http://www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com/

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

01/11/2026

Richard Huebner, 90, passed away at 9:19pm on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at his residence. He was born on May 29, 1935, in Alton, the son of the late William and Marie (Duffy) Huebner. He married the former Vi Greeling on June 10, 1955, in Alton, and she survives. Other survivors include a son and daughter in law: Richard and Jodie Huebner of Bethalto, a daughter and son in law: Donna and Ron Baker of Edwardsville, five grandchildren: Ricky (Tara) Huebner, Mandie (Kyle) Dowling, Stacey (David) Nevins, Kristin (Alberto) Romero, Halee Baker, eleven great grandchildren: Averie, Reed, Brody, Tucker, Hank, Milo, Mia, Maris, Abigail, Daniel, Olivia, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Richard worked as a switchman for over forty – two years at Alton Southern Railroad. He owned and operated Huebner’s Engine Repair in South Roxana. He was a member of the Model Railroad Club in Glen Carbon. Richard was a campground host at Marquette Park for fourteen years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother: William T. Huebner and a sister: Jean Fritch.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 4pm to 7pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 10:30am on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the funeral home. Pastor Ed Weston will officiate. Burial will follow at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey.

Memorials are suggested to BJC Hospice or to the 5A’s and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

01/09/2026

O’Fallon, Illinois:

Virginia “Ginny” Lipe, 72, passed away at 3:57pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Evelyn’s House in Creve Coeur, Missouri. She was born on June 21, 1953, in Alton Illinois, the daughter of the late Harry and Bessie (Hood) Bess. Survivors include two sons and daughters in law: Robert G. and Lynn Moore, Jr. of Ballwin, Missouri, Shawn and Marissa Lipe of St. Jacob, Illinois, seven grandchildren: Jordan (Zach) Weiss, Jacob Lipe, Haley Lipe, Alyssa (Matt Ragsdale) Carroll, Meghan “Maggie” Moore, Lily Hoekstra, Daxton “Dax” Lipe, two sisters: Shirley (Carl) Sullivan of Spring Creek, Nevada, Peggy Maniscalco of Brighton Illinois, three brothers: Ron Hood of Steeleville, Missouri, Richard Kroth of Palmdale, California, Bob Bantel of Murphysboro, Illinois, and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Ginny was employed as an administrator at Ameren for over twenty years prior to her retirement. She enjoyed many hobbies including knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She also loved helping others in her senior community, and spending time with her longtime friends and friends in her community. But most of all she loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and dog Bella.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son: Joshua Lipe.

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

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

01/09/2026

Charles “Benny” Benvenuto, 86, passed away at 10:33 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital.

He was born on February 5, 1939, in Mount Pulaski, Illinois, the son of the late Roy and Lorena (Kefauber) Benvenuto. He married the former Joanne (Lemons) on May 27, 1972, in Hartford. She preceded him in death on November 30, 2012.

Survivors include four sons and two daughters‑in‑law: Vince Benvenuto of Palm Coast, Florida, Marc and Mauri Benvenuto of Tucson, Arizona, Todd and Sheila Benvenuto of Alton, Illinois, and Tim Eubanks of Maryland Heights, Missouri; three daughters and two sons‑in‑law: Kathy and Pete Deltoro of Citra, Florida, Tammy and Sam King of Maryland Heights, Missouri, and Tomi Dickey of Clearwater, Florida. He is also survived by several grandchildren; several great‑grandchildren; two sisters: Linda Cannon of Godfrey and Phyllis Benvenuto of Wood River; along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.

Benny spent forty years working as a machinist at Olin before his well‑earned retirement, in which he enjoyed several years living in sunny Florida. He attended First Christian Church in Wood River and was a proud member of the Wood River Moose. He also faithfully served his country as a veteran of the United States Army.
Benny was a man who loved life, laughter, and the people around him. He was an avid sports fan who especially cherished watching Sunday football with family and friends. Those who knew him knew how much he loved telling stories and making people laugh. He always wore a smile, never knew a stranger, and brought joy to everyone he met.

This past year was especially meaningful, as Benny spent his final year in Illinois living with his son and daughter‑in‑law, Todd and Sheila, and granddaughter Kamryn. Together with family and friends, they shared many special memories that will be cherished always.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Walter McCaslin will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

01/02/2026

Roxana:

Michael R. Franks, 57, passed away at 8:48pm on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on October 27, 1968, in Jacksonville, Arkansas, the son of Robert and Eileen (Schwach) Franks. Survivors include his father: Robert of Bethalto, his mother: Eileen, his step – mom: Tracy Franks of Rosewood Heights, a daughter: Autumn Franks of Collinsville, a brother and sister in law: Nathan and Whitney Franks of Apex, North Carolina, two nieces, one nephew, and many other extended family and friends.

Michael volunteered his services in the United States Airforce from 1992 - 1999 as an Aircraft Structural Maintenance Journeyman. His favorite place he traveled to in the Airforce was Turkey. He was employed as a laborer through the Laborer’s Local 338. He was currently working at the Wood River Phillips 66 Refinery. He was the owner of Parrot’s Sports Bar and Grill in St. Peters, MO. in the early 2000’s.

Music was something Michael loved dearly. He collected vinyls and saw lots of live concerts. He was also good with his hands. Building, working on cars, and cooking was in his daily rotation. Michael was working on a blue 1967 Chevy II Nova and a black 1970 Chevelle Convertible. He loved to watch The Walking Dead and Prison Break with his daughter, Autumn. He had two cats, George and Mama. George is with his daughter, Autumn. Mama is taken care of by his neighbors. Previously, Michael had owned a pitbull named Rainn. Michael liked fitness and eating healthy, but he also loved Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. He often went bike riding and worked out in his homemade gym.

Wearing old shirts with the sleeves cut off and a pair of shorts was Michael’s casual attire. He was always seen with a water jug nearby and sunglasses. His laugh and humor was contagious. Anytime anyone needed anything, he’d spend hours researching it. He was a DIY kind of guy. Michael bought his house in Roxana in 2011 and remodeled it with his own vision. He collected road/traffic signs, various bar decor, and overall lots of cool pieces since his childhood. He rebuilt his everyday cars, a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix and a 1998 Chevy Silverado. Having a bonfire and grilling was something he did often with his daughter and friends. Michael was a strong and independent man. He was smart and didn’t let anyone take him down.

Michael was an organ donor and had both of his kidneys donated.

Memorial visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Private burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.

12/31/2025

Bethalto:

Marsha Marie Estes, 72, passed away at 1:13pm on Monday, December 22, 2025, at her residence. She was born on July 3, 1953, in Alton, the daughter of the late BA and Ruth Marie Wardein. She married James Ray Estes and he preceded her in death on May 26, 2018. Survivors include her longtime companion: Roger Dale Frankford of Bethalto, a brother: Jim Wardein of Alton, and many other extended family and friends.

Marsha was formerly employed as a cashier.

In celebration of her life, memorial visitation will be from 5pm until time of memorial services at 6:30pm on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Walter McCaslin will officiate.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

12/25/2025

South Roxana:

Blanche Martin, 88, passed away at 1:52pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 14, 1937, in Grandin, Missouri, the daughter of the late William and Goldie (Swafford) Huddleston. She married Everett L. Martin, Sr. on April 18, 1955, in Hernando, Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on August 5, 2020. Survivors include two daughters: Patty Wamhoff (Kenny) of Wood River, Janice and John Stephenson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, two sons and a daughters in law: John and Julie Martin of Nashville, Tennessee, Matt and Teri Martin of Little Rock, Arkansas, eight grandchildren and their spouses: Jeremy and Bethany Martin, Melissa Scott, Megan and John Edington, Emily Martin and Wade Fuqua, Josh and Meredith Martin, Katie Martin, Madison Wamhoff, Lindsay Wamhoff, fifteen great grandchildren: Bailee, Hayden, Emma, Leo, Ava, Lucy, Eli, Annie Jo, Adlee, Nora, Sophie, Parker, Aleah, Andrew, Callan, four sisters, three brothers, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Blanche was employed at Lipe Bakery in Granite City prior to working as a cook at Wood River Hospital. The family attends Peace Church in Granite City.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son: Everett Leo Martin, Jr. and four sisters.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9:30am until time of funeral services at 11am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Jeremy Martin will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials are suggested to Free Will Baptist Missions.

12/25/2025

Janna, our kids, and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Happy birthday, Jesus!

12/23/2025

Alton:

Deneen M. Philbeck, 61, passed away at 5:37am on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 19, 1964, in Alton, the daughter of Martha “Martie” (Turpin) Harris of Jerseyville and the late Dan Harvey. Survivors include a son and daughter in law: Daniel and Crystal Sanders of Pontoon Beach, a daughter: Kirstie Belden of St. Louis, several grandchildren, two sisters and a brother in law: Dana Harvey of Alton, Kayla and Jeremy Hosford of Wood River, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Deneen attended Cornerstone Church in Bethalto.

In addition to her dad, she was preceded in death by a daughter: Shannon Philbeck.

In celebration of her life, memorial visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to the National MS Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

12/22/2025

Bethalto:

Gary Tilman Yates, 84, passed away at 1:44pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 24, 1941, in Ridgely, Tennessee, the son of the late Theran and Dorothy (Law) Yates. He married the former Janet Maloney and they later divorced. Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Shelley and Jim West of Roxana, a step son and his wife: Zach and Nina Reed of Edwardsville, two grandchildren: Brendon West, Lane Gregory, a step grandson: Hayden, three sisters: Sonjia (Don) Peacock of Godfrey, Julia (Kelly) Price of Dorsey, Pam Szwargulski of Alton, two brothers: Darrell (Evelyn) Yates of Bethalto, Lanny Yates of Edwardsville, three sisters in law: Modell Yates, Brenda Yates, Betty Yates, many nieces, nephews, and other extended and friends.

Gary was an operator through Local 520 and worked at RCS Construction in Rosewood Heights. He owned and operated C & G Construction. Gary always followed his passions. He was great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor. He should have been a comedian. The party was always better when Gary was there. He loved hosting fish fry’s and get togethers. He loved horses, training quarter horses and putting on horse shows. He then went on to open The Longhorn Western Shop in Bethalto and was involved with The Cowgirl Night Club in Meadowbrook. He did all of this and still worked full time as an operator. His passion for fishing led him to open a bait and tackle shop in East Alton. He also loved shooting pool.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Amy Yates, three brothers: Johnny Yates, David Shelby Yates, Michael Yates, a brother in law: Larry Szwargulski, and a sister in law: Alice.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10am until time of services at 11:30am on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to the family of the charity of the donor’s choice.

12/21/2025

Wood River:

David Poe, 58, was pronounced deceased at 1:17pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born on August 17, 1967, the son of the late Michael and Jacqueline (Byerly) Poe. Survivors include three daughters: Katherine (Robert) Messerly of Sparta, Illinois, Alexa Owens of Kirkwood, Missouri, Anna Poe of Kirkwood, Missouri, six grandchildren: Alexander, Krystiauna, Angellenah, Robert, Autumn, Ember, and many other extended family and friends.

David was formerly employed as an engineer at American Boat.

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

Cremation rites have been accorded.

12/19/2025

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce Dennis Ogg Junior has passed on to the other side. He came to this world on May 13th, 1972 and departed on December 17th, 2025. He was the son of Dennis Ogg Senior and Paula Sullivan-Ogg, being the only child.
He was an alumni of Roxana Senior High School, where he made lifelong friends and memories. Even in his older years, he was proud of his school and kept in touch with his classmates. He furthered his education at BAC.

Dennis will greet his father Dennis Ogg Senior, an aunt Brenda Sullivan Nichols, and a cousin Julie Harbke Harbison as he arrives to the other side. He will also reunite with his dear grandfather, Ira Sullivan and all the pets he loved.

He is survived by his Mother Paula Sullivan Ogg, Grandmother Mildred “Millie” Sullivan, Daughter Jessica Eady, Aunts Carla (Richard) Sullivan Maddox and Janet (Michael) Sullivan Timmermeier, Aunt Georgianne Ogg Cassidy, and Uncle Greg “Sully” Sullivan. He is also survived by many cousins and extended family, spanning multiple generations and places. His memory will live on amongst his neighbors, friends, and anyone he had the honor of being close with.

Dennis loved collecting car models, animals, and fishing. He enjoyed being the funniest person in the room, and lived life to the fullest, regardless of whatever life threw his way.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you spread his love of animals by donating to your local animal shelter, or to Metro East Humane Society in his honor. There will be no formal service, but please celebrate his life by keeping his memory alive with stories and pictures of him.

12/16/2025

It is with deep love and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Ronda Sechrest who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 15, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy built on kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Ronda was born on February 9, 1964, in Alton, the daughter of Carol (Adams) Copeland of Wood River and the late Lonzo Copeland. She married the love of her life, Larry Sechrest, on May 27, 1989, in South Roxana, and he survives. In addition to her mom and her husband, Ronda is survived by two daughters and sons in law: Kara and Michael Corby of Staunton, Ashlie and Jeramy Oswald of Highland, a son and daughter in law: Kyle and Cami Sechrest of Godfrey, seven grandchildren: Hayden, Logan, Aleah, Oliver, Camden, Carson, Chloe, a brother and sister in law: Lonnie and Chrissie Copeland of East Alton, her mother in law: Linda Roberts of Cottage Hills, her sisters in law and brothers in law: Regina and Phillip Baldwin of Wood River, Dennis and Aimee Sechrest of Wood River, Frank and Kendra Roberts of Alton, Wesley and Chrissy Roberts, Jr. of Harford, Karen and Andrew Chamberlain of Troy, Illinois, Jason and Marie Roberts of Virginia, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

From the earliest days of her life, Ronda made it her mission to be a source of comfort and encouragement to others. She was thoughtful and giving, always ready with a listening ear, a gentle word, or wise advice. Her ability to make every person feel valued was one of her greatest gifts, and countless lives were made brighter because of her.

Ronda’s faith in Jesus guided her steps and strengthened her spirit, especially during the challenges she faced. Despite a long and difficult battle with her health, she carried herself with grace and joy, even on her hardest days. Her radiant smile, warm laughter, and steadfast positivity were testaments to her remarkable strength.

She found peace and happiness in the simple gifts of life. She loved the water and cherished every opportunity to go swimming, where she felt renewed and free. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her grandbabies, who were the light of her life. Their giggles, hugs, and milestones brought her immeasurable joy.

In addition to her dad, Ronda was preceded in death by her father in law: Wes Roberts and her sister in law: Sandra Farris.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9am until time of funeral services at 11am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Rev. Timothy Keller will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to love selflessly, to serve others, and to find joy even in hardship. We will miss her dearly, but her kindness, faith, and strength will continue to guide us.

“Well done, good and faithful servant."

Pitchford Funeral Home

01/11/2026

01/09/2026

01/09/2026

01/02/2026

12/31/2025

12/25/2025

12/25/2025

12/23/2025

12/22/2025

12/21/2025

12/19/2025

12/16/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category