Cherish Local

02/05/2026

Please join us in celebrating the life of
Charles T. Andrews
1932—2026

Charles Theodore ("Charlie") Andrews, age 93, of Longview, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Buckner Westminster Place in Longview. Services celebrating his life will be held at Enon Baptist Church in Ashmore, Illinois on May 23.

Ted was born on December 17, 1932 in Charleston, Illinois, the son of James William and Mildred (Hardway) Andrews. He married Mary Ellen Fasig on September 29, 1951.

Survivors include his wife of 74 years, Mary Ellen, 4 daughters - Jeri Mihalic (Dave), Cynthia Andrews, Jane Sinsheimer (Dave), and Catherine Cobet (Dean) - 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, his brother James R. Andrews (Becky), and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, William Lee Andrews.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any Memorials in Charles' honor be made to "Texans on Mission", 5351 Catron Dr., Dallas, TX 75227.

01/28/2026

Please join us in celebrating the life of Verla Nadalia Okerblom born August 14th, 1938 in Ironwood, MI, died of Alzheimer's disease on January 9th, 2026 in Wilmore, KY near family. Verla was the fifth of six children of immigrant parents, Carl Oscar Okerblom and Louise Irene Helander, both born in Finland of Swedish parentage. Verla had an indomitable spirit. Intelligent, forthright, and beautiful, she lit up every room. An excellent student and athlete, she qualified for the Olympics as a swimmer and hoped to attend college, but as a young woman without resources, she was unable to attend either. Instead, she focused her energy on mentoring the next generation and instilling in them a love of learning, curiosity and independent thought. She taught bike riding, dancing, and swimming-as well as how to have a good time. She encouraged young people to pursue college and careers, and her motivation meant her nieces and nephews were the first in the family to attend college. In addition, she loved all things Swedish and never forgot her heritage. An avid reader and life-long learner, she became a "Jill of All Trades" as her restless spirit sought out new careers and adventures. Her three idolized older brothers fought in World War II and the Korean War with the Navy, Marines and Army, and their example spurred her to join the Army as a logician at the age of 34. Proud of her service as a WAC during the Vietnam Era, she fondly recalled her posting to Okinawa, where she immersed herself in the culture and made friends. Verla's life story is one of immigration, poverty, hard work, and determination. Though she often faced difficulties as an independent woman, she never complained and continued to push forward and to support herself. She remained curious, funny, quick witted, and loving to the very end.
Thank you to the caring souls at The Grand Senior Living in Prospect, KY and at the VA, which she loved. The outstanding care she received at Thomson-Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore, KY is the standard of care we all deserve.
Her funeral and burial will be held on January 30th, at 10:30 am at the Radcliff Veterans Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her name to the Nature Conservancy, Attn: Treasury, 4245 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 100, Arlington, VA 2220 or American-Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55407.

09/24/2025

Please join us in celebrating the life of Vincent James D'Innocenzo.

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06/05/2025

Christie Ann Powers

May 27, 1938 — May 25, 2025

Christie A Powers of Young Harris, Ga passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Christie was the oldest daughter of Theodore and Elma Kuhnle (deceased) of Vassar, MI and was born on May 27, 1938. She is survived by her husband James, her son David Powers of Hollywood, Florida, Jeffrey Powers of Janesville, WI, her younger brother John Kuhnle of Vassar, MI and her sister-in-law Carol Powers (William Powers, deceased) of Hiawassee, Ga. Christie was preceded by her younger sister Susan Jackemiec of Birch Run, MI.

Christie was a beloved Mother-in-law to Kathy Powers (Jeffrey) and Claudia Powers (David). She was also a devoted grandmother to her grandsons Collin and Cater (Jeff and Kathy Powers).

Christie was known by her many long-time friends as "Martha of the mountains", due to her love of cooking, baking and entertaining. She loved celebrating all the good things life had to offer.

Christie's annual glitter party was a highly anticipated event - by those fortunate enough to be invited. Her Christmas table was always a glorious sight to behold, not to be outmatched by a delicious dinner.

Christie Powers lived life to the fullest. She was a great storyteller, great hostess, good and kind friend. She had an indomitable and independent spirit...optimistic even in hard times.

To send flowers to the family in memory of Christie Ann Powers, please visit our flower store.

View Christie Ann Powers's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/13/2023

Please join us in honoring the life of Cecilia M. Martin.

Cecilia Martin, 88, beloved Mother and Grandmother, was called to her eternal resting place on November 8, 2023. She entered this world on January 13, 1935, in Detroit, MI; born to Viateur J. C. and Edna LaBranche.

She married William C. Martin, who in November of 2004 preceded her in death. She was a daughter, sister, wife, stepmother and mother. Cecilia loved with all her heart and adored her grandchildren.

She went out of her way to make the holidays special for them. Another, way she showed her love was through her cooking; which we all enjoyed. She also loved playing card games; especially euchre and game nights were always rowdy. Good memories.

Cecilia worked in the meat department at Farmer Jack for many years before retiring in the 1990's. Afterwards, she did volunteer work and belonged to the Red Hat Society before health issues prevented her from doing so.

She is survived by her sons and their wives William & Kim Martin and David & Victoria Martin, stepdaughters and their husbands Carol & Rick Post and Susan & Wes Hedges, 11 grandchildren, 18+ great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She was strong and fierce to the end and will be dearly missed.

Services were held on November 11, 2023 between 5pm and 8 pm CST at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home, 814 East Main Street, Rockport, TX 78382 and
a recording of the services is available online at https://www.charliemarshallfuneralhomes.com

https://bit.ly/Cecilia_M_Martin_Obit

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10/03/2023

Please join us in honoring the life of Dr. Jeffrey Edwards.

Jeffrey Scott Edwards, M.D., 67, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023 in Appleton, Wisconsin following a battle with chronic illness.

Eternally loving father, brother, uncle, son, physician, colleague, and friend, Jeff was born February 27, 1956, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and raised on Crescent Lake in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Knowledge, humor, and activity were all fundamental to Jeff's life.

Proud Hodag, Laurentian, and Badger, Jeff followed his love of learning from Rhinelander High School to Lawrence University to the University of Wisconsin, Madison Medical School.

Throughout his life he played guitar, swam, golfed and played racquetball, won and lost cribbage games, created stained glass art, pulled practical jokes, read countless books, and championed his children at their every endeavor.

An esteemed physician, Jeff's care for patients was at the forefront of his more than 30-year Obstetrics and Gynecological practice. Bringing the gift of life into this world was his career pursuit and enduring privilege, and will live on as his legacy in the communities he served.

Jeff is survived by his son Ian Edwards of New York City and daughter Claire Edwards of Puerto Morelos, Mexico, brother Gregory Edwards, D.D.S., sister-in-law Cheryl Stefanic Edwards, nephew Geoff Edwards (Ann), and nieces Stefanie Edwards and Tierney Edwards and grand-niece Lola Edwards all of Rhinelander, aunts Nancy Palecek Gagnow (Dave) and Kathy Palecek Malakuskie (Rich), former wife Janelle Sandefur Edwards of Hermitage, Tennessee, and his loving dog Penny. He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Virginia Edwards, of Rhinelander and son, Isak Edwards.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 11:30am at Holiday Acres Resort in Rhinelander. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to The Edwards Family Scholarship at Jeff and his daughter Claire's alma mater Lawrence University. You may leave your private condolences for he Edwards family at www.carlsonfh.com. The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Edwards family. https://bit.ly/Dr_Jeffrey_Edwards_Obit

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09/27/2023

Please join us in honoring the life of Donald McCann.

Donald Lee McCann was welcomed home to the Lord on July 20, 2023, three days before his 89th Birthday. Through his final moments, Don showed steadfast faith and contentment in the Lord and a love for his wife Dorothy, family, church community, and friends.

Don was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on July 23, 1934, to Everett and Mary McCann. He was the oldest of two children, followed by a brother David. He attended and graduated from Mr. Vernon Township High School in 1952, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. Don was a member of the National Honor Society, Vice President of his Senior Class, and a member of the varsity football and basketball teams. In his senior year, the varsity basketball team placed 3rd in the IL state basketball tournament.

After high school, Don attended Millikin University in Decatur, IL. He was a member of the SAE fraternity, played on the university basketball team, and was president of the Senior Class. Don graduated in 1956 with a bachelor's degree in business administration.

Don entered the U.S. Army in February 1957 as a radio and teletype operator. He was a Private in the 365th Field Artillery Battalion stationed in Baumholder Germany for 17 months.

He spent his entire professional career with Illinois Bell and Ameritech, starting in 1959 in Decatur, IL and later moving to Chicago. Don retired in 1994 after 37 years with the company.

Don was a longtime resident of Naperville and St. Charles IL and moved to Tellico Village in Loudon, TN in 2006. He enjoyed playing golf, boating on the lake, volunteering, and was active in his church.

Don's family was his greatest treasure. He also took great pride in maintaining the many friendships acquired throughout his life. He was a principled man of integrity and known by all to be kind, helpful, and full of grace. Don quietly gave generously to organizations and causes he cared deeply about. His legacy of support, commitment to his faith and abundant love will continue to spread through the many lives he has shaped.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Mary McCann, and his brother David McCann. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, his three children and their spouses, Steven McCann and Helene Antel of Eastpoint, FL, Lesa and Michael Staley of Austin, TX and Kelly and David Kovacic of Sheboygan WI, two stepdaughters, Michelle and Robert Schneider, Denise Pillot-Bilotto and Joseph Bilotto, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service for Don will be held at 11:00am on Friday, October 20, at the First Baptist Church of Tellico Village TN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to organizations that were important to Don. In addition to the First Baptist Church of Tellico Village, and Millikin University (IL), his alma mater, Don Contributed generously to many other charitable organizations, including, to name just a few: American Red Cross; Second Harvest Food Bank of East TN; Doctors Without Borders; Smile Train; Special Olympics; and Shriners Hospital for Children. Heartfelt thanks go to the untiring efforts of caregivers at Autumn Care Assisted Living and Gentiva Hospice Care staff.

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them. Proverbs 20:7

Click Funeral Home & Cremations - Tellico Village Chapel is serving the family of Don McCann. www.clickfuneralhome.com

https://bit.ly/Donald_McCann_Obit

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03/28/2023

Please join us in honoring the life of Richard Cook. Richard "Rich" Gale Cook, 89, of Cleveland TN, passed away peacefully on March 22. 2023 in his home surrounded by family. Rich was born on November 27, 1933, in Lawrenceville, Illinois, to the parents of Elfreda and John Cook. After graduating from Bridgeport High School, in 1951, Rich worked in the family restaurant at "Cook's Confectionary" and later at Standard Oil Refinery in Chicago, Illinois. Rich joined the United States Air Force in 1953 and served his country for 20 years, serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He married the love of his life, Vonda Harbaugh on April 3, 1954, and went on to have 6 children. After retiring from the Air Force, he was self-employed for 1 year and then was employed by Bishop Baking Company for 24 years. He was baptized at the age of 36 into the Seventh Day Adventist Church in which he served as Deacon, Elder, and his passion as the Pathfinder Director and Executive Council serving 43 years

His hobbies included woodworking, hiking, beekeeping, cookouts, gardening, fishing, and traveling. His greatest passion above all was God and his family. He exemplified the character of Christ and touched every life he came in contact with in so many ways. He loved life, loved to laugh, and loved to joke. He had a deep compassion for others, even strangers, and would always greet everyone with a smiling face. He was an amazing man.

He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and older brother. He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Vonda Cook, his brother Don Cook and Sister Marcia Linville, son Jeffery Cook (Diane) of Sequim, WA, Pamela Lassiter (David) of Cleveland, TN, James Cook (Tina) of Cleveland, TN, Janice Cook of Puyallup, WA, Eric Cook of Cleveland, TN and Tricia Micklewright (Clay) of Cleveland, TN, 18 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren.
He now rests peacefully awaiting the 2nd coming of Jesus on that glorious resurrection day with trumpets sounding. Oh, what a day that will be!

Visitation will be held at Companion Funeral Home on April 2nd from 5pm-8pm. Funeral services will be held at Bowman Hills Church on April 3rd at 10am followed by graveside services at Chattanooga National Cemetery. The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations be sent to Bowman Hills Church for the Richard Cook Pathfinder Fund, to the address of 300 Westview Drive Cleveland, TN 37311. https://bit.ly/RichardCookObit

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01/12/2023

Please join us in honoring the life of Beverly Hays.
Beverly Jean Baptist Monical Hays passed away peacefully on December 7th, 2022, in League City, Texas. Born January 23, 1938, to George and Ella "Ruth" Baptist in Shelbyville, Illinois. Beverly earned a BA (1960) and MHA (1972) Washington University in St. Louis. In 1976, moved to Omaha, Nebraska and joined Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital, and later IMA. In 1994, Beverly retired near Sarasota, Florida. Beverly is preceded in death by her husbands, Thomas Verle Monical (1965) and Howard Leslie Hays (2016), siblings Elizabeth Speck, Dwight Baptist, George "Babe" Baptist. Beverly is survived by children Paul Hays, Mark (Valerie) Monical, Laura (Randy) Hays, Kent (Kelli) Monical, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, sister's-in-law Norma "Bennie" Baptist, and Sue Shelton. A Family Memorial Service will be held January 20th, 2023 at Sarasota National Cemetery. https://bit.ly/BeverlyHaysObit

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06/24/2022

Please join us in honoring the life of Jimmie D. Ferguson. CW3 Jimmie D. Ferguson, age 72, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Hospice of Southern Kentucky. Jimmie was born in Salem, Illinois on June 2, 1950. The Flora, Illinois native was the son of the late Jimmie W. and Jean "Erwin" Ferguson.
Jim was a 1985 graduate of Western Kentucky University, served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division and the 1st Cavalry Division, his military awards include, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Purple Heart among many other Individual Awards and Unit Awards. For three decades he was an Air Traffic Controller in Bowling Green, KY and Nashville, TN, he was Eagle Scout, Ham Radio operator, a member of Civil Air Patrol and an outdoorsman.
He was survived by his wife Jean A. Fleener, daughters Tricia Colvin of Bowling Green, KY and Kim Street (Ryan) of O'Fallon, Illinois and one son Matt Ferguson (Stephanie) of Smiths Grove, KY, three brothers, Bob Ferguson (Joni), Chuck Ferguson (Sue) and Randy Ferguson (Jacque) and seven grandchildren, Reese Colvin, Carli Street, Kelsey Street, Cody Street, Bailey Ferguson, Raegan Ferguson & Harper Ferguson and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM Saturday, June 25, 2022 at J.C. Kirby and Son Lovers Lane Chapel, Bowling Green, KY.
Visitation at Frank and Bright Funeral Home in Flora, Illinois will be Monday, June 27 from 5:00 until 8:00 PM and Tuesday from 10:00AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM with burial to follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
https://bit.ly/JIMMIE-D-FERGUSON-Obit-6-24-22

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02/25/2022

Please join us in honoring the life of Shelby Harold Brownfield.

Shelby Harold Brownfield, 90, of Boise, Idaho passed peacefully at home on Friday 28 Jan 2022. His home was full of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his wonderful caregivers. Shelby was greatly loved and respected by many in his family, work, and life. He had a servant heart, was a hard worker, put others before himself, and kindness flowed from him.
He was born 12 Jun 1931 in Ava, Illinois to William Edward Brownfield and Mabel Ditzler. He had two sisters, one older and one younger. He married Lois Marie Landreth 27 April 1952. They had 6 children, 2 boys and 4 girls. After Lois passed 22 April 1991, he married Joyce Gasperson Landreth 10 Dec 1994. Joyce passed 10 March 2001. He then married his high school classmate Marjorie (Mifflin) Sullivan 24 May 2003.
Marjorie passed 6 Oct 2014.

Shelby graduated form Trico High School in 1949 and received his B.S. Degree in Agriculture from University of Illinois in 1954. He worked as a soil scientist for the Soil Conservation Service from 1956 until his retirement in 1986. He also worked for the Idaho Department of Environment Quality and created Associated Earth Sciences Inc. with various colleagues. He was a member of many agricultural and social societies. In his journey with Christ as his Savior and Lord, he was a member of Summit Church (Second Baptist).
Shelby loved spending his free time with family. He traveled across the country with his children teaching them his love of the land, history and those things you can't learn in school. His love for animals has been carried down through his children and beyond. His house in Boise was constantly filled with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He helped teach them how to read, walk, identify rocks in the backyard, and roast marshmallows over the bonfire.
Shelby was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Willa; a stillborn son, Shelby Jr.; a son-in-law, Joseph (Lori); a grandson, Jacob; and a step-granddaughter, Clarissa. He is survived by his sister, Norma Jean Epplin of Pinckneyville, Illinois, and by his children: Susan Roth (John) of Boise, Nancy Raybourn (Mike) of Boise, Shelby David (Debbie) of Howard Ohio, Judy of Boise, and Lori Van Leeuwen (Joseph) of Boise; step-children: David Gasperson (Cindy) of Bunker Hill, Illinois; Laurie Hester (Mike) of Bunker Hill; and Cindy Rocha of Costa Rica; along with numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at Summit Church at 10375 W. Overland Rd., Boise, on 26 Feb 2022 at 3:00 pm. The service will be livestreamed. (www.summitchurchboise.org) His internment will be at Morris Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated for Marion Medical Mission (www.mmmwater.org). Shelby volunteered to serve with them in Malawi, Africa developing water wells.
To leave the family condolences please visit www.bowmanfuneral.com and/or https://bit.ly/Shelby_Brownfield_Obituary

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4 :7

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02/23/2022

Please join us in honoring the life of Jeanne Thorne McLeod:

Jeanne Alice Thorne McLeod was born in Toledo, Ohio, on September 24, 1926 to Hazel Donnell Thorne and Wilson Ambrose Thorne. She grew up in Toledo until she moved to Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where she attended public high school. She went on to study at the University of Michigan, where she received a B.A. in 1945 and an M.A. in Political Science in 1946.

In 1951, she married J. Donald McLeod, whom she met when he was a student at the University of Michigan Law School. They settled in Grosse Pointe, where they had four daughters—Mary (William Brown), Kate (Terrence McAvoy), Jane (Steven Krahnke) and Sara (William Braverman), who survive her. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Julia Limage, Emma Brown, Sophie Krahnke, Nell Krahnke, Anna Braverman, James Braverman, Eve Braverman, and Kate Braverman.

An avid reader, she was also active in her community and church. She had a particular interest in quality pre-school education, which she considered vital to success in adult life.

After the death of her husband, she moved to Bloomington, Indiana, where she lived in Meadowood Senior Living Community. While there, she enjoyed attending the IU opera and women's volleyball games and spending time with friends.

Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Road 37 is handling the arrangements and online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com
and/or https://bit.ly/Jeanne_McLeod_Obituary

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