Obituaries
Obituary of Dianna S. Schweppe
Dianna S. Schweppe, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center in Gillespie. She was born on February 2, 1943 in St. Charles, MO, the daughter of the late Harriett (Noah) Turner and the late Richard F. Dillon. Dianna lived a remarkable life full of love, family, and accomplishment.
Dianna was married three times, each union bringing love and cherished family connections. She first married Norman “Poopsie” Highlander, with whom she had three children. She then married John “Big John” Harrison, who blessed her with four step children and a growing legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Later, she married Lester “Bud” Schweppe. Each marriage lasted over a decade and Dianna remained a beloved friend to her extended family throughout her life. All three of her husbands preceded her in death.
A successful businesswoman, Dianna was a well-known figure in the local restaurant scene. She owned and operated several popular establishments in Illinois and even one in California. Specializing in fried fish and seafood, she became affectionately known as “The Fish Lady” before retiring in 2016. Her dedication to her craft and her warm hospitality left a lasting impression on all who visited her restaurants.
Dianna is survived by her children, Norman D. (wife Kaye) Highlander and Dana M. Allen (fiance’ Kevin Beard); her sister, Dorothy Fosdick (fiance’ Ralph Neiman); her half brother, Randy Dillon; her step brother, Leroy Griffith; and a family tree that includes countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard F. Dillon and Harriett (Clarence Jr.) Turner; her son, James “Bulldog” Highlander; her brothers, Harry Dillon, Tom Dillon, Roger Dale Turner, and Richard “Dickey” Dillon; her sister, Rosetta Chapon; her half sister, Sandy Masterson; and her step sister, Sharon Blanton.
Dianna’s life was a testament to her love of family, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her ability to bring people together. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her generous heart, and her unmatched fried fish.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston.
Following the memorial service, a celebration of Dianna’s life will be held at Rock Bottom Bar in Williamson. In honor of her memory, the family asks that friends share stories, laughter, a meal and a beverage just as she would have loved.
Memorials are suggested to VITAS Hospice of Fairview Heights. Private burial will be held at a later date in Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.
Comments
Robert Leeroy Blevins, 77 of Litchfield, passed away the evening of Thursday, November 20, 2025, at HSHS St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. He was born in Litchfield on December 24, 1947, a son of Robert James and Betty Bernadine (Cranford) Blevins.
He graduated from Centralia High School and proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. He was employed for many years as a cabinet maker with Adenca Manufacturing in Litchfield. Robert enjoyed many outdoor activities including camping, fishing, hunting, mushroom hunting, and looking for buried treasures with his metal detector.
He was a talented musician and played guitar and saxophone. Robert enjoyed watching and listening to all spectator sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He married the former Wanda Kay Large and they later divorced.
Robert is survived by sons, Christopher (fiancée Grace) Blevins and Jason (Jamie) Blevins, all of Litchfield; daughters, Jennifer (Gordon) Fenton of Salem, MO and Shannon Large of Litchfield; brothers, Chesley Blevins of Staunton, Joseph Blevins of Litchfield, Floyd Blevins of Highland, and Fred Blevins of Litchfield; sisters, Barbara (Ray) Schuster of Sorento, Sharon (John) Wickerheim of Chicago, and Pamela Poppenhouse of Litchfield; and several grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Robert J. and Betty B. Blevins.
Funeral services for Mr. Blevins will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Pastor Gilbert Dealey will officiate. Burial will be in Crabtree Cemetery. Military honors will be at graveside. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be directed to the family of Robert Blevins, c/o Christopher Blevins. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
Comments
Joyce Carleen Simmons, 83 of Litchfield, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 23, 2025. She was born in Pana on May 31, 1942, a daughter of Carl Cornelius and Lucille Romelta (Miller) Brakenhoff.
She was a member of the Litchfield High School graduating class of 1960. She married Raymond “Larry” Simmons on June 6, 1965, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield, and they enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage until his passing on January 23, 2022.
Joyce was an excellent cook and well known for her beef and noodles, Texas cake, and stew. Joyce’s delicious cooking skills were evident during her 22-year career as manager of Jubelt’s Variety Bakery in Litchfield and as a ten-year cafeteria worker for the Litchfield Community School District #12. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, tending to her fruit trees, and sewing. Joyce enjoyed serving others by teaching Sunday School at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield and volunteering for the local Meals on Wheels.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Raymond (Vicki) Simmons of Evansville, IN and David (Jacqueline) Simmons of Haymarket, VA; daughter, Laura Simmons of Edwardsville; brothers, Leslie (Sue) Brakenhoff of Litchfield, Byron (Terry) Brakenhoff of Chattanooga, TN, and Dale (Nancy) Brakenhoff of Litchfield; sisters, Ramona Warman of Charleston, IL and Marilyn (Don) Loptien of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren, Zachary Simmons, Makenzie (Jeremy) Frazier, Emma Simmons, and William Simmons; and great-grandchildren, Gunnar, Wyatt, Eli and Calla.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Rev. Larry Brakenhoff and Bernard Brakenhoff; brother-in-law Robert, “Bob” Warman; and niece, Kimberly (Brakenhoff) Bergman.
Funeral services for Joyce will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Burial will follow in Edgewood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Road, St. Louis, MO, 63141-8557. Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
