Obituaries
Obituary of Dianna S. Schweppe
Dianna S. Schweppe, 81, passed away on Thursday, December 26, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center in Gillespie. She was born on February 2, 1943 in St. Charles, MO, the daughter of the late Harriett (Noah) Turner and the late Richard F. Dillon. Dianna lived a remarkable life full of love, family, and accomplishment.
Dianna was married three times, each union bringing love and cherished family connections. She first married Norman “Poopsie” Highlander, with whom she had three children. She then married John “Big John” Harrison, who blessed her with four step children and a growing legacy of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Later, she married Lester “Bud” Schweppe. Each marriage lasted over a decade and Dianna remained a beloved friend to her extended family throughout her life. All three of her husbands preceded her in death.
A successful businesswoman, Dianna was a well-known figure in the local restaurant scene. She owned and operated several popular establishments in Illinois and even one in California. Specializing in fried fish and seafood, she became affectionately known as “The Fish Lady” before retiring in 2016. Her dedication to her craft and her warm hospitality left a lasting impression on all who visited her restaurants.
Dianna is survived by her children, Norman D. (wife Kaye) Highlander and Dana M. Allen (fiance’ Kevin Beard); her sister, Dorothy Fosdick (fiance’ Ralph Neiman); her half brother, Randy Dillon; her step brother, Leroy Griffith; and a family tree that includes countless grandchildren, great grandchildren, step children, step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Richard F. Dillon and Harriett (Clarence Jr.) Turner; her son, James “Bulldog” Highlander; her brothers, Harry Dillon, Tom Dillon, Roger Dale Turner, and Richard “Dickey” Dillon; her sister, Rosetta Chapon; her half sister, Sandy Masterson; and her step sister, Sharon Blanton.
Dianna’s life was a testament to her love of family, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her ability to bring people together. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her generous heart, and her unmatched fried fish.
Friends may call from 2 to 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston. A memorial service will be held at 4 PM on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston.
Following the memorial service, a celebration of Dianna’s life will be held at Rock Bottom Bar in Williamson. In honor of her memory, the family asks that friends share stories, laughter, a meal and a beverage just as she would have loved.
Memorials are suggested to VITAS Hospice of Fairview Heights. Private burial will be held at a later date in Salem Cemetery in Alhambra, IL.
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Carol Monetti, 92 of Carlinville, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the Village at Morse Farm in Carlinville. Carol Joyce Rahm was born on May 25, 1932, in Litchfield a daughter of Edna Sievers Rahm and Elmer Rahm of Staunton.
She attended Zion Lutheran School in Staunton for eight years and graduated from Staunton Community High in 1950. She attended Illinois State University for one and a half years, majoring in art. In the summer of 1952, she accepted a job at Shell Oil Refinery in Woodriver, IL, in the personnel department. In 1955, she married Charles J. Monetti and moved to Carlinville.
She was employed in the office at MJM Electric for several years. When her husband, Charlie, opened his own auto repair shop, the North End Garage, she did the bookkeeping there and generally kept things moving smoothly, as Charlie’s Mom did before her. They spent twenty-three years during the winter months in Ft. Myers, Florida in Heritage Cove.
Carol and Charlie were the parents of two children, Gary Monetti of Tampa and New Smyrna Beach, FL, and Susan Mackay of Raymond, grandparents of Courtney Johnson and Pierson Monetti of Tampa FL, and great-grandparents of Carter Paige Johnson and Glades Hutchinson Monetti.
Carol loved to spend time working in her yard and her flower beds, reading, dancing, laughing, enjoying her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She never met a stranger and was loved wholeheartedly by one and all. She will be missed by many.
Private graveside services will be conducted at a future date.
Carol is survived by her husband, Charles Monetti of Carlinville; daughter, Susan (John) Mackay of Raymond; son, Gary Alan (Janell) Monetti of Tampa, FL; grandchildren, Courtney Johnson and Pierson Monetti; and great-grandchildren, Carter Paige Johnson and Glades Hutchinson Monetti.
Memorials may be made to Macoupin County Animal Control and Zion Lutheran Church. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, LTD, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
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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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Lindia M. Smith, 83 of Gillespie, died at Keystone Place, Glen Carbon on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, at 5:51 pm. She was born on November 12, 1941, in Ironton, MO to James Crocker and Dona Gillam Crocker.
She married Harold Dean Smith on July 25, 1959. He preceded her in death on January 23, 2023. She was a cashier for Walmart for 15 years. Lindia was an animal lover. She had a passion for raising baby squirrels. Lindia also enjoyed working in her yard.
She is survived by her sons, David (Tracy) Smith of Gillespie and Barry Smith of Gillespie; daughter, Lori (Joe) Sneed of Glen Carbon; grandson, Randy Sneed of Glen Carbon; several granddaughters; several great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; and siblings, Frances (Richard) Kalbfleish of Pevely, MO and Gary (Barbara) Crocker of Russellville, MO.
Lindia was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; son, Harold I Smith; and several brothers and sisters.
Friends may call on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 10:00 am until 11:00 am. Funeral services are Friday, January 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.
Burial will be at Mayfield Memorial Park Cemetery, Carlinville. Memorials are suggested to Macoupin County Animal Shelter. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
