Mearl W. Tennant 79, of Woodstock, died Thursday June 21, 2018, at JourneyCare Hospice Inpatient Unit in Woodstock He was born in Janesville, Wis., on June 5, 1939, to Earl and Elizabeth (Hartwig) Tennant. He married Betty Croner on Nov. 3, 1974, in Woodstock. He proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1963, and was a member of Vietnow. He worked for many years at Standard Plastics in Elk Grove Village. He enjoyed his time as a bus driver at Family Alliance in Woodstock. He enjoyed woodworking, and loved making things for his family. He loved to tell stories to all his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Betty; three sons, Bruce

Benjie J. Tafolla 26, of Woodstock, died Tuesday, June 12, 2018, as a result of an automobile accident in Woodstock. He was born in Elgin on May 10, 1992, to Benjamin Tafolla and Maria Garrido. He was an outgoing and friendly soul. He loved his Mustang and music. He is survived by his father, Benjamin Tafolla; his mother, Maria (David) Garrido; a son, Jair Tafolla; two sisters, Dulce (Ramon) Huicochea and Kayla Tafolla; and his girlfriend, Joselyn Mancilla. Visitation and the funeral were held June 17 at Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home, Woodstock. Interment was private.

Helen Marie Smith, 82, died June 12, 2018. She was born Feb. 18, 1936, in Kewanee to Dr. Otis Beryl and Helen (Eipper) Giltner. Marie graduated from Sheffield High School and briefly attended Mary Crest College in Davenport, Iowa, before marrying Wendell Smith on Jan. 29, 1955, at St. Patrick’s Church in Sheffield. Marie was a special ed preschool aide and a medical receptionist after their kids were in school. She enjoyed sewing and cross-stitching, particularly for her grandchilldren and great-grandchildren. Marie and Wendell loved to travel. Their journeys took them to six continents and to all 50 states. Marie is survived by her husband, Wendell; six children, Loren (Janiece) Smith, Victoria (William) Iannazzi, Jeffry (Anne) Smith, Brian (Mary) Smith,

Marvin “Marv” Joseph Leanna, musician and Southwestern artist, died June 11, 2018, at his home in Sahuarita, Ariz. He was born Jan. 22, 1941, in Woodstock to Robert and Eleanor (Lickman) Leanna. He graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School in Woodstock and went on to Loras College in Iowa and Minneapolis Institute of Art in Minnesota, where he married Sally Tibbets in 1961, before beginning his work career for his father at Woodstock Heating Co. He later bought that business and spent more than 35 years serving the community. He was a member of the Woodstock Jaycees and Rotary, was active in PTA, and was on the Little League board for many years, as well as a member of

Alvera Jean Reed, 89, of Woodstock, died Saturday, June 9, 2018, surrounded by her family. She was born Oct. 9, 1928, in Woodstock to Edward and Mildred (Dibler) Nickels. She married John O. Reed on May 6, 1948, in McHenry. Jean was a member of St. Mary Church in Woodstock. She was a charter member of the Genealogy Society of McHenry County and a member of the McHenry County Historical Society. She loved to travel and had been a member of the Woodstock Woodchucks and the Rainbow Chasers Camping Club. Jean had worked for the McHenry County Recorder’s Office on the Woodstock Square before starting her family. She later returned to the new courthouse after the passing of her husband.

Mary E. Sircar, 82, of Elgin, formerly of Woodstock, died Saturday, May 26, 2018, at her home. She was born Aug. 24, 1935, in Chicago, the daughter of George and Charlotte (Kociak) Borchman.  She married Dr. Amito Sircar on April 25, 1959, in Chicago. Mary graduated from St. Mary of Nazareth School of Nursing in Chicago in 1956 and took a position with the St. Mary of Nazareth Hospital. She was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock and volunteered her time as president of the Woodstock Food Pantry for many years. She loved the arts and enjoyed her time spent serving on the board of the Woodstock Opera House, and she oversaw the program known as