McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory

11/13/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mason-giddings

Mason M. Giddings, 19, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 21, 2006 in Galesburg, IL, the son of Matt and Mary Beth Giddings. Mason was raised and educated in Kirkwood and graduated from United High School in 2025. After finishing high school, Mason started his career with IHC Heating and Cooling in Monmouth. He had already been a familiar face in the community, working at the Italian Village since he was just 15 years old.

Mason had a lifelong passion for football and wrestling, dedicating countless hours to both sports throughout high school. He also spent hours in the gym, both during his years playing sports and long after, finding joy in lifting weights and staying active. He loved spending time outdoors, especially when fishing with his best friend, Luke Mills, where the two shared many laughs and lasting memories. Mason also enjoyed friendly competitions of pool and card games with his sister, moments that always brought smiles and good-natured rivalry. A devoted Indianapolis Colts fan, he rarely missed a game and enjoyed cheering on his team. Whether he was playing video games, relaxing after a long day, or surrounded by the people he cared about most, Mason treasured every opportunity to spend time with his friends and family whenever he wasn’t working.

Surviving Mason are his parents, Matt & Mary Beth Giddings of Monmouth, IL; his sister, Mallory Giddings of Monmouth, IL; his paternal grandparents, Mike & Kim Giddings of Monmouth, IL; and Tim & Paula Lay of Monmouth, IL; his aunt, Lynn & Brian Meyer of Indianapolis, IN; his uncle, Brian & Korin Larson of Kentucky; numerous cousins, and his lifelong best friend, Luke Mills.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Dustin Larson, and his great grandparents.

Funeral Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, November 17, 2025 at the Funeral Home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Memorials can be made to the Mason Giddings Memorial Fund and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

View Mason M. Giddings's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/12/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/linda-ellison

Linda F. Ellison, 72, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025, in Betty’s Garden at Courtyard Estates of Monmouth, IL.

Linda was born on May 22, 1953, in Moline, IL, the daughter of Fay and Virginia (Johnson) Johnson. She was raised and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 1971. Linda later earned her BA from Monmouth College and received her Master of Education from Western Illinois University. She continued earning postgraduate credits at both Augustana College and Western Illinois University throughout her teaching career.

Through her first marriage, she had two children, Jason and Erika. Linda then met her beloved husband, Rodger Ellison. They were married on June 1, 1991, at the historic Stewart House in Monmouth, Illinois.

Linda devoted her life to teaching, specifically to the field of Special Education. She dedicated over 34 years to teaching for the Knox-Warren Special Education department at Monmouth High School, where she propelled countless lives forward with her compassion, commitment, and advocacy. She was empathetic to the core and for many of her students promoted their abilities while supporting their strengths. In addition to her work at Monmouth High School, she also served as an adjunct professor at Monmouth College, sharing her expertise and inspiring the future educators in the field. Her passion was creating interactive memorable lessons that engaged her students and assisted them in truly understanding the material presented.

Linda was a proud member of Delta Kappa Gamma and a member of the First Lutheran Church in Monmouth, where she faithfully served in many roles over the years. She had a passion for entertaining, cooking, and loved to showcase her Swedish roots with her famous cardamom bread. She never passed up the chance to enjoy a good cup of tea, go for walks in the autumn with Rodger, and enjoyed supporting her kids in all sports and academics. Linda cherished her dinner group girls, treasuring laughter, food, and the friendship that they shared. Above all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and took great joy in reading to them, attending their activities, and celebrating their accomplishments.

Surviving Linda is her husband, best friend, and soulmate, Rodger Ellison of Monmouth, IL; her children, Dr. Jason (Cherie) Clark of Moline, IL, Erika Clark of Davenport, IA, their father, Dennis Clark of Monmouth, IL; her step daughter Hillarie (Mark) Welsh of St. Paul, MN; her grandchildren, Tyler Clark, Griffin Clark, Maddox Clark, Natalie Welsh, Grant Welsch, and Everly Ellison. Also surviving are her brother, Lonnie (Kathy) Johnson of Monmouth, IL, Regina (Dennis) Frieden of Kolona, IA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; stepson, Jon Ellison; and numerous aunts and uncles.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2025, at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery, Monmouth, IL. Memorials can be made to the Linda Ellison Memorial Fund, which supports a scholarship for students pursuing a career in education, and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence, visit www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

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11/11/2025

On this Veterans Day, McGuire & Davies Funeral Home & Crematory proudly honors the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

We remember the sacrifices made in defense of our freedoms and recognize the enduring spirit of those who continue to serve today. Their courage, devotion, and love of country embody the highest ideals of honor and duty.

May we never forget the cost of freedom, and may we always show our gratitude to those who have defended it.

🇺🇸 With respect, honor, and gratitude—thank you, veterans.

11/10/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/john-anderson

View John Anderson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/09/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/bonnie-shamblin

View Bonnie Jean Shamblin's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/07/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/deborah-moore

Mrs. Deborah Jane Moore, 75, of Monmouth, IL, passed away Friday morning, November 7, 2025, at the Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

She was born July 23, 1950, in Decorah, IA, a daughter of the late John and Barbara (Stauffer) Byrnes. She graduated from Yorkwood High School in 1968 and attended Carl Sandburg College before getting married on June 29, 1970. Deb led a life defined by kindness, patience and love for her family and friends.

Deb is survived by her husband of 55 years, Willard Eugene (Gene) Moore, and their three children and six grandchildren. She is survived by a daughter, Cynthia (Cindy) Leisinger, son-in-law Keith Leisinger of Brimfield, Illinois and granddaughter; Sarah Leisinger and grandson, Gavin Leisinger. She is survived by her son, Grant Moore of Galesburg, IL, his Fiancé, Tawnya Revels, two daughters: Madalyn and Kaitlyn Moore. She is also survived by her daughter, Crystal Moore of Redding, CA and her two children, Ryan and Lexi. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Throughout her life, she touched the hearts of all who knew her with her compassion and gentle spirit. She was a source of strength and comfort, always ready with a listening ear, a warm embrace, and words of encouragement.

Her legacy is carried on in the lives of those she loved and inspired. Deb worked for the Warren Achievement School and then worked for many years at the Lincoln School, both in Monmouth. Her kindness and patience for children with special needs was commendable.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Strom Center of Monmouth Illinois. We will hold her forever in our hearts.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Deb’s wishes were to have her ashes spread with her husband’s and their beloved dog, Lady, over a pasture on the Moore family farm. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to leave an online condolence visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

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11/07/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/mark-blackman

Mark W. Blackman, 65, of Biggsville, IL, passed away on November 6, 2025 surrounded by his family after a 3-year battle with cancer.

He was born on January 20, 1960, to Roger Blackman Sr. and Helen Hartzell. Mark married his Yorkwood High School sweetheart, Joni (Doty) Blackman, and together they shared 45 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife Joni, their daughter Nikki (Brent) Giosta; son, Brandon (Rachel) Blackman and grandchildren, Addie, Cameron, Cassie, and Avery, who were his pride and joy. Mark also leaves behind his mother Helen, siblings Roger (Sue) Blackman, Tony (Kelly) Hartzell, Tina (Tyler) Young, Curt Coburn, David (Cindy) Coburn, Lisa (Bill) Larkins and stepmother Sue Hawk. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mark was a hard worker throughout his life. He was previously employed by Wilson Foods, Munson Transportation, and worked in the City of Monmouth on the Street department, cemetery and WWTP. Mark enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved hunting with his son and grandson. Mark was a proud gun owner and lifetime member of the NRA. He was known for his ornery spirit and generous nature. As an avid gardener, he was always eager to share his produce with friends and neighbors. Many will remember the countless hours he spent visiting with close friends in his shed, where he could always be found with a cold beer in his hand, telling stories, sharing a laugh, or lending a helping hand. Mark recently began attending Sugar Tree Grove Presbyterian Church.

The family would like to thank all the incredible cancer doctors and nurses, including Candi and those at the Richard Owens Hospice House for their incredible care in his final days.

Memorial Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be in Center Grove Cemetery at a later date. Casual attire is encouraged for the service. A potluck will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials, if desired, may be made to Sugar Tree Grove Presbyterian Church or the Mark Blackman Memorial Fund, to be designated later and can be sent to the funeral home. For more information or to leave online condolences, please visit, www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com.

View Mark W. Blackman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/patricia-m-taylor

View Patricia M Taylor's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/28/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/rose-buckley

View Rose M Buckley's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/27/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/eugene-weldon

View Eugene Weldon's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/24/2025

https://www.mcguireanddaviesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/frances-sells

Frances J. Sells, 86, of Monmouth, IL, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at Seminary Manor, Galesburg, IL.

Frances was born on November 27, 1938, in Keosauqua, Iowa, the daughter of William F. and Ina Pearl (Harness) Carruthers. She grew up in Keosauqua, where she attended local schools and graduated from Van Buren High School. Following her graduation, she pursued her passion for beauty and style by attending Young’s School of Beauty in Galesburg, Illinois.

On June 15, 1957, Frances married Bill E. Orton; the couple later divorced in January 1965. She was later united in marriage to David H. Klein on May 16, 1968, and they divorced in December 1970. On September 15, 1988, Frances married Ernest D. Sells, who preceded her in death on July 12, 1994.

Frances dedicated many years to her career as a talented hairdresser. She co-owned The Hairdresser and The Clothesline, and later owned The New Beginning, all located in Monmouth. A devoted member of the First Christian Church in Monmouth, Frances found great joy in her faith and community. She loved spending time with her family and friends, shopping, and attending family reunions, moments that brought her the most happiness.

Surviving Frances are her three children, Gary (Betty) Orton of Memphis, MO, Larry Orton of Monmouth, IL, Angie (Jeff Miller) Taylor of Monmouth, IL; her grandchildren, Brandon (Amanda) Orton of Burlington, IA, Christel (Daryl) Chenault of Monmouth, IL, Sheena (Chris) Nichols of Memphis, MO, J.R. (Andrea) Orton of Blythewood, SC, Rayleen Eicher of Donnellson, IA, Joseph (Jordan Lovell) Newbury of Burlington, IA, William Newbury of Monmouth, IL; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and one sister, Freda Thornton of Donnellson, IA.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ernest Sells; seven siblings, Jack, Arline, Howard, Evelyn, Don, Dorothy, and Jim.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family burial of ashes will take place at Warren County Memorial Park at a later date. Memorials can be made to Compassus Hospice and can be sent to the funeral home. McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.

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