Obituaries
Death of Charlie Ruyle
Charlie Ruyle, 80, of Morrisonville, passed away surrounded by family at 9:20 p.m. on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at his home. Charlie was born February 26, 1943, in Litchfield, the only child of Walter Andrew and Ellen M. (Wagner) Ruyle.
He graduated from Gillespie High School with the class of 1961, and while attending high school began his career in the funeral profession assisting his local funeral home with funerals and their ambulance service. Upon graduation, Charlie accepted his first full-time position selling burial clothing and sundries, and that soon led him to casket sales. He would sell caskets until the day he died, working for several companies, currently Matthews International Funeral Solutions.
Though casket sales were his career, his devotion was to the many communities he served through funeral service. Charlie assisted several funeral homes throughout the decades and was currently employed with Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Homes for the past 20 plus years. He was devoted to the bereaved and wanted their loved one’s funerals and memorials to be as special as any other.
On August 6, 1966, Charlie married the love of his wife, Sharon E. Schmidt, at the Gillespie Zion Lutheran Church. They enjoyed over 57 years of marriage, and the last thirty-three in Morrisonville. They have been devoted members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Harvel, where Charlie served on many committees and held several positions, most recently Elder. He had few hobbies, because of his dedication to his profession, but he never missed a chance to have lunch or dinner at Charro’s in Taylorville. Charlie’s other favorite pastime was just spending time with his family but spoiling his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Sharon Ruyle of Morrisonville; daughters, Heidi Massie of Morrisonville and Ann (Rich) Ganther of Morrisonville; grandchildren, Memphis (Savannah) Sullivan of Morrisonville, Maddie Massie of Springfield, Dalton (Brooke) Thomas of Bury St. Edmunds England and Cody Ganther of Morrisonville; great grandchildren Maelee and Macklen Sullivan; several nieces and nephews, and cousins; special friends Larry Rogers, Megan Steely, Fan & E. Camacho, and his favorite waitress, Ying; and numerous funeral directors and families who will always be grateful for his years of help.
Visitation: The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 304 Carlin Street, Morrisonville, October 3. Funeral Ceremony: 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 402 Monroe Street, Harvel, with Rev. Joseph Nehring as celebrant. Investment will follow the funeral ceremony at Asbury Cemetery in Raymond. The family is hosting a luncheon at the American Legion Post 721 in Morrisonville following committal services.
Donations of food may be made to the American Legion on Wednesday morning. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Trinity Lutheran Church, 402 Monroe Street, Harvel, or Benld Adopt-A-Pet, 807 Stewart Avenue, Benld. Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories of Charlie’s, or to offer condolences to his family.
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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.
