Obituaries
Obituary of Henry Eilers
Henry Eilers was born to dairy farmers Heinrich and Ruth Eilers in northern Germany (Ostfriesland) on August 17, 1934.
It was his mother’s encouragement that propelled him into a passion for natural botanical heritage. This motivated him to pursue a study of botany, ultimately lead him to being regarded as one of the Illinois top botanists.
At age 20 in 1955, having already completed studies at a nearby horticulture school in Bad Zwischenahn, Henry left for the United States.
Henry served honorably in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959.
Shortly after arriving in the US, he met another German immigrant, Ursula Garbe and married. In 1960 they opened a business, H. E. Nursery. They celebrated 60 years of marriage before she passed away in 2019.
Early on in his arrival in Litchfield, Henry walked along the east side of Lake Lou Yaeger and discovered an oddity. He noticed that plants from the northern savanna of the US were growing amidst plants native to the southern savanna of the US. This is when he discovered that a thin line exists along the Midwest where the two Savannas converge. In almost all areas, the merging line has been developed, farmed or otherwise compromised and wiped out.
Henry worked long and hard for many years, struggling to maintain this rare piece of natural heritage. Finally, his efforts paid off, and now his name graces the park; Henry Eilers Shoal Creek Conservation Area.
Henry recently celebrated his 90th birthday recently and had spent almost all of those years being a steward of Earth. Through his education, employment, personal research, and his business, he had amassed a knowledge of native plants and botany that is equaled by few. He had used that knowledge to advocate for the restoration and preservation of several sites in Montgomery County that are now thriving conservation and pollinator areas: Henry Eilers Shoal Creek Conservation Area and Rt 66 Prairie. Henry had been known for his volunteerism, presentations, writing, photography, board memberships, social media presence, and personal associations.
Most recently he received the Illinois Conservation Foundation highest honor: Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame, which stands among numerous other awards.
Henry leaves behind his three daughters, Helen (Ray Trost) of Litchfield, Elizabeth (Chris Bron) of Springfield, and Maria Eilers of Litchfield. He also leaves six grandchildren, Derek Eairheart of Kent, Washington, Monica Osborn of Holly Springs, NC, Hannah Poetain of Glen Carbon, Parker Feldmann, of Reno, NV, Christina Carlisle of Port Ste. Lucie Florida, and Julia Dinkins of Union MO. He also leaves great-grandchildren, Coury, Zach and Harmony Eairheart, Ayden and Ethan Osborn, and Quinn, Noel and Campbell Poetain; as well as several nieces and nephews in Germany.
Henry most wanted to serve His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and always stated how God had richly blessed him.
He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Ursula, brother Klaus Eilers.
Funeral services for Henry will be held Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 1301 N State St. in Litchfield. Pastor Fred Kraemer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield. Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church on Monday, November 18, 2024, from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church Litchfield, or to Natural Area Guardians (NAGS). Plummer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Ginger Ann Jett, 88 of Litchfield, passed away on Wednesday morning, April 16, 2025, at her residence. Mrs. Jett was born in Butler, IL on May 11, 1936, one of eleven children of Leslie Nelson and Opal Clara (King) Logsdon.
She married Leslie Lewis Jett on March 13, 1954. He preceded her in death January 11, 2022. Mrs. Jett had worked at Roller Derby Skate Corp. and was a laundress at Barry Care Center, both in Litchfield.
She was a homemaker for many years, caring for her husband and six children, and was a talented knitter, crocheter, and an excellent cook. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends during hayrides, cookouts, fishing and visits. Mrs. Jett was a member of Southside Church in Litchfield.
Mrs. Jett is survived by her daughter, Opal Jett of Litchfield; sisters, Edith (Richard) Large of Idaho Falls, ID, Edna (Oscar “Buddy”) Gent of Litchfield, and Debbie (Larry) White of Litchfield; 14 grandchildren, Angie (Kyle) Johnson, Leroy (Candace) Jett, Jerry Jett II, Goldie Jett, Lawanda Jett (companion Trinidad), Benjamin Jett, Rusty (Meagan) Henry, Eric Henry, Elizabeth Jett, Dean (Tanya) Jett II, Samantha Jett, Jennifer Jett, Leslie Jett, and Dakota Means; 33 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mrs. Jett was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five sons, Jerry “Hook” Jett, Dean Jett, Leroy Jett, Kevin Jett, and George Jett; two brothers, Andy Logsdon and Leslie Logsdon; five sisters, Emma Micenheimer, Ramona Wilson, Peggy Fiscor, Shirley Logsdon (inf.), and Patricia Logsdon (inf.); grandsons, Kevin Wayne Jett II and Wayne Allen Jett; and great-granddaughter, Harley Grace Jett.
Funeral services for Mrs. Jett will be held at 12 noon on Friday, April 25, 2025, at Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be in King Cemetery near Irving. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is in charge of arrangements.
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Patricia J. Carver, 96 of Staunton, passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Staunton Health & Rehab Center in Staunton. She was born on May 5, 1928, in Hammond, IN, the daughter of the late George and Ethel (John) Whitmire. She married Jesse Curtis Carver on August 13, 1984, and he passed away in May 2009.
Aunt Pat, as everyone called her, retired from the Chicago Ford Motor Company assembly plant after 30 years of service. She loved her walks, mystery novels, and doing puzzles after her retirement.
She is survived by her niece, Sandal (Glen) Herbeck; two great nephews, Brian (Jennifer) Herbeck and Brett (Kelsey) Herbeck; three great great nieces, Lucy, Samantha, and Stephanie; and three great great nephews, Owen, Jaxen, and Jase.
Besides her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Penny Ann Gosnell; one brother, George Whitmire Jr.; two sisters, Vera Beverly Shwedas and Gloria Nohr; and one nephew, Louis Shwedas.
No services are scheduled at this time. Her family will treasure all the love she gave and the happiness she shared. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Anna Mae (Bellm) Rives, 101, was born on October 3, 1923, in Carlinville to John and Helen (Beasley) Bellm and passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at her home in Carlinville.
Anna married James Willard Rives on April 9, 1947, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Carlinville. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on April 9, 2022. Jim would pass away on December 28, 2022.
After graduation from Carlinville High School, Anna entered St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield where she graduated as a Registerd Nurse. After nursing school, she worked at Macoupin County Hospital in Carlinville as an OB nurse. Anna also carried a job in Private Duty Nursing. She was a Nurse Cadet Volunteer during WWII, also volunteering with the Red Cross. Her nursing skills played a big role in her care for aging and dying neighbors and relatives.
While raising a large family, Anna also devoted time to gardening, cooking (especially her blue ribbon pies and German Lebkuchen cookies) crocheting afghans and was an avid reader and crossword puzzle player. Anna looked forward to Bridge Club nights with her many close friends and relatives. Special times for Anna were travels with family.
Anna was a member of Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Charter Member of the Carlinville Area Hospital Auxiliary, and Charter Member of the Catholic Daughters of America.
Surviving are nine children, Patty (Richard) Lange, John (Charlotte) Rives, Bill (Karen) Rives, Matt Rives, all of Carlinville, Mike (Olga) Rives of Carlyle, Bob (Deehan) Rives of Hillsboro, Jim (Eileen) Rives of Springfield, MO, Margaret (Jan) of Florissant, MO, and Becky (Rusty) Klein of Oconomowac, WI. There are 21 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Anna also leaves two brothers, Earl (Joan) Bellm, and Gene Bellm, all of Carlinville, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, 2010 East 1st South St., Carlinville. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 11 am with the Reverend Alan Hunter presiding. Burial will take place following the Mass of Christian Burial at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Carlinville.
Memorials may be made to Ss Mary and Joseph Building Fund or to St. Vincent DePaul Society. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.
