Obituaries
Obituary of Carole A. Zuber
Carole A. Zuber, 86 of Litchfield, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Litchfield Health and Rehab Center in Litchfield. Carole was born on April 2, 1939, in Litchfield a daughter of Orville “Doc” and Mary (Simmons) Armour.
She married James Zuber on June 1, 1957, in St. Mary’s church rectory in Litchfield by Father Lawler. She attended Litchfield schools. She was a long time member of Christian Church of Litchfield.
In her younger years she worked as a stylist for local salons as well as out of her home. Carole later worked for Litchfield school district for 32 years in several roles including cafeteria worker, classroom aide, and crossing guard. She enjoyed working with the school kids and she had a special skill in bringing out a shy kids personality.
Carole and Jim enjoyed attending country music shows and gospel concerts. They also liked to travel and camp with friends. Carole loved to spend time with her family and many grandkids.
Carole is survived by her husband, James H. Zuber, Sr. of Litchfield; son, James H. (significant other, Tampatha Henson) Zuber Jr. of Carlinville; son, Steven J. (Melissa) Zuber of Troy; grandson, Joshua Zuber; granddaughter, Anne (Andy) White; granddaughter, Jamie (Joshua) Lowery; and four great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Ava Dossett, Jordan and Millie Lowery.
Carole was preceded in death by her parents, and grandson, Michael Zuber.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, 10:00 to 11:00 am at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday, December 11, 2025 at Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield.
Burial will follow in Holy Family Cemetery, Litchfield. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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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.
