Obituaries
Death of SJay Stewart
SJay Stewart, 85, of Carlinville, passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at his home in Carlinville. SJay was born on January 11, 1939, in Girad, a son of Wendell and Deloris Imogene Hull Stewart. He married Beth Gardner Boward in Palmyra on May 29, 1994.
SJay served our country in the United States Navy for four years. He farmed and raised livestock for over four decades. He also invented and patented a piglet holder and a long-handled pig marker. At one time, he was the largest single hog farmer in Macoupin County. He later graduated from the police academy and served 13 years as a police officer, ending his law enforcement career as Chief of Police in Girad. Following retirement, he worked at Freedom Chevrolet in Virden. He founded the Farm Law Institute in the mid-80’s to assist farmers in saving family farms, and during that time he wrote and published the book “Land Patents.” He enjoyed various types of hunting, and he spent many hours searching for and collecting arrowheads. SJay loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
SJay is survived by his wife, Beth Stewart of Carlinville, daughters; Jill (Rod) Kreoger of Waverly, Kelly (William) Dennis of Pawnee, and Kasey (Mark) Emery of Palmyra, step-daughters; Deana (Eddie Ray) Jones of Carlinville and Amy (Scott) Weidhuner of Athens, sisters; Shirley Olsen of Malad, ID, and Carlene (Terry) Harmon, grandsons; Zach (Melissa) Dennis and Michael Jones, granddaughters; Courtney (Landon) Keitekamp, Tabatha Weidhuner, Kristy Weidhuner, and Izzy McCarthy, and great-grandchildren; Kailyn, Blakely, Jaron, Beau, Blaire, Benjamin, and Lane.
SJay was preceded in death by his parents, brother Harold Stewart, sister Dee Stewart, and granddaughter Emily Dennis.
The family is planning a private celebration of life. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s and Shriner’s Children Hospital. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. David-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville, is in charge of the 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.
