Obituaries
Death of JoElla Mary Alderson
JoElla Mary Alderson, 86 of Gillespie, died at her residence on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She was born on June 14, 1936, in Litchfield to Thomas Edward Madden Sr. and Charlotte Thomas Madden.
JoElla attended SS Simon and Jude School, graduated in 1954 from Gillespie High School, and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She married the love of her life, James R. Alderson, on December 29, 1956, in Gillespie.
JoElla and Jim had their first date at the sweetheart dance when they were 16. They had three children, James Kent, Kristine Clarice and Sean Robert. JoElla worked, and at one point, co-owned, Lesum’s Store in Gillespie. She worked many years at People’s State Bank and Tetzlaff Farm Supply. She enjoyed collecting antiques, mostly at local auction sales. JoElla also enjoyed dancing and never passed up a chance to join Jim for some smooth moves on the dance floor. JoElla will be lovingly remembered by her family.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Alderson; sons, Kent Alderson (Kim Swan) and Sean Alderson (Tammy); daughter, Kris Lytton (Mike); grandchildren, Ryan Alderson, Nathan Alderson, Alex Lytton, Alan Lytton, and Deana Hampton; many wonderful great-grandchildren; and brother, Eugene Madden.
JoElla was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Thomas Madden, James Madden and Jerry Madden.
Private family services will be held. Memorials are suggested to Illinois Coal Museum 121 S. Macoupin, Gillespie, IL 62033. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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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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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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