Obituaries
Obituary of Bobbie Jean Helfer
Bobbie Jean Helfer, 89 of Gillespie, formerly of Staunton, went to be with the Lord on August 15, 2025, with her daughter-in-law Cindy holding her hand. Bobbie was born July 29, 1936, in St. Louis, MO to the late Henry and Edna (Lee) Hasty. She was 89 years young and living with her son and daughter-in-law at the time of her passing.
She graduated from Berkeley High School in St. Louis, MO, and married William O. “Bill” Helfer on June 22, 1957, in St. John’s, MO. To this union three sons were born, Kevin & Kelvin Helfer (twins) and Kenneth E. Helfer. Bill passed away on November 27, 2023, Kevin passed away in 2018, and Kelvin passed away in 2008.
Bobbie worked as an assistant manager at National Food Store in Litchfield for 25 years. After a short retirement, she went back to work at Wal-Mart in Litchfield where she worked as a Greeter and in the Lawn & Garden department. After 20 years there, she finally retired for good.
She is survived by one son, Kenneth E. (Cindy) Helfer of Gillespie; four grandchildren, Michael D. Helfer, Kenneth Michael (Macy) Helfer, Destiney (Anthony) Pratt, and Shain E. Helfer; eight great grandchildren, Aaleigha, Brooklynn, and Ivy Helfer; Landyn, Kavin, and Taten Helfer; and Alonzo and Paulie Pratt; two sisters, Caroline Overman and Janice Bufka; three brothers, Jim, Jerry, and Kenny Hasty; and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Kevin & Kelvin Helfer; two sisters, Doris Gass and Betty Cory; and one brother, Dick Hasty.
Visitation will be from 11 AM to 1 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton. Funeral services at 1 PM on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton with Monte Overman officiating. Private burial at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to either BJC Hospice or to the family.
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Charles M. Crays, 64 of Carlinville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 7:50 p.m. He was born October 24, 1961, in Carlinville to Charles J. Crays and Dorothy Louise Johnston Crays. He married Darla K. Hankins Crays in Carlinville.
Charles was a longtime iron worker and retired from the trade. He was a devoted member of the Carlinville Moose Lodge and the Carlinville Masonic Lodge, and he took pride in helping others in his community.
Charles is survived by his wife, Darla Crays, of Carlinville; his stepchildren Crystal (Clint) Downs of Louisiana, Toby (Denni) Paxton of Louisiana, and Joey Paxton of Louisiana; his grandson Sawyer Downs; his brother Robert L. Crays (Lettie) of Carlinville; his sisters Linda L. Crays and Julie Ann Crays, both of Waggoner; and his nephew Matthew Crays.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Carlinville Moose Lodge, or the Carlinville Masonic Lodge. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie 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.
