Obituaries
Obituary of Donald Wayne Page
Donald Wayne Page, 79 of Litchfield, passed away on May 2, 2025. He was born in 1945 in Thompsonville, IL to Curtis Donald and Ruth Elaine Page (Denney). He married Maxine Faye Settles on September 22, 1966, in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.
He retired from the Monterey Coal mine. Donald was a Free Mason. Donald was a proud veteran who served his country honorably in both the United States Navy (1963-1969) and the National Guard (1976-1977). He was known for his quiet strength, steady dedication, and the deep love he held for his family.
He was the beloved father of three children, whom he shared with Maxine Faye Settles; Cheries Elaine (Chad) Newingham, Tamara Lynn Page, and Randal Lee (Kristina) Page. He was a devoted grandfather to eight grandchildren, Corie (w. Felicia and children Connor, Arabella, Juniper, Greenli, Poppi, and a new baby on the way), Tricia (H. Tommy, children, Airalyn, Sofia, Jasper, and Banner), Breann (son, Jordan), Caitlin (daughter, Lylith), Kimberly (children Annabella, Arial, Harrison, and Thomas, with a new baby on the way), Sierra (son, Maysen), Sabrina (Children, Chase, Chance, and Serenity), and Billy. He was a cherished great grandfather to twenty great grandchildren. Maysen Kelly Strahan has also been raised by Donald and Maxine for the past 10 years.
He is survived by his wife, Maxine, and two siblings, James Randal Page and Jody (Mark) Robbs.
Donald was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Donald and Ruth Elaine, as well as his great grandson, Jasper Allen Dean Swafford.
In his free time, Donald found great joy in fishing. Whether by a quiet lake or on the banks of a river, he found peace in nature and cherished the moments spent outdoors. His love of fishing reflected his patient spirit and appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. His legacy of kindness, service, and love will continue to live on through those who knew and loved him. Donald will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, June 27, 2025, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Walton Park in Litchfield. Memorials are suggested to American Cancer Society. Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the 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.
