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

Stanley F. Jozwiak, 91, of Woodstock, died Sunday, May 27, 2018. Stan was born May 9, 1927, in LaSalle, to Stanley and Edith Jozwiak. He married Mary Ann Schlosser on Oct. 11, 1952, St. Mary’s Church, Peru. Stan was educated in LaSalle, attending St. Joseph Grade School and St. Bede Academy. He was a Boy Scout, achieving the Life Rank. He excelled academically while participating in sports. He was an avid weightlifter and amateur boxer and belonged to the LaSalle Barbell Club. Upon graduation in 1945, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was called back to serve in the Korean War while attending the University of Illinois-Champaign. He had attended LPO Community College, where he played football. He finished

Ruth E Hunter, 95, died Sunday, May 13, 2018, at Heritage Manor in Elroy, Wis. She was born on Nov. 2, 1922, to Loran and Mary (Eisler) Pate in Meredosia. Ruth was married to Walter Hunter on Jan. 10, 1941, in Marquette, Iowa. He preceded her in death on May 26, 1992. Ruth had been a solderer at Admiral and Oak Manufacturing in Illinois. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting in addition to going for coffee and scenic rides. She also enjoyed her flowers and bird-watching. Survivors include two sons, Thomas Hunter and Walter Hunter, both of New Lisbon, Wis.; 11 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Walter, she was preceded in death by her

Julia B. Garrison, 97, of Woodstock, died Saturday, May 26, 2018, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry. She was born in Milwaukee on July 22, 1920, to Henry and Bernice (Gorski) Legler. She married Oliver Garrison on May 12, 1945. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Woodstock for many years. She loved baking, bird-watching and crafting. She is survived by a son, James (Ann) Garrison; a daughter, Teresa Herendeen; a grandchild, Tobias (Cyndi) Herendeen; a great-grandchild, Garrison Herendeen; a brother, Hank; and a sister, Rose. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as siblings Theo, Charles, Leo, Walter, Stella, Mary, Anna, and Josephine. The visitation and funeral were May 31 at St. Mary Catholic