Eileen Crawford has Died

Eileen R. (Mills) Crawford, age 95, recent resident of Effingham but longtime resident of Ridgway, died peacefully on Thursday, February 9, 2012, in the St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham, IL.
Eileen was born on July 1, 1916, in Omaha, IL, to the late Herman and Lela Jane (Blazer) Mills. She was married to James Dale Crawford, who preceded her in death in 1960. Eileen worked more than 20 years in the U.S. civil service as a Selective Service clerk. After that she worked in numerous other positions, eventually retiring at age 85 after spending years delivering meals for the Golden Circle Nutrition Center. Eileen was a devout Christian and for many years she was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Ridgway, where she was an Elder and a member of the Women's Guild. After she moved to Effingham in 2006 she attended the First Presbyterian Church there.
Eileen truly enjoyed life, had a wonderful sense of humor and a positive attitude. Her favorite social activities were playing bridge, pinochle and bingo. She loved to dance; totally enjoyed watching her children's and grandchildren's basketball games and other school and church activities; and also loved her many trips to Denver and Las Vegas; but she was happiest any time she was spending time with her family. She raised her family with love and compassion, and she was a good wife, mother, grandmother and sister.  She will be missed.
Eileen is survived by one son, Ken (Patty) Crawford of Teutopolis, IL, and one daughter, Eva Crawford of Denver, CO; grandchildren Joe Crawford of Bloomington, IN, Katie Crawford and Matt Crawford of Carbondale, IL, Tim (Linda) Scott and Kristin Crawford of Texas; four great grandchildren; one sister, Eubia Bahl of Hazelwood, MO; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Eileen was preceded in death by three children: Rosanna Jane, Louis Eugene and Lawrence Dale Crawford; two sisters, Eva Rhea Svoboda and Connie Chadderton; one brother, George David Mills; and one grandchild, Kelly Crawford Whitten.
Per Eileen’s request, she will be cremated and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway. You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com.

Joann Curry

Mary Joann Curry, age 83, of Junction, and lifelong resident of Gallatin County died at her home on Wednesday, January 18, 2012.  Joann as most knew her was born in the Saline Mine Area south of Shawneetown on September 9, 1928 to the late Nathaniel and Ethel (Young) Brazier.  On February 8, 1952 she was married to William “Bill” Curry who survives.  Joann loved to make quilts, fish, visit with her family and friends.  Joann and Bill were married for almost 60 years and when you seen one of them you seen both.  They had a wonderful marriage.  Joann was a good wife, loving mother, grandmother, and sister.  She will be missed.

Joann was survived by 5 sons, Bill (Paula) Curry of Junction, Jim Curry of Eddyville, IL, Charles (Mary Ann) Curry of Eldorado, IL, Mick (Sheila) Curry of Thomasboro, IL and Joe (Sandy) Curry of West Virginia.  1 Brother, Bob Brazier of Shawneetown and a sister, Millie Dortch of Shawneetown, 13 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 1 Great Great Grandchild.  She was preceded in death by 5 Brothers, 3 Sisters, and 2 Sons.

Visitation for Joann will be on Friday, January 20, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown.  Her funeral will be on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM, at Cox & Son Funeral Home with Rev. Harry Spivey.  Interment will follow in the Reid Cemetery south of Shawneetown.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com

Sammie Risley Dies

Sammie Lee Risley, age 57 lifelong resident of Ridgway died peacefully in Harrisburg Medical Center on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Sammie was born in Eldorado to the late Sam and Margaret (Davis) Risley. Sammie was born with Downs Syndrome but lived a beautiful and happy life, as he loved watch Giligan’s Island and Little Rascals on TV but mostly loved his color books. He was always happy and loving and his favorite time of the year was always the parade at Popcorn Day. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Sammie is survived by 3 brothers, George (Marilouise) Risley, Keith Risley and Scott (Melissa) Risley all of Ridgway. 5 nephews, Charles, Kris, Gage, Zane and Kyle.

Sammie will be cremated and a graveside service with the interment of his ashes next to his parents will be held at a later date at the Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway.

You may leave a note of comfort to the family at www.coxandson.com

Rev. Bob Powell Dead

Rev. Robert O. “Bob” Powell, age 66 of Shawneetown, died on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at his home after an illness.  Brother Bob as most knew him was born on October 1, 1945 in Henderson, KY to the late Coleman and Tillie (Corwin) Powell.  Bob graduated in 1963 from Henderson High School and then started working.  As his family and friends knew he was a workaholic always staying busy.  He had retired from over 18 years at Shirel Sawmill in Sturgis as a Master Cutter.  Bob loved the outdoors and especially hunting coons where he had been a faithful member of the Gallatin County Coon Club since it started.  But Brother Bob’s true conviction was his church, his faith, and especially helping the needing.  His church he started in Shawneetown, Mighty Harvest was the center of his goodwill, he helped anyone in need, especially the children.  Brother Bob was a good husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be greatly missed in Gallatin County.

Bob is survived by his wife, Helen (Barker) Powell of Shawneetown,  2 daughters, Tammy (Mike) Capeheart and Tonya Abbott all of Henderson, KY, 1 step daughter, Monica (Jerry) Rigsby of Shawneetown, 6 grandchildren, Jeremy and Tierney Rigsby, Charlie and Randy Abbott, Lindsay Deibler and Johnna Mclevain, 6 Great Grandchildren, Konner, Isaac, Skylar, Madison, Alix and Klaire.  1 sister, Peggy Nash of Henderson, Ky, his Mother in Law, Alice Barker West, several nieces and nephews and one special niece, Sandy Bowling.   Bob was preceded in death by his parents, along with 3 brothers, Henry Yancy, James William Powell, and Coleman Eugene Powell, 2 sisters, Anna Courtney and Shirley Nash.

Visitation for Bob will be on Monday, January 9, 2012 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Cox & Son Funeral Home in Shawneetown.  Funeral for Bob will be on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.  Rev. Charles Jennings will officiate and interment will follow in the Westwood Cemetery.