Kenneth Lee Tomes Jr., 71, of Sandoval passed away Friday, August 7, 2026, at Odin Health Care Center. He was born on June 3, 1955, in Kentucky, the son of Kenneth Sr. and Shirley (Byrne) Tomes. He married the love of his life, Connie Sue Kaufman on August 2, 2002, and she survives him in Sandoval. Along with his beloved wife of 24 years, Connie Tomes, survivors that were so grateful to have had Ken in their lives include his mother, Shirley Tomes of Alabama; children, LaShana Lyons of Sandov...

Jennifer Lynn Starwalt, age 45, of Kinmundy, Illinois, passed away Thursday night, August 6, 2026, at St. Louis University Hospital. She was born January 12, 1981, in Olney, the daughter of Mark Eugene and Wanda Ellen (Jennings) Byers. She was united in marriage to Mark Anthony Starwalt on September 8, 2001, in Neoga. Together, they shared nearly 25 years of marriage, building a life and raising their children, Malachi and Mallory, while sharing in the joys, challenges, and everyday moments t...

James "Jim" Baxter, a beloved educator, world traveler, and devoted family man, passed away on Monday, August 10th, 2026, in Centralia, Illinois, at the age of 84. Born on January 18th, 1942, Jim is the son of James Morgan Baxter and Florence Ann (Albright) Baxter. He lived a life full of love, adventure, and dedication to both his family and his community. On June 9, 1968, he married his love, Charlotte (Dudley) Baxter and they shared 47 wonderful years together before she passed o...

Patricia Justine Culver, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 7th, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on Wednesday, May 18th, 1949, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Clifford Ryan and Catherine (Snow) Ryan. Patricia married Roger Culver on February 21, 1981 and he survives her passing. Patricia worked at KAS Potato Chip Factory for many years and later worked at Little Fuse. She had a talent for sewing and making crafts that brought joy to ...

Jimmie T. Peeples , 90, of Mount Vernon, IL, passed away at 3:30 pm August 10, 2026 at Green Tree Memory Care in Mt. Vernon, IL. He was born August 20, 1935 in Mt Vernon, IL to Everett E. Peeples and Madelyn (Dye Vonderheid) Peeples. Jimmie married Nancy (Williams) Peeples in Mt. Vernon, IL and she proceeds him death. Jimmie is survived by his Sons, Steven N. Peeples and wife, Patti of Mount Vernon and Scott A. Peeples and wife, Beth of Fults, Illinois; Grandchildren, Lucas Peeples and wif...

Gaye Nell Knolhoff, 90, of Centralia, passed away on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at Fireside House Nursing Home in Centralia. She was born on October 23, 1935, in Vandalia, Illinois, the daughter of Ralph B. Smith and Velma (Noffsinger) Smith. She married Lester "Wes" Knolhoff, who preceded her in death on March 8, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her first husband, Delbert Leigh. Gaye worked at Sears for 30 years and she also worked in the pharmacy at Walmart. She was a memb...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barbara Huggins, of Centralia (formerly Hoffman), Illinois, on July 27, 2026 at the age of 82. Barbara touched many lives as a caregiver, spending the better part of her life caring for residents at Murray Center, Terra Estates and Joshua Manor. Not only did she bring love and joy to many residents throughout the years, but also to the many coworkers who became friends/family. She cared deeply about protecting those with disabilities, st...

James Edward Boozer, 92, of Kell, passed away at 8:25 a.m., Sunday, August 9, 2026, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor in Mt. Vernon. He was born January 16, 1934, in Marion County, Illinois, the son of John and Myrtle (Creel) Boozer. On April 29, 1956, at Donoho Prairie Christian Church, he married Lavin Ayers, and she preceded him in death on September 26, 2023. Mr. Boozer ran a limestone business in Kell for twenty years, from 1966 to 1986, and later worked at the Warren G. Murray Developmen...