http://www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com/

Pitchford Funeral Home, 2555 Vaughn Road (Route 111), Wood River, IL (2026)

02/24/2026

Mount Olive:

Linda Marie Nowell, 55, passed away on 8:32pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in St. Jacob. She was born on March 24, 1970, in Litchfield, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and the late Linda. In addition to her dad, she is survived by two brothers and sisters in law: Arthur (Rebecca), David (Diane), two nephews: Logan, Morgan, two nieces: Mia, Lara, and many other friends.

Linda was formerly employed as a phlebotomist at Quest Diagnostics. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mount Olive.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of cremation arrangements.

02/21/2026

Godfrey:

Gary Michael Brown, 68, unexpectedly passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026
He was born on September 19, 1957, in Alton, the son of the late Melvin Lee and Mary Imogene (Diuguid) Brown.

He married the former Brenda Caldwell on March 20, 1981, in Godfrey, and she survives. Other survivors include a son and daughter in-law: Shawn and January Brown of Streator, Illinois, a brother and sister in-law: Dennis and Patricia Brown of Carrabelle, Florida, and a very special mother in-law Hazel Meyer, and sisters in-law Twila (Kenny) McEuen, Rena Schmidt, Ruth Caldwell, Susan (Jim) Leathers, brother in-law Jack Caldwell, and many dearly loved aunts, uncles, cousins & friends.

Gary started dating the love of his life Brenda in 1977. They were married for almost 45 years. Gary was employed for 35 years with Owens-Illinois Glass Works. Starting as a machinist in Godfrey, IL and transitioned into a supervisor role in Streator, IL Retiring from the company in 2012

He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses serving as a Congregation Elder and had a deep love for Jehovah God. He grew to know and love the promises set out in the Bible. One of those promises is the hope of the resurrection here on earth. (John 5:28, 29) A hope that he held close to his heart.

His family and friends will be eagerly waiting to welcome him back to a perfect earth when all will be in perfect health. (Revelation 21:3, 4) Until then, we know he is safely kept in Jehovah’s memory.

Gary was known for his big heart, generous spirit & his love of the outdoors & hunting big bucks. He made anyone around him feel welcome & loved. His humor & silly demeanor will be greatly missed by all.

In celebration of his life a Visitation and Talk will be held on Saturday February 28, 2026, at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 527 Ruth Avenue, Cottage Hills, Illinois, 62018. Visitation will be from 12:00pm to 2:00pm with a memorial talk will be at 2:00pm officiated by Gregory Buckner.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

02/18/2026

Hamel:

Ryan C. Drew, 24, passed away at 11:31pm on Sunday, February 15, 2026, in Edwardsville. Born on March 28, 2001, in Russia, Ryan was the beloved son of Nicholas J. and Alicia S. (Bassler) Drew of Hamel. From the moment he joined his family, he was deeply loved, and he carried that love with him throughout his life in his own quiet way but powerful way.

Ryan was, by nature, socially reserved and had very dry humor. He could sometimes be misunderstood - but those who truly knew him understood the depth of his very big heart. He had a heart of gold. Though he didn't seek the spotlight or express himself easily, he was often the first to step up when someone needed help, even total strangers. It was common for Ryan to see someone stranded & circle around to check and see if they needed assistance or help being pulled out of a ditch or help changing a tire. Whether it was lending a hand, standing up for someone, or quietly donating to a cause he believed in, Ryan showed his compassion through action. He was a true good Samaritan, generous and protective, with a deep sense of right and wrong and a desire to help the underdog. He has taken so many people under his wing and fought for them when others had given up. When he was only 16, he met with his principal and went head to head about an injustice being done to a fellow student who had passed away in a tragic car accident and was not being recognized. He won that battle and his friend got the recognition at graduation that he deserved. Ryan was a proud member of the Bricklayer’s Local 8 and was working at Granite City Steel. He took pride in his work and in being part of something bigger than himself. Outside of work, he loved nature, shooting, working on vehicles, helping other people, and spending time doing hands-on projects. He had a natural mechanical curiosity and enjoyed figuring out how things worked. A former Cub Scout, he carried with him the values of helpfulness and service throughout his life.

In addition to his parents, Ryan is survived by his maternal grandparents: Michael and Marianne Bassler of Belleville, and many other close friends and family.

He was preceded in death by a stillborn brother: Joseph, his paternal grandparents: Jim and Lorraine Drew, and his maternal great grandparents: Ray and Leora Grossmann.

Memorial visitation will be from 1pm until time of celebration of life services at 3:30pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org or to Hope Autism Clinic at www.hope.us.

02/16/2026

Wood River:

Donna Kay Cornine, 80, passed away at 2:16am on Friday, February 13, 2026, at LaBella of Alton. She was born on December 26, 1945, in Roxana, Illinois, the daughter of the late Floyd and Catherine (Sankovich) Lacy. She married Alan Cornine on November 25, 1964, in Godfrey, and he survives. Other survivors include a daughter and her wife: Kerry Cornine and Gay Buehlman of Alton, two grandchildren: Chase Wallendorff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jordan Wallendorff and his fiancé: Brittany of Navarre, Florida, two great grandchildren: Arabella Wallendorff, Elliott Wallendorff, two sisters and a brother in law: Elizabeth Hettick of Belleville, Barbara Jane Fontana and her husband: Joseph of Roxana, two sisters in law: Barbra Lacy of East Alton, Joann Cornine of Bethalto, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

A 1964 graduate of Roxana High School, Donna worked as a secretary at Olin Wi******er. She formerly volunteered in the library at Eastwood Elementary School. She was active in fundraising for the band in the East Alton School District and was formerly involved in girl scouts. She enjoyed cake decorating, sewing, and crafting. She loved spending time with her family and friends and was known as “Nonnie” not only to her own family but to many others in the area.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: Donald and a sister in law: Carol Sue Morgan.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Friday, February, 20, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton.

Memorials are suggested to Operation Blessing and will be accepted at the funeral home.

02/15/2026

Barbara Weber, 63, of East Alton, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 29, 1963, in Alton, Illinois, Barbara was the beloved daughter of the late Eddie Huntsman Jr. and the late Phyllis Huntsman (Baker).

Barbara graduated from Alton High School in 1982 and earned her cosmetology license at JB Johnson Career Development Center. During her training, she received the top award in a cosmetology competition through the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA), a reflection of her talent and dedication. She later opened and managed her own salon, Great Cuts, in Alton, Illinois. Barbara took great pride in her work and found joy in helping others feel confident and beautiful. Through her dedication and warm personality, she built lasting relationships with many of her clients.

Barbara especially enjoyed spending time with her family, watching football and baseball games, going on vacation to the beach, family dinners and cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.

Barbara is survived by her loving husband, Randy, whom she married on August 5, 1989. She is also survived by her two children, Randy (Morgan) Weber and Staci (John) P***n, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her greatest happiness came from being a Maw-Maw to Bradley, Kade, Sebastian, Makenna, and Bentley, each of whom she loved deeply and cherished beyond measure; her sisters, Carol (Tom) Bridges, Lori Huntsman, and Rebecca (Jeffery) Seymore; and all her loving nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Eddie Huntsman III.

Barbara was known for her strength and fight till the very end.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9:30am until time of funeral services at 11:30am on Wednesday, February 18, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Jakob Skelton will officiate. Burial will follow at Upper Alton Cemetery.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses at Alton Memorial Rehab and Alton Memorial Hospital who took such great care of Barb and our family during her final days.

Memorials are suggested to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

02/10/2026

Robert Gabbert, 34, of Worden, Illinois passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born on June 9th, 1991, to Andrew Anderson and the late Peggy Gabbert in Kankakee, Illinois. Robert graduated from Beardstown High School in 2009. Robert is survived by his wife, Lauren (Davis) Gabbert, his children Vivian, Ezra, Emeri and Velexi of Worden, Illinois, and his two sisters: Megan and Marissa Gabbert of Beardstown, Illinois. Robert was known for his sense of humor and dedication to his children. Robert was a bus driver for the Alton school district, and he loved getting to know the students he drove.

In his free time Robert enjoyed disc golf and spending time with his children.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that a donation be made to the Worden Volunteer Fire Department or to the National Alliance on Mental Health.

02/05/2026

Bethalto:
Joseph Morten, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his residence. He was born on February 1, 1941, in Gallatin County, Illinois, the son of the late Charles and Alice (Hise) Morten. Joe was a 1959 graduate of Galatia High School.

On August 11, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Thompson in Harrisburg, Illinois. She survives, along with their three children: Vicki Morten of Carbondale, Becky (Kraig) Patterson of Hamel, and Don Morten of Bethalto.

Joe was blessed with four grandchildren: Josh (Katie) Morten of Bethalto, Katelyn (Sam) Snyder of Edwardsville, Jacob Morten of Alton, and Alyssa Patterson of Wood River and three great grandchildren: Trenton Morten of Bethalto, Amberlee Morten of Bethalto, and Hudson Snyder of Edwardsville. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Joe was formerly employed at Laclede Steel, where he proudly worked for more than thirty-five years before his retirement. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Bethalto, where he served faithfully as a deacon.

He lived life to the fullest and found joy in simple pleasures -- visiting with friends and family, reading, watching westerns, listening to Christian music, woodworking, repairing anything he could get his hands on, traveling, and gardening alongside Hazel. His quiet strength, steady work ethic, and warm heart touched everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Gracie Ellis, Shirley Moore, Teresa Thompson, and by his brother, Charles Morten.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. In accordance with Joe’s wishes, cremation will follow afterwards. Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Online condolences may be left at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com

02/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Christi Lee (Rose) Nowak, 69, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She fought a hard battle following multiple strokes that took place in March of 2023 and most recently in February of 2025. Christi is survived by her husband and soulmate, Gary Nowak of Edwardsville, Illinois.

Christi was born July 18, 1956, in Alton, Illinois to Eva Jean (Hickerson) and Charles Henry Rose Jr., both deceased. She was the fifth of ten children – Cecilia ‘Suzi’ Blackman (deceased; Kenny); Charlene Stauder; Charley ‘Brad’ Rose, Clifford Rose (Roberta); Clair Rose, Craig Rose (Cindy); Caryl Sellars; Cindy Sparks (Rusty); and Carla Rose (deceased).

Christi graduated in 1974 from East Alton-Wood River High School, after which she began a long career as a sought-after care giver for the babies of friends and family. She was truly in her element with little people to watch after and teach. Christi and Gary met in 1982 and were married in 1994. Soon after, they settled in their home on Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville. Gary’s daughters, Erica Proctor (Adam) and Jessica Roentz, shared lots of celebrations and family time on that lake with beloved granddaughters, Ella and Josie Proctor.

Christi was a wife, a sister, a bonus mom, an aunt, a grandmother, a great aunt and so much more to so many. In addition to her daughters and granddaughters, Christi enjoyed doting on her 20 nieces and nephews, 32 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nephews, along with all the other countless children she watched for friends…and she always had room for more!

Christi worked alongside Gary at their business, Nowak News Agency, for many years delivering newspapers each day to hundreds of homes in the Edwardsville and Metro East area. Christi, being a social butterfly, began working in assisted living and care facilities, following her retirement. Her most recent work was at Stillwater Assisted Living in Edwardsville, where her nametag read “Most Important One.” Following her recent strokes, and requiring additional care, Christi became a resident at Stillwater where she was lovingly cared for by the staff and residents whom she had come to know and love.

Christi was very small in stature, but the impact of her passing will be huge on all those who knew and loved her. Her heart was on display every day, always ready to offer a kind word, or care for those in need.

A visitation celebrating the life of Christi will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10am-12pm with services to follow at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River, Illinois. A private burial will be immediately following at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Glen-Ed Pantry or to Refuge (also known as Safe Surroundings & Refuge).

02/03/2026

South Roxana:

Frank Bruner Jr., 65, passed away at 7:40pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 3, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Sandra (Foster) Bruner and the late Frank Bruner, Sr. He married the former Patricia “Pat” Talley on September 20, 1986, in St. Louis, and she preceded him in death on June 5, 2006. Survivors include his mom and step dad: Sandra and Thomas Bender of Bonne Terre, Missouri, his step mom: Judy Bruner of Missouri, three daughters: Cassie (Thomas) Walden of Johnston City, Illinois, Candice (Darin) Watts of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Chelsea (Joe Clark) Bruner of Fort Myers, Florida, a son: Frank Bruner of East Alton, Illinois, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters: Dianne Taylor of St. Louis, Missouri, Linda (Bob) Scherl of Chesterfield, Missouri, many nieces, and other extended family.

In addition to his father and wife, Frank was preceded in death by a brother: Jeffrey Bruner.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private family services will be held.

Memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or 5A’s.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of cremation arrangements.

02/02/2026

Barbara S. Baker (Nee Mueggenburg), formerly of Highland, IL, passed away February 2, 2026 in Greenville, IL.

Barbara was born March 13, 1955, to John R. and Betty (nee Hensley) Mueggenburg in East St. Louis, IL. On June 22, 1985 she married Arlen L. (aka Cord) Baker in Highland, IL.

Barbara’s first career was as a manager at McDonald’s. She became a dedicated stay at home mom when her first daughter was born. Barbara was a talented graphic designer and did freelance design work for many companies and organizations through her small business, BusinesSidekicks. When her girls were grown up, Barbara worked at both the Highland Middle School library and Highland Hope Methodist Church doing various administrative functions. She excelled at anticipating the needs of others and making sure that everyone and everything was taken care of which made her an irreplaceable addition to these organizations. Barbara loved nothing more than a shopping trip with her girls and spending time with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered by her contagious smile that could light up a room.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Jamie (Douglas) Kuehl, Troy, IL, Kristi (Corey) Perigo, Pocahontas, IL; one stepdaughter, Dr. Audra (Dr. Derrick) Ward, Leawood, KS; 7 grandchildren, Chase Kuehl, Hayley Kuehl, Skylar Perigo, Addilynn Perigo, Crew Perigo, Barrett Ward, Quinn Ward.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of All In 4 You Home Health Services, Stillwater Senior Living, Greenville Nursing and Rehab, and VITAS Hospice for all of their help and dedication to our family the last 9 years. Additionally the family would like to recognize both nurse Rachel from VITAS and Dr. Gus Davis of Washington University for their constant above and beyond support.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at Washington University or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. No services are planned at this time.

02/01/2026

Granite City:

Bubba Ivester, 34, passed away at 5:33pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1991, in Wood River, the son of the late Brian C. and Jacqueline (Hibbs) Ivester. He married the former Brittany Reckerd on February 21, 2014, in Edwardsville, and she survives. Other survivors include three sons: Braden Ivester of Pontoon Beach, Colin Decker of Bethalto, Mason Decker of Bethalto, a daughter: Brianna Ivester of Bethalto, a sister: Joanne Hibbs of Meadowbrook, and his father in law and mother in law: Ed and Michelle Decker of Bethalto.

Bubba enjoyed tinkering with small motors.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Wood River. Pastor Mark Wells will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Michelle Decker.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of cremation arrangements.

01/30/2026

Bethalto:

Doug Henline, 64, passed away at 4:19am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St.
Louis University Hospital. He was born on October 20, 1961, in Sedgwick, Kansas, the son of the late Billy Eugene and Cleta Mae (Burns) Henline. He married the former Michelle Renae Sitzes on February 4, 2009, in Wood River, IL, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters and a son in law: Danae Rogers of Chesapeake, Virginia, Taylor and Nick Calcara of Edwardsville, a son: Christopher Hamby of Bethalto, seven grandchildren: Kaden, Renna, Sevanna, Jace, Oliver, Riley, Olivia, three sisters and two brothers in law: Margaret and John Meixel of Las Vegas, Nevada, Deborah Gile of Glenwood, Washington, Susan and Don Smith of Bellevue, Washington, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Doug was employed as a safety manager for Utilitra prior to his retirement. He was a member of the VFW, loved watching football, playing golf and spending time with his grandkids. Doug served in the United States Navy for twenty – four years and loved the time he spent serving his county.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: Bill Henline.

A celebration of Doug’s life will be from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Julia's Banquet Center in East Alton. In accordance with Doug’s wishes, his ashes will be spread at sea.

Memorials are suggested to the 5A’s.

Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of cremation arrangements.

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