William Benedict Bauswell,63, of Virden died at 12:23 a.m. January 15, 2020. He died at Hallmark Healthcare in Carlinville, IL.

William was born in Springfield, Il on April 17, 1956 to William and Opal Bauswell. He attended Auburn High School graduating class of 1974. On June 7, 2013 he married Judy Downs in Florence, AZ.

He is Survived by his wife, Judy; sisters, Diane Shawgo, Grace (Andy) Ross, Faye Lewis, Karen (Dan) Loy and Penny Ulm and brothers, John Fuller and Dale Fuller as well as many nieces nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; both sets of grandparents and one uncle.

A Visitation will be held for William on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Airman-Calvert Funeral Home at 523 Springfield St. in Virden. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2020 also at the funeral home with cremation to follow at a later date.

Arrangements are under the direction of Airsman-Calvert Funeral Homes in Virden, IL

Dustin A. Mack

Chatham – Dustin A. Mack, 38, passed away at 4:15 P.M. Tuesday, December 24, 2019 at his residence in Chatham, IL.

Dustin was born March 29, 1981 in Springfield, IL a son to Richard M. Mack & Shelia A. (Mack) – Wisnasky.

Dustin was a 1999 graduate of Auburn High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, football and running track.   He worked as a Technician in the Heating and Air Conditioning Industry. Where he was set to take over the Mack’s family business. Dustin loved nice cars and jewelry.  He took pride in his enormous shoe collection. Dustin loved his children, family and friends very much!

Dustin was the oldest of 3 children. Outwardly Dusty looked like he had it all: Confidence, athletic ability, height, beautiful blue eyes, broad smile and the ability to engage and forge a relationship with anyone. Inwardly Dustin was fighting his own battle with mental illness. We loved Dustin with all of our hearts, but we now know that was not enough to fight mental illness alone, he turned to self-medication.

This note is not an attempt to assign blame for Dustin’s death. We write this obituary in the hope that it may provide an insight to those that need to change their behavior one day at a time.

Dustin could never be completely be honest about the trouble he was in, but his love for his son and daughter became a lifeline over the past few years.  He recently completed drug rehab, but the craving that comes from true addiction was more then he could overcome.

This note is a simple reminder to anyone struggling, that there are people who love you, with everything they have no matter what you do- don’t be afraid / ashamed or scared to ask for help. Dustin had been attending Chatham Baptist Church where he found God. Dusty is finally at peace. We will forever miss your sense of humor, your knack for telling stories, your love of cars, your impeccable taste for only the BEST, and your rhythm on the dance floor.

Goodbye Dustin you will be missed by so many we love you and miss you so much!!!

Surviving Dustin are his parents; father, Richard Mack of Nilwood,IL, mother, Shelia Mack-Wisnasky of Springfield, his son, Sebastian A. Mack of Chatham, IL; his daughter, Briella L. Mack of Springfield, IL; brother, Dustin Speaks of Sylvester, TX; sisters, Amber R. (Nick) Bearss of Rochester, IL, Jenna M. (Wade) Mack-Stubbs of Springfield, IL; grandmother, Beverly B. Bailey of Springfield, IL; 2 nieces, 2 nephews and several aunts and uncles.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 P.M. Sunday, December 29, 2019 at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Auburn, IL.  Funeral Service will be at 11:30 A.M. Monday, December 30, 2019 at the Funeral Home in Auburn, IL with the Rev. John Huxtable officiating. Pallbearers:  Chris Jeffers, Chris Smith, Josh Mack, Bill Mack Jr., Travis Cline, Mike Wargo, Scott Slagle Jr., Wade Stubbs Jr., Nick Bearss with Honorary Pallbearers: Dustin Speaks and Sebastian Mack.  Memorials may be made to Dustin Mack Children, c/o:  Amber Bearss, 18 Twilight Lane, Springfield, IL. Memorials may be made to .  Interment will be in Union Chapel Cemetery, Girard, IL.  To leave a comment for the family please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com

Walter A. Leak

 Virden – Walter A. Leak 97, of Virden, IL, passed away Saturday December 14, 2019 at Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab in Virden, IL.

  Walter Leak was born on September 21, 1922 in Fort Scott, Kansas to Corba and Ufa (Miller) Leak.  The family, including Walter’s two-year old sister, moved to Fort Scott due to the river flooding their home in Naples, IL.  While still a small infant the family moved back to Illinois and settled in Naples and other farming communities.  He attended a one room school house in the Waverly area.

Walter entered the United States Army in January, 1943.  He was awarded  several medals including a Purple Heart as he was shot in Nuremburg, Germany and left for dead until advancing troops saw him wave his bayonet. He was rescued by U.S. Medics.  He was in the Walter Reed Medical Center for many months. 

In December of 1945, he married Irmadell Radford in Pocahontas, Arkansas.  The newly- weds made their home with her parents, John and Emily Radford, in Thayer, IL.  Walter and Irmadell were married for 65 years and enjoyed the home where Irmadell was born.

 Walt worked for Sangamo Electric for 40 years and then worked in Chicago for his nephew as a radio announcer for WXJOY.   He and Irmadell loved this work and they lived on the 76th floor of the John Hancock skyscraper.  After this he worked at Dickey-John’s in Auburn, IL as a Security Guard.  Throughout his life he had a love for music, life and friends.  He is a member of the Thayer Methodist Church. 

Walter was preceded in death by his parents and wife. Surviving  is his sister, Lucille Butterfus of St. George, Utah (age 99); nephews/nieces Wanda Copelin of Virden, Norm, John and Phillip Radford, Jim and Bob Butterfus, Rita Burnheimer, Greg Evans and his nearby cousin, Don Reno of Medora, IL and several more nieces and nephews.  He will be missed by all for his sunny disposition and friendliness to everyone!

Visitation will be from Noon to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday December 18, 2019 at Thayer United Methodist Church Thayer, IL. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday with Rev. Charles Kurfman and Pastor Herb Ireland officiating. Lula Hampleman will be the organist. Burial will be in West Cemetery Thayer, IL. Memorials may be made to: Thayer United Methodist Church. Please visit: www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.

Delmar L. Dennison Jr.

Virden – Delmar L. Dennison Jr., 77 of Virden, IL, passed away Saturday December 7, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital Springfield, IL, with his wife and children by his side.

Delmar was born April 26, 1942 in Bissell, IL, a son of Delmar L. and Sarah B. (Harris) Dennison Sr. He married Linda L. Shearburn November 30, 1963 in Divernon, IL. Delmar retired from Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Co. of Glenarm, IL. He was a member of the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Auburn, IL, and he believed in the resurrection hope and dedicated his life in September 2019 to telling others about God’s Kingdom. Family was of great importance in Delmar’s life. He was proud and honored to be a father, grandfather and great grandfather to his family. He was kind, light-hearted, loving and unforgettable to all that were blessed to know him. He has left a permanent mark etched on the hearts of many and will be greatly missed.

Delmar is survived by his wife, Linda L. Dennison of Virden, IL, daughter, Melinda S. (Martin) Emery of Girard, IL, and a son Delmar “Lyle” (Dana) Dennison III of New Douglas, IL, grandchildren, Renee (Brad) Drew, Justin (Shannon) Emery and Delissa Dennison, great grandchildren, Caleb Collins, Ashlynn Drew and Jonah Emery, sisters, Shirley Wilson of Auburn, IL, and Ruth Broaddus of Virden, IL, and brothers, Don (Libby) Dennison of Morrisonville, IL, and Rick (Peg) Dennison of Virden, IL, and several nieces and nephews. Preceding in death were his parents, sisters, Delores Shearburn and Norma Allen, brothers, Leonard and Jerry Dennison.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday December 11, 2019 at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL. Funeral services will be at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses Auburn, IL at 10:00 a.m. Thursday December 12, 2019. Elder James Welch officiating. Honorary Pallbearers: Alvin Brewer and Bob Adams. Pallbearers: Don Dennison, Chad Dennison, Mike Wilson, Raymond Baker, Randy Shearburn and Charles Baker. Burial will be in Girard Cemetery Girard, IL. Memorials may be made to the family of Delmar L. Dennison Jr. Please visit: www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.

Brenda A. Franz

Auburn – Brenda A. Franz, 54 of Auburn, IL, passed away Saturday December 7, 2019 in Springfield, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

Brenda was born April 11, 1965 in Springfield, IL, a daughter of Edwin and Delores (Clause) Scoggins. She formerly owned and operated her home cleaning business and formerly worked as a C.N.A. in area nursing homes and worked at Mama Dee’s restaurant in Virden, IL.

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Kenzie R. (Brandon) Franz of Thayer, IL, sons, Robert O. Baker Jr, and Joshua R. Baker, 4 grandchildren, sisters, Janette Scoggins of Charlotte, NC, Connie (Joe) Gibson of Florence, IL, and Raquel (Damon) Brewer of Decatur, IL, and Carolina Rojas of Charlotte, NC, brothers, Mikel (Judy) Scoggins of Atlanta, IL, Craig (Lorna) Scoggins of Springfield, IL, Randel Scoggins of Springfield, IL, Richard (Vicky) Scoggins of Marion, IL and James (Linda Meyer) Scoggins of Pittsfield, IL, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Brock Scoggins.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday December 10, 2019 at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL, with funeral services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Virden Cemetery Virden, IL. Memorials may be made to Memorial Home Care Hospice. Please visit: www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.

Roberta M. Wolfe

Virden – Roberta M. Wolfe, 71, of Virden, IL passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 while visiting with her family in Fountain Hills, AZ

Roberta was born in Springfield, IL on April 12, 1948 the daughter of George Robert and Mary Lou (Hines) Bolton.  She was a graduate of Girard High School, class of 1966.  She married Robert J. Wolfe on November 23, 1968 in Virden, IL.

Roberta was a member of the Virden Nazarene Church.  Her most recent employment was with Dr. Stephen Wallace as an Pediatric LPN at Springfield Clinic Pediatric and Adolescents.  She also worked for the Illinois State Police and Department of Revenue as an Administrative Assistant.  She was also a member of the Virden Sports Boosters for several years.

In her spare time she enjoyed boot-scootin’ dancing, having breakfast with friends at Hardee’s, spending time with her grandkids and sitting at home watching TV with her cat Dia’ae.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend, and confidant.

Roberta is survived by her daughter, Carmen J. (Steve “Shane”) Bishop of Virden, IL; brothers, Robert “Corncob” (Cindy) Bolton, Dale “Stompy” Bolton and Terry (Diane) Bolton all of Virden, IL; sisters, Georgie Brewer, Nina Bolton and Barb (Paulie) all of Virden, IL, several nieces and nephews and 2 grandchildren, Andrew Wolfe and Savannah Bishop.  She is also survived by her best friend Debbie “Lucy” Marsaglia.

Roberta was proceeded in death by her father, George Bolton, step-father John Ersery, husband Robert Wolfe, son Eric Wolfe and mother Mary Lou Ersery.

There will be no visitation, cremations rites have been accorded.  There will be a Graveside Service at Virden Cemetery on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Steve Gocking officiating.  Memorials may be made tio:  Refuge Ranch, 9350 Cascade Road, rochester, IL 62563.  A Celebration of Life gathering will follow until 2:00 P.M. at the Virden Community Center.  To leave a comment for the family please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com

Arthur Leslie “Les” Moore

Virden – Arthur Leslie “Les” Moore, 66 of Virden, IL, passed away Tuesday December 3, 2019 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Les was born February 2, 1953 in Jacksonville, IL, a son of Ivan Franklin and Elizabeth Pearl (Stanberry) Moore. He retired from General Motors and was a member of UAW in Willow Run, MI, and a member of New Beginings Church in Girard, IL. Les enjoyed motorcycles and tinkering in the garage. He married Patricia Diane Barker April 13, 1984 in Belleville, MI.

Les is survived by his daughters, Ingrid Kamphaus of Springfield, IL, and Frances “Fran” (Brian) Flynn of Virden, IL, a son, Zebediah (Laura McQuinn) Moore of Girard, IL, sisters, Faye Wisdom of Albuquerque, NM, Delores (Mike) England of Carlinville, IL, Frances (Ron McCure) Aden of New Lenox, IL and Carol (Steve) Anderson of Thayer, IL, brother, Ray (Sue) Moore of Klamath Falls, OR, grandchildren, Zachary, Reagan, Ema and Weston. Preceding in death were his parents, wife, Patricia Diane Moore, sisters, Iva Jean Fanning, Marjorie Landreth, Pat Tribble and Kay Moore, brothers, Thomas & John “JC” Moore.

Cremation rites have been accorded by Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL. There will be no services at this time. Please visit: www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.

Velma M. Boyd

Virden – Velma M. Boyd, 90 of Virden, IL, passed away Wednesday December 4, 2019 at Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab Virden, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

Velma was born September 3, 1929   a daughter of William and Emma (Garst) Pryor. She formerly worked at Dickey-john in Auburn, IL and in the kitchen at the former Virden Nursing Home in Virden, IL.

Velma is survived by her daughters, Donna (Dale) Proefrock of Virden, IL, and Jackie (Tom) Butler of Salisbury, IL, a son, William L. Boyd of Virden, IL, 5 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandson and several nieces and nephews. Preceding in death were her parents, son, Warren Boyd, sisters, Jean Swift, Ione Ball and her twin sister Thelma Grady, brothers, Maurice and Daryl Pryor.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Saturday December 7, 2019 at Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home Virden, IL, with funeral services to follow at 11:30 a.m. Rev. John Huxtable officiating. Burial will be in Virden Cemetery Virden, IL. Pallbearers: Casey Walley, Dylan Minks, Brantley Walley, Dusty Boyd, Mason Watson, Anthony Walley and Trisha Butler. Memorials may be made to Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehab Patient Activity Fund. Please visit www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com to leave a comment for the family.

Ruthanne Ovington

Thayer– Ruthanne Ovington, 92, of Thayer, IL passed away peacefully at 12.25 A. M. Thursday, November 21, 2019 at Sunrise Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Virden, IL.

Ruthanne was born on April 4, 1927 in Thayer, IL a daughter to Bill and Elizabeth Morris.  She married the love of her life, John on September 10, 1949.

Ruthanne graduated from Virden High School.  She was a loving wife, mother and homemaker who enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, trips to Texas and spending time with her grandchildren.

Surviving Ruthanne are her five children, Craig (Diana), John, Amy (Gary), Kathy (Brett) and Jim (Elizabeth); her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, John; son, Matthew; brother, Bill and daughter-in-law, Becky.

There will be no visitation, cremation rites have been accorded by the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home, Virden, IL.  There will be a Celebration of Life Gathering and interment of ashes at a later date.  Memorial contributions can be made to the Virden Rescue Squad and to the Thayer Community Center.  To leave a comment for the family, please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneralhomes.com

Carla Sue Otken

Virden – Carla Sue Otken, 73, passed away at 11:55 P.M. Monday, November 18, 2019 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL with her family at her bedside.

Carla was born in Springfield, IL a daughter to Archibald and Phyllis (Heistad) Virden.  She married Gary Otken on October 30, 1980 in Virden, IL. Carla graduated from Virden High School, Class of 1964 and was a member of Sacred Heart Church.  She worked for the State of Illinois with the Department of Historic Preservation.  As a past time Carla loved to visit the casinos.

Carla is survived by her husband, Gary Otken of Virden, IL; sons, Patrick (Kim) Gremo of Elgin, IL, Christopher (Jennifer) Gremo of McHenry, IL, Scott (Jessica) Gremo of Argenta, IL; daughters, Wendy (Jerry) Peper of Illiopolis, IL, Michele and Stephanie Otken both of Springfield, IL; sister, Marilyn Bliler of Diamond Head, MS and 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and 1 niece.  She is preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 21, 2019 at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home in Virden, IL.  Funeral Service will be at 10:00 A.M. Friday, November 22, 2019 also at the Calvert & Ferry Funeral Home with the Rev. Father James Palakudy officiating.  In lieu of flowers, donation are requested to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.  Interment will be in Virden Cemetery, Virden, IL.  To leave a comment for the family, please visit:  www.calvert-ferryfuneral homes.com