Obituaries

Geneva Irene Rice

Geneva Irene Rice

Jan 11, 2026

Geneva Irene Rice, affectionally known as “Gen” passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband, her children; grandchildren; and other cherished family members.

She was born on May 18, 1965, in Charleston, Missouri, and attended Meridian High School in Mounds, Illinois. She was loved by everyone she encountered. Her radiant smile could...

Pamela M Tornow

Pamela M Tornow

Jan 10, 2026

Pamela M. Tornow, 72, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 25, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late William and Nancy (Janicke) Quinlan. Pamela spent most of her early childhood in Blue Island, Illinois. She worked for many years at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she was known for her...

Charles “Mark” Schmidt

Charles “Mark” Schmidt

Jan 8, 2026

Charles “Mark” Schmidt, of Marion, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Mark was born on October 15, 1952, in Oakland City, Indiana, the son of Charles E. Schmidt and Mynette J. Nichols. He married Angie Cochran Monteith in 1996, and together they shared many years of love and companionship.

Mark worked for many...

Phillip George Reed

Phillip George Reed

Dec 31, 2025

Philip George “Phil” Reed passed away on December 31, 2025, after an intense battle with cancer, surrounded by love and peace. He was born on November 21, 1948. Phil was a gentle, loving man, full of strength, patience, and quiet reliability. He was always quick to lend a hand, and many people came to count on him.

Phil was a chef...

Elsie Jane Martin

Elsie Jane Martin

Dec 22, 2025

Elsie Jane (Kirsch) Martin passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025, at her home. Elsie Jane was born in McLeansboro December 30, 1945, to Matt and Clara (Rubenacker) Kirsch. In 1966 she met her future husband, James H. (Jim) Martin at SIUC, and they were married on June 15, 1968, in Piopolis, Illinois. He survives.

Elsie was a farm girl and...

Laura Elaine Ratermann

Laura Elaine Ratermann

Dec 15, 2025

Laura Elaine (Newcomb) Ratermann departed this life on December 15, 2025, surrounded by love from her family at her home.

She was born on May 14, 1964, in Centralia, Illinois, to Elmer “Friday” and Peggy “Jean” (Kious) Newcomb.

Laura was a shy child who spent much of her time with her cousins. She attended Centralia City Schools and earned her GED the...

Bruce Allan Logan

Bruce Allan Logan

Dec 12, 2025

Bruce Allan Logan, 58, of Peachtree City, Georgia, passed away on December 12, 2025. 

He was born on May 15, 1967, in Springfield, Illinois, to the late Darwin and Della (Stayton) Logan.

Bruce worked in manufacturing for many years and was known for his strong work ethic. He had a deep love for music, cars, and the outdoors. His passion for music—especially...

Clarence Richard Sherman

Clarence Richard Sherman

Dec 10, 2025

In Loving Memory of Clarence Sherman

September 11, 1950 – December 10, 2025

Clarence Sherman, a man of remarkable skill, dedicated service, and deep devotion to his family, passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 75. Born on September 11, 1950, Clarence lived a life defined by hard work, a "can-do" spirit, and a quiet strength that touched everyone...

Johnny Delmore

Johnny Delmore

Dec 5, 2025

Johnny Delmore was born on June 21, 1951, in Charleston, Missouri, to Ben Delmore and Anna M. Pratt (née Hampton). He departed this life on December 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of family, strength, and enduring love.

Johnny spent much of his younger years in the Michigan area, where he was shaped by community, hard work, and deep family bonds....

Kenneth David Nixon

Kenneth David Nixon

Nov 26, 2025

Kenneth David Nixon, 55, of Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 19, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Donald and Virginia (Hayes) Nixon.

Kenneth is survived by his children: Kenneth Hren and wife Shayna, Kevin Nixon-Watt, and Danielle Foster. He was a proud grandfather to McKenna Atkinson, Zane...

Dennis Michael Johnson

Dennis Michael Johnson

Nov 22, 2025

Dennis Michael Johnson, 75, of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away on November 22, 2025.Born on August 5, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Vincent "Sparkie" and Margaret Johnson, Dennis grew up in Carlyle, Illinois. He spent his career working as a dedicated Laborer with Local 773, but those who knew him best knew that his favorite role in life...

Laura Kathleen Young

Laura Kathleen Young

Nov 20, 2025

Laura Kathleen Young, 59, of Harrisburg, IL, passed away surrounded by love from all seven of her children on November 20, 2025.

She was born in Savanna, IL on Dec 12, 1965 to Irene Rand. Laura attended Eldorado High School before she married and had four of her seven children. She then continued her life in Southern IL where she'd go...

Michelle "Shelly" Wayne Kelly

Michelle "Shelly" Wayne Kelly

Nov 19, 2025

Michelle “Shelly” Wayne Kelly, born September 22, 1966, left this world unexpectedly on November 19, 2025.

Shelly was a fierce, funny, and straightforward mom, sister, and grandma who never sugar-coated anything and never hesitated to speak her mind. Those who knew her knew she was full of sass, strength, and a love that ran deep. Her presence filled every room, and...

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr.

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr.

Nov 18, 2025

Jimmy Lee Stuckey, Sr., affectionately known as “Paw” or “The Big Kahuna,” departed this life on Tuesday, November 18, 2026, at Manor Court of Carbondale. He was born on November 26, 1941, in Grenda, Mississippi, to the late Nora and Johnnie Lou Stuckey.

At a young age, he met a young lady named Margaret Clay, and to this union three children...

Jo Ann Kettmann

Jo Ann Kettmann

Nov 18, 2025

Joann Kettmann, age 78, of Steeleville, Illinois, passed away on November 18, 2025, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale due to complications from a stroke. She was born on January 1, 1947, in Dowell, Illinois, to her parents, Henry and Adele Loeh.

Joann is survived by her husband, Bruce; her daughter, Michelle (Rob) Gilliam; her sisters, Jaci Bert, Jill (Tom) Snider, and...

Nancy Heil-Schaffner

Nancy Heil-Schaffner

Nov 17, 2025

Nancy Heil-Schaffner, age 74, of Carbondale, left this world suddenly on November 17, 2025. The daughter of George and Gertrude (Schuster) Heil, Nancy grew up in a large family on a small farm in Piopolis, Illinois, with many aunts, uncles and cousins as her neighbors. 

After graduating McLeansboro High School, Nancy attended beauty and barber colleges to pursue a passion she...

Denise L. Harris

Denise L. Harris

Nov 14, 2025

Denise LaCole Harris – devoted mother of five children passed away on November 14, 2025, at the age of 40 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.

Denise, affectionately known as NeNe, was born on October 26, 1985 to Wenella Mack and Dennis Lorenzo Harris in Carbondale, Illinois. Raised in several cities, Denise achieved early education in Bloomington, Illinois; Carbondale,...

Mark Linkon

Mark Linkon

Nov 7, 2025

Mark Linkon, age 58, of Mt. Vernon, passed away on November 7, 2025, at Axiom Garden Nursing Home.

He was born on January 29, 1967, in Centralia, Illinois, to Janette Nash and was adopted by Leonard Linkon at age 8.

Mark was known for his independent spirit and strong will. A true survivalist at heart, he held a deep skepticism toward bureaucracy...

Joe S. Buchanan

Joe S. Buchanan

Oct 26, 2025

Joe S. Buchanan, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, October 26, 2025, in Marion, Illinois. He was born on July 1, 1953, in Leland, Mississippi, to George Buchanan and Lucille (Valliant) Buchanan.

Joe was a proud father and grandfather who loved his grandchildren dearly. In his earlier years, he worked in construction and was a dedicated member...

Paul Michael Spiller

Paul Michael Spiller

Oct 25, 2025

Paul Michael Spiller, age 76, of Carterville, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, October 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on December 21, 1948, in Anna, Illinois, to Paul L. and Margaret Ann (Brust) Spiller. On November 14, 1967, he married the love of his life, Nancy K. Spiller.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy;...