Obituaries
Obituary of Leslie “Les” U. Massey
Leslie “Les” U. Massey, 71 of Gillespie, died at his residence on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 5:29 pm. He was born on June 30, 1954 in Staunton to Edsel Udell Massey and Mary Ellen Nordyke Johnson.
He married Kathleen Hunter Massey on November 17, 1978, in Belleville. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2024. He had worked at Aladdin Steel in Gillespie.
He is survived by his step mother, Katherine Massey File of SC; daughters, Jennifer (Michael) Brown of Alton and Stella Massey of Brighton; grandchildren, Christopher, Erika, Madison, Joey, Jason, Cearra, Kaiden, Allie, Paislee, Lena, Lyle, Ryea, and Nyki; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Theo, Levi, and Amelia; and siblings, Mary Brown of SC, Brenda Depriest of SC, and Nicole Stiwill of FL.
Leslie was preceded in death by his parents; spouse; son, James Massey; daughter, Stacie Massey; and siblings, Leonard Massey, Debbie Massey, Glen Elders, Sandy Flores, John Kovac, and Susan Kovac.
Visitation will be on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Shari Lynne (Estell) Overturf, 64 of Eagarville, passed away at her residence on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:53 am. She was born on February 23, 1961, in Litchfield to Lee Estell and Kay (Wagner) Purdy.
Shari was a loving mom, grandma, sister and aunt who always took care of everyone.
She is survived by her children, Trisha Kester, Crystal Parker, and William Overturf Jr.; grandchildren, Brittney Kester, Bailey Hildebrand, Brody Ziegler, Briley Kester, Rhiannon Black, Derek Rhodes, Kiyra Parker, and Iyvie Wood; great grandchildren, Nicholas Miller, Evanee Flournoy, Gracelynn Copeland, and Raelynn Rhodes; siblings, Michelle Middleton, Lori Keller, and Randy (Lesly) Estell; many nieces and nephews and companion, Richard Overturf.
Shari was preceded in death by her parents and son, Shane Boston.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 2 to 3:30 pm at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie with a memorial service at 3:30 pm at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Kravanya Funeral Home. Kravanya Funeral Home, Gillespie is in charge of the arrangements.
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Judith Rose (Slifka) Klein, age 78 of Staunton, formerly of Livingston, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones at 7:48 AM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
She was born on January 23, 1947, in Litchfield, the cherished child of Frank and Sylvia Rose (McKinnerney)(Schlechte) Slifka. She married the love of her life, Russell Gerhart Klein, on July 13, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livingston.
She graduated from Livingston High School and Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a teaching degree. Mrs. Klein taught in Livingston for 33 years in grades 2-4 and treated all the kids like they were her own. After retirement, she also enjoyed working at Slifka Trucking for a few years as a bookkeeper.
She was a lifetime member of the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton where she attended regularly and volunteered for various events. She found joy in traveling, especially on cruises, as well as in cooking and gathering with family. She was a very involved parent and grandparent, attending numerous sporting events and extra-curricular activities throughout the years.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Russell; daughter, Kristine (Peter) Dederich; daughter, Tammy (Troy) Eaker; son, Kevin Klein; and daughter, Angela Klein (Michael Helmkamp); grandchildren, Hannah Klein, Erin Dederich, Eli Klein, Amy Dederich, Sophi Klein, Molli Klein, and Matthew Klein. In addition, she had three step grandchildren, Jacob Eaker, Lucas Eaker, and Elizabeth (Isaac) Daugherty. Also surviving are her brother, Frank (Alice) Slifka; sister-in-law, Tammy Slifka; brother-in-law, Donald (Janet) Klein; brother-in-law, Arnold (Judy) Klein; and many nieces and nephews as well as countless friends and family members whose lives were touched by her warmth and compassion.
She was preceded in death by her parents; father-in-law, George Klein; mother-in-law, Mary (Brazinski) Klein; brother, Alan Slifka; brother, David Slifka; sister-in-law, Georgetta (Klein) Alexander; and brother-in-law, Lee Alexander.
Visitation will be from 9 to 11 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton. A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Staunton with Pastor Josh Pittman officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the St. Paul United Church of Christ in Judith’s legacy. Though Judith may be gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts. May she rest in God’s eternal peace. In her honor, let us continue to spread the love she embodied. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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Aiden M. Gunning, 17 of Carlinville, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 4:41 p.m. in Bunker Hill. He was born on September 9, 2008, in Aberdeen, WA, and was the beloved son of Brian K.Gunning and Jamie E. Jackson (née Hanneken).
Aiden was a junior in high school, known for his bright smile, and the way his positive attitude could lift anyone’s spirits. His joy was contagious, and he had a gift for making people feel valued and loved.
Aiden’s life was deeply rooted in his faith. As a devoted member of Charity Baptist Church, he lived out his love for Jesus in everything he did, through his kindness, his humility, and his unwavering belief in God’s goodness. His faith was not just something he spoke about; it was evident in the way he treated others and served his community.
A passionate athlete, Aiden was involved in weightlifting and soccer, and he loved the camaraderie of working out with friends. He also enjoyed playing video games and building Legos, always finding joy in both competition and creativity. His love for sports extended beyond the field, he saw them as a way to connect with others and encourage teamwork.
Aiden was proud to be part of the Carlinville community, where he was cherished by everyone who knew him. Whether at school, church, or work, his presence brought warmth and laughter. He was employed with G. Beck Construction, where his strong work ethic and positive spirit left a lasting impression.
His legacy of faith, kindness, and joy will continue to live on through the lives he touched and through the memorials that honor his love for Jesus, his community, and the activities he cherished.
Aiden is survived by his father, Brian K. (Carrie, stepmother) Gunning of Carlinville; mother, Jamie E. Jackson of Carlinville; sister, Madison M. Gunning of Carlinville; brother, Brandon A. Gunning of Hettick; sisters Grace E. and Isabella R. Gunning of Carlinville; and brothers, Anderson J., Christian J., and Benjamin W. Gunning of Carlinville.
He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Victoria (Franz) Gunning.
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at The Roads Church, 19453 Hurricane Drive, Carlinville. A celebration of life will follow at 7:00 p.m. at The Roads Church.
Memorials may be made to Charity Baptist Church or Carlinville Park District. Davis-Anderson Funeral Home, Carlinville oversees arrangements.
