McCluskie-Miller Funeral Services, Inc.

09/16/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Genevieve-Shadowens

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09/11/2025

Today we grieve the heartbreaking loss of Charlie Kirk. He was not only a voice in our nation, he was a husband, a father, a son, and most importantly, a follower of Christ.

In moments like this, we are reminded that life is but a v***r (James 4:14). Yet as believers, we hold tightly to the promise of Jesus: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25).

Charlie’s time here was cut short, but his faith assures us that death does not have the final word. We mourn deeply, but we also cling to hope. In Christ, we will not perish, we will live.

Tonight, let us pray for his wife and children, for his parents and loved ones, and for all who are mourning. And let us also pray for our nation, that hearts would be turned to God, that peace would overcome violence, and that healing would begin. 🕊️✝️

09/05/2025

May I see a raise of hands from those who have been touched in some way, shape, or form by su***de? If you’re still reading this, chances are you or someone you love has been affected by it’s toll.

For those left behind, it can feel like you’ve been forced to carry a heavy backpack up a steep mountain. But this backpack isn’t filled with supplies to help you climb, it’s loaded with boulders.

• The boulder of immense sadness
• The boulder of shame
• The boulder of blame
• The boulder of guilt
• The boulder of anger
• And always, the boulder of unanswered questions of….why?

Each step under that weight is exhausting. Each part of the climb feels impossible. And yet, this is the journey su***de loss survivors are asked to walk.

But here’s what I want you to remember: you do not have to climb alone.

Your loved one’s life had meaning, more than the moment of despair that took them to soon. There were years of laughter, joy, and love, and those memories deserve to be honored, not hidden away. Speaking their name is not weakness, it is a way of keeping their life present in the world.

This post took time for me to carefully write because I want to be deeply respectful of those who have lost someone to the hands of su***de. But I also want to remind you that healing is possible. We don’t “move on,” but we can learn to “grow around” our grief instead of staying stuck in the moment we first got the news.

You don’t have to carry this backpack of boulders alone. If you’re longing for a safe place to say their name, to honor their story, and to begin setting down some of that heavy weight, I invite you to connect with me. 618-342-8500

Together, we can walk through the pain and find ways to grow around your grief.

📞 If you are the one struggling, please know help is available.
Call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline.

You are not alone. 🧡

***de




***de

09/05/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Richard-Larson

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09/02/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Donald-Conner

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08/25/2025

Grief happens when something ends, and it often shows up in the everyday moments we least expect. Maybe it’s standing in front of that empty bedroom after your child has moved out. Or realizing an illness has slowly taken away the things you once loved most. The freedom of walking without pain, the joy of cooking your favorite meal, or the simple independence of caring for yourself. It’s not only the body that changes, it’s the heart grieving the pieces of life that quietly slip away.

It’s these small reminders that a chapter has changed, and suddenly you feel that wave of emotion.

Grief isn’t only about losing someone; it’s about all these little endings we live through. A change in a routine, a shift in a relationship, or a season of life that’s quietly closed. If you find yourself feeling the pain of grief, know that it’s completely normal and your feelings are valid.

Grief is love’s ache when something ends, and the only way through is to feel it to heal it.

By honoring these endings, we make space for whatever comes next. You’re not alone in this journey.

08/22/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Angela-Pirtle

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08/16/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Paul-Haynes

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08/01/2025

https://www.mccluskiemillerfh.com/obituary/Marc-Garrett

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07/28/2025

One day you think you’re fine; just running errands, checking off your grocery list.

But there it is. Their favorite cereal. On sale.

And just like that, you can't breathe.

Grief doesn’t always show up dressed in black. Sometimes, it shows up in aisle 9, between the pasta and the peanut butter.

It’s a song playing overhead, a scent from the bakery, a jar of spaghetti sauce that still sits unopened in your pantry; because they were the only one who liked it.

We prepare ourselves for the “big” days, but it’s the ordinary moments that hit the hardest.

So if you’ve ever cried in Target, walked out of a store empty-handed, or stood frozen in front of a shelf because it reminded you of someone you lost; you’re not alone.

That’s grief.
Unexpected.
Unapologetic.
And, strangely enough, everywhere.

💛 As a grief coach, here’s what I want you to know:
• Not every day is going to be easy.
And that doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.

• When the wave hits, pause. Breathe. You are not broken. You are grieving. Let the moment come without shame.

• Acknowledge what you’re feeling: “That cereal reminded me of them.” Naming it softens the sting.

• Put your hand on your heart and say: “Of course this hurts. Of course I miss them.”

• Give yourself permission to do what you need; step outside, cry, call someone, or keep walking. There’s no right way to grieve. Only your way.

If you are struggling with grief, you don’t have to do this alone. I’m here to partner with you to provide customized support during your journey. 618-342-8500

Learn more at www.chandraeileen.com

07/20/2025

When grief is overwhelming, having a supportive family by your side can make all the difference. At McCluskie-Miller Funeral Services in Herrin, Illinois, we're committed to being here for families every step of the way, from pre-planning to navigating the healing process.

07/07/2025

Grieve in your own way, in your own space, knowing we're here to support you every step of the way at McCluskie-Miller Funeral Services.
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