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Death of Terry Mosser

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Terry Mosser, 73 of Staunton, passed away on Saturday, September 3, 2022, at Community Hospital of Staunton. He was born in Alton on September 22, 1948, the son of Carl and Selma (Schnaare) Mosser.

Terry graduated from Staunton High School in 1966 and then attended SIUE. Until 1969, Terry lived and worked in St. Louis teaching private piano lessons and playing piano at bar mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals. Terry served in the US Army from 1969-1971 stationed at Ft Belvoir, VA and played clarinet in the 75th US Army Band. He also played in a local area band and taught piano lessons. It was during this time that he met Eleanor Phipps.

He and Eleanor were married on August 16, 1970, in Baltimore, MD. Following his honorable discharge from the US Army, he and Eleanor worked together in a show band that traveled through many parts of the US. In 1974, they settled in Deerfield, IL. During the 24 years that they lived in Deerfield, Terry’s exceptional carpentry skills kept him busy as a sought-after finish carpenter. He continued to teach piano lessons and he and Eleanor continued to play in a show band as often as possible.

In 1998, Terry and Eleanor moved back to Staunton, where Terry built their self designed home. Terry continued his carpentry work and music career after the move back to Staunton. Terry’s innate piano skills allowed him to substitute in many area bands, including Men in Heat. Terry also served as organist at several area churches, including the First United Methodist Church in Staunton. Terry was a member of the Tri-County Musicians’ Union, Local No. 88. Terry cherished his time with his family and friends, especially if that time included making music and he always completed the Sunday crossword puzzles.

One of Terry’s greatest pleasures was working with the directors and students in the choral department at Staunton Community Unit School District. He served as accompanist at many choral concerts as well as solo contests.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, James Biggerstaff.

He is survived by his wife, Eleanor; sister, Tami Biggerstaff of Urbandale, IA; sister-in-law, Thelma Phipps of Deerfield; nieces, Tara Elkin and Marissa Brown of Des Moines and their families; life-long friends and cousins Eugene Roehl of Troy, IL and his family, Nancy Goldasich of Staunton and her family, and several more dear cousins and many dear friends and Godchildren.

Graveside services and a celebration of Terry’s life will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton. Arrangements are under the direction of Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton.

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In honor of Terry’s lifelong commitment to music education, memorials in his honor will be designated to the choral department at Staunton Community Schools.

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Obituaries

Obituary of Patricia Marie Black

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Patricia Marie Black, 75 of Litchfield, passed away at 5:32 a.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at Hillsboro Rehab and Healthcare Center. She was born on February 25, 1949, in Hillsboro a daughter of Glen LaVern and Mary Elizabeth (Geiss) Robbins.

She graduated from Litchfield High School with the Class of 1967. Patty married Gary Dean Black on July 26, 1969, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He survives. Patty was a member of the Christian Church of Litchfield and enjoyed painting, visiting with her friends, traveling, and watching Western movies with her husband.

In addition to her husband, Patty is survived by a son, Gary Gene Black of Mulberry Grove; two brothers, Steve (Margie) Robbins of Weidman, MI and Rodney (Lisa) Robbins of Tampa, FL; two sisters, Debbie (Jim) Cochrane of Wildwood, MO and Tjody (Clay) Varner of St. Charles, MO; three grandchildren, Lisa Smith, Bryce Black and Dennis Black; and five great grandchildren.

Private family services for Patty will be held at a later date. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.

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Obituary of Mary Catherine Riggin

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Mary Catherine Riggin, 93 of Benld, died at Carlinville Rehab Center, Carlinville on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 8:18 a.m. She was born on November 15, 1931, to George W. Dugan and Edna Leggett Dugan.  

She married James E. Riggin on June 9, 1951, in Pocahontas. He preceded her in death on June 7, 2017.  She was an editor for the Benld Enterprise and a dispatcher for Benld Police Department. Mary enjoyed TV shows and spending time with family.  

She is survived by her daughter, Roxanne Riggin of Benld; son in law, John Daugherty; grandchild, Brian (Heidi) Daugherty of DeKalb; and great-grandchild, Layney Ann Daugherty.  

Mary was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; daughter, Judith Riggin Daugherty; brothers, George Dugan and Marvel “Pete” Dugan; and sisters, Ethel Dugan, Marie Churchich and Loretta Astroth.  

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Adopt A Pet.  Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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Obituary of Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford

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Ruth Ardella Marie (Frerichs) Cranford, 93 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at 4:14 a.m. at Litchfield Health and Rehabilitation Center. She was born on November 23, 1931, in Litchfield a daughter of Edward and Emma (Sewing) Frerichs.

She graduated from Litchfield High School. Ruth married Robert C. Cranford March 31, 1951, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. He preceded her in death on June 17, 2014. Ruth baked many wonderful desserts at The Gardens Restaurant in Litchfield during her 26 years of employment there.

Prior to that, she was a dedicated homemaker and candled eggs at the Litchfield Egg Warehouse. Ruth was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. She loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals, NASCAR, and game shows. She enjoyed playing Bingo and playing the lottery. 

She is survived by a son, Kevin (Connie) Cranford of Springfield; a daughter, Debra (Mike) Peters of Elburn; a granddaughter, Kristine Cranford of Milwaukee, WI; a step-grandson, Mike Peters of Montana; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son, Roger Allen Cranford; three sisters, Lucille Frerichs, Viola McKimmey, and Marie Morris; four brothers, George Frerichs, Benjamin Frerichs, John Frerichs, and infant brother Roy Frerichs.

Funeral services for Ruth will be held at 12 noon on Monday, February 10, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Litchfield. Rev. Fred Kraemer will officiate.  Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. 

The family suggests memorials to Zion Lutheran School, 1301 N. State Street, Litchfield, IL 62056. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.

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