Robert Major "Maj" Ellison, 94, of Bluffs, died Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2000, at Pittsfield Manor in Pittsfield.

He was born Aug. 6, 1908, in Carrollton, the son of Harvey John and Maude Rebecca Lee Ellison. He married Grace Ellen Likes Nov. 27, 1936, in Jerseyville, and she survives in Bluffs.

He is also survived by one daughter, Roberta Lee (husband, Fred) Barnett of Bluffs; one grandson; one granddaughter, three great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; one brother, H.J. "Jay" of Belleville; and one sister, Doris Little of Roxana. He was preceded in death by one brother, E.L. "Elm"; a sister, Mildred Voiles; and three infant sisters.

Mr. Ellison was raised in Greene County and graduated from Carrollton High School in 1926. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., Illinois State Normal School in Normal and Western Illinois State Teachers College in Macomb. For 18 years he was a reacher in rural schools of Greene and Scott counties. He was a veteran of World War II and received an honorable discharge from the United States Navy with the following citations: World War II Victory Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and American Campaign Medal. Following his military service he owned and operated a grain and livestock farm in Scott County until his retirement. In 1987 he and his wife moved from the farm to the village of Bluffs to make their home. He loved life on the farm and had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. He found pleasure from extensive reading with a great interest in history, geography and poetry. He also studied the Spanish language independently. For many years he had a special fascination with antiques as well as artifacts of the Native American Culture.

Private funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2000, at the Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs with Gary Potter officiating. Melissa Barnett, granddaughter of Mr. Ellison reflected on his life. Michael Barnett, grandson of Mr. Ellison, read the poem "The House By The Side Of The Road" and gave a commendatory statement.

Pallbearers were Fred Barnett, Michael Barnett, Jay Ellison, Bill Voiles, Dan Likes and Bob Little Jr.

Burial at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs.

Memorials are suggested to Hillcrest Cemetery or Meredosia Kingdom Hall.

Jacksonville Journal Courier, 17 Jul 2005

Jacksonville - Danny Ray Likes, 77, of Jacksonville, and formerly of Bluffs, died Friday evening, July 15, 2005, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born April 1, 1928, near Oxville, the son of Ray Edward and Ora Bertha Husband Likes. He married Bernita Rahe on March 6, 1949, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Neeleyville, and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Brenda (husband, Byron, Jr.) Berry of Carrollton and Judy (husband, John III) Thousand of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; four grandchildren, Matthew Berry and Nadia Berry, both of Carrollton, and John Thousand IV and Daniel Thousand, both of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and two sisters, Grace Ellison of Bluffs and Marie Leib of Winchester. He was preceded in death by one sister, Ola Likes; and two bothers, Arthur and Henry.

Mr. Likes was a 1946 graduate of Bluffs High School. He had been a farmer in the Bluffs area his entire life. He was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Neeleyville, where he had served on the church council and was currently a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville. He was a former member of the Bluffs School Board and had been a Scott County 4-H leader. He was also a member of the Farm Bureau, where he had served on the board.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery south of Bluffs. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service at the church. Friends may call after 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cody & Son Memorial Home, where the family will meet friends 6 - 7:30 p.m. Memorials are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, August 24, 2005 Sec A4

Margaret L. Edlen, 91, of Bluffs died Sunday evening, Aug. 21, 2005, at the Scott County Nursing Center in Winchester.

She was born Aug. 22, 1913, in Exeter, the daughter of John Drietrick and Caroline Harriett Frohwitter Brockhouse. She married Max Leslie Edlen in 1932 and he preceded her in death in 1971.

She is survived by two sons, Harold Lee (wife, Betty) Edlen of Bryan, Texas and Max Leland (wife, Bonnie) Edlen of Bluffs; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Laura Dell Brockhouse of Jacksonville; and several nieces and nephews with whom she was especially close to and known to all of them as "Aunt Marge." She was preceded in death by three brothers, William, John R. and Harvey "Dutch" Brockhouse; and three sisters, Dwenna "Kitty" Heck, Verna Bunch and Wilma "Puddy" Chamberlain.

Mrs. Edlen taught Sunday school at St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs. She held various jobs over the years including working in a beauty shop in Beardstown, a hostess at the Holiday Inn in Jacksonville, working at the Economy Store in Bluffs and as a caretaker for Mrs. Kendall. She also babysat for several of her grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 at New Song Church in Bluffs with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs. Memorials are suggested to the Scott County Nursing Center Van Fund. Condolences may be left at mackeydaws.com. Mackey Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs was in charge of the arrangements.

Jacksonville Journal Courier, 15 May 2005

Jacksonville - Wilbur Donald Westermeyer, 86, of Jacksonville, formerly of Bluffs, died Thursday, May 12, 2005, at Modern Care Convalescent Center in Jacksonville.

He was born March 12, 1919, in Scott County, the son of Fred and Emma March Westermeyer. He married Wilma Blake in 1941 in Bluffs; she died in 1995.

Mr. Westermeyer farmed for most of his life in rural Scott County, worked in the parts department at Marshall's Chevrolet in Winchester and during World War II, was an aircraft assemblyman in Wichita, Kan. He served as a trustee of Hillcrest Cemetery and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs, where he formerly served on the board and was a Sunday school teacher.

Survivors: two sons, Donald (wife, Esther) Westermeyer of Bluffs and Kenneth (wife, Gretchen) Westermeyer of Jacksonville; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services: 10 a.m. Monday, St. John's Lutheran Church, Bluffs. Interment: Hillcrest Cemetery, near Bluffs.

Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs is in charge of arrangements.

The Winchester Times, Thursday, April 17, 1997, page 13.

Russell Albers, 75, of Bluffs died Tuesday afternoon, April 15, 1997, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born Sept. 22, 1921, in Naples, the son of Oscar and Joy Bunch Albers. He married Bernice Lovekamp on Jan. 26, 1947, in Neelyville, and she survives.

He is also survived by two daughters, Mary Ann (husband, Eric) Young of Beardstown, Alice of Carlinville; two brothers, James of Bluffs and Richard of Berry; four sisters, Dorothy Terrell of Winchester, Julia Nunn of Jacksonville, Eileen Howell of Bloomington and Doris Chambers of Lincoln, Neb.; and two grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Harold and Ronald; and one sister, Ruth.

Mr. Albers was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Bluffs. He was a democratic committeeman for 30 years; a charter member of the Bluffs American Legion; a World War 11 Army veteran; and a member of the Scott county Farm Bureau. He was very active in the Winchester Legion and burgoo.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bluffs. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Thursday with family meeting friends from 6-8 p.m.

Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad.

The Winchester Times, Thursday, April 24, 1997, page 16.

Funeral services for Russell Franklin Albers were held at 2 p.m. Friday, April 18, 1997, at the Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs. Rev. Tom Wilson officiated and Eileen Fielder was organist.

Pallbearers were Roger Waite, Denny Evans, Galen Lovekamp, Darrell Bangert, Danny Evans, Bill Chambers, and Roland Davis. Honorary pallbearers were Herbert Lovekamp, Norman Vortman, Earl Tash, Leland Littig, Wayne Kilver, and Donald Terrell.

Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery in Bluffs.

Military services were provided by the Bluffs American Legion: Color bearers, Jack Moore and Henry E. Neese; Commander of the firing squad, Brian Howe; Firing squad, Larry Engelbrecht, Penel Hutton, Leroy "Hap" Vortman, Norman Vortman, Robert Smith, Eugene Kroencke, and Vernon Rahe. Norman and "Hap" Vortman folded the flag. Champlain was Leland Littig. buglers were Tim Bicknell and Christine Merriman.

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, March 9, 2005 Sec A4

James Frederick Albers, 81, of Bluffs, died early Thursday morning, March 3, 2005, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born Sept. 10, 1923, in Naples, the son of the Oscar F. and Joy Eunice Bunch Albers. He married Flora Mae Magelitz.

He is survived by three sons, Steven (wife, Charlene) Albers of Springfield, Howard (wife, Brenda) Albers of Warren, Mich., and Paul Albers of Prentice; eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; long time friend, Freta Anders of Bluffs; three sisters, Julia Nunn of Jacksonville, Doris (husband, Frank) Chambers of Lincoln, Neb., and Eileen (husband, Eugene) Howell of Bloomington; one brother, Richard (wife, Harriet) Albers of Pittsfield. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold, Russell, and Ron Albers; and two sisters, Ruth Albers and Dorothy Terrell.

Mr. Albers attended school in Naples. He was an Army Air Force veteran serving in Rome Arno No Appennines, Po Valley, Southern France, Rhineland and Air Combat Balkans campaigns during WWII. He received the Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars and one Silver Battle Star, three Overseas Service Bars and the Good Conduct Medal. He farmed and was a heavy equipment operator. He later owned and operated a watch and jewelry repair shop in Mt. Sterling. He was a member of the American Legion and Trinity Lutheran Church near Bluffs.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 5, 2005, at the Coonrod Funeral Home in Winchester with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery south of Bluffs. Military rites were conducted. Memorial contributions can be made to the Meredosia Rescue Squad.

Jacksonville Journal Courier, 29 April 2005

Meredosia - Julia Caroline Nunn, 85, a longtime Meredosia resident, died Thursday morning, April 28, 2005, at Barton W. Stone Christian Home in Jacksonville.

She was born Sept. 11, 1919, in Naples, the daughter of Oscar F. and Joy Bunch Albers. She married John Kenneth Nunn on Dec. 29, 1946, in Bluffs, and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by three daughters, Carolyn (husband, Richard) Williams of Queen Creek, Ariz., Norma (husband, Jess) Jessen of Peachtree City, Ga., and Joyce (husband, Greg) Clagg of Palmyra; six grandchildren, Shane (wife, Marcie) Williams of Springfield, Darr� (husband, Todd) Porter of Gilbert, Ariz., Whitney Clagg and Tanner Clagg, both of Palmyra, Adam Jessen and Lucas Jessen, both of Peachtree City, Ga.; three stepgrandchildren, Micah Jessen and Chad (wife, Melissa) Jessen, both of Bloomington, and Troy (wife, Julie) Jessen of Sacramento, Calif.; four great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchilren; two sisters, Eileen Howell of Bloomington and Doris Chambers of Lincoln, Neb.; and one brother, Richard Albers of Barry. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Harold, Ronald, Russell and Jim Albers; and two sisters, Dorothy Terrell and Ruth Albers.

Mrs. Nunn attended Naples schools and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Meredosia. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary and Friendship Circle Church Women.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Schaefer Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia, with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, south of Bluffs. Friends may call after 4 p.m. today at the funeral home, where the family will meet friends from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Friends may also call from 10 a.m. until time of services Saturday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Barton W. Stone Christian Home or Alzheimer's Association.

The Winchester Times, Thursday, August 6, 1998, page 3.

Norman Keith Little, 65, of Meredosia, died Thursday morning, July 30, 1998, at Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville.

He was born April 21, 1933, in Winchester, the son of Ray and Essie Calhoun Little. He married Christine Huddleston on Feb. 12, 1959, in Winchester, and she survives.

He is also survived by one daughter, Pat Engelbrecht of Meredosia; two grandsons; and one brother, Harry (wife, Irene) of Jacksonville.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Kenneth and Lyndle.

Mr. Little was a graduate of Winchester High School. He was office manager for Illinois Road Contractors-Meredosia Terminal, where he worked for over 25 years. He was also a licensed real estate broker and ran the Norm Little Realty Co. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was a Meredosia Village Trustee for eight years. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandsons.

Funeral services were held 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2, at the Schaefer-Cody Funeral Home with Wayne Hammitt officiating. Danny Little gave the Eulogy.

Pallbearers were Randy Hoffsuemmer, Jason, Jim, and Randy Huddleston; Danny and Steve Little and Albert and Richard Monroe. Honorary Pallbearers were Dave Borrowman, Don Bradley, Rick Davidsmeyer, Dennis Englebrecht, Dick Pennington, Kevin Rollins, Tucker Ruyle and Joe Smith.

Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery, south of Bluffs.

Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad.

Jacksonville Journal Courier - 21 May 2005

Meredosia - Christine "Grandma" Little, 79, of Meredosia, died Thursday night, May 19, 2005, at her residence. She was born February 13, 1926 in Littrell, KY., the daughter of John Paul and Julie Ann Smith Huddleston. She married Samuel Hall and later married Norman Keith Little February 12, 1959, in Winchester and he preceded her in death July 30, 1998.

She is survived by one daughter, Patricia Engelbrecht of Meredosia, two grandsons, Scott (wife, Julie) Gregory of Meredosia and Sean (companion, Jennifer DuRocher) Engelbrecht of Meredosia.

Three great-grandchildren survive, the Gregory Triplets, Russell Eugene, Madison Christine, and Emma Marie. Also surviving are two brothers and four sisters, Pauline Monroe of Versailles, Sarah Cole of Springfield; Roy (wife, Martha) Huddleston of Brooksfield, FL.; Watson (wife, Linda) Huddleston of Griggsville; Betty (husband, Jerry) Hoots of Bluffs; and Willia Gibson of Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

She loved to cook and worked in area restaurants for over sixty years, most recently at the Southside Tavern in Meredosia. She was a member of the Virginia Christian Church. She loved cooking, spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren, and shopping with friends. She was proud of her Kentucky roots and proud of being a Democrat.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, at the Schaefer-Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia. Burial will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery, south of Bluffs. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m., Sunday, and the family will meet friends from 5-7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad or the Cass-Schuyler Hospice.

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Sec A4

Charles E. "Pat" Berry, 76, of Bluffs, died Sunday, March 13, 2005, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.

He was born Jan. 12, 1929 in Exeter, the son of George and Hester Torance Berry. He married Shirley Ann Booker, Dec. 4, 1954, in Jacksonville, and she survives in Bluffs.

He is also survived by one son, Patrick (wife, Melanie) of Bluffs; one daughter, Penny (husband, John) Edlen of Bluffs; four grandchildren, Eric Berry, Chad Berry, Julie Edlen and Ryan Edlen; and one brother, Vincent (wife, Mary) of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by one brother, George (surviving wife, Jane of Albuquerque, N.M.)

Mr. Berry was a 1947 graduate of Bluffs High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was employed at Bluffs Farmers Elevator, Wabash Railroad and CIPS where he retired after 32 years. He loved playing cards and watching car races. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His family was the most important thing in the world to him.

Funeral services were held 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 16 at Mackey Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs, with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs. Condolences may be left at www.mackeydaws.com .

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, July 21, 2004 Sec B Page 3

Eldred Eugene Smith, 71, Oxville, died Friday afternoon, July 16, 2004 at his residence.

He was born Jan. 12, 1933 in Meredosia, the son of Francis Smith and Juanita Smith Havens. He married Marilyn Yost Nov. 2, 1952, in Beardstown and she survives.

He is also survived by two sisters, Norma Crawford and Barbara Wolfe, both of Jacksonville; two half-brothers, Michael and Kenneth Havens, both of Jacksonville; five half-sisters, Patsy Berton, Sandra Wilson and Sharon Havens, all of Jacksonville, Brenda Crain of White Hall, and Wanda Brundage of Ariz.; one stepbrother, Billy Vaughn of Florida; one step-sister, Eva Lee VanHyning of Meredosia; several nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

Mr. Smith as a veteran, serving with the Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict. He farmed near Chapin early on, then worked construction for Freesen Corp. for years. He was known for his excellent concrete finishing work.

Graveside services were held Tuesday, July 20 at 10:30 a.m. at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs, with Rev. David Reid officiating. Military rites were accorded by the Bluffs American Legion Post #441. Memorials are suggested to the Eldred Smith Family and sent to Niebur Funeral Home, PO Box 36, Barry IL. 62312. Condolences may be sent online at www.nieburfh.com. Neibur Funeral Home in Barry was in charge of arrangements.

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, December 22, 2004 Sec A8

Cindy Kaye Balentine, 34, of Bluffs, died Sunday, Dec. 19, 2004 at her home in Bluffs.

She was born Oct. 10, 1970 in Pittsfield to Leo and Betty Guthrie Balentine. She worked as a certified nursing assistant at local nursing homes. She was attending the Bethel Baptist Church in Jacksonville. She enjoyed NASCAR Racing and attending local stock car races, but most of all she lived her life for her son, Johnnie.

Survivors include her son, Johnnie Coultas of the home; a long-time companion, Johnny Coultas; her mother, Betty Lewis of Jacksonville; a maternal grandmother, Pauline Guthrie of Pittsfield; a sister, Barbara Balentine of Jacksonville; four half-brothers, Danny, Lannie, Johnny and Steve Balentine of Mountain Home, Ark.; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephew and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father Leo Balentine; her grandfather, Almy Guthrie; and an infant brother, Marty.

Funeral services will be today, Wednesday, Dec. 22 at 2 p.m. at the Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with the Rev. Joe Blan officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs. Friends may call at Niebur's Wednesday from noon until time of services.

Memorials are to an educational trust fund for her son c/o Niebur Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent to www.nieburth.com or e-mail [email protected] .

The Winchester Times, Thursday, January 1, 1998, page 3.

Donald L. Smith, 82, of Bluffs, died Thursday afternoon, Dec. 25, 1997, at St. John's Hospital in Springfield.

He was born Jan. 9, 1915, in Naples, the son of Paul B. Smith. He married Helen L. Dunham on Aug. 27, 1938, in Bowling Green, MO., and she survives in Bluffs.

He is also survived by one brother, Leo Paul of Anchor; one sister, Donna Rakes of Waverly. He was preceded in death by one brother, Robert L.; and one sister, Janiece Weakley.

Mr. Smith was an operating engineer for # 965 Operators Engineer in Springfield. He was a member of the Naples United Methodist Church and Bluffs Masonic Lodge.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Mackey-Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Meredosia Rescue Squad or Naples United Methodist Church.

Scott County Times, Winchester, Scott, Illinois, Wednesday, December 29, 2004 Sec A4

Helen L. Smith, 89, formerly of Bluffs, died Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village in Springfield.

She was born July 7, 1915 in Brown County near Mt. Sterling, the daughter of Merle and Pearl Hoover Dunham. She married Donald Smith Aug. 27, 1938 in Bluffs.[Jacksonville Journal Courier, Obit., has Merle and Pearl being married in Bluffs, paper being dated 24 Dec 2004] He preceded her in death Dec. 25, 1997.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by one sister, Jane Little; and five brothers, John, George, Merle "Jake", David and Tunney Dunham.

Mrs. Smith was a secretary for the Bluffs schools. She was a lifetime member of the Bluffs and Naples Methodist churches. She enjoyed collecting antiques.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 27 at Mackey Daws Funeral Home in Bluffs. Burial was at Hillcrest Cemetery near Bluffs. Memorials are suggested to the Bluffs-Meredosia Rescue Squad. Condolences may be left online at mackeydaws.com .

Transcribed by: Larry Fearneyhough