Obituaries

Freeport

David C. Thill, 93

David C. Thill, 93, of Freeport, IL passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at FHN Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 20, 1931 to William and Ruth (Bruss) Thill in Clayton, WI. David married Patricia Heyer on October 12, 1954 at the Nazarene Church in Stockton, IL. He proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1954-1956 during the Korean War. After David was discharged from the Army, he started working for F/S Stephenson Service Company as a petroleum salesman. David worked his way up to management and retired in 1997 after 40 years of service.

David was a member of the Freeport Legion. He was a 30-year volunteer fireman for the Freeport Rural Fire Department and served multiple terms as the county clerk for Florence Township. He enjoyed being outdoors; traveling, camping, fishing, and woodworking. He also enjoyed square dancing in his younger years, and going to craft shows with his wife Pat.

David is survived by his wife Patricia of Freeport, their children; Michael (Vicki) Thill of Lena, Colleen Thill of Springfield, Tim (Mary Beth) Thill of Freeport, and Chari Thill of Freeport, grandchildren; Jeremy Thill, Nicole Thill, Kristin Tiesman, Ashley Jackson, Trent Thill, Erin Thill, and Emma Thill, great-grandchildren; Lincoln, Zack, Cordell, Addison, Alijah, Lydia, Antonio, and Kehlani, great-great grandson-Oliver and his brothers; Ronald (Harriette) Thill, Lowell Thill, and Carlisle (Clarissa) Thill.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Marvin and Wesley Thill, great grandson Kaine; Brothers-in-Law- Gordon Heyer and Lester Mahon and Sisters-in Law- Janice Heyer, June Mahon, Betty Thill (Marvin), Betty Thill (Wesley) and Sonja Thill (Lowell).

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A visitation was from 9:00 AM until time of services on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the funeral home. Burial will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. Pastor Rachel Smith officiated the services.

A memorial has been established in his memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Lena

Toni R. Reed, 58

Toni R. Reed, 58 of Lena, IL passed away on January 3, 2024 at FHN. She was born on March 30, 1965 at Dr. Boeke’s office in Winslow, IL to Bob and Karen (Bauer) Johnson. She married Dave Reed on November 7, 1981 at the Lena Methodist Church and together they raised a family. She kept busy throughout the years. She worked at Gilley’s Supperclub in her younger years where she had a lot of fun and made friends. She also spent many years babysitting nieces and nephews and became like a second mother to them. The past 18 years she was a devoted caregiver for the elderly.

A celebration of Toni’s life will be held following a brief memorial service starting at 1:00 PM on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at 7926 N Five Corners Road in Lena, Illinois.

Cremation rights have been accorded. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com

Winslow

Dorothy E. Montgomery, 93

Dorothy E. Montgomery, 93, formerly of Winslow, IL passed away with family by her side on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Liberty Village in Freeport, IL. She was born on December 31, 1930 in Monroe, WI to Orlo and Cora (Seffrood) Swanson. Dorothy attended country grade school and graduated from South Wayne High School in 1948. In 1964, Dorothy started as a clerk at the Winslow Post Office and was appointed postmaster in March of 1975. Dorothy retired in November of 1992, after 28 years of service.

Dorothy is survived by her three children; Gary (Julie) Montgomery of Winslow, IL, Gail Brister of Lena, IL, and Sue Montgomery of Lena, IL, seven grandchildren; Ryan (Krista) Montgomery, Kyle (Kali) Montgomery, Autumn (Bill) Wagner, Amanda Winters, Grant (Carmen) Winters, Jennifer Brister, Laura Brister, step grandson; David Brister, 16 great grandchildren, 3 step great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and her brother; Orville (Dorothy) Swanson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers; Lyle and Robert, sister Marie, son-in-law Gene, and a step-grandson Derek.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. A visitation was held from 9:30 AM until the time of services on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena. Burial will be at Rock Lily Cemetery in Winslow.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.leamonfh.com.

Lanark

Constance Barnes, 79

In loving memory of Constance Barnes, a woman whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and compassion. Connie was born in Dunkirk, New York, on June 11, 1944, grew up in Fredonia, New York, the daughter of Herbert and Geraldine (Dickinson) Shaw.

Connie married Ralph "Jake" Thies on April 22, 1961, she embraced the role of a loving wife and mother with grace and determination. She cherished her children, Veronica and Kelley, instilling in them the values of education and perseverance. Driven by her love of learning, Connie returned to school while raising her children. She eventually obtained an Associates Degree from Mohave Community College in Bullhead, Arizona. Her commitment to learning was matched by her work ethic. Connie worked as a Receptionist at Mohave Community College for several years.

Throughout her life Connie taught Sunday school, engaged in various ministries and sang in the church choir. Connie's love for music was a constant throughout her life. Her beautiful voice resonated in songs like "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Wind Beneath My Wing.” Even in times of illness, her spirit soared as she sang, bringing smiles to those around her.

Her passions extended beyond music and church life; her travels, whether with friends or loved ones, enriched her life with experiences from Nashville to Hawaii, Ireland, and beyond. She also found joy in simple pleasures like watching Hallmark movies, reading, and cherishing moments with family and friends. Connie was a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of the American Revolution and the First United Methodist Church of Dixon.

In 1990, Connie and Jake relocated to Lanark, Illinois, to be closer to family during his illness. Jake passed away on April 8, 1991. Being close to her children brought her peace. Connie found love again with Curt Barnes. Their bond grew over shared experiences while they worked at Rolling Hills in Lanark, leading to a loving marriage on February 14, 1998. Despite facing Curt’s MS diagnosis together, Connie remained steadfast in her care and devotion to Curt until his passing in 2022.

Connie received exceptional care from Caster Home Nursing, Heritage Square and Serenity Hospice. The kindness and compassion shown by all were a source of comfort for her family and deeply appreciated.

Connie's life was a tapestry of love, resilience, and faith. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, leaving behind a cherished memory of a woman who lived life with grace, kindness, and an unwavering spirit of love.

She is dearly missed by her daughter, Veronica (Don) Dietz of Lanark, Illinois; her son, Kelley Scott Thies of Dixon, Illinois; two stepdaughters, LaVonne Harris of Centennial, Colorado and Carmen (Jessica) Barnes of Evanston, Illinois; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carol Leatherwood of Saint George, Utah, Roxanne (Everett) Thompson of Mt. Dora, Florida and Barb Delaney of Bullhead City, Arizona; and life-long friends, Pat and Dick Glasier of Dunkirk, New York. She is preceded in death by her parents, Herb and Jeri; her granddaughter, Amanda (Thies) Cuthbert; and her brother, Charles Shaw.

Please honor Connie's memory with donations to a charity of your choice. She will be laid to rest at Glenwood Cemetery, Silver Creek, New York at a later date.

Stockton

William “Bill” Mitchell, 97

The appointed days have been completed for William “Bill” Mitchell. He passed away at Lena Living Center on April 26, 2024.

Bill was born 2-7-27 to William and Bessie Mitchell and was raised among five siblings: Lois, Lavern, Evelyn, Ruth and Marian. He lived in and around Woodbine and Stockton and Kent, went to school and farmed. He married Evelyn Hamann in August of 1949 and raised four children while participating in worship at Calvary Church in Stockton, horseback riding with the Jo Daviess Co. Mounted Patrol and Le Aqua Na Riders, card club, square dancing, 4H and fair projects help, as well as auctions, garage sales and church suppers. Bill had held a trustee position at his church and a vice president role with the Mounted Patrol. He especially enjoyed listening to his daughter’s readings at church, performing search & research operations for the Mounted Patrol, and overseeing the “Fun Day” obstacle course for young riders in Elizabeth. He suffered the losses of his parents, his son Neil, his wife Evelyn and all of his siblings in his 97 years. Other things he endured with patience were a machine shed fire, a barn fire, the loss of a few fingers, severely reduced eyesight, he move to a nursing home at 96, and the difficulties of several infections in his last months.

He is survived by his offspring Vicki, Mark, and Gail, and their spouses (Ray Croffott and Kevin Schippman), four grandchildren, (Vanessa Knapp, Valerie Briggs, Matthew Mitchell, Michael Mitchell), and three great-grandchildren (Katie Campbell, Madison Mitchell, Phoenix Mitchell), in addition to many nephews, other relatives, and friends, particularly his special friend Anne Harmston.

Mourners may pay their respects on Friday, May 3, 2024 at Hermann Funeral Home in Stockton from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again prior to the funeral on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at Calvary Church in Stockton at 10:00 a.m. with service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Ladies Union Cemetery. A memorial fund has been established. Condolences may be shared at http://www.hermannfuneralhome.com.