With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James Norman Wood "Woody," who peacefully departed this life on July 19th, 2026, at the age of 79 Jim was born January 18, 1947, in Mount Vernon, Illinois, to the late Gilbert and Jeanette Wood On October 6, 1973, Jim married the love of his life, Vivian Warner, in Mount Vernon. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and friendship, and were blessed with nearly 50 years of marriage. Jim was a gentle, kind-hearted man whose...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Minnie M. Farthing, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Minnie passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at the age of 73, in Centralia, Illinois. Born on Saturday, November 8th, 1952, the daughter of Charles and Josie Mae (Marshall) Schaidt. She married Robert "Bob" Farthing on February 14, 1977 and they later divorced. Minnie lived a life filled with love, compassion, and dedication. A devoted nurse, Mi...

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Douglas Lee Elam, 61, of Salem. Born on December 6th, 1963, Doug is the son of George T. Elam, Jr and Judith (Lender) Elam. Doug worked at Breese Publishing in Breese, IL. Doug is survived by his mother, Judith Elam of Centralia; his daughter, Blaire Elam; and his brothers, George Keith Elam of Salem and Chad Conway Elam, along with his wife, Gabrielle, of West Palm Beach, FL. Preceding him in death were his father, George T. Elam Jr., and his bro...

Timothy "Tim" March, 61, passed away on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at his home in Centralia, with his wife by his side. Tim was born on August 6, 1964, in Waukegan, IL, the son of Walter March and Anna (Paquette) March. On June 5, 1999, he married the love of his life, Carrie Jo (Hawkins) March. Tim earned a Master's Degree from SIUC. He started his career as a professor at Rend Lake College, where he taught culinary arts and later taught at Kaskaskia College. He enjoyed shaping young ...

Clyde William Ellis Sr., 87, of Centralia passed away Saturday, July 18, 2026. He was born on May 25, 1939, in Carbondale, the son of Leroy and Juanita (McCall) Ellis. He married Kathy Marlain on February 15, 1981, in Centralia, and she preceded him in death on August 8, 2017. Survivors include his children, Thomas Gene (Jennifer) Ellis of Centralia, Donald Lee (Agnes) Ellis of Washington, Clyde William (Rhonda) Ellis Jr. of Nashville, Dawna Kay (Bradley) Cooley of Olney; thirteen grandchildr...

Parker Joe Belcher, beautiful baby boy of Nick and Chelsey (Geurin) Belcher was carried to Heaven in the loving arms of the angels. Those who loved Parker deeply and completely include his parents, Nick and Chelsey Belcher; maternal grandparents, Jerra and Curt Swartzlander of Centralia, and Jeff and Tammi Geurin of Texico; maternal great-grandparents, Paul and Eileen Chitwood, and Betty Sanders; aunts, Abigail and Cameron Metcalf of CA, and Jamie and Ryan Alton of Texico; uncle, Chris Swartz...

Jesse Wayne Goff Sr., 68, of Iuka passed away Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at his son's home. He was born on November 30, 1957, the son of Roy and Edna (Misslebrook) Goff. Survivors that have dear memories of Jesse include his sons, Adam Goff and wife Ashley of Iuka, and Jesse W. Goff Jr. of Xenia; six precious grandchildren; four cherished great-grandchildren; brothers, Steve Goff and wife Sussan of Flora, and Timothy Goff and wife Emily of Salem; sisters, Marilyn Bunton of Centralia, and Sheila ...

Helen Mae Baldridge passed away surrounded by the love and support of her family at the Centralia Manor on Thursday evening, July 16, 2026. She was born on May 2, 1930, the daughter of John "Landis" and Ida Mae (True) Barton. She married the love of her life, Wilbur Don Baldridge, on September 10, 1948, in Centralia, and he preceded her in death on January 12, 2023. Helen is survived by her devoted family, sons Kenneth Baldridge of Centralia and Randy Baldridge and wife Gaye of Cent...