Obituaries
Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Huyear
Mary Elizabeth Huyear, 89 of Carlinville, passed away on Friday afternoon, November 22, 2024, at Lakeside Health Care in Carlinville. Mary was born on January 29, 1935, in Carlinville, a daughter of Harvey Irvin and Lena Speranza Prevedell Phelps.
She graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1953. On June 29, 1954, she married Raymond Michael Huyear Sr. at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Carlinville. Mary entered the work force as the Macoupin County Housing Authority Secretary.
Later on, she was hired at the Farmers and Merchants Bank in Carlinville. Her banking career spanned for over 50 years and retired as the Vice President and cashier. She will be remembered most as the Director of the 5 Star Club where she guided numerous exciting and educational bus trips, plus other events.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Ss Mary and Joseph Catholic Church, Carlinville. Mass of Christian burial will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the church with Rev Joe Koyickal celebrant. Burial will follow in New Calvary Cemetery, Carlinville.
Mary is survived by her sons, Raymond Michael Huyear, Jr. and Robert Lynn (Becky) Huyear both of Carlinville; granddaughters, Amy Jo (Chad) Verble of Centralia and Hanna Michelle (Ryan) Marko of Centralia; great granddaughter, Lauren Elizabeth Verble of Centralia; great grandsons, Cade Allen Verble, Reed Anderson Marko and Dax Henry Marko; sisters, Shirley A. Russell of Holland, MI and Rebecca J. Thompson of Carlinville; brother, Harvey (wife, Lois) G. “Bud” Phelps of Pond Creek, OK; and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Catholic Charities. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is assisting with Mary’s funeral 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.
