Obituaries
Death of Nancy Faye Schmidt
Nancy Faye Schmidt, 81 of Gillespie, died at Barnes Jewish Hospital on Monday, April 17, 2023. She was born on April 11, 1942, in Alton to Edwin Langendorf and Wilma (Henke) Langendorf of Midway.
She grew up in Midway with her parents and sister, JoAnn (Langendorf) Matevey. She went to Yorkville Elementary School and graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1960. She met her husband, Weye Harold Schmidt of Gillespie at a dance in Bunker Hill in March 1959, and they were later married on December 22, 1961.
She moved with Weye to Gillespie where they built their home and raised their two children, Weye Dean Schmidt of Gillespie and Lori Jean (Schmidt) Hamilton of Edwardsville. Nancy was a dedicated wife, mother, homemaker, and farmer, helping Weye tend the Schmidt family farm for 44 years until his retirement in 2005.
She was a woman of steadfast faith and an active member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie, where she also worked as the church secretary from 1977 to 2004. She effortlessly balanced each of these roles with being “G” and “GG” to her six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved to spoil with home-cooked meals, her famous cookies, and endless love and attention. She never missed the chance to cheer on her grandchildren in their endeavors, whether in the grandstands or next to her radio listening to WSMI coverage at home.
She also loved gardening and prided herself on having beautiful flowers and perfectly maintained landscaping year-round. She enjoyed going on evening bike rides, watching Cardinals baseball games, and traveling with her husband. Together, they made countless memories on vacations.
Nancy was a friend to all she met and always willing to lend a listening and empathic ear. She was a trusted advisor to her children and grandchildren and was selfless in her efforts to care and provide for her family. She enriched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Weye; her sister, JoAnn (Jim) Matevey; her son, Weye D. (Nancy) Schmidt; her daughter, Lori J. Hamilton; her grandchildren, Adam W. (Mackenzie) Schmidt, Erika M. Schmidt, Amanda L. Schmidt, Emily G. Schmidt, Jessica M. Hamilton, and Mitchell J. Hamilton; her great-grandchildren, Weston W., Addalyn J., and Hattie F. Schmidt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Gillespie with a funeral service immediately to follow. She will be buried in Gillespie City Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Partnership for Educational Excellence.
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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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