Assumption Golden Prairie News

12/03/2025

Michael Scott Sloan, 62, of Mobile, AL, died December 1, 2025 in Mobile Infirmary Hospital.

Private family graveside services will be held on Friday, Dec. 5 in Pleasant View Cemetery, Assumption, IL. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to First United Methodist Church of Assumption or The American Kidney Foundation.

Michael was born on June 5, 1963 in Decatur, IL, the son of Larry E. and Jean (Burgener) Sloan. He was affiliated with the Methodist church and an avid sports fan of the University of Alabama.

Surviving are his father, Larry E. (Kim) Sloan of Orange Beach, AL; daughter, Lacey Marie (Blake) Hicks of Tallapoosa, GA; grandchildren, Blakely and Bailey Hicks of Tallapoosa, GA; brothers, Kevin (Jane) Sloan of Josephine, AL and Dean Sloan of Summerdale, AL; and sister, Jamie (Walter) Norris of Orange Beach, AL.
Preceding him in death were his mother, Jean Burgener Cline; maternal grandparents, Collins and Marie Burgener; and paternal grandparents, Rolla and Lena Sloan.

Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/26/2025

The Pana News office will close at noon today and reopen Dec. 1.
We wish everyone
a Happy Thanksgiving!

11/24/2025

11/24/2025

Bonnie L. Weaber, 86, of Moweaqua, died November 17, 2025 in Decatur Memorial Hospital.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time. Memorials may be made to First Christian Church of Moweaqua.

Bonnie was born on October 17, 1939 in Waukesha, WI, the daughter of George and Blanche (Webster) Potter. She married Jerry Weaber on August 15, 1958 in Moweaqua, IL. He preceded her in death on August 9, 2019.

Bonnie was a member of the First Christian Church of Moweaqua and formerly a member of the First Christian Church of Findlay. She was also involved in the Christian Motorcycle Association and the Goldwing Roadriders Club.

Surviving are her sons, Terry Lee (Tammie) Weaber of Highland Village, TX and Bradley Dean (Mitch) Weaber of Silver Springs, MD; daughter, Mindy Sue (Lyndon) Jason of Heyworth; grandchildren, Lauren (Paige) Weaber, Elijah (Emily) Weaber, Grant (Mikayla) Weaber, Brittany (Jake) Frink and Madison (Bryan) Suiter; great-grandchildren, Aniston Frink, Noah Frink, Weston Suiter, Cooper Suiter, Harrison Weaber, Calvin Weaber, and Harper Trant; and brother, Robert Potter of Mattoon.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Jerry; parents; and sister, Sally Bock.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/17/2025

🇺🇸 Franklin L. Jones, 81, of Maylen, AL, formerly of Assumption, IL, died November 8, 2025 in St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Graveside services, with full military honors, were held at Saturday, Nov. 15 in Mautz Cemetery, Pana, IL. Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

Franklin was born on May 2, 1944 in Decatur, IL, the son of Lyle “Pete” and Ruth (Ashenfelter) Jones. He served his country in the United States Army and was a member of the Methodist church.

Franklin is survived by his son, Frank (Candace) Johns of Lancaster, OH; daughter, Ashley (Dave) Jones-Moser of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Logan, Mason, Clayton, Tobias, Ashley, and Nina; brother, Ron (Debbie) Jones of Aniston, AL; sister-in-law, Judy Jones of Pana; and several nieces and nephews.

Franklin was preceded by his parents and brother, Mike Jones.

Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/10/2025

Mary Irene McLeod, 87, of Assumption, IL, passed away on November 8, 2025.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Assumption with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Mary was born on April 12, 1938, in Assumption, IL, the daughter of James W. and C. Irene (Harris) McLeod. She was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church.

Mary is survived by her brother, James H. McLeod of Assumption; niece, Elizabeth McLeod-Smith of Assumption; and her great-nephews, Evan and Connor, and great-niece, Katie.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents.

Seitz Funeral Home, Assumption, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/05/2025

Norma Jean Padgett, 79, of Assumption, IL, passed away at 3:18 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, at Pana Health and Rehab Center, Pana, IL.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7 at Glenwood Cemetery, Section B, Shelbyville, IL with Rev. Dan Watkins, Sr. officiating. Memorials may be given to Mt. Pleasant Church of God. Arrangements are by Howe & Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville.

Norma was born on March 29, 1946, in Shelby County, IL, the daughter of Lester James and Norma Velma (Stockdale) Gatton. She attended Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1964. Norma worked in the garment factory in Decatur for several years. She married Kenneth D. Padgett on September 6, 1973, and he preceded her in death on January 14, 2010. Norma was a member of Mt. Pleasant Church of God near Assumption and the Happy Hookers Crochet Group in Assumption.

Norma is survived by her daughter, Betty Reed (Danny) of Assumption; daughter-in-law, Laura Endsley of Cowden; sister, Betty Garner of Monrovia, MD; brother, David “Bub” Gatton of Chatham; sister-in-law, Nancy Gatton of Shelbyville; grandchildren, Sandy Jo, Micah, Logan, Alyson, Tabitha, Samantha, Eric and Steven; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; son, Clifford Endsley, Jr.; brothers, Henry Gatton, Sr. and James Gatton; brother-in-law, Larry Garner; and sisters-in-law Emily Gatton and Marcia Gatton.
Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com

11/03/2025

Naomi Charlene Cole, daughter of Roy Leo and Leota Florence (Swinford) House, passed away peacefully at home, on October 15, 2025, at the age of 94 in Pensacola, FL. Charlene was born on May 15, 1931 and is survived by her daughters, Debra Jean Rust (Wesley) and Diane Cole Brown (Alen); her brother Lowell Max House (Martha); grandchildren, Heather Colwell (Ryan), Laura Books (BJ), Ginny Walsh (Matt), and Michael Cole; great-grandchildren, Kyle Colwell (Sara), Trevor Colwell, Caden Colwell, Riley Books, George Books, Paul Walsh, Lochlan Walsh, and Lettie Walsh.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Rolland Earl Cole; parents, Roy and Leota House; and siblings, Katherine Leo House, Harold Keith House (Ester), Carl Rex House (Nadine), and Lois June Walls (Milton).

Charlene was raised in a hardworking and faithful rural home and found new independence when she moved to Springfield, IL to live with her beloved sister, Katherine. She began working at the A&P grocery store where she met Earl. She built a life rooted in devotion - working as a teller at Elliott State Bank and raising two daughters, supporting their endeavors through 4-H, Scouting, Dance, and many others. She retired after many years of dedicated service, and Earl and Charlene moved to The Villages in Lady Lake, FL to play golf and enjoy life in the warm weather. They then moved to Pensacola, FL to be near their daughter Diane and grandson Michael.

Upon moving to Pensacola, she became a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church where she was affectionately known as, “Cookie Lady.” She was involved in Friday Friends Bible Study and other committees of service to the church. She also led the Neighborhood Board while living on Mirabelle Avenue. Charlene will be remembered for her kindness, love of family, and beautiful smile.

The celebration of Charlene and Earl’s life will be held at the Seitz Funeral Home in Moweaqua on November 15. Visitation will be from 10:30-11 with the funeral service beginning at 11. Burial will be held following the service at the Locust Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Stroke Association or the American Lung Association.
Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/03/2025

🇺🇸 Rolland Earl Cole, 90, of Pensacola, FL, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 at 12:55 a.m. at West Florida Hospital. He was born January 14, 1924, in Findlay, IL.

Earl was employed with A&P Food Stores, as manager for over 36 years serving mostly in the city of Jacksonville, IL before he retired to The Villages in Florida to enjoy many hours of playing golf. He was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church on Nine Mile Road. Earl served in the Army for four years as a corporal in WWII as part of the Omaha Beach, Battle of the Bulge and other European Campaigns. He was honored for his service in June of 2014 and awarded a medal for the liberation of France. Earl was a long-time member of the Elks Lodge #682.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents Clarence Noble and Edith Lorene (Bridgman) Cole, a brother, Glen Martin Cole, and a sister, Wilma Elizabeth Thomas. He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Naomi Charlene (House), a sister, Shirley Maxine Biehler Hicks of Sun City West, Arizona; two daughters, Debra Jean (Wesley) Rust of Franklin, IL, and Diane Marie Cole, of Pensacola, FL; four grandchildren, Heather Lynn (Ryan) Colwell of Franklin, IL, Laura Jean (Brett) Books of Bloomington, IL, Ginny Lois (Matthew) Walsh of Houston, TX, and Michael Perrin Cole of Pensacola, FL; and seven great grandchildren, Kyle James, Trevor Cole, and Caden Paul Colwell of Franklin IL, Riley Jean and George Oliver Books of Bloomington, IL., and Paul Finnean Walsh and a new brother expected December 24th, 2014 of Houston, TX.

The celebration of Charlene and Earl’s life will be held at the Seitz Funeral Home in Moweaqua on November 15. Visitation will be from 10:30-11 with the funeral service beginning at 11. Burial will be held following the service at the Locust Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The American Stroke Association or the American Lung Association.
Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

11/03/2025

Eddie Dean Craig, 70, of Moweaqua, passed away peacefully in his home on October 30, 2025.

Eddie was born on April 14, 1955 in St. Elmo, IL, the son of Roy E. and Freida (Durbin) Craig. He married Debbie Deman on May 17, 1973 in Effingham, IL. She survives.

Eddie was a kind-hearted man who was always willing to help in any way he could—whether it was listening when you needed to talk, teaching if you didn’t know how to do something, or finding a way to help when you had a problem. His main hobbies were hunting and golfing. Eddie loved spending time with his family, whether at the campground or just in the backyard, sitting around, drinking a few beers, and having a good time. He served as Prairieton Township Road Commissioner for over 30 years.

Surviving is his wife of 52 years, Debbie; sons, Christopher (Stephanie) Craig of Shobonier and Matthew Craig of Macon; daughter, Shannon Marie (Jim) Butler of Moweaqua; grandkids, Tyler, Shawn, Rebecca, Karsyn, Presley, and Bradley; great-grandchildren, Shawnna, Ivy, Sariyah, Shawn Jr. “Wild Willie”, and Reed; brother, Jack (Brenda) Craig of S. Carolina; and sister, Barb McDowell of Vandalia.
Preceding him in death were his parents, and sister, Diane Huskey.

Seitz Funeral Home, Moweaqua, has been entrusted with the care and service arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left at www.seitzfh.com

10/29/2025

🇺🇸 Larry Dale Eversole, 86, of Assumption, IL, passed away at 3:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 31 at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Burial with military rites will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to the Shelby County 4-H Fair.

Larry was born on December 18, 1938, in Moweaqua, IL, the son of James Harold and Laura Mae (Pierce) Eversole. He graduated from Assumption High School in the Class of 1957. Larry then served his country in the United States Army from 1960-1962. He was a lifelong grain and livestock farmer in the Assumption area. Larry married Sharon Ann Pfeiffer on December 2, 1962, and they raised their three children on the family farm. Larry loved his German Shepards, taking rides around the section to check on the crops, raising cattle and hogs, and going to the Sale Barn. He also enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Fighting Illini basketball and playing cards. He attended K***s Baptist Church in rural Tower Hill.

Larry is survived by his wife, Sharon; son, Larry Dale Eversole, Jr. of Effingham; daughters, Lisa Sloan and husband Jeff of Shelbyville, and Lori Colbrook and husband Jim of Macon; grandchildren, Austin Sloan, Ross Sloan, Shelby Cole and friend Austin, Salena Duff and husband Garrett, Jordan Colbrook, Breanna Colbrook, Brittani Colbrook, Chelsea Kauffman and husband Clayton, and Catlin Bird and husband Steve; and great- grandchildren, Avery Colbrook, Jaxon Ramos, Drew Colbrook, Aubree Bird, Tyler Bird, Harrison Kauffman, Charleigh Cole, Sloan Duff and Scarlett Ridgley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mae Eversole; sister, Marilyn Weakly; brothers, Dwayne Eversole and Donald Eversole; and grandson-in-law, Todd Cole.

Send condolences at www.howeandyockey.com