Obituaries
Death of Marjorie F. Leefers
Marjorie F. Leefers died at her home on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the age 92. She was born on September 8, 1930, in Gillespie to Paul and Zelma (Besanceney) Lancaster.
Marjorie was married on June 23, 1951, in Gillespie to James D. Leefers of Carlinville. He preceded her in death in 2013. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Bob, and his wife, Naomi; an infant sister, Betty; and sister-in-law, Daisy Lancaster.
Marjorie graduated from Gillespie High School in 1948. She worked at Lesem’s Dept. Store in Gillespie from 1948 to 1951. She then worked in Carlinville at Walker’s Dime Store and Montgomery Wards Order Office. From 1962-1989, she worked for Schien Body and Equipment Co. as a bookkeeper. She then worked for Konneker-Brown from 1990 until she retired in June of 1994.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Church of Christ where she served on several committees including volunteering at the Carlinville Food Pantry. She was a Charter Member of the Elk’s Ladies Organization and held several offices in that organization. She was chosen by the Carlinville Elk’s Lodge and the West Central District in 1999-2000 as Elk Lady of the Year. In February 2000, she was honored by the Carlinville Elk’s Lodge with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Marge enjoyed collecting news articles on family and friends and many other items in scrapbooks. She also kept a lot of information on the Elk’s Organization for her husband, Jim. She did a great deal of research on the family genealogy of both sides of her and Jim’s families. She enjoyed sewing, making blankets and quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also liked putting puzzles together.
Her happiest times were when the family would get together for a pot-luck dinner. She loved watching the grandchildren and great-grandchildren all play ball, hunt Easter Eggs, open Christmas presents, and have fun all together. She loved traveling to the Elk’s National Conventions with her husband Jim. It gave her a chance to see so many different fascinating ways of life. She also liked to collect small pencil sharpeners which she had over 300 at one time and Pillsbury dough-boy items, along with going to auctions with Jim and collecting Fostoria Glass.
She is survived by two sons, Paul D. (Holly) of Litchfield and James L. (Tina) of Coffeen; a daughter, Gail (Jack) Sanson of Carlinville; five grandchildren, Michelle (Doug) Wernsing of Litchfield, Karie (Greg) Pollard of Girard, Adam Leefers and his partner Katie Barnhart of Grand Rapids, MI., Matthew (Alicia) Leefers of Dalton City, and A.J. (Abby) Sanson of Wentzville, MO; six great-grandchildren, Landon Paul Wernsing and Carter Dean Wernsing of Litchfield, Henry Cole Pollard of Girard, Nolan James Leefers of Dalton City, Reilly Grace Sanson of Wentzville, MO, and Aiden Wayne Barnhart Leefers of Grand Rapid, MI; brother, Bill Lancaster of Gillespie; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 22, 2023, at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023, at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, Carlinville. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.
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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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