Obituaries
Death of Betty Ann Massey (nee O’Neal)
Betty Ann Massey (nee O’Neal), 76 from Staunton passed away peacefully Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Arcola Health Center in Arcola, Illinois.
Betty was born May 3, 1947 to Robert “Bob” and Olga “Butch” O’Neal (nee Pernichele) at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield. Betty attended St. Michael’s School and Staunton High School, graduating in 1965. Betty graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1972 with a BS in Home Economics with an emphasis on Home Economics in Business. During her time at EIU she was a photographer for the Warbler, EIU’s student yearbook, as well as The Eastern, EIU’s student newspaper.
Betty worked for Myers Brothers, McDonnell Douglas, and for many years at Cassens Transport Company in Edwardsville retiring in time to be a wonderful grandmother and further pursue her interests.
Betty enjoyed movies, photography, vacations, and holidays. She documented every family occasion in detail and was known as the family photographer. She lit up around children and became an expert at snapping the perfect photo of all the youngest family members during holiday gatherings, no matter how naughty some of the kids were being! The photos she took represent cherished family memories and will be a link to the past for future generations.
She enjoyed music in many forms, singing in the choir at St. Michael’s Church where she was a member for many years. Betty also was very involved with genealogy, tracing family lineages for generations and helping others with their research.
Betty loved football and attended many high school and professional games. She could often be found yelling at the television on Sunday afternoons and Monday nights. She also attended many performances at the Fox Theatre and The Muny. She later developed a talent for creating beautiful cards utilizing her scrapbooking and stamp art skills.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Cathy Brister; grandson, Matthew Brister; uncle, Albert (Mary) Pernichele of Corvalis, MT; and many cousins.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; aunts, Elsie (husband Armond) Pacchetti, Peggy (husband Frank) Martini, and Lynette (husband George) Spudich; and uncles Geno (wife June) Pernichele, Bruno (wife Mary) Pernichele, and Calvin (wife Mary) O’Neal.
Betty wished for her remains to be cremated and buried with her parents. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of 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.
