Obituaries
Death of Ruth Alene Birdsell
Ruth Alene Birdsell passed away on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at OFS St. Anthony’s Health Center in Alton. She was 73 years old. Ruth was born in Alton on January 30, 1949, to Clarence Allan Pickering and Nettie Mildred (Ruyle) Pickering.
She attended Worden Schools and graduated in 1967. She married Gene Allen Birdsell on July 15, 1978, at Mt. Olive Methodist Church. Ruth was a homemaker, an avid reader, and enjoyed bird watching. Some of her other favorite activities included visiting Branson, Missouri and vacationing in Florida, especially visiting Sea World. She was an animal lover. Ruth’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was a member of the Southern Baptist Church in Staunton.
Ruth is survived by her husband; two sons, Rick Birdsell of Mt. Olive and Gene (Stacy) Birdsell Jr. of Hamel; daughter, Rebecca Birdsell of Mt. Olive; eight grandchildren, Lucas, Landon, Ella, Chelsea (Devin), Dylan (Elizabeth), Ethan, Bryce, and Lauren; seven great-grandchildren, Connor, Karter, Greyson, Phoebe, Vanessa, Olivia, and Mason; and sister, Shirley May Cardwell.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Charlotte Pike.
Visitation will take place at Becker and Son Funeral Home in Mt. Olive on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, from 6 until 8 p.m. The service will begin at the funeral home on Wednesday, April 13, 2022, at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Nancy Hubert. Burial will be at the Mt. Olive City Cemetery.
Following the graveside service, friends are invited to lunch at the Mt. Olive Methodist Church Hall. Masks are recommended but not required.
Memorials are suggested to the Mt. Olive Academic Association, Mt. Olive Library, and Adopt-A-Pet in Benld. Becker and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Thomas Michael Pritchard, 57 of Carlinville, passed away on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at his residence in Carlinville. Tom was born on August 26, 1967, in Carlinville a son of Zane and Clara (Churchill) Pritchard.
He graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1986. Tom never married. Tom worked as maintenance at Carlinville Community School District, Starr Brothers Hog Farm, and the elevators at both Palmyra and Chesterfield.
Tom was a skilled outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter of all game. He also enjoyed hunting for artifacts. He loved making memories with friends through turkey and waterfowl hunting.
Thomas is survived by his brother, Steve Pritchard of Springfield.
Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Kathryn Peterson, and his black lab ,Bandit.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. His ashes will be buried next to his parents and sister at Moore cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Davis-Anderson P.O. Box 135 Carlinville, IL 62626 for funeral expenses. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville, is in charge of arrangements.
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Barbara Ann Holak, 66 of Springfield, formerly of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab & Health Care Center in Hillsboro. She was born on October 27, 1958, in Staunton the daughter of the late Joe and Gail (Ruckstahl) Holak.
Barb was a 1976 graduate of Staunton High School and was active in track and in the marching band as a flag twirler. After high school, she went to work in the Secretary of State’s office in Springfield until her retirement in 2010. She loved making new friends, playing in dart leagues, taking canoe trips with her many friends, and was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan.
She is survived by her two sisters, Linda Holak (Dennis) Grammer of Litchfield and Connie Holak (Bob) Zenner of Staunton; two nephews, Shane (Dana) Grammer and Chad (Melissa) Grammer; a great nephew, Easton Grammer; and two great nieces, Dakoda Mix and Rylie Mix, all of Litchfield.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Coats for Kids, PO Box 157, Litchfield, IL 62056. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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95-year-old Helen Boehler of Litchfield passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:35 a.m. at Imboden Creek Senior Living Center in Decatur on February 27, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1929 in Litchfield the only child of Max E. and Juanita (Bridges) Taylor.
She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School and Litchfield Community High School graduating with the class of 1947. She and Charles William Boehler were married by Fr. F.J. Lawler at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on November 27, 1948, and they enjoyed 63 years of marriage before his passing on February 26, 2012.
Through the years, Mrs. Boehler was employed as a receptionist at the old St. Francis Hospital, Dr. Arthur E. Sihler, Claude Anderson, O.D., and Sidney’s Tot and Teen, all in Litchfield. She enjoyed walking, dancing, was a voracious reader and an avid St. Louis Cardinal’s fan. Mrs. Boehler was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and the St. Anne’s Society, and a volunteer with the St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary.
Mrs. Boehler is survived by daughters, Sue (Greg) Penderghest of Decatur and Marcie (Mark) Hartke of Kirksville, MO; grandchildren, Emily Penderghest of Franklin, IN, Monica Penderghest and Chary Hall of Decatur, and Jared (Kate) Hartke of Pittsburgh, PA; and great-grandson, Reuben Anderson.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Litchfield. Father Daniel Willenborg will preside. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church.
Memorials may be directed to the Litchfield Public Library or Holy Family Catholic Church. Plummer Funeral Home of Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Illinois Farm Bureau to host ‘Rules for the Road’ trucking seminar in Carlinville on March 20
Zion Lutheran School to host open house on March 18 for preschool and kindergarten programs
