The man. The legend. The heart of so many stories. There are no words grand enough to fully capture the life, courage, and legacy of Joe Phoenix, 62, of Centralia, who was gently lifted into the arms of the angels on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Joe was born the beloved son of Woodson and Ruth Naomi Phoenix on February 28, 1963, in Salem, Illinois. From the very beginning, Joe carried a spirit that was too bold to be contained - a blend of fierce strength, boundless curiosity, and a heart full of ...

Virgie Tutt Bassett, age 88 of Alma, passed away on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Centralia Manor with her granddaughter by her side. Virgie was born on May 10, 1937, in Stillwater, Kentucky, the fifth child of nine brothers and sisters born to Luther W. Tutt and Mallie (Bailey) Tutt. She married Dayne Ellis Bassett on May 12, 1953, and he preceded her in death on October 10, 2020. Survivors include her son, Michael Dayne Bassett and wife Cheryl of Godfrey; daughters, Kathy Lynn Smith and husba...

George Roy Shelton, 93, of Opdyke, Illinois, passed away at 5:50 pm May 10, 2025, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born April 16, 1932, in Pendelton Township, Illinois, to the late Raymond D. and Beulah Evelyn (Smith) Shelton. George married Coretta (Rogers) Shelton on September 12, 1953, in Mount Vernon, Illinois. They were blessed with sixty-seven years of marriage before she preceded him in death on April 14, 2021. George is survived by his daughters,...

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Lynda Chiavario, who left this world on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at the age of 60. Born on Monday, December 21, 1964, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Victor Chiavario and Bette Eskew. Lynda was a vibrant soul with a passion for music, art, and painting. She dedicated her time to being a spiritual teacher, helping others navigate life with astrology and her wise counsel. Her kitchen was a place of warmth and laughter, where...

Calvin (Bill) Woolford, 88, of St. Augustine, Florida, formerly of Salem, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2025, with his loving wife by his side. Born and raised in Sparta, Illinois, Calvin spent his early years building a life centered around hard work and community. One of his major life accomplishments was owning and operating Woolford-Marsh Appliance Sales and Service in Salem and Centralia, Illinois, a business he took great pride in and ran with dedication from 1977-1998. Bill and fa...

Marsha Merritt, 72, of Centralia passed away Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She was born on July 23, 1952, in Centralia, the daughter of Warren and Jessie (Orrill) Peoples. She married Bob Redman, and they later divorced. She married Phil Rogers, and they divorced. She married John David Merritt on June 26, 1993, and he preceded her in death on July 27, 2015. Survivors include her beloved family, her daughter, Bobbi Jo Goodin and husband Terry of Centr...

Gregory Dale Scott, age 56, passed away May 8, 2025. He was born to Andy and Janet (Shelton) Scott on June 11, 1968. He graduated from Mount Vernon Township High School in 1987. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1988, where he served for three years. He then served as a Corrections Officer for IDOC until his retirement. Greg is survived by his mother, Janet; daughter, Baileigh Scott; sister, Jenniffer (Scott) Rogers; brother, Shawn (Hope) Scott; and several nieces. A private family ...

John R. Hays, age 76 of Salem, passed away on Friday, May 9, 2025, at his home with his family at his side. John was born on November 26, 1948, the son of Roy and Margaret (Burkett) Hays. He married Janet (Maxey) Hays on February 14, 1992, in Salem, Illinois, and together they shared 33 years united in marriage and 37 years together. Survivors include his wife, Janet of Salem; his daughter, Amber Aaron and significant other Rick Squibb; two step children, Chris Duncan and wife Wendy, and Mari...