The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 30

The Pantagraph Tuesday, April 29, 2008 www.pantagraph.com Journalist not sure of kidnappers' identity By David Bauder ASSOCIATED PRESS NEW YORK CBS News journalist Richard Butler said he believes he was kidnapped in Iraq by policemen with sympathies toward the Hezbollah but isn't entirely sure who held him captive for two months or why. Butler, a British journalist kidnapped with his interpreter on Feb. 10, was rescued by; Iraqi troops on April 14 when he was found with a sack over his head in a house in Basra. He was taken from a hotel room in Basra, where he was on a trip to meet the chief of staff for anti-American cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, Butler told CBS News' Allen Pizzey. Portions of the interview were being shown on the "CBS Evening News" on Monday.

Men wearing police fatigue uniforms and armed with AK47's hustled him out of the room and into a car. He was first taken to a police station in Basra and then was held in different places including three nights where he was sealed into a small room between two walls, he said. He said he tried not to be belligerent and make a human connection with his captors. "Straight away you assess the situation," he said. "I am standing there, in front of these eight guys with AK-47s, and I am in a pair of underpants and a T-shirt.

The odds are not in my favor. so there is no point in trying to do anything heroic or stupid." While he was held, he heard a lot of Hezbollah propaganda video and Hezbollah ringtones on mobile phones, but he can't be sure his captors were affiliated with the organization. As time went on, his captors treated him better, but he was still held with a sack over his head and arm restraints. He eventually got the sense that his captors didn't intend to kill him, and had backed themselves into a corner. There were points that he thought he was going to die, the first when he was taken from the police station, Butler said.

"I was aware that we were driving out into a quieter area," he said. "I couldn't tell exactly where we were going, but I was aware that there were no more streetlights, for instance, and there were no more dogs barking. You didn't hear any cars. So I thought we were being taken out into the desert and, you know, we were just being shot in the desert." Spears reprises role on 'Mother' ASSOCIATED PRESS LOS ANGELES Britney Spears, who proved she's worth a cool million viewers to "How I Met Your Mother," is paying another visit to the CBS sitcom. Spears will reprise her role as bubbly secretary Abby in the May 12 episode, CBS said Monday.

"We're all SO thrilled to have Britney joining us once again," series executive producer and co-creator Craig Thomas said in a statement. "And just to head it off at the pass this time around: Yes, Mom, Britney's very nice and no, I can't get her autograph for you," Thomas added, jokingly. Spears' appearance in the March 24 episode won her good reviews and boosted the show's viewership to 10.6 million viewers, in comparison to the 9.6 million who had tuned in the previous week. When last seen, Abby was flirting with womanizer Barney (cast member Neil Patrick Harris). The new episode, which began production Monday, has Abby and Barney sharing their mutual dislike of Ted (cast member Josh Radnor) and acting on it.

"Desperate to get a rise out of his former pal, Barney pops a surprising question to Abby," CBS said in a release. "How I Met Your Mother" stars Harris, Radnor, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan and Jason Segel Sarah as an urban family of 20-something New Yorkers. The pop star's camp originally approached the show about taking part, executive producer Carter Bays told The Associated Press earlier this month. Obituaries CENTRAL ILLINOIS Judith Lynn Benge PONTIAC Benge, 44, merly of p.m. Friday Provena Judith Lynn Bourbonnais, forPontiac, died at 8:01 (April 25, 2008) at St.

Mary's Hospital, Kankakee. Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Martin-Burke Funeral Home, Pontiac, with the Rev. Phillip Icenogle officiating. Judith Burial: Camp Cemetery, rur- Benge al Pontiac.

Judith Benge left at new alhome.com. Visitation: Noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials: May be left to her family. Survivors: two sons, Samuel D.

Ayers, Mount Sterling; David A. Ayers, Pontiac; two daughters, Brianna L. Ayers, Pontiac; and Ellan Jean Marie Benge, Manteno; one brother, Ivan Ervin, Albuquerque, N.M. Online condolences may be Dylan V. Ernst Ry W.

Ernst ONARGA It is with our deepest sorrow we announce the premature birth and death of our twi sons, Dylan Venamore Ernst and Ry William Ernst. Born and died on Friday (April 25, 2008) at the Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Surviving parents are Daniel J. and Sallianne Venamore Ernst of Onarga. Arrangements by the Redenius Funeral Home in Gilman.

Condolences may be sent to www.redeniusfuneralhomes.co m. Dennis W. Harms STANFORD Dennis W. Harms, 56, Hendersonville, died suddenly and unexpectedly on Friday (April 25, 2008) while traveling on business. The family received friends for visitation on Monday at Hendersonville Memory Gardens and Funeral Dennis Home.

His fu- Harms neral will be at Dennis Harms 2 p.m. today with interment in Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made to Autism Speaks (www.autismspeaks.org) in his name. Dennis was born in Stanford, son of Stanley and Myrna Harms on July 27, 1951. He grew up on the family's Central Illinois farm, raising cattle and hogs, hunting mushrooms and building hot with his friends before graduating from Stanford High School in 1969.

Dennis attended Illinois State University in Normal and graduated with a bachelor's degree in agriculture in 1973. He met Kathi Millard at the local Steak Shake in 1971 and they maintained a long distance relationship while Kathi attended nursing school in St. Louis until they were married on Sept. 29, 1973. Kathi and Dennis were blessed by two.

wonderful children. Jennifer joined the family in 1977 and Jon in 1979. Dennis began his long and distinguished career in agribusiness with Cargill in 1973. He worked for Cargill and Central Soya before founding Premium Standard Farms (PSF) in 1988. Dennis was widely regarded as a visionary entrepreneur.

Following his career at PSE, he founded Stonecreek Management, was president of PIC North America and founded Spectrum Agribusiness. Dennis is survived by his parents, Stanley and Myrna Harms, Bloomington; his inlaws, Edward and Anne Millard, Bloomington; wife, Kathi, Hendersonville; daughter, Jennifer (Kenney) Palmer, Land Lakes, son, Jon Tracie), Cape Coral, sisters, Jean (Roger) Miller-Stone, Itasca, and Diane Townsend (Keith) Cowell, Tucson, sisters-in-law, Karol (James) Kusmaul, Inverness, and Janet (Holt) Olson, Normal; brother-in-law, Jeffrey (Dawn) Millard, Maple Shade, N.J.; nieces, Jessica Miller; Liz, Katie and Megan Townsend; Laurie Kusmaul; and Rachel and Beth Olson; and nephews, John Kusmaul and Chad Olson. Dennis was preceded in death by nephew, Drew Olson. Dennis enjoyed being the captain during boating excursions throughout the U.S. and British Funerals today Burden, Richard Keith, 10:30 a.m., Dillon Mennonite Church, Tremont.

Christiansen, Ronald F. "Chris," 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Normal. Coers, Robert W. "Bub," 10:30 a.m.

at St. Peter utheran Church, Emden. Dzurisin, Peter 11:30 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Streator.

Houston, Thomas E. "Tom," 11 a.m. at Ford-Baier Funeral Home, Paxton. Pisel, Frederick John, 10 a.m. at Beck Memorial Home, Blooming- Funerals pending Litchfield, Lou, 61, of Medina, Ohio, Sunday (April 27, 2008).

Kibler-Smith Memorial Home, Bloomington. Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Leeward Islands and various Bahamian Islands. Some of his happiest memories were of times spent on his boat at Lake Ozark, Mo. Dennis' greatest pleasure was spending time with his family and friends who will forever miss his practical jokes, storytelling, cannon firing, fireworks, barbeques, music and dancing and motorcycling (something Kathi wanted no part of). Dennis always brought out the best in his family, friends and colleagues.

He was always ahead of the curve and believed that every day was a new opportunity. As one friend said, "He was always in front of anyone else now he has done it again. He is at peace and in another place before anyone else. I can't wait to see him again and find the next step in our journey. I loved him." John Eli McLendon LINCOLN John Eli McLendon, 70, Lincoln, died at 11:05 a.m.

Sunday (April 27, 2008) at Vonderlieth Living Center, Mount Pulaski. Service: 11 a.m. Wednesday at FrickeCalvert-Schrad- er Funeral Home, Lincoln, with Ron Otto officiating. He will be cremated after the service Wednesday. John McLendon John McLendon Visitation: 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Memorial Home Services (Hospice) or American Cancer Society. Survivors: his wife, Darlene, Lincoln; two daughters, Lori (Terry) Whitson, Blane, Vicki Bramlett, Springfield; two stepdaughters, Sherri (Jim) Basket, Springfield; Angela Kay White, Atlanta; one sister, Faye (Jerry) Toller, Pensacola, nine grandchildren; 19 greatgrandchildren; and three step- Louise C. Mickelson DWIGHT Louise C. Mickelson, 89, Dwight, passed away at 2 p.m.

Saturday (April 26, 2008) at Methodist Medical Center, Peoria, with her family present. Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Hager Memorial Home, Dwight, with the Rev. William Leppin officiating. Burial will be at Louise Mickelson Louise Mickelson McDowell Cemetery, Dwight.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the memorial home. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Louise was born Dec. 30, 1918, at Emington, a daughter of Peter H.

and Catherine A. Holm. She married Robert W. Mickelson on June 20, 1942, in Manchester, Tenn. Surviving are her husband; one son, Larry, Rock Island; a daughter, Marcia (Scott) Schultz, Joliet; a brother, Irvin Holm, Wilmington; two sisters, Aldine Olson and Alberta Simantel, both of Dwight; a sister-in-law, Adelaide Holm, Joliet; and nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were three brothers, Herbert, Milo and Delbert. She attended school in Emington and Reddick High School. During World War II, she was employed as an inspector at Sanders Porters Procurement Agency at the Arsenal, Joliet, and was a homemaker. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Louise liked the outdoors and enjoyed walking, working with flowers, gardening and nature. She liked to travel and especially enjoyed the scenic north woods, the West and Canada.

Ralph W. 'Spud' Parkhurst TREMONT Ralph W. "Spud" Parkhurst, 91, Woodland Park, formerly of Tremont, died at 1 a.m. Thursday (April 24, 2008) at the Pikes Peak Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colo. His funeral will be at 10 a.m.

Saturday at Davis Mortuary, Tremont Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Balaban officiating. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Tremont. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tremont (Senior) Nutrition Site or to Our Savior Lutheran Church. He was born June 13, 1916, in rural Tremont, son of Clyde LeRoy "Roy" and Jessie Hubbard Parkhurst. He married Frances E. Mitchell on June 2, 1951, and she preceded him in death April 7, 2004. Surviving are a son, Ralph E.

"Ed" (Sareva) Parkhurst, Woodland Park, a granddaughter, Julie M. Hood, Normal; a brother, Howard (Elnora) Parkhurst, and a sister, Marge Barnard, both of Tremont. One brother and one sister preceded him in death. Spud graduated from Lackland School in rural Tremont. He worked on the family farm until World War II.

He served as a crew chief for P-38s and P-51s with the Eighth Air Force in southern England. After the war, Spud farmed in rural Tremont and Pekin. In the early 1960s, he labored for R.A. Cullinan Son in Tremont. He then served as the water, street and sewer superintendent for the Village of Tremont until he retired in 1981.

Spud enjoyed woodworking, especially turning bowls and lamps, raising roses and helping neighbors. He could fix or modify almost anything. In March, 2007 Spud moved to Woodland Park, with his son and daughter-in-law. He was always fascinated with looking at Pikes Peak and watching foxes, squirrels and deer in his yard. Spud was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church, Pekin.

To express condolences online, visit www.davismortuaryinc.com. BLOOMINGTON -NORMAL Timothy A. Call BLOOMINGTON Timothy' A. Call, 38, Bloomington, and formerly of Dwight. passed away Sunday (April 27, 2008) in Logan County as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at the First Congregational Church, Dwight, with Pastor Patricia Morton officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Private inurnment will be at McDowell Cemetery. Hager Memorial Home, Dwight, is in charge of arrangements.

Tim was born Oct. 7, 1969, in Kankakee, son of John A. and Cynthia S. Collier Call. He is survived by his parents; one sister, Andrea (Brent) Brady, Springfield; two nephews, Jacob and Ethan Brady; stepgrandmother, Norma Collier, Hoopeston; aunt and uncle, Steve and Jane Call, Scottsdale, three cousins; and his very special friend, Laura Leisch, Bloomington.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents. Tim was educated in Dwight schools graduating from Dwight Township High School in 1987. He was a graduate of Northern Illinois University and was employed as a collections agent for Afni Collection Agency in Bloomington. Tim was a very proud and loving person. He loved music.

He will be greatly missed by his family and many friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The School of the Little Flower, music department, Springfield, or to a charity of the donor's choice. Peter E. Dzurisin NORMAL Peter E. Dzurisin, 95, Normal, and formerly of Streator, died Saturday (April 26, 2008) at Heritage Manor Nursing Home, Streator.

Service: 11:30 a.m. today Mass of Christian burial at St. Stephen's Church, Streator, with Monsignor John J. Prendergast officiating. Burial: St.

Stephen's Cemetery, Streator. Visitation: 9:30 to 11 a.m. today at the Solon, Baker Telford Funeral Home, Streator. Memorials: St. Stephen's Cemetery Fund.

Survivors: two sons, David (Barbara) Dzurisin, Princeton; and Gregory (Linda) Dzurisin, Heyworth; two grandchildren; four great -grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Bessermin, Dekalb; Elsie Dzurisin, Streator; and Marge Petro, Streator; one brother, John (Micky) Dzurisin, Mount Prospect. Terrance Kelley Texas, died in El slipped EL PASO, Texas Terrance "Terry" Kelley, 63, El Paso, Bloomington native, Wednesday (April 23, 2008) Paso. His gentle soul the bonds of earth on its way to our lord. Mr. Kelley served in the U.S.

Army and Reserve Unit and was a controller with the Honeywell Co. Mr. Kelley's primary joy in life was being surrounded by his family and Terrance Kelley Terrance Kelley helping others. He was a wonderful man in every way, and the very best husband, father and grandfather. He was loving, thoughtful and giving, and his sense of humor was always a source of great comfort.

We know he is safe and happy in heaven, but our lives here on earth will not be the same without him. Mr. Kelley was an active member of the El Paso soccer community for over 25 years as a coach, referee and board member. He was passionate about the growth and development of the sport in El Paso and worked to organize tournaments, provide new fields and grow the local leagues so that many young people could easily participate in and love the sport as much as he did. His beloved soccer team, "The Force," was a source of joy for many years.

Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his father, Martin Kelley. He is survived by his loving wife, Gabriela Kelley; son, Jeffrey Kelley; daughters, Lori (Chris) Cashman and Jessica (Jaime) Marquez; his pride and joy, grandchildren Addison and Payten Kelley, Avery Cashman, and Dylan and Sophia Marquez; his mother, Ruth Kelley; his brother, Roger Kelley; and his sisters, Joy Stark and Carol Williams. His funeral Mass was Monday at Queen of Peace Catholic Church, 1551 Belvidere, El Paso. Interment followed at Fort Bliss National Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation was Sunday at Martin Funeral Home West, El Paso, where a vigil service also was conduct- Elizabeth Anne Love BLOOMINGTON Elizabeth Anne "Betty Anne" Love, went to be with our Lord, Saturday (April 26, 2008). Betty Anne was born in Decatur, on Jan. 14, 1923. She was raised in Bloomington for most of her early years. She moved to Dallas, Texas, in 1949, and became a native Texan.

Betty Anne was the devoted wife and best friend to her husband, Elizabeth Anne Love Sol, for more than 62 years. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to many. She was full of grace and beauty. As she will be missed, her zest for life, her devotion to excellence and her love for us all will live on in the memories and in the very being of who we have become just knowing her. Betty Anne was the oldest of six children born to Charles and Helen Esch.

She had four brothers and one sister. She survived polio as a child and learned from that experience that life is to be lived to the fullest. After graduating high she entered Illinois Wesleyan University and chose to study mathematics. In her freshman year, Betty was initiated to the Alpha Gamma Delta fraternity, Xi chapter. Betty remained an active Alpha Gam sister her whole life and was awarded her 60-year membership pin.

In 1943, in her junior year, Betty Anne received a fellowship to study aeronautical engineering at New York University. This program, which took place during World War II, was sponsored by Chance Vought, and out of 3,000 people interviewed, Betty Anne was one of five undergraduates selected in a total of 42 overall. She left the small town of Bloomington and her school, Illinois Wesleyan, and moved to the big city of New York. After receiving her associate degree in aeronautical engineering, she went to work at Chance Vought. It was there that she met her soul mate, Sol.

Sol has often said that he lucked into marrying her. Betty Anne was a pioneer as a woman in the field of aerospace engineering. She had the opportunity to work on the first jet aircraft that Chance Vought designed, built and flew, the F-6U Pirate. Betty Anne predicted the propulsion performance for that aircraft during the design phase of the program. It flew as she predicted.

Betty and Sol were married Oct. 26, 1945, and in 1947, they had their first child, Pam. Betty never looked back. She became a full-time homemaker. She had two more daughters, Debbie and Melissa, and one son, Michael.

She always said that she had no regrets. She devoted her life to raising her children in the Christian faith alongside Sol. She was a founding member of Walnut Hill United Methodist Church of Dallas and always considered it her church home. She witnessed the baptism of her children and her husband at Walnut Hill. She also supported her husband in his career.

Betty Anne was Sol's partner in everything they did. Betty Anne loved music, children and learning. We will always remember her playing the organ and before that, the piano, in the evening as we all unwound from the day. She shared this with her grandchildren as well. She loved to learn, and we will always remember her enthusiasm as she wanted to hear about what we were studying in school.

She enjoyed watching children and being a part of their lives. She spoke of Jesus' speaking, "Let the little children come unto me, for to such as these belong to the kingdom of God." We are so grateful to the Lord for the gift of Betty Anne Love. She is survived by her husband, Sol Love; children, Pam Taylor, Debbie and son-in-law Dick Bowen, Melissa and sonin-law, Chuck Blackburn, and Michael and daughter-in-law Susan Love; grandchildren, David! Taylor, Robert and Kristy Taylor, Rich Bowen, Kevin and Stacy Bowen, Daniel and Mary Bowen, Matt Starcke and Desiree Rieckenberg, Katie Love and Michael Love; great-grandchildren, Bradley Taylor, Zoe Taylor, Elliot Taylor, Sydney Taylor and Kate Taylor; brothers and sisters, John and Shirley Esch, Bill and Liz Esch, Mary Montgomery, Joan Esch, Art Love, Bill and Irene Love, and Shirley and David Katz; many nephews and nieces; dear friend of 42 plus years, Peggie Woodruff, and many more friends. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at Walnut Hill United Methodist Church, 10066 Marsh Lane, Dallas, Texas 75229.

Memorials may be made to Walnut Hill United Methodist Church and to Alpha Gamma Delta. Obituary policy The Pantagraph publishes obituary information submitted from funeral homes; there is no charge for notices of pending funerals or notices of services. There is a $10 handling fee for standard obituaries, which include the deceased's name, age, city of residence, survivors and details about visitation, services, burial and memorials. Families who want to personalize their loved one's obituary by including more information may use an extended obituary for an additional fee. Extended obituaries are subject to editing for accuracy and style.

For more information, please talk to your funeral director. Calvert, homes Clinton There is a caring compassion, attention to detail Larry L. Calvert, Director Serving All Faiths 912908.