All Obituaries

Louis Ray Helsing, 62, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away after a month-long battle with COVID-19 on Monday, October 19, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Louis Ray Helsing was born on July 23, 1958 in Chicago, IL to his parents Nuncio Louis Raffa and Linda Helsing (Dedman), both preceded him in death. Louis worked at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon, IL in the bead assembly department and was a veteran of the US Army.  He loved spending time with his family, riding...

Mary Jo McCormick, 62, a resident of Sims, IL passed away Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL. Mary Jo was born April 6, 1958 in Woodstock, IL to her parents David and Sally Buck. She was a member of the Sims Congregational Christian Church and was a longtime member of the Rebekah's Lodge in Sims. Mary Jo chose to be an organ and tissue donor, leaving behind a legacy of love and healing.  Her decision to donate the gift of life will help...

Larry Cecil Smith, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. Larry was born on June 24, 1938 in Farmer City, IL to his parents Clay Isaac Smith and Ilene (Thomason) Smith (Miley).  On June 4, 1961, he married Sharon Lea (Flannigan) Smith at the First General Baptist Church in McLeansboro, IL. Larry worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator at various locations including ICI Explosives,...

James Carl Cooper, 59, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away Sunday, September 27 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. James was born on September 26, 1961 in Mt. Vernon, IL.  On July 5, 1990 he married Kimberly Kay Cooper (Johnston), who survives. James was a retired Correctional Officer, who worked at Pontiac Correctional Center, Robinson Correctional Center, and Big Muddy Correctional Center for a combined 25 years.  He was a member of the Bluford American Legion and...

Beverly Kay Rush, 70, of Keenes, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at the Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. Beverly was born October 13, 1949 in Delavan, IL to her parents Lloyd and Lucille Martin.  On October 15, 1994 she married William Lee Rush, who survives. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Keenes Missionary Baptist Church.  Beverly was well-known for her baking skills and frequently shared her baked goods with a wide variety of people and...

Heather Renee Betts, 43, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO on Saturday, August 29, 2020.   Heather was born October 17, 1976 in Xenia, OH to Wanda K. Betts, who survives and Michael Leroy Betts, who preceded her in death.   She worked as a licensed L.P.N. Nurse at various locations.  She loved nature, especially watching butterflies or dragon flies, and going for a hike or a walk.  She loved to sew, and enjoyed rock...

Mary Louise (Cornstubble) Henson 94, of Keenes, IL, passed away with her family by her side,on Sunday August 30th at 10:30pm at Hamilton County Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL. Mary Lou was born on March 14th, 1926 to Lester and Elsie Mae (Greenwalt) Cornstubble Smith at their home in Papertown, IL. She married Leonard S. Henson on November 7th, 1944 at the home of her mother in Keenes, IL. After high school Mary Lou took a job as a teacher in a one room school house called The North...

Charles Kenneth “C.K.” Robinson, a resident of Bluford, IL passed away at Deaconess Midtown Hospital on Friday, August 14, 2020. C.K. owned his own construction business, C.K. Robinson Construction for 25 years and was a member of the Carpenter’s Local 636 Union in Mt. Vernon, IL.  He was a 40-year member of the Dickinson Masonic Lodge #1324 in Dickinson, TX.  He loved animals and especially loved his pet Yorkie, named Rascal. C.K. is survived by 2 daughters:...

Donna Ruth Wilson, 87, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL on Saturday, August 8, 2020. Donna was born on February 11, 1933 in Wayne County to her parents Clay Smith and Ilene (Thomason) Miley.  On July 28, 1951 she married Lowell “George” Wilson, who preceded her in death. Donna was a homemaker and enjoyed being active in community events.  She loved playing pinochle and spending time with her family and...

Rose Mary Hammond, a resident of Wayne City, IL passed away at Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL on Sunday, August 9, 2020. Rose worked as a C.N.A. in Evansville, IN, Mt. Vernon, IL, and Carmi, IL and then worked as an in-home health care provider.  She was a bible school teacher and a longtime and active member of the Long Prairie Missionary Baptist Church.  Rose enjoyed spending time with family, friends, and at church. Rose is survived by her husband Billy Hammond,...