Mary E.(McNew) Cheek, 73, of Champaign, passed away Saturday, June 28, 2008, at Illini Heritage Nursing Home in Champaign.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lux Memorial Chapel in Rantoul. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. today at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Dix.

Mary was born on Nov. 18, 1934, in Drivers, Ill., to John and Eula (Garrison) McCoy Brown.

She was married to Milburn "Gene" McNew for 18 years, now deceased, and Russell Cheek for 35 years. He survives.

She is survived by seven children, Kathy Trotter and husband Thomas of Champaign, Mary McNew of Ivesdale, Dennis McNew and wife Toni of Tolono, Mark McNew of Tolono, Pam Brewer and husband Bill of Mahomet, Gene McNew and wife Theresa of Mahomet, and Eric McNew of Champaign; three stepchildren, Kim Cruce and husband Ken of Petersburg, Steve Cheek and wife Sandy of St.Joseph, and Shannon Cheek and spouse Kim of Mahomet; 21 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by a son, William McGinty; a stepson, Ronnie Cheek; and her parents.

Mary was a homemaker. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Bement, where she sang in the choir. She loved to cook and go camping. She volunteered for the Meals on Wheels program in Bement and Monticello.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.

Source: Mount Vernon Register News
Date: Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, 2008
Submitted by: Cindy Ford