Obituaries
Death of Mary Ann Hicks
Mary Ann Hicks, 68, of Carlinville, lost her brave battle with cancer on September 1, 2024, while surrounded by loved ones. Mary Ann was born on January 23, 1956, and grew up on a farm in Bunker Hill with her parents James and Peggy (Noel) Hilyard and her brother Dennis.
From an early age, she developed a deep love for the farm, spending her days driving her Massey Ferguson tractor and riding bareback on her beloved horse, Candy. Her passion for agriculture led her to join the FFA, where she was one of the first female chapter presidents in Macoupin County. She graduated from Bunker Hill High School in 1974. Mary Ann has always had a compassion for helping others and was a natural caregiver. She became a volunteer Candy Striper in her teens and later pursued a career in nursing. She spent the next 40 years as a registered nurse and retired from Carlinville Area Hospital.
After dating for ten years, Mary Ann married the love of her life, Terry Hicks, on December 27, 2003. Together they shared many adventures, often traveling to Panama City Beach, FL, where they enjoyed the sun, sand, and each other’s company. Mary Ann had a deep appreciation for the outdoors, finding joy tending to her flowers. She was an excellent cook known for her lasagna and peach cobbler, which were always family favorites. Mary Ann was also known for her sweet and funny personality. She had an abundance of friend groups and was deeply loved by all who knew her. She cherished her time with friends and especially enjoyed taking trips with her “nurses crew” over the years. Mary Ann’s greatest pride and joy was her family. She loved them fiercely and unconditionally.
Mary Ann is preceded in death by her parents James and Peggy (Noel) Hilyard, her brother Dennis Hilyard, father and mother-in-law Glenn and Bonnie Hicks, and brother-in-law Kenny Hicks. Mary Ann is survived by her husband Terry Hicks and four children: Jennifer Hicks-Blazis of Springfield, Aaron Hicks (Nicole) of Dorsey, Ashley Archibee-Hadley (Michael) of Carlinville, and Aaron Archibee (Laurie) of Worden. Her eight grandchildren; Sydney Blazis, Hunter Hicks, Landon Hicks, Declan Hadley, Rowan Hadley, Michael Hadley Jr., Aurora Archibee, and Rosalind Archibee. Her brother-in-law Mick Hicks (Penny Emmons), sister-in-law Laura Hicks, and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation services will be held on September 6th at Carlinville United Methodist Church, 201 S Broad St., Carlinville, 62626, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral service will be September 7th at Carlinville United Methodist Church at 10 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to the Macoupin County Animal Shelter, Carlinville Food Pantry, and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Anyone wishing to send online condolences may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge.
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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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