Lily L. Day, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2026, just weeks shy of her 98th birthday. Born September 6, 1928, Lily lived a remarkable life defined by love, strength, grace, independence, and resilience. Lily met John Francis Day, the love of her life, and they eloped on November 1, 1947. For nearly 47 years, she was his devoted wife and partner, accompanying him throughout his military career and later years wi...

Gerald "Jerry" Hartwell, age 88, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on August 19, 2026, at 4:10 am with his wife, Nancy, and special friend Donna Phoenix at his side. Jerry was born in Centralia, IL, on January 6, 1938, to Aletha Hartwell. He attended Sandoval High School where he was a pitcher for the baseball team. Jerry then attended Kaskaskia College, where he studied business. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, where he was stationed at Camp P...

Anita Jean McElroy, 86, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 9:25 am August 19, 2026 at Mount Vernon Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon. She was born November 19, 1939 in Uniontown, Kentucky to the late Isaac Leland and Hallie Mae (Bradford) Bayley. Anita married John L. McElroy on June 10, 1961 in Alton, Illinois. He preceded her in death on February 14, 1996. Anita is survived by her sons, John McElroy and Angelo Castillo of Trenton, New Jersey, Chris McElroy and wife, Kristine of Mount...

David Edward Lender, age 81, passed away at home on August 17, 2026. He is survived by his children sons; Adam Lender, Joshua (Jean) Lender, step-son Beau Farias; daughter, Sarah (Carl) Hawkins (nee Lender); six grandchildren, Kelsey (Billy) Miller, Athena (Zach) McCallister, Alana, Matthea, and Rena Farias; nine great-grandchildren, Aubree, Lilyana, Emilia, Sophia, Matthew, Veronica, Valynn, Colson, and Aria; sister, Judith Elam (nee Lender); as well numerous nieces, nephews, adopted childr...

Tommy Ray Goostree, age 85, of Iuka, Illinois, passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Tommy was born on September 19, 1940, in Salem, Illinois, the son of Marshall and Virgina (Greider) Goostree. On June 22, 1961, he married Freda (Jourdan) Goostree in Salem, Illinois, and together they shared almost 65 years of marriage until her passing on May 30, 2026. Throughout his working years, Tommy was employed in the oil fields and also worked as a cement finisher. He received his 50...

Paula Leeann Gordon, age 59, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at her home on Sunday, August 16, 2026. She was born on September 21, 1966, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Paul Childers and Helen (Davis) Childers. On April 23, 2008, Paula married Donald Wells Gordon Jr. Paula devoted much of her life to her home and family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her family was an important part of her life. Paula is survived by her husband, Donald Gord...

Mary L. O'Neill, 80, of Centralia, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at her home. She was born on June 26, 1946, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of Francis and Edith (Richardson) O'Neill. Survivors who appreciated having Mary in their lives include her niece, Susan Halstead and Frank; several more nieces and nephews; and her good friends, Sharon Reed, Jane Laffoon, and Nicole Heck. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Eileen Rada and Kathleen Bell; brothers, Vernon O'Neill an...

Barbara L. Baker, age 82, of Carlyle, passed away at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living Center on Sunday, August 9, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Zieren Funeral Home in Carlyle, with Rev. Josh Wolford officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 - 11:00 AM at Zieren Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Barb may be made to the wishes of the family and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home.