Obituaries
Death of Jerry E. Ely
Jerry E. Ely, 93, of Springfield, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023, at The Villas of Hollybrook. He was born on March 5, 1929, in Gillespie, the son of Howard and Norma (Suedel) Ely. He married Marion Donnelly on May 11, 1957, and she preceded him in death on December 8, 2022, after 65 years of marriage.
Also preceding him in death are his parents; two brothers, Gilbert and John Ely; one sister, Mary Carrigan; and one granddaughter, Sarah Ely.
He was a 20-year active-duty U.S. Air Force veteran, retiring in 1971.
Mr. Ely retired in 1991 with 20 years of service working with the Department of General Service Administration, U.S. Secret Service, and was acting director of the V.A. Camp Butler National Cemetery.
He was a member of Christ the King Church, Knights of Columbus #4179, V.F.W. Post #755, and Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 15.
Mr. Ely is survived by his son, Todd Ely of Springfield; one granddaughter, Lauren (Tony) Nevins of Springfield; three great-granddaughters, Lila, Cora, and Gia Nevins; and one sister, Martha (Dennis) Solon of Fort Myers, FL.
Visitation took place from 9-10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Christ the King Church. Funeral mass was held at 10 am, Tuesday, January 31, 2023, at Christ the King Church with Reverend Christopher House officiating. Burial will follow at Camp Butler National Cemetery where military honors will be conducted.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, 8050 Watson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63119.
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Nancy Ilene Weller, 74, of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 2:52 pm. She was born June 4, 1949, in Litchfield, to Charles Giller and Margaret Whitman Giller. She married Kenneth Raymond Weller, Sr., on August 17, 1968, in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2011.
She was a caregiver. Nancy loved horses, reading, and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Chester (Katina) Weller of Gillespie, Luke Weller of Gillespie, Spring Weller (spouse, Phillip Benner) of Fowler, IN, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 5 brothers, and sisters.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, 4 brothers, and sisters.
No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Beverly Kay Brown, 82, of Gillespie, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 8:45 am. She was born October 4, 1941, in Litchfield, to Mario Meldi and Opal Olston Meldi. She married Bob Brown on October 30, 1976.
She worked for the State of Illinois in title transferring and data processing. Beverly enjoyed reading and was an avid reader of People’s magazine.
She is survived by her spouse, Bob Brown of Gillespie, children, Joell (Sid) Flyte of Edwardsville, Jackie (Larry) Fear of The Villages, FL, Kathy Giesler of Mattoon, Kim (Joe) Brittin of Springfield, Jane (Greg) Hallum of Ishpeming, MI, Lori Brown of Temecula, CA, grandchildren, Breanna Leake, Dominique Flyte, Addie Flyte, Bradley Fear, David Fear, Brad Brittin, Melissa Casad, Amanda Kozak, Jaime Galloway, Jaimee Dobson, Jenny Knight, Emily Nault, Elyssa Gregurash, Erin Baldini, many great-grandchildren, brothers, Ron (Corky) Meldi of Nitro, WV, and sisters-in-law, June Swan and Loni Cloyd. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jedd Hallum, and brother-in-law, Preston Brown.
Friends may call on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to SS Simon and Jude Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Darrell Leon Hoffstot, 69, of Gillespie, died at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born October 2, 1954, in Granite City, to Willard Lee Hoffstot and Hazel Mae Holloway Hoffstot.
He was retired after having been an assembler for Echlin. Darrell enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing.
He is survived by his sons, Zachary Hoffstot of Mt. Olive, and Zane Hoffstot of Gillespie, and sisters, Sandra Elledge of Litchfield, and Peggy (Joseph) Fischer. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Victor Hoffstot.
No public services will be held. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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