Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home

11/30/2025

"Can we hold a graveside service only?" Yes, you can, and for some families it feels exactly right.

A graveside service offers the simplicity of gathering in one place, and it can still include music, readings, or military honors that make it deeply personal. We work with the cemetery, and help you bring together all the details so the service reflects what matters most to your family.

11/27/2025

Thanksgiving feels harder when someone who used to be at your table isn’t there anymore. The meal gets cooked and people gather, but the day carries that awareness of an empty seat. Some families talk openly about the person they’re missing, while others keep those memories closer to the heart. Both can happen around the same table.

If this is your first Thanksgiving without someone you love, give yourself permission to make the day what you need it to be. Prepare their favorite dishes, or skip them. Share stories, or take a break from talking. Hold on to traditions, or try something new. Whatever helps you get through today is enough.

We’ve been thinking about the families we’ve served this year, and you’re on our hearts. We’re here if you need us and hope today has moments of warmth, gratitude, and love.

11/26/2025

Daisy Jean Pearson

Daisy Jean Pearson, 90, of Freeport, IL, passed away Sunday November 23, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born November 30, 1934 in Warren, AR, the daughter of Lindsey and Florence (Wiley) Martin. Daisy married Rev. Malcolm O. Pearson Sr. on February 21, 1953, in Rockford, IL. Malcolm passed away February 23, 1998. Daisy was a key punch operator and later worked at Bankers Mutual Life Insurance Company/Trustmark. She was a member of Mt. Calvary...

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11/25/2025

Some days carry a mix of emotions, and that’s part of grief. Feelings shift and change, and however today looks is part of the process. Be kind to yourself through it all.

11/24/2025

Glenn William Underwood

Glenn William Underwood, 97, of Freeport, IL, passed away Saturday November 22, 2025, in his home surrounded by his family. He was born October 14, 1928, in Freeport, IL, the son of Hobart and Katherine (Dickman) Underwood. On October 21, 1961, he married Marilyn Eberle in Freeport, IL. Glenn served in the United State Air Force as an airplane mechanic. He then returned home and worked at Kelley Springfield as a large rear farm press operator, retiring after 33 years....

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11/24/2025

William Charles Thomas

William Charles Thomas of Freeport, IL, passed away at the early age of 66 on November 20, 2025 after an extended illness. Charles was born on September 10, 1959 in Jackson MS, the son of AC and Lennie Mae Thomas. From a young age Charles was a hard worker. Charles worked on a farm for many years in Flora, MS prior to relocating to Freeport IL. After relocating to Freeport Charles worked at various factories in the surrounding areas. Charles...

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11/23/2025

Laurie J. Ranstead

Laurie Jo Rafferty-Ranstead, age 59, of Kent, IL, went to be with the Lord on Novemebr 19, 2025. She was born on Novemebr 22, 1965 in Rockford, IL, and adopted a few days later by Karl and Joan (Jacobs) Rafferty of Freeport, IL. Laurie grew up in Freeport and graduated from Freeport High School (1983) and Highland Community College (2004) where she studied medical coding. She worked at the FHN Cancer Center for many years and organized many Relay For...

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11/22/2025

Have you considered how you'll want to be remembered on anniversaries and birthdays?

Maybe you'd love for your family to make your famous chocolate cake every year on your birthday, even if it never turns out quite like yours did. Or perhaps you'd want them to visit that little diner where you always ordered the same breakfast, sharing stories about all the funny things you used to say.

These special days will come every year, and your family will want to honor you in ways that feel meaningful. When you share what brings you joy on these occasions, you help them create celebrations that keep your spirit alive.

What traditions do you hope they'll continue? And what new ones would you want them to start?

11/21/2025

Phyllis J. Clark

Phyllis J. Clark, 94, of Red Oak, IL, passed away Friday November 21, 2025, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born on November 17, 1931, in Eleroy, IL, to Lloyd and Ethel Mae (Branthaver) Cowan. Phyllis worked at Honeywell as an inspector in mercury and after retiring from Honeywell she was a bailiff at the Stephenson County Courthouse. She enjoyed dirt racing and loved to attend anywhere it was held. Phyllis was an avid fan of the...

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11/20/2025

Sandra B. Petran

Sandra B. Petran, 62, of Freeport, IL, passed away Tuesday November 18, 2025, at FHN Memorial Hospital. She was born January 5, 1963, in Cebu City, Philippines to Pelagio and Remedios (Ricarte) Basa. In 1987, Sandra immigrated to the United States and settled closely with her sisters and brothers in Freeport. On March 18, 1989, she married Joe Glynis Petran in Cebu City, Philippines. Sandra worked as a paraprofessional at St. Francis School, Willowglen Academy, and Broadstep Academy, all in...

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11/20/2025

Dr. John Debush M.D.

Dr. John Debush, M.D., 83, of Freeport, passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Mercyhealth's Javon Bea Hospital in Rockford. Dr. Debush was born February 23, 1942, in Osijek, Croatia, the son of Julijus and Ilonka Debush. He married Zena Banay in New York City, New York, on May 21, 1977. He served Freeport as an Orthopedic Surgeon from 1977 to 2007. He was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church. In his free time, John enjoyed the...

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11/20/2025

Norma Jean Oppold

Norma Jean Oppold, age 90, of Freeport, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 17, 2025, at Freeport Memorial Hospital. Born on April 15, 1935, in Freeport, Illinois, she was the daughter of Robert and Lois (Lohr) Kosier. On April 7, 1956, she married William Albert Oppold. She was a steadfast source of strength, offering a listening ear and comfort to those in need. She cherished traveling with her family and delighted in dressing elegantly in heels, hosiery, and a lovely...

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