Joan (McClaren) Blackwell, 90, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026, at Liberty Village of Centralia in Centralia, Illinois. Joan was born on October 31, 1935, to Ira and Lola G. (Hutson) Wilkey in Centralia, Illinois. She never needed an excuse to dress up. An avid high-heel wearer, she believed life was better when you faced it standing tall and looking good doing it. Wednesday nights were sacred. Quarter Bingo wasn't just a game-it was an event. She loved the...

Lynn Wright James, 78, of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Carriage Crossing in Champaign, with her family by her side. She was born on March 14, 1947, in Dunkirk, NY, the daughter of Edward and Helen (Schiffman) Schnabel. She married Ron Wright, and they later divorced. She married Larry James in November of 1996, and he preceded her in death in January 2020. Survivors that will smile when thinking of all the wonderful memories of Lynn's amazing life include her children...

Lorren E. Abernathy, 78, of Buckeye, AZ, went to his eternal resting place Monday, January 26, 2026, at Banner Boswell Hospital in Sun City, AZ, in the loving arms of his wife and daughter. He was born November 12, 1947, in Centralia, IL., the son of William H. and Evelyn Abernathy (Haake). He married Rose Ann Sanders on September 25, 1971, at St. Peter's United Church of Christ of Centralia, and she survives him. In addition to his wife Rose Ann, he is survived by a daughter: Tracy Abernathy...

Dewayne "Butch" Loren Williams, 81, of Centralia, passed away Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. He was born on March 30, 1944, in Salem, the son of Roger Dewayne and Lucille Marie (Steevens) Williams. He married Cathy Miller on July 4, 1992, in Centralia, and she survives him in Centralia. Along with his wife of 33 years, Cathy Williams, survivors that will remember Butch as a man you could always count on include his beloved family, his so...

Nathan Lee Spain, age 28 of Salem, Illinois, lost his battle to glioblastoma on March 4, 2026, at his brother's home in the loving care of his family. Nathan was born to Jeffery and Carol (Mowery) Spain on August 26, 1997, in Centralia, Illinois. He graduated from Raccoon Grade School in 2012 and Salem Community High School in 2016. He attended Kaskaskia College before beginning his career in the Illinois Department of Corrections starting at Pinckneyville then transferring to the Centrali...

Linda Jean Berry, age 83 of Centralia, Illinois, died on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at 2:49 PM at Carlyle Healthcare and Senior Living. She was born in Olney, Illinois, on March 12, 1942, a daughter of Thomas Rosborough and Mildred Smith Owen. On October 25, 1963, she married George Berry, and he preceded her in death. Linda is survived by one daughter, Lori Helen Berry of Centralia; a sister, Diana (Jerry) Hamilton of Beckemeyer; a brother, Roy Rosborough and special friend Darlene Johnson o...

Christine Holmes, age 70 of Salem, passed away at her home on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Christine was born on October 13, 1955, in Centralia, the daughter of Woodson and Ruth Naomi (Meyer) Phoenix. She is survived by her daughter, Brandy Holmes Drenckpohl of Odin; brother, Chris Phoenix and wife Donna of Kell; nephew, Amos Phoenix and wife Michelle of Gillespie; and significant other, Nick DiMonte of Bolingbrook. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Joe Phoenix, son-in-law, Dug Dr...

Robert "Bob" Haney, 79, of Salem, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Salem Township Hospital. Born December 9, 1946, in Salem, Illinois, Bob was the son of Aaron and Julia (Connelly) Haney. He united in marriage with Linda (Bowen) on March 16, 1968. They shared 56 wonderful years together before her passing on September 10, 2024. Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Ronda Plumb and her husband Daniel of Mt. Vernon, and Lara Morris and her husband Thomas of Salem; his...