Wallace “Wally” W. Utley, age 85, of Clay City, Illinois, passed away Thursday evening, December 18, 2025, at Twin Willows Nursing Center in Salem.

      He was born June 17, 1940, in Newton, Illinois, the son of Pearl A. and Neva Florine (Auteberry) Utley.  He was united in marriage to Deanna K. “DeDe” Bensken on September 13, 1958, in Newton, and together they shared 52 wedding anniversaries until her passing on February 4, 2011.

      Wally was a wiz at repairing refrigeration systems and appliances.  He owned and operated Wally’s Refrigeration and was also a Whirlpool dealer for a time.  He was a member of the Flora Civil Defense and proudly served his community as an EMT.  Wally also became a member of the Flora Masons.  In his free time, he enjoyed motorcycles, hunting, and fishing—especially at his cabin on Trago Lake. Together, Wally and DeDe opened their hearts and home as foster parents for more than 30 years.

      He is survived by his children: Angela Burkett of Flora, Wes Utley of Strasburg, Allen (Ronda) Utley of Plato, Missouri, Krystal Wiegel of Flora, Matthew (April) Utley of Monticello, and Sarah (Jeramy) Easley of Mt. Vernon; grandchildren: Joshua (Carly) Burkett, Deanna Burkett (Yoshi), Jacob (Laura) Burkett, Jonah (Tricia) Burkett, Wallace “Wes” (Jessica) Utley III, Luke (Tori) Utley, Isaac Utley, David Utley, Allen (Candace) Utley Jr., Dustin (Kayla) Utley, Scott (Breanna) Taylor, Maddox Utley, Molly Utley, Clara Utley, and Lucy Utley; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a granddaughter-in-law: Sarah Burkett.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife; a son: Michael Utley; a grandson: Chuck Burkett; and siblings: Dale Godert, Sanda Utley, Maxine Howe, and Max Utley.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Interment will follow in Riverside Cemetery, Newton.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to Flora Little League, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com