Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

02/24/2026

Charles N. Smith

Charles Nathan Smith, 77, of Gilson, Illinois, died in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois on February 21, 2026 at 7:08 p.m.

Charles was born May 9,1948, in Galesburg, Illinois, the son of Loren William and Jean Lucille (Slagel) Smith. Charles graduated from Knoxville High School. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam War and married Jennifer Jean Jefferson on July 2, 1971 in Knoxville. Jennifer preceded him in death on October 30, 2022.

Charles is survived by two sons, Troy (Emily) Smith of Monmouth, Illinois and Steeven (Tina) Smith of Galesburg; nine grandchildren, Bradley Smith, Brandon (Carly) Wade, Spencer Smith, Lindsey (Bryce) Eitenmiller, Zach Hewins, Bailey Smith, Ricky Cantu, Logan Wade, and Easton Brunswig; and his beloved three great grandchildren, Harrison, Casey, and Aiden. Charles is also survived by two brothers, John (Karen) Smith of Maquon, Illinois and Tony Smith of Knoxville; and one sister, Kim Hennenfent of Wataga, Illinois. Along with his parents and wife, Charles was preceded in death by one brother, Steeven Smith.

Charles was never afraid of hard work, working many different jobs throughout the years, most notably as an over-the-road truck driver and a farm hand. He loved to spend time mowing his yard, baking for his family, watching television, and sitting on his front porch. Charles also enjoyed traveling, taking numerous trips with his sons. Most of all, Charles was proud of his family and loved to be with them as much as possible.

Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/24/2026

Wanda M. Nordeen

Wanda May Nordeen, 81, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at home, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 12:15 p.m.

Wanda was born October 24, 1944 in Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Forrest Preston and Zona Marie (Irwin) Wallace.

Wanda is survived by two sons, Danieal (Tammy) Nordeen of Galva, Illinois and Terry Nordeen of Galesburg; one daughter, Kim Nordeen of Tiskilwa, Illinois; one stepson, Lester Nordeen of Kewanee, Illinois; eight grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents; and one brother, George Wallace.

Wanda worked for over 20 years as the head cook at Knox County Nursing Home. She enjoyed the simple things in life as well as reading, giraffes, spending time with family and friends. She also cherished her many lunches she had with her friends.

Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/23/2026

02/21/2026

Mary Ann Maxey

Mary Ann Quigley Maxey, 91, of Galesburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at Courtyard Estates in Knoxville, Illinois.

She was born November 5, 1934, in Galesburg, the daughter of J. Philip Quigley and Mary Catherine (O’Connor) Quigley.

Mary Ann graduated from Corpus Christi High School and attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa. She later earned her degree in Elementary Education from Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College in Terre Haute, Indiana, and her lifelong love of music later led her to pursue graduate studies in the field.

On October 27, 1956, she married George Robert Maxey at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. Together they raised their three children—George Philip, Jane, and Ann—while living in Monmouth and Peoria, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Rochester, Minnesota; and Galesburg, Illinois.

Mary Ann devoted many years to teaching at Costa Catholic School. She was a faithful and active member of Immaculate Heart of Mary and Corpus Christi Catholic Churches in Galesburg. An accomplished pianist, she especially loved playing for her family. Mary Ann and George also raised AKC Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers for more than 30 years, a shared passion that brought them great joy. Together, they also raised Standardbred racehorses.

Mary Ann will be remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and neighbor. She was deeply proud of her family and lived her life guided by strong faith, firm values, and a tireless work ethic. Her love, quiet strength, and steadfast presence will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her children, George Philip (Virginia “Ginger” Anne) Maxey of Waterloo, Illinois; Jane (Peter) Officer of Hanover, New Hampshire; and Ann Gallagher (Bradley) Hix of Galesburg, Illinois; and by her sister, Jane Quigley Hense of Peoria, Illinois. She is also survived by her seven beloved grandchildren, Phillip (Abby) Officer, Daniel (Lindsey) Officer, John (Laura) Officer, Peter (Krista) Officer, Emily (Tyler) Murphy, Claire (Colin) Root, and Tiffany Maxey; and ten great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Robert Maxey; her parents; her sister, Virginia Noonan; and one grandson, Matthew Maxey.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 6, 2026, at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, with the rosary prayed immediately following the visitation. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, with Fr. Jeffrey Stirniman as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Birthright International or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

May perpetual light shine upon her.

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02/21/2026

Constance L. Siedel

Constance L. “Connie” Siedel, 78, of Abingdon, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Thursday, February 19, 2026 at 3:05 a.m.

Connie was born September 23, 1947 in Canton, Illinois, the daughter of Wilbur Harris and Eleanor Ruth (Bishop) Thurman. She graduated from Spoon River Valley High School in 1965. Connie married and had two children. They later divorced and Connie spent many years with her longtime partner Ernst Brunner. Ernie preceded her in death in 2000.

Connie is survived by one son, Bob (Cindy) Siedel of Yates City, Illinois; one daughter, Sonita (the late Randy Hastings) Siedel of Abingdon; and one sister, Sandy Ruggles of Abingdon. Connie is also survived by her beloved four grandchildren, Taylor Siedel, Brad Siedel, Alyssa Siedel, and Amanda (Chris) Hootman; and her adored three great grandchildren, Jaret, Olivia, and Luke. Along with her parents and partner, Ernie; Connie was preceded in death by one brother, Jeff Thurman; one sister, Cathy Thomas; and one granddaughter, Jennifer Brunner.

Connie was a longtime employee at Admiral later Maytag in Galesburg until her retirement in 1997. She loved to keep busy, whether it was taking one of her many trips traveling around the United States or bowling she was on the go. Connie also was active for many years at Harry E. Wiles American Legion Post 381, Ladies Auxiliary. She was a fiercely loyal Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed playing scrabble and was an avid reader, a trait she instilled in her grandchildren. Most of all, Connie loved being a mother, grandmother, companion, and friend to all those in her life.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Laurie Mackey and Andrea Ruhl, who helped immensely in caring for Connie.

Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Harry E. Wiles American Legion, Abingdon, Illinois. Private family burial of cremated remains will be at Abingdon Cemetery, Abingdon. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Cat N Around Rescue. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/21/2026

Mary Llewellyn Britt

Mary Llewellyn Britt, 101, of Chandler, Arizona, passed away on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Llewellyn was born November 03, 1924, in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Mary Jane O’Connell and John Driscoll Gudgell. She was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith. Llewellyn married the love of her life, Ralph W. Britt on May 5, 1951. They enjoyed golfing, traveling, good food, and an occasional trip to the casino. Llewellyn enjoyed a lengthy professional career as a member of the management team at Admiral Manufacturing in Galesburg, Illinois.

Llewelyn had an unwavering devotion and commitment to her loved ones. Over a twenty-year period, Llewellyn and Ralph welcomed several of Shirley Burke’s (her sister) children into their home during the summer months, where they had wonderful times swimming, fishing, golfing, and traveling to various sites throughout the country. Llewellyn and Ralph became their summer parents and raised them as their own. Llewellyn was very organized and always planned the next adventure in advance. She spent her final years in a retirement community in Chandler, Arizona. She had many close friends, participated in water aerobics, and enjoyed games with the other members of her community. Llewellyn was a devoted Catholic and was a regular at Saturday evening Mass. Her strong faith guided her life, providing her with strength and a sense of purpose.

She is preceded in death by her husband Ralph, her sister Shirley Jane Burke, and nephews William Frederick Burke, Jr., Terence Patrick Burke, and Glenn Richey Britt. She is survived by her nieces, Mary Jane Pearson, Patricia Ann Molloy, Sally Britt, and by nephews John Joseph Burke, Thomas Edward Burke, Daniel Lawrence Burke, Michael Llewellyn Burke, and Phillip E. Britt.

A rosary will be held at 6:00 pm, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Queen of Heaven Chapel in Mesa, Arizona. A funeral Mass will be held at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Galesburg, Illinois, on April 10, 2026, at 11:00 am, followed by an internment at St. Joseph Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/20/2026

Finding the right funeral home is an important step when planning ahead for funeral wishes. This article shares 10 characteristics you should look for when deciding which funeral home to partner with for your funeral planning needs.

Interested in end-of-life planning? Take a look at these 10 characteristics to look for when choosing a funeral home to meet your needs.

02/17/2026

Timothy A. Rollins

Timothy Allen Rollins, 53, of Washington, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Sunday, February 15, 2026.

Tim was born in Galesburg, Illinois on October 20, 1972, the son of Roger Allen and Lori Lynn (Henry) Rollins. He graduated from ROWVA High School in 1990. Tim had worked for many years at Case IH in Goodfield, working until late 2025.

Tim is survived by one son, Timothy Rollins of Washington; his father and stepmother, Roger (Linda) Rollins of Altona, Illinois; and four siblings, Andy Rollins of Altona, Heidi (Brian) Hall of Citronelle, Alabama, Mindy (Jason) Shaw of Oneida, Illinois, and Jeremy Rollins of Galesburg. Tim was preceded in death by his mother, Lori and one brother, Tommy Johnson.

Tim was a family man first and foremost. He was a dedicated father to his son, Timothy; a beloved brother to his siblings; and devoted son. He never shied away from hard work and would do whatever it took to get the job done. He loved feeling with wind in his face while riding his Harley Davidson and loved peacefulness of gardening and canning. An avid outdoorsman, Tim loved to spend time fishing and hunting.

Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Copley Twp Hall, 1531 Illinois Route 167, Victoria, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the family or to American Cancer Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/16/2026

Happy Presidents' Day! Did you know that when Presidents' Day was first observed in 1879, it only applied to the District of Columbia? It wasn't until 1885 that it became a national holiday.

02/14/2026

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let's remember that love isn't limited. Share the spirit of Valentine's Day with your children, your spouse, your friends, and your family.

02/14/2026

Clarence E. Deisinger, Jr.

Clarence Emanuel Deisinger, Jr. 76, of Monmouth, Illinois, died at 12:10 p.m. Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth.

Clarence was born on September 1, 1949, in Monmouth, the son of Ruby Margaret (Hayes) and Clarence Emanuel Deisinger, SR.

Clarence married Barbara J. Clark on March 7, 1974. She preceded him in death on August 13, 2013. Clarence later was united in marriage to Mary Lorraine (Nichols) Green on July 7, 2018, in Monmouth. Clarence is survived by his wife Mary of Monmouth; two daughters, Shelly (Terry) Bellinger of Kirkwood, Illinois and Shawn Amos of Missouri; five stepsons, Kevin (Eva) Greenstreet of Beardstown, Illinois, Brian (Francene) Greenstreet, Scot Pence, Timothy Pence, and Patrick Pence all of Monmouth; numerous grandchildren; and several great grandchildren. Clarence is also survived by one sister, Bernice Schmudde of Monmouth. Along with his parents and first wife, Clarence was preceded in death by one son, Danny Greenstreet; and two sisters, Linda Carnes and Delia Shuster.

Clarence worked at Midwest Plastics in Galesburg for 34 years, retiring as a supervisor in 2020. He loved being outdoors enjoying many different hobbies including camping, hunting, and fishing.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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02/14/2026

Glenna E. Williams

Glenna Eileen Williams, 73, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 3:35 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2026 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Peoria, Illinois.

Glenna was born August 13, 1952 in Galesburg, the daughter of Charles M. and Patricia J. (Clary) Miller.

Glenna is survived by two sons, Anthony (Sue Parr) Miller of Galesburg and Zachary Williams of Monmouth, Illinois; three granddaughters, Danielle Miller, Brandi Swanson, and Divinity Williams; and two great grandchildren, Nick and Ava. Glenna is also survived by one brother, Glenn Miller of Denver, Colorado; one sister, Kathleen Corbin of Florida; and several nieces and nephews including Nicholas Miller, whom Glenna helped raise. Glenna was preceded in death by her parents; and two sisters, Joyce Bunz and Peggy Miller.

Glenna worked at United Facilities in Galesburg for over 40 years. Glenna enjoyed listening to several genres of music, collecting things, and lottery scratch offs. Glenna was very giving, if she knew you need or wanted something she was going to get it for you. She is going to be missed be everyone who knew and loved her.

Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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