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Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 W Custer Avenue, Pontiac, IL (2026)

06/08/2026

Lovell Fredrick Pulliam, 87, of Chenoa, Illinois, passed away peacefully surrounded by his immediate family on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

Lovell was born on March 19, 1939, to John and Gwendolyn (Dempsey) Pulliam. He grew up alongside his brother, Jerry, and sisters, Dixie and Gwenda.

A man of many talents, Lovell earned certification as an Aviation Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic and dedicated much of his life to farming and aviation. He was a private pilot, an accomplished aviation mechanic, and a self-made engineer who could seemingly fix or engineer anything he set his mind to. Whether working on machinery, aircraft, or solving everyday problems, Lovell's ingenuity and determination were unmatched.

Lovell proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army. In his spare time, he enjoyed metal detecting and pursuing his lifelong passion for aviation.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen Marie Pulliam; his sons, William (Bill) Pulliam and his wife, Dawn, and Robert (Bob) Pulliam and his wife, Pam; and his cherished grandchildren, Garrett, Tammara, Hannah, and Quincy.

Lovell was preceded in death by his daughter, Rose Marie Pulliam; his father, John Pulliam; and his mother, Gwendolyn Pulliam (Dempsey).

Lovell will be remembered as "the Flying Farmer" and as the man who could fix anything. His knowledge, resourcefulness, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 12pm to 4pm, @ Thacker Air Field Hangar (11LL), 25899 E 3000 North Road, Chenoa, IL 61716. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor and remember Lovell's remarkable life and legacy.

He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.

05/28/2026

Elsie A. Mislich, age 81, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the Goldwater Nursing and Rehab Facility in Pontiac, IL.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Mislich; her parents, Norma (Shue) and Ralph Stateman; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephews who will greet her at the pearly gates.

Elsie is survived by her beloved children: Kim I. Mislich, Thomas Mislich Jr., Bryan (Leslie) Mislich, and Jay Mislich. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael J. Porth, Melissa (Benjamin) Monroe, Morgan Kinkade, Jacob Kinkade, Samantha Mislich, Stephanie Mislich, Nicholas Runyon, Ryan Mislich, Adam Mislich, Jake Marshall, Alex Marshall, Luke Marshall, Alexandra (Tyler) TerHark, and Danielle (Zach) Craig; and her great-grandchildren: Evelyn, Thomas (TJ), Jack, Amelia, Emma, Ava, Olivia, Rayvonte, Jekhi, Dominic, Grayson, Keeley, Ella, Eli, and Teddy.

Sharing in her legacy are her siblings: Vera Hunt, Melody Stateman, Barbara (Don) Burke, Ralph Stateman II, and Karen Kozar. Elsie was the matriarch of the family and gladly became a grandmother to all of her nieces and nephews.

Elsie was born in Chicago, IL, on August 24, 1944. She was an avid reader, whether it was National Geographic, Smithsonian Magazine, the Sunday edition of the Chicago Tribune, or a romance novel. The family joked there wasn’t a used bookstore within 50 miles she hadn’t been to! She loved being with her family as they traveled the Midwest racing midgets and sprint cars. She was also known to just take off and visit a beach. She loved all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and adored the visits they would make to her house. There wasn’t a child she met in the neighborhood, or a grandchild’s friend, who didn’t call her "Grandma Elsie." She was a wonderful woman who will be missed by all who knew her.

Services for Elsie will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, 903 W. Custer Ave. in Pontiac, IL. The family visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., followed by a celebration of her life from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

05/28/2026

Marilyn Ellen Headley (Gassensmith), a beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully in the early hours of May 27, 2026, at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac, Illinois, the same hospital where her life began in 1947. She was born to Louis and Helen Gassensmith (Orndorff) and grew up in the Pontiac community that would remain her home and her heart for her entire life.

Marilyn graduated from Pontiac Township High School before pursuing her passion at the School of Cosmetology in Bloomington. That passion became a career spanning decades and touching the lives of countless people. She began her career at Charmay Beauty Salon, then went on to work at Lady Bug Boutique and Spurgeons Hair Care before her proudest professional chapter: co-owning Caryl and Marilyn's, where she not only styled hair but ran the full operation, handling accounting, scheduling, ordering, and management with the same warmth and care she brought to every client. She later continued her craft at Hair's What's Happening on Ladd. Marilyn was deeply sought after as a stylist, and she had a gift for making any appointment happen for the people she cared about.

Beyond the chair, Marilyn was a woman of deep faith, genuine warmth, and quiet dedication. She was an active life member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac, where her parish and her faith were a cornerstone of who she was. Her dedication to her craft and her community extended to serving as a volunteer stylist for both funeral homes in Pontiac, a quiet and selfless act of service that spoke volumes about her character. She was also a regular volunteer and proud Vice President of the Livingston County Humane Society, a role that reflected her enormous love for animals, especially her beloved kitties.

Marilyn loved her home and took great pride in it. She enjoyed working alongside her husband Roger in the yard and on the farm, soaking up the sun and the simple pleasure of being outdoors together. Whether they were cruising in a Corvette or puttering along on a riding lawn mower, Marilyn was happiest right by Roger's side, sharing laughs and making memories out of the everyday moments. She was an active member of Dialectics, loved to travel and discover new places, and could often be found enjoying a meal with family and friends at Cafe Fontana or Texas Roadhouse. She had a deep love for music, especially the Rolling Stones, and never missed a chance to show her admiration for Mick Jagger.

What people will carry with them is her laugh, her warm smile, and her instinct to care for everyone around her. She had a way of making people feel seen and valued, and she gave that gift freely and without reservation.

Marilyn is survived by her husband, Roger Headley; her twin sister, Mary Helen McCorvie, with whom she shared a lifetime of cherished moments, both joyful and difficult, and every opportunity to simply be together; her nephew, Nathan McCorvie, and his wife Christine McCorvie (Lantz); and her great niece and nephew, Kate and Samuel McCorvie. She is also survived on her husband's side by his sister, Betty (Headley) Barnett, and her husband Jim Barnett; their daughter and Marilyn's niece, Brenda; great niece Lindsey Gain and her husband Brian Gain; great nephew Luke Collins and his spouse Ryan Collins; and great great nephew, Levi. Marilyn is also lovingly survived by many cherished cousins, including her dear cousin Mary Beth Christiansen. She was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Helen Gassensmith.

Cremation rites will be accorded. A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac, Illinois, followed by a memorial Mass at 11:30 a.m. Inurnment will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be directed to St. Mary's School, St. Mary's Church, or the Livingston County Humane Society in Marilyn's memory.

05/27/2026

Erma Hesterberg, 93, of Pontiac, Il. passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026, at Evenglow Tjardes Health Center of Pontiac.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 210 Deerfield Road, Pontiac, Il. 61764. All are invited to stay for a time of fellowship and sharing following the service. Interment will be held privately at Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield, Il. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Erma Hesterberg was born at Litchfield, IL on July 9, 1932. She was the seventh and youngest child of Fredrich and Margaret (Hartmann) Hesterberg. She attended Zion Lutheran Grade School, Litchfield Community High School and received her BA (1954) & MS (1962) in Home Economics Education from Illinois State University. Erma taught Vocational Home Economics at Hopedale High School for four years and spent the rest of her career teaching at Pontiac Township High School. During her career she was sponsor of “Z” Club, FHA, sweetheart ball committee and PTHS curriculum committee.

After retiring from teaching Erma was employed for seven years as Food Service Director at Evenglow Lodge. She was then employed by Pontiac Dairy Queen until retiring at the age of 82.

Erma was a 50-year member of the Alpha Beta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Region 26 branch of IL Education Committee and Retired Teachers’ Association. She was an active member of the FCCLA Foundation for many years.

Erma is survived by sister-in-law Arleen Hesterberg, and nieces and nephews: Paul, Ervin, Ed, Debbie & Michael Hesterberg; Evelyn Miller; Marvin Schluter; David, Dan & Norman Peters; Jamie Spangler; Donna Craig; and Linda Weilnau. She is also survived by her special children: Beth McCleary & family, Matt Shipton & family, Laura Baumgardner, and Kirsten & Aaron Schulz. She was proceeded in death by her siblings and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations in Erma’s name may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 210 N. Deerfield Rd., Pontiac, Il. 61764.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

05/22/2026

Kevin Ray Vernia, age 47, of Peoria, IL, passed away at 3:32 a.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A public visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. The family encourages that Chicago Cubs or Chicago Bears attire is worn.

Memorials in Kevin’s memory may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is entrusted with the arrangements.
Kevin was born on July 15, 1978, in Fairbury, IL, to Terry Ray Vernia and Leanne (Snow) Vernia. Leanne Vernia survives in Pontiac, IL.

Other survivors include his daughter: Caitlynn Vernia of Pontiac, IL; two sisters: Amanda (Carlos Montes) Millirons of Pontiac, IL, and Jamie (John) Stefan of Laurens, IA; several nieces and nephews: Abigail Vernia, Jacob Millirons, Brandon Millirons, Ava Stefan, and Alena Stefan; Fiancé: Melissa Arrowood of East Peoria, IL; and his two fur-babies: Pepper and Hudson Ray.

Kevin is preceded in death by his father: Terry Ray Vernia, maternal grandparents: Bill and Harriett Snow, paternal grandparents: Donald and Jean Vernia, one aunt: Debbie Harvey, and two uncles: Tim Vernia and Allen Vernia.

Kevin graduated from Pontiac Township High School. He then went on to work at Kmart, RR Donnelley, and for the last 21 years he worked at Exact Packaging Inc.

Kevin was an avid Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs fan. He enjoyed playing softball, coaching his daughter in softball, bowling, fishing, camping, and going to Devil’s Lake in Wisconsin.

Kevin made countless and unforgettable memories with his beloved family and friends that he leaves behind. Those precious memories will forever be carried on and cherished by them all.

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

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

05/19/2026

Juanita Marie (Van Ostrand) Taylor, age 86, of Pontiac, IL, passed away at 10:33 a.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington, IL, with her loving Marisol by her side.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac, located at 209 W. Livingston Street, Pontiac, IL, 61764. Pastor JD Buchenau will be presiding over her service at the church. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the time of her service, starting at 10 a.m. also at the church. Burial will follow to Henry Cemetery, in Henry, IL.

Memorials in Juanita’s memory may be made to the Livingston County Humane Society.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, has been entrusted with her arrangements.

Juanita was born on December 20, 1939, in Saratoga, IL, to Walter Lincoln Van Ostrand and Arletta Mae (Rickey) Van Ostrand. She married the love of her life, Orville K. Taylor on November 27, 1981, in Pontiac, IL. He preceded her in death on January 2, 2000.

She is survived by her special friend, caretaker, and “adopted granddaughter”, Marisol Starke of Pontiac, IL; one sister: Roberta Snell of Springfield, IL; one niece: Terri Snell of Chicago, IL; and one nephew: Christopher Snell of Durham, NC. She is also survived by her beloved cat, named Tiny.

She is preceded in death by her parents, one brother: Wayne Van Ostrand, and one sister: Lila Mae Holler.

Juanita was a beloved piano teacher for many years at Esmen School. She also coached cheerleading in Pontiac, IL, for many years.

She was a loyal and faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pontiac, IL.

Juanita enjoyed playing the piano and spending time with her cat. She has a special talent making ceramics, doing macrame, and teaching others how to play the piano. She was loved by so many for her kindness, thoughtfulness, and her lovingness towards others and animals. Juanita made countless unforgettable memories throughout her life that will now forever be cherished and carried on by all of those who loved her.

She truly was such a great teacher and best friend and will be missed deeply.

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

05/11/2026

Roger D. Weber, 75, of Pontiac, Il., passed away at 9:24 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church of Pontiac, 311 W. Grove St., Pontiac, Il. 61764.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Roger was born on July 23,1950, in Pontiac, Illinois. He was the son of Dale E. and Doris B. (Vollmer) Weber. He was united in marriage to Cheryl K. Dodson on May 5, 1973, at the First Lutheran Church of Pontiac.

Roger is survived by his three children; Melissa (Frank) Jackson, Megan (Adam) Lawrence, Matthew (Allison) Weber; his six grandchildren, Mason Jackson, Liam Lawrence, Brooks Lawrence, Finley Lawrence, Harper Weber and Avery Weber; his three nieces, Lindsay Masching, Jennifer Heinrich, Chrissy Billings; his three nephews, Heath Dodson, Jeremy Dodson and Joel Dodson, several great nieces and great nephews. .

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joan (Tom) Turner; and his sister -in-law, Diane Walters.

Roger was a 1968 Graduate of Saunemin High School, in Saunemin, Il. He was a proud US Army Veteran.

Roger was most proud of his grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with family. You could always find him in the stands cheering on his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews at their sporting events. He especially loved watching his son-in-law coach and was a proud supporter of the Pontiac Indians, receiving the 2025 Pontiac Holiday Tournament Fan Appreciation Award. A devoted fan of the Illini and Green Bay Packers, he rarely missed a game and enjoyed sharing that passion with family and friends. Above all, he loved spending time with those he cared about most and loved his family unconditionally. He never knew a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome with his kindness, warmth, and genuine interest in others.

Memorial Donations in Roger’s name may be made to St Mary’s Catholic School Sports Boosters.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

05/08/2026

Updated Services:

Phyllis M. Russell, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Goldwater Nursing and Rehab in Pontiac.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved children, Dennis (Shelly) Russell, Don (Dana) Russell, and Marci Jo Lathrop; and her grandchildren, Jamie Jones, April Lathrop, Andra Bopes, Michelle Vietti.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin E. Russell, and her parents, Joseph and Beryle Schmitt.

In accordance with Phyllis’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

05/06/2026

Zyaire Thomas Hetherington was born prematurely and passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 1:22 p.m. at HSHS St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A visitation will be held one hour prior to his service, starting at 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials in Zyaire’s memory may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral home is entrusted with his arrangements.

Zyaire is survived by his loving Mama: TyAna Alise Hetherington; siblings: Lorenzo Hunter (age 20), Aamiya Hetherington (age 10), and Zariyah Hanks (age5); his maternal grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his great-grandfather: Thomas Hetherington.

In memory of Zyaire, his mother wrote a poem:

How sweet it was to love you. When I think of you, I hope you miss me too. Although our time together was cut too short, it truly makes me love you more. I can’t wait to see you again someday so we can finally rejoice, run, and play. I love you more my sweet boy. Until we meet again.

05/02/2026

LeRoy P. Smith, 85, of Pontiac passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born September 4, 1940 in Fairbury, the son of Philip and Louise Ulrich Smith. He married Sandra McWhorter on July 20, 1961 in Pontiac. They were married nearly 65 years. She survives.

He is also survived by a son, LeRoy D. Smith; a grandson, Owen; a granddaughter, Crista; and two great grandchildren, Joshua and Andrea. Two sisters, Connie Ehlers and Jean Reed, also survive.

In addition to his parents, LeRoy is also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Wilson.

LeRoy attended Dwight schools. He retired from GTE (later Verizon) after 33 years on the job. He was a member of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed woodworking and trap shooting.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 11 a.m. at Rooks Creek Cemetery in Graymont. There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac is handling the arrangements.

Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home

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