Betty Eileen (Raffel) Housby went to heaven peacefully on July 5, 2019. She was born on Aug. 12, 1934, in Des Plaines, Ill., to the late Herbert and Sophia Raffel. She spent most of her working years as an executive secretary at Intermatic Inc. in Spring Grove, Ill., while raising a son and daughter. She was very involved in her church and also spent many years helping the homeless in Woodstock, Ill., until she relocated to Florida in 2016. Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father; stepmother; and son, Ralph Hemme. She is survived by her daughter, Eileen Dugger; son-in-law, Matt Dugger; her two grandsons, Jacob Dugger and Nickolas Dugger; sister, Jean Gronert; brother, Jim Raffel, and

Kathleen (Katie) A. Flannigan, age 42, of Woodstock, passed away June 28, 2019, with her loving family and friends by her side. She was born on Aug. 8, 1976, in Woodstock, Ill., to William O’Brien Sr. and Colleen (Joyce) O’Brien. Katie was a paramedic-firefighter for Woodstock for over 10 years. She attended Chamberlain School of Nursing and began her career as an ER nurse at Good Shepherd Hospital. Katie had a passion for helping others. She enjoyed crafting and gardening and had a wonderful sense of humor. She loved spending time with her family, children and her friends. Katie is survived by her loving mother, Colleen; her children, Jack, Liam and Patrick Flannigan; brothers, William (Amy) O’Brien Jr. and Patrick

After a lifetime of helping family and friends, Everett Donald Hunter, 91, died at home with his daughter, wife, and grandson on Jan. 10, 2019. Everett was a strong supporter of the McHenry County Fair and a staple of the Hartland community for 70 years. If you would like to help us celebrate Everett’s wonderful life and share a story of how you remember him, please come to his life celebration at the farm on Saturday, June 29, noon to 3 p.m., when we’ll be “shooting the breeze” and sharing memories of the “good ol’ days. If question, call Evelyn Hunter, at 815-391-4366.

William A. Brucher, 73, of Woodstock, passed away on May 24, 2019, in Waukegan. He was born March 16, 1946, in Chicago, the son of Andrew and Lillian (Woods) Brucher. He married Kathi Taylor on Feb. 18, 1996. Mr. Brucher was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Navy. He retired from the Woodstock Police Department after 23 years of service. He had also been a volunteer fireman with the Woodstock Fire Department for 25 years. After retirement, he drove a bus for Woodstock School District 200. Bill was an avid Chicago Cub and Chicago Bear fan. He is survived by his son, Brian (Christine) Brucher, and grandson, Andrew Trimble. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Kathi

Charles Ron Church, 83, of Marengo, passed away on June 6, 2019, at the JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock. He was born March 11, 1936, in Woodstock to Frank and Nellie (Widman) Church. He married Patricia Marsh on June 13, 1959, and together they had four beautiful daughters. Ron worked for many years as a salesman for heavy equipment, where he became a member of the Masters Club, earning a trip to Ireland. Ron loved working outside in his yard and doing projects like making special keepsake boxes for his family. He mostly enjoyed spending time with his family, friends, his two grandsons, and great-grandson. Ron is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Pat Church; daughters, Pam Bentley, Michelle

Steven James Pierce, 73, of Huntley, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, June 4, 2019, on a dream vacation in Alaska, completing his goal of visiting all 50 states. He was born on Aug. 2, 1945 in Woodstock, Ill., to James and Mildred Pierce. He graduated from Woodstock High School and Southern Illinois University. Steve married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Sandra Casey, on Sept. 4, 1965. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage and celebrated their 50th anniversary with all their friends and family. The celebration continued with a family trip to Arizona, where he cherished all of his children and grandchildren from across the country being together. Steve loved to golf and bowl. He treasured

Melody J Strauss, 68, of Washington, Ill. (formerly of Woodstock, Ill.), died June 1, 2019, gracefully and peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 28, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas, to Philip A. and Dorothy Jean Walker Horn. She married Lt. Richard E. Clemmons Nov. 27, 1968. He preceded her in death April 28, 1972. They had two children, Michelle (Mark) Fuery of Phoenix, Ariz., and Charles (Kristin) Strauss of Algonquin, Ill. She remarried Dec. 14, 1974, and had two children, Frederick “Rick” (Renee) Strauss of Burlington, Wis., and Kevin (Mandi) Strauss of Pekin, Ill. All four children have survived her. She is survived by 12 grandchildren: Caitie Strauss, Emily Jorgensen, Jennifer Becker, Sarah Strauss, Hannah Strauss, Alyssa