obituaries

Recent obituaries in Olney and Clay City

The obituaries in the Olney and Clay City Areas reflect the region's diverse population, featuring individuals from a variety of ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds. Some were pioneers in their fields, while others dedicated their lives to community service or philanthropy. Their stories serve as a reminder of the richness and complexity Olney and Clay City's history and identity.

Gene Stanley Workman

Gene Stanley Workman

Aug 13, 2025

Gene Stanley Workman, 92, of Clay City, IL, passed away Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Willow Breeze Hospice House in Mattoon, IL.

Gene was born June 23, 1933 in Clay County, IL to parents, Clarence and Luella (Stanley) Workman. He married Patricia Ann (Staser) Workman on October 4, 1951 in Clay City, IL. Patricia preceded him in death on August 14,...

Becky Lynn Crawford

Becky Lynn Crawford

Aug 11, 2025

Becky Lynn Crawford, 57, of Olney, IL, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 at Richland Nursing and Rehab in Olney.

Becky was born September 22, 1967 in Riverside, CA to parents, Tommy and Carla (Fair) Smith.

Becky is survived by her daughters; Lisa Smith of Rose Hill, IL and Tiffany Crawford, 4 Grandkids, father; Tom Smith of CA., siblings; Shaun (Natasha) Smith,...

Tony Allen Burton

Tony Allen Burton

Aug 7, 2025

Tony Allen Burton, 53, of Olney, IL passed away on Thursday, August 7, 2025 at Richland Nursing and Rehab in Olney.

Tony was born December 8, 1971 in Mt. Carmel, IL to parents, Jimmy Burton and Caroyln (Eyer) Abbott.

Tony is survived by his mother, Carolyn Abbott and his stepfather, Steve...

Donald A. Kocher

Donald A. Kocher

Aug 3, 2025

Donald A. “Don” Kocher of Olney passed away on Sunday, August 3, 2025 at his home.

He was born April 28, 1936, to Omer and Anna (Weiler) Kocher in Stringtown. He married Gertrude Rauch on June 18, 1963, and she survives.

Don was a carpenter for Jim Stivers and Frank Weiler...

Jake Thomas Kuykendall

Jake Thomas Kuykendall

Aug 1, 2025

Jake Kuykendall, 39, of Washington, IN, formerly of Olney, IL, passed away surrounded by family on August 1, 2025 as a result of injuries sustained in a traffic accident.

Jake was born November 28, 1985 in Vincennes, IN, to parents, Mike and Nancy Kuykendall.

He is survived by his parents, Mike...

Judith Ann Zuber

Judith Ann Zuber

Jul 31, 2025

Judith Ann Zuber, 82, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.

Judy was born May 19, 1943 in Stringtown, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond and Alberta Marie (Schneider) Zuber.

Judy enjoyed woodworking, building many items for her "farm" and her family....

Marilyn  Bromm

Marilyn Bromm

Jul 30, 2025

Marilyn Bromm, 90, of Olney, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

Marilyn was born November 3, 1934 in Olney, IL to parents, Gene and Noma (Hall) Kermicle. She married Ralph Bromm on November 7, 1954, he survives.

Marilyn's gift was cooking. She enjoyed...

William "Bill"  Otis Walden

William "Bill" Otis Walden

Jul 28, 2025

William "Bill" Walden, 89, of Olney, IL, passed away July 28, 2025 in Olney, IL.

He was born July 12, 1936 in Parkersburg, IL to parents, Otis Walden and Ruth (Lynch) Walden. He married Ruby J. (Cook) Walden on June 15, 1957 in Parkersburg, IL.

Bill graduated from Parkersburg Grade School...

Karen Sue Smith

Karen Sue Smith

Jul 27, 2025

Karen Sue Smith, 66, of Olney, IL, passed away July 27, 2025 at her residence in Olney, IL.

Karen Smith was born on September 7, 1958 in Calhoun, IL to parents, Bobby Reynolds and Mary (McCleave) Reynolds. She married Daniel H. Smith on December 21, 2009, he survives.

Karen worked for...

Shirley Kay Hinderliter

Shirley Kay Hinderliter

Jul 25, 2025

Shirley Hinderliter, 67, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Friday, July 25, 2025 at her home.

Shirley was born October 18, 1957 in Olney, the daughter of Ted Ratcliffe and Judy (Collins) Weir.

Shirley was an East Richland High School graduate, class of 1975, where she was a cheerleader for all...

Clota Fay Cantrell

Clota Fay Cantrell

Jul 23, 2025

Clota Fay Cantrell, 90, of Olney, IL, passed away July 23, 2025 at Richland Nursing and Rehab in Olney, IL.

Clota Fay Cantrell was born December 8, 1934 in Van, TX to parents, Blaine Williams and Irene (Tate) Williams. She married Eugene "Gene" Franklin Cantrell on August 1, 1959 in Fairfield, IL. Eugene preceded her...

Gregory Max Balding

Gregory Max Balding

Jul 17, 2025

Gregory Max Balding, 61, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Richland Nursing and Rehab in Olney.

Greg was born January 11, 1964 in Olney, the son of Max and Velda Ruth (Pittman) Balding.

Greg was an avid NASCAR fan and he loved his many cats. He...

Margaret Fehrenbacher

Margaret Fehrenbacher

Jul 16, 2025

Margaret Fehrenbacher, 97, of Olney, IL, passed away July 16, 2025 at Helia Healthcare in Olney, IL.

Margaret Fehrenbacher was born August 14, 1927 in Jasper County, IL to parents, Lawrence Gosnell and Ima Vista (Swank) Gosnell. She married Savern John "Steve" Fehrenbacher on November 6, 1948, he preceded her in death on November 26,...

Janet Kay Rusk

Janet Kay Rusk

Jul 15, 2025

Janet K. Rusk, 76, of Olney, IL, passed away July 15, 2025 at her home.

Janet K. Rusk was born July 22, 1948 in Princeton, IN to parents, William Osman and Ruth Ellen (Gard) Osman. She married Wayne Edward Rusk on July 28, 1977, in Noble, Illinois. Wayne preceded her in death on July 7,...

Peggy Jane (Davis) Scott,  Wooden

Peggy Jane (Davis) Scott, Wooden

Jul 15, 2025

Peggy Jane (Davis) Scott, Wooden, 89, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Helia Healthcare of Olney.

Peggy owned and operated the Wynoose Grocery and was proudly known as the "Wynoose Grouch".

Peggy was born December 30, 1935, the daughter of Theodore and Bessie (Smith) Davis. She...

Carl Anthony Kocher

Carl Anthony Kocher

Jul 13, 2025

Carl Kocher, 87, of Claremont, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, Indiana.

Carl was born May 11, 1938 in Claremont, IL, the son of Cornelius and Dorothy (Zwilling) Kocher. He married Una Marie Uebinger on December 30, 1963 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Wendelin, Illinois, and...

James A. "Pa" Waddell

James A. "Pa" Waddell

Jul 12, 2025

James A. "Pa" Waddell, 70, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, July 12, 2025 at his home surrounded by his family.

James was born May 18, 1955 in Joliet, Illinois, the son of Fred, Jr. and Loretta Ellen (Grove) Waddell. He married Pamela Jo Jones on July 3, 1981 in Olney, and she survives....

Delorse Marie (Kocher) Johnson

Delorse Marie (Kocher) Johnson

Jul 9, 2025

Delorse Marie (Kocher) Johnson, 53, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at her home.

Delorse was born May 13, 1972 in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Norman and Wanda (Marshall) Kocher. She married Dusty Johnson on May 28, 2014 in Olney, and he survives.

Delorse was a...

Michael A. "Mike" Peavler

Michael A. "Mike" Peavler

Jul 5, 2025

Michael A. "Mike" Peavler, 74, of Olney, IL, passed away at his residence on July 5, 2025 in Olney, IL.

Mike was born March 5, 1951 in Danville, IL to parents, Lawrence Peavler and Minnie Mae Peavler (Bell). He married Martha (Richardson) Peavler on July 6, 1968 in Olney, IL. Martha preceded him in death...

Jean C. Zwilling

Jean C. Zwilling

Jul 3, 2025

Jean C. Zwilling, 88, of Olney, IL, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Jean was born on July 22, 1936 in Richland County, IL, the daughter of Edmund and Anna (Fehrenbacher) Volk. She was united in marriage to Norman Zwilling on April 22, 1957 at Holy...

Subscribe

To Email Notifications

Subscribe to receive an email when we add new obituaries to our website. Your email will not be used for any other purpose and will not be shared. You may unsubscribe at any time.

A logo for grief steps with an orange wave on a white background.
A Year of Grief Support

Sign up for one year of weekly grief messages designed to provide strength and comfort during this challenging time.