Obituaries
Death of Amanda “Suzy” Leona Schoonmaker
Amanda “Suzy” Leona Schoonmaker passed away at 12:30 a.m. on July 25, 2022. She was born in Litchfield on May 22, 1938, 10 minutes before twin brother Ted Chura.
Suzy grew up in Benld and at age 16 she moved to St. Louis, MO. She graduated Cleveland High School in 1956 and continued her education receiving an undergraduate from Washington University Phi Beta Kappa, and masters from UMSL. She taught english, math, choir at Woodlawn High School, math at Parkway South Jr High and Lindbergh High School, then worked at McDonnell Douglas in Quality Productivity Improvement.
Suzy loved playing piano and for years with friend Tripp played two piano recitals in her home for friends. She and Tripp also square danced together over many years. Suzy loved to read (had too many books) and watch movies. She was a minor activist/liberal in her own way. Suzy also played a lot of duplicate bridge. She spent most of her free time doing genealogy for her family and others. Her biggest accomplishment was locating her father’s birthplace and relations in Myscowa, Poland, and visiting there in 2001. She also traced her maternal grandfather’s history back to 1600s Norway and discovered her mother’s first cousin was killed in the Bataan Death March in the Philippines during WWII.
Suzy believed in paying it forward and contributed to many charitable organizations especially those working on cancer treatments and helping children, low income families, and veterans. She established two scholarships at Washington University.
She was predeceased by her parents, Adam and Leona (Anderson) Chura; late husband, Robert “Bob” N Schoonmaker; and former husbands, Web Kassebaum and Ron Rau.
She is survived by two sons, Jim (Shari, Indianapolis IN) and John (Kate, Portland OR) Kassebaum; two stepsons, Mike (Polly, Nixa MO) and Steve (Terry, San Antonio TX) Schoonmaker; grandchildren, Nathan (Emily, Indianapolis, IN) and Jared (Annaliese, Los Angeles CA) Kassebaum, Clair (Dustin, Charlotte NC) Northcutt, and Eva Morris (Eugene, OR); step-grandchildren, Aaron (Julie, Raleigh NC), Jeff (Samantha, Middletown DE), and Andrew (Doug, St. Petersburg FL) Schoonmaker and Dana (Ethan, Nixa MO) Horn; and great grandchildren, Titus, Henry, Gwyneth, and Joanna Kassebaum (IN), Alana and Cayden Schoonmaker (NC), Heidi and Natalie Schoonmaker (DE), and Sarah Horn (MO).
A memorial service will be held on October 15 at 11 a.m. at Kirkwood Baptist Church, 211 North Woodlawn Avenue, Kirkwood, MO 63122.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to either the American Red Cross, 10195 Corporate Square Dr., St. Louis, MO 63132; or the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Potitics, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, MSC 1066-153-118, St. Louis, MO 63130.
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Ronald Harwell Johnson, 77 of Litchfield, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at 5:06 pm at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. He was born on August 9, 1947, in Litchfield, a son of Harwell C. and Alma Ruth (Sharp) Johnson.
Ron was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School in 1966. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany as an MP. He married the former Cinda Sue (Everett). They were married on July 7, 1969, at the First Baptist Church of Litchfield. Cinda passed away November 21, 2005. He then married the former Barbara Jean (Simmons) Jones on May 10, 2008, at their home in Litchfield and she survives.
Ron was self-employed and owner of Ron’s Floor Coverings with a 51-year career. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Litchfield for several years. He served as a deacon, trustee, and on the bus ministry. Ron also donated his time and talents on the church property committee. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, going to tractor shows, and traveling, especially, taking trips to Branson, Missouri.
Surviving are son, Kurt Johnson of Edwardsville; daughter, Jody (Jeffrey) Haas of Navarre, FL; two stepdaughters, Cheryl Barrall of Carbondale and Jennifer (John) Osmer of Rochester; three brothers, Jerald (Janice) Johnson of Crete, IL, Lloyd “Peanut” (Marci) Johnson of Litchfield, and Robert A. (Cathy) Johnson of Litchfield; sister, Carol (Robert) Sneed of Litchfield; four grandchildren, Lauren Smith, Nina Johnson, Hayden Dane Johnson, and Jeremy Allen Haas; three step-grandchildren, Mason, Griffin, and Weston Osmer; and two great-grandchildren, Hazel Lynn and Maverick Dean Austin.
In addition to his wife Cinda, Ron is proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Leslie Johnson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield. The reverend Gary J. Schwab will officiate. Burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. The family suggests memorials to Hearts United. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Cynthia Ann Mayberry, 62 of Litchfield, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Ms. Mayberry was born on July 20, 1962, in Springfield a daughter of Alfred Lee and Carolyn (Eads) Mayberry.
She was employed as a factory worker. Ms. Mayberry enjoyed being a homemaker, taking pride in being a good cook, hosting holiday dinners, and collecting kitchen gadgets. She was a passionate gardener and each year she enjoyed teaching her children about plants and the importance of self-sufficiency. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting.
Ms. Mayberry is survived by a son, Steve (fiancée Brooke Davis) Rigney of Litchfield; three daughters, Nikki (fiancé Damian Staley) Mayberry and Jesse Mayberry, both of Litchfield, and Ruby Mayberry of Virden; and a brother, Terry Mayberry of Springfield.
No services are planned at this time for Ms. Mayberry. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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James G. Zirkelbach, 65 of Benld, died at his residence on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:32 p.m. He was born on July 28, 1959, in Alton to James R. Zirkelbach and Carol Lawton Zirkelbach.
He married Bonnie S. Wallace Zirkelbach on July 10, 1995, in Carlinville. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2022. He was retired after having been the chief of police for Benld. James enjoyed his grandchildren and being outdoors.
He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Zirkelbach of Benld, Lindsay (Chris) Young of Benld, and Hilary Thomas of Benld; grandchildren, Blake Middleton, Marria Middleton, Hailey Young, Kennedi Isaacs, and Carter Young; great-grandchild, Savannah Middleton; siblings, Robert (Sandee) Zirkelbach of Carlisle, IA, Dennis (Julie) Zirkelbach of Eagarville, Mark (Sandy) Zirkelbach of Kemp, TX, Brad Zirkelbach of Wentzville, MO, Tracy (Bret) Werner of Hamel, Joan (Brent) Cain of Carlinville, and Kim (Jack) Burns of Benld; step mother, Mary Zirkelbach of Benld; and sister in law, Robbi Zirkelbach.
James was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; and brother, Brian Zirkelbach.
Friends may call on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Benld from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Benld.
Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Bunker Hill hosting Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 14
Gillespie Council votes to buy building for police department
Gillespie Council establishes penalty of late lake lot lease payments, green lights programs to display banners honoring local veterans
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Community News3 weeks agoBunker Hill hosting Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 14
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Community News3 weeks agoGillespie Council votes to buy building for police department
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Community News3 weeks agoGillespie Council establishes penalty of late lake lot lease payments, green lights programs to display banners honoring local veterans
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Obituaries3 weeks agoDeath of Beverly J. Katich