All Obituaries

Judith F. “Judy” Lee, age 78, of lifelong Ridgway resident passed on this life Saturday, May 23, 2020 at her home.  Judy as most knew was born on the family farm North of Ridgway near Cottonwood on August 30, 1941 to the late Cedric and Roberta (Drone) Naas.  On June 12, 1961 she married Frank “Sonny” Lee who survives. Judy graduated from Ridgway High School and then furthered her education at the St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Evansville, IN...

Freeman W. Harness, age 73, of Sturgis, KY passed on this life, May 16, 2020 in Deaconess Gateway Hospital peacefully with his family by his side.  Freeman was born on the family farm where he still resided, on March 16, 1947 to the late Jodie and Ruby (Babbs)  Harness.  He was married to the love of his life, Selma (Oldham) Harness on July 30, 1990. Freeman was a retired school teacher of over 35 years.  He taught Agriculture and Biology.  He worked most of...

Dirk Milligan formerly of Ridgway age 57 passed on this life, May 15, 2020.  He was born on December 9, 1962 to the late David Miligan and Janet (Baker) Dietz. Hie is survived by 2 sons, David (Taunyn) Milligan of Fairland, IN and Jonathan (Jennifer) Milligan of Greenfield, IN  Grandchildren, Jaecen and Savannah Milligan.  He is also survived by brothers, Jeff Milligan of Harrisburg and Terry Milligan of Atlanta, IL and a sister, Nancy Williams of Shawneetown, IL and numerous...

William Eugene “Billy” Hansbrough, age 43 of New Haven, IL passed on this life peacefully May 12, 2020 in Ferrell Hospital.  Billy as most knew him was born on July 21, 1976 in Eldorado, IL, to Roger Hansbrough, Sr now deceased and Linda (Oldham) Hansbrough.  On  Feb. 14, 2001 he married the love of his life, Vickie (Blake) Hansbrough who survives. Billy worked most of his life on the river, he was a tow boat pilot for many years with Shawnee Harbor Barge Service in...

Joanne Elaine Rhinesmith, age 67, of Harrisburg formerly of Ridgway passed on peacefully April 18, 2020 in the Shawnee Rose Nursing Home after an extended illness.  Joanne was born in Pontiac, MI on December 30, 1952 to the late Lee Chester and Thelma letha (Bowman) Richert. She had been a cashier most of her life.  She was Baptist by faith and attended the Ridgway First Baptist Church.  She enjoyed Bowling, but mostly her cats and dogs and fish tanks.  She had a warm...

Loveta Clifford, age 98, longtime New Haven and Carmi resident passed peacefully at the Wabash Christian Village in Carmi.  Loveta was born in Herald, IL on October 4, 1921 to the late Joseph and Minnie (Quick) Muir.  She married the love of her life, Dick Clifford on Oct. 3, 1940 and preceded her in death in 1997. Loveta worked for the Sears Company for over 25 years.  She loved to play cards and was known for how well she played.  Loveta loved to travel with her...

Melissa Drone, age 85, longtime Ridgway resident passed on this life, peacefully April 3, 2020 in Brookstone Estates surrounded by her family.  Melissa was born on November 12, 1934 in Ridgway to the late Wilburn and Agnes (Morrison) Farris.  On November 7, 1957 she married the love of her life, Non Drone who preceded her in death in 1998. Melissa was a faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway.  She worked for many years as the secretary for the Ridgway...

Patricia Holtzclaw, 75, of Carmi in the Maunie area, passed on this life peacefully at her home surrounded by her family.  Pat as most called her was born in Vandalia, IL on November 13, 1944 to the late Perry and Maude (Huddleston) Walker.  On December 19, 1964 she married Rev. Lloyd “Sonny” Holtzclaw who preceded her in death in 2005.  They had enjoyed over 40 years of marriage. Pat was a very faithful person always by the side of late husband in the First...

Nina H. Mathews, age 84, lifelong Gallatin County resident, passed on this life, on March 26, 2020 at her daughters’ home, surrounding by her family.  Nina was born on Sparks Hill in Hardin County, on June 2, 1935 to the late Alfred and Eula (Miles) Lane.  On September 13, 1956 she married the love of her life, Jim Mathews and he preceded her in 2004. Nina was retired from Blevins Popcorn Plant in Ridgway.  She was an avid outdoors person all of her life, she loved to...

Helen Geneva (Klaffer) Bond, age 76, of Ridgway, passed away March 18, 2020 in the Gallatin Manor Nursing Center.  Helen was born on February 17, 1944 in Eldorado, IL, the daughter of Dan and Geneva (Horton) Klaffer.  She was married to Doug Bond on November 15, 1962 and Doug preceded Helen on August 24, 2009.  Helen was a faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway.  She loved being with her family.  Her hobbies were crocheting and loved...