Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

12/25/2025

May you feel the friendship, warmth, and joy of those you love this season. Merry Christmas!

12/24/2025

Are you ready to refresh your space before hosting for the holidays? Take a look at an interior designer’s rules for arranging your furniture!

Interior designers have developed a set of rules you can use to ensure you're arranging your furniture in just the right way to look beautiful and be a comfortable space for you to enjoy.

12/23/2025

Catherine A. Mills

Catherine “Katie” Mills, 73, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois at 12:18 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025.

Katie was born September 2, 1952 in Galesburg, the daughter of Dr. C.R. and Loretta Mills. Katie attended ROVA Schools and went on to work for Sunnyside School and Training Center, Marigold Health Care and Rehab, and Galesburg Research Hospital, before moving to Kansas City. While in Kansas City, she worked for the Kansas City Center for Developmentally Disabled. Upon returning to Galesburg, Katie worked at Pizza Hut, Protexal Plant for a time and eventually retired from Carhartt in Galesburg.

A lady with a generous heart, Katie loved helping people throughout her life, and especially in her later years at her apartment building. She was thoughtful and kind, would help anyone in need and was often described as selfless. She enjoyed watching movies, was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, loved animals, and liked to swim. Katie was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church and found solace in driving her car enjoying nature. When in her apartment she would often be listening to the police scanner.

Katie is survived by one brother, John Mills of Altona, Illinois; and four sisters, Julianne (Dr. Gary) Wooden of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Virginia Doran of Lady Lake, Florida, Colleen Mills, and Annette Mills both of Altona. Katie is also survived by three nieces, Alissa Wooden, Darla Wooden, and Hayley Mills; one nephew, James Wooden; a great niece, Yalda; and a great nephew, Liam. Along with her parents, Katie was preceded in death by three brothers, James, William, and Richard.

Cremation will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Thomas Legacy Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Altona, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society and Animal Shelter, Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living or another charity of choice.

View Catherine A. Mills's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

As we mark the first day of winter, how do you plan to enjoy the idle hours of winter? Reading, puzzle-making, painting, writing, skiing?

12/19/2025

Mary C. Lodwick

Mary Catherine Lodwick, 67, of Galesburg, passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at Allure of Galesburg.

She was born August 28, 1958 in Galesburg, the daughter of William “Bill” L. and Barbara (Schlapp) Lepard. Mary married Cary D. Lodwick on August 23, 1997 in Galesburg.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Cary of Galesburg; one son, William “Billy” Breasaw, Jr. of Galesburg; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; one brother, Lloyd Lepard of Cheyenne, Wyoming; and one sister, Clara Jean (Alex) Schinn of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Jennifer Breasaw; one brother, Wayne Lepard; and one sister, Linda Nolan.

Mary had a good Christian faith and was a member of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Galesburg. She enjoyed watching t.v., playing poker games, and cooking. Mary will be lovingly remembered for her happy and joyous spirit.

Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday, December 22, 2025 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Cremation will be accorded following services. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with funeral expenses.

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

12/19/2025

Is there a grieving child in your life this holiday season? If you’d like to learn several ways you can offer support and love when times of grief arise, check out this helpful article with 10 compassionate actions you can take to care for yourself and a grieving child this Christmas.

Is there a grieving child in your life this Christmas? Check out these 10 suggestions for ways you can offer support over the holidays.

12/18/2025

Betty J. Camper

Betty Jane Camper, 88, of East Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at 3:26 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Allure of Lake Storey, Galesburg, Illinois.

Betty was born September 6, 1937 in Wheaton, Minnesota, the daughter of Arthur G. and Alvera M. (Klindworth) Whaley. Betty graduated from Yates City High School in 1955 and later married Thomas Edward Camper on June 1, 1957 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Galesburg.

Betty is survived by her husband of 68 years, Thomas, Sr. of East Galesburg; two sons, Bill (Terry) Camper and Thomas Camper, Jr. both of Galesburg; one daughter, Ginny Clay of Knoxville, Illinois; eleven grandchildren: Molly, William, Emily, Samuel, Jack, Rodney, Taylor, Lacey, Brad, Seth, and Lexy; and thirteen great grandchildren. Betty is also survived by two sisters, Mary (Russell) Sexton of Galesburg and Phyllis Whaley Fields of Elkhart, Indiana. Along with her parents, Betty was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Motz; a grandson, T.J. Motz; and a sister, Suzanne Whaley.

She worked as a secretary for Galesburg High School for several years. Betty then became a legal secretary and worked for Bill Butts Law Office for about 3 years and later the law firm Peel, Henning, Mathers, Bell, and McKee for about 12 years. She was also an avid mental health advocate.

Betty was a devout Catholic and longtime member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Galesburg. She enjoyed watching and spending time with her grandkids. Her and Thomas loved vacationing together. She liked fishing and was a strong sports fanatic whether it was football, baseball, or girls’ basketball. Betty was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, and friend who will be deeply missed.

Private family services will be held with cremation following. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to Bridgeway, 2323 Windish Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401.

View Betty J. Camper's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/17/2025

Online shopping is more popular than ever, especially during the holidays. However, not all sites have good intentions for buyers. Click the link below to learn how you can keep your shopping merry instead of dreary! cutt.ly/7-holiday-season-tips

12/17/2025

Debra A. Sweezer

Debra Ann (Roberts) Sweezer, 70, of Galesburg, Illinois, chose a solitary peaceful moment with her daughter and passed away on December 17, 2025. Born on June 22, 1955, Debra was the daughter of Jack and Carol Roberts.

She is survived by her siblings: Ed Roberts (Bev), Pam Foglia, and Patty James (Miles)

Debra was the devoted mother of Sonia Wiemann and her husband, William. She was a proud grandmother to six grandchildren: Amanda (Alec), Sydney (Tony), Maxwell (Kali), Ashlee (AK), Aidan (Kaylie), and Carter (Abigail). Debra was also blessed with four great-grandchildren—Reiner, Imani, Hannah, and Athira—as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who she adored.

Debra loved ceramics, crocheting, various crafts, and time with family and friends. Debra cherished her animal companions: Trixie, Nikki, and Gabe. She was always willing to lend a hand to loved ones, even if it meant sacrificing her own needs. Debra was a long-time member of the Community of Christ Church.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg, IL. Private services will be held at a later date. The family thanks everyone for their continued prayers, love, and support during this time. Online expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Debra A. Sweezer's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/16/2025

Paul D. Winter

Paul D. Winter, 89, of Wataga, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

Paul was born on December 5, 1936 in Nyack, New York, the son of Russell and Theresa A. (Muller) Winter. He married Edith E. King on February 15, 1958 in Nanuet, New York.

He is survived by two daughters: Susan (Ronald) Beebe of Dahinda, Illinois and Ruth Ann (Bud) Barrett of Apalachin, New York; and two grandsons that he was most proud of, Benjamin Beebe and Nathaniel Beebe. He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Edith; his parents; one sister, Theresa Lent; and one brother, Russell N. Winter.

Paul served in the United States Army Reserve from 1957 to 1965. After working as the service manager for Albany Avenue Garage in Kingston, New York for over 20 years, he then worked for and retired from Clemson University as an electrician.

In early retirement, he and Edith traveled the country in their fifth wheel while volunteering with RVICS to complete mission projects at Christian camps, conference centers, churches, and schools. They enjoyed their many adventures across the United States with their favorite trip being a summer spent in Alaska. They later lived in McNeal, Arizona, donating their time and talents to New Tribes Mission Aviation (now Ethnos360 Aviation) before moving to Wataga.

Paul was known for his mechanical inclinations and hands-on skills. He enjoyed tackling projects around the house, gardening, and fishing. He always said how lucky he was to have the neighbors he did. And he was always up for a cup of coffee and a donut.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at The Oaks Community Church, 1868 Congregation Road, Dahinda, Illinois with funeral services following at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dean Lane will officiate. Burial will follow at Sparta Township Cemetery, Wataga, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be made to The Oaks Community Church. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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12/16/2025

Ronald L. Rollins

Ronald “Ronnie” L. Rollins, 72, passed away at his home in Victoria, Illinois on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

He was born May 8, 1953 to Thomas LeRoy and Nancy Irene (Parker) Rollins in Galesburg. Ronnie graduated from ROVA High School in 1971. He was a devoted farmer his entire life in the Victoria, Altona, and Oak Run areas. Ronnie married Tammy L. Rhoades on April 4, 1996 in Galesburg.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tammy of Victoria; two sons, Chaplain Mike (Lori) Rhoades of Alabama and Jerrod Lindquist of Dahinda; four grandchildren: Noah (Leigh Ann) Rhoades of Pennsylvania, and Braedan, Alyshia, and Aidan Rhoades, all of Alabama; four brothers: Roger (Linda) Rollins of Altona, Tommy (Connie) Rollins of Victoria, John (Anne) Rollins of Oneida, and Kenny (Nancy) Rollins of Altona. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family; and two special friends, Brad Collier and Roger West. He was preceded in death by his parents; his maternal and paternal grandparents; father-in-law, Dusty Rhoades; one brother, Donald “Donnie” Rollins; and many special friends and extended family.

Ronnie found joy in spending time with family and friends, always eager to engage in conversation and share stories. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, he was passionate about his trucks, often seen tending to his prized vehicles with the same care and attention that he devoted to his fields.

Cremation will be accorded. Inurnment of cremains will be private at Galva Cemetery, Galva, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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