Obituaries
Death of Anita “Jean” Klaus
Anita “Jean” Klaus, affectionately known as Jean, peacefully passed away on July 31, 2023, at the age of 93 in Brook, Indiana. She was born on July 14, 1930, in Carlinville to Kenneth R. Stayton and Pearl Anita Angelo Stayton.
Jean was a farm wife working beside her husband Bob whom she married on August 26, 1951. For over 50 years they farmed in Honeypoint Township.
Surviving daughters are Nancy McClatchey (Ron) of Morocco, Indiana, and Betsy Hodapp (Daniel) of Hoffman, Illinois. She was a loving grandmother to Robert McClatchey (Amber) of Wolcott, Indiana, and Bridget McClatchey of Chicago, Illinois. Jean’s great-grandchildren, Carsen McClatchey and Dorothy Jean McClatchey, brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her brother, Dean Stayton (Helen) of Carlinville.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Robert H. Klaus; her parents, Kenneth R. and Pearl Stayton; and siblings Marcella Talley, Oella Fullington, Eldon ‘Jack’ Stayton, Kenneth Stayton, and Betty Leroy.
Jean’s vibrant personality and friendly nature made her well-loved in her community. She was fondly known as MaMa K or the Chicken Lady of Honeypoint. Jean was an outgoing and hardworking individual who brought joy to those around her. She was an active member of St. Paul’s United Church, where she served in various volunteer roles.
Jean was also a long-time member of the Friendly Neighbors Club, Home Extension, and served as a dedicated leader of the Sunnyside of Honeypoint 4-H club for 20 years. She had a talent for sewing, embroidery, and quilting, completing her last quilt at the remarkable age of 92. Her cooking skills were renowned, and she was especially famous for her delicious sugar cookies, which she happily shared with everyone.
Later in life, she discovered a love for coloring and became an avid coloring artist, sharing her beautiful creations with friends and relatives.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 4, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Davis Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, August 5, at 10 AM in St. Paul’s United Church of Christ with burial to follow in Mayfield Cemetery, Carlinville.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s United Church of Christ or the charity of the donor’s choice. Jean’s legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to her community will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Thomas Michael Pritchard, 57 of Carlinville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his residence in Carlinville. Tom was born on August 26, 1967, in Carlinville a son of Zane and Clara (Churchill) Pritchard.
He graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1986. Tom never married. Tom worked as maintenance at Carlinville Community School District, Starr Brothers Hog Farm, and the elevators at both Palmyra and Chesterfield.
Tom was a skilled outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter of all game. He also enjoyed hunting for artifacts. He loved making memories with friends through turkey and waterfowl hunting.
Thomas is survived by his brother, Steve Pritchard of Springfield.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Peterson, and his black lab ,Bandit.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be buried next to his parents and sister at Moore cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Davis-Anderson P.O. Box 135 Carlinville, IL 62626 for funeral expenses. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Barbara Ann Holak, 66 of Springfield, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab & Health Care Center in Hillsboro. She was born on October 27, 1958, in Staunton the daughter of the late Joe and Gail (Ruckstahl) Holak.
Barb was a 1976 graduate of Staunton High School and was active in track and in the marching band as a flag twirler. After high school, she went to work in the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield until her retirement in 2010. She loved making new friends, playing in dart leagues, taking canoe trips with her many friends, and was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
She is survived by her two sisters, Linda Holak (Dennis) Grammer of Litchfield and Connie Holak (Bob) Zenner of Staunton; two nephews, Shane (Dana) Grammer and Chad (Melissa) Grammer; a great nephew, Easton Grammer; and two great nieces, Dakoda Mix and Rylie Mix, all of Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Coats for Kids, PO Box 157, Litchfield, IL 62056. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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95-year-old Helen Boehler of Litchfield passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:35 a.m. at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center in Decatur on February 27, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929 in Litchfield the only child of Max E. and Juanita (Bridges) Taylor.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Litchfield Community High School graduating with the class of 1947. She and Charles William Boehler were married by Fr. F.J. Lawler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 27, 1948, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 26, 2012.
Through the years, Mrs. Boehler was employed as a receptionist at the old St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Arthur E. Sihler, Claude Anderson, O.D., and Sidney’s Tot and Teen, all in Litchfield. She enjoyed walking, dancing, was a voracious reader and an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Mrs. Boehler was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Society, and a volunteer with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary.
Mrs. Boehler is survived by daughters, Sue (Greg) Penderghest of Decatur and Marcie (Mark) Hartke of Kirksville, MO; grandchildren, Emily Penderghest of Franklin, IN, Monica Penderghest and Chary Hall of Decatur, and Jared (Kate) Hartke of Pittsburgh, PA; and great-grandson, Reuben Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Father Daniel Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Litchfield Public Library or Holy Family Catholic Church. Plummer Funeral Home of Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
