Obituaries
Obituary of Rodney Edward Stoddard
Rodney Edward Stoddard, 66, passed away peacefully at his home on December 22, 2025, in the early morning hours at 3:15 a.m. surrounded by the people he loved most. Rodney was born on October 30, 1959, in Alton, Illinois, to DeMona Duncan and Tony Stoddard.
He grew up in Bunker Hill and graduated from Bunker Hill High School. For the past 37 years, he made his home in Gillespie, a place filled with memories, friendships, and good times.
Rodney proudly served his country in the United States Army with Company D, Ninth Battalion, known as the “Delta Wolf Pack.” Following his service, he worked hard throughout his life at Hillsboro Glass Factory, Richardson Manufacturing, and T.B.I. He was a skilled machinist and carpenter, known for his strong work ethic and ability to fix or build just about anything.
In his free time, Rodney loved fishing, hunting, backyard golf, and watching football, especially cheering on his beloved Minnesota Vikings. He had a special bond with his cat, Sativa, whom he absolutely adored. Rodney was always ready for a good time and was truly the life of the party. He had a rare gift for making people laugh, made friends everywhere he went, and never met a stranger.
Rodney is survived by his children, Shane Stoddard and girlfriend Danielle Fisko of Benld, Paige Stoddard and fiancé Matt Rauzi of Gillespie, and Taylor Stoddard and fiancé Jessica Floyd of Gillespie. He was a proud grandfather to Logan Miller and wife Whitney Miller, Bailey Stoddard, Sadie Stoddard, Carter Stoddard, and Kaolin Stoddard, and a cherished great-grandfather to Aubrei, Danni, and Bradlee. He is also survived by his siblings, Steve Stoddard, Sharah Kayser and husband Philip Kayser, Tony Stoddard and wife Christi Stoddard, and Christy Besserman and husband Mark Besserman.
He was preceded in death by his parents, DeMona Duncan and Tony Stoddard.
In accordance with Rodney’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation. His family plans to celebrate his life with one last party when the weather is nicer, just the way he would have wanted it. Memorial donations may be made in Rodney’s honor to Shriners Hospitals for Children or the Wounded Warrior Project. Kravanya 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.
