Obituaries
Death of Marilyn Isabell Caveny
Marilyn Isabell Caveny, 94 of Litchfield, passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023, at 7:00 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center. She was born on February 10, 1929, a daughter of Lyle and Ema (Cummings) Duncan.
She graduated from Shipman High School with the Class of 1947, where she was a cheerleader. She and Joseph Emmett Caveny were married on April 29, 1950, at St. Denis Parish in Shipman with Fr. Walsh officiating. Emmett preceded her in death on Jan. 9, 2000.
As a young woman, Marilyn worked as a veterinary assistant for Dr. Robert Brakefield in Macoupin County, worked at Western Cartridge in East Alton, and at the JC Archer Allis-Chalmers Dealership in Shipman at the parts counter.
As a young Army bride, she followed Emmett to Kansas when he was drafted in 1950 where she planted trees along the highway for the state. When he was sent overseas, she returned to her parents’ farm in Shipman. Upon his discharge in 1954, they started farming in North Litchfield Township. She became a full-time farmer’s wife, and then later a full-time coal miner’s wife.
Marilyn was active in St. Aloysius Parish Altar and Rosary Society where she also cared for the priest’s and altar boys’ vestments for many years. She was a Cub Scout leader and volunteered for the American Red Cross and for the food pantries. Marilyn loved fishing, animals, and baseball. She was a die-hard Brooklyn Dodgers fan, transferring her allegiance to LA when they moved.
In later years, she loved mowing, reading, traveling, lunch and games with friends, swimming, dancing, and music. Her grandchildren were the joy of her life, and she attended all of their events until her health made that impossible.
Marilyn is survived by two sons, Joe (Lori) Caveny of Litchfield and Tim (Candace) Caveny of O’Fallon; daughter, Elaine (Jeff) Stone of Lewistown, IL; four grandchildren, Shannon Caveny of St. Louis, MO, Erin Caveny of Litchfield, Justin (Cassie) Stone of Lewistown, IL, and Tysin Stone of Lewistown, IL; two great-grandchildren, Cameron Stone and Regan Stone, both of Lewistown; and three sister-in-laws, Billie Caveny, Kathy Hantla Walden, and Arlene Duncan.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings and their spouses, Boyd (Christie) Duncan, Bill (Margie) Duncan, Robert Duncan, Jinny (Thornton) Leatherby, and Ardie (Ed) Caveny.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Fr. Daniel J. Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in St. Denis Cemetery in Shipman.
Visitation will be 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. The Rosary will be recited at 6:45 p.m. with Deacon Sean Caveny, Marilyn’s nephew, leading.
Her love of her grandchildren and her love of music led to her wish for memorials in her name to be made to Lewistown School District #97 Music Department or to Litchfield School District #12 Music Department.
Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Ronald Harwell Johnson, 77 of Litchfield, passed away Monday, September 30, 2024, at 5:06 pm at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL. He was born on August 9, 1947, in Litchfield, a son of Harwell C. and Alma Ruth (Sharp) Johnson.
Ron was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School in 1966. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Germany as an MP. He married the former Cinda Sue (Everett). They were married on July 7, 1969, at the First Baptist Church of Litchfield. Cinda passed away November 21, 2005. He then married the former Barbara Jean (Simmons) Jones on May 10, 2008, at their home in Litchfield and she survives.
Ron was self-employed and owner of Ron’s Floor Coverings with a 51-year career. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Litchfield for several years. He served as a deacon, trustee, and on the bus ministry. Ron also donated his time and talents on the church property committee. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, going to tractor shows, and traveling, especially, taking trips to Branson, Missouri.
Surviving are son, Kurt Johnson of Edwardsville; daughter, Jody (Jeffrey) Haas of Navarre, FL; two stepdaughters, Cheryl Barrall of Carbondale and Jennifer (John) Osmer of Rochester; three brothers, Jerald (Janice) Johnson of Crete, IL, Lloyd “Peanut” (Marci) Johnson of Litchfield, and Robert A. (Cathy) Johnson of Litchfield; sister, Carol (Robert) Sneed of Litchfield; four grandchildren, Lauren Smith, Nina Johnson, Hayden Dane Johnson, and Jeremy Allen Haas; three step-grandchildren, Mason, Griffin, and Weston Osmer; and two great-grandchildren, Hazel Lynn and Maverick Dean Austin.
In addition to his wife Cinda, Ron is proceeded in death by his parents and brother, Leslie Johnson.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 4, 2024, at 12:00 Noon at the First Presbyterian Church of Litchfield. The reverend Gary J. Schwab will officiate. Burial will be at the Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 9:00 am until time of service at the church. The family suggests memorials to Hearts United. Plummer Funeral Home is serving the family.
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Cynthia Ann Mayberry, 62 of Litchfield, passed away on Thursday, September 26, 2024, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. Ms. Mayberry was born on July 20, 1962, in Springfield a daughter of Alfred Lee and Carolyn (Eads) Mayberry.
She was employed as a factory worker. Ms. Mayberry enjoyed being a homemaker, taking pride in being a good cook, hosting holiday dinners, and collecting kitchen gadgets. She was a passionate gardener and each year she enjoyed teaching her children about plants and the importance of self-sufficiency. She also enjoyed sewing and crocheting.
Ms. Mayberry is survived by a son, Steve (fiancée Brooke Davis) Rigney of Litchfield; three daughters, Nikki (fiancé Damian Staley) Mayberry and Jesse Mayberry, both of Litchfield, and Ruby Mayberry of Virden; and a brother, Terry Mayberry of Springfield.
No services are planned at this time for Ms. Mayberry. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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James G. Zirkelbach, 65 of Benld, died at his residence on Monday, September 30, 2024, at 10:32 p.m. He was born on July 28, 1959, in Alton to James R. Zirkelbach and Carol Lawton Zirkelbach.
He married Bonnie S. Wallace Zirkelbach on July 10, 1995, in Carlinville. She preceded him in death on February 13, 2022. He was retired after having been the chief of police for Benld. James enjoyed his grandchildren and being outdoors.
He is survived by his daughters, Melissa Zirkelbach of Benld, Lindsay (Chris) Young of Benld, and Hilary Thomas of Benld; grandchildren, Blake Middleton, Marria Middleton, Hailey Young, Kennedi Isaacs, and Carter Young; great-grandchild, Savannah Middleton; siblings, Robert (Sandee) Zirkelbach of Carlisle, IA, Dennis (Julie) Zirkelbach of Eagarville, Mark (Sandy) Zirkelbach of Kemp, TX, Brad Zirkelbach of Wentzville, MO, Tracy (Bret) Werner of Hamel, Joan (Brent) Cain of Carlinville, and Kim (Jack) Burns of Benld; step mother, Mary Zirkelbach of Benld; and sister in law, Robbi Zirkelbach.
James was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; and brother, Brian Zirkelbach.
Friends may call on Friday, October 4, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Benld from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. Memorial services will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 12:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Benld.
Memorials are suggested to wishes of the family. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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Bunker Hill hosting Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 14
Gillespie Council votes to buy building for police department
Gillespie Council establishes penalty of late lake lot lease payments, green lights programs to display banners honoring local veterans
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Community News3 weeks agoBunker Hill hosting Fall Festival this Saturday, Sept. 14
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Community News3 weeks agoGillespie Council votes to buy building for police department
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Community News3 weeks agoGillespie Council establishes penalty of late lake lot lease payments, green lights programs to display banners honoring local veterans
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