Obituaries

Oct 21, 2023

Virginia E. Hogg, 97, of Aviston, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese, IL.

She was born on June 14, 1926, in Collinsville, IL to Vincenzo and Mildred (nee Body) Messina. Virginia married Roy B. Evans in Collinsville, IL on August 31, 1947, and they were married for 38 years....

Oct 20, 2023

Etta L Mabrey, 87, passed from this life on Friday, October 20, 2023. She was surrounded by loving family. Survivors include daughter Mary Short, sons Andy (Lisa)and Dale (Joanne) Mabrey. Daughter-in-law Mila Mabrey. Grandchildren: Greg (Amy) Short, Mesha (John) Novotny, Mike (LeeAnn)Mabrey, Christa (Matt) Fischer, Jeremy (Deb)Catt, Lin (Jody)Mabrey, Tyler (Cora) Mabrey, J C, Jesilyn, and Ethan Mabrey. And...

Oct 18, 2023

In loving memory of Richard Bruce Walla, known to many as "Bang Bang." He is survived by his former partner and friend Kathy. He was a beloved father to Brian (Roxanne) and Lindsey (Dustin) and a cherished grandfather to Lindsay, Blake, Gavin, and Demi.

Richard Bruce Walla, who passed away on October 18, 2023, at the age...

Oct 18, 2023

Vickie Diane Reed, 71, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

She was born on April 6, 1952, in East St. Louis, IL, to Jesse and Ella (nee Davis) McCall. On April 14, 1973, she married the love of her life, Michael Reed, in the front room of...

Oct 17, 2023

Jerry Warren Schmittler, 81, of Albion, IL passed away on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at his daughter’s residence in Fairfield, IL.  He was born on July 19, 1942, in Albion, IL, the son of Robert Schmittler and Nellie (Balding) Penrod.

Jerry served in the Army during the Vietnam War.  He was an oilfield worker for many years. ...

Oct 13, 2023

Shirley Mae Stevens, 88, of Flora, IL, formally of Johnsonville, IL. passed away at Clay County Hospital on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Shirley (lovingly known as “MeMe”) was born July 10, 1935, in Cisne, IL, to Pearl and Lillie (Brown) Leathers. She married George Lee Stevens at Rock Branch Church in Cisne, IL, on June 1, 1952....

Oct 11, 2023

Clifford Theodore Yarbrough, II, 75, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at Memorial East Hospital in Shiloh, IL.

He was born on January 31, 1948, in St. Louis, MO, to Clifford Theodore and Joan Mona (nee Brown) Yarbrough, Sr.

Clifford was a United States Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam...

Oct 10, 2023

Marvin “Bud” L. Gilliland, 90, of Caseyville, IL, passed away on Tuesday, October, 10, 2023, at Anderson Hospital, in Maryville, IL.

He was born on January 5, 1933, in Rural Ralls County, outside of Frankford, MO, to Omar and Ethel (nee Turnbough) Gilliland. On October 4, 1958, he married the love of his life, Esther Lena Boulicault...

Oct 9, 2023

Donna E. Rudd, 65, of Collinsville, IL, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, peacefully in her home.

She was born on September 26, 1958, in East St. Louis, MO, to Donald and Wilma (nee Christopher) Smith.

Donna was a caretaker all of her life, even before she devoted 45 years of her life to...

Oct 9, 2023

Roger Fornwalt, 61, of Albion, IL, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, at Oakview Nursing and Rehabilitation in Mt. Carmel, IL.

He was born on January 26, 1962, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Niel and Betty (Berlin) Fornwalt.

Roger was extremely hardworking, dedicated, and determined to provide for his family. He enjoyed traveling...

Oct 4, 2023

James Robert Arbuthnot, aged 72, of Highland, Illinois, embarked on his final journey on October 4th, 2023. Born on the enchanting Christmas Day of 1950 to Marie (Putnam) and Charles F. Arbuthnot in Wood River, Illinois. James was celebrated for his intellect, gentle nature, and boundless generosity.

He leaves behind cherished memories and is survived by his...

Oct 4, 2023

John M. Choma, 62, of Collinsville, IL passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL.

He was born on December 10, 1960, in East St. Louis, Illinois to John and Sophia (nee Komar) Choma.

John was an installer in the pool and spa industry since the 1980’s. In his free...

Oct 2, 2023

Robert J. “Bob” Schmitt, 93, of Lebanon, IL, passed away on Monday, October 2, 2023, at BRIA of Mascoutah, surrounded by his family.

He was born on September 27, 1930, in Lebanon, IL, to Joseph and Anna (nee Schaefer) Schmitt.

Bob was born and raised in Lebanon, graduating from Lebanon High School in 1948. He...

Sep 28, 2023

John Philip Geismann, 83, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at home surrounded by his family.

John was born on June 6, 1940, in St. Louis, MO, to Lawrence and Ethel (nee Reichert) Geismann. He married his college sweetheart and the love of his life, Colleen Hosey, on August 31, 1963, in Old...

Sep 27, 2023

Kelley Glen Smith, 83, of Fairfield, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Aperion Care in Fairfield, IL.

Kelly was born September 16, 1940, at Johnsonville, IL, to Earl and Dorothy (Henson) Smith.

Kelley was a general laborer. He had worked at George Smith Ag Services in Keenes, IL, for many years. His hobbies...

Sep 27, 2023

James Harvey “Sonny” Mugrage, 93, of Cisne, IL, passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at Flora Gardens.

Sonny was born in Rinard, IL. on July 13, 1930, to Elmo and Verl (Bullard) Mugrage. He married Alice (Alkie) Vaughan on November 5, 1950, at Fairfield Christian Church in Fairfield, IL. She preceded him in death on October...

Sep 23, 2023

Jerry Neal Garner

Jerry Neal Garner, 78, of Albion, IL passed away on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. He was born December 3rd, 1944 in Browns, IL to Robert and Doris (Hortin) Garner. Jerry married Staretta (Goldman), on May 27th, 1964 in Cowling, IL and she survives.

Jerry was a hard-working machinist for Snap-On Tools for...

Sep 21, 2023

Tronda D. Gillespie, 78, of Highland, IL, passed away on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at home surrounded by her family.

She was born on August 25, 1945, at home in Risco, MO, to Gerald and Wanda (nee Hoxworth) Hinze. She married the love of her life, W. Joe Gillespie Jr., on May 10, 1963, at the E...

Sep 19, 2023

Michael H. “Mike” Young, 68, of Highland, IL, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.

He was born on March 30, 1955, in Highland to Hayden and Angela (nee Geiger) Young.

Mike was born and raised in Highland, graduating from Highland High School in 1973. He went on...

Sep 17, 2023

Oscar E. Britt Jr., age 98, son of Oscar E. and Edna “Lucy” Britt was born on September 16, 1925, in Pocahontas, Illinois. Oscar passed away on September 17, 2023, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, Illinois.

Oscar moved from Pocahontas to Greenville with his parents and three sisters when he was in high school. After...