Cox & Son Funeral Home - Ridgway

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country—those who never made it home, but whose legacy lives on in the families, communities, and freedoms they helped protect.

In our profession, we are reminded that behind every name is a story… a life filled with moments, relationships, and meaning. Today, we hold space for those stories and for the families who carry them forward.

We remember the sacrifice.
We honor the legacy.
We will not forget. 🇺🇸

05/20/2026

05/15/2026

Our staff would like to congratulate the Class of 2026 graduates of our surrounding communities. We are so proud of your accomplishments and wish you all the best as you begin your next adventures!

05/15/2026

Honoring those who serve today and every day. 🇺🇸This Armed Forces Day, we thank the men and women of our Armed Forces for their dedication, sacrifice, and service.

05/13/2026

James Owens

James Weldon Owens, 61, passed away at his home on Monday, May 11, 2026.

He was born on July 16, 1964 in Ohio to Harley Owens and Mary Flynn.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie; children, James and Mattew Owens and Amanda Bloodworth; step-son, J***y Ellison; siblings, Mike, Robert, Harley, Tina, and Barbara; and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his step-daughter, Michelle.

View James Owens's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/08/2026

A mother’s love is something we carry with us—through every stage of life. This Mother’s Day, we honor the women who have nurtured, guided, and supported us in ways both big and small. We also recognize that for many, today is a time of remembrance. May the memories you hold bring comfort, and may the love you shared continue to surround you.

04/30/2026

Caring for families in our community is something we are truly honored to do. Being chosen to help during such important and personal moments is a responsibility we deeply respect.

We are grateful for the trust placed in us and for the opportunity to support and serve when it matters most. If our team has been there for you or your family, we would be grateful if you took a moment to share your experience. Your feedback helps others learn what to expect and allows us to continue providing thoughtful, meaningful care.
You can leave a review here: 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/CoxandSon

04/27/2026

Susan Lee Hale

A memorial service for Susan Lee Hale will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway, IL

Susan Lee Hale, 73, of Metamora, IL, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at her residence, after a brief illness. She was born on August 14, 1952, in Urbana, IL, to Joseph R. and Phyllis (Miner) Hale. She married Ted H. Kalley on April 8, 1995, in Metamora, Illinois.

Surviving is her sister, Sally Hale of Atlanta, GA; step-children, Ron (Geni) Kalley, Tim (Jeanine) Kalley, and Denis Cyr, and their children; niece, Nicole Hale (Michael) Bettis of Carrollton, GA and their children Clementine and Indiana Bettis; and nephew, Chris (Monica) Hale of Griffin, GA and their children Zachary and Lucas Hale; and her beloved dog Josie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ted, brother Joseph R. Hale, Jr., stepdaughter Jeanie Cyr; stepfather Harold F. West, stepmother Marie Hale, maternal grandparents W.L. “Butch” and Pearl Miner, and paternal grandparents E.L. and Grace Hale.

Susan grew up in Ridgway, IL where she graduated from Ridgway High School. She attended Southern Illinois University and Sangamon State University (UIS), where she received her bachelor’s degree. She retired from the U.S Postal Service. More than anything, Susan enjoyed meeting people and spending time with her friends. As a college student in Carbondale, this often meant skipping class for a hike and picnic or attending a concert. In more recent decades it was meeting Ted and her friends at The Grille where “everyone knew her name”. Susan enjoyed being surrounded by friends and family, especially if it included good food and wine.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life was held on January 30 in Germantown, Illinois. Graveside service and burial of ashes will be held at Jackson Cemetery in Ridgway, IL May 2, 2026, at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Foster Pet Outreach, 10206 West Dubois Road, Edwards, IL 61528 or online at www.fosterpetoutreach.org or to Camp Sunshine, 1850 Clairmont Road, Decatur, GA 30033 or online at mycampsunshine.com. Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

View Susan Lee Hale's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/27/2026

Mary Beth Bond

Memorial Service for Mary Beth Bond will be held Friday, May 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Elmwood Cemetery in Equality, IL.

Mary Beth Bond, a vibrant spirit whose presence illuminated the lives of those around her, peacefully left this world on December 3, 2025, in Ridgway. Born on October 27, 1930.

Mary Beth was a woman who embraced life with a bubbly enthusiasm, her energy infectious and her joy undeniable. It is a testament to her character that her cherished memory lives on in the hearts of family and friends who were fortunate enough to know her.

Mary Beth was known for many things, not least of which were her distinct red boots a symbol of her fierce individuality and zest for life. Those red boots danced through countless memories, echoing laughter, love, and the rich tapestry of a life well-lived.

She is belovedly remembered by her son, Jim Foster and his wife Marlene, of Norris City, Illinois. A devoted daughter, Sister Gilda Bruce, of Orange, California, along with her treasured grandchildren, Israel and his wife Brenna Foster of Roach, Missouri; Leslie and her husband Justin Ferrell of Raleigh, Illinois; and one special great granddaughter Laney Adams. Mary Beth’s legacy is further enriched by and,2 step grandchildren Diane and Rusty Hopkins of cave-in-rock Illinois and Malinda Williams of Mt Carmel Illinois, 10 step great grandchildren and 6 step great great grandchildren.

Though she faced loss throughout her life, including her parents Leon and Ella (Berkel) Jordan, her brother Don Jordan, and her sister Faye Rotramel, Mary Beth remained a radiant beacon of warmth and resilience. Her essence was one of vibrant connection, surrounded by a loving network of cousins, nieces, and nephews, which made her life even more rich and meaningful.

As we remember Mary Beth Bond, let us celebrate the laughter she brought, the warmth of her soul, and the indomitable spirit she embodied. Her legacy is woven into the fabric of all who knew her, a reminder to embrace life with joy, love, and of course, a fabulous pair of red boots.

View Mary Beth Bond's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/22/2026

In honor of Earth Day, consider planting a tree in memory of someone you love. A living tribute, a lasting legacy, and a beautiful reminder that their memory continues to grow every day. 🌳

04/22/2026

Delores Ann Cathey

Delores (Goforth) Cathey went home to be with the Lord April 20, 2026.

Delores Ann Cathey was born November 21, 1931 to Clyde and Flossie (Melton) Goforth in New Haven. Delores was one of eleven children. Many have gone on ahead leaving brothers Donald and Kenny (Betty) Goforth along with sisters Linda Wright and Patsy (John) Phillips.

Delores married the love of her life Junior Thomas (JT or Hopalong) Cathey on April 19, 1948. Delores and JT had six children Carolyn Cox, Brenda Melton, Tom (Ellen) Cathey, Gail Walters with James McKeever, Jerry (Karen) Cathey, and Tina Marie Cathey passed at birth.

Delores was blessed with ten grandchildren including: Bryan Cox, Eric (Trisha) Cox, April Abbott, Tanya (Jay) Clifford, Gidget Irvin, Larry Walters, Gary Walters, Ashley (Joseph) Moye, and Jeremy (Sarah) Cathey.

The blessings continue with nineteen great-grandchildren and ten great-great grandchildren.

Delores was a huge part of her community while cooking at the school, working at the hospital, and serving as a caregiver for others.

She was probably best known for her cooking. While cooking at Two Tony’s in Carmi, her huge cinnamon rolls and hot rolls brought many diners in to enjoy some of that home cooking.

Coming from a large family and having a large family of her own, it is easy to see home and family as the most important thing to Delores.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Flossie Goforth, husband JT, son in laws Dan Cox and Vernon Melton, baby daughter Tina Marie Cathey, brothers Harlis, Bertis, Paul, Carl and Larry Goforth and sister June Goforth.

A Graveside Service will be held 11:15am Friday, April 24, 2026 at Union Ridge Cemetery.

View Delores Ann Cathey's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.