Obituaries: Rousey, King

Nelva Rousey

Nelva I. Rousey, 82, of Normal, formerly of Heyworth, passed away at 7:45 p.m. on Feb. 5 at Heartland Health Care in Normal.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Interment will be at Funks Grove Cemetery in Funk’s Grove at a later date.

Memorials may be made to New Horizon Christian Church. Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington is assisting the family with arrangements.

Nelva was born on Feb. 26, 1932 in Wapella, a daughter to Thelma I. and Joseph J. Cisco Davis. She married Donald L. Rousey on Oct. 24, 1964 in Wapella. He survives.

She is survived by her husband, Donald; two sons, Tom Anderson of Bloomington, Joey Rousey of Minier; and six grandchildren, Michelle Doage, Veronica Smiley, Leisa Anderson, Greg Anderson, Emily Rousey, Linda Rousey and many great grandchildren.

Preceding her in death are her parents; daughter, Lola; grandson JT and great-great grandson, Hayden.

Nelva was a member of New Horizon Christian Church in Heyworth. She was a homemaker her whole life. She enjoyed bowling, crafts and music.

The family wishes to thank the caring staff at Heartland Health Care of Normal and Compassus Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.

 

Barbara King

Barbara Diane King, 69, of Chenoa, died at 7:40 p.m., Feb. 3at her residence in Chenoa.

Cremation rites have been accorded with a Celebration of Life service at 1 p.m., Friday at the River of Life Outreach in Meadows; with Pastor David Heath officiating.  Inurnment will take place at a later date in Ohio. There will be no public visitation.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home; Chenoa is in charge of arrangements.

Barbara was born Feb. 22, 1945 in Chillicothe, OH; the daughter of John and Mary (Kohn) Miller.  Her parents, two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Michael King of Chenoa; Johnathan King of Streator; two grandsons, Michael King Jr. of Bloomington and Brandon King of Chenoa.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be directed to the family of Barbara D. King.

An online guest book is available to leave messages and condolences for the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…