Jana Rae Johnson, a beloved wife, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the age of 64 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on May 7, 1961, in Centralia, Illinois, the daughter of Gerald "Jerry" Ring and Darline (Bierman) Ring, she resided in Lebanon, IL. Jana graduated from Centralia High School and continued her studies at Kaskaskia Junior College. She dedicated many years of her professional life to the healthcare industr...

LaVerne M. Fortmeyer, 98, of Irvington, passed away on Saturday, March 21st, 2026. She was born on May 30, 1927, in Centralia to William Tieman and Emma (Kottkamp) Tieman. She married Dean Fortmeyer in Irvington in 1947, and he preceded her in death on September 21, 2003. LaVerne was a devoted dental assistant, building an esteemed career dedicated to helping others maintain their health and well-being. Outside of her professional life, she was an active and committed member of the Friedens U...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of April Jo Heitman, who left us on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. Born November 8, 1982, and raised in Centralia, April graced this world with her kindness and vibrant spirit for 43 years. She is the daughter of Edward Clem Bounds III and Louise (Wood) Bounds. On April 10, 2021, April and Ian Heitman were married in Walnut Hill. They had a small, intimate service, and April said she married her best friend. She was blessed to spend her days w...

Rebecca "Becky" A. Zimmerman, 79, of Vernon, passed away March 24, 2026, at home. She was born the daughter of Darrel and Joyce (Hathaway) Zimmerman in Vandalia. Survivors to carry on Becky's loving spirit include her beloved daughter, Tina (Kevin Rogers) Burton of St. Louis, Missouri; Brother Larry Zimmerman, wife Kay of Central City; cherished great-grandchildren Bella, Lukas, Daxton, and Nolan; and a host of cousins and family friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparen...

Eileen Evelyn Moore Wooldridge, age 93, of Salem, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Centralia Manor in Centralia. Eileen was born on August 5, 1932, in Odin, Illinois, the daughter of Pearl Thomas Branch and Evelyn (Deadmond) Branch. She lived a long and meaningful life centered around family and service to others. A devoted homemaker and talented seamstress, Eileen was well known throughout her community for her sewing, having made countless dresses for friends and neighbor...

Jane Ann Jackson, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital in Mount Vernon. Born on February 22, 1941, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jane was the daughter of Earl and Mable (Nye) Frederick. Jane was raised in a home shaped by her parents' strong work ethic and love. Her father, Earl Frederick, worked as a traveling tractor parts salesman during the week, and when he returned home, he devoted his time to caring for his girls, creating a steady ...

Richard "Korn" Paul Culver, age 69, of Edgewood, Illinois, passed away April 6, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the Pagel Funeral Home, Edgewood, Illinois. Graveside service will be held at Edgewood Cemetery, Edgewood, Illinois, following the visitation. Mark White will be officiating.

Ronald "Ronnie" J. Sears, 77, of Salem, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2026. Ronnie was born on December 26, 1948, in Centralia, Illinois, the son of Robert Gene Sears and Viola Mae (Nichols) Sears. He spent his life rooted in southern Illinois, where he built a life centered on family, hard work, and simple joys. Ronnie was a dedicated worker for many years. He spent 24 years at World Color Press before retiring from Gilster-Mary Lee. His strong...