Obituaries
Death of Bonnie Karen Gibson
Bonnie Karen Gibson of Gillespie, passed away on September 30, 2023, leaving a legacy of love. Bonnie led an extraordinary life. She was born March 29, 1947, in Bruno, MO to Alivs and Ruby (Rutherford) Shafer.
At a young age, she married Jerry Gibson, to whom she was married for 43 years. They had 5 children, Lynn (Kenny) Petrelli, Noam (Diane) Gibson, Lisa Monroe, Becky Gibson, Kim (Brian) Stoops, 10 grandchildren, 20 great grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, 5 sisters and brothers, many nieces and nephews, and numerous close friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and grandson.
Bonnie worked throughout her life as a seamstress, housekeeper, cabinet maker, brake parts assembler for 23 years, and in between she worked at the family sawmill and farm. Finally, she ended her career retiring from State Farm as a licensed team member, where she worked for 17 years at a job she truly loved. Bonnie regretted not graduating from high school, so at the age of 46, she successfully completed her GED Graduation Certificate from Lewis & Clark Community College.
Bonnie loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was a faithful and active member of First Baptist Church of Gillespie for almost 50 years. She taught Sunday school and organized events for her “church ladies.” Bonnie was the unofficial landscaper and gardener at the church. She spent hours picking out plants, flowers, planting, watering, and caring for them. In addition, Bonnie served on the Mission’s Committee and managed the kitchen, which included coordinating potlucks, funeral receptions, and visiting pastor mills. Her personal ministry was to send out daily devotion. Bonnie had a servant’s heart. She tirelessly worked in her yard, planting flowers and plants. Her favorite season was fall when she decorated with mums and pumpkins. Bonnie was a fantastic cook and baker. She loved to fix prime rib dinner for her family at Christmas and she cherished their time together. She delighted in gift giving. Bonnie enjoyed traveling and visited many beautiful places in her life. She passed the travel bug on to her children and grandchildren. Bonnie loved, and was loved by, her family and church family. Bonnie recently said, “I just hope I leave a good testimony.” Mission accomplished!
Visitation will be on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, from 5pm-8pm at the Gillespie First Baptist Church. Funeral services will be on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at 10 am at the Gillespie First Baptist Church with Pastor Jared DePoppe officiating. Bonnie will be laid to rest at Gillespie Cemetery next to her beloved husband. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the First Baptist Church with Bonnie Gibson memorial in the memo line to be designated for the grounds fund. Please mail checks payable to the First Baptist Church to Becky Gibson, 200 E Foch Street, Carlinville, IL, 62626. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.
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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.
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