Ore "Bud" R. Heath , age 93, of Stockton, IL passed away Monday, December 13, 2021 at home surrounded by his family. He was born April 11, 1928 in Colesburg, KY to the late William Lively and Mabel (Jackson) Heath. Bud married Virginia Kaney on March 18, 1950. Virginia passed away January 1, 1994. Bud later married Lila (Haeft) Bertholf on August 19, 1995.

Bud was a lifelong farmer, milking cows and taking care of his horses. Bud was a strong man with the independence that is common among farmers. No one told him what to do except for the weather and his livestock. He was also Road Commissioner for 20 years for Berreman Township. His defining characteristic was his sense of humor. He was known to make a joke or smart aleck remark. Bud enjoyed stock car racing, fishing, hunting and woodworking. He built a replica of the Willow Church. He could also fix almost anything.

Bud is survived by his wife, Lila Heath; his daughters, Pam Robb, Pauline (Richard) Craig, Carol (Randy) Stabenow and Kathleen (Keith) Maurer; his sons, Alan (Cynthia) Heath and Dale (Diane) Heath; his step-daughters, Tina Bertholf, Justine Young and Stephanie (Neal) Johnson; his 19 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and his brother, Jim Heath. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia; his 2 sisters and 1 brother.

A private family service will be held. Interment will take place at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Freeport. A memorial fund has been established.