Donna Lea Yeazel
1944 - 2018 (74 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. Donna Lea Yeazel was born on 1 Jan 1944 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of Howard Baldwin Yeazel and Betty Keller); died on 11 Sep 2018 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana. Notes:
obituary from findagrave
Donna Lea Merriott passed away peacefully in Indianapolis, Indiana on September 11, 2018 at the age of 74. She was born on January 1, 1944 in Danville, Illinois to Howard and Betty (Keller) Yeazel.
She graduated from nursing school at Marion University in 1980. After moving to Indianapolis she began working for Community Hospital as a registered nurse, retiring in 1997. She was “ER Nurse of the Year” in 1985.
Donna is survived by: her son, Thomas (Christina) Merriott; daughter, Ronna Lea (Christopher) Gordon, grandson: Christopher Alan Gordon, and brother: Kenneth (Sandy) Yeazel.
She was preceded in death by her husband: Ronald Alan Merriott, parents: Howard and Betty Yeazel, and nephew: Caleb Yeazel.
She was a Charter and active member of the Lebanon Christian Church, Eastern Star and Sagamore chapter of ABWA (American Business Women’s Association).
Visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Myers Mortuary, 1502 North Lebanon Street, in Lebanon, Indiana. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 17 at the funeral home in Lebanon. Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/193070216/donna-lea-merriottDonna married Ronald Alan Merroitt on 13 Feb 1971 in Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. Ronald was born on 25 Jan 1937 in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana; died on 9 May 2013 in Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
2. 
Howard Baldwin Yeazel was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois (son of Chester "Rollie" Yeazel and Sophia Cordella Hedges); died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
baptized at Homer, 25 April 1934
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774342/howard-b_-yeazelHoward married Betty Keller on 15 Nov 1942. Betty was born on 7 May 1922 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Mar 1999 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. Betty Keller was born on 7 May 1922 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Mar 1999 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774501/betty-l_-yeazelChildren:
- 1. Donna Lea Yeazel was born on 1 Jan 1944 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 11 Sep 2018 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.
Generation: 3
4. 
Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born on 11 Sep 1893 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois (son of Adam Wallace Yeazel and Sarah Amelia Cessna); died on 21 Jun 1979 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Religion: Center Point Church
- Census: 1920, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
Rites held for Rollie Yeazel, 85, former Fairmount mayor
Funeral services for Chester Rollie Yeazel, 85, former mayor of Fairmount and well known throughout this area, were held Saturday, June 23 at the First Church of Christ in Catlin, with Ken Fetters officiating. Following the services, interment was in the G.A.R. Cemetery at Homer, with the Carrington Funeral Home of Fairmount in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Yeazel died at 9:45 a.m. June 21, 1979 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Danville. He had been a patient there since June 15.
He farmed for many years in the Center Point neighborhood northwest of Sidell. After retiring from the farm, he and his wife moved to Fairmount. He served as mayor of the village for 18 years, and took an active part in the civic life of the community.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Catlin, the Christian Mens Builders class, Catlin Masonic Lodge, Danville Scottish Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star. Since retiring, he has conducted a chair caning and woodworking business at his home.
A son of Adam and Sarah Cessna Yeazel, he was born in Homer on September 11, 1893. He married Sophia Hedges on October 24, 1915 in Fairmount. Mrs. Yeazel died September 19, 1974.
He is survived by two sons, Harold of Marion, Ind., and Howard of Catlin; two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Stayton of Ogden and Mrs. Bertha Hartley of Decatur; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
Sidell Journal, Sidell Illinois. Thursday, 28 June 1979
Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born to Adam and Sarah Yeazel in Homer. In 1915, he married Sophia Cordella Hedges in Fairmount, and they had two sons: Howard and Harold Yeazel. Rollie and Sophia lived in the Center Point area for 27 years, starting in 1918 and were members of the Center Point Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent. They moved to Fairmount on March 6, 1945 and he entered public office in 1949, serving as Fairmount Mayor until 1968, including a short time in the early 1960s when he initially didn't seek re-election, but was asked to return after the winning candidate stepped down shortly after election. Improvements under Rollie Yeazel to the town of Fairmount included the installation of the water system and water treatment plant in 1951 at a cost of $135,000 that was raised through municipal and revenue bonds, new signals and gates for the railroad crossing and natural gas that was pumped in from the Sidell area. After he stepped out of public office, he took up the hobby of caning furniture.
Contributor: LISA DAVIS (50366112)
1920 US census, enumerated 6 January 1920
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
C.R. Yeazel, age 26, farmer, rented farm
Sophia, age 27
Harold, age 1
1930 US census, enumerated 21 April 1930
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Chester R. Yeazel, age 38, farmer, rented farm
Sophia C., age 37
Harold R., age 12
Howard B., age 9
1940 US census, enumerated 18 April 1940
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
C.R. Yeazel, age 46, farmer,
Sophia, age 47, housewife
Harold age 22, farmer
Howard, age 19, student
1950 US census, enumerated 4 April 1950
Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois
Chester R. Yeazel, age 56
Sophia, age 57
member of Center Point Church
On 1 May 1932 Lonie Strand and Rollie Yeazel were elected deacons of Center Point Church.
On 29 September 1940, Rollie Yeazal and Glen Moreman were elected trustees of Center Point Church to take the place of J.T. Edwards and John Smith. George F. Hedges remained as the third trustee.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774585/chester-r_-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 3Chester married Sophia Cordella Hedges on 24 Oct 1915 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois. Sophia (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton) was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
5. 
Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton); died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Baptized at age 15 at Center Point Church during a revival meeting by Rev. F. DeGafferally on 10 September, 1908.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774647/sophia-c_-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 2Children:
- Harold Ralph Yeazel was born on 6 Mar 1918 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1988 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 18 Nov 1988 in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 2. Howard Baldwin Yeazel was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 4
8. 
Adam Wallace Yeazel was born on 20 Dec 1851 in Illinois (son of Adam Yeazel and Maria Grabill); died on 10 Mar 1942 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1880, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1900, Ogden, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Ogden, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, South Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85194334/adam-wallace-yeazel
Block 11, Lot 21, Space 2Adam married Sarah Amelia Cessna on 4 Jul 1877 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Sarah (daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins) was born on 11 Feb 1856 in Stark County, Ohio; died on 1 Sep 1953 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
9. 
Sarah Amelia Cessna was born on 11 Feb 1856 in Stark County, Ohio (daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins); died on 1 Sep 1953 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Notes:
Name:
daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85194408/sarah-amelia-yeazel
Block 11, Lot 21, Space 1Children:
- Nellie M. Yeazel was born on 29 Mar 1878 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 31 Aug 1976 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Zella Myrtle Yeazel was born on 16 Dec 1879 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 21 Feb 1972 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Sigel Morton Yeazel was born on 10 Aug 1884 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 24 Apr 1948 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Mable Ellen Yeazel was born on 11 Feb 1887 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 19 Dec 1982 in Normal, McLean County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Bertha M. Yeazel was born on 16 Dec 1889 in Illinois; died on 13 Sep 1988 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 4. Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born on 11 Sep 1893 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 21 Jun 1979 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Blanche Ada Yeazel was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 19 Jun 1975 in Newman, Douglas County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
10. 
George Fielden Hedges was born on 27 Dec 1866 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky (son of William Riley Hedges and Sarah Lavina Allen); died on 19 Feb 1950 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Religion: Center Point Church
- Census: 1900, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
On 8 April 1901 E.L. Hawkins and George Hedges were elected as elders, joining James Alva Hedges and F. Pletch. George was a nephew of James Alva Hedges.
On 3 June 1906, George F. Hedges and E. L. Hawkins were elected trustees of Center Point Church, joining A. W. Shelly.
On 19 October 1919 the following were elected elders of Center Point Church: Geo F. Hedges (one year), John Edwards (two years), and Harve Elliot (three years).
Geo. F. Hedges was also elected clerk and treasurer.
On 11 July 1920 T.J. Smith, and J.T. Edwards were elected trustees of Center Point Church, joining Geo. F. Hedges.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Birth:
Note from Marjorie (Fox) Block: Birth date and place from the family Bible owned by Cora Belle (Gritton) Hedges.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801478/george-f-hedgesGeorge married Cora Belle Gritton on 28 Jul 1892 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Cora was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
11. 
Cora Belle Gritton was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
Friends gave her a surprise
(Press-Democrat Special.)
Fairmount, Ill., Sept. 2. - One of the most delightful entertainments of the season was the birthday surprise on Mrs. Geo. Hedge last Sunday, at her home northeast of the village. The event was planned and executed by her husband and daughters. While Mrs. Hedges was busily engaged in serving dinner to some friends who had accompanied her home from Sunday school and church, her friends to the number of seventy-five or more slipped into the front rooms of her home and came marching out to the dining room with her mother in the lead, which, by the way, was a great surprise, the latter having come out from Danville.
The afternoon was spent in a social and religious way. About 4 o'clock the crowd repaired to the front yard where some fifteen or twenty minutes was devoted to song and prayer, and the breaking of bread, which was presided over by Rev. Scott, of Danville, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in song, and social conversation, and the eating of cream, cake and candy and fruit, and a general good time was enjoyed by all. One singular feature connected with their gathering was that the hostess was surprised on her 18th birthday in 1888, in the same house where she now lives. Mrs. Hedges was the recipient of many beautiful pieces of china.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Clark (Near Homer).
Mr. and Mrs. George Hedges and daughter Grace of Fairmount and Edith Gritton of Danville took supper Friday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Yeazel.
The Urbana Daily Courier, Urbana, Illinois. Saturday, 26 August 1916, page 3.
member of Center Point Church
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Name:
More information about Cora Belle Gritton's family at our Gritton site: https://hiltner.com/gritton/index.php
and Cora's individual page: https://hiltner.com/gritton/getperson.php?personID=I307&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801438/cora-b-hedgesChildren:
- 5. Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Ralph Jewell Hedges was born on 27 May 1894 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 22 Jun 1969 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Grace Gertrude Hedges was born on 29 Oct 1895 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.