Obituaries
Death of Shirley M. Rodgers
Shirley M. Rodgers, 72, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, formerly of Carlinville, passed away Tuesday evening, November 15, 2022, with her husband Larry at her side. Shirley was born in Carlinville on March 19, 1950, to Edward (“Leo”) and Dorothy (Rosentreter) Kalaher.
She graduated from Carlinville High School in 1968 and completed her studies in cosmetology in Springfield in 1969. On September 6, 1969, she married Larry A. Rodgers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlinville. After having met on a blind date arranged by close friends, they were devoted to one another in marriage for 53 years.
Shirley and Larry welcomed their daughter, Michelle, in July 1970. Shirley had her own home-based business, Shirl’s Curl Shop, while Michelle was growing up and later worked as a pharmacy technician at Sullivan’s Drugs, Carlinville Area Hospital, and Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. She finished her working years at a medical office in Carlinville where she greatly enjoyed being with patients who often were or became friends.
Most of all, Shirley was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was actively involved in Michelle’s many extracurricular activities helping with her 4-H club, attending events, and regularly welcoming Michelle’s friends into their home. Given their farm roots, Shirley and Larry both enjoyed their home in the country dedicating many hours to caring for their lawn and flowers.
Later, their grandchildren, Alex and Ella, would very much enjoy their visits to Grandma and Grandpa’s house where many good memories were made.
Shirley is survived by the loves of her life, husband, Larry of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Michelle and son-in-law Steve; grandchildren, Alex and Ella of North Liberty, Iowa; sister, Rosemary (Don) Arnett; brother, Ed (Kay) Kalaher; her niece, Julie (Jeff) Behme, and nephew, Pat (Becki) Kalaher, and their families, all of Carlinville, and her nephew-in-law, Tony Burger.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a premature grandson; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Dolores (Rodgers) and Jack Winslade; a niece, Cindy Burger; and many aunts and uncles.
Visitation will be held Sunday, November 20, 2022, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville where funeral services will be held on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. with Decon Dennis Baker officiating. Burial will be in Moore Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to Larry Rodgers at 1224 13th Street NW, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52405 or online via the Davis Anderson Funeral Home website. Memorials may be made to UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Foundation which supports St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids where Michelle has worked for more than 25 years.
Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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Grace “Sally” Agnes Schuerman, 74 of Nokomis, passed away at Mercy Hospital, St. Louis, MO on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 11:49 pm. She was born on December 28, 1951, in Hillsboro to the late John Whitlow and Agnes Haggarty Whitlow.
She married James Schuerman on June 7, 1975 in Decatur. She worked as a dietician, home health aide and cook. James and Sally were foster parents to many children over the years. She loved horses and her grandkids.
She is survived by her children, April Balestri (James) of Eagarville, Cris “Bill” Schuerman of Nokomis, and Crystal (Greg) Linton of Aldrich, MO; daughter in law, Kasey Schuerman; grandchildren, Paul Balestri, Gracelynn Balestri, Hunter Schuerman, and Andy Linton; brother, Guy (Norma) Whitlow of Nokomis; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Charles Schuerman; sister, Rosemary (Rosie) Hopwood; brother, Sam Whitlow; and niece, Kathy Whitlow.
No services are scheduled at this time. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Paul F. Madden, 61 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:08 pm. He was born on September 27, 1964, in Litchfield to John Patrick Madden and Barbara Ann (Resnik) Madden Sawyer.
He married Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden on June 5, 2015 in Forsyth, IL. He was a sales manager in the equipment manufacturing industry. Paul was a huge golfer who also enjoyed music, playing the guitar, riding his bike, walking his dog, running and traveling.
He is survived by his spouse, Elizabeth Ann (Morland) Madden of Gillespie; daughter, Colleen (Ryan) Cash of Carlinville; step daughter, Zoey Mayo of Gillespie; brothers, John P (Betsy) Madden of St. Paul, MN, Timothy J. (Anne) Madden of Lemont, IL, and David W. (Sarah) Madden of Urbana, IL; and step father, George Sawyer of Gillespie.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark D. Madden.
Friends may call on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:30 am. Funeral mass will be on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at SS Simon & Jude Church in Gillespie at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery, Gillespie, IL.
Memorials are suggested to Partnership For Educational Excellence District #7, BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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