Mott & Henning Funeral Home, 206 N Main Street, Athens, IL (2026)

06/03/2026

ROCHESTER, IL – Barbara J. Hunsley, 77, passed away, June 1, 2026, at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her sons.

She was born April 5, 1949, in Springfield, Ill., the daughter of Cecil and Audrey Ratliff.

Barb is survived by her husband, Lyle Hunsley, Taylorville; her daughter, Shelly Adams, Parker, Colorado, her sons, David Clemens, Waverly, and Mark (Erin) Clemens, Rochester; her step-daughter Lisa (Jeff) Bealmear, Goshen Indiana, her step-son Greg (Caroline) Hunsley, Flowery Branch Georgia; her grandchildren: Kylie, Abbey and Preston; her sister, Kay Engel; her sister-in-law, Mary Ratliff; several nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and her dog, Maggie.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bob Ratliff, her sister, Betty Wi******er and her step-son Brent Hunsley.

Barb was a strong woman, a hard worker, and a fierce loyalist to her family. She enjoyed socializing with her friends and family, she loved to cook, bake, and travel with her sister Kay.

She owned her own small business in Cosmetology, dazzled the catering field with her organizational skills and gift of hospitality at LRS Web Solutions, and has been a good friend to many and will be remembered well and missed greatly.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be held from 4PM PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, at the Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Elmwood Cemetery in Greenview.

Memorial donations may be made to the Animal Protective League of Sangamon County.

Mott & Funeral Home in Athens assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com

05/30/2026

Becky Sue Markley, age 72 of Springfield, passed away May 29th She was born on November 3, 1953, twenty-four minutes before her twin sister, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of George and Marjorie Boehm.

Mourning her passing are her daughter, Teela Markley; her son, Breck (Amanda) Markley; her former son-in-law, Brandon Paoni, with whom she remained close; and her beloved grandchildren: Preston, Emileigha, Myles, Blake, Karah, Melody and Trip.
She is also survived by her siblings: Betty Zake, Mart (Bill) Coombe, George Boehm, Mary (Tom) Biscoe, and her brother-in-law, Don Schafer; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Becky was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Vicky Schafer; her brother, Jim (Amber) Boehm; her brother-in-law, Francis “pint” Zake; her sister-in-law, Marsha Boehm; and her nephew, Darrell Martin great-great nephew CJ.

Becky graduated from Pleasant Plains High School in 1971 and earned an associate degree in accounting from Lincoln Land Community College. She worked in the accounting department at St. John’s Hospital for 35 years. Later in life, she pursued a new path as a licensed nail technician and became a teacher at USCA.

In retirement, Becky could often be found at La Bead Oh working on projects or lending a helping hand. If she wasn’t crafting with beads, she was most likely playing with her grandchildren — the light of her life.

Visitation for Becky will be held from 11:00AM until time of funeral services at 1:00PM on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.

Cremation rites will be accorded after the services.

Memorial contributions can be made to National MS Society. https://donate.nationalmssociety.org.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/30/2026

Beverly (Billy) Evelyn Williams age 84, of Cantrall, passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at Springfield Memorial Hospital in Springfield, IL.

She was born August 21, 1941 in Athens the daughter of Willam Henry and Ruth Evelyn (Powell) Dyer.

She married Merle A. Williams on September 24, 1960 in Springfield. They enjoyed 65 years of marriage.

Mourning her passing are her husband, Merle; a son, Danny (wife Caroline) Williams of
Williamsville; three daughters, Geraldine (husband Steve) Yoakum of Cantrall, Brenda (husband
Danny) Smith of Athens, Melissa (husband Justin) Klasinz of Athens; twelve grandchildren,
Amy (Henry) Yoakum, Jamie (Sam) Yoakum, Hayley (Michael) Yoakum, Justin (Kayla)
Williams, Jesse Williams, Christopher Williams, Zack (Racheal) Williams, William (Crystal)
Hampton, Jennifer Hampton, Michael Klasinz, James Klasinz, and Amber Klasinz;
nine great-grandchildren, Drake Kaler, Colin Mullett, River Mullett, Allen Tedrow, Xander
Williams, Aubrey Hampton, Jayden Hampton, Kolton Trimpe, and Jacob Trimpe; brother,
George Dyer of Athens; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, William Henry and James Dyer; and half-sister, Virginia Mitchell.

Mrs Williams worked in housekeeping at Memorial Medical Center for 39 years.

She was a member of the Jehovah Witnesses.

She loved her cats and chickens.

Graveside services will be held at Joel Hall Cemetery in Athens on 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/21/2026

Daniel Joseph Thoele, 62, of Athens, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Dan was born on April 3, 1964, in Springfield, Illinois, as one of four children of John Joseph and Dolores Mae (Buescher) Thoele. He married Regina Gail Schnettgoecke on June 19, 1993, and they shared nearly 33 years of marriage, raising two daughters.
Dan graduated from Pawnee High School in 1982, eventually joining IBEW Local 193. He was a journeyman electrician employed at HSHS St. John’s Hospital for over 25 years, retiring in 2024. He loved working on engines of any kind, tinkering with projects or repairs in his garage, and relaxing in his recliner.
Preceded in death by his parents, he will forever be remembered by his wife, Regina daughter, Alaina Thoele; daughter, Abigail (Austen) King; grandchildren, Weston and Callahan. He is also survived by his brother, Greg (Lisa) Thoele, and sisters, Jennifer Ericson and Susan Thoele, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Per the family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 28 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the education fund for Weston and Callahan King or to IBEW Local 193 to aid first-year apprentices.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/18/2026

Mary “Thelma” Black, age 95, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Arcadia Care on the Hill in Springfield.

Thelma was born on October 25, 1930, in her family’s farmhouse in Marion County, Kentucky, outside Lebanon to parents James Gordon “Jocko” Copley and Mary Hattie Celeste Beaven. She is preceded in death by eight siblings and survived by two sisters Sadie Barnett and Christine Charles.

She married James Lee Wright on January 4, 1947, in Lebanon, Kentucky. He preceded her in death on November 26, 1972. With James, she had seven children. Terry Wright, Danny Wright and Brenda Thompson preceded Thelma in death. Her children Judy Vandiver, Linda Keeley, David Wright and James Wright survive her. She also had many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She married Robert G. Black on June 28, 1975, in Williamsville. He preceded her in death on January 18, 1992.

While living in Williamsville, Thelma attended church and sang in the choirs at both Williamsville United Methodist and Williamsville Christian Church. While living in Springfield, she attended Kumler Methodist Church and near the end of her life was pastored by Lakeside Church of Christ.

Early in life, Thelma worked with her family on to***co farms in Kentucky. For many years, she worked as a caregiver at St. John’s Hospital and later at Dominican Sisters of Springfield, Illinois. She worked as a caregiver into her 80s.

Thelma enjoyed reading mysteries, quilting and volunteering with the homeless community in Springfield, offering those in need a “grandma’s smile” and hot cup of coffee in her later years.

Graveside services for Thelma will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Walnut Hill Cemetery at 3:00 PM near Williamsville. Rev. Michael Hall will be officiating.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/17/2026

David Lefferts, age 74, of Petersburg, passed away on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Sunny Acres Nursing Home in Petersburg, Illinois

David was born on March 23, 1952, in Springfield, Illinois the son of Raymond and Eleanor (Hayes) Lefferts.

He was a loving husband who married Elizabeth Schurman on August 12, 1999 in Springfield, Illinois.

Mourning his passing are his wife, Elizabeth; four children, Brian (Lori) of Bethel, Alaska, Kevin (Ashley) of Athens, Megan (Jay) Heriford of Athens, and Hayley (Kelcie) Schurman of St. Louis; six grandchildren, Silas, Nora, Annalee, Miles, Stella, and Nolia; three brothers, Ray Lefferts, Steve Lefferts, and Larry Lefferts; one sister, Mary Anne Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Eleanor; and a brother, Richard.

David graduated from St. James Trade School in 1970.

He was a master carpenter, where he could build anything. David built multiple homes in Menard County. He also worked for Central State Fireworks.

He was a dedicated boy scout leader influencing his boys to become Eagle Scouts.

He served for the Illinois Air National Guard from 1971 until 1977.

David will be remembered as a hard worker and a “fair” man who had a life-long love of music.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to Menard County Animal Shelter.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/16/2026

Marilyn Castles, age 87, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the Capitol Retirement Village in Springfield.

Marilyn was born on December 13, 1938 in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Everett and Lucille (Rogers) Piggott, both deceased.

She married Terry Castles, Sr. December 22, 1956.

Mourning her passing are her children, Jo Ellen (Robert) Croft II of Athens, Beth Anne (John) Reinhardt of Springfield, and George (Michelle) Castles, Jr. of Greenview; four grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Terry Castles, Sr. in 1990; a grandson, Andrew Croft; sister, Rita Thomas.

Marilyn graduated from Lanphier High School in 1956 and attended Brown’s Business College.

She worked for many years in administrative, secretarial, and bookkeeping positions, with retirement from the Federal Government.

She was a lifetime member of West Side Christian Church and Royal Neighbors of America.

Private graveside services will be held at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee, Illinois.

Memorial contributions can made to the Animal Protective League or West Side Christian Church.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/15/2026

Allen Betz, age 87, of Williamsville, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Allen was born on September 8, 1938 in Beardstown, IL the son of Franklin and Gladys (Watkins) Betz.

Mourning his passing are his daughter, Kari Bland; his sons, Terry (Nancy) Betz and Randy (Jackie) Betz; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Violet, wife Joyce and both parents.

Allen graduated Chandlerville High School.

He was a member of the Athens Christian Church.

Allen was in the Illinois National Guard.

He worked most of his life as a truck driver and later retired as a Williamsville school bus driver.

Visitation for Allen will be held on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 from 9 AM - 11 AM at the Athens Christian Church. Services will immediately follow at 11 AM at the Athens Christian Church.

Burial will be held at Chandlerville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Athens Christian Church.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/14/2026

Dorothy (Burton) Lugibill, age 96, of Williamsville, passed away on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Springfield Memorial Hospital surrounded by family.

Dorothy is survived by five children; Barb (Larry) Carter of Williamsville, Glenn Lugibill of Des Moines, WA, Linda (Ed Ward) May of Dawson, Paula Riser of Buffalo and Vince (Karen) Lugibill of Williamsville; six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was born on January 2, 1930, near Sherman, IL the daughter of Tobe and Ruth Frances (Fannie) Burton.

She married Paul Lugibill on June 27, 1948, in Williamsville. He preceded her in death on June 9, 2009. She is also preceded in death by twelve siblings.

Dorothy was a lifelong member of the Williamsville United Methodist Church as well as the Williamsville United Methodist Women.

She enjoyed knitting for charities, riding her scooter around town, socializing, attending horse shows, and spending time with her family. Dorothy was also an enthusiastic Williamsville Bullets fan.

Visitation for Dorothy will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM until time of funeral services at 12:00 PM at the Williamsville United Methodist Church. Burial will be held immediately after the services at Walnut Hill Cemetery near Williamsville. Rev. Michael Hall will be officiating.

Per Dorothy’s request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Williamsville United Methodist Church or Williamsville Fire Department.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

05/13/2026

Sharon “Pinky” Mester, age 81, of Athens, Illinois, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Villa East Nursing Care in Sherman, Illinois.
She was born on April 15, 1945, in Athens, Illinois, the daughter of Marshall and Alta “Topsy” Bushong Pierceall.
Sharon married Charles “Butch” Mester, Jr. on May 22, 1965, at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Sherman, Illinois.
Mourning her passing are her husband, Butch; two daughters, Angela (husband John) Hyde and Cynthia Mester; grandchildren, McKenzie (Daniel Sundberg) Mester, Jackson Hyde, Justice Mester, Augustine Hyde, and Bosco Hyde; great-grandchildren, Sterling and Charles Jaye (CJ) Sundberg; sister, Linda Weidhuner; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; and three sisters.
Sharon graduated from Athens High School with the Class of 1963.
She retired from the Illinois Department of Revenue in 2002 after 19 years of service.
Sharon had been a devoted member of Holy Family Catholic Church since 1963.
She enjoyed shopping, cruising, crafting, gambling, and traveling. One of her favorite traditions was participating in the annual canoe trip to Lesterville, Missouri, which she enjoyed for 32 years.
Visitation for Sharon will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 22, 2026, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Athens. A luncheon will be held at the Athens Christian Church immediately after burial at Joel Hall Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Holy Family Catholic Church, or the Canons of St. John Cantius.
Mott & Henning Funeral Home is assisting the family. On-line condolences can be shared at www.mottandhenning.com.

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