U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Ellen Bates
CARBONDALE -- Ellen Bates died June 30, 2004, in her 90th year. Ellen was born on the farm in Badger, Iowa, on Oct. 23, 1914. She went to school in a wagon pulled by a blind horse that knew the way across the creek and to the one room school house. Ellen graduated from high school and attended a two year college. In the war years, she moved to California where she met her husband to be, Ted Bates. Ellen and Ted were married on April 10, 1942. After the war, they moved to Ellen's hometown of Badger, Iowa, and operated a small grocery store for a few years. In 1950, they moved to Ted's hometown of Decatur where Ted and Ellen's father started a concrete products manufacturing plant. After raising her six children, Ellen got her drivers license, went back to college and became one of our nation's first Headstart teachers. Ellen was a devout Christian, who was always involved in church leadership as an active member of the Lutheran Church Women's organization. Ellen loved to sing church hymns, bake pies, watch birds, and listen to the loons of Lake Benedict. Ellen constantly read the newspaper to her children during meals and promoted a strong sense of social consciousness. In retirement, Ellen and Ted moved to Benedict, Minn., where they cared for Ellen's parents in their later years. For more than 25 years, northern Minnesota was their home and popular vacation destination for all six children and grandchildren. Ellen's house was always a refuge where her children and grandchildren were welcomed and mothered with a boundless generosity of spirit. Over the years, Ellen assisted her children in their many and various household moves and new baby arrivals. In the past few years, her children and grandchildren were able to provide her some of that same comfort and love. In the fall of 2000, Ellen and Ted moved to Carbondale, where they initially lived with their son Paul and his wife Barbara. For the past three years Ellen and Ted have lived at the Carbondale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Ellen passed peacefully in the company of daughter-in-law, Barbara, and devoted husband of 62 years, Ted. The staff of the Carbondale Nursing and Rehabilitation Center provided much comfort during this time and are greatly appreciated for their kindness and support throughout the past three years. Ellen is survived by her husband, Ted; six children; 14 grandchildren; great- grandchildren; and a brother. Her children are Barbara Stoner of Seattle, Joan Sozen and husband Mete of West Lafayette, Ind., Randall Bates and wife Vicky of Chicago, Paul Bates and wife Barbara of Carbondale, Dennis Bates and wife Ann Hazelrigg of Williston, Va., and Brian Bates and wife Lori of Benedict, Minn. Ellen's brother, Lowell Ponsness of Renton, Wash., also survives. Grandchildren include Caroline Stoner of Seattle, Christopher Stoner of Madison, Wis., Adria Hilsdorf-Smith of San Diego, Ayshe Sozen of Houston, Darius Dale and Allison Bates of Chicago, Megan Geyman of Carbondale, Dylan Bates of Joliet, Laurel Bates of Carbondale, Julia Bates of Carbondale, Taylor Bates of Williston, Va., Hallah Bates of Williston, Va., Derek Bates of Walker, Minn., and Jennifer Bates. Great-grandchildren include Jackson, Aaron, and Grant Geyman of Carbondale. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Clara Ponsness and her sister, Thelma Olhausen. Ellen is remembered for her tremendous kindness and generosity that was extended to family and strangers alike. Her spirit lives within all those that she touched. The Lutheran church was a constant in her life, with active membership and service to her community in Badger, Iowa, Decatur and Walker, Minn. Her faith was her compass and has surely taken her home. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Minnesota. Local memorial donations may be made to the Hospice of Southern Illinois, 1110 N. Johnson, Marion, IL 62959, the Alzheimer's Association, 620 East Walnut, Carbondale, IL 62901, or to the church or religious organization of your choosing. Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements.
Aleen Sistler
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS -- Aleen Sistler, 92, of Rancho Cucamonge, Calif., formerly of Glendale, died at 8:24 p. m. Monday, June 28, 2004, at home. Services will be at 2 p. m. Saturday in the United Methodist Church in Vienna, with the Rev. Ed Hoke officiating. Burial will be in Fraternal Cemetery
in Vienna. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. Friday at Aly Funeral Home in Eddyville.
Dorothy Wilson
WEST FRANKFORT -- Dorothy Wilson, 86, of West Frankfort, died at 10:30 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Shawnee Christian Nursing Center in Herrin. Arrangements are incomplete at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort.
Alvin Stich
DAHLGREN -- Alvin L. Stich, 71, died at 7:20 p. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at home. Services will be held 10 a. m. Saturday, June 3, 2004, at the St. John's Baptist Church in Piopolis, with Monsignor Joseph Lawler officiating. Burial will be in the St. Johns Cemetery
in Piopolis. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p. m. today at the Gholson Funeral Home in McCleansboro, with a Rosary Service at 7 p. m.
Lila Hill
CARRIER MILLS -- Lila Hill, 76, died Tuesday, June 22, 2004, in Carrier Mills. Memorial services will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church in Carrier Mills. Memorials may be made to Little Saline Cemetery
or First United Methodist Church building fund.
Donald McCree
JOHNSTON CITY -- Donald McCree, 84, of Johnston City, died at 3:40 a. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at St. Louis University Hospital. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Saturday July 3, 2004, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City, with Rev. Donald Brown officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery
in Johnston City. Visitation will be after 5 p. m. today, July 2, 2004, at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to The Church of God West Frankfort Building Fund, envelopes available at the Funeral Home. Donald was born on May 17, 1920, in Carterville, the son of Dennis and Lena (Newell) McCree. He married Reba C. (Owens) on July 8, 1945, in Morganfield, Ky. She preceded him in death on June 30, 1996. Donald was a retired coal miner and a member of the UMWA. He was a veteran, serving in the
Army during World War II from 1942 to 1945. He owned and operated the D & B furniture store in Johnston City. He was a minister in the Church of God and a member of the Church of God of West Frankfort. He is survived by a daughter, Rita Kaye Smith and husband Timothy G. of Johnston City; a son, Stephen Bruce McCree and wife Carolyn of Johnston City; seven grandchildren, Mike McCree and wife Courtney of Mount Vernon, Ind., Donald McCree and wife Beth of Enfield, Christina McCree of Freeburg, Maelena Lee and husband Jason of Herrin, Sonya Bush and husband Shawn of Herrin, Beth Smith of Herrin, and Merideth Smith of Johnston City; eleven great grandchildren, Alex McCree, Collin McCree, Jax McCree, Janelle Lee, Cole Lee, Kayann Bush, Emily Bush, Kendra Hall, Jessica Hall, Alexis McGregory, and Whitney McGregory; two brothers, John McCree of Herrin, and Elbert McCree and wife Ivoleen of Marion; three sisters, Mary Ealey and husband Jim of Olney, Norma Gordon of Marion and Elva Anderson and husband Gene of Marion; sister-in-laws, Marylee McCree, Minnie McCree, Zella Mae McCree, Shirley Martin, Velma Burnett, and Phyllis Stanislawski; brother-in-laws, Jerry Draeger, Billy Owens, and Charles Owens; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Mike McCree; five brothers, Hershel, Alvin, Woodrow, Willis, and Dennis Jr.; three sisters, Ines Stephens and husband Carl, Wanda Meneese and husband Rollie; and Dorothy Draeger.
Ada Groves
CENTRALIA -- Ada Groves, 82, formerly of Richview, passed away at 7:40 p. m. Wednesday at the Fireside House Nursing Facility in Centralia. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday in the Boggs Chapel of the Styninger-Pacey Funeral Home, with the Revs. Brett Yates and David Trover officiating. Burial will follow at Friedens Cemetery
in Irvington. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. today at the Styninger-Pacey Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Richview Cemetery
Fund and will be received by the funeral home.
Oral Gower
MARION -- Oral 'Mickie' Gower, 75, of Marion, died at 12:55 p. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Sikeston Health Care. Arrangements are incomplete at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.
Edward F. Teckorius
HERRIN -- Edward F. Teckorius, 77, passed away at 11:55 p. m. Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at home. Mr. Teckorius was a retired Lieutenant with the Chicago Fire Department having been with the department for 24 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, Knights of Columbus Council 2164 in Herrin, Chicago Firefighter's Union, Amvets and was a veteran of the U. S.
Army during World War II. He was born Sept. 17, 1926, in West Frankfort, to Joseph and Lucille Tackoris. Edward was united in marriage with Rosemary Sawyer in 1948 in Chicago. She preceded him in death on Dec. 24, 1992. Surviving are her son and daughter-in-law, John and Tatianna Teckorius of Buffalo Grove; daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and Tony Scalise of Alsip; three grandchildren, James Scalise and his wife Dawnika of Oak Forest, Tony Scalise of Racine, Wis., and Patti Teckorius of Shaumburg; three great-grandchildren, Alexis Teckorius, Hannah Scalise and Dominic Scalise; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; sister, Josephine Lawrence; and two brothers, John and Bill Tackorius. The funeral Mass will be 10 a. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Herrin, with Monsignor Ken Schaefer will officiating. Interment will be in St. John's Catholic Cemetery
in West Frankfort. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p. m. today at the Meredith-Waddell Funeral Home in Herrin. Memorials may be made to OLMC Renovation Fund, which will accepted at the funeral home.
Harold Ridings
VERGENNES -- Harold W. Ridings, 65, died at 7:09 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Services will be at 10 a. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, in Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava, with the Rev. Danny Boyd officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Christian Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. today and from 7:30 to 10 a. m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Mr. Ridings was a retired mechanic from Caterpiller after 331/2 years. He was born Thursday, Dec. 22, 1938, in Egan, Tenn., to Theodore Boyd Ridings and Bertha Marie Brown Ridings. He married Marilyn M. Bastien on Dec. 18, 1965, at Harard Hills Baptist Church. She survives of Vergennes. Other survivors include two daughters, Maria Ridings of Vergennes and Melissa Ridings, both of Vergennes; one grandson, Craig Anthony Ridings of Vergennes; mother, Bertha M. Ridings of Clinton, Texas; two sisters, Willa Jones and husband Vince of Washington and Rose Kenyon and husband Harold of Clinton, Tenn.; one brother, B. Wayne Ridings and wife Linda of Wartburg, Tenn.; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and special friends, Paula Craig of Vergennes and Raymond Graves of Vergennes. His father and one sister, Betty Carolyn Ridings, preceded him in death.
Dan Clyde Moss
MARION -- Dan Clyde Moss, 80, passed away at 7:10 p. m. Tuesday, June 20, 2004, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Services will be held at 4:30 p. m. today, July 2, 2004, at the Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with Pastor Howard Strunk officiating. Burial will be in the McKinney Chapel Cemetery
south of Marion. military rites will be conducted by the Marion V. F. W. Post 1301 and American Legion Post 147. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to Bethlehem Church; envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent c/o Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mr. Moss was born on March 31, 1924, in Goreville, to Burt and Mindy (Winn) Moss. He married Mabel Sullivan on Oct. 18, 1947, in Jonesboro, and she survives. Other survivors include daughter, Linda and Ira Tripp, Sr. of Cobden; son and special friend, Mike Moss and Alana Murphy of Marion; grandchildren, Ira and Lisa Tripp, Jr. of Buncombe, Dustin Tripp of Creal Springs, Michele Moss of Wisconsin, and Terri Jean Moss who is in the U. S.
Army; great-grandchildren, Michael, Logan and Alexis Tripp; sister, Ruby Yewell of Golconda; half brother, Gene and Betty McKinney of Abion. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John, Paul, Albert and Carl Moss; and one infant brother. Mr. Moss was a member of Bethlehem Church and served as Sunday school superintendent, music director and he was also a deacon. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.
Nina L. Johnston
SESSER -- Nina L. Johnston, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 29, 2004. Nina, a former resident of Sesser, resided at the Severins Nursing Home in Benton. She was born July 15, 1917, in Jefferson County, to John and Myrtie (Bean) Rea. Both parents preceded her in death. She married Harley E. Johnston in 1939. He went to be with the Lord March 25, 1984. Survivors include one son, Curtis L. Johnston and wife Lowanda of Sesser. Six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband and one son, Everett D. Johnston. She was a lifetime member of the Church of God in Sesser. She loved the Lord and her church family, also her children and grandchildren. Nina will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be at 1 p. m. today, July 2, 2004, at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is Sesser, with the Brother Tim Melvin officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a. m. to the time of services today at the funeral home. Memorials should be made to the Church of God and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Ryan Ronald Blades
HARRISBURG -- Ryan Ronald Blades, 29, died at 7:18 p. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at Franklin County Hospital in Benton. Services will be held at 1 p. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, at the Reed Funeral Chapel , with the Rev. Steve Shea officiating. Burial will be in the Sunset Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p. m. today at the funeral chapel.
Leola A. Doeding
STEELEVILLE -- Leola A. Doeding, 92, died at 11:42 a. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Belleville. Services will be held at 2 p. m. Saturday, July 3, 2004, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bremen, with the Rev. Edwin A. Reuter officiating. Burial will be in the Paradise Cemetery
in Steeleville. Visitation will be after 6 p. m. today and from 7:30 a. m. to 11 a. m. Saturday at the Wilson's Funeral Home then hour before services at the church. Leola was born on Saturday, Dec. 2, 1911, to Henry and Amelia (Bruns) Lakeman in Percy. She married Henry W. Doeding on June 6, 1937, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bremen. He preceded her in death on Feb. 27, 1968. She is survived by her five children, Wilbert Doeding and wife Justine of Steeleville, Marilyn Garther and husband Kelly of Union, Mo., Henry Doeding, Jr., and wife Marlyn of Orange, Calif., Darrell Doeding and wife Sharon of Carlyle, Lloyd Rodewald and wife Karen of Sparta; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Mary Elled Doeding; two sisters, Marie Reinhardt and Doris Lakeman; and one brother, Omer Lakeman. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bremen. She belonged to John's LCW and AARP in Steeleville. She was a homemaker and retired from Gilster Mary-Lee Corporation in 1981. Memorial contributions can be made to Lutheran Social Services of Illinois or to the donor's choice.
Kenneth Wayne Patt
BENTON -- Kenneth Wayne Patt, 51, died Tuesday, June 29, 2004, at home. Services will be at 10:45 a. m. Tuesday, July 6, at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery
Chapel in St. Louis. His wishes were to be cremated. He was born May 23, 1953, in St. Louis to Donald W. and Betty L. (Abernathie ) Patt. He was a radiologic technician. He belonged to the VFW, Moose WF, the American Legion and the Society of Radiologic Technology. He belonged to the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He was veteran of the U. S. Navy during the Vietname War. Survivors include his father; his daughter, Shelly Carrera of Cahokia; Derek Carrera of Cahokia; and sister, Barbara Menner of Imperial, Mo. He was preceded in death by his mother. Poulson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Harlan Wilson
LOGAN -- Harlan Wilson, 71, formerly of West Frankfort, died at 11:55 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Franklin Hospital in Benton. Services will be at 1 p. m. Saturday at Calvary Bible Church on South Cherry Street in West Frankfort, with the Rev. Bill Clifton officiating. Burial will be in East Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be after 11 a. m. Saturday at the church.
Beurneda Converse
CARBONDALE -- Beurneda (Mitchell) Converse, 68, of Carbondale, died at 12:05 p. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, in Holy Cross Hospital in Chicago. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.
Lawrence Saiz
SESSER -- Lawrence Saiz, 88, died Monday, June 28, 2004, at Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mount Vernon. He was born Feb. 2, 1916, in Sesser, to Martin and Ann (Kokal) Saiz. He married Julie (Drasler) Saiz on May 3, 1947. Survivors include his wife; his children, Sandy Neuswanger and husband David of Hayward, Wis. and Alan L. Saiz of Oaklawn; brothers and sisters, Stanly Saiz of Springfield, Anna Drasler of Forrest City, Pen., Rose Watson of Oaklawn and Josephine Moschino of Oaklawn; grandchildren, Bryan L. Neuswanger, Jason R. Neuswanger and Alan J. Saiz. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Martin Saiz. A private graveside service was held at noon Thursday, July 1, 2004, at Maple Hill Cemetery
in Sesser. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral home was in charge of the arrangements.
Timothy Weir
GOREVILLE -- Timothy Weir, 42, of Goreville, died at 8:30 a. m. Thursday, July 1, 2004, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Arrangements are incomplete at Blue Funeral Home in Marion.
Lue Eaton
TILDEN -- Lue Eaton, 98, of Tilden, formerly of Cutler, died at 5:10 a. m. Wednesday, June 30, 2004, in Cisne Healthcare in Cisne. Services will be at 11 a. m. Saturday at Wilson's Funeral Home in Steeleville. Burial will be in Cutler City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p. m. Friday and from 7:30 to 11 a. m. Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Tilden United Methodist Church or Cisne Healthcare. Mrs. Eaton was a Protestant and was a member of the United Methodist Women. Mrs. Eaton enjoyed reading, embroidering and craft works. She was a homemaker. She was born in Willisville on March 11, 1906, to Albert R. King and Nina G. Jacoby King. She married Barton Eaton on Nov. 11, 1925, in Percy. He preceded her in death on Aug. 7, 1964. Survivors include children, Billie Ruth Hallock of Tilden, O. Barton and wife Ruth Eaton of Jackson, Mo., and James R. and wife Etta Mae Eaton of Cutler; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Her parents, two brothers and one sister preceded her in death.
Alexandra Ellis
CARBONDALE -- Alexandra Ellis, 98, died at 8:10 a. m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2004, at Oak Grove Rehab and Care Center in Carbondale. She was born on Tuesday, Oct. 17, 1905, in Murphysboro, the daughter of Willard F. Ellis and Josephine Beecher Ellis (Both Deceased). She owned and operated Kay's Tot Shop in Murphysboro from the 1940's until the early 1960's. She was a Methodist. She had a special place in her heart for cats. Survivors include her nephews, Harry Reynolds of Olive Branch, Willard Ellis of Marion, William Reynolds of Columbia, Bill Ferrick of Texas, and Dan Bush of Charlotte, N. C; nieces, Mary Gray of De Soto, Helen Stagner of Littleton, Colo., Kay Buckler of Park Falls, Wis., and Carolyn Aird of Carterville. Services will be held at 11 a. m. Friday in Oakland Cemetery
in Carbondale, with the Rev. Richard Lewis of the United Methodist Church in Murphysboro Officiating. Friends may call from 9 a. m. to 10:30 a. m. Friday at the Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro.
Nina L. Johnston
SESSER -- Nina L. Johnston, 87, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 26, 2004. Nina, a former resident of Sesser, resided at the Severins Nursing Home in Benton. She was born July 15, 1917, in Jefferson County, to John and Myrtie (Bean) Rea. Both parents preceded her in death. She married Harley E. Johnston in 1939. He went to be with the Lord March 25, 1984. Survivors include one son, Curtis L. Johnston and wife Lowanda of Sesser. Six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death was her husband and one son, Everett D. Johnston. She was a lifetime member of the Church of God in Sesser. She loved the Lord and her church family, also her children and grandchildren. Nina will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. Services will be at 1 p. m. Friday, July 2, 2004, at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is Sesser, with the Brother Tim Melvin officiating. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 a. m. to the time of services Friday at the funeral home. Memorials should be made to the Church of God, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
