Obituaries

Laura Katherine “Katie” Whipple, age 90, of Belle Rive, IL passed away at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Ronald Albert “Ron” Deen, 71, of Dale, IL passed away on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Ron was born January 6, 1953 in Eldorado, IL to Hugh & Alice (Davis) Deen.  On August 15, 1977 he married Lois (Ritchason) Deen, who preceded him in death on September 24, 2018.

Heaven get ready because here she comes. Momma (and God), finally decided Beverly Miller had taught us all she could and some of us weren’t gonna listen anyway. Residents of heaven be prepared, first you will be rearranging furniture. Then you will need to Spring clean from top to bottom. Lastly, (probably not last by a long shot) cook for so many people you’re gonna eat for a week. Be ready to shape up or ship out. She was working on the Staff at Wabash Christian Villages when she received her invitation to Heaven.

Teddy Franklin Gwaltney, 91, of Carmi, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehab in Carmi. He was born on August 26, 1932, in Mill Shoals, Illinois, the son of Paul and Gertrude (Jordan) Gwaltney. Teddy married Lois A. Seal on May 10, 1956, and she preceded him in death on April 26. 2022. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Teddy was a truck driver and worked for Roundy's in Eldorado. He attended Stewart Street Baptist Church. He spent a lot of time training bird dogs, and loved hunting.

Clara Jo Hearring, 96, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Saturday January 13, 2024 at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital.

       Carol A. French, 76, of Carmi, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Wabash Senior Living and Rehab. She was born on June 13, 1947, the daughter of George Nicholas and Anna E. (Cantrell) Lamp.

Shirley A. Wyke, 87, of Grayville, Illinois, died Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Parkview Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. She was born June 1, 1936, in Scott City, Missouri, the daughter of Martin and Anise (Shedelbower) Rahmoeller. She was married to Vincent Wyke, and he preceded her in death.

Charles Lavern Crow Sr., 67, of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.  Charles was born on March 25, 1956 to Lewis Isaac “Tob” Crow and Mary Helen (Mayberry) Crow.  On June 2, 2021 he married Annette (Malone) Crow, who survives.

Mary Ruth Crackel, 76, of Grayville, Illinois, died Friday, January 12, 2024, at Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. She was born September 4, 1947, in Grayville, the daughter of Harry and Ruth (Read) Spruell. She was married to Gale Keith Crackel on June 7, 1966, and he preceded her in death in September, 2021.

Kenneth Robert Shields, 77, of Hillsboro, Ohio and formerly of Dahlgren, Illinois passed away on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.  Kenneth was born February 26, 1946 to Kenneth Avery Shields and Jean Mary (Oliver) Shields.  He was the oldest of 9 children.