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Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes, Funeral service & cemetery, 413 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL.

Family ownership and community values form the foundation upon which Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes firmly stands, especially when assisting and serving the residents of Pontiac, Chatsworth, Cullom, and Forrest.

Frederick Albert Smith, 99, passed away peacefully at Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac, early Tuesday morning, October 6...
10/07/2026

Frederick Albert Smith, 99, passed away peacefully at Tjardes Health Center in Pontiac, early Tuesday morning, October 6, 2026.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026, at McDowell United Methodist Church. A Visitation will be held one hour prior, starting at 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service, also at the church. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Pontiac, IL. Pastor Amy Smith will be presiding over his services.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Fred was born at home in Esman Township on May 11, 1927, to Percy J. and Nellie (Schott) Smith. He attended Willow School and graduated from Pontiac Township High School. He later served in the Illinois State Militia.

Fred married Nellie Mae Ellinger on September 7, 1946, at McDowell United Methodist Church.

He and Nellie Mae lived on the family farm where they raised their four children. Fred farmed his entire life until his retirement. He also worked for Pike Seed and Cargill Seed during the winter months. Later he was a substitute rural mail carrier for 23 years.

Fred is survived by his son, Eldon (Nancy) Smith, daughter, Susan (Kevin) Flessner, all of Pontiac, IL, one daughter-in-law, Amy Smith of Momence, IL.

Fred has five grandchildren, Angie (John) Pickett, Elisa (Bart) Smith, Jason (Mary Katherine) Smith, Nina (Brett) Meconis, Amanda (Dennis) Hickman, and two bonus granddaughters, Catherine and Karen Mehri. He also has nine great grandchildren, Liam, Keely and Brynn Pickett, Adeline, Harrison and Josephine Smith, Mason and Collins Meconis, Hallie Hickman. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind a special friend, Betty Riffey.

Fred is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Nellie Mae, one daughter, Janice, two sons, Frank, and William at birth, sister and brother-in-law, Bessie and Robert Busing, brother, Raymond Smith, mother-in-law, Nola (Green) Ellinger, and his last collie, Gypie.

Fred was a very active member of the McDowell United Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge for many years, including serving as Past Noble Grand.

As a young boy, Fred grew up with Humiston Woods as his backyard. He knew all of the trails at the woods.

Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He enjoyed sending time with his family and friends. He loved having the grandkids spend time at the farm. He was known for making homemade ice cream every 4th of July when everyone was there. Fred enjoyed attending sporting events for his children and grandchildren.

He and Nellie Mae took many trips across the country including many day trips in their Mustang as well as attending car shows with his 1937 Chevy.

Fred had a love for his collie dogs from the time he was a young boy.

Fred moved to Evenglow Assisted Living in December of 2019. He enjoyed all of the friendships he made there. His passion was singing, which everyone at church and Evenglow enjoyed.

We would like to thank the staff at Evenglow Assisted Living and Evenglow Tjardes Health Center for all of the care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Fred’s name to McDowell United Methodist Church, Livingston County Humane Society, or to Evenglow Tjardes Health Center.

Dean Lanckton, 86, of Flanagan, IL, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026. Born February 10, 1940, in Decatur, IL, D...
10/06/2026

Dean Lanckton, 86, of Flanagan, IL, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026. Born February 10, 1940, in Decatur, IL, Dean was the son of Forrest and Leota (Littleton) Lanckton.

Dean dedicated his life to education and to the communities he served. He attended Millikin University, graduating in 1962, and later earned a master’s degree in Chemistry and Physics from Union College in Schenectady, NY; and a master’s degree in Computer Science from DePaul University. His teaching career began in 1962 as a mathematics teacher in the Decatur Public Schools. He went on to spend the next 50 years serving the Cornell-Flanagan school districts, where he taught, supported generations of students and families, and ultimately served as the district’s IT Manager. His career was defined by an enduring curiosity, a love of learning, and a willingness to embrace both the changing world of education and the changing technology that supported it.

Dean was a man who valued knowledge, hard work, family and loyalty. His impact extended well beyond the classroom and school district. Over more than five decades in education, he touched countless lives through his teaching, mentorship, service and quiet dedication to helping others.

Above all, Dean was devoted to his family. He is survived by his four children: Dionne Dingerson (Tim) of Normal, IL; Dichele Wilzbach (Brian) of Naperville, IL; Deanndre Gabor (Brian) of Pontiac, IL; and Dikera Gutierrez (Sam) of Bolingbrook, IL. He was a proud grandfather to Delaney Perez-Urbina (Ivan) of Melrose Park, IL; Luke Dingerson of Bloomington, IL; Brevin Wilzbach of Naperville, IL; and Bergen Wilzbach of Naperville, IL. He is also survived by his great-grandson, Killian Perez-Urbina.

Dean was an avid dog lover, and his dogs were an important part of his life and family. He was preceded in death by his beloved dogs Algebra, Sugar, Juneau, Lexi and Bobo.

Dean’s life was one of service, learning, family and lasting relationships. From the classroom to the school district offices, from mathematics and science to the emerging world of technology, he spent more than half a century contributing to the education and lives of others. His legacy will live on not only through the many students and colleagues whose lives he influenced, but most importantly through his children, grandchildren and great-grandson.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, former students, colleagues and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 10th at 1 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

The family kindly requests, in place of flowers, donations be made to Livingston County Humane Society to care for local animals or to World Vision to support the education of children around the world.

Cheryl Lynn Pattison, 80, of Pontiac died on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Flanagan Rehabilitation and Health Care Cen...
09/28/2026

Cheryl Lynn Pattison, 80, of Pontiac died on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Flanagan Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born May 25, 1946 in Pontiac, the daughter of Earl and Martha Springer Mackinson. She married Kerry Pattison in June of 1968 in Pontiac. He survives.

In addition to her husband, Cheryl is survived by four nephews, Mark Mackinson, Steve (Sherri) Mackinson, Robert (Laura) Mackinson, and Alan (Charlene) Fahsbender; numerous great nieces and nephews; and her honorary daughter, Dawn Hanson.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Eldon and Charles (surviving wife, Karen) Mackinson; and a sister, Eileen Fahsbender.

Cheryl attended Pontiac schools, graduating from Pontiac High School, and later graduated from beauty school. She worked as a hairdresser for more than 40 years around the area. She enjoyed painting and crafting.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, October 8th at 11 a.m. at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac. There will be no visitation, but friends are invited to attend the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society.

Mrs. Barbara Louise Hendren, 75, of Pontiac, Il. passed away peacefully at 7:05 P.M. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at G...
09/15/2026

Mrs. Barbara Louise Hendren, 75, of Pontiac, Il. passed away peacefully at 7:05 P.M. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Gold Water Care of Pontiac.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Chenoa Baptist Church, 224 S. 2nd Ave., Chenoa, Il. Funeral will be at 1:00 P.M. also at the Chenoa Baptist Church. Pastor Jeff Williams will be officiating. Interment will follow at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac, Il.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Barbara was born on May 27, 1951, in Kokomo, In. She was the daughter of Haldean Turner and Barbara (Hughes) Kaneer. She was joined in marriage to Terry Lee Hendren on May 27, 1967, at LeRoy Baptist Church in LeRoy, Il.

She is survived by her loving husband Terry L. Hendren; her six children, Rita (Timothy) Vogt, Terry A. (Shannon Immke) Hendren, Kristie Moore, Trisha (Frank) Pulliam, Barbara (Justin) Swisher and Dustin (Rebecca) Hendren; her sixteen grandchildren: her eleven great grandchildren; her sister Debra (Kevin) Grob; a stepbrother, John Kaneer; her sister-in-law, Elaine (Ken) Yoder; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, John Kaneer; her son in law, Jerry Moore; her brother, Gerald Turner; her step siblings, Harry Kaneer, Larry Kaneer, Gene Kaneer, Karen Wilson, and Sharon Cahill.

Barbara was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with family whenever she could and was an avid card player, cherishing her weekly card club and the friendships she built there.
Barbara was a devout Christian woman who dearly loved her church family. She was also a wonderful cook, making a hot meal for her family every night for many years. Christmas was always her favorite holiday.
Barbara was married to the love of her life for 59 years. We take comfort in knowing she is now in the arms of Jesus.

Memorial donations may be made to Hope Pregnancy Center, 202 N. Main St. Ste. 2, Pontiac, Il. 61764.

Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

Hubert J. Dix, age 97, of Elgin, formerly of Pontiac, passed away peacefully at 7:16 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 202...
09/14/2026

Hubert J. Dix, age 97, of Elgin, formerly of Pontiac, passed away peacefully at 7:16 a.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at his residence in Elgin, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pontiac, IL. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, located at 413 N. Main Street, Pontiac, IL, 61764. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Pontiac. Father Robert Rayson will be presiding over his services.

Memorials in Hubert’s memory may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or to Livingston County Retired Teachers Association.

Hubert was born on August 12, 1929, in Grand Junction, IA, to Vern Hubert Dix and Fern (Nidey) Dix. He married the love of his life, Eleanor Paula (Russ) Dix, on May 30, 1957, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Streator, IL. She preceded him in death on December 16, 2010.

Survivors include their two sons: Thomas (Dana) Dix of Manteo, NC, and Kevin (Cindy) Dix of South Elgin, IL; grandchildren: Matthew Thomas Dix, and Caitlyn (Matthew) Moran, and Joshua Thomas Dix; one great-granddaughter, Charlotte May Moran.

He is also survived by two sisters: Shirley Davenport and Karen Sue Ripperger.

He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife, and six siblings: Frances (Harry) Winship, Forrest (Shirley) (Beverly) Dix, Thelma (Leland) Jones, Richard (Lois) Dix, Gerald “Charlie” (Ruth) Dix, and Robert (Connie) Dix.

Hubert graduated from Cromwell High School in 1947. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Culver-Stockton College in Canton, MO, the graduating class of 1951. After college, he joined the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1955. He was an extremely skilled flight instructor during his enlistment.

He was a proud member of the Lions Club in Pontiac, IL.

Hubert held several different jobs over his lifetime that he thoroughly enjoyed and excelled in. He started his teaching career at Washington Elementary School and then went on to Central School. He was a dedicated teacher, basketball and track coach, and a beloved bus driver for 32 years at Pontiac Junior High School. He also taught at the Pontiac Correctional Center, traveled as a salesman, and sold insurance.

Hubert had a special place in his heart for his community, sports, and people. He ran the clock for the Pontiac Holiday Tournament for over 25 years and attended hundreds of games during his lifetime. He was a smalltown man who knew everyone, and everyone knew him. He was deeply loved and respected by his community, peers, friends, and family. He was special to so many and always saw the good in people. He would always have something inspiring or kind to say to others. He was an admirable man who made others feel seen by pointing out their strengths.

Above all, Hubert was an extraordinary husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa. He loved his family and being able to spend time with them. He made countless unforgettable memories with his loved ones that will forever be cherished and carried on.

He truly will be missed dearly by all of those who knew him and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.

Leslie Louise Kopp, 93, resident of Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, and formerly of Cullom, passed away on Sunday, September ...
09/07/2026

Leslie Louise Kopp, 93, resident of Evenglow Lodge in Pontiac, and formerly of Cullom, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026. She was born November 6, 1932 in Fairbury, the daughter of Clifford and Emma Faust Kopp.

She is survived by her special friends, Richard Gassler and Linda Haberkorn; and special cousin, Kelle Deppa.

Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, cousin Richard Faust and special friend Barbara Bradford.

She was a graduate of Cullom High School and MacMurray College in Jacksonville, IL before beginning her 30-year teaching career that took her to Chowchilla and Yorba Linda California, Champaign, IL and Tri-Point Kempton, IL. She also served as the librarian for 16 years at Cullom Beckman Memorial Library. Leslie was a member of Cullom United Methodist Church and the church’s women’s group. She served in the Xi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma and the Chapter No. 17 order of Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be Friday, September 11th at 10 a.m. at Cullom United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in West Lawn Cemetery in Cullom.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cullom United Methodist Church or the Cullom Beckman Memorial Library.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Evenglow staff and the Transitions Hospice staff.

Joan Haberkorn, age 86, of Chatsworth, IL, passed away at 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home in Chatswor...
08/27/2026

Joan Haberkorn, age 86, of Chatsworth, IL, passed away at 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at her home in Chatsworth, IL.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 29, 2025, at Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church, located at 406 N. 5th Street, Chatsworth, IL, 60921. A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. also at the church on Saturday. Burial will follow to St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Chatsworth. Monsignor Eric S. Powell will be presiding over her services.

Memorials in Joan's memory may be made to Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Chatsworth or SELCAS.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Agnes Joan Keeley was born on February 5, 1940, in Fairbury, IL, to Harold Keeley and Mabel (Hartman) Keeley. She married the love of her life, John “Redeye” Haberkorn, on August 18, 1956, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Strawn, IL. He preceded her in death on August 1, 2026.

She is survived by her four children: Lori Yoder of Chatsworth, IL, Lenny (Patty) Haberkorn of Chatsworth, IL, Lynn Small of Gilman, IL, and Loren (Amy) Haberkorn of Chatsworth, IL; twelve grandchildren: Camden (Savanna) Yoder, Cole (Sydney) Yoder, Christopher (Valerie) Haberkorn, Kaleigh Haberkorn Berry, Keeley Haberkorn, Morgan Small, Skylar (Henry Gerritson) Small, Brock (Ariah Smith) Small, Shea Small, Haley Haberkorn, Elly Haberkorn, Drew Haberkorn; and her eight adored great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband of almost 70 years: John “Redeye” Haberkorn, one brother: Tom (Oleta) Keeley, one sister: Rita (Oscar) Keeley-Kohlman, and one great-granddaughter: Jacqueline Haberkorn.

Joan attended Strawn High School. She was a proud member of the Junior Women’s Club in Chatsworth and Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Joan was self-employed and helped with farming during her life. She also owned and operated Joe’s Bar for 13 years.

Joan was a miraculous woman who enjoyed cooking, making lunches for the farmers in the field, shopping, playing cards, and getting her hair done once a week. A big part of her life was owning Joe’s bar and making so many meaningful memories and relationships there. She made it a family friendly place that was loved by many. Joan also enjoyed supporting her family in everything that they did. She especially enjoyed sitting in the stands and watching Loren race. Joan was a social woman who loved her community, friends, and family deeply. She truly was the best mom, grandma, great-grandma, and friend. She made countless unforgettable memories that will forever be cherished and remembered by those who loved her and carry on her memory.

She will truly be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

This obituary may be viewed and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.

Mary Ann Barnhart, age 100, of Fairbury, formerly of Chatsworth, passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, a...
08/14/2026

Mary Ann Barnhart, age 100, of Fairbury, formerly of Chatsworth, passed away at 2:15 p.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, IL.

Her funeral will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. at United Methodist Church of Chatsworth. Her visitation will be held the same day, starting at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., also at the church. Burial will follow at the Chatsworth Charlotte Cemetery. Pastor Barb Schlatter will be presiding over her services.

Memorials in Mary Ann’s memory may be made to United Methodist Church of Chatsworth, SELCAS, or to the Chatsworth Fire Department.

Calvert and Martin Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.

Mary Ann Zorn was born on August 2, 1926, in Chatsworth, IL, to William Zorn and Edith (Wells) Zorn. She married Ralph Harvey on August 18, 1946. He preceded her in death on October 12, 1961. She later remarried to John Barnhart on May 15, 1971. He preceded her in death on October 28, 2022.

Survivors include her children: Linda Wilson of Bloomington, IL, Rick (Hakja) Harvey of Charlotte, NC, Carol (Jerry) Woker of Okawville, IL; grandchildren: Mark (Sherry) Wilson, Jill (Andy) Copenhaver, Matt (Kersten) Wilson, Kyle Harvey, Liana (Colin) Walker, Brenda (David) Monti, Craig (Rita) Woker, Clint (Julie) Woker; great-grandchildren: Abbey (Cory), Zach (Allison), Emily, Keaton, Corbin, Chloe, McKinley, Kai, Alex, William, Luke, Wyatt, Owen, Vaughn, Zane, Aaron, and Alyssa; great-great-grandchildren: Aria, Coen, Ava, Gabrielle, Madelyn, River, Jaxon, and Aaliya.

She is also survived by one brother-in-Law: Alex Casey of Rantoul, IL, and one sister-in-Law: Hattie Zorn of Paris, TN.

She is preceded in death by her parents, both husbands, brothers: Robert Zorn and James Zorn, sister: Helen Casey, sister-in-law: Elizabeth Zorn, grandson: Curt Woker, granddaughter: Rebecca Harvey, and one great-great granddaughter: Lexie Harvey.

Mary Ann graduated from Chatsworth High School, the class of 1944. She was employed by several businesses in Chatsworth during her lifetime.

Mary Ann was a proud and loyal member of the First Baptist Church of Chatsworth until it closed. She then became a faithful member of the United Methodist Church of Chatsworth. During her years at First Baptist Church, she was a Sunday school teacher for the children and played the piano for Sunday School and church services.

Having married two military veterans and having others in the family who served our country, Mary Ann was active in the American Legion Auxiliary and participated in any way she could to recognize and support the veterans.

Mary Ann enjoyed traveling with John, who had served in WWII under General Patton’s 4th Armored Division, to attend many reunions throughout the country.

Mary Ann will always be known and remembered by the family for her chicken and noodles with either pie or apple crisp for dessert.
Mary Ann made countless unforgettable memories with her friends and family. They will forever cherish those memories and keep them close to their hearts.

She will truly be missed by all of those who knew and loved her.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.calvertmemorial.com or visit us on Facebook.

Mr. John Francis Haberkorn, 92, of Chatsworth, Il., passed away peacefully at 12:42 P.M. on August 1, 2026, at OSF St Ja...
08/04/2026

Mr. John Francis Haberkorn, 92, of Chatsworth, Il., passed away peacefully at 12:42 P.M. on August 1, 2026, at OSF St James Hospital in Pontiac, Il.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until 12:00 P.M. on Friday, August 7, 2026, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 406 North 5th Street, Chatsworth, Il. 60921. Mass will follow at 12:00 P.M. also at the church. Interment will be at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Chatsworth, Il immediately following the Mass. The family suggests casual attire.

Calvert & Martin Funeral Homes of Chatsworth has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Francis was born on June 9, 1934, in Fairbury, Illinois, the son of John Adolph and Rose Helena (Kemnetz) Haberkorn. He was married to Agnes “Joan” Keeley on August 18, 1956, at St. Rose Catholic Church in Strawn, Il.

Francis is survived by his loving wife, Joan Haberkorn; his four children, Lori Yoder of Chatsworth, IL., Lenny (Patty) Haberkorn of Chatsworth, Il., Lynn Small of Gilman, Il., and Loren (Amy) Haberkorn of Chatsworth, Il.; his twelve grandchildren, Camden (Savanna) Yoder, Cole (Sydney) Yoder, Christopher (Valerie) Haberkorn, Kaleigh Haberkorn Berry, Keeley Haberkorn, Morgan Small, Skylar (Henry Gerritson) Small, Brock (Ariah Smith) Small, Shea Small, Haley Haberkorn, Elly Haberkorn, Drew Haberkorn; and his eight great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his great granddaughter, Jacqueline Haberkorn.

Francis was known to most as “Redeye” or “Hansie” and was a lifelong resident of Chatsworth other than during his service in the Army. He was a 1952 graduate of Chatsworth High School and was engaged in farming, raising crops and caring for the land with great pride. Redeye was very civic-minded, serving as Chatsworth Mayor for 12 years and as a volunteer member of the Chatsworth Fire Department, including as President of the Fire Department Board for many years. He was the recipient of the Noble Pearson Chatsworth Citizenship award for his dedication to his hometown. He was well known for his historical knowledge of all things Chatsworth. Redeye was a long-time member of the Chatsworth and Prairie Central School Boards, serving each as President during his tenure. He was a lifelong member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church where he served as a trustee, was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus Council #730 and served as sexton of St. Patrick’s cemetery. Most of all, Redeye’s family came first. He was supportive of his children’s activities and interests. His grandchildren were even more important to him, and he had a special bond with each one of them. He felt blessed to be able to know his great grandchildren. Redeye and Joan were 3 weeks away from their 70th anniversary—in his words, “we did the best we could”.

Memorial donations in Redeye’s name may be made to Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Chatsworth Fire Department or SELCAS.

Online condolences may be made to the family at calvertmemorial.com.

Donna L. Smith, 95, of Pontiac, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 8:11p.m. at her home. She was born...
08/03/2026

Donna L. Smith, 95, of Pontiac, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 8:11p.m. at her home. She was born October 7, 1930, at home in Eppards Point Township, as the only daughter of Elmer and Myrtle (Ehrhardt) Schultz. Her twin brother, Ronald, was born the night prior to her on October 6. Despite being twins, they celebrated their birthdays on different days with two different cakes.

Donna married Clifford E. Smith on June 8, 1952, in Pontiac. They enjoyed 64 years together. He preceded her in death on October 5, 2016.

Donna attended two country schools for grade school, Eppards Point Center School and Ocoya School. She was a 1948 graduate of Pontiac Township High School. She studied at Illinois Wesleyan and received her bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. She then taught business, first in Danvers, Coal City, and then 21 more years at Thornridge High School in Dolton, IL. Upon their retirement, Donna and Cliff spent 30 years wintering in Port St. Lucie, Florida. She was an avid golfer. Donna loved crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, reading, and card playing. She and her husband held season tickets for the Chicago Bears for 30+ years and also cheered for the Cubs.

Donna was a member of Pontiac Methodist Church, former member of Pontiac Ladies Elks Golf Club and Club Med Women’s Golf Association of Port St. Lucie. She was very talented musically, skilled in the marimba, the trumpet, organ, and piano. Donna was also a fabulous quilter. She hand-sewed countless square blocks for 66 years, making 67 quilts in sizes from baby to king. Applique was her favorite, never using a machine.

Donna touched many people’s lives with her great compassion, kindness, generosity, quick wit and sense of humor. She carried herself with quiet certainty, always knowing what she wanted and what she didn’t – determined, caring, loving, and full of joy. Her memory was sharp throughout her life. She could still name her teachers even from grade school! We will deeply miss her and her stories, her quick wit, and her competitiveness in playing cards and games. We shall always toast her with a margarita and a glass of Lindeman’s Chardonnay.

Remaining to cherish Donna’s memory are her daughter-in-law, Feng Liu-Smith of Germantown, TN; granddaughters, Kathy Guo of Peoria, IL, Judy Guo (Adam Rogers) of Ireland; sister-in-law, Lois Yahr of El Cajon, CA; and her nieces and nephews, Sue Ledford, Lauri Ruff, Lynn Watson, Anne Bourgeois, Diane Engel, Nancy Myers, Denny Schultz, Janet Cermak and Bill Schultz.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clifford; son, Jeffrey Smith in 2022; and her twin brother, Ronald, and brothers, Virgil in infancy, Raymond, and Norman.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no end of life services. A private graveside ceremony will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorials in Donna’s name may be made to the Pontiac Elks Junior Golf, the Pontiac Public Library, or the Pontiac Methodist Church.

Address

413 N. Main Street
Pontiac, IL
61764

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