Obituaries
Death of Michael George Smith Sr.
Michael George Smith Sr., 72 of Gillespie, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughter at his side, Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at his residence. Michael was born on January 31, 1951, in Springfield, a son of Granville C. and Marie Tomlin Smith.
He married Karen Altmeyer on July 21, 1970, in Springfield. Mike proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and was awarded three bronze stars. He enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, and was a die-hard Chicago Cub fan. Mike was a member of the Litchfield VFW, Litchfield Eagles, and lifetime member of the DAV.
Michael was preceded in death by his father, Granville C. Smith; mother, Marie Smith; son, Michael G. “Mickey” Smith Jr.; great-grandson, Abel James Mitchell; brother, James Miller; sister, Donna Justice; brother, Thomas Smith; sister, Judy Williams; sister, Barbara Crowley; and brother, Granville “Butch” Smith Jr.
Michael is survived by his wife, Karen Smith of Gillespie; daughter, Michele (Bryan) Pingleton of Carlinville; grandchildren; Joshua “Kyle” Hoban, Katelynn Smith, and Kodi Boston; and great-grandchildren; Piper, Konnor, Justin, and Kai.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Davis-Anderson Funeral Home in Carlinville. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors. Burial will follow in Prairie Lawn Cemetery, Carlinville.
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Patricia Marie Black, 75 of Litchfield, passed away at 5:32 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab and Healthcare Center. She was born on February 25, 1949, in Hillsboro a daughter of Glen LaVern and Mary Elizabeth (Geiss) Robbins.
She graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1967. Patty married Gary Dean Black on July 26, 1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He survives. Patty was a member of the Christian Church of Litchfield and enjoyed painting, visiting with her friends, traveling, and watching Western movies with her husband.
In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by a son, Gary Gene Black of Mulberry Grove; two brothers, Steve (Margie) Robbins of Weidman, MI and Rodney (Lisa) Robbins of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Debbie (Jim) Cochrane of Wildwood, MO and Tjody (Clay) Varner of St. Charles, MO; three grandchildren, Lisa Smith, Bryce Black and Dennis Black; and five great grandchildren.
Private family services for Patty will be held at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford, 93 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on November 23, 1931, in Litchfield a daughter of Edward and Emma (Sewing) Frerichs.
She graduated from Litchfield High School. Ruth married Robert C. Cranford March 31, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2014. Ruth baked many wonderful desserts at The Gardens Restaurant in Litchfield during her 26 years of employment there.
Prior to that, she was a dedicated homemaker and candled eggs at the Litchfield Egg Warehouse. Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, NASCAR, and game shows. She enjoyed playing Bingo and playing the lottery.
She is survived by a son, Kevin (Connie) Cranford of Springfield; a daughter, Debra (Mike) Peters of Elburn; a granddaughter, Kristine Cranford of Milwaukee, WI; a step-grandson, Mike Peters of Montana; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son, Roger Allen Cranford; three sisters, Lucille Frerichs, Viola McKimmey, and Marie Morris; four brothers, George Frerichs, Benjamin Frerichs, John Frerichs, and infant brother Roy Frerichs.
Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 12 noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran School, 1301 N. State Street, Litchfield, IL 62056. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
