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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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.
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