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 (Noffsingger) 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 in pharmacy and later in the checking department at Walmart. She was a member of Fir...

Verla Mae Keele, 85, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 11:15 p.m. on August 6, 2026, at Stonebridge Memory Care in Mount Vernon. She was born May 2, 1941, in Hamilton County, Illinois, to the late Ralph Leslie Hampton and Vada Pauline (Ray) Gross. Verla is survived by her former husband, Jerry Keele and their children, Paula (Diane) Keele and Todd (Robin) Keele; grandchildren, Candace (Andrew) Meyers, Joshua (Sabrina) Keele, Emma (Grant) Cross, and Karsyn (Dakota) Keele-Routh; great-g...

Carol Joyce Orrell, 83, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at Fireside House of Centralia. Carol was born on August 14, 1942, at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia, Illinois, to Adolph and Edna (Grasher). She attended Mater Dei High School in Breese and devoted her life to her family, home, and the simple joys that brought people together. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Adolph and Edna Grasher; her beloved husband, David "Butch" Orrell; her step-grandson Dustin Orre...

Raymond R. Scoles, age 96, of Edgewood, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at his home in Edgewood. Funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 9 th , 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois with visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the start of service. Nathan Delks will be officiating. Masonic Rites will be observed at 11:40 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Edgewood Cemetery or donor's choice. Online condolences may be left at www.pag...

Juanita M. Hofstetter, age 95, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at Twin Willows Nursing Center in Salem. She was born on February 8, 1931, in Elkville, Illinois, the daughter of William and Melba (Hartsock) Spangler. She married Robert Hofstetter on November 22, 1951, in Elkville, Illinois and he preceded her in death on June 25, 2017. Juanita devoted her life to her family and was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Before marrying and raising her famil...

DaVenia Jean Flagg, affectionately known as "DJ," transitioned from labor to reward on August 6, 2026, at her home in Centralia, Illinois. Born on July 15, 1980, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Veronica Ann (Flagg) Smith and Tommie K. Smith, DJ was an amazing mother, sister, niece, daughter, cousin, and friend whose untimely passing has left an enormous void in the lives of all who knew and loved her. A lifelong resident of Centralia, DJ was truly one of a kind. She professed Christ at a...

Chris M. Hammond, aged 46, of Carlyle, passed away at his home on Monday, August 3, 2026. Born on November 9, 1979, in Greenville, IL, he was the beloved son of Carlos Hammond, Jr. and Denise Linton. Chris leaves behind his cherished sons, Chase and Ryker Hammond; his loving parents, Denise Linton Hammond and Carlos "JR" Hammond and Penny. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles, including Don "Bone" Linton and his wife Darlene, Carla Sue Elam and her husband Greg, Ray...

David Louis Sledge, age 80, of Flora, Illinois, passed away peacefully Wednesday evening, July 29, 2026, at Axiom Healthcare of Flora, following a long journey with Alzheimer's disease. His loving wife was by his side, along with his sister-in-law, Tammy Dulaney, brother-in-law, Tony Dulaney, and Axiom employee and special friend, Jamie West, all offering their care and support. He was born July 18, 1946, in Mt. Vernon, the son of Dee L. and Betty (Tate) Sledge. He was united in marriage to...