Obituaries

WASHINGTON—Martha Bassett, 32, formerly of Wapato, WA and later of Chicago, passed away suddenly on Sept. 28, 1968, in Wilmington. Her identity remained unknown for more than 50 years until advances in forensic science and the perseverance of investigators finally restored her name, bringing long-awaited closure to her family.

COAL CTY—Debra Duras, 70, of Coal City, formerly of Chicago and Lemont, IL, passed away on Aug. 29, 2025 at Serenity Estates in Morris.
Born Nov. 10, 1954, in Chicago, Debra Lynn was the daughter of Joe and Flo Turkowski. She spent her early childhood in Chicago before her family moved to Lemont, where she attended and graduated with the Lemont High School class of 1973. On June 15, 2012, Debra married James Russell at the courthouse after waiting over an hour for the judge. Together they made their home in Coal City, where they raised their family and shared their lives.

BRAIDWOOD—Lynnsey “Lynn” Jean Jencon. This is my obituary. Who better to write it than myself. I was born on June 4, 1953, at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet and raised in New Lenox on Spencer Road. My father, Joseph John James Jencon, was a train dispatcher for the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway (EJ&E). My mother, Janis Jane Jencon (née Close), was a school teacher and homemaker. Both have preceded me in death.
I have an older sister, Sherrill (Harry) Jencon Gramse, who is a retired nurse (46 years). My sister is my hero, helping people all her life.

Betty Lou Findlay, 79, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
Betty had a heart of pure gold, the kind that made everyone around her feel seen, heard, and cared for. She dedicated her life to helping others, always offering a hand, a smile, or a kind word when it was needed most. Her selflessness and sincerity were the foundation of the many lasting relationships she built throughout her life.