Obituaries
Death of Lee Rule Jr.
Lee Rule Jr., 87, of Girard passed away Wednesday afternoon, February 27, 2013 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. Lee was born on June 2, 1925 to Levi and Dora Della (May) Rule in Nilwood, IL. He married Juanita Peradotto on August 24, 1957 at the Springfield Southern Baptist Church and she survives.
He graduated from Girard High School with the class of 1943. Lee received his Bachelor’s Degree in speech and business from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in 1956 and a Master’s Degree in School Administration from Sangamon State University/University of Illinois, Springfield.
He retired as a teacher in the Springfield School District in 1991, having taught at Lincoln Elementary School, Washington Middle School and Grant Middle School. He also worked for Country Companies Insurance and bought and sold property in Springfield, Urbana and Girard for many years. Lee was also a United States Army veteran.
Lee was a Southern Baptist Pastor for more than 50 years. This included 20 years in Springfield, as well as pastorates in Southern Illinois while in college, Gillespie, Modesto and Raymond. He also had interim pastorates in the area.
Lee was an athlete in high school and a life long fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and Fighting Illini. He enjoyed golf and was a member of the Oak Leaf Country Club. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge. He spent winters in St. Cloud, FL and had season tickets to the Houston Astros baseball games and numerous other major league teams. His first row seats near the dugout allowed him to talk with Tony LaRussa, Joe Girardi and other managers and players, as well as first base coach Jose Cruz. Those 15 games in March made his winters special.
His wife, Juanita Rule of Girard; son, Damon Rule of Urbana, IL; sister, Ethel Myers of Auburn, IL; a chosen son, George Keck of Urbana, IL and a chosen grandson, Nicolas Sabuco of Bradenton, FL, survive Lee.
His parents, Levi and Dora Rule; sister, Bernice Compton and 3 brothers, Calvin, Kenneth and A.E. “Pete” Rule, precede Lee in death.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 3, 2013 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in Girard. Funeral services will be held on Monday, March 4, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Rev. Darrell Molen officiating. Burial will follow in the Girard Cemetery with military rites.
Memorials are suggested to the Girard Rescue Squad, North Mac School Foundation or the charity of the donor’s choice.
Davis Anderson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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JoAnn L. Semrock, 87 of Carlinville, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, June 9, 2025, at her daughter’s residence in Carlinville. JoAnn was born on July 1, 1937, in Columbia, SC, the daughter of David and Corrie (Hooper) Hill. She married Norman C. Semrock on April 2, 1960, in Springfield.
JoAnn, known affectionately as Jojo, was the heart of her family. Her home was a gathering place filled with joyful memories, especially Sunday dinners where she served her famous homemade spaghetti sauce. Jojo adored her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, along with many honorary “grandkids” she lovingly adopted over the years. Jojo never missed a sporting event, dance recital, pageant, or school play, always cheering proudly from the sidelines. She loved with her whole heart, and you never had to wonder how much you meant to her.
Her passion for caring for others extended into her professional life. She began her career as a nurse, later becoming the co-founder of Zion Lutheran Preschool in Carlinville, where she served as a beloved administrator for more than 20 years.
Jojo found joy in life’s simple pleasures – reading mystery novels, tending to her flower garden, and playing weekly bridge games with dear friends. Her love, generosity, sass and strength will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Margaret and Louise; her brother, David; and her son-in-law, Kenny Hicks.
JoAnn is survived by her husband of 65 years, Norman C. Semrock of Carlinville; two daughters, Laura Hicks of Carlinville and Amy (Adrian) Walton of Carlinville; grandchildren Kaitie (Quin), Braden (Grace), Camryn (John), Chloe (Tyler), Emily, Carly (Brendan), Cory, and Will; and great-grandchildren, Turner, Evelyn, Vivienne, Hudson, Eleanor, and Reese.
To honor JoAnn’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Her family will celebrate her life privately. Memorials may be made to Shriner’s Children Hospital. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Kenneth Ruyle, 91 of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at 11:40 a.m. He was born on April 3, 1934, in Plainview to Howard Ruyle and Nina Lucille (Manuel) Ruyle.
He married Anna M. “Annie” Gregus on May 3, 1958, in Gillespie. He was a concrete contractor and finisher for many years. He enjoyed gardening, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, casinos, and dining out.
He is survived by his step son, Gary (Roseann) Visintin of Gillespie; daughter-in-law, Cathy Visintin of Gillespie; three grandsons, Matthew Visintin, Bradley (Meghan) Visintin, and Pete (Liz) Visintin of Gillespie; three great-grandchildren, Zephaniah Visintin, Leo Visintin, and Owen Visintin; and many nieces and nephews .
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; wife; step son, Pete Visintin; and siblings, Frank and Bill Ruyle, June Martin, and Maxine Osborne.
His body was donated to Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Gillespie-Benld Area Ambulance Service or to the donor’s choice.
Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Lorraine LaVern Collenberger, 98 of Vandalia, formerly of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday June 11, 2025. She was born on June 8, 1927, in Rockport, a daughter of Raymond and Elsie (Murphy) Agney.
Ms. Collenberger was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Coffeen. She enjoyed sewing and playing BINGO. Ms. Collenberger was an excellent cook and enjoyed making Heavenly Hash. She was employed with Roller Derby Skate Corporation in Litchfield for 55 years.
Ms. Collenberger is survived by a daughter, Trealia A. Collenberger of Vandalia, and sisters, Shirley Ivy of Taylor Springs, Mabel Segrest of Hillsboro, and Violet Agney of Taylor Springs.
Ms. Collenberger was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Elsie Agney, and her siblings, Raymond Agney, Tom Agney, Elmer Agney, Donald Agney, Mary Moore, Blanche Thorpe, Ruby Eveland, Dorsella Agney, Loretta Agney (inf.) and Voletta Agney (inf.).
Funeral services for Ms. Collenberger will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield and a visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Rev. Gary Schwab of First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield.
Memorials may be directed to Hearts United, 110 N. Jackson St., Litchfield, IL, 62056. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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