UC Davis and Sons

Please click on name above for online GUESTBOOK.

     Mrs. Robert ( Virginia ” Ginny ” ) Ryder, 85, of Sister Bay, Wisconsin & formerly of Morris, Illinois, was called home on Tuesday afternoon January 31, 2012 in Ministry Door Medical Center in Sturgeon Bay, WI. She was born on June 10, 1926 in Morris, the only child of Clarence E. and Genevieve Ferguson Davidson.

     She received her education in the Morris schools and graduated from Morris High School with the Class of 1944.

     She was employed with Northwestern Corporation for a few years.

     Virginia married the love of her life, Robert J. Ryder, on November 27, 1948 in the Federated Church in Morris, Illinois.

     She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morris, and had been active in the church’s Women’s Association.

     Ginny enjoyed golfing and a good game of bridge. She was a caring and giving lady who was very generous with volunteering her time at the visitors desk in the Morris Hospital, the Grundy County Home for resident’s outings, and delivering Meals on Wheels.

     Surviving are her two loving children, Kathy ( David ) Cecil of Fish Creek, WI. & Jeffry ( Cyndi ) Ryder of Two Harbors, MN.; three grandchildren, Robert Aidan ( Joan ) Ryder, Chicago, IL., Amanda ( fiancée, Mitchell Houle ) Ryder, Two Harbors, MN. & Greg Ryder, Chisholm, MN.; sister-in-law, Mrs. Bernard ( Ruth ) Ryder, Normal, IL.; along with One Niece & Two Nephews.

     She was preceded by her parents and her loving husband on November 14, 2007

     The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. until time of a celebration of Virginia’s life service at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Roy C. Backus officiating, in the First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson St., Morris, IL. Following a time of fellowship with a memorial service meal served by the women of the church, inurnment will follow at 2:00 p.m.in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial Gifts in Virginia’s memory to First Presbyterian Church, Grundy Community Volunteer Hospice, Scandia Good Samaritan Society in Sister Bay, WI., or St. Paul Lutheran Church in Juddville, WI .

     Online condolences can be extended to Virginia’s family by clicking on her name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

    Arrangements have been entrusted with U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinoia, 60450.

     Gary L. Johnson, 66, of Morris, Illinois, went home to be with his Lord on Friday, January 27, 2012 in Walnut Grove Nursing Home. He was born on April 30, 1945 in Morris, the son of Percy & Ruth Vanden Johnson.

     He received his education in the Morris schools.

     Gary was a resident of Narvick House on Oriole Drive for over 20 years. He was associated with Illinois Vallley Industries and employed with Greenway Motors for several years retiring in 2009.

     He enjoyed playing Uno, bingo, doing puzzles, attending church, going to church camp, and spending time with his many friends at Narvick House, and with family.

     Gary was a member of Faith Baptist Church in Goose Lake Township.

     Surviving is his sister, Diane Olson and brother, Duane ( Rose ) Ehrler of Morris, IL., along with many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles

     He was preceded by his parents, grandparents, Frank & Bessie Vanden, aunts, uncles & a nephew.

     Friends may call on Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL. where funeral services will be conducted on Friday, February 3. 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Caleb B. Counterman of the Faith Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Gary’s memory to Illinois Valley Industries. Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Gary’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

     Mrs. Charles ( Margery V. ” Marge ” ) Anderson, 97, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 24, 2012, in Walnut Grove Nursing Home. She was born on August 7, 1914 in her parents, Arthur & Erma Nichols Madison, home in Mazon Township, Grundy County, Illinois.

     She received her education in Mazon schools and graduated from Mazon Township High School with the Class of 1932. She received an associate degree in teaching from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, and attended Boulder College in Colorado.

     Marge married Charles T. Anderson in 1946.

     Marge taught school in the elementary grades for 26 years in Grundy County, of which 12 were spent in the country one room schools. She also taught in School District # 54 and Saratoga Consolidated School.

     She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Morris, Illinois, and Miriam Circle of the United Methodist Women, The Retired Teachers of Grundy County, Grundy County Home Extension since 1946, Past member of the Order of the Eastern Star, and for many years she volunteered her time with the Grundy County Health Department.

     Surviving is her Daughter-In-Law, Linda Anderson of Texarkana, Arkansas; three grandsons, Scott ( Michelle ) Anderson, Nash, TX., Mark ( Amy ) Anderson & Paul Anderson, of Texarkana, AR.; nine great grandchildren, Rebecca, Christian, Courtney, Jani, Logan, Brendon, Andrew, Ally & Luke; along with several nieces & nephews.

     Marge was preceded by her parents; husband on July 27, 1987; two sons, Lewis on November 7, 1997, and Arvin on June 4, 2010; one brother, Donald Madison.

     Friends may call on Friday, January 27, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Funeral Services at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Deborah Percell of the First United Methodist Church officiating at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, IL. Interment will follow in Sample Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Marge’s memory to the First United Methodist Church. 

     To leave online condolences, please click on Marge’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0084.

     William L. ” Bill ” Barkley, 62, of Morris, Illinois & formerly Minooka, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly, early Saturday morning, January 21, 2012 in the Morris Hospital. He was born on November 5, 1949 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, the son of William C. & Mary Leach Barkley.

     He was educated in the Morris Schools and received an Associates Degree in Marketing from Joliet Junior College.

     He proudly served his country in the U. S. Army from July 16, 1969, until receiving an honorable discharge on July 15, 1971. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded a purple heart and two bronze stars.

     Bill married the love of his life, Becky L. Bols, on December 19, 1970 in the Minooka Methodist Church, Minooka, Illinois.

     When they returned to Morris, Illinois, after Bill’s discharge, he returned to his employment with the Allen Furniture Store in downtown Morris, Illinois. He then entered the employment of Minooka Grain & Lumber Company. Bill was recognized and received a special award for achieving over a million miles of safe driving as an over the road truck driver. With his wife Becky, they owned and operated Liberty Mercantile in downtown Morris.

     Bill was a former volunteer fireman and E.M.T. with the Minooka Fire Dept. Bill was a member of the Disabled Veterans of America. He was an active member, and currently serving on the Board of Trustees, with West Lisbon Church.

     Bill was a gentleman who was very generous, giving his time volunteering for the betterment of the youth that came in contact with him.

     Surviving is his loving wife of over 41 years, Becky, and their children, Craig ( Katherine ) Barkley of San Diego, CA. and Krista ( Cmdr. Matthew ) Braun of Norfolk Virginia; five grandchildren, Mackenzie & Harrison Barkley, Audra, Sadie & Keegan Braun; one sister, Mary Margaret Barkley of Danville, IL.; one brother, Steven ( Donna ) Barkley of Sydney, IL.; along with two uncles, several nieces, nephews & cousins.

     He was preceded by his parents and one sister, Cindy Sparta.

     Friends may call on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. until time of Memorial Services at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Steven Lombardo II officiating in West Lisbon Church. Per Bill’s wishes, cremation rites were accorded.

     Private family inurnment will occur at a later date.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts directed to the family for distribution to local charities of their choosing at a later date, or directed to West Lisbon Church.

     Online condolences can be extended to Becky & her family by clicking on Bill’s name at the top of this obituary.

     Arrangements have been entrusted with U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.  For further information, please call  815-942-0084.

Please click on name above for online GUESTBOOK.

     Billy ” Bill ” Morse, 79, of Morris, Illinois, passed away peacefully, Wednesday evening, January 18, 2012 in Provena St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois, with his devoted wife and daughters at his bedside. He was born on May 21, 1932 in Reddick, Illinois, the son of William H. & Ruth Scott Morse.

     He received his education in the Gardner schools & graduated from Gardner South Wilmington High School with the Class of 1950. He received a Bachelor’s degree in accounting from Northern Illinois University in 1963. He served his country in U.S. Army from May 19, 1954 until his honorable discharge, May 1, 1956, and was stationed in Germany.

     Bill married the love of his life, Sue Williamson, on November 29, 1958 in the First Presbyterian Church in Evanston, Illinois.

     He was employed as an accountant in the chemical industry.

     Bill was a member of the Grundy County Board of Review for 20 years. 

     He took great pleasure in raising horses and farming.

     He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morris, Illinois.

     Bill is survived by his devoted wife of over 53 years, Sue, and their three daughters, Susan (Patrick) Cortesi of Bloomington, Illinois, Pamela (Anthony) Overmier of Normal, Illinois, and Paula Morse of Bloomington , Illinois; two grandchildren, Grant Milling of Springfield, IL. & Leah Overmier of Normal, IL.; one sister, Mary ( Donald ) Simms of Huntsville, AL.; along with several nieces & nephews.

     He was preceded by his parents; two sisters; eleven half siblings; one nephew, Dean Larson.

     The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 21, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral services at 12 noon, with Rev. Dr. Roy C. Backus officiating in the First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson St., Morris, IL. Interment with full military honors under the direction of the Morris Color Guard will follow in Sample Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Bill’s memory to the First Presbyterian Church or a charity of their own choosing.

     Arrangements were entrusted with U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois.

     Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Bill’s name at the top of this obituary. For further information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0085.

Please click on name above for online GUESTBOOK.

     Mrs. John ( Nancy L. ) Day, 70, of Ottawa, Illinois & formerly Morris, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly, Wednesday evening, Janaury 18, 2012 in the Morris Hospital. She was born on May 19, 1941 in Morris, Illinois, the daughter of Robert M. & Anna C. Phillips Zink.

     She received her education in the Morris schools.

     Nancy married John R. Day on February 10, 1961 in the First Baptist Church in Morris, Illinois.

     She was employed with Morris Paper Mill, Humiston Keeling Pharmaceuticals, the Morris Daily Herald, & Bimet Corp., all in Morris.

     She loved to camp with her friends and family at the Grundy County Rod & Gun Club.

     Nancy was a member of the First Baptist Church in Morris, Illinois.

     Surviving are two daughters, Kelly ( Mike ) Gramza, N. Ft. Myers, Florida and Lisa ( Larry ) Morris, with whom she made her home in Ottawa, Illinois; 11 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; two brothers, Phil ( Shirley ) Zink of Morris, Illinois, & Ken ( Karen ) Zink of Earlville, Illinois; along with several nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded by her parents; her husband on October 9, 1989; twin sons at birth; and one brother, Bill Zink.

     Friends may call on Monday January 23, 2012 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois. Funeral services will be conducted on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 at 10:30 a.m.in the funeral home with Rev. Steve Larson of the First Baptist Church officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Nancy’s honor directed to the family for distribution to local charities at a later date. Online condolences may be made by clicking on Nancy’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Please click on name above for online GUESTBOOK.

     Barbara J. ” Babs ” Bright, 73, of Morris, Illinois, passed away very peacefully, early Wednesday morning, January 11, 2012 in River Shores Living Center in Marseilles, Illinois, with her loving family by her side. She was born on March 4, 1938 in Morris, Illinois, the daughter of Eddy Ray & Cora A. Sanderson Webb.

     She received her education in the Morris schools and graduated from Morris Community High School with the Class of 1956.

     She was formerly married to Glenn F. Bright.

     Barbara was employed with the Morris Lincoln Nursing Home for over 18 years, retiring in 1997.

     Babs was an active volunteer for 35 years with the American Red Cross. She was a member of the Alida C. Bliss Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and served as the chapter’s treasurer for 21 years. She was a Girl Scout leader and former member of the First Presbyterian Church in Morris.

     Babs was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan, followed the Chicago Bulls, and enjoyed many crafts, flowers & plants. She treasured the time she was able to spend with her family and their activities.

     Surviving are her two loving daughters, Glenda ( Donnie ) Farmer of Morris, Illinois & Nanette ( Brett ) Haggenjos of Hennepin, Illinois; four granddaughters, Joanna ( Tim ) Wilkinson, Samantha ( John) Gallup, Kelsey ( Bryan Sheets ) Farmer & Alecia ( Luke Hennenfent ) Lofgran; two great grandsons, Jack & Harrison Wilkinson; special friend, Harold Higgins of Morris, Illinois; along with many cousins.

     She was preceded by her parents.

     Friends may call on Saturday, January 14, 2012 from 9:30 a.m. until time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. with her granddaughter, Mrs. Joanna Wilkinson, officiating at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in ” Babs ” memory to Morris Firefighter’s association of the Morris Fire Dept., Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Dr., Suite # 105, Danvers, Ma. 01923, or Passages Hospice LLS, 511 E. North St., Bradley, IL. 60915.

     Online condolences can be shared with the family by clicking on Babs name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

     Mrs. Larry ( Sharon K. ) Stewart, 62, of Morris, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly, early Tuesday morning, January 10, 2012 in the Morris Hospital, Morris, Illinois. She was born on July 19, 1949 in Cairo, Illinois, the daughter of Lawrence & Betty McGee Miller.

     Sharon grew up in Mounds, Illinois with her family, where she received her elementary education, and graduated from Anna-Jonesboro Community High School with the Class of 1967.

     Sharon married the love of her life, Larry R. Stewart on September 20, 1968 in Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna, Illinois.

     With her husband and family, they moved to Morris, Illinois to make their home in July of 1971.

     She was employed as a real estate broker, and for the last 35 years she was associated with Coleman-Hornsby Century 21 real estate office in Morris, Illinois.

     Sharon was a generous, giving lady.

     With her husband, they enjoyed spending the winter season in Florida. She was a loving wife, mother & grandmother, who treasured the times that she spent with her family.

     She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Coal City, Illinois.

     Surviving is her loving husband of over 43 years, Larry; their three children, Scott ( Wanda ) Stewart of Morris, Illinois, Laura ( Anthony ) Swancutt of Plum City, Wisconsin, & Stephanie ( Deron ) Heap of Morris, Illinois; six beautiful grandchildren, whom she adored, Lachlan & Kieran Stewart, Brendan & Kelsey Swancutt, and Ethan & Rachel Heap; one sister, Ludena ( Glenn ) Mowery of Morris, Illinois; one brother, Kenneth Miller of St. Jacob, Illinois; along with several nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her parents.

     The family will receive friends on Friday, January 13, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois. Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, January 14, 2012 in the First Baptist Church in Coal City, Illinois, (4470 E. Rt. 113) at 10:30am with Dr. Avery Wilson officiating.  Cremation rites will follow. 

      ^{Preferred form of remembrance would be memorial gifts in Sharon’s name to the First Baptist Church of Coal City, Illinois. Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Sharon’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call the funeral home at 815-942-0084.}

     Mrs. Roland ( Mary E. ) Hadaway, 97, of Morris, Illinois & formerly Minooka, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, January 2, 2012 in the Morris Hospital. She was born on February 12, 1914 in Story City, IA., the daughter of Carl & Mary Garland Baldus.

     She was educated in the schools of Story City, IA. and was a elementary school teacher in a one room school in rural Boone County, IA.

     Mary married the love of her life, Roland J. Hadaway, on September 28, 1937 in St. Peters & Paul Catholic Church in Story City, and it was the first recorded wedding in the church.

     With her husband and family, they moved to rural Morris, Illinois, in 1941 and together they farmed in the Morris and Minooka area for most of their lives.

     Her hobbies included baking which she was noted for her pies and bread.  She enjoyed dancing, gardening and cheering for the Chicago White Sox.

     Mary was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who treasured the time spent with her family.

     Mary was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Minooka, Illinois and she found time to recite her rosary daily.

     Surviving are her 5 loving children, Gary ( Judy ) Hadaway & James ( Barbara ) Hadaway of Morris, IL., Steven ( Jean ) Hadaway of St. Joseph, MI., Roger ( Bernadette ) Hadaway of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. and Mary Jean ( Thomas ) Matthiesen of Carey, IL.; 17 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; one great great granddaughter; one brother, Joseph ( JoAnn ) Baldus of Story City, IA.; along with many nieces & nephews.

     Preceded by her parents; husband on July 23, 1999; one son, Ronald Hadaway, in July of 1963; one grandson, Patrick Hadaway on September 9, 2001; two sisters, Cecelia & Dorothy; nine brothers, Alfred, Larry, Francis, Fr. Leonard, Edward, James, Theodore, George & John.

     Friends may call on Friday, January 6, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at U. C. Davis & Sons Funeral Home Ltd., 301 W. Washington St., Morris, Illinois. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 303 W. St. Mary St., Minooka, Illinois, with Fr. Mark Fracaro officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

     Preferred form of remembrance would be Memorial Gifts in Mary’s memory to the building fund at St. Mary’s Church. Online condolences can be extended to the family by clicking on Mary’s name at the top of this obituary.  For further information, please call 815-942-0084.

Please click on name above for online GUESTBOOK.

     Mrs. Grayson ( Lynda J. ) Jenkins, 71, of Mazon, Illinois, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, January 2, 2012, in the Morris Hospital with her loving family at her side. She was born on May 1, 1940 in Mazon, the daughter of Ernest Roy and Lillian Gothard Long.      She received her education in the Mazon schools and graduated from Mazon High School with the Class of 1958.