Donald Kent Ferris, 89, Woodstock, died Wednesday, June 29, 2016, peacefully at home.  He was born March 13, 1927, in Clarkdale, Ariz., to Gladys Dickerson Ferris and Wallace Fields Ferris.  He remained close to his parents throughout their lives. He spent his early years growing up in Duluth, Minn., before his father took a job in Minneapolis and moved there. He went to high school in Minneapolis. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy straight out of high school at the tail end of World War II and was in training at the Great Lakes Naval Air Station in Illinois when the war ended. After being discharged from the Navy, he enrolled at and graduated from Stanford University. He married Ruth

Michael Byard, Westminster, S.C., 64, died Wednesday, June 15, 2016, at his home after a strong fight against a brain tumor. He was born Jan. 24, 1952, to Howard and Rose (Rustile) Byard. He graduated from Woodstock High School in 1969. He served in the Marines from 1970 to 1974. He traveled the U.S. and worked in Alaska, Texas, Washington, North Carolina and, finally, South Carolina. He worked in many trades including underwater driver, ironworker, welder and pile driver and in construction. He was always up for a challenge, and he will be missed by many. Survivors include three daughters, Kemah, Leah and Amy Byard; five granddaughters, Cheyenne, Lydia, Katelyn, Alexis and Kayla; a brother, John (Peggie) Byard, Woodstock; a

Manuel Popoca Jr., 38, Woodstock, died Sunday, June 26, 2016. He was born July 11, 1977, to Manuel and Ines Popoca in Chicago.  In 2001 he married Jessica Noster in Elkhorn, Wis.  He was the youngest of seven siblings and found his calling as a writer by blogging for Moviepilot.com.  He founded his own entertainment media site PopCultHQ. He frequented the Comic-Con circuit interviewing actors, writers, directors, artists, celebrities and comic book creators. He was passionate about writing and loved the entertainment world including comic books, movies, television, art, interviewing entertainers and engaging with his writing staff. His eyes were brighter and his smile filled with pride when he spoke of his work. Most of all, he loved spending time with his

Yvonne Lee Wolff, 85, formerly of Woodstock, died Sunday, June 19, 2016, in Mountain View, Mo. She was born Feb. 13, 1931, to Guy Crain and Frances Irene (Price) Crain in Elgin.  On Aug. 21, 1948, she married Howard Theordore Wolff. She worked for Woodstock Memorial Hospital for many years and also volunteered in the emergency room.  She was a longtime member of the VFW Auxilary as well as St. Ann’s Episcopal Church in Woodstock, where she held many different positions including being on the vestry. She was a loving, supportive mother and grandmother with a great sense of humor.  She always made time to attend all of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events.  She was a strong, independent

Raymond D. Brooks, 96, died Friday, June 24, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-Woodstock, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Jan. 2, 1920, to Delbert and May (Evard) Brooks in Fort Wayne, Ind.   On Oct. 26, 1942, he married Dorothy A. Lewis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Indiana Tech. He worked at Northrop Grumman for many years and was a member of the Association of Old Crows.  He served as a  deacon at the North Riverside Community Presbyterian Church. He also served as the school board president for the North Riverside School District. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his loving family. Survivors include two daughters, Linda M. Brooks and Joan (Ted) Pierce;

Amy Joy Thornton, 43, Woodstock, died Sunday, May 15, 2016, at Advocate Condell Medical Center, Libertyville, from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident. She was born Aug. 29, 1973, to David and Susan (Jozwiak) Sweet in Woodstock.  On July 10, 1998, she married Michael Thornton in Woodstock. A Celebration of Life was held June 26 at the Woodstock Moose Lodge. Memorials and help for the family can be made at www.gofundme.com/23madjw.             Arrangements were made by Schneider, Leucht, Merwin & Cooney Funeral Home.  

Rebecca M. Ottesen, 58, Brentwood, Calif., formerly of Glendale Heights, died Sunday, June 12, 2016, at Centegra Hospital-McHenry, in the company of family members.  She was born June 9, 1958, to Robert and Marilyn (Kenyon) Reis in Elgin. On August 12, 1995, she married Larry Ottesen in Las Vegas. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in education and worked as a substitute teacher. She loved cooking, sewing, antiquing, bowling, traveling and especially her rescue dogs. She was a former Brownie Scout Troop leader. Survivors include her husband; two daughters, Jennifer (Lawrence) Incandela, Crystal Lake, and Danielle Korbus, Santa Cruz, Calif.; her mother, Wonder Lake; a sister, Robin (Arthur) Taylor, Wonder Lake; a brother, Robert Reis, Wonder

Robert “Bob” Brunner, 89, Woodstock, died Friday, June 11, 2016.  In April 1979, he married Sophie Ann Bucher.  He served in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, in the 37th Infantry Division and the 49th Infantry Division, and was stationed in the Philippines and Japan.  He attended Northwestern University. He worked for The First National Bank of Chicago, Chicago Title Company and Liberty Mutual Savings and Loan. He lived in Chicago, Arlington Heights and Woodstock. He was an active member of Presbyterian Church of Norwood Park, serving on the governing boards, teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.  When the Brunners moved to Woodstock, they became members of First Presbyterian Church of Woodstock. He enjoyed traveling to Europe,