Published on August 18, 2026 3:15 pm
Last Updated on August 19, 2026 3:58 pm
Dale Ready, age 90, of Mason, Illinois passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Mason Christian Church in Mason, Illinois, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Visitation will also be held from 5:00-7:00 PM on Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at the Mason Christian Church. Interment will follow at Mason Cemetery. Pastor Mark White will be presiding. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mason Cemetery, Mason Civic Center, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.pagelfuneralhome.com.
Dale was born on September 16, 1935 the son of Lynn and Myrtle (Shumaker) Ready. Dale grew up in rural Mason with 4 brothers and 3 sisters. Dale married the love of his life Carldeane (Phelps) Ready on March 21, 1965, who preceded him in death in 1992. Visiting her gravesite frequently the remainder of his life, Dale is finally reunited with Carldeane and at peace.
Dale was well known for his strong work ethic working numerous jobs simultaneously and seamlessly. He started his drilling career with Dikor Drilling in Carmi, Illinois when he met Carldeane. As a young family man, Dale sought a job with less travel; therefore, he worked at Peerless of America as a manager for many years. He also owned several rental houses and managed a cattle farm at the same time.
In 1972, Dale and Carldeane purchased the Mason Grocery Store. Amongst his other jobs, Dale and Carldeane managed the store together. Missing his love of the outdoors, drilling, and autonomy, Dale opened his own business, READY DRILLING Company in 1979. He was the owner and operator until his retirement of the business in 1999.
Unable to truly retire, Dale continued to own and operate oil wells, also known as Ready Oil, until the ripe age of 86 years when his eyesight began to fail.
Dale had a fierce love for his family, friends, and community alike. He was well known for his giving nature and helping whenever and wherever needed. Dale will be missed by so many with whom he had such a significant impact. Most of all he will be missed by his family!
The family and community’s patriarch has died, but his influence and love he shared will be felt and cherished for generations to come.
Dale is survived by his son, Brent (Sharon) Ready of Mason, Illinois; daughters, Vicki (Alan) McDonald of Lantana, Texas and Rhonda (David) Keller of Newton, Illinois; sister, Lynda Ready of Effingham, Illinois; two sisters-in-law, Glenda Ready and Pauline Ready; grandchildren, Amanda Jackson (Justin), Malissa Lorton (Chad), Clint Ready (Desiree), Laura Koester (Eric), Laura Delassus (Barry), Kimberly Herberer, Matthew Gobczynski (Kendra), Andrew Keller (Kelsey), and Ashley Schmidt (Jacob); 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren with one on the way.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Myrtle Ready; his loving wife of 25 years, Carldeane Ready; his 4 brothers, Johnny Ready, Urban “Buck” Ready, Jerry Ready, and Jim Ready; 2 sisters, Barbara Ready and Sandra Phillips; and 3 sisters-in-law, Peggy Ready, Joy Ready, and Nancy Ready.