Norman Hirsch, a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025, at the age of 80. Born on January 25, 1945, to the late John and Ruby Hirsch, Norman's gentle spirit and unwavering dedication to family and community touched all who knew him. Norman was a proud veteran, having been drafted into the Army during the Vietnam era, where he served his country with honor. After his military service, he returned to Centralia, where he shared his hardworking and ...

Teresa Anne Thompson, 73, of Centralia, passed away Monday, December 8, 2025, at her home, Warren G. Murray Center in Centralia. She was born on June 28, 1952, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Carl and JoAnn (Taft) Thompson. Survivors include her sister, Mary Lou Stiff of MO; brothers, Edward Thompson of IL, and Anthony Thompson of PA; and many nieces and nephews. Teresa was preceded in death by her parents. Teresa was of the Catholic faith. She loved all animals, grateful for the joy they b...

Mrs. Gloria Ann Oliver, 77, of Mount Vernon, IL, was born on April 10, 1948, in Durham, NC, to John Thomas Roberts and Vivian (Roberts) Parker Bridges. She passed away at home on December 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her loving parents; her caring stepfather, Thurman Bridges, and her beloved husband of 51 years, Dr. Prince B. Oliver, Jr. Gloria and Prince married on March 4, 1973, in Durham, NC, and they made their home in Mount Vernon that same year. In 1977, the year that their che...

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert Rodney Merten II "Rod", a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Rod passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5th, 2025, at the age of 55. Born on a brisk Saturday, January 3rd, 1970, in Dallas, TX, Rod made his home in Memphis, IN, where he spent his final years thriving in the warmth of family and friends. He was a former resident of the Centralia and Hoyleton area. Rod was a talented and dedicated ...

Debra L. Smith, 72, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born on October 10, 1953, the daughter of Lloyd "Slug" Gambill and Phyllis (Hudspeth) Brewster. She married the love of her life, George M. Smith, and he died before her in 1985. A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Debra's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her son, George Smith, and his wife, Tammy, of Centralia; her granddaughter, Cassie Stover, an...

Rickey D. West, age 64 of Mt. Vernon, passed away on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Axiom Healthcare in Mt. Vernon. Rickey was born on October 19, 1961, in Decatur, Illinois, the son of Rickey D. West Sr. and Karen (McGlade) West. Survivors include his daughters, Karen Neff and Gabby Abbs, both of Salem; a sister, Crystal Lewis of Salem; and brothers, Mike Dalton of Abilene, Texas, and Richard West of West Frankfort, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rickey D. West Sr. and Ka...

Mrs. Alta Nadine Stonecipher, age 96, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 8, 2025. She was born on July 20, 1929, at her family home on Emma Street in Christopher, Franklin County, Illinois, the daughter of Nathan Caley Chrisman, Senior Agent with the Illinois Central Railroad, and Carrie Marie McAnelly Owens Chrisman, a skilled tailor. In 1944, her family moved to Centralia, Illinois, where she attended high school, played clarinet in the school and piano at home, and grew into the gr...

Roy McCorkle, 82, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away on December 4, 2025, at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon, Illinois. He was born on June 16, 1943, in Kankakee, Illinois, to the late James and H. Marjorie McCorkle. Roy married Jane (Clark) McCorkle on December 17, 1966. They were blessed with nearly 59 years of marriage. In addition to his beloved wife, Roy is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Kristine McCorkle, of Wentzville, Missouri; two daughters and sons-in-law, Laura...