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Obituary of Betty Jane Stoecker

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Betty Jane Stoecker, 95 of Hillsboro, formerly of Benld, died at Hillsboro Area Hospital, Hillsboro on Tuesday, January 21, 2025. She was born on September 4, 1929, in Litchfield to Finis “Slim” Thomas Hughes and Francis Rivers Gahagen Hughes.  

She married Herbert A. Stoecker in Benld in June of 1949. He preceded her in death in 1967.  Betty was a graduate of Benld High School. Betty was a farmer’s wife. She was an avid supporter of Adopt A Pet.  

She is survived by her children, Linda (John) Stretch of Hillsboro, Thomas (Sandra) Stoecker of Carlinville, and Gail Marie (Rice) Phillips of Hillsboro; grandchildren, Chris Holman, Stacie (Clayton) Streator, Daniel (Erica) Robbins, Amanda Robbins, Aaron Stoecker, Brent (Karla) Stoecker, Mark (Renae) Thompson, Michelle (Chuck) Blankenship, Michael (Amanda) Thompson, and Michael Phillips; 18 great-grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.  

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; and great grandson, Balin Robbins.  

Friends may call on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gillespie from 12:00 pm until 1:00 pm. Funeral services are Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Gillespie.  

Burial will be at Gillespie Cemetery, Gillespie.  Memorials are suggested to Gillespie Cemetery or Adopt A Pet. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.

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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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