Area Obituaries

GERALD W. FISHER Gerald Wayne Fisher, 85, of Rockville, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Catlin, at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Gooch Funeral Home & Crematory, Rockville. Online condolences may be shared at www.goochfuneralhome.com.

RACHELLE GOHEEN Rachelle Goheen, 64, of Lyford passed away Monday December, 29, 2025, at her home. Visitation was held at Frist Funeral Home Monday January 5, with Rev. Don Rissler officiating. Burial followed at Walnut Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com.  

FRANK  J. COLLINGS Frank Jason Collings, 51, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 25, 2025. He was born May 10, 1974, and lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and love for his community. Services were held at the Rockville Christian Church, Saturday, January 3, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations…

MURIEL BENZ With deep sadness, yet joy in sharing her life of 102 years, we honor the peaceful passing of our dear mother, Francis Muriel Thomas-Benz at her home in Palos Park, Illinois. Born December 10, 1923 to Vawnie McArty and James C. Thomas in Bloomingdale, Parke County Indiana. Muriel was raised at “Shady Grove”…

JOHN T. RIGGS John Thomas Riggs passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Brandon Florida. John was born in Jessup July 11, 1936, to Thomas and Florence Riggs. He was a graduate of Rosedale High School. He married Gloria Faye (McCool) in 1956. Services were held at Gooch Funeral home in Rockville, Sunday, December 28.…

SHERRY G. DOAN Sherry Gay (Akers) Hight Doan, 82, of Montezuma passed Thursday, December 25, 2025, at Clinton Gardens. She was born November 16, 1943, to Jesse and Viola Akers. Services were held Tuesday December 30, with Dean Hutson officiating. Burial followed at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Montezuma…

MAX E. WHITAKER Max E. Whitaker, 79, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born June 15, 1946, to James, Sr. and Frances Crawley Whitaker. He married the love of his life, Jeannette Johns, June 15, 1968. They celebrated 57 years of marriage this year, she survives. Max’s final wish…