Obituaries
Obituary of James C. Anderson
James C. Anderson, 94 of Staunton, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was born on November 24, 1930, in Nashville the son of the late Harry C. and Amelia (Rinne) Anderson. He married Corrine F. Reisenbichler on August 6, 1955, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Clayton, MO and she preceded him in death.
He was a graduate of St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1953. He was a pharmacist in Carmi and Champaign, IL and also Columbia, MO, until he joined Fritz’s Drug Store in Staunton in 1964. He was a pharmacist for many years there and then a joint owner with his wife Corrine until his retirement in 1998.
Jim and his wife enjoyed snowbirding in Bradenton, FL for over 30 years, but moved back to Maryville full time in 2007 to enjoy spending time with their grandchildren. Jim moved to Meridian Village in Glen Carbon in 2017 where he made several great friends over the next 8 years. He was a huge Cardinals fan, still going to the games with his daughter Marcia until the very end. He loved playing golf and going to major golf tournaments. He looked forward to vacationing in Florida each year and spending time on the beach.
He is survived by one son, Todd Anderson; two daughters, Marcia (Keith) Billhartz and Susan Anderson; three grandchildren, Maureen (Nate) Johnson, Michael (Ashley) St. Clair, and Andrew Billhartz; two great grandchildren, Mara and Will Johnson; a sister-in-law, Florence Westermann; and 15 nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Harry & John Anderson; and one sister, Mildred Lietz.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to either the Zion Lutheran School Education Fund for Curriculum Development or to the Zion Lutheran Church Organ Fund in Staunton. Williamson Funeral Home 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.
