Duffy, Baier, Snedecor Funeral Home

05/11/2026

Roger D. Weber, 75, of Pontiac, Il., passed away at 9:24 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

A celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church of Pontiac, 311 W. Grove St., Pontiac, Il. 61764.

Cremation rites will be accorded. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home of Pontiac has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Roger was born on July 23,1950, in Pontiac, Illinois. He was the son of Dale E. and Doris B. (Vollmer) Weber. He was united in marriage to Cheryl K. Dodson on May 5, 1973, at the First Lutheran Church of Pontiac.

Roger is survived by his three children; Melissa (Frank) Jackson, Megan (Adam) Lawrence, Matthew (Allison) Weber; his six grandchildren, Mason Jackson, Liam Lawrence, Brooks Lawrence, Finley Lawrence, Harper Weber and Avery Weber; his three nieces, Lindsay Masching, Jennifer Heinrich, Chrissy Billings; his three nephews, Heath Dodson, Jeremy Dodson and Joel Dodson, several great nieces and great nephews. .

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joan (Tom) Turner; and his sister -in-law, Diane Walters.

Roger was a 1968 Graduate of Saunemin High School, in Saunemin, Il. He was a proud US Army Veteran.

Roger was most proud of his grandchildren and treasured every moment spent with family. You could always find him in the stands cheering on his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews at their sporting events. He especially loved watching his son-in-law coach and was a proud supporter of the Pontiac Indians, receiving the 2025 Pontiac Holiday Tournament Fan Appreciation Award. A devoted fan of the Illini and Green Bay Packers, he rarely missed a game and enjoyed sharing that passion with family and friends. Above all, he loved spending time with those he cared about most and loved his family unconditionally. He never knew a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome with his kindness, warmth, and genuine interest in others.

Memorial Donations in Roger’s name may be made to St Mary’s Catholic School Sports Boosters.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

05/08/2026

Updated Services:

Phyllis M. Russell, age 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at Goldwater Nursing and Rehab in Pontiac.

Phyllis is survived by her beloved children, Dennis (Shelly) Russell, Don (Dana) Russell, and Marci Jo Lathrop; and her grandchildren, Jamie Jones, April Lathrop, Andra Bopes, Michelle Vietti.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Marvin E. Russell, and her parents, Joseph and Beryle Schmitt.

In accordance with Phyllis’s wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. A graveside service will be held at Sunny Slope Cemetery in Saunemin on Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family.

05/06/2026

Zyaire Thomas Hetherington was born prematurely and passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 1:22 p.m. at HSHS St. Johns Hospital in Springfield, IL.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, located at 903 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764. A visitation will be held one hour prior to his service, starting at 3:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. also at the funeral home.

Memorials in Zyaire’s memory may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral home is entrusted with his arrangements.

Zyaire is survived by his loving Mama: TyAna Alise Hetherington; siblings: Lorenzo Hunter (age 20), Aamiya Hetherington (age 10), and Zariyah Hanks (age5); his maternal grandmother, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his great-grandfather: Thomas Hetherington.

In memory of Zyaire, his mother wrote a poem:

How sweet it was to love you. When I think of you, I hope you miss me too. Although our time together was cut too short, it truly makes me love you more. I can’t wait to see you again someday so we can finally rejoice, run, and play. I love you more my sweet boy. Until we meet again.

05/02/2026

LeRoy P. Smith, 85, of Pontiac passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026 at Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria. He was born September 4, 1940 in Fairbury, the son of Philip and Louise Ulrich Smith. He married Sandra McWhorter on July 20, 1961 in Pontiac. They were married nearly 65 years. She survives.

He is also survived by a son, LeRoy D. Smith; a grandson, Owen; a granddaughter, Crista; and two great grandchildren, Joshua and Andrea. Two sisters, Connie Ehlers and Jean Reed, also survive.

In addition to his parents, LeRoy is also preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Wilson.

LeRoy attended Dwight schools. He retired from GTE (later Verizon) after 33 years on the job. He was a member of the Livingston County Farm Bureau. He enjoyed woodworking and trap shooting.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 11 a.m. at Rooks Creek Cemetery in Graymont. There is no visitation, but friends are invited to the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac is handling the arrangements.

04/28/2026

Gerald “Jerry” Hayes Gruber, age 88, of McLean, VA, passed away on January 5, 2026, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA.

A graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at South Side Cemetery in Pontiac, IL. Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh will be presiding over his services.

Memorials in Jerry’s memory may be made to Chicago's Pacific Garden Mission (website: www.pgm.org) which is a Christian organization devoted to helping Chicago's homeless or Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue at www.DonkeyRescue.Org at PO BOX 937, Frederick, Maryland, 21705, who are dedicated to rescuing donkeys, equines, and other animals from neglect, abuse, and slaughter.
Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac, IL, is entrusted with his services.

Jerry was born on May 4, 1937, in Chicago, IL, to Leo and Bernice (Wagner) Gruber. He married Linda (Asper) Gruber, on December 28, 1963, at the First United Methodist Church in Pontiac, IL.

Together, they shared 62 wonderful years together. She survives in McLean, VA.

Other survivors include their children: Ingrid Kjeldsen (Michael Linden) Atkinson of Annapolis, Maryland and Christopher Hayes Gruber of Hanover, Massachusetts; grandchildren: Annika Marie Atkinson, Alexis Porter, Olivia McCreary, Brennan Atkinson, Grace Goodyear Gruber, Lily Louise Gruber; and one great-grandchild: Stephen Porter. He is also survived by one brother: James Ray Gruber; and his nieces and nephews: Jamie Gruber, Peter Gruber, Curt (Lori) Gruber.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry graduated from Dixon High School, Class of 1955. He then went on to further his education at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he received his Undergraduate BA Degree. He then attended the University of Chicago, earning his MBA Degree in 1961.

He dedicated 35 years of his life working as a CPA in various operational and executive roles in the Chicago, Denver, Colorado, McLean, and Virginia areas. He spent time at Arthur Andersen and Company Public Accounting Firm, Cresap, McCormick and Paget Consulting Firm, and several other companies over the years. Jerry served in the United States Army.

Jerry was known for his enthusiasm for his family, friends, and his two favorite sports teams – the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears, as well as a passion for historical and biographical reading. Winter drew him to deep powder in the difficult ski slopes of Steamboat Springs, Vail and Jackson Hole.

Jerry made countless memories with all of those he loved most.

They will now forever cherish and carry on those memories. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

04/27/2026

Jean F. Ruther, 75, of Chenoa, passed away Saturday, April 25, 2026 at her home.
She married Nelson E. Ruther on September 4, 1971. She is survived by her son, Tony (Kim) Ruther of Pontiac, IL; granddaughter Kelly (Wesley) Donovan of Bloomington, IL; one great grandchild Sawyer Donovan; her brother, Edward (Kris) Stahler; and her In-laws, Candy (Rick) Jones, Roger (Carol) Ruther, Richard Diemer.
She is preceded in death by her husband Nelson Ruther; her parents Harold and Margaret Stahler; and her sisters Ann Diemer and Mary Stahler.
Jean loved her family dearly and cherished every moment spent with them. She was a dedicated and caring mother and always made sure all her family’s needs were met. She also loved her grand kitty, Lilly.
Services for Jean will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home beginning with a visitation from 4pm until the time of the funeral service at 7pm. Cremation rites have been accorded. Jean will be laid to rest at a later date at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials for Jean can be made to the Livingston County Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.

04/24/2026

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION:

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. at Authentic Church, located at 902 W. Custer Ave, Pontiac, IL, 61764.

Memorial Service will follow the visitation and start at 4:30 p.m. also at the Authentic Church.

They say you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. An unexpected moment changed our lives forever and our memories of Gage Michael McCoy, affectionately known as bubby, became the priceless memories we will lovingly cling to for the rest of our lives. Gage Michael McCoy, age 22, of Pontiac, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. at his residence in Pontiac, IL. Our wonderful son and brother left this world and now we send him on his journey to find the peace and comfort he was seeking. Rest easy in God’s arms to our loving Gage.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services are pending at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.

Gage was born on April 1, 2004, in Pontiac, IL, to Michael and Jennifer (Butcher) McCoy, who currently still reside in Pontiac. We proudly welcomed Gage into the world as our first-born son and our first grandchild for both the McCoy and the Butcher families.

Other cherished family members include his beloved brother: Trevor McCoy of Pontiac, IL; maternal grandparents: Jess and Kathy Butcher Jr of Sparland, IL; paternal grandmother: Fleda McCoy of Murphysboro, IL; uncles and aunts: Matt (Emily Stone) McCoy, Mark (Joy) McCoy, Mandi (Austin) Beck, Jess (Ellie) Butcher III, Elizabeth (David) Wojtazsek, and Cheri (Stan) Morris.

Also left to honor his memory are numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles, his beloved dog: Rylee, and his brother from another mother: Kolin Cox.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dennis McCoy, his paternal great-grandparents, Charles & Juanita Glasser, maternal great-grandparents, Jess & Jean Butcher Sr, and Terry & Chlovena Hebert.

Gage graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 2022. He then went on to attend Heartland Community College. Following high school, Gage took an interest in accounting, which then led him into a bookkeeping position at County Market. Most recently, he proudly held the position of Credit Analyst at the Bank of Pontiac.

Gage enjoyed online gaming with his friends, listening to music, fishing, shooting, golf, playing basketball, the Gym, watching anime and had a soft spot for good Chinese food. When Gage was younger he attended Youth Group at Authentic Church. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Above all, Gage loved spending time with his family and friends whom he loved deeply. He made countless unforgettable memories with those he loved most. They will forever carry those memories in their hearts and cherish them forever.

He will truly be missed by all of those who knew him and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

04/22/2026

They say you never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. An unexpected moment changed our lives forever and our memories of Gage Michael McCoy, affectionately known as bubby, became the priceless memories we will lovingly cling to for the rest of our lives. Gage Michael McCoy, age 22, of Pontiac, IL, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at 5:03 p.m. at his residence in Pontiac, IL. Our wonderful son and brother left this world and now we send him on his journey to find the peace and comfort he was seeking. Rest easy in God’s arms to our loving Gage.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Services are pending at this time.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home is entrusted with these arrangements.

Gage was born on April 1, 2004, in Pontiac, IL, to Michael and Jennifer (Butcher) McCoy, who currently still reside in Pontiac. We proudly welcomed Gage into the world as our first-born son and our first grandchild for both the McCoy and the Butcher families.

Other cherished family members include his beloved brother: Trevor McCoy of Pontiac, IL; maternal grandparents: Jess and Kathy Butcher Jr of Sparland, IL; paternal grandmother: Fleda McCoy of Murphysboro, IL; uncles and aunts: Matt (Emily Stone) McCoy, Mark (Joy) McCoy, Mandi (Austin) Beck, Jess (Ellie) Butcher III, Elizabeth (David) Wojtazsek, and Cheri (Stan) Morris.

Also left to honor his memory are numerous cousins, great aunts and uncles, his beloved dog: Rylee, and his brother from another mother: Kolin Cox.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Dennis McCoy, his paternal great-grandparents, Charles & Juanita Glasser, maternal great-grandparents, Jess & Jean Butcher Sr, and Terry & Chlovena Hebert.

Gage graduated from Pontiac Township High School in 2022. He then went on to attend Heartland Community College. Following high school, Gage took an interest in accounting, which then led him into a bookkeeping position at County Market. Most recently, he proudly held the position of Credit Analyst at the Bank of Pontiac.

Gage enjoyed online gaming with his friends, listening to music, fishing, shooting, golf, playing basketball, the Gym, watching anime and had a soft spot for good Chinese food. When Gage was younger he attended Youth Group at Authentic Church. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Above all, Gage loved spending time with his family and friends whom he loved deeply. He made countless unforgettable memories with those he loved most. They will forever carry those memories in their hearts and cherish them forever.

He will truly be missed by all of those who knew him and loved him.

This obituary may be viewed, and a guestbook signed at www.duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.

04/20/2026

Johnny Reyes Hernandez, 49, of Pontiac, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at his home. He was born March 19, 1977 in San Antonio, TX, the son of Johnny Hernandez and Jaunita Reyes Groll.

He is survived by a son, Alan “Jackson” Schott; his stepfather, Jeffrey Groll; two sisters, Olivia Nash and Annie Gonzalez; and two brothers, Jay Pitchford and Jeffrey Groll II; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Juanita Groll.

Johnny attended Pontiac schools, and worked at Interlake Mecalux for many years. He enjoyed telling jokes and cheering on the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Jets. In addition to spending time with his family and friends, Johnny also loved tending to his “baby,” his beloved Kia Stinger.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 24th at 11 a.m. at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac. No visitation will be held, but everyone is welcome to attend the graveside service.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

04/16/2026

Charles Edward Stark, 94, of Pontiac, passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at Evenglow Inn in Pontiac.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, within St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Pontiac. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Cullom. The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 20, followed by visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Chuck’s name to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Mass offerings, Evenglow, or Transitions Hospice.

Chuck was born in Cullom, the son of Charles and Elsie {Rosendahl} Stark, on October 30, 1931. A 1949 graduate of Cullom High School, he engaged in farming with his father. On July 1, 1950, Chuck married the love of his life, Teresa Haberkorn, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Cullom. Over 72 years, they dedicated their life together to their faith, family, and farming in the Cullom community.

Chuck is survived by his six loving children: Greg {Terri} Stark, Nancy {Michael} Somers, Lori {David} Harroun, Patricia {Mark} McDermott, Sally {James} Moritz, Jeffery {Christine} Stark, nineteen grandchildren, forty-five great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and counting. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Teresa, his parents, Charles Joseph and Elsie Stark, and his sister, Mary Gray Birch.

Actively involved in community service, Chuck served on the Cullom Grade School Board, Ford-Iroquois FS Board, as a Vermillion Special District Commissioner, a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a lector at Masses.

Chuck worked tirelessly in his life raising his family with Teresa and farming the land he loved. Above all, he enjoyed sharing time with his family and friends creating memories that he loved to recall fondly over the years…and pass on to those he loved.

04/15/2026

Leo Joseph Stadel, 89, of Odell, Il., passed away at 1:14 P.M. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at OSF St. James Medical Center in Pontiac, Il.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 313 W. Hamilton Street, Odell, Il. 60460. Funeral Mass will follow at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, April 17, 2026, also at St. Paul Catholic Church. Interment will be at St. Paul Catholic Cemetery in Odell, IL.

Leo was born on October 27, 1936, in Pontiac, Il. The son of Joseph and Anna Marie (Masching) Stadel. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Verdun on April 25, 1959, in Odell, Illinois.

Leo is survived by his two daughters, Toni Marie Stadel, of Odell, Il., and Theresa Lynn (Dave) Post, of Pontiac, Il.; a son, Patrick Leo (Renna) Stadel of Houston, TX; his five siblings, Donnie (Marjo) Stadel, Mike (Mary Jo) Stadel, Rita (George) Kodat, Rose Stadel, and Ruth Stadel, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife Mary Lou Stadel, his four siblings, David Stadel, Bob Stadel, Clarence Stadel and an infant sister, his brothers-in-law, Joey Verdun and Joe Warner; and his sisters-in-law, Toni Stadel, Sharon Stadel and Karen Verdun.

He was a lifelong member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church of Odell, Il., and a proud US Marine Corp. Veteran and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus in Odell, Il.

Memorial donations in Leo’s name may be made to St. Paul’s School in Odell, Il.

Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.