Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory

04/24/2026

Visiting a grief support group can help you in your grief journey, but what should you expect when you go? Read the article below to learn what your experience at a grief support group might look like.

Visiting a grief support group for the first time can be intimidating. Learn what to expect by reading this article!

04/23/2026

If your loved one has chosen to be cremated, you may be thinking about what happens next.

Final placement options after cremation can range from a simple urn burial to launching your loved one's ashes into space!

There are many ways to honor your loved one with a meaningful permanent placement. To learn more, visit www.funeralbasics.org/permanent-placement-options-cremated-remains.

04/20/2026

Robert F. Davis

Robert Forest Davis, 71, of Abingdon, Illinois, formerly of New Boston, Illinois, died peacefully at 12:57 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.

Bob was born May 16, 1954 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Preston Ivo and Mildred Colleen (Sheehan) Davis. He married Melinda Lou Sturms in 1972. Together they had two daughters. Bob later married Janice Kay (Forshee) Brooks on August 30, 2008 in New Boston.

Bob is survived by his wife, Janice of Abingdon; two daughters, Mindy (Dave Martin) King and Dixie (Brian) Wieskamp both of Aledo, Illinois; and seven grandchildren, Gavin (Kiersten) King, Kellan King, Tyler King, Mason Meredith, Talon Wieskamp, Lily Wieskamp, and Daxxton Martin. Bob is also survived by three brothers, Ted (Kathie) Davis of Mechanicsville, Virginia, Michael Davis of New Boston, and Ronald Davis of Aledo; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Kippy. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Preston Davis.

Bob began working as a fork lifter operator for the HON Company in April 1989 and retired in January 2018. He held a strong faith in God and was a longtime member of New Boston Assembly of God Church where he was active in the band and choir gaining many lifelong friends. In his recent years he and Janice became members of New Harvest Church in Abingdon. He enjoyed sharing his talents, traveling to nursing homes, playing his guitar and singing for the residents. An avid car enthusiast, Bob enjoyed collecting die-cast models of his favorite cars. Bob had a strong work ethic and was deeply committed to his faith and his family.

Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. 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.

View Robert F. Davis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/20/2026

04/17/2026

Susan Alexander

Susan Jean Price Ryner Alexander, 79, of Wabash, Indiana, died at 1:59 pm, Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at The Waters of Wabash East in Wabash. She was born on June 14, 1946, in Monmouth, Illinois, to Dr. Roy B. and Gertrude Birdie (Kingsbury) Price.

Susan was a 1964 graduate of Warren High School in Illinois before earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Art from Ball State University. Throughout her life, she held a variety of roles, beginning her career as a respiratory therapist in Monmouth, later serving as an office manager at Rural King in Muncie, Indiana. Of all the titles she held, the one she cherished most was being a mother.In her youth, Susan spent countless days boating on the Mississippi River with her parents and siblings, spending time at the family cabin on Lake Warren, and she treasured family camping trips to Minnesota. These early experiences nurtured her love for the outdoors, a passion she carried throughout her life.A gifted artist, Susan possessed a natural creative talent. She excelled at painting and embraced many forms of art. She was also an avid quilter and found joy in gardening, tending to her plants with the same care she gave to the people around her.Susan had a deep love for animals and shared her home with many pets over the years, including dogs, cats, and even birds. Her compassion, creativity, and warmth touched everyone who knew her.

She is survived by three children: Mark (Dawn Richardson) Ryner of Wabash, Paulla (Rob) Hennenfent of Bloomington, Illinois, and Cory (Emily) Ryner of Plymouth, Michigan, six grandchildren: Troy Ryner of Huntington, Indiana, Morgan (Jay Avery) Thornberry of Columbus, Ohio, Jacob Ryner, Andrew Ryner, Cathryn Ryner, and Will Ryner, all of Plymouth. She was preceded in death by her parents, two grandchildren, Jessica Ryner and Greg Ryner, brother, James Roy Price, and her sister, Diana Lynn Price.

There will be no services. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County.

The memorial guest book for Susan may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

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

04/17/2026

If you have a loved one entering hospice care, there are likely many questions on your mind about their care. One of those concerns may pertain to medical supplies and equipment. Where do they come from? Does hospice provide them? Click the link to learn more as you prepare to care for your loved one in their final days.

Not sure whether hospice care provides medical equipment and supplies? Check out this article to get your questions answered!

04/16/2026

Ronald L. Wells

Ronald Lee Wells, aka “Smiley,” 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 in the emergency room at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.

Ron was born May 25, 1946 in Galesburg, the son of Delbert Wayne and Dorothy Irene (Folkland) Wells. Ron graduated from Galesburg High School. He went on to work at different places in the Galesburg area, most notably spending 19 ½ years at OMC Gale Products and 14 ½ years at OSF St. Mary Medical Center.

Ron married Loretta Ann Lynch on February 11, 1978 in Maquon, Illinois. Loretta survives of Galesburg as do two daughters, Lisa (Tim) Sandrock of Rio, Illinois and Christine (Mike Schisler) Wells-Steele of Abingdon, Illinois; two sons, Stephen (Rhonda) Webb of Atlanta, Georgia and Jason (Kristy) Wells of Chandler, Arizona; one sister, Carol Wensel of Galesburg; and one brother, Tom Humphrey of Galesburg. Ron is also survived by his beloved eleven grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his two cats, Mimi and Tutu. Along with his parents, Ron was preceded in death by a son, Todd Wells on January 21, 1969 ; and his four adored cats, Amos, Cheeko, Amigo, and Skipper.

Ron enjoyed spending time outdoors from fishing to tending to his gardens and feeding the birds (especially sparrows) and squirrels. He could often be found going to yard sales with Loretta or in his workshop making trinkets for his family. Most of all, Ron cherished his time spent with his family.

Cremation will be accorded. Graveside services will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Memorial Park Cemetery, Galesburg. Deacon Michael Crummer will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Ronald L. Wells's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/15/2026

Terry R. Boone

Terry Ray Boone, 74, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 5:16 a.m. Sunday, April 12, 2026 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.

Terry was born February 15, 1951 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Virgil Horace and Ethel Caroline (Buhl) Boone.

Terry married the love of his life, LeAnn Renee Stout on May 25, 1991 in Galesburg, Illinois. They enjoyed almost 34 years of marriage until her passing on February 18, 2025.

Terry is survived by three daughters, Krystal (John) Bellamy of Round Rock, Texas, Cecilia Stout of Galesburg, and Jessica Benson of Ankeny, Iowa; one son, Michael Stout of Bettendorf, Iowa; eleven grandchildren; and two great grandsons. Terry is also survived by one brother, Jerry (Jenny) Boone Richmond, Virginia and his beloved dog, Emma, who gave him immense joy this past year. Along with his parents and wife, Terry was preceded in death by two brothers, Ed and Richard; and a grandson, Johnathan Herr.

Terry worked at Butler Mfg. in Galesburg for 29 years. He then went on to work as a conductor for BNSF for 10 years, retiring in 2017. Terry loved to spend time outdoors, whether it be camping or tending to his well-manicured lawn. In his younger years he enjoyed racing cars at different speedways in the area. A selfless man, Terry could always be counted on to lend a helping hand when asked. Family was of utmost importance to Terry; he relished being a dad and grandpa and always enjoyed getting extended family together for Sunday breakfasts.

Cremation will be accorded and private family services will be held. A celebration of life will be 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday May 2, 2026 at the fire station in Wataga, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

View Terry R. Boone's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

04/14/2026

Why is having a service so important?

A service gives everyone a time to come together and honor a person’s life by remembering good times, receiving support from loving people, and grieving together. With a personalized and meaningful funeral service, you and your family can take the first step toward healing by creating special moments so that saying goodbye is possible.

To learn more about creating a service that brings hope, healing, and comfort, call us at 309.342.1913!

04/10/2026

Jacquelyn J. Jacob

Jacquelyn Jo Jacob, 73, of Henderson, Illinois, died at 12:36 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg, Illinois.

Jacque was born July 6, 1952 in Galesburg, the daughter of Kent Elmo “Jake” and Estellina Roberta (Laird) Jacob. Jackie is survived by her significant other of 35+ years, Scott Michael Holden of Henderson; one son, Zac (Sarah) Jacob of Berwick, Illinois; one daughter, Cassandra (Matt Gavin) Jacob of Macomb, Illinois; and one brother, Ken Jacob of Florida. Jacque is also survived by five grandchildren, Braydon (Kayleen Jern) Jones, Lainey Gavin, Hadley Gavin, Mazi Jacob, and Whitley Jacob; two great grandchildren, Oakley and Lyrik; along with several cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Larry Jacob.

Jacque worked as an insurance agent for Combined Insurance before later serving as both a manager and ticket agent at the Burlington Trailways Bus Station in Galesburg. She had a passion for crafting, creating a wide variety of handmade items that she sold at local flea markets, where she often also took on a management role. Above all, Jacque cherished time with her family, frequently expressing her love by cooking meals for them. Jacque would often invite anyone she knew who might be alone on a holiday to her house for a lovely meal. Jacque also relished her monthly lunch’s with many of her high school classmates.

Per her wishes, Jacque has chosen to donate her body to science. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Knoxville American Legion, Knoxville, Illinois. Memorial contributions may be made to WIAR (Western Illinois Animal Rescue). Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg, Illinois. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.

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

04/10/2026

Grief can sometimes feel disjointed - a cry here, a burst of anger there; a deep sadness today, a crush of guilt tomorrow. In this article, Dr. Alan Wolfelt, renowned author and grief counselor, urges us to trust the process of grief. As you surrender to the mystery, your experience of love and grief will create a changed you. A you who has not only survived but who has learned to thrive again in a new form and in a new way. Click the link to learn more!

In our lives, we all participate in rituals. To learn more about the healing aspects of rituals, take a few moments to read this article.