NORMAL – Rollin K. Mercer, 72, of Normal died of pancreatic cancer peacefully at his home Thursday, November 10, 2016.
Memorial services will be held Friday, November 18, 11:00 a.m. at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home. Visitation is Thursday, November 17 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made to Illinois State University Athletic Department.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.
Rollin (Rollie) was born August 21, 1944, in Dixon, IL, to Kenneth and Marian Mercer. Both of his parents preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Mary Margaret Mercer; three daughters Krista (Brian) McKinney, South Elgin, IL; Amy (Mike) Rich, Bossier City, LA; and Lindy (Robert) Kurtz, O’Fallon, IL; a brother David (Lorayne) Mercer, Lexington, SC, and six grandchildren Luke McKinney, Zachary McKinney, Emma Kurtz, Natalie Kurtz, Nate Rich and Tyler Rich. Other survivors include his mother-in-law Margaret Sneesby, Gurnee, IL, sister-in-law Janice (Richard) Aaron, Chicago, nephew Michael (Rose) Mercer, Healdsburg, CA; and niece Mary (Tom) Tanner, Lexington, SC.
Rollie worked for State Farm and retired after 35 years of service. During his tenure he was president of the Employees Association. A graduate of Illinois State University and a member of the ISU football team, Rollie was a life-long sports enthusiast, spectator, and supporter. As an avid alum, Rollie was on the ISU Alumni Board, the ISU President’s Circle, an Honorary Founder’s Day Bell Ringer, Redbird’s Club Board, the ISU Athletics Council and the Lady Redbird’s Board. In addition, he served on the board of Four Season and was a member of the El Paso Golf Club. A veteran, Rollie served in the U.S. Army.
Condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
HEYWORTH – Vicki Jo (Swearingen) Newby, 67 of Heyworth, IL and formerly of Bloomington, IL passed away at 1:35 a.m. Saturday (November 12, 2016) at OSF Medical Center.
Born March 28, 1949 in Normal, IL to Harold and Lillian (Morton) Swearingen. She married Tom Newby on September 2, 1967 in Heyworth, IL. She is proceeded in death by her parents.
Surviving are husband Tom Newby, Heyworth; son Dion (Darcy) Newby and grandsons Ryan and Ethan Newby, Bloomington; daughter Robin (Bryan) Petersen and granddaughter Adyson Slayback, Heyworth; two step-grandchildren Tricia and Austen Petersen, Stanford; one sister Lynne Rider, Cooksville; brothers-in-law Don Newby, Heyworth and Ed (Susie) Newby, Bloomington; several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews.
Vicki was a member of the McLean County Genealogy Society and a member with her husband of the Leroy Riffle and Pistol Club. She enjoyed many things over the years, boating, camping, fishing, photography, computers, genealogy, and vacationing to Wisconsin. Most of all spending time with family, friends and her special pets Magic, Tipsy, Oscar, and Autumn (Auttie). She was also an avid Chicago Cubs/Bears fan along with supporting her granddaughter Adyson’s BNGSA Angels Softball team.
She worked for Stat Farm, Union Auto Insurance Co., Portable Elevator, and retired from St. Joseph Medical Center after working there for 27 years in Data Processing and Materials Management as a Supply Chain Specialist.
Graveside service will be at the Randolph Township Cemetery in Heyworth, IL Wednesday November 16, 2016 at 1 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the Humane Society of Bloomington, the American Diabetes Association and the Community Cancer Center.
The family would like to express their gratitude and appreciation to all the medical staff who helped her throughout the last year.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home, Bloomington, Illinois is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to www.calvertmemorial.com.
CHENOA – Carl J. Raby, 84 of Chenoa passed away at 9:20pm, Monday, November 7, 2016 at his residence in Chenoa.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service to be held at 7 pm, Friday, November 18, 2016 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm, prior to the service also at the memorial home in Chenoa on Friday. Memorials may be directed to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.
Carl was born June 2, 1932 in Solway, TN, the son of William Raby and Maggie Mae (Childress” Raby. He married Daisy Large on April 9, 1955 in Springfield, IL. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2010. His parents, two sons, Robert Raby and William Raby, three brothers, and three sisters also preceded him in death.
Survivors include four children; David Raby, Chenoa, Debbie Fultz, Pontiac; Michael (Pam Kester) Raby, Normal; Kathy Farrell, Chenoa; one brother; John Raby, Alvin, TX; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
Carl loved to spend time with his family and friends. He was a great husband and Father and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Online condolences and tributes may be left for the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.
