Obituaries
Death of Gerald G B Johnson
Gerald G B Johnson, 84 of Gillespie, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, October 12, 2024. He was born on November 11, 1939, in Meadowbrook, IL to Zeph Johnson and Malinda Johnson.
He owned G and D Trucking and Repair in Brighton and Johnson Yard in Gillespie. He worked for the Gillespie Township. He loved working and fixing antique tractors preferably John Deere. He also enjoyed farming, dancing, whiskey, auctions, playing pinochle, playing pool, and spending time with family and friends. He was a founding member of Arts and Miners Breakfast Club with his buddies Bill and Jim.
He is survived by his children, Geraldine (Johnson) Meyer of Gillespie, Eugene Johnson of Gillespie, Kimberly (Terry) Johnson Ballard of Roodhouse, Cheryl (Sanders) Johnson of Cottage Hills, Shannon (Brittany) Johnson of Gillespie, Christa Clark of Lawrence, KS, and one amazing woman, Rose Johnson of Roodhouse, IL.
Gerald married Rose on March 11, 1959. They later divorced but remained the best of friends. Also surviving are sister-in-law, Elaine Johnson of Edwardsville;15 grandchildren, Harley, Shelli, Randy, Christa, Natasha, Ronnie, John, Joey, Taylor, Cameron, Bentley, Brailee, Reco, Justin, and Valisity; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Arlyn, Melvin Reinke and Alan Johnson; sister, Diania Pruett; and beloved son, Terry Johnson.
Visitation will be on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Memorials are suggested to American Heart Association or American Cancer Society. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Betty Jane Stoecker, 95 of Hillsboro, formerly of Benld, died at Hillsboro Area Hospital, Hillsboro on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was born on September 4, 1929, in Litchfield to Finis “Slim” Thomas Hughes and Francis Rivers Gahagen Hughes.
She married Herbert A. Stoecker in Benld in June of 1949. He preceded her in death in 1967. Betty was a graduate of Benld High School. Betty was a farmer’s wife. She was an avid supporter of Adopt A Pet.
She is survived by her children, Linda (John) Stretch of Hillsboro, Thomas (Sandra) Stoecker of Carlinville, and Gail Marie (Rice) Phillips of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Chris Holman, Stacie (Clayton) Streator, Daniel (Erica) Robbins, Amanda Robbins, Aaron Stoecker, Brent (Karla) Stoecker, Mark (Renae) Thompson, Michelle (Chuck) Blankenship, Michael (Amanda) Thompson, and Michael Phillips; 18 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; and great grandson, Balin Robbins.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gillespie from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gillespie.
Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery, Gillespie. Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Cemetery or Adopt A Pet. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Lindia M. Smith, 83 of Gillespie, died at Keystone Place, Glen Carbon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:51 pm. She was born on November 12, 1941, in Ironton, MO to James Crocker and Dona Gillam Crocker.
She married Harold Dean Smith on July 25, 1959. He preceded her in death on January 23, 2023. She was a cashier for Walmart for 15 years. Lindia was an animal lover. She had a passion for raising baby squirrels. Lindia also enjoyed working in her yard.
She is survived by her sons, David (Tracy) Smith of Gillespie and Barry Smith of Gillespie; daughter, Lori (Joe) Sneed of Glen Carbon; grandson, Randy Sneed of Glen Carbon; several granddaughters; several great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and siblings, Frances (Richard) Kalbfleish of Pevely, MO and Gary (Barbara) Crocker of Russellville, MO.
Lindia was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Harold I Smith; and several brothers and sisters.
Friends may call on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services are Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.
Burial will be at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Carlinville. Memorials are suggested to Macoupin County Animal Shelter. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Dora Berutti, 92 of Benld, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:54 pm. She was born on April 5, 1932, in Benld to Anton Fiorio and Maria Gherna Fiorio.
She married Herman R. “Skip” Berutti on October 15, 1955, in Benld. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2005. She was retired after having been a bookkeeper for Illinois Valley. Dora was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church and Altar Society.
She is survived by her son, Tom (Kara) Berutti of Southlake, TX; daughter, Gina Bain of Litchfield; grandchildren, Amie Lynn, Claire, Caroline, and Emily; great-grandchildren, Lance, Faith, and Lexie Raine; and great-great-grandchildren, Alexander, Paisley Grace and Skylar.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; sisters, Anita, Olga, and Dena; and brother, Thomas.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church in Benld from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial mass will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church in Benld at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery, Benld.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church or Benld Cemetery. Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld is in charge of the arrangements.
