Obituaries
Death of Paul Skeans
Paul Skeans, 80, of Ozark, MO passed away on July 23, 2023. He was born on March 13, 1943, in Ashland, Kentucky.
Paul graduated from Northeastern Oklahoma State University in 1966 and signed with the Miami Dolphins. He was a teacher, coach, and administrator for over 40 years in Florida, Missouri, and Illinois. Paul was a teacher and coach at Mountain Grove, Jefferson City, and Central Missouri State University. He served as head football coach for several high schools including stops at Houston, Southwest High School (Miami, Florida) and two tenures as head football coach at Ozark High School.
Paul also served as an administrator at Ozark and was a superintendent for 21 years at the South Callaway School District in Mokane, Missouri, and Gillespie Community Unit School District No.7 in Gillespie. Paul had a gift for building relationships with people whether they were a colleague, coach, or friend. He believed in the people he worked with and the players he coached.
Paul enjoyed collecting classic cars, riding bikes on the Katy Trail, and in recent years started a small vineyard and bottled wine from the grapes he grew on his 40-acre farm.
He is survived by Suzanne Skeans; sons, Will and John; daughter-in-law, Amy; and grandchildren, Olivia and Eric.
No formal services are planned at this time. A gathering to celebrate Paul’s life will be held at a later date. Cremation is in the care of Holden Cremation and Funeral Service, Sparta.
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Gerald Paul “Jerry” Lippold, 83 of Carlinville, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at his home in Carlinville. Jerry was born on December 1, 1941, in Carlinville a son of Herman P. and Virginia Bellm Lippold.
Jerry graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1959. Jerry was involved in many things during his life. He was co-owner with his brother in law, Rodney Arnett, of Lippold and Arnett Trucking and Macoupin County Asphalt. He was in construction, building many homes in the area as well as development of several sub-divisions, as well as farming.
He loved tractor pulls, horses, and traveling. He had a plane and flew it often, he went sky-diving twice, and he even ran with the bulls in Spain. Jerry touched many lives in the community. His wit and antics at the morning men’s coffee group will certainly be missed. His family was very important to him, especially his great-grandchildren.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer Kay Hartsook; son in law, Timothy T. “Tim” Stewart; and brother, Eugene F. Lippold.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Ann (Peasley) Lippold of Carlinville; daughter, Elizabeth D. Stewart of Carlinville; brother, Richard (Janet) Lippold of Carlinville; sisters, Mariann Qualls, Rita Arnett of Carlinville, Barbara L. Brunk of Carlinville, Linda (Henry) Ahrling of Plainview, and Karen (Scott) Joiner of FL; brother, William Lippold of FL; grandsons, Jesse (Katie) Hartsook of Carlinville and Shannon Stewart of Carlinville; granddaughter, Alyse (Devon) Stewart-Fix of Carlinville; sister-in-law, Margaret Lippold of Carlinville; great-grandchildren, Claire Hartsook, Maximus Hartsook, Haiden Fix, and Arthur Fix; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Carlinville Area Hospital. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Brandon Stewart Ahring, 22 of Holiday Shores, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, near Hamel. He was born on February 2, 2003, in Maryville, the son of Brett and Chris (Osterman) Ahring.
Brandon was a 2021 graduate of Father McGivney Catholic High School where he ran cross country and track. He was currently attending his 4th year at SIU-Edwardsville where he was working toward earning a degree in cyber security. Brandon was also an assistant coach under Hall of Fame Coach Jim Helton coaching in cross country and track and field for the last three years.
Brandon was a member of Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Bethalto. He was a devout catholic and was strong in his faith. He touched many people with his constant smile and always positive attitude. Brandon enjoyed online gaming, watching NASCAR races, and participating in a NASCAR Fantasy League. The love Brandon had for his family was immense. Some of Brandon’s favorite things in life were ice cream, blueberry muffins, cheeseburgers, and smoothies. He owned a 1999 Ford Ranger that was his pride and joy. Christmas was Brandon’s favorite holiday and he had a Christmas spirit that was out of this world.
He is survived by his parents, Brett and Chris Ahring of Holiday Shores; his brother, Tyler Ahring of Holiday Shores; maternal grandparents, Ralph and Carol Osterman of Holiday Shores; paternal grandparents, Jim & Bobbie Ahring of Staunton; his aunt, Kristin (John) Fulgenzi of Chicago; and three cousins, Madison, Grace, and Quinn.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 PM on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton. Funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at St. Michael Catholic Church in Staunton with Father Tom Liebler and Father Thomas Hagstrom officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton.
Memorials are suggested to either Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Bethalto or to Father McGivney Catholic High School (FMCHS) Track & Field Team & Cross Country Team. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Ginger Ann Jett, 88 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, at her residence. Mrs. Jett was born in Butler, IL on May 11, 1936, one of eleven children of Leslie Nelson and Opal Clara (King) Logsdon.
She married Leslie Lewis Jett on March 13, 1954. He preceded her in death January 11, 2022. Mrs. Jett had worked at Roller Derby Skate Corp. and was a laundress at Barry Care Center, both in Litchfield.
She was a homemaker for many years, caring for her husband and six children, and was a talented knitter, crocheter, and an excellent cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends during hayrides, cookouts, fishing and visits. Mrs. Jett was a member of Southside Church in Litchfield.
Mrs. Jett is survived by her daughter, Opal Jett of Litchfield; sisters, Edith (Richard) Large of Idaho Falls, ID, Edna (Oscar “Buddy”) Gent of Litchfield, and Debbie (Larry) White of Litchfield; 14 grandchildren, Angie (Kyle) Johnson, Leroy (Candace) Jett, Jerry Jett II, Goldie Jett, Lawanda Jett (companion Trinidad), Benjamin Jett, Rusty (Meagan) Henry, Eric Henry, Elizabeth Jett, Dean (Tanya) Jett II, Samantha Jett, Jennifer Jett, Leslie Jett, and Dakota Means; 33 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Jett was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five sons, Jerry “Hook” Jett, Dean Jett, Leroy Jett, Kevin Jett, and George Jett; two brothers, Andy Logsdon and Leslie Logsdon; five sisters, Emma Micenheimer, Ramona Wilson, Peggy Fiscor, Shirley Logsdon (inf.), and Patricia Logsdon (inf.); grandsons, Kevin Wayne Jett II and Wayne Allen Jett; and great-granddaughter, Harley Grace Jett.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jett will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in King Cemetery near Irving. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
