Obituaries
Death of Leona A. Bruckert
Leona A. Bruckert, 101, of Bunker Hill, IL, died at Rosewood Care Center in Alton, IL on Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 8:57 a.m. She was born on February 19, 1913, in Prairietown, IL to Henry Eden and Emma (Helmkamp) Eden. She married Earl W. Bruckert on September 23, 1933 in Prairietown, IL. He preceded her in death on April 20, 1996. She was a homemaker who liked to quilt and embroider.
She is survived by her son, Ivan (Dorothy) Bruckert of Bunker Hill, IL; grandchildren, Rick (Dana) Davis of Carlinville, IL, Terry (Becky) Bruckert of Des Peres, MO, Brian Bruckert of Bunker Hill, IL, Denise (Lance) Baker of Pana, IL, Erin (Jody) Bruckert of Wheeling, IL; great-grandchildren, Ricky (Hollie), Jefferson (Jessie), Alicia (Bob), Malissa (Walter), Tiffany, Trevor; great great grandchildren, Ethan, Ellie, Emmie, Ayden, Greyson, Adrianna; step great grandchildren, Aaron (Jennifer), Bailey (Kendall); step great great grandchildren, Nowell and Kenley.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, daughter, Doris Davis, sister, Amanda in childhood, sisters, Mary, Hannah, Emma, Florence, Verneda, brother, Ellie and brother, Oscar in childhood.
Visitation services will take place on Monday, October 13, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church Bunker Hill from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Funeral services are Monday, October 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church Bunker Hill with Rev. Terry Grebing officiating. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Garden in Bethalto, IL.
Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church of Bunker Hill, IL. Funeral Home, Bunker Hill, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
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Carol Joyce Crum Ross, born in Carlinville on March 22 1940, was the second child of George and Mildred (Clark) Jackson. She went to heaven 85 years later on March 1, 2026, at home in Carlinville.
She married Donald Lee Crum on November 4, 1956, and they had five children. He preceded her in death on February 13, 2005. She later married Eldon Ross on November 3, 2007, and he also preceded her in death.
Joyce was a member of the class of 1958 Carlinville High School, and then obtained a cosmetology license and then became a hairdresser for 48 years, retiring in 2010. She was a member of the Memorial Christian Church in Carlinville and the Macoupin County Historical Society. She enjoyed antiquing and collected antique dolls.
Known for her warmth and open heart, Joyce never met a stranger leaving everyone she met feeling like an old friend. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, and always being there for them. She taught the value of resilience, perseverance, compassion and to always find joy in the simple things and whose home was always filled with warmth and laughter.
Joyce is survived by children, Rhonda Kay (Robert) LeBlanc, of Henderson, NV, Marsha Lyn (Larry) Rhodes, of Carlinville, Jennifer Lee Crum (Jim Tompkins) of Vail, CO, and Tony Crum; grandchildren, Rachel (Jill ) Bettis Hurley, Jonathan (Riley) Bettis, Kristofer (Lindsay) Bettis, Tyler (Jen) LeBlanc, Ryan LeBlanc, Nicolas LeBlanc. Michael (Mary) Heller, and Katherine (Sean) Boente; great grandchildren, Lee Walter Boente, Maren Lynn Boente, Eva Grace Heller, Mildred Crum Heller, Isabelle Ann Heller, and Harvey Bettis; brother, Evan (Kay) Jackson of Washington, IL; and niece and nephews, Tracy (Tom ) Johnson, Kevin (Barb) Jackson, and Steve ( Tichie) Jackson.
She is preceded in death by her first and second husbands; daughter, Joy Ann (Jack) Bettis; sister, Jo Ann Ratliff; and brother, Paul Jackson.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at the Memorial Christian Church in Carlinville. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 am at the church with Rev. Andrew Funston officiating.
Burial will follow in Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery in Carlinville. Memorials are suggested to either the Memorial Christian Church or the Macoupin County Historical Society. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Charles Reese Roper, 87 of Litchfield, passed away peacefully in his home Monday, February 2, 2026. Mr. Roper was born December 30, 1938, in Carlinville, to Charles and Elizabeth (Welsh) Roper.
An only child, he was lovingly raised by his parents, and an uncle and two aunts who lived next door. He married his high school sweetheart, Carol Ann (Link) Roper, on August 13, 1957.
After graduating from Carlinville High School in 1956, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Eastern Illinois University in 1960 and later obtained a Master of Science in Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. A lifelong educator, Mr. Roper was employed by the Litchfield School District for over 30 years, retiring in 1994. He enjoyed serving as a teacher, high school guidance counselor, and, most of all, coach. Throughout his career, he mentored many young athletes, coaching track, football, basketball, and baseball.
Mr. Roper was a member of the Litchfield Country Club for over 60 years, serving on various committees and playing countless rounds of golf with family and friends. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and took great joy in supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren through their activities, achievements, and everyday moments, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Carol Ann (Link) Roper; his children, Jan (Brad) Niehaus, Lynn (Roger) Hearn, Chuck Roper, Andrea (Al) DeVries, David (Christine) Roper, and Jeff Roper; 16 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law, Mike (Becky) Link, and sisters-in-law, Janet Caulk, and Jane Link.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Anne Marie, who was lost in infancy; and brothers-in-law Ed Caulk and Ralph Link.
The family requests that memorials be made to the Litchfield Sports Boosters or the St. Clare Center Food Pantry.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 12:00 p.m., at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Father Dan Willenborg will preside. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon at the Litchfield Country Club following the memorial service. Plummer Funeral Home is assisting the family. To leave online condolences, light a candle, or order flowers, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
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Peter J. “Pete” Klein, 48 of Staunton, passed away at 1:40 PM on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at his residence in Staunton. He was born September 8, 1976, in St. Louis, MO, the son of Jay Klein and the late Mary Ann (Glaser) Klein.
Pete was employed as a teacher in the Staunton School District. He was a member of Metro Community Church of Edwardsville and played in multiple bands in the state of Illinois. One of his proudest moments was being sober for 10 years, and he loved his countless dogs.
He is survived by his life partner, Crystal Hoffman of Staunton, his father, Jay Klein of Staunton, two uncles, Drew (Dee) Lawrenia of Staunton, and James “Pete” (Deedee) Klein of Staunton; aunt, Margaret Kauffeld of Hazelwood, MO, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Klein.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Metro Community Church in Edwardsville, with Pastor Chris Persons officiating.
Memorials are suggested to either Adopt-A-Pet of Benld or to AA District 18.
