Cox & Son Funeral Home - Ridgway

02/16/2026

On Presidents Day, we pause to recognize the leadership and dedication that have helped shape our country. We’re grateful to serve our community with care and compassion every day.

02/13/2026

As Valentine’s Day approaches, we’re especially mindful of those who may be carrying extra weight in their hearts particularly those remembering a spouse or loved one. Love doesn’t end with loss; memories remain close and meaningful.

02/11/2026

Catherine Bernice Rider

Catherine Bernice Rider, a beloved homemaker and cherished member of her community, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, at the age of 98, surrounded by her loving family in Ridgway, Illinois, Bernice was born on July 11, 1927 to the late Willard & Catherine (Doerr) Murphy. Bernice was a woman whose heart was as expansive as her gardens, and she found immense joy in cultivating both her flowers and her family.

In 1945, Bernice married the love of her life, Bennie Rider, with whom she shared countless beautiful memories and a deep bond that remained unbroken until his passing. Together, they created a nurturing home, where family truly was her world. Bernice adored her dog, Tiny, who brought her light and companionship throughout her life. Her gentle spirit and unwavering love enveloped everyone around her.

As a devoted mother, Bernice raised her son Lawrence Rider and fostered a close-knit relationship with her daughters, Margaret Rash, Alene Shea & Brenda Stuby. She was a grandmother to Johnny Shea, David and Kevin Rash, Cheree Black, Ronald Horton, and Megan Feazel, pouring her affection into each grandchild’s life. Her legacy extends further to her great-grandchildren, Jacob Rash, Matthew Rash, Morgyn, Josh and Hannah Shea, and her great-great-grandchildren, Murphie & Lakelyn Black, Aurora, Layla, Gavin, Jason, Alea, Braylan, Christopher, McKinley, and Hadleigh, all of whom she cherished dearly.

Bernice is survived by her son-in-laws, Benny Rash and John Shea, who became integral parts of her life and family. The joy she took in watching her family grow is a testament to her loving spirit. She also leaves behind fond memories of her late parents, Willard and Catherine Murphy; husband, Bennie Rider; son, Lawrence Rider; daughters, Margaret Rash and Alene Shea; grandson, Ronnie Shea; brothers, George and Charles Murphy; and sister, Shirley Dillard.

A Visitation to celebrate Bernice's life will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at Cox & Son Funeral Home in Ridgway from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM with a prayer service from Monsignor Joe Lawler, followed by a Graveside Service at St. Patrick’s Cemetery at 12:30 PM.

As we reflect on Bernice's life, let us remember her dedication to her family, her passion for gardening, and the warmth she brought into the lives of all who knew her. Bernice Rider will be missed deeply, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and an indomitable spirit that will forever bloom in the hearts of her family and friends.

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

02/06/2026

John R Hall

John R. Hall, born on November 12, 1947, in Cave In Rock, IL, passed away on January 23, 2026.

He was the cherished son of Clarence Hall and Mary (Finley) Crider, both of whom preceded him in death.

John’s sisters were Mary Alma Needham, Rose Parkinson, Ruth Lowery, Ida Warren, Betty Vaughn, & Bonnie Crider.

April 23,1984, John confessed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized into the church family of First Baptist Church in Shawneetown, IL and became a faithful member of First Baptist for nearly 42 years. Not long after he became a church member, John became driver of the Church Van. He drove the church van and served in that position for nearly 30 years missing very few Sundays! Finally, he had to step away from driving due to health issues and “rode shotgun” for a while after that. When he finally had to step away, every Sunday the children would ask, “Where is John!” And, even at present, when the children heard that John had “gone home” to be with Jesus, one of the young girls commented to the pastor, “We were all crying in the housing (where John also lived) when we found out that John had died!” John’s quiet faith in the Lord Jesus Christ love for his church caused both young people and older adults to love John Hall!

A graveside service honoring John will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, IL.

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

02/05/2026

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

JOHN HALL

Please note that the graveside service has been rescheduled.

In accordance with family wishes, the service will now be held on TUESDAY, February, 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Westeood Cemetery in Shawneetown, IL.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time.

02/05/2026

02/02/2026

John R. Hall

John R. Hall, born on November 12, 1947, in Cave In Rock, Illinois, passed away on January 23, 2026. He was the cherished son of Clarence Hall and Mary (Finley) Crider, both of whom preceded him in death. John was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church in Shawneetown, Illinois, which was a significant part of his life.

John cherished sisters: Mary Alma Needham, Rose Parkinson, Ruth Lowery, Ida Warren, Betty Vaughn, and Bonnie Crider.

A graveside service honoring John will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 11:00 AM at Westwood Cemetery in Shawneetown, IL.

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

01/27/2026

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

01/27/2026

Have we had the opportunity to serve your family? If so, we would truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us in a Google review. Thank you for your trust. 🔗 Leave a review here: https://tinyurl.com/CoxandSon

01/25/2026

🎉 Join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Jessie Moore here at Cox & Son Funeral Home!🎂🎈We’re so grateful to have Jessie as part of our team. Wishing you a day filled with joy, laughter, and celebration! 🥳

Drop your birthday wishes in the comments below!

01/19/2026

Today we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King reminded us that compassion, service, and love for one another are powerful forces for change. His message continues to inspire us to lead with kindness, stand for dignity, and care for our communities—especially during life’s most difficult moments.

On this day of remembrance, may we reflect on how we can serve others with empathy, understanding, and respect.

01/16/2026

Lonny Armstrong

Lonny Armstrong, age 75, passed away on October 8, 2025, at CAMC Memorial Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia.

Lonny was born on August 16, 1950, in New Haven, Illinois, to Harold "Stinger" Armstrong and Delores “Tooter" Armstrong. He was a graduate of Ridgway High School, Class of 1968 and was on the Ridgway Eagles baseball team.

Lonny married his first wife, Gay Lynne, in 1973. They resided in Carmi, IL until the early 2000s when they moved to West Virginia for his career in the natural gas industry. They were married until her passing in 2004.

Lonny stayed in West Virginia where he later met and married Sue Ellen. They resided in West Virginia and were married until her passing in early 2025.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Delores Armstrong; his brother, Donny Armstrong; his sister, Jackie Armstrong; his wives, Gay Lynne Armstrong and Sue Armstrong; and his nephew, David Duffy.

Lonny is survived by his niece, Rhesa (Carl) Abbott; nephews, Brant Duffy and Seth Duffy; and his great-niece, Makynna Abbott, all of whom will cherish his memory.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

View Lonny Armstrong's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.