Strategic Communications and Marketing News Bureau

Deaths

Betty Jo Brown, 76, of Midway, Arkansas, died Dec. 25 at the Hospice of the Ozarks in Mountain Home, Arkansas. She worked for the university as a home extension adviser in southern Illinois. Memorials: Hospice of the Ozarks, 701 Burnett Drive, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

Richard A. Collier, 92, of Champaign, died Dec. 24 at Clark-Lindsey Village/Meadowbrook Health Center, Urbana. He worked for 10 years in the Housing Division before retiring in 1986. He also worked for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at various sporting events. Memorials: Faith United Methodist Church, Champaign.

Elaine Burris “Granny” Cornwell, 75, of Riverview, Florida, formerly of Sadorus, Illinois, died Dec. 30 at Kindred Care Facility in Tampa, Florida. She was a secretary for the university for many years. Memorials: Champaign County Humane Society.

Leland “Lee” E. Eversole, 79, of rural Tolono, Illinois, died Dec. 28 at home. He retired as a flight line attendant at the University of Illinois Willard Airport.

Richard A. Garves, 85, of Tolono, Illinois, died Dec. 28 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He retired from the department of agriculture. Memorials: American Heart Association.

Mary Margaret Graham, 91, of Champaign, died Dec. 27 at Inman Place, Champaign. She worked her entire career at the university, serving as secretary to the dean of the College of Agriculture for many years.

George E. Gravely, 87, of Urbana, died Dec. 22 at Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana. He retired from the university as an equipment operator. Memorials: Curtis Road Church of God, 2604 Curtis Road, Champaign, IL 61822.

Beverly Ann Greger, 82, of Rantoul, Illinois, formerly of Villa Grove, Illinois, died Dec. 28 at Eagle’s View Assisted Living, Rantoul, Illinois. She worked in the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics.

Cheryl O. Hedrick, 71, of Champaign, died Dec. 30 at home. She worked at the University of Illinois Health Center. Memorials: Champaign County Humane Society.

George “Bullet” Russell, 95, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, died Dec. 27 at John Knox Village in Kansas City, Missouri. He was an administrator, serving as the dean of the School of Physics and the vice chancellor for research. Memorials: Lee’s Summit Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1393, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063.

Ronald Eugene Schaede, 84, of Champaign, died Dec. 18 in Golden Eagle, Illinois. He worked for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics for 44 years, serving as a member of the maintenance crew at Memorial Stadium, the manager of the Ice Arena and the manager of the golf course pro shop, retiring in 1995. A celebration of his life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Jan. 15 in the clubhouse at the University of Illinois Golf Course in Savoy, Illinois. Memorials: U of I Community Credit Union c/o Barbara Schaede, 2201 S. First St., Champaign, IL 61820. Donations will provide scholarships to students at Champaign Central High School or the university who are interested in golf.

Russell E. Winterbottom, 89, of Champaign, died Dec. 22 in Champaign. He began working as an electronic music technician in 1963, retiring in 1987.

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