Obituaries
Obituary of Kenneth Garrison Welch
Kenneth Garrison Welch, 91 a lifelong resident of Worden, died on December 25, 2024, at The Glenwood Supportive Living Center in Staunton. He was born on June 17, 1933 in Carpenter, IL to Leo and Eva (Garrison) Welch. Kenny married Nettie Ann (Milligan) Welch in Worden on July 28, 1956.
Kenny was a proud Korean War veteran and was always eager to share a story about his experience serving our country. He worked at Olin Corporation for 45 years before retiring. To know Kenny was to love him. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He played an instrumental role in the lives of those most important to him.
Kenny did not know a stranger and gleamed with so much joy while striking up a conversation with anyone passing by him. He was also a known jokester and loved making others laugh. Kenny enjoyed being outdoors from fixing lawn mowers and lawn care, bonfires, naps on his swing, and tinkering in his garage. He was the go-to person in Worden and was always happy to lend a helping hand.
Kenny had a final wish of being home with his wife for Christmas and his wish came true. He will forever live on through cherished remembrance of sitting in the sunshine, cowboy movies, silly jokes, long car rides, and a big plate of biscuits and gravy.
He is survived by his daughter, Gladys (Welch) Arnold of Staunton; his grandchildren, Molly (McMahon) Wells, John (& Rachel) McMahon, Becky Arnold, and Monica McMahon; his great grandchildren, Landon & Kenzie Wells, Eli McMahon, and Nettie Ann Knott; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Gladys Odell; his brothers, Charles “Peanuts” Welch and Harold Welch; his wife, Nettie Ann Welch; and his daughter, Maryann (Welch) McMahon.
Private graveside services will be held for immediate family only per Kenny’s request. Memorials are suggested to Worden Volunteer Fire Department in Worden.
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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.
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Dora Berutti, 92 of Benld, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center, Gillespie on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:54 pm. She was born on April 5, 1932, in Benld to Anton Fiorio and Maria Gherna Fiorio.
She married Herman R. “Skip” Berutti on October 15, 1955, in Benld. He preceded her in death on December 23, 2005. She was retired after having been a bookkeeper for Illinois Valley. Dora was a member of the St. Joseph’s Church and Altar Society.
She is survived by her son, Tom (Kara) Berutti of Southlake, TX; daughter, Gina Bain of Litchfield; grandchildren, Amie Lynn, Claire, Caroline, and Emily; great-grandchildren, Lance, Faith, and Lexie Raine; and great-great-grandchildren, Alexander, Paisley Grace and Skylar.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents; spouse; sisters, Anita, Olga, and Dena; and brother, Thomas.
Friends may call on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church in Benld from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Memorial mass will be on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Church in Benld at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Benld Cemetery, Benld.
Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph’s Church or Benld Cemetery. Kravanya Funeral Home, Benld is in charge of the arrangements.
