Gent Funeral Home

11/14/2025

Dateline: Godfrey
Robert E. Ryan, 102, died at 1:54 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at St. Luke’s Surrey Place in Chesterfield, MO. Born September 23, 1923 in Alton, he was the son of Martin G. and Mary Therese (Flynn) Ryan. Mr. Ryan served as a navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps during WWII and was a P.O.W. in Germany. He was a lawyer in Alton since 1953 and a life long member of SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton. On September 3, 1955 he married the former Mary Jane Yenny in Alton. She preceded him in death on January 15, 2013. Surviving are two daughters, Susan Martin (James) of St. Louis, MO and Kathleen Lang (Dave) of Atlanta, GA, three grandchildren, Anne Martin (Seamus McMahon), Tess Martin, and Leslie Lang. Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a son, Matthew Edward Ryan, one brother, John Ryan, and four sisters, Elizabeth Davey, Martha Kulp, Jeanette McCarthy, and Mary Therese “Babe” Haxel. Visitation will be from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2025 at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Alton. Father Jeff Holtman will officiate. Burial will be at St. Patrick’s Cemetery in Godfrey with full military honors. Memorials may be made to SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church or Masses. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

11/06/2025

11/05/2025

Dortha I. Milligan, 98, died at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, 2025 surrounded by loved ones. Visitation will be from10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Monday, November 10, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to the 5A's Animal Shelter.

10/31/2025

Mark Allen Porter Sr., 68, died at 1:14 p.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at his home in Alton. Born August 28, 1957 in Alton, he was the son of Evelyn (Allsman) Porter of Alton and the late Carle E. Porter. Mark served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Along with his mother he is survived by a son, Mark Allen Porter Jr. of Meadowbrook, a granddaughter, Violet Johnson of Meadowbrook, and a brother, Carl J. Porter of Alton. He was preceded in death by his father and two brothers, Larry and Timothy Porter.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2025 at the Alton Owl’s Club, 227 Blair Avenue, Alton, IL 62002.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements.

10/30/2025

Dateline: Alton, IL
Margarita L. Pulido, 94, died at 2:40 p.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at La Bella of Alton. She was born October 27, 1931 in Mexico, the daughter of the late Luis and Maria Petra (Aguayo) Lopez. Margarita was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. On October 21, 1950 in St. Louis, MO she married Francisco “Poncho” Pulido Sr. and he preceded her in death on February 22, 2018. Surviving are three children, Gloria Pugh of Alton, Francisco Pulido Jr. (Mary) of Godfrey, and Olivia Fischer (Charles) of Alton. Eight grandchildren, Frank Kuchnicki Jr. (Angela), Erika Jacobs (Ed), Francisco “Paco” Pulido III, Eric Pulido, Marcos Pulido (Nadya), Alex Pulido (Ann), Cristina Siatos (Jim) and Lucas Fischer, twelve great grandchildren, Brenden, Carlos, Kale, Luna, Marisol, Gianna, Sophia, Lucia, Adam, Niko, Ana and Gus, one sister, Maria Guadalupe Marin of East Alton. Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by one son in law, Ron Pugh. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until time of Mass of Christian burial at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton. Burial will be at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Father Jorge Sanchez, OMV will officiate. Memorials may be made to masses at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Margarita L. Pulido please visit our Sympathy Store.

10/29/2025

Sharon Kay Howard, 77, died at 12:14 p.m. Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at her home in Alton. Born September 27, 1948 in Alton, she was the daughter of Rolla O. and Margaret E. (Barr) Simmons. Sharon was a member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Godfrey and retired as a checker for the Upper Alton Walgreens. Sharon loved her bird, Sarge. On October 7, 1966 she married Donald Howard in Alton. He preceded her in death on January 16, 2011. Surviving is a sister-in-law, Denise Simmons of St. Charles, MO and her daughter Karissa Simmons. Also surviving are nieces and nephews; Kenny Simmons (Jessica), Helen Graham, Paula Simmons, twin nieces, Michelle Pulaski (Scott) and Megan French (Matt Klug), and Richard French (Shannon), great nieces and nephews; Zach Stewart (Chrissy), Caty Pulaski, Colton French, Lucas Pulaski, and William Pulaski. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, Dallas, Mo, Kenny S. and Roger Simmons along with special friends, Carol and Rick French. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Steven Janoski will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to the St. Ambrose School Tuition Assistance Fund. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

10/29/2025

Dateline: Bethalto
Sharon L. Murray, 91, died Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville. Born August 6, 1934 in Alton, she was the daughter of Frank and Rose (Betz) Henderson. On August 1, 1953 she married Raymond Murray in Alton. He preceded her in death on March 17, 2012. Mrs. Murray had worked for the State of Illinois and later retired from Alton Memorial Hospital. Surviving are three sons, Bruce Murray (Beth) of Brighton, David Murray of Bethalto and Thomas “Tom” Murray of Bethalto, seven grandchildren, Brian Murray (Michelle), Tim Murray (Marisa), Katy Snyder (Troy), Tyler Murray (Lauren), Jessica Wieseman (Joe), Alyssa Mackiney (Jack), and Reid Murray and 12 great grandchildren and a sister, Mary Tretter of Edwardsville. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Dana Murray, a sister, Patty Adler and two brothers, Chuck and Frank Henderson. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 31, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton and continue from 11:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, November 1, 2025. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

10/29/2025

Dateline: Alton
Sherry (Carter) Vincent Johnson, formerly of Jerseyville, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 27th, 2025 at 75.
Sherry was born August 4, 1950 in Carrollton, Il to the late Dale and Irene (Pranger) Carter. She was one of 8 children, 2 of whom preceded her in death, brothers, Stephen and Larry Carter a stepdaughter Heather (Johnson) Wendle and nephew Justin Dale “JD” Carter. She is survived by siblings Anne Barnard, Charles Carter, Vaughn Renee Johnson, Trude Reeves, and Gwen Reynolds. Her spouse and partner of 44 years Michael Johnson also survives.
Sherry leaves behind 3 children, who were her world, and their spouses. She referred to her children as her “greatest accomplishments “in life. A son Edward Dale (Tracy) Keele, followed by twin daughters Mandy Keele (Aaron) Blackford and Sandy Keele (Joe) Lyles. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren, Alisha Wetzell, Dalton Keele, Elijah Blackford, Cooper Lyles, Cierra Young and Gage Wendle. She also has 4 great grandchildren, Evan Wetzell, twins Bryce and Madilynn Wetzell and Blake Keele.
She attended St. John’s grade school and graduated from Carrollton High School with the class of 1968. She later attended Lewis and Clark Community College where she obtained an associate’s degree and multiple certifications. She spent 28 years touching the lives of countless children and families working for the Department of Children and Family Services via Addus Healthcare.
Sherry took the utmost pride in her work ethic and was easily one of the most hard-working women in her dedication to caring for her family. If you had a connection with any of her children, you were never a stranger in her eyes. With any free time she had, you could find her snagging a bargain at a yard sale or resale shop. Her hobbies included playing bingo, penny slots and creating artwork. Spending time with her children, grandchildren, siblings and her spouse were the highlight of her everyday life.
Sherry declared “I have made God a permanent fixture in my life, heart and soul”. She quietly leaned on him through all the trials she faced in life. She was a member of First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville where she enjoyed being part of the fellowship.
In accordance with her wishes there will be no formal services. A celebration of Sherry’s life will be scheduled at a later date. Memorials can be made in Sherry’s name to a children’s charity of your choice in honor of all the children and families who touched Sherry throughout her life and work.
Sherry will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

10/28/2025

Dateline: Alton
Patricia “Pat” Ann Shafer, 76, died at 4:30 p.m. Monday, October 27, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born December 2, 1948 in Carrollton, IL, she was the daughter of William C. and Hazel I. (Jones) Berry. She worked as a bookkeeper for S.I.U.E. and also for the City of Carrollton. On May 2, 2015 she married Vernon Gene Shafer at Graceland in Memphis, TN. He preceded her in death on August 4, 2021. Surviving are two sons, Steven “Steve” Sumner (Nicki) and William “Willie” Sumner (Dianna), two grandchildren, Jack Sumner and Kiley Sumner, one brother, Steve Berry of Carrollton, IL and a sister, Linda Horn of St. Ann, IL. Along with her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a brother, Pete Berry. No services are scheduled. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at

The passing of a loved one is a difficult time. We are here to help you honor and celebrate their life, and to begin the healing process for your family.

10/28/2025

Thomas I. Wyatt, 83, died at 1:59a.m. Monday, Oct. 20th, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born February 22nd, 1942, to Noble K. and Virginia (Litton) Wyatt. Mr. Wyatt served in the U.S. Army where he was a trombonist in the band. He was a long-time member of 12th Street Presbyterian Church. Mr. Wyatt is a retired health and safety inspector for Owens Illinois Glass Co. On April 10th, 1971, he married the former Shirley A. Carr in Alton. She preceded him in death on August 6th, 2020. Surviving is a daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia and Yutaka Matsuyasu of O’Fallon, Illinois, a grandson, Jackson Matsuyasu, a son, Steven T. Wyatt of Alton Illinois and a brother Michael K. Wyatt of Siesta Key, Florida.
Mr. Wyatt was a history buff and enjoyed volunteering his time at the Alton Museum of History and Art. He was a musician and a trombonist with the Alton Muny Band. He served as the host for WBGZ radio station’s “The Country Church” program for many years. He was also heavily involved with the Senior Services center of Alton and the Kiwanis Club. Mr. Wyatt was a devoted husband and huge supporter of his children Cindy and Steve. He could always be found following the Alton Marching 100 as the official videographer. He was a huge supporter of his family.
Visitation will be from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Sunday, November 2, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Graveside services will be held at 1:00 Monday, November 2, 2025 at Upper Alton Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to the O’Fallon Township High School Band.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

10/23/2025

Dateline: Godfrey
Faye Ann Codemo of Godfrey, IL spent her final days surrounded by loved ones and peacefully passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born on October 10, 1941, in Jacksonville, IL, she was the daughter of Charles and Vera Pees. Her family moved to East Alton, IL in 1949 where she attended East Alton schools and graduated from Wood River High School in 1959. During her professional career Faye Ann worked as an executive secretary at Olin Corporation and Shell Oil Company, and later as a merchandising specialist and decorator at Alton Square Mall. She was known for her dedication to her community. She accumulated over 2,000 volunteer hours at Alton Memorial Hospital during a period of more than ten years. She participated in the Godfrey Women's Club and assisted with organizing the annual Christmas Carousel event. She was a member of P.E.O. organization, focused on philanthropic efforts supporting women. After relocating to Summerfield Estates, she helped establish the Summerfield Estates Condo Association.
Faye Ann was highly regarded for her green thumb expertise and meticulous gardening practices. She took great pleasure in decorating and baking for holidays and special occasions with family and friends. As a dedicated member of Godfrey United Methodist Church, she regularly contributed her time and baked goods to support members of her community. Always available with a willingness to listen and offer assistance, many have agreed to the reference of her being their “lighthouse on stormy shores.”
A public grave side prayer service will be held on Friday, October 31 at 1:30p.m. at the Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton, IL followed by a dessert memorial celebration at Godfrey United Methodist Church. Pastor Jay Hanscom will officiate. In accordance with her dedication to generously supporting others, the family requests memorial contributions be made to her church in lieu of sending flowers.
Online guestbook and additional information may be found at gentfuneralhome.com

10/21/2025

Dateline: Godfrey
Thomas Glen Burket Jr., 62, died at 9:05 p.m. Monday, October 20, 2025 at Evercare of Jerseyville. Born September 22, 1963 in St. Louis, MO, he was the son of Carolin R. (Ledbetter) Burket of St. Charles, MO and Thomas G. Burket Sr. (Terri) of Troy, MO. Thomas retired as a paramedic/firefighter for the Maryland Heights, MO Fire Department. He loved St. Louis Blues Hockey. Along with his mother and father he is survived by a son, Alex Burket (Mikeala) of Moscow Mills, MO, a sister, Chris Burket of St. Charles, MO and his good friend, Joseph Wittich (Kathy) of Godfrey. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com