James (Jim) Joseph Brueggeman, age 89, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025. He was born on July 25, 1935, in Marion County, Illinois, to the late Anthony William Brueggeman and Helen Cecelia Brueggeman. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Donna June Brueggeman; his brothers, Norbert Brueggeman and Larry Brueggeman; and his sisters, Francis Brueggeman, Rita Brueggeman, Anita Brueggeman, and Rosemary Brueggeman. Jim was a devoted husband, father, and gr...

Mrs. Nola F. Massey, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 2:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Benton. Nola was born on February 7, 1936, in Plato, Missouri; the daughter of Lee Kent and Ollie (Barton) Kent. She was married to Bob Massey, and he preceded her in death in 2005. She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton, and she was a homemaker. She enjoyed worshipping the Lord and cherished the days when she was able to attend church. Nola enjoyed taking walks, r...

LaDonna Pursley, 83, of Centralia passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on December 14, 1941, in Centralia, the daughter of Jesse and Mary "Tommie" (Lankford) Whetsell. Survivors that were so grateful to have LaDonna in their lives include her devoted daughter, Deana Johnson and husband Tom of Centralia; granddaughter, Brooke Thomas and husband Chris of Collinsville; great-grandsons, Crue Thomas, and Coen Thomas; sister, Jerrian...

David Milton Gaines, age 91, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Brentwood, Tennessee, on Friday, April 25, 2025. David was born on April 24, 1934, in Dearborn, Michigan, to David Milton and Louise Colston Gaines. He married Victoria Ann Carlson on March 24, 1956, in Lansing, Michigan, and they spent 66 wonderful years together before her passing on November 1, 2022. David is survived by three children: Douglas Gaines and wife Lori of Worden, IL; Elizabeth Br...

Audrey Christine "Chris" Miller, 87, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025. She was born September 2, 1937, to Raymond and Adell (Peters) Flowers in Centralia, Illinois. Chris, a devout Christian and member of the 161 Church of Christ, spent her early adult years raising her family and working for Illinois Bell, Farm Fresh, and Ace Hardware. She retired from Ace Hardware in 2006 and spent the years since doing what she loved most: being surrounded by her family. Chris will be remembered ...

Major Dale Edward Hixenbaugh was promoted to Glory on May 23, 2025, at the age of 72 in Rockford, Illinois. Born on August 11, 1952, in Centralia, Illinois, Dale lived a life of deep faith, steadfast service, and joyful devotion to his family and the Lord. A proud veteran, Dale served in the United States Army for over seven years, reaching the rank of Specialist 5 (SP5) and specializing in food service. He was the recipient of multiple commendations, including awards for marksmanship, good c...

Grace Elizabeth Fitzwater, age 8, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed at 4:33 pm, Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, with her loving family by her side. Grace was born on April 2, 2017, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Jesse and Emilee (Walker) Fitzwater. Grace's vibrant spirit touched everyone she knew. A spunky and joyful child, she filled the lives of her family and friends with laughter and love. Her passions were man...

Pastor Doug Romine, age 81 of Watertown, Tennessee, formerly of Salem, passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at his home. Doug was born on July 18, 1943, in Arcola, Illinois, the son of Bill and Ruth (Moore) Romine. He married Ellen Kay (Buchanan) Romine on October 2, 1964, in Tuscola, Illinois, and together they shared 57 years united in marriage and serving the Lord until her passing on November 20, 2021. Survivors include his two daughters, Carmen White and husband Bob of Salem, and De...