD—Margaret “Jean” Crosman (nee Crane), of Braidwood, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Clifford Cragg

Published by admin on Mon, 07/10/2023 - 12:10pm

FESTUS, MO—Clifford Melvin Cragg, 85, of Festus, MO and a former resident of Wilmington, passed away May 19, 2023 at his home surrounded by family.

Dennis F.M. Schapmire

Published by admin on Mon, 07/10/2023 - 12:04pm

OZARK, IL—Dennis F.M. Schapmire, 43 , a resident of Ozark, IL, formerly of Custer Park, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, July 5, 2023, in Metropolis, IL.

Ethel G. Neese

Published by admin on Mon, 07/10/2023 - 9:15am

WILMINGTON—Ethel G. Neese (nee Howard), 82, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully, Friday, July 7, 2023.
Born March 19, 1941 in Wilmington, she was the daughter of William Golden and Avia Ellen (nee Mansfield) Howard. Ethel was an avid volunteer, who enjoyed serving as a Girl Scout leader, helping at the Kuzma Food Pantry, and donating her time with the American Red Cross. She was a Certified Nursing Assistant, formerly working for Embassy Care Nursing Home in Wilmington. Ethel loved handwork crafts, such as painting, sewing and scrapbooking.

Thomas E. Kahler

Published by admin on Thu, 07/06/2023 - 9:02am

WILMINGTON— Thomas Edward Kahler, 81, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully Friday, June 23, 2023 on the same property he was born at. Born Aug. 8, 1941 in Wilmington to the late Eugene and Anna (nee Mercer) Kahler. Veteran of the United States Navy. Tom formerly worked at Dresden Generating Station in Morris. He married Sandra Begler on May 18, 1963 at St. Rose Catholic Church. Tom enjoyed golfing, gardening, bird watching, and playing with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

William “Buzzy” Smith

Published by admin on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 11:13am

DIAMOND—William "Buzzy" Smith, 84, of Diamond, passed away Sunday, July 2, 2023 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet.
Born June 18, 1939 in Morris, William Dale was a son of William Edward and Velma (Albrecht) Smith. He was raised in Coal City and attended Coal City High School. On Oct. 8, 1960, Buzzy married Patricia A. Smith at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Wilmington, and together they made a home and raised their family.

Ron Habing

Published by admin on Mon, 07/03/2023 - 12:21pm

WILMINGTON— Ron Habing, 90 of Wilmington, passed away Monday, July 3, 2023 at the Illinois Veterans Home in Manteno, IL.

Carolyn Stamets

Published by admin on Mon, 07/03/2023 - 10:00am

ELWOOD—Carolyn Stamets, 82, of Elwood, and formerly South Holland, IL, passed away Thursday, March 30, 2023 at Northwestern Memorial Palos Hospital in Palos Heights, IL.
Born Jan. 30, 1941 in Hammond, IN, Carolyn was a daughter of A. Albert and Hester (Ball) Lindquist. She was raised in the Hegewisch Neighborhood of Chicago and graduated from Bowen High School with the class of 1959. On June 3, 1961, Carolyn married Stanley Stamets in Lebanon Lutheran Church in Chicago.