Obituaries
Death of Mathew Stephen Franks
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mathew Stephen Franks. Mathew was born June 20, 1989 to Stephanie Johnson and Don Franks II. Mathew passed away May 31, 2021, joining his beloved Grandma Sue and Grandpa Bill at the young age of 31.
Mathew is survived by his wife, Aspin; four children Chloe Renee, Bryson Gage, Estella Eileen and River; mother, Stephanie Johnson and father, Don Franks; stepfather, Michael Johnson Jr. and stepmother Nicole Franks; three brothers, Juan Sanchez, Don Franks III and Christopher Van Note; stepbrother, Michael Johnson III; and stepsisters, Beth Kasten, Samantha Johnson, Heather Johnson, Madison Bergeron, MacKenzie Bergeron, and Hayleigh Bergeron.
Mathew was born June 20, 1989 in Glendale, Arizona, while he excelled in academia and sports at a young age it was clear Mat danced to the beat of his own drum. For much of his mohawked teenaged years, Mathew had a passion for skateboarding and the electric bass. While he was never very good at either, he never gave up. Mat enjoyed working with his hands and enjoyed taking on oddball jobs. He was very proud of his work with marble as he should have been, it was beautiful work.
He was as dedicated to his children as he could be. He loved them more than anything else in this world. Mathew left his mark across the Midwest and Louisiana. He had a huge heart and a room-filling smile. Mat often came off as shy but that only lasted for a little while. He was always good for a snappy comeback or joke to lighten any mood. He had a large stature to match his big personality.
More importantly than anything Mat loved his family. No matter what, Mat could be depended on a pinch. He would give you his last cent or the shirt off his back if he knew it would help.
Mathew will never be forgotten, there will be a void in this world without him. But our memories will keep him in our hearts and minds for a lifetime.
Rest in peace Mat “the Rat” Franks
A memorial service was held on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at Becker & Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive. Memorials suggested to the family.
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Nancy Ilene Weller, 74, of Gillespie, died at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at 2:52 pm. She was born June 4, 1949, in Litchfield, to Charles Giller and Margaret Whitman Giller. She married Kenneth Raymond Weller, Sr., on August 17, 1968, in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on December 5, 2011.
She was a caregiver. Nancy loved horses, reading, and her grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Chester (Katina) Weller of Gillespie, Luke Weller of Gillespie, Spring Weller (spouse, Phillip Benner) of Fowler, IN, 6 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, 5 brothers, and sisters.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, 4 brothers, and sisters.
No public services are scheduled. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Beverly Kay Brown, 82, of Gillespie, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie, on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 8:45 am. She was born October 4, 1941, in Litchfield, to Mario Meldi and Opal Olston Meldi. She married Bob Brown on October 30, 1976.
She worked for the State of Illinois in title transferring and data processing. Beverly enjoyed reading and was an avid reader of People’s magazine.
She is survived by her spouse, Bob Brown of Gillespie, children, Joell (Sid) Flyte of Edwardsville, Jackie (Larry) Fear of The Villages, FL, Kathy Giesler of Mattoon, Kim (Joe) Brittin of Springfield, Jane (Greg) Hallum of Ishpeming, MI, Lori Brown of Temecula, CA, grandchildren, Breanna Leake, Dominique Flyte, Addie Flyte, Bradley Fear, David Fear, Brad Brittin, Melissa Casad, Amanda Kozak, Jaime Galloway, Jaimee Dobson, Jenny Knight, Emily Nault, Elyssa Gregurash, Erin Baldini, many great-grandchildren, brothers, Ron (Corky) Meldi of Nitro, WV, and sisters-in-law, June Swan and Loni Cloyd. Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, grandson, Jedd Hallum, and brother-in-law, Preston Brown.
Friends may call on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to SS Simon and Jude Church. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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Darrell Leon Hoffstot, 69, of Gillespie, died at St. Francis Hospital, Litchfield, on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was born October 2, 1954, in Granite City, to Willard Lee Hoffstot and Hazel Mae Holloway Hoffstot.
He was retired after having been an assembler for Echlin. Darrell enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and water skiing.
He is survived by his sons, Zachary Hoffstot of Mt. Olive, and Zane Hoffstot of Gillespie, and sisters, Sandra Elledge of Litchfield, and Peggy (Joseph) Fischer. Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, and brother, Victor Hoffstot.
No public services will be held. Anyone wishing to send an online condolence may do so at www.kravanyafuneral.com. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie, is in charge of the arrangements.
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