All Obituaries

Elsie Elizabeth Porter, 95, resident of Staunton, formally of Galatia, passed away Monday September 14, 2020 at the Heritage Manor of Staunton. Elsie was born May 4, 1925 in Mitchellsville, Illinois to the late Charles C. and Nellie Mae (Stone) Kuppart. She married James Carl Porter who preceded her in death. Elsie is survived by a son: James Christopher Porter of Staunton, a daughter: Lisa Diane (Vern Best) Force of Worden, a step son: David Lee (Cherry) Porter of MI, grandchildren: Aaron...

Freda “Lou” Louise Connett, 88, resident of Eldorado passed away peacefully in her sleep Wednesday morning September, 16, 2020 at her residence. Lou was born March 1, 1932 in Eldorado to the late Harold and Hazel (Akins) Hafford. She married John W. (Bill) Connett who preceded her in death. She was a member of the Eldorado Church of God & had been attending New Life Full Gospel Assembly in Harrisburg (currently New Life Christian Center in Equality) since 2017.  Lou is...

James Ralph Erkman, 95, resident of Eldorado passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at his residence.  Jim was born February 15, 1925 in Eldorado to the late Everett and Della (Fuller) Erkman. Jim was an Army Veteran serving in a heavy mortar company attached to the 3rd Army division in Sicily, Italy and was in the first wave of troops in the invasion of Southern France. When the war ended he transferred to the supreme headquarters in Paris, France and Frankfurt, Germany until his...

Loretta (Gross) Turner, 63, resident of Eldorado passed away Friday, March 13, 2020 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Loretta was born August 15, 1956 in Harlan, KY to the late George W. and Delta (Howard) Gross.  She married Kilburn Turner who preceded her in death December 18, 2006. She worked as a CNA at Fountainview Nursing Home prior to retirement. She is survived by four children: Yolanda (Kenny) Baugher of Galatia, Lacretia Turner of Eldorado, Nedra (Les)...

Anthony N. “Tony” ”Bony” Dolden, 57, resident of Creal Springs passed away Thursday, August 6, 2020 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Tony was born December 2, 1962 in Joliet to the late Joeseph Andrew Dolden and Roena Nell (Murphy) Dolden who survives. He marred the former Sheliah M. Bozarth who survives. He was a carpenter by trade and worked for over 30 years. Tony loved spending time with his wife, children and especially his grandchildren fishing...

Gerry A. Givens, 79, resident of Eldorado went to be with her Lord and Savior Thursday, August 20, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital. Gerry was born June 21, 1941 in Fairfield, Illinois to the late Gerald W. and Edna (Clevenger) Hooper. Gerry wore many hats in her lifetime including being a beautician, secretary at Calvary Christian Academy, CNA and cook at Finnie’s Nursing Home, receptionist of 21 years for Dr. Ewell, working the Closet of Second Blessings, receptionist at Saline County...

Edward “Ed” D. Lewis, 84, resident of Eldorado passed away Tuesday, August 18, 2020 at the Natures Trail Health Center in Mt. Vernon, IL. Ed was born May 8, 1936 in McLeansboro, IL to the late Ed F. and Thelma Lorene (Crawford) Lewis. He served in the US Army. He married the former Pauline E. Tolbert who preceded him in death. Ed worked at Roundy’s in Eldorado as a maintenance supervisor prior to retirement. He was a member of the Eldorado First Baptist Church. He was a...

Dwain Roland Coffee, 84, of Kankakee, Illinois passed away Friday, August 9, 2020, at Riverside Hospital in Kankakee, Illinois. Dwain was born on July 12, 1936 in Raleigh, Illinois to Kenneth Coffee and Marjorie (Davis) Coffee. Dwain is survived by a son, Ronald Coffee of San Diego, CA; daughter, Rhonda Hoskins and son-in-law Craig Hoskins of Mt. Vernon, IN; sister, Carol Edwards and brother-in-law Russ Edwards of Virden, IL; along with three grandchildren, one niece and two nephews. Mr....

Clara Dean Berkel Young 76, of Eldorado, IL., passed from this earth, into the arms of Jesus, at Deaconess Hospital, in Evansville, In., on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Clara was born the oldest child of Mary Dorothy [Casteel] Berkel and Andrew James Berkel, in Eldorado, Illinois, on March 1st, 1944. She had three younger siblings; Helen Sue (Russell) Swarringin, Andrew Newton 'Bud' Berkel, and, Mary Ann (Lawrence) Wright, all of Harrisburg., IL. Clara had many nieces and nephews...

James Robert “Bobby” Ruphard, 58, resident of Eldorado passed away Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at his residence. Bobby was born July 3, 1962 in Eldorado, Illinois. He graduated from Eldorado High School in 1980. After high school he worked as a painter for Goss Painting then at Kroger in Harrisburg, Russell Oil Company in Harrisburg, Carrier Mills, Eldorado and Galatia and later worked a self employed painter. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, fishing and...