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Funeral Ceremony: 12 noon on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Interment: Riverside Cemetery, Newton
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 12 noon on Tuesday at the funeral home
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: Sara Burkett.
He was preceded in passing by his parents; wife; a son: Michael Utley; a grandson: Chuck Burkett; a son-in-law: Terry 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
Jan 24, 1938 - Jan 26, 2026
Apr 17, 1940 - Jan 23, 2026
Jan 20, 1947 - Jan 23, 2026
Feb 25, 1939 - Jan 22, 2026
Oct 3, 1936 - Jan 12, 2026
Sorry for your loss.
My condolences to Wally’s family/friends. May he a rest in Peace 🕊️
Sending prayers and hugs...Wally was always so kind...
Who can forget those wonderful smiles from Wally . . . Remembering your family in prayer.
Wally was also a member and a deacon at the First Baptist Church in Clay City. Wally and Dee Dee were our neighbors for the better part of 30 years and we loved them and their younger family. We're praying for you all.
So sorry for your family's loss, you are all in my prayers.
So very sorry for your loss, especially this time of year.
I am so saddened to hear about Wally's passing. I have a lot of good memories of being at Wally and DeDe's visiting, doing family reunions every summer. Wally reminded me so much of my daddy,every time I seen him. To Wes and the rest of our family my prayers and hugs are with you all. Love You!
Prayers for all the family in time of sorrow.
So sorry to hear of his passing. You were blessed with many years and beautiful memories. Prayers to all for strength and peace in this time of need. ❤️
Honest, kind, friendly, reliable, and very good at his trade. My condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the family.
My condolences to Wally’s family, I worked with him for several years he always had a smile on his face!
So sorry for your loss
i would like to send my prayers to help the loved one in these hard time. Wally was a good hard working man and i did have the pleasure to set in the masonic lodge , far well my brother ,
I am so sorry to hear of Wally passing. He and Dede were such good neighbors to Mom and Dad. Prayers for comfort to the whole family during this difficult time.
I met Wally when my family and I 1st moved here to the Midwest 2024.l was his C.N.A. he always had had a heart a hold & always had a some positive vibe when u talk with him .he will never be forgotten. My prayers 😇 hugs too his family
I met Wally when my family and I 1st moved here to the Midwest 2024.l was his C.N.A. he always had had a heart a hold & always had a some positive vibe when u talk with him .he will never be forgotten. My prayers 😇 hugs too his family
To Wally's family we are so sorry that we didn't see the notIce about your Dad. We had a death in our family on the 17th. You were all such good neighbors. We were lucky to have you . We had great respect for your Dad and I loved visiting with your Mom. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
We are saddened to hear of Wally's passing. He was a wonderful man. Prayers for peace and comfort in your days ahead. 🙏
So sorry for the loss .God bless u all.
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
