Obituaries
Death of John Joseph Tarro
John Joseph Tarro, 83, of Gillespie, IL died Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 12:32 pm at St. Francis Hospital in Litchfield, IL. John was born March 19, 1928 in Wilsonville, IL to James Tarro and Lucy (Tarro) Tarro.
He married Margaret “Margie” (Frame) Tarro in 1947 in Gillespie, IL. She preceded him in death on October 7, 1993. He was a retired engineer from Hurst-Rosche Engineering Firm and a U.S. Army veteran that served in the Korean War. John was also a member of VFW Post 4547 of Gillespie, IL and K of C Gillespie Council 2076.
John is survived by sons: Richard (Jeanne) Tarro of Crescent City, IL, Anthony (Diane) Tarro of Gillespie, IL, daughter: Robin (James) Allan of Gillespie, IL, grandchildren: Nikki (Scott) Katich, Samantha Jo Allan, Jordan Allan, Jonathan Tarro, Jacob Tarro, great grandchild: Cole John Katich, and step grandchildren: Krista, Kyria, Avery.
Other than his parents, John was preceded in death by his spouse, daughter: Theresa Triplo and brother: Charles Tarro.
Friends may call on Friday, February 10, 2012 at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
The funeral is set to take place Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie, IL. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in Gillespie, IL. The services will be ministered by Monsignor Larry Auda. The family suggests memorials be made out to Partnership for Educational Excellence District 7.
Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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Charles M. Crays, 64 of Carlinville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m. He was born October 24, 1961, in Carlinville to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville.
Charles was a longtime iron worker and retired from the trade. He was a devoted member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and the Carlinville Masonic Lodge, and he took pride in helping others in his community.
Charles is survived by his wife, Darla Crays, of Carlinville; his stepchildren Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana, and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; his grandson Sawyer Downs; his brother Robert L. Crays (Lettie) of Carlinville; his sisters Linda L. Crays and Julie Ann Crays, both of Waggoner; and his nephew Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Carlinville Moose Lodge, or the Carlinville Masonic Lodge. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of 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.
