Merlin Ellis Johnson
May 28, 2025
Merlin Ellis Johnson April 24, 1937 – May 28, 2025
Merlin Ellis Johnson, 88, of Edmond, OK, passed peacefully into heaven on May 28, 2025, at Jasmine Estates of Edmond. Born in Centralia, IL, he was the beloved son of Bruce and Carrie Johnson and the only brother to three sisters. He was raised on the family...
Ladonna Pursley
May 28, 2025
LaDonna Pursley, 83, of Centralia passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Fireside House in Centralia. She was born on December 14, 1941, in Centralia, the daughter of Jesse and Mary "Tommie" (Lankford) Whetsell.
Survivors that were so grateful to have LaDonna in their lives include her devoted daughter, Deana Johnson and husband Tom of Centralia;...
Matt Sloat
May 25, 2025
Matthew Bernard "Matt" Sloat , 72, of Centralia passed away Sunday, May 25, 2025, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was born on August 16, 1952, the son of Edgar and Martha (Gould) Sloat in East St. Louis, MO. He married the love of his life, Cecelia Dodson on April 9, 1977, and she survives...
Rollin “Pete” Hintz
May 20, 2025
Rollin "Pete" Hintz , 86, of Boulder passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
He married Jennie Reagan on August 26, 1958, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Sandoval, and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2021.
Rollin is survived by his daughter, Julie Hintz-Lueking...
Joe Phoenix
May 10, 2025
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...
Keith Stewart
May 8, 2025
Keith Stewart , 63, of Hoffman passed away Thursday, May 8, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. He was born on September 5, 1961, the son of Lillian Stewart and Donald Stewart. Keith was previously married to Lori Jones and to Connie Lukens, but in the end, he found lasting happiness with his life partner and best friend, Nina...
Marsha Merritt
May 7, 2025
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...
Bobby Splechter
May 2, 2025
Bobby Leo Splechter , 92, of Sandoval passed away peacefully Friday, May 2, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on January 24, 1933, in Houston, Missouri, the son of Joseph Albert and Verda Mae (Green) Splechter. He married the love of his life, Verta Lee Skeen on May 9, 1952, in Salem and she...
Larice Stalls
May 1, 2025
Larice Diane Stalls , 64, of Centralia passed away peacefully Thursday, May 1, 2025, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon with her son by her side. She was born on August 12, 1960, in Centralia, the daughter of Girland and Edna Earle (Hicks) Stalls.
Survivors that will remember Larice's amazing fighting spirit include her...
Wayne Pepple
Apr 30, 2025
Loren 'Wayne' Pepple , 96, passed away on April 30th, 2025, at Gordon Manor, Redwood City, CA.
Wayne was preceded in death by his brothers, Clarence and Robert, an infant sister, half-brother Clarence, and his parents, Ivan and Elsie (Overbey) Pepple. He is survived by his wife of 76 years, Margaret (Harville) and their children, Merriam Hanley...
Mary Louise Smith
Apr 23, 2025
Mary Louise Smith , 90, of Centralia passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor. She was born on October 31, 1934, the daughter of Clarence and Gladys (Jones) Weaver in Rusk County, Texas. She married Dwight Smith, one daughter was born of this union and they later divorced.
Survivors that will remember...
Phyllis Ann Guthrie
Apr 19, 2025
Phyllis Ann Guthrie , 89, of Centralia passed away Saturday, April 19, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. She was born on February 18, 1936, the daughter of George and Mildred Mae (Cole) Chambers in Centralia.
Survivors include her twin sons, Brian (Lisa) Guthrie of Centralia and Brent (Janice) Guthrie of Carlyle; grandchildren, Garett (Amanda) Guthrie, Macie...
Jennifer Bailey
Apr 18, 2025
Jennifer Ray Bailey 51, of Muncie, IN formerly, of Centralia, IL passed away Friday, April 18th at her home. She was born June 8th, 1973 in Centralia, IL the daughter of Cathy Darlene (Rhynes) Brundridge and Bob Bailey. She is survived by lifelong partner Dave Marling of Muncie, IN; loving children Lacy Taylor and husband Justin of Salem, Tanisha...
Vernon Leroy Lee
Apr 14, 2025
Vernon Leroy Lee , 82, of Vernon passed away peacefully at his daughter's home in Iuka surrounded by his loving family, Monday, April 14, 2025. He was born on November 10, 1942, the son of William and Leona (Campbell) Lee. He married Patsy Payne on January 18, 1964, in Marion County and she survives.
Along with his...
Laverne Irene Backs
Apr 13, 2025
LaVerne Irene Backs , 97, of Centralia passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Centralia Manor. She was born on November 28, 1927, the daughter of William and Louise (Daum) Knollman in Centralia. She married Marvin Backs on May 17, 1947, and he preceded her in death on November 13, 1983.
Survivors include her children, Karilyn (Johnathan)...
Joanna Sue Busscher
Apr 10, 2025
JoAnna Sue Busscher, 66, of Iuka passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital. She was born on December 17, 1958, the daughter of Carl and Betty (Lacy) Young in Salem. She married John W. Busscher on April 15, 1989, in Clark County, Nevada and he survives in Iuka.
Along with her devoted husband,...
Rosemary Alexander
Apr 9, 2025
Rosemary Alexander , 84, of Patoka passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She was born on February 12, 1941, the daughter of Leslie and Marybelle (Singer) Walker in Patoka. She married Larry Alexander on September 24, 1959, at the Christian Church in Patoka, and he survives her in Patoka.
...
Florence Marlow
Apr 9, 2025
Florence J. Marlow , 96, of Centralia passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at Centralia Manor. She was born on August 19, 1928, the daughter of Raymond and Naomi (Dugan) Heap in Centralia. She married Norman G. Marlow on December 21, 1946, and he preceded her in death on December 15, 2005.
Survivors include her beloved...
Delmar Unsell Jr.
Apr 1, 2025
Delmar Lee Unsell Jr. , 57, of Centralia passed away Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at his home. He was born on September 24, 1967, the son of Delmar Sr. and Shirley (Hayes) Unsell in Centralia.
Survivors include his siblings, Johnny Unsell, Becky (Unsell) Wilson, and Liz (Unsell) Wimberly; nieces and nephews, Cody Wilson, Allee Wilson, Kaylee Wilson,...
Vic Steele
Mar 31, 2025
Victoria Marie "Vic" Steele , 70, of Odin passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, friends and much love Monday, March 31, 2025. She was born on July 4, 1954, in Centralia, and her birthdate truly suited her "firecracker" personality. Vic was the daughter of her beloved parents, Virgil and Barbara (Tillman) Steele.
Survivors that will remember how...
