All Obituaries

Larry D. Stimage, Sr., age 55, of Peoria, passed away on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at his home. Larry was born on November 25, 1965 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to Charles and Elizabeth (Grace) Stimage.  They preceded him death.  Also preceding him in death are one brother, Charles Samuels; two sisters, Bertha Miller and Sharon Stimage; and one niece, Laytonia Miller. Surviving are his son, Larry Stimage, Jr. of Peoria; one grandson, Ravon Jackson; his fiancé of 17 years, Sally...

Ruth Abel, age 87, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday May 9, 2021 at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria. Ruth was born on August 2, 1933 in Streator, IL to William F. and Wilhelmina “Minnie” (nee Kolb) Baxendale.  She married Donald L. Abel on February 14, 1981 in Dunlap, IL   He preceded her in death on May 21, 2015.  Also preceding her in death are her parents; three children, Howard, Diane and Daniel Gaisford; one stepson, Donald L. Abel, Jr.; and her...

Russell W. Barber of Melbourne, FL, formerly of Peoria, IL, died at 11:45PM on May 4, 2021. Bud was born in Peoria to Russell K. and Alma (Kreiter) Barber on August 2, 1938. He married Shirley M. Bischoff on March 3, 1962. She survives him. He was a member of Local #34 and received his 55-year pin. He worked for Blackwell Electric and Oberlander Electric Companies, as an estimator and a journeyman electrician. He was a charter member of the Peoria Chiefs Booster Club, a member of the...

Jose Lopez Vega, age 81, of Peoria, passed away on Thursday, April 22, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Jose was born on March 19, 1940 in Jalisco, Mexico to Francisco Lopez and Zenaida Vega.  Surviving are his wife, Ana Maria Cardenas Mejia of Mexico; his children, Francsico Javier Lopez Cardenas of Mexico, Marina Lopez Cardenas of Mexico, Silvia Zenaida Lopez Cardenas of Peoria, IL, Jose Alberto Lopez Cardenas of Mexico and Ana Judith Lopez Cardenas of Mexico; eight...

Earlynn Joy Miller, 80, died April 19, 2021, at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, VA. Born April 13, 1941, Earlynn was the only child of Gwendolyn I. and Earl J. Miller of Peoria, IL. Dr. Miller grew up in Peoria, Illinois, where she took classes in the arts. She developed a special interest in dance and earned a B.S. in physical education and dance from the Illinois State University in 1962. She furthered her education in the arts at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, where she...

Matthew D. Riggs, 51, of Peoria, passed away on April 18, 2021 at his home in Peoria. Matt was born on December 25, 1969 in Peoria the son of George D. and Marilyn L. (Carrington) Riggs. Surviving are his children Zachary Riggs of Pekin, Mackenzie Riggs of Washington and Alexandra Riggs of Washington; two grandchildren Aria and Emma Hauck both of Pekin; a sister Christine (Ronald) Ward of Dunlap; three brothers Scott (Pam) Simpson of Peoria, Jeff (Lynette) Riggs of Peoria, and Mike Riggs...

Gary M. Dutro, 74, of West Peoria, passed at 2:26 am on Thursday, April 15, 2021, at the Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.  Gary was born January 21, 1947, in Peoria to Earnest Phelps Dutro and Bertha Mae (Kilpatrick) Dutro.  They preceded him in death, along with his brother, Gregory A. Dutro. On a blind date on July 12, 1965, in Peoria, he met Sandra K. Gunn, the love of his life.  They were married on August 22, 1970, at United Methodist Church in Peoria.  She...

Stephen Allen Hartseil, age 72 of Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. Steve was born on July 4, 1948 in Peoria to Ellis Alfred “Al” and June Carol (Henderson) Hartseil.  He married Dianne Beth Crisp on May 17, 1975 in Peoria. Surviving are his wife, Dianne, of Peoria; his children, Stephen (Melinda) Hartseil of St. Petersburg, FL and Brandi Hartseil of Peoria, IL; one grandson, Ryan Eyer; one sister, Judy Chance of...

Hayes W. Thomas was stillborn on March 31, 2021 at UnityPoint Health Methodist in Peoria.  His twin brother, Hendrix W. Thomas was born on April 3, 2021 at 8:53pm at passed away on 9:55pm.  There will be no services at this time for the Thomas twins.  The angels are at rest at Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home in Peoria whom is in charge of arrangements. Survivors include their mother, Dontajjae A. Thomas; maternal grandmother, Miesha D. Reed; and stepfather, Lawrence Osborn; and...

S. Ray Ekhoff, age 91, of Peoria, passed away on Sunday, March 21, 2021 at his home. Ray was born on July 2, 1929 in Aurora, MO to John F. and Olive G. (Beyer) Ekhoff. He married Ruth Meylink on August 24, 1950 in Cedar Grove, WI. She preceded him in death on April 19, 2020, just a few months shy of their 70th wedding anniversary. Also preceding him in death are his parents and his brothers, Claire Gene Ekhoff and Dean Ekhoff. Surviving are his siblings, Charlotte Pieper of Burnsville, MN,...