Martha Lynn Archer, age 70, of Iuka, joined the heavenly choir March 18, 2018, at 1:03 a.m., at home, surrounded by her family. Martha was a member of Donoho Prairie Christian Church, where she was a song leader, youth group leader, member of the ladies group, and leader of the D.P. Regiment. She was also the piano player at Main Street Christian Church. She was an R.N. at Crossroads until the time of her illness. Martha loved music, people, and bird watching. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and game night at her house with family.

Linda Mae Roeckeman, age 75, of Centralia, Illinois passed away at 5:10 P.M. on Sunday, March 18, 2018 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia, Illinois.Linda was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia, Illinois. She enjoyed visiting with her former co-workers and friends. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was looking forward to the birth of her great-grandson. Her family will cherish memories of Linda as a wonderful mother and nurse. Linda obtained her Registered Nursing certification in 1988 from Rend Lake College and spent more than 30 years working in the Emergency Room and Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. She retired from St. Mary’s Hospital in 2011. She lived in Centralia, Illinois since 1972 and was formerly a resident of Brownstown, Illinois.

Joshua Darian Albert, 22, of Iuka, IL died March 20, 2018 at his home. Joshua was an employee of Bettendorf-Stanford in Salem. He was a member of the Iuka Fire Department, a close friend to many people, and of the Christian faith.

Jolene Nixon, 89, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away March 15, 2018 at White Oak Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Mount Vernon. Mrs. Nixon enjoyed spending time with her family and was of the Baptist faith. She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Carl Smalley, 29, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 5:58 A.M. March 15, 2018 in Troy, Illinois. Carl worked for Georgia Pacific Co as a laborer. He was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.

Hazel R. Parks, 86 of Sandoval, passed away Friday, March 16, 2018 at Doctor’s Nursing Home in Salem. Hazel was a member of Odin First Christian Church. She worked as a Lab Tech at SSM Health St. Marys Hospital for 20 plus years. She enjoyed traveling and researching her family’s genealogy with her sisters. She volunteered with Helping Hands at Gospel Lighthouse for many years. Hazel loved spending time with her family and friends.

Wanda Lee Davis, age 84, of Salem, passed away Thursday, March 15th, 2018 at her home. She was a cosmetologist, member of the Isaac HullChapter of DAR and of the 7th day Adventist Church.

Robert Dewey Tate, 83, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 9:32 P.M. March 15, 2018 at Mount Vernon Health Care Center in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Kenneth M. Puleo, age 79, of Brownstown, formerly of Sullivan, passed away at 11:53 p.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2018, in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, Illinois. He found pleasure in taking care of their four acres, mowing, having a garden, setting out trees and roses, having his Christmas tree on the corner lit up for the neighbors' enjoyment as well as the Puleo family. He found he could love cats as well as dogs. Ken had learned about bridge building when he was with the Army Engineers outfit and decided to build a bridge across the creek running through their property, which was used by cats and dogs alike.

Joe Hacker, age 87 of Centralia, passed away Thursday, March 15, 2018, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital. Joe was a mechanic for the Natural Gas Plant in Hoffman. He was a Veteran in the Army Infantry. Joe was a member of the Centralia Elks, Knights of Columbus, V.F.W, Post 2055, American Legion Post 446, Catholic War Veterans and the Centralia Moose Lodge 1219. He loved gardening, hunting and spending time with his family.

Jerry Russell of Salem passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at Salem Township Hospital in Salem. He was retired from the City of Salem where he worked for 31 years. He called local Bingo for 20 years and was an avid member of the Moose Lodge. Jerry enjoyed spending family time with his kids and grandkids. He loved playing his guitar, enjoyed horse racing and dancing. He will be remembered for his fried chicken and tomato gravy. He will be missed by his special furry friends Sissy and Bandit.

Howard E. Cantrell, age 90, of rural Xenia, passed away at his home on March 15, 2018. He attended Walnut Branch and Hickory Flat schools prior to attending Xenia High School for three years. He then graduated from Flora High School in 1948. Howard was a Korean War Veteran, serving as an Army artillery gunner. Upon his return from Korea, he married his high school sweetheart, Frances Ellen Goff, on April 20, 1952. After their marriage, they lived in Tomah, Wisconsin while Howard completed his service. After his discharge they returned to the Xenia area where they purchased 80 acres and began a livelihood of farming. Howard retired from farming in 1993 and was later elected to two terms as road commissioner for Garden Hill Township. Howard attended Powers General Baptist Church; he was known as someone always willing to help a neighbor in need.

Beverly (Burns) Johnson, 78, passed away at 12:37 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 2018, at Salem Township Hospital.

John M. Shopinski Senor, age 70, of Walnut Hill died March 14th, 2018 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon. He was a track laborer for BNSF Railroad.

Gerald Allen Russell, 82, of Mount Vernon, Illinois passed away at 5:00 P.M. March 12, 2018. Gerald proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1959-1960. He was a farmer and worked at the Mount Vernon Elevator for 43 years. He was a member of Park Avenue Baptist Church. Gerald was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.