UC Davis and Sons

Vincent L. Meagher , 82,  of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully January 13, 2010, in Hospice of Citrus County in Inverness, Florida.  He was born on July 9, 1927 in Chippewa Falls, WI., the son of Lawrence and Margaret Fox Meagher.

He received his education in the schools of Chippewa Falls, WI.

Vince proudly served his country in the U. S. Navy during World War II.  He enlisted on May 23, 1945 and served on the U.S.S. James O’Hara, U.S.S. L S T 909 and U.S.S. Rocky Mount in the Pacific Theater of Operations receiving his honorable discharge from active duty on August 8, 1946.

He married Shelby J. Nelson on April 2, 1972 in Woodstock, IL.  In the early 1970’s, with his wife and family, they moved into Morris, Illinois from AuxSable Township to make their home.

He was employed as an Operating Engineer for 40 years and was a member of Operating Engineers Local # 150 in Joliet, Illinois, retiring in 1992.

Vince was an outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting.  He was a generous gentleman who gave of his time to help and assist his many friends and family.  He  treasured being a grandfather and being apart of their many activities. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was a member of Morris American Legion Post # 294 and Loyal Order of Moose Lodge # 967 in Morris,.

Surviving are his loving children, Wendy Peterson, Seneca, IL., Mary Ann, and her husband, Glen Tetzloff of Montclair, N.J., Steven, and his wife, Tracy Peterson, of Mesa, AZ., and Lawrence Meagher of Flagstaff, AZ.; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded by his parents; his wife on January 30, 2000; one granddaughter, Honey Rae Waters on November 9, 2012; one sister; and two brothers.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 31, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL.   We will then proceed to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL. for Military Graveside Services conducted by the Morris Color Guard at 11:30 a.m.  Cremation rites were accorded.

Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Vince’s memory directed to the Morris Color Guard or Mooseheart in North Aurora, IL.  Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Vincent’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Mrs. Earl (Betty J.) Davies passed away late Saturday evening, May 18, 2013, in the Morris Healthcare & Rehab Center with her family at her bedside. She was born February 19, 1923 in Morris IL, the daughter of the late Henry E. and Evalena (Breese) Punke.

“ May you have enough happiness to make you sweet, enough trials to make you strong, enough sorrow to keep you human and enough hope to make you happy”

Betty attended the Mazon Schools and graduated from Mazon High School with the class of 1940. She went on to attend Illinois State in Normal, Illinois for two years.

On November 19, 1943 she married Berwyn E. Johnson in Dwight IL.

Betty was employed with Grundy Bank, Standard Oil Corp and Reichold Chemical Co.

She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois, and belonged to the Rebecca Circle. Betty also served as a volunteer with the Grundy County Health Department.

On January 31, 1976 she married Earl W. Davies in Peoria, IL., whom preceded her in death on January 13, 2000.

Surviving are her children, Judy (Art) Berry of Junction,Texas, James (Kay) Johnson of Morris, Illinois, and Bill Davies of Moline, Illinois; four grandchildren, Michele Thompson of Claremore, OK., Heather Kane of Momence, IL., Earl (Kathy) Johnson of Clay Center, KS., and Carol (Bob) Knibbs, of Verona, IL.; a very good friend, Susan Fronek; ten great grandchildren, Matthew and Mark McGehee, Reily and Sydney Kane, Ashley, Rebecca, Sabrina and Annaleah Johnson, Taylor and Torie Knibbs; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by parents; husband, Earl; four sisters; and three brothers.

A Memorial Service will be conducted at 5:00PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois, with Pastor Deborah Percell officiating. Cremation Rites were accorded. Burial will be in the Mazon Brookside Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made in Betty’s name to the First United Methodist Church in Morris or Mazon Brookside Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted with the U. C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home LTD.

Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on her name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0084.

Mrs. Owen (Velva) Carroll of Morris, Illinois, and formerly of Leitchfield, KY., passed away early Tuesday morning, May 21, 2013, in Morris Healthcare Center.

Born March 7, 1919 in Sadler, KY., she was the daughter of the late Charles and Naomi (Decker) Bradley.

On April 15, 1939, she married Owen Carroll SR. in Yorkville, IL.  They made their home in Coal City and moved to Morris in 1951.

Velva was a homemaker while her children were growing young and then worked outside the home as a seamstress and then as an order puller with Century Wholesale.  She also worked part-time for her father in his clothing store on Liberty Street.   After raising a family and retirement, she and her husband spent winters in Florida and summers in Joliet, Illinois.  They then settled in Litchfield, KY.  After her husband’s death, Velva remained in Kentucky until 2005 when she moved back to Morris, Illinois.

Velva loved to sew and loved to cook, as she was known as “Betty Crocker” to her younger sister.

Surviving are her two daughters, Janice (Robert) Brooks of Morris, Illinois, and Nancy (Gary) Morrison of Fairfield Glade, TN.; nine grandchildren, Terry Carroll, Tammy (Kenneth) Green,  Todd Carroll, Tabitha Carroll, Robert (Anne) Brooks III, Sherry (Dennis) Burns, Christopher (Stephanie) Morrison, Denne’ (Keith) Olson and Eric (Sarah) Morrison; eight great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband on November 11, 1992; one son, Owen Carroll Jr. on June 30, 2010; and six sisters.

Visitation will be held 5:00pm-8:00pm Thursday, May 23, 2013 at U. C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home LTD.,  located at 301 West Washington Street, Morris, Illinois.  Burial will be in Sadler Cemetery in Leitchfield, KY.

Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Velva’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0084.

David R. Sampson, 73, of Morris, Illinois, passed away early Saturday, May 11, 2013, at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois, with his family at his bedside.

He was born on November 5, 1939, the son of the late Siegel and Florence (Brady) Sampson.

He was raised and educated in the Morris Schools and graduated from Morris Community High School with the class of 1957.   David went on to Rockford Business College and Northern Illinois University earning a bachelor degree.

David was employed as an accountant with Amaco Corp. for 31 years, retiring in 1995.

In 1966, he married Lynn Johnson.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois.

Surviving is his loving wife Lynn; two children, Karen (Chris) Finch of Morris, IL., and David (Starla) Sampson of Springfield, IL.,; two grandchildren, Nathanael and Timothy Sampson; one brother, Gordon(Janice) Sampson of Morris, IL.; and many nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Wayne and Siegel, and one sister, Patricia Lundy.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 13, 2013, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the U. C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home Ltd. at 301 West Washington St, Morris, Illinois.  Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 am Tuesday, May 14, 2013, in the U. C. Davis-Callahan Funeral Home with Pastor Deborah Percell of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Morris, Illinois.

Memorials may be made in David’s name to the First United Methodist Church in Morris.

Online condolences may be extended to David’s family by clicking on his name at the top of this obituary.  For more information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0084.

Steven Gorham, 59, of Morris, Illinois, passed away May 6, 2013, in his home with his family at his bedside.

He was born December 08, 1953 in Morris, Illinois, the son of the late Lucius and Ruth (Bannon) Gorham.

Steven was raised on the family farm and attended local schools, graduating from Morris High School with the class of 1972.

On February 16, 1985, Steven married Tracey Thetard of Morris, Illinois.

He enjoyed farming and living on the family farm.  Steven was also an instrument tech at Mobil Oil.  He was a pilot, enjoyed flying and riding his Harley.   He enjoyed his dogs.  Aside from his work and hobbies, Steven loved his family most of all.

Surviving is his wife, Tracey; their two children, Sara and Samuel, both students at Illinois State University; one sister, Karen Hibyan of Maine; one nephew, Mark Hibyan; one niece, Jill Hibyan; and one great nephew, Oliver.

Visitation will be held Wednesday evening, May 8, 2013, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the U. C. Davis-Callahan and Sons Funeral Home,  301 West Washington Street, Morris, Illinois. Private Funeral Services will be held at 10:30am, Thursday, May 9, 2013, at the funeral home with Pastor Roy Backus officiating.  Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Steven’s family for Sara’s and Samuel’s education fund.

Online condolences can extended to the family by clicking on Steven’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

William D. “ Bill “ Enerson, 67, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully, Sunday evening, April 28, 2013 in Presence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Joliet, IL., with his loving family  at his bedside.  He was born on December 2, 1945 in Morris, Illinois, the son of Andrew and Lillian Milton Enerson.

He received his education in the Morris Schools.

Bill married the love of his life, Patricia L. Gale, on December 2, 1978 in the First Baptist Church in Morris, Illinois.

He was employed with Self Locking Folding Carton Division on Armstrong Street for over 42 years, retiring from Graphic Packaging in 2008.

Bill was an active and avid sports fan following the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and he was a die hard Cub Fan.  He enjoyed fishing, spending time with visiting his many friends and family, and treasured the time spent being a grandfather, and following their many activities at their local schools.

He attended the First Baptist Church in Morris, Illinois.

He was a member of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge # 967 in Morris, Illinois, and was proud to say that he was a member of the National Rifle Association.

Surviving is his loving wife of over 34 years, Patricia; their children, William D. “ Billy “, and his wife, Stephanie, Enerson Jr. of Morris, IL., Terry Countryman of Los Angles, CA.,  Jacqueline Countryman of Minooka, IL., Keith Countryman, and Kevin, and his wife, Rebecca,Countryman of Morris, IL.; nine grandchildren, Jerred Countryman, Rachel and Brent Likes, Brandon ( Sara ) Countryman, Nik Countryman, Brittany, Shelby, Kevin Jr. and Jordan Countryman, and one granddaughter on the way; four great grandchildren; one brother, Andrew ( Lynette ) Enerson of Melbourne, FL.; his loving Yorkie, “Candy”; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; one sister, Sharon Hougas; three brothers, Earl,  Chuck and Fred Enerson

Friends may call on Tuesday, April 30, 2013, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL., where funeral services will  be conducted on Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Steve Larson of the First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Bill’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Earl E. Cridge Jr., 80, of Morris, Illinois, and formally Oglesby and Utica, Illinois, passed away late Tuesday evening, April 23, 2013 in Presence St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois, with his loving family at his bedside.  He was born on June 8, 1932 in Peru, IL., the son of Earl E. and Madeline Pellican Cridge Sr.

He received his education in the schools of LaSalle and graduated from LaSalle High School with the Class  of  1950.

He served in the U. S. Army  during the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Japan and South Korea.

He was married to Diana Sell, and she preceded him on December 2, 1970.

Earl was employed as a union electrician with the  Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers local # 176 in Joliet, Illinois, for over 36 years retiring in 1994.

He married Norma J. Cain on December 15, 1985 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Together, with his wife, they love to travel in their motorhome and they wintered for the last 14 years in Harlingen, TX.

Earl was a Chicago Bulls fan, loved his three dogs, Chloe, Maggie and Beard, enjoyed watching old western movies, spending time visiting with his many friends and family, along with being a grandfather and taking in there many  activities.

He was a member of Morris American Legion Post # 294 and the Good Sam Camping Club.

Surviving is his loving wife of over 28 years, Norma; their six children, Debbie (Walter) Meister of Wisconsin, Mary Cridge and Elaine Cridge of LaSalle, IL., Earl E. Cridge III of Chicago, IL., Cindy (Jerry) Carlson and Terri Sue Cain, all of Morris, IL.; seven grandchildren, Jason and Diane Meister, Michelle ( Herb ) Grogg, Marcus ( Susie ) Stuckey, Kyleigh, Heather and Richard Cain; nine great grandchildren, Megan, Dani, Damon, Trevor, Samara, Olivia, DeAnna, Connie and Herbie; two great great grandchildren, Ethan and Mallorie; along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; his first wife; one daughter, Cindy Cridge; one son, Rick Cain; and one sister, Phyllis Posey.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 26, 2013, from 5:00 p.m. until the time of Military Honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard at 7:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL.  Cremation rites will follow at the Schultz Crematory in Streator, IL.

Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts directed to the family for distribution to local charities of their choosing at a later date.  Online condolences can be extended to Earl’s family by clickinf on his name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Mrs. William ( Gladys L. ) Sohan, 100, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, April 7, 2013, in her daughters home with her loving family by her side.  She was born at home, on august 14, 1912, the daughter of John and Louisa Hollenbeck Uerkwitz.

She received  her education in St. Angelia Academy in Morris, Illinois.

Gladys married William R. Sohan on September 20, 1933 in Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Illinois.

She was a homemaker, who stayed at home and raised her three children.

She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church.

Surviving are her three loving children, Patricia and her husband Wilson Packley of Lake View, AR., Richard Sohan, and Joyce, and her husband, Bill Roe of Morris, IL.; nine grandchildren, Cindy Anderson, Christopher Packley, Rebecca McComb, Michael ( Heather )  Sohan, John Sohan, Deborah Sohan, William ( Fiance, Darla Yard ) Roe, Patricia ( Bret ) Jackson, Kathy ( Peter ) Rink; 15 great grandchildren, Brian and Brandon Bausaro, Joshua and Megan McComb, Luke and Haley Sohan, Sarah and Lauren Roe, Jeremy and Katie Enger, Kaleb and Kyle Jackson, Heather ( Derek ) Johnston and Nathan ( Jenn ) Rink; five great great grandchildren, Shanna and Waycee Templett, Myles Johnston, Anslie Rink, and Addalyn Tinsley;  along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded by parents; husband on April 24, 1982; one grandson, James Roe, in infancy; one sister, Pearl Cryder; and one brother, Roy Uerkwitz.

The family will receive friends on Monday April 15, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Memorial Services at 10:00 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, 516 E. Jackson St., Morris, IL. with Rev. Fr. Edward J. Howe, CR. officiating.  Inurnment will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts directed to  the Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice. Online condolences can be directed to the family by clicking on her name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Arrangements were entrusted with U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.

Mrs. Ronald ( Karen M. ) Bottomley, 70, of Morris, Illinois, passed away very unexpectedly Wednesday morning, April 10, 2013 in the Morris Hospital.  She was born on July 17, 1942 in Mendota, IL., the daughter of Ronald and Pearl Tentler McEwan.

She received her education in the Mendota schools and graduate from Mendota High School with the Class of 1960.

She married the love of her life, and apple of her eye, Ronald “ Ron “  Bottomley on October 12, 1991 in the First Christian Church in Morris, Illinois.

With her husband, they loved to travel and spent their winters in Gulf Shores, Al.

Karen loved to shop. She enjoyed the time that she spent visiting with her many friends and family, and treasured those special moments that come with being a grandmother.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morris, Illinois.

Surviving is her loving husband of over 21 years, Ron; their five children, Julie (Ed) Hansen, and Susan (Jerry) White of Morris, IL., Rhonda ( Mike) Swaim of Huntsville, AL., Pam Bottomley of Franklin, PA., and Jim Bottomley of Huntsville, AL.; eight grandchildren, Emily and Zach Hansen, Mikayla and Gabe White, Jon and Michelle Swaim, and Samantha and Joanie Bottomley; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded by her parents.

Friends may call on Friday, April 12, 2013 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL. Funeral  service will be conducted on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson St., Morris, IL. with Rev. Dr. Roy C. Backus officiating.  Cremation rites will follow at the Schultz Crematory in Streator, IL.  Private family inurnment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery at a later date.

Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Karen’s memory directed to the Morris Community Volunteer Hospice or First Presbyterian  Church.  Online condolences can be extended to her family by clicking on her name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Lendsey A. Lewis, 81, formerly of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully Monday afternoon, April 8, 2013, in Rosewood Care Center in Joliet, Illinois.  He was born on December 12, 1931 in Flat, MO., the son of William and Ione Fink Lewis.  With his parents, they moved to Grundy County to make their home in 1943, and he received his education in the Morris Schools.

He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army from June 30, 1950 until receiving his honorable discharge on June 29, 1953.  He was stationed with Company B 145^th Infantry Regiment and was awarded two Purple Hearts during his tour of duty in Korea.

He married Ruth M. Mobereg while stationed in Ft. Benning, GA.

Lendsey was employed with Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet, Illinois, for several years and then entered the employment of Uniroyal Chemical Company in Elwood, Illinois, retiring in the early 1990’s.

He was an outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing, camping, deer hunting and coin collecting.

He married Joan Jarzynka in 1981 in Joliet, Illinois.

He was a member of the Morris American Legion Post # 294 and John Martin Steele Post # 6049 V.F.W. in Morris, Illinois.

Surviving are his three loving daughters, Sherry (George) Miller, and Dona (Neil Born) Cockream of Morris, IL., and Tracy (Robert) Snack of Wilmington, IL.; 12 grandchildren;  15 great grandchildren; one sister, Melba ( Pete ) Sills, Oakley, IL.; three brothers, Norman ( Millie ) Lewis, Morris, IL., Doyle ( Linda ) Lewis, Metropolis,  IL., and Dennis ( Janet ) Lewis, Joliet, IL.; brother-in-law, Robert Motter, Verona, IL.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded by his parents; one daughter, Vicki Powers on April 17, 2003; his second wife, Joan Lewis on December 31, 2011; two sisters, Madge Johnson and Marge Motter; two brothers, Levi and Alonzo Lewis.

Friends may call on Thursday, April 11, 2013 from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL.  where funeral services will be conducted on Friday, April 12, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Deborah  Percell of the First United Methodist Church officiating.  Interment with full Military Honors conducted by the Morris Color Guard will follow in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.

Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Lendsey’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.