Obituaries
Death of Betsy (Plos) Smith
Betsy (Plos) Smith, 93, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center. She was born on January 8, 1930, in St. Louis, MO, a daughter of Dante and Marie (Mica) Plos. Her family later moved to Hillsboro and Betsy was a member of the Hillsboro High School graduating class of 1947.
She and Mr. Lowell Smith, also of Hillsboro, married on Dec. 24, 1947, at St. Mary’s Rectory in Litchfield. Mr. Smith passed on July 1, 2009.
While raising a large family with her husband for over 61 years, Mrs. Smith also held many jobs in the local area including working on the family farm with her husband and oldest children, cooking and food preparation in local restaurants (the Gardens, and others), connecting others together as an ICTC telephone operator, and running social activities as a team member at the Carlyle Healthcare Center.
Mrs. Smith was also employed through the years as activity director at Pleasant Hill Nursing Home in Girard and McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in St. Louis. She received profound enjoyment from traveling, going to casinos, dancing, ice skating, playing cards (pinochle and rummy) with family, and neighbors, listening to music, and attending concerts and other live performances.
Mrs. Smith also played the piano and accordion herself and was happy hearing her children’s and grand- and great-grandchildren’s musical talents. In her most recent years, she kept sharp by working crossword puzzles, trying new food recipes, and keeping up with the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. She had a very pragmatic approach to life, a large personality, and a one-of-a-kind laugh. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Left to cherish her memory are three sons, Michael (wife Brenda Hemken) Smith of Sugar Grove, Jim Smith of Litchfield, and Kevin Smith of Seattle, WA; four daughters, Mary Ellen (husband Don) Atkins of Tombstone, AZ, Barbara (husband Jeff) Roach of Litchfield, Margery (companion George Howard) Smith of Santa Rosa, CA, and Karen Smith of San Francisco; 12 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents as well as a sister, Gloria (Plos) Sutton, a resident of Virginia Beach, VA.
The family will receive friends at a visitation held from 2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 6, 2023, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Fr. Daniel J. Willenborg will preside.
Memorials in Mrs. Smith’s honor may be made in honor of Lenore Roach to the Rett Spectrum Clinic at St. Louis Children’s Hospital or to Montgomery County Veterans Assistance Commission. Plummer Funeral and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.
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Ginger Ann Jett, 88 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, at her residence. Mrs. Jett was born in Butler, IL on May 11, 1936, one of eleven children of Leslie Nelson and Opal Clara (King) Logsdon.
She married Leslie Lewis Jett on March 13, 1954. He preceded her in death January 11, 2022. Mrs. Jett had worked at Roller Derby Skate Corp. and was a laundress at Barry Care Center, both in Litchfield.
She was a homemaker for many years, caring for her husband and six children, and was a talented knitter, crocheter, and an excellent cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends during hayrides, cookouts, fishing and visits. Mrs. Jett was a member of Southside Church in Litchfield.
Mrs. Jett is survived by her daughter, Opal Jett of Litchfield; sisters, Edith (Richard) Large of Idaho Falls, ID, Edna (Oscar “Buddy”) Gent of Litchfield, and Debbie (Larry) White of Litchfield; 14 grandchildren, Angie (Kyle) Johnson, Leroy (Candace) Jett, Jerry Jett II, Goldie Jett, Lawanda Jett (companion Trinidad), Benjamin Jett, Rusty (Meagan) Henry, Eric Henry, Elizabeth Jett, Dean (Tanya) Jett II, Samantha Jett, Jennifer Jett, Leslie Jett, and Dakota Means; 33 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Jett was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five sons, Jerry “Hook” Jett, Dean Jett, Leroy Jett, Kevin Jett, and George Jett; two brothers, Andy Logsdon and Leslie Logsdon; five sisters, Emma Micenheimer, Ramona Wilson, Peggy Fiscor, Shirley Logsdon (inf.), and Patricia Logsdon (inf.); grandsons, Kevin Wayne Jett II and Wayne Allen Jett; and great-granddaughter, Harley Grace Jett.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jett will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in King Cemetery near Irving. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Patricia J. Carver, 96 of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Staunton Health & Rehab Center in Staunton. She was born on May 5, 1928, in Hammond, IN, the daughter of the late George and Ethel (John) Whitmire. She married Jesse Curtis Carver on August 13, 1984, and he passed away in May 2009.
Aunt Pat, as everyone called her, retired from the Chicago Ford Motor Company assembly plant after 30 years of service. She loved her walks, mystery novels, and doing puzzles after her retirement.
She is survived by her niece, Sandal (Glen) Herbeck; two great nephews, Brian (Jennifer) Herbeck and Brett (Kelsey) Herbeck; three great great nieces, Lucy, Samantha, and Stephanie; and three great great nephews, Owen, Jaxen, and Jase.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Penny Ann Gosnell; one brother, George Whitmire Jr.; two sisters, Vera Beverly Shwedas and Gloria Nohr; and one nephew, Louis Shwedas.
No services are scheduled at this time. Her family will treasure all the love she gave and the happiness she shared. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Anna Mae (Bellm) Rives, 101, was born on October 3, 1923, in Carlinville to John and Helen (Beasley) Bellm and passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at her home in Carlinville.
Anna married James Willard Rives on April 9, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Carlinville. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2022. Jim would pass away on December 28, 2022.
After graduation from Carlinville High School, Anna entered St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield where she graduated as a Registerd Nurse. After nursing school, she worked at Macoupin County Hospital in Carlinville as an OB nurse. Anna also carried a job in Private Duty Nursing. She was a Nurse Cadet Volunteer during WWII, also volunteering with the Red Cross. Her nursing skills played a big role in her care for aging and dying neighbors and relatives.
While raising a large family, Anna also devoted time to gardening, cooking (especially her blue ribbon pies and German Lebkuchen cookies) crocheting afghans and was an avid reader and crossword puzzle player. Anna looked forward to Bridge Club nights with her many close friends and relatives. Special times for Anna were travels with family.
Anna was a member of Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Charter Member of the Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary, and Charter Member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Surviving are nine children, Patty (Richard) Lange, John (Charlotte) Rives, Bill (Karen) Rives, Matt Rives, all of Carlinville, Mike (Olga) Rives of Carlyle, Bob (Deehan) Rives of Hillsboro, Jim (Eileen) Rives of Springfield, MO, Margaret (Jan) of Florissant, MO, and Becky (Rusty) Klein of Oconomowac, WI. There are 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Anna also leaves two brothers, Earl (Joan) Bellm, and Gene Bellm, all of Carlinville, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, 2010 East 1st South St., Carlinville. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 am with the Reverend Alan Hunter presiding. Burial will take place following the Mass of Christian Burial at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Carlinville.
Memorials may be made to Ss Mary and Joseph Building Fund or to St. Vincent DePaul Society. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
