Obituaries
Death of Clarence E. Smith
Clarence E. Smith, 89 of Carlinville, went to be with the Lord on Thursday morning, April 29, 2021, at Timber Creek Assisted Living in Litchfield. Gene was born May 29, 1931, in Roxana to Catherine Louise Clower and Clarence Olsen Smith.
He spent much of his childhood with his grandparents in Riddle Hill, Illinois. Gene enrolled in the US Marine Corp served 3 years and attained the rank of sergeant. After he was honorably discharged from service, he began a 35-year tenure as a welder and pipefitter with Shell Oil Company at the Roxana refinery.
Gene was an elder of the Carlinville First Assembly of God Church where he ushered, taught Sunday school, and served as Deacon. Gene was a chief cornerstone member during the construction of the church in 1965. Gene married Hazel Virginia Gotcher on November 26, 1953, in Gillespie.
Gene was a proud and devoted husband for 57 years. Gene constructed their home on Mayo Street in Carlinville where they lived happily together. Virginia preceded him in death on August 27, 2011. Gene’s real passion was enjoying his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Gene also enjoyed reading, gardening, mowing his lawn, watching westerns movies, and sitting down and visiting with friends, church members, and family.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia in 2011; and his sister, Carolyn Hughes.
Gene is survived by his son, Paul (Teresa) Smith of Greenfield; daughter Kathy (Keith) Ushman of Manchester, IL; daughter, Gail Esparza of St. Louis MO; 4 grandchildren, Jason (Amy) Smith of Hettick IL, Luke (Sokha) Smith of Kampot Cambodia, Jimmy (Kristina) Curry of Carlinville, Rachel Curry of Jacksonville; 5 great-grandchildren, Hannah and Asa Smith, Alexandra Curry, Parker and Paisley Smith; sister, Ruth Shirley DeLong of Carlinville; brother, Bill Terry of Wood River; sister, Diane Rekart of Gillespie; brother, David Smith of Plainview; brother, Irvin Smith of Shipman; and several nieces and nephews.
Private graveside services will be conducted on Monday, May 3, 2021, at Prairie Lawn Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Carlinville First Church or Timber Creek Assisted Living Activities Fund. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of the arrangements
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Nancy Ilene Weller, 74, of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 2:52 pm. She was born June 4, 1949, in Litchfield, to Charles Giller and Margaret Whitman Giller. She married Kenneth Raymond Weller, Sr., on August 17, 1968, in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2011.
She was a caregiver. Nancy loved horses, reading, and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Chester (Katina) Weller of Gillespie, Luke Weller of Gillespie, Spring Weller (spouse, Phillip Benner) of Fowler, IN, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 5 brothers, and sisters.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, 4 brothers, and sisters.
No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Beverly Kay Brown, 82, of Gillespie, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 8:45 am. She was born October 4, 1941, in Litchfield, to Mario Meldi and Opal Olston Meldi. She married Bob Brown on October 30, 1976.
She worked for the State of Illinois in title transferring and data processing. Beverly enjoyed reading and was an avid reader of People’s magazine.
She is survived by her spouse, Bob Brown of Gillespie, children, Joell (Sid) Flyte of Edwardsville, Jackie (Larry) Fear of The Villages, FL, Kathy Giesler of Mattoon, Kim (Joe) Brittin of Springfield, Jane (Greg) Hallum of Ishpeming, MI, Lori Brown of Temecula, CA, grandchildren, Breanna Leake, Dominique Flyte, Addie Flyte, Bradley Fear, David Fear, Brad Brittin, Melissa Casad, Amanda Kozak, Jaime Galloway, Jaimee Dobson, Jenny Knight, Emily Nault, Elyssa Gregurash, Erin Baldini, many great-grandchildren, brothers, Ron (Corky) Meldi of Nitro, WV, and sisters-in-law, June Swan and Loni Cloyd. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jedd Hallum, and brother-in-law, Preston Brown.
Friends may call on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to SS Simon and Jude Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Darrell Leon Hoffstot, 69, of Gillespie, died at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born October 2, 1954, in Granite City, to Willard Lee Hoffstot and Hazel Mae Holloway Hoffstot.
He was retired after having been an assembler for Echlin. Darrell enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing.
He is survived by his sons, Zachary Hoffstot of Mt. Olive, and Zane Hoffstot of Gillespie, and sisters, Sandra Elledge of Litchfield, and Peggy (Joseph) Fischer. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Victor Hoffstot.
No public services will be held. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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