Obituaries
Death of Luke Blevins
Luke Blevins, 81, of Gillespie, IL died Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 6:10 pm at his residence. Luke was born on March 19, 1930 to Leonard Blevins, Sr. and Mildred (Gray) Blevins.
He married Betty Jean (Allen) Blevins on February 5, 1949 in Yuma, AZ. She preceded him in death on January 7, 2011. After his marriage, he went on to retire from Monterey Coal Co as a supervisor and then served as a Unit 7 School Bus Driver. Luke also was a US Navy Veteran and a member of Deacon Trinity Baptist Church in Gillespie, IL, United Mine Workers, and Teamster.
Luke is survived by two sons: Michael Blevins of Denver, CO, Joel (Ida) Blevins of Springfield, IL, two daughters: Larena Blevins of Staunton, IL, Katrina (Robert) Eifling of Gillespie, IL, 10 grandchildren: Ambyre Ponivas, Lucas Blevins, Matthew Blevins, Brad Blevins, Neil Blevins, Keri Rae, Shannon Schulze, Jamie Remer, Jason Remer, Kelly Halteman, nine great grandchildren, four brothers: Wayne Blevins of Dorchester, IL, James Blevins of Godfrey, IL, Lindell Blevins of Statesville, NC, Thomas Blevins of Gillespie, IL, and five sisters: Edna Mae Releford of Gillespie, IL, Vi Edwards of Gillespie, IL, Clarissa “Babe” Troxel of Fallon, NV, Alberta Shemph of Peoria, IL, Carolyn Rimar of Troy, IL.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his spouse, his brothers: Richard Blevins and Leonard Blevins, his sisters: Marianna Peacock, Alvena Friend, Marie Brewer, and Dorothy Blevins.
Visitation is on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm.
The funeral is set to take place Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 6:00 PM at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie, IL. Rev. Justin Kinder will be ministering the services.
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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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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