U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Kotlowski
DECATUR -- Emily Kotlowski, 86, of Decatur died 12:10 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003) in St. Mary's Hospital.
Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Friday in St. Thomas Catholic Church. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home, with 8 p.m. vigil prayer service. Burial will be in Mount Gilead Ceme
tery. Memorials: to the family.
Mrs. Kotlowski was born Dec. 4, 1916, in Fargo, N.D., the daughter of Edward and Wanda Jezewski Gryga. She was a wiring technician for Bell Tone Co. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary, Mother's Club in Chicago
and St. Thomas Catholic Church. Her hobbies were crocheting, crafting, plants and cooking. She married Leon Gadomski. He preceded her in death. She married John Kotlowski. He preceded her in death.
Surviving are her daughters, Connie Wisnewski and husband Jack and Gloria Gadomski, all of Decatur; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, three brothers, two sisters and one great-grandson.
Isham
BLUE MOUND -- Ruby Isham, 81, Blue Mound, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003). Arrangements incomplete: Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Homes, Decatur.
Matthews
DECATUR -- Curtis James Matthews, 70, of Decatur died Saturday (Jan. 4, 2003) in his residence.
Farewell services will be noon Saturday in Walker Funeral Service and Chapel, with the Rev. T.J. Jackson officiating. Visitation will be one hour before services. Burial will be at a later date. Walker Funeral Services and Chapel is
in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Matthews was born Feb. 13, 1932, in Decatur, the son of Curtis Matthews Sr. and Alice Whetherall. He retired from the city of Decatur as a custodian for the Decatur Public Library. He was a gentle and kind person and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
He leaves not to mourn but to cherish fond memories, special friend, Brenda Baltimore of Decatur, four brothers, Earl (Natasha) Welford of Niagara Falls, N.Y.; Robert Ambrose and Kenneth (Sheila) Ambrose of Decatur; Darnell (Belinda) Ambrose of Killeen, Texas; four sisters, Mary Matthews, Barbara Cooper and Earleen Hampton, all of Decatur; Roberta Johnson of Jackson, Miss.; a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Wayne Matthews, sister, Gloria Jean Whitley and stepmother, Florence Ambrose Matthews.
Snelson
NIANTIC -- Robert Leroy Snelson, 67, of Niantic died 1:12 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003) in St. Mary's Hospital.
Services will be 10 a.m. Friday in Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home, with visitation 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Cerro Gordo Cemetery. Memorials: Niantic United Methodist Church Women's Group.
Mr. Snelson was born Nov. 27, 1935, in Chicago, the son of James and Dorothy Smith Snelson. He served in the Air Force and Marine Corps Reserve. He was a member of the national award-winning "Singing Sergeants" quartet in 1957. He worked for Illinois Central Gulf Railroad for 35 years, where he retired in 1995. He was a fireman for the Niantic Fire Department, emergency medical technician and EMT teacher for Decatur Memorial Hospital in the 1980s. He was a pitcher for AAA Fast Pitch Softball teams in the Decatur-Maroa area for 45 years, where he was known by his nickname, Puffer. He was a member of Niantic United Methodist Church, scorekeeper for Niantic-Harristown basketball and football teams in the 1970s and 1980s, softball and basketball umpire and was a Scoutmaster for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts in the 1970s. He loved fishing and woodworking. He married Helen V. Bronson on Jan. 13, 1960. They were married for 36 years until she passed away in 1996.
Surviving are his daughters, Sheila Anthony and husband Kelvin of Momence; Sherry Rutherford and husband Stephen of Buchanan, Mich.; sons, James Richard Snelson and fiancee Cassandra McFall of Niantic; Timothy Snelson and wife Michelle of Pawnee; brother, Raymond Snelson of Sun City, Calif.; cousins, Edith and Bill McCollum of Temecula, Calif.; grandchildren, Bethany and Boston Snelson of Chestnut; Cassandra and Danielle Anthony of Momence; Nicole and Nina Rutherford of Buchanan; Trent and Taylor Snelson of Pawnee.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother, Otto.
Webb
DECATUR -- Elizabeth May Webb, 75, of Decatur died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003) in Imboden Creek Living Center after a short battle with cancer.
Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Graceland Cemetery. Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Webb was born Dec. 26, 1927, in Decatur, the daughter of Dr. H.B. and Ruth Elizabeth Rodgers Somerville. She was a member of the GMAC Retirees Club, Decatur Area Arts Council, Macon County Historical Society and the Moundford
Free Methodist Church. She worked for Motor Insurance Corp.-General Motors for 29 years, retiring in 1980. She married Wayne H. Webb (founder of Macon Speedway) on Nov. 25, 1980.
Surviving are her friend, Robert Sargent of Macon; cousin, Dennis B. Rodgers and wife Marilynne of Champaign and family; cousin, Judy Rodgers Johnson and husband Philip of Williamsburg, Va.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Wayne H. Webb and aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Rodgers.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Decatur Memorial Hospital and Imboden Creek Living Center for their loving care and support.
Williams
DECATUR -- Leatha Ellen Smith Williams, 100, Decatur, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003).
Graveside services: 11 a.m. Thursday, Hammond Cemetery. Arrangements by: Dawson & Wikoff West Wood Street Funeral Home. Memorials: Imboden Creek Living Center.
Cheffer
DECATUR -- Mildred Cheffer, 90, Libertyville, formerly of Decatur, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003). Arrangements incomplete: Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home.
Doddek
DECATUR -- Arthur E. Doddek, 85, Decatur, retired Gentry's Rug and Carpet Cleaning employee, died Sunday (Jan. 5, 2003).
Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Visitation: 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, J.J. Moran & Sons Funeral Home. Burial: Graceland Cemetery
with military rites.
Blackburn
COFFEEN -- Pauline Cruthis Blackburn, 84, Coffeen, Ball Bros. Glass Factory employee, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003).
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Toberman-Dean Funeral Home, Coffeen. Visitation: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Burial: Bethel Cemetery, Reno. Memorials: donor's choice.
Ulmer
SHELBYVILLE -- Mildred Bernice Ulmer, 82, Washington, D.C., formerly of Shelbyville, federal government clerical worker, died Jan. 1, 2003.
Graveside services: 1:30 p.m. Friday, Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. Arrangements by: Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Memorials: National Lutheran Home, 9701 Veirs Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.
Member: Lutheran Church of Reformation, Washington, D.C. Survivors: nephews, Donald Ulmer, Villa Hills, Ky.; David Ulmer, New Haven, Conn.; cousins, Charles Klauser and Betty Pogue, both of Shelbyville. Preceded by: parents and one brother.
Sell
MATTOON -- Nelson B. Sell, 76, Mattoon, retired Mattoon School District employee, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003).
Services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Schilling Funeral Home, Mattoon. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Friday. Burial: Rest Haven Memorial Gardens, Mattoon. Memorials: First Southern Baptist Church, Lincolnland Hospice or National ALS Association, Calabasas, Calif.
Cooper
FARMER CITY -- William B. "Bill" Cooper, 54, of Farmer City died 8:37 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003) in his family residence in Farmer City.
Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, with Pastor Roger Cox officiating. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Friday. Burial will be in Long Point Cemetery, Wapella. Memorials: William B. "Bill" Cooper
Memorial Fund.
William was born Nov. 4, 1948, in Clinton, the son of Jesse Cooper and Lauretta Lansford. He was a veteran of the Marines. He was employed by Action Technology Co. and was a member of Clinton Elks Lodge. He mar
ried Mary Cotton in 1972 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Surviving are his mother of Farmer City; son, William B. Cooper Jr. of Las Vegas; two daughters, Marci Carroll of Whittier, Calif.; Melissa Fernandez of Las Vegas; four brothers, Jesse Cooper (Karen) of Lane; Jimmy Cooper (Karen) of Aurora, Colo.; Sidney Cooper (Martha) of Clinton; John Martin (Val) of LeRoy; two sisters, Mary Snoreen (Lanny) of Overton, Nev.; Linda Todd (Jimmy) of Stockton, Calif.; two grandchildren; 21 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Duff
FLORA -- George Franklin Duff Jr., 80, Miami Springs, Fla., formerly of Flora, Eastern Airlines pilot, died Dec. 14, 2002.
Graveside services: 11 a.m. Saturday, Elmwood Cemetery, Flora, with military rites. No visitation. Arrangements by: Frank & Bright Funeral Home, Flora. Memorials: Flora Depot Renovation Fund or Flora Public Library.
Fritchman
LEROY -- Helen I. Trantina Fritchman, 90, LeRoy, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003).
Services: 11 a.m. Friday, Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, LeRoy. Visitation: one hour before services. Burial: Oak Grove Cemetery, LeRoy. Memorials: SHOW Bus.
Member: LeRoy Christian Church and LeRoy Women's Club. Survivors: daughter, Lois Marie Jones, Sun Lakes, Ariz.; sisters, Mabel Scott, Georgetown; Betty Sullivan, Paris; Pauline Drohan, Menlo Park, Calif.; one granddaugh
ter and one great-grandson. Preceded by: parents, husbands, Frank J. Trantina and Kenneth Fritchman, and three brothers.
Finefrock
ROBINSON -- Margaret Elizabeth Finefrock, 73, Robinson, retired teacher, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003).
Graveside services: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville. No visitation. Arrangements by: Pulliam Funeral Home, Robinson. Memorials: American Cancer Society.
Garcia
LOVINGTON -- Joann Foster Garcia, 72, of Lovington died 1:21 p.m. Monday (Jan. 6, 2003) in Eastview Terrace, Sullivan.
Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday in McMullin-Young Funeral Home, Lovington, with visitation one hour before services. Burial will be in Hewitt Cemetery, Lovington. Memorials: donor's choice.
She was born on July 17, 1930, in Lovington, the daughter of Murray A. and Marie Burcham Foster. She was retired licensed practical nurse and a member of American Legion Auxiliary, Lovington.
Surviving are her sons, Henry C. Hubbard and wife Cheri of Lacey Springs, Ala.; Terry Hubbard and wife Debbie of Lerna; Ronnie Miller and wife Lynn of San Antonio, Texas; Bobby Miller and wife Marsha of Katy, Texas; daughter, Patricia Burtcheard and husband Rick of Bethany; brother, Ronald Dycus and wife Barb of Springfield; sister, Patricia Barnett and husband George of Neoga; 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by one sister, parents, one son and one grandson.
Special thanks to Dr. Dearnbarger, St. Mary's Fourth floor nurses, Dynamic Homecare Hospice staff and Eastview Terrace staff.
She will be deeply missed by all who loved her and will always be in our hearts.
Lawyer
CHARLESTON -- Erma Jean Lawyer, 78, Charleston, formerly of Westfield, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003).
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Markwell Chapel, Westfield. Visitation: two hours before services. Burial: Bell Cemetery, Diona. Memorials: American Diabetes. Association or American Heart Association.
Linder
ROBINSON -- Arthur L. Linder, 92, Robinson, service repairman, died Wednesday (Jan. 8, 2003).
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Goodwine Funeral Home, Robinson. Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday. Burial: Robinson New Cemetery
with military rites.
Morrison
BEECHER CITY -- Gilbert L. Morrison, 71, Beecher City, formerly of Pekin, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003).
Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Kessel Funeral Home, St. Elmo. Visitation: one hour before services. Burial: Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Beecher City. Memorials: donor's choice.
Mosby
GREENVILLE -- Judith Lillian Mosby, 55, Collinsville, formerly of Greenville, Greenville Junior High School Library employee, died Monday (Jan. 6, 2003).
Services: 2 p.m. Thursday, Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home, Greenville. Visitation: after 4 p.m. Wednesday. Burial: Mount Auburn Cemetery.
Mundy
IVESDALE -- Alberta Mundy, 61, Ivesdale, homemaker, died Tuesday (Jan. 7, 2003).
Services: 2 p.m. Friday, Mackey-Wright Funeral Home, Monticello. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday. Burial: Bement Township Cemetery. Memorials: Alberta Mundy Memorial Fund.
