Ralph Delouis Halfacre, age 93, of Iuka, passed away at his home with his children by his side on Friday, October 16, 2026. Ralph was born on September 8, 1933, in Romine Township, the son of Davie and Stella (Michaels) Halfacre. He married the love of his life, Marjorie Jones, on May 10, 1958, in Salem, and together they spent 58 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on October 15, 2016. He was blessed with three children, Jimmie Halfacre and wife Connie of Iuka, Jo Ann Henson a...

Reva Eileen Grapperhaus, 86, of Carlyle, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, with her daughters by her side. Born on December 16th, 1939, in Carlyle, Illinois, the daughter of Harry H. and Ruby F. (Boatright) Kleber, who preceded her in death. On October 3, 1959, Reva married the love of her life, Ralph J. Grapperhaus, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Carlyle, beginning a 65-year journey of love, laughter, and playful banter. Together they brought...

Becky Sue Helton, age 70, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 12th, 2026, at her home. Becky was born on June 27th, 1956, in Salem, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Tilden Meadows and Lenora Jean (Morgan) Vineyard. Becky was a familiar face in the Salem community, having been in the bartending business for 30 years, during which she owned and operated Becky's Bar. Over those years, she met countless people and built many friendships. She was especially focused on community ser...

Robert Earl Holst, age 78, affectionately known as "Bob" and to many as "Saturday Bob," passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026. Bob was born on August 2, 1948, at the family farm in Bloomsdale, Missouri, the son of Harley and Patsy Holst. Bob was a man of hard work, strong faith, quick wit, and a deep love for his family and friends. He had a natural ability to make people laugh, and his humor and unforgettable personality left a lasting impression on everyone who was for...

Gwen J. Gehrs, 82, of Beckemeyer, passed peacefully on October 11, 2026, at St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese. Born on January 20, 1944, in Lewisville, Arkansas, she was the cherished daughter of Herbert H. and Nellie (Benjamin) Barge. On August 7, 1976, she married Gale Gehrs at Marydale Catholic Church, who survives her in Beckemeyer. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Ronda Beirmann (Dan) of Carlyle, Tona Holle (Wayne) of Carlyle, James Gehrs (Angela) of Pace, Flori...

Gary "GENO " Cortelloni, of Centralia, passed away on Friday, October 9th, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on April 17th, 1949, in Vandalia, Illinois, Gary is the son of Eugene Henry Cortelloni and Rose Mary (Pryor) Cortelloni. Gary first worked for the IC Railroad, he then went to Coal Mining School and moved to Utah where he worked . He moved back to the area to work for Rockwell, which later became Cambridge and Meridian, for over nineteen years until the plant closure. After this c...

Kent F. Van Cleve, 61, of Centralia, passed away Thursday, October 8, 2026, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. Kent was born May 25, 1965, in Centralia, the son of Charles C. and Sandra (Cutshall) Van Cleve. Kent graduated from Centralia High School in 1983 and continued his education at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. He later earned his master's degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Kent dedicated 33 years ...

Mary Anne Morris, 72, a longtime resident of Salem, died at home on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026. She was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, on July 31, 1954, the daughter of Walter and Neomi Penrod. She grew up in Murphysboro, graduated from Murphysboro High School in 1972 and attended John A. Logan College. Mary Anne married Ted Morris on Oct. 6, 1979. Together, they raised two children in a loving home where one could always find sweet tea in the fridge, delightful tchotchkes on the shelves and at lea...