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Death of Frances Rinker

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Frances Rinker, 91, of Gillespie, IL, was quietly called home on December 16, 2014, with her family and friends surroundering her at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL after a brief illness. She was born in Carlinville, IL on August 6, 1923, to Hilda L. (Edwards) Millhorn and Paul I. Millhorn. She married Charles E. Rinker. He preceded her in death on December 8, 1982. Together they had 3 children and her family remained the light of her life through the years.

She was a dedicated worker having succeeded in all endeavors and had 3 separate careers. She was a LPN at both St Francis and Carlinville Hospitals, then Frances worked with Montgomery Ward as a retail employee and next, a store manager in both Carlinville and Litchfield in a career than spanned more than 20 years. After her retirement from Montgomery Ward, she took a position with Illinois Valley Economic Development rising to the position of project director. She retired at the age of 76 for the final time.

Frances spent nearly her entire life in Montgomery and Macoupin Counties. She attended grade school in Barnett and high school in Litchfield and graduated after eleven years after never being absent a single day. She was a fine student by all accounts.

Her hobbies included swing dancing, bowling, playing cards and watching her beloved St. Louis Cardinals.

She is survived by her children: Mary Catherine Contratto of Gillespie, Karen (Jim) Brunetto of Gillespie, David (Karen) Rinker of Carlinville; grandchildren, Rachel (Conner) Foster of Lincoln, IL, Matt (Kerry) Rinker of Carlinville, Mark (Sarah) Brunetto of Grafton, IL, Lauren Rinker of Springfield, IL, Sarah Rinker of Carlinville; 6 great grandchildren; brother, Edward (Carolyn) Millhorn of Bettendorf, IA; niece, Sally (Mike) Worden of Bettendorf, IA and nephew, J. Edward (Negra’s) Millhorn of Lapaz, Bolivia, SA.

Beside her parents and spouse she was also preceded in death by her brother Myron and his wife, Jane Millhorn of Ft. Wayne, IN and son in law, George “Cubby” Contratto.

As were her wishes, her remains will be cremated and there are no services planned at this time. The family suggest memorials be sent to United Methodist Church in GIllespie, IL.

Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituaries

Obituary of Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman

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Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman, 74 of Nokomis, passed away at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was born on December 28, 1951, in Hillsboro to the late John Whitlow and Agnes Haggarty Whitlow.  

She married James Schuerman on June 7, 1975 in Decatur. She worked as a dietician, home health aide and cook. James and Sally were foster parents to many children over the years. She loved horses and her grandkids.  

She is survived by her children, April Balestri (James) of Eagarville, Cris “Bill” Schuerman of Nokomis, and Crystal (Greg) Linton of Aldrich, MO; daughter in law, Kasey Schuerman; grandchildren, Paul Balestri, Gracelynn Balestri, Hunter Schuerman, and Andy Linton; brother, Guy (Norma) Whitlow of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Charles Schuerman; sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Hopwood; brother, Sam Whitlow; and niece, Kathy Whitlow.  

No services are scheduled at this time. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituary of Paul F. Madden

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Paul F. Madden, 61 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:08 pm.  He was born on September 27, 1964, in Litchfield to John Patrick Madden and Barbara Ann (Resnik) Madden Sawyer.  

He married Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden on June 5, 2015 in Forsyth, IL. He was a sales manager in the equipment manufacturing industry.  Paul was a huge golfer who also enjoyed music, playing the guitar, riding his bike, walking his dog, running and traveling.

He is survived by his spouse, Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden of Gillespie; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Cash of Carlinville; step daughter, Zoey Mayo of Gillespie; brothers, John P (Betsy) Madden of St. Paul, MN, Timothy J. (Anne) Madden of Lemont, IL, and David W. (Sarah) Madden of Urbana, IL; and step father, George Sawyer of Gillespie.  

Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark D. Madden.  

Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL.  

Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7, BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituary of Suzanne Marie Labath

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Suzanne Marie Labath, 63 of Scottsville, KY and formerly of St. Louis, MO and Gillespie passed away on Friday, December 26, 2025, at the Medical Center at Scottsville.  The Davenport, Iowa native was a homemaker, loved being a grandma, and enjoyed camping and fishing. She was a daughter of the late John H. Labath and Suzanne M. Petersen Labath.

She is survived by her husband, Ron Fritz, Scottsville, KY; son, Jason Beard, Bowling Green, KY; two daughters, Erica Beard and Jessica Allen, both of St. Louis, MO; four brothers, John Labath (Cathy), Long Grove, IA, Bill Labath, Yale, IA, Tony Labath (Judy), Greensboro, NC, and Bert Labath (Gail), Lumberton, TX; sister, Josie Labath, Davenport, IA; two sisters-in-law, Margaret Labath and Barbara Labath; four grandchildren, Anyae, Anthony and Jaleyah Allen and Jeremiah Thomas; two great grandchildren, Amaya Marshall and A’riah Beard; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Marty Labath and Pete Labath.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Cremation was chosen and Goad Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations for funeral expenses.  Donations may be made at Goad Funeral Home.

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