Gent Funeral Home

12/17/2025

Dateline: Wood River

Lesia Michelle “Snapz” Pappas, 62, passed away peacefully at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at her residence in Wood River, Illinois.
Born on July 5, 1963, in Alabama, Lesia lived a life marked by resilience, warmth, and an unmistakable spirit that left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Known affectionately as “Snapz,” she had a vibrant personality, a sharp wit, and a deep love for her family and chosen family alike. She was employed at Terrace Cannabis in Alton, where she was known not just as a coworker, but as a friend.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Christina Michelle; her sons, Vincent and Nicholas, whom she loved fiercely and took great pride in, always believing in their strength and their futures; her life partner, Dan Garrick; and her cherished dog and constant companion, Pretty Boy Floyd from Compton. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Alexander (1995), and her husband, Edward Joseph Pappas III (2005).

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope”— Jeremiah 29:11

She is now at peace, held in God’s promise, and her love continues to shine through those she embraces in spirit. With hope in God’s promise, her family finds comfort in knowing her love endures beyond this life.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Memorials may be made toward the continued care and living expenses of Pretty Boy Floyd. Additional information and an online guestbook are available 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.

12/16/2025

Dateline: Alton
Alice “Joy” Bramley, 84, died at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis, MO. Born July 7, 1941 in St. Louis, MO, she was the daughter of Homer L. Sr. and Alice Loy (Wise) Harder. She married Gene Bramley on January 11, 1963 in Alton. He survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Tamara “Tammi” Bramley-Cash (Greg) of Alton, Reverend Angeline “Angi” Tharakan of Springfield, MO, and Mitzi Mellenthin (Jeff) of Missouri City, TX. One of her favorite titles was Oma to her surviving 8 grandchildren, Chelsea (Jack) Miller, Abigail (Phillip) Knoche, Joseph (Maribel) Mellenthin, Hope Cash (Levi Davies), Noah (Anna) Cash, Jonathan Mellenthin (Zerryn Hogan), Asha and Amrit Tharakan; 8 great grandchildren Yesica (Gilbert), Jose, Henri, Natalie, Amy, Buddy, Adelina and James and one great great grandchild, Antonella. She is also survived by a sister, Linda Basden (Rich) of Michael, IL, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Harder of Edwardsville, along with several nieces, nephews, and other extended family. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Homer L. “Bud” Harder, Jr. and a sister and brother-in-law, Kathleen “Kathy” and Richard Harting, and her in-laws, Vern E. and Estelle J. (Yager) Bramley.
A woman of deep, personal faith, Joy was a prayer warrior and lived a life of service to her Lord. A faithful member of the Upper Alton Baptist Church, she served as a Sunday School, VBS, and Pioneer Club teacher; was active in the Jewell Circle, in church leadership, and other mission-related work. She was a camp counselor, director, and a Camp Board member for the Great Rivers Region of the American Baptist Churches. She also was active with Women’s Aglow.
Joy graduated with the first class of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (on the Alton campus) and was a classroom and substitute teacher for many years. In her later years Joy began painting as a hobby, finding a real passion and talent for her craft. Her family and many others will treasure her priceless art. She also taught painting classes at Evergreen Place. The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Evergreen for the loving care she received there. Joy lived out her name with an infectious smile and an always ready hug.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Upper Alton Baptist Church on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with a meal to follow. Reverend Brad Donoho will be officiating. Attendees are asked to bring, if able, a non-perishable food item for a community agency.
Memorials may be made to Upper Alton Baptist Church.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton was 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.

12/14/2025

Dateline: Brighton
John Emery Bramley Jr., 70, died at 7:40 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born February 10, 1955 in Carrollton, IL, he was the son of John E. Bramley Sr. and Frances (Howard) Bramley. John retired from the Alton Belle Casino as security supervisor. He later became chairman of the Brighton Park and Rec Department. On October 17, 1975 he married the love of his life Brenda A. Rodgers in Alton. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Beth Bramley (Rodney Bollini) of Brighton, a son, Ryan Bramley of Chatham, IL, four grandchildren, Dylan Brown (Paige), Arianna Brown, Halie Bollini and her fiancé Will Mortland, and Brenden Bollini, three great grandchildren, Rylan Mortland, Rowan Mortland and Weston Brown, and a brother-in-law, Mike Rodgers of Moro. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Diana Groves and Carolyn Rutledge.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Assembly of God Church in Brighton.
Memorials may be made to the Brighton Park and Rec Department. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/13/2025

Dateline: Brighton
John Emery Bramley Jr., 70, died at 7:40 p.m. Friday, December 12, 2025 at Alton Memorial Hospital. Born February 10, 1955 in Carrollton, IL, he was the son of John E. Bramley Sr. and Frances (Howard) Bramley. John retired from the Alton Belle Casino as security supervisor. He later became chairman of the Brighton Park and Rec Department. On October 17, 1975 he married the love of his life Brenda A. Rodgers in Alton. She survives. Also surviving is a daughter, Beth Bramley (Rodney Bollini) of Brighton, a son, Ryan Bramley of Chatham, IL, four grandchildren, Dylan Brown (Paige), Arianna Brown, Halie Bollini and her fiancé Will Mortland, and Brenden Bollini, three great grandchildren, Rylan Mortland, Rowan Mortland and Weston Brown, and a brother-in-law, Mike Rodgers of Moro. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Diana Groves and Carolyn Rutledge.
A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00-5:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the Assembly of God Church in Brighton.
Memorials may be made to the Brighton Park and Rec Department. 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.

12/11/2025

David Weston Cole Sr., 72, died, surrounded by his loving family, Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at his home in Alton. Born February 12, 1953 in Carrollton, IL, he was the son of Warren Darrell Cole Sr. and Lois Curtis (Henderson) Cole. Wes graduated from Greenfield High School in 1971and graduated from Illinois College in 1976. He retired from Boeing in January 2024 as a facility engineer after 39 years of service and was a founding member of Faith Fellowship Church in Alton. On December 1, 1973 he married his high school sweetheart, Susan Eileen Kozonasky in Alton. She survives. Along with his wife he is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline Sue Ridgley (Michael) of Alton, two sons, David W. Turner-Cole (Dr. Jason Turner-Cole) of Edwardsville and Andrew Curtis Cole of Alton; and four grandchildren, Johnathon Ridgley, Alayna E. Turner-Cole, Jackson Ridgley, and Kennedy Ridgley. Also surviving are two brothers, Warren Cole Jr. (Janice) of Greenfield, IL and William Cary Cole (Amber) of Wixon, MI, a niece, who was like a sister to him, Janette Routien (Trent) of Robinson, IL as well as other nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Marcia Kozonasky-Dean of Godfrey, Mary Kozonasky of Alton, Claudia Kozonasky of Alton and several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, John and Ruth Kozonasky, brother-in-law, John Kozonasky and a sister, Janis Tepen. A Memorial visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025 at Faith Fellowship Church, 4719 Seminary Road, Alton, IL 62002. Reverend Dr. Daymond Talkington will officiate. Memorials may be made to the Wes Cole Memorial Fund. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/11/2025

Jeremiah Wayne Jones, 45, of Jerseyville, Illinois, passed away on December 9, 2025. Born on October 7, 1980, in Alton, Illinois. Jeremy lived a life marked by deep love for his family, dedication to his work, with a smile and spirit that touched everyone who knew him.

Jeremy’s heart belonged to his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Melessia; their children Haylie and Jude; his mother Teresa Jones; and his sister Elizabeth (Donny) McCord; Brother Kent (Jennelle) Highsmith. His extended family includes mother and father-in-law Mary and Zane Zimmerman; brother-in-law Shane (Julie) Hendricks; sister-in-law Christy Zimmerman; sister-in-law Monica Hendricks ; brother-in-law Zane (Liezl) Zimmerman; sister-in-law Laura (David) Balai; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews, Kayla, Kody, Camron, Katy, Kylie, Daniel, Joslyn, Cheyanne, Layla, Gabe, Andrew, Able, and Mackenzie.

He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Dewayne Jones, and nephews Damien and Joseph.

For the past 26 years, “Wiz” was a devoted member of the Lerry-Meade Concrete family. His commitment and work ethic earned him not only the respect of his colleagues but also lasting friendships that extended beyond the job site. He took pride in his work and found purpose in being part of a team that valued hard work and camaraderie.

Outside of work and family life, Jeremy found joy on the golf course where he spent time with “the Sunday morning guys,” sharing laughs and friendly competition over eighteen holes. It was during these moments even though some days he said he was terrible at that dumb game, he loved it.

He also enjoyed his time coaching various sports throughout the years and helping to guide those boys through life.

Those who knew Jeremy remember him as the best of the best—genuine, caring, and kind. He was the guy who would do anything for anyone. He truly had a heart of gold. His presence brought warmth to every room, and his loyalty ran deep for those he loved.

A visitation to honor Jeremy’s life will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2025 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton.

Memorials may be made to his children through an account at Liberty Bank in Alton.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.
Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/10/2025

Dateline: Maryville
John Griffin Fagala, 79, of Maryville, IL went to be with his heavenly father at 4:46 am, Sunday, November 30, 2025 at Eden Village Retirement Center. John was born on December 24, 1945 in Alexandria, VA to the late Holmes Griffin and Mabel Beatrice (Johnson) Fagala. John grew up in Eureka, MO attending school in House Springs before transferring to Broadview Academy, North Aurora Illinois where he graduated. John enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 where he served as a Medical Specialist based in Germany during the Vietnam War. John married Marlene (Schlemer) Elliott on June 7, 1986 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Maryville, IL. John retired as a Police Officer for the Department of Defense at (NGA) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in St Louis, MO. John was a very active member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Maryville, IL where he played in the Hand Bell Choir, sang in the Vocal Choir, attended Disciple Classes and was involved in multiple mission trips. John was an avid reader and racquetball player, loved puzzles, enjoyed working out, traveling, attending Christian music events, singing with Raise the Praise Choir and spent countless hours attending events with his grandchildren. John and Marlene were a host family for the Gateway Grizzlies Baseball team for many years. John loved everything about his country, always reading or visiting historical sites and never forgetting what sacrifices were made for our freedom.
John is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Marlene Fagala, along with his daughters, Dawn Marie Fagala-House of Glen Carbon, IL, Marla Kay (John) Grant of Glen Carbon, IL, Monica Fay (John) Wright of Troy, IL, Melinda Gay Kershaw of Maryville, IL, Melissa May Elliott-Menne of St. Louis, MO and Melanie Rae (Brad) Szedlar of Maryville, IL.
Grandchildren, Madison Fagala, Samuel House and Jackson House of Glen Carbon, Nicole (Chris) Mueth of Maryville and Danielle (Jason) Foley of Collinsville, Brendan (Heather) Wright of St. Jacob and Keaton (Peyton) Wright of Troy, Savannah Danks of Glen Carbon, Taylor (John) Weidner of Maryville and Mason Kershaw of Glen Carbon, Elliot Ellis, Natalie Menne, Christian Menne, and Jacob Menne all of St. Louis, Major Cole (Amanda) Trover of Troy, Caira (Nicholas) Carter of Wood River and Chase Trover of Bunker Hill.
Great grandchildren, Brett Mueth of O’Fallon, Brady Mueth of Maryville, Makayla Foley, Makenna Foley and Macie Foley all of Collinsville, Carsyn Wright of St. Jacob, Kollyns Wright and Brooks Wright both of Troy, Preston Danks of Glen Carbon, Rhea Weidner of Maryville, Lukas Ellis and Charlotte Ellis both of St. Louis.
Sisters, Esther (Jerry) Mastbaum, of Dayton, OH, Phebe Fagala of Dayton, OH. Brothers, Charles (Denise) Fagala, Sr. of Dayton, OH, Reuben (Beth) Fagala of Kansas City, MO. Along with countless nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in Maryville and will continue from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church with a lunch to follow. Memorials can be made to St. Lukes United Methodist Church, Maryville, IL. Private family interment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors. Gent Funeral Home in Alton, IL is in charge of funeral services.
Additional information and guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/09/2025

Sharon “Sherry” Lee Flatt, 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Born March 14, 1952, in Springfield, IL, she was the daughter of Edward O. and Mary C. (Kruger) VonBehren. On August 17, 1979, she married Daniel W. Flatt in Springfield, IL. He preceded her in death on January 11, 2022. Surviving are four daughters, Ann Stahl (Danny), Carrie Nash (Mike), Dinah McNear, and Geanna Antrobus, and a son, Dwayne Flatt (Cathilynne), 12 grandchildren, Megan McKamey, Jordan McCoy, Ian Sasek, Michael Galliher, Katie Galliher, Lindsey Ballard, Jamie Summers, Thomas Antrobus, Emily Stahl, Daniel Stahl, Braden Nash, and Allison Nash, as well as numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Sherry was one of nine siblings. She was preceded in death by her father, Edward, and sisters Linda Neal (Daved) and Nancy VonBehren. Surviving are sisters Pat Park (Bob), Mary Trutter (Henry), Theresa Moore (Tony), Janice Isenhour and brothers Jim VonBehren and Donny VonBehren.
Sherry retired in 2016 and took great pleasure in tending to her garden, sharing her homemade canned goods with family and friends, and vacationing at Fort Meyers Beach, Florida.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 14, 2025 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Owl’s Club, 227 Blair Avenue, Alton, IL.
Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

12/05/2025

Dateline: Godfrey
Richard H. Boyer, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 1:10 a.m. at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri.
Rick was born on April 28, 1944, in Decatur, Illinois, to the late Harrison L. Boyer and Dorothy C. Brumfield. He married Mary Kathleen O’Connor on January 28, 1967, in Alton, Illinois, and together they built a loving family and life.
Rick proudly served in the United States Army Reserves before owning and operating his own insurance claims company, a career marked by dedication, integrity, and strong relationships within the community. He deeply loved spending time with family and friends, especially while boating and playing golf—two of his favorite pastimes that brought him great joy. Nothing, however, brought him more happiness than watching his four grandchildren play in their many sporting events; he was their biggest fan and took great pride in supporting them.
Along with his wife Mary, Rick is survived by his two daughters, Suzanne (Ed) Boyer-Baker of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and Beth (Robert) Stephan of Godfrey; four cherished grandchildren, Ty and Tre Baker and Maya and Alex Stephan and his sister, Nancy Wendle (Denis).
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Barbara Byrkit (Bob).
Visitation will be held on Monday, December 8, 2025, from 4:30 p.m. until time of memorial service at 7:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton, Illinois. An online guestbook is available at www.gentfuneralhome.com.

11/23/2025

Dateline: Godfrey

Patricia Margaret Robertson-Koniak, 82, of Godfrey, Illinois passed away peacefully on November 21, 2025. She was born on February 3, 1943 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

She was the daughter of James Kearnan and Mary (Barclay). On May 15, 1981 she married William R. Koniak and he survives.

Patrica was a devout Catholic and member of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Early in her life, Patricia was previously married and blessed with her four children. Patricia spent her life caring for others in many ways; as a nurse at Alton Mental Health Center for 25 years and a loving foster parent for over 50 years. She touched too many lives to even begin to count. She dedicated much of her life to volunteering for children’s charities. Above all, her grandchildren were the center of her life and her greatest joy.

Patricia was preceded in death by her parents James and Mary Kearnan and her brother Frankie Kearnan. Patrica is survived by her husband of 44 years, William R. Koniak; her children Deborah Walsh (Thomas) of Alton, Heather Fairburn (Richard) of Canton, IL, Alan Robertson (Cyndi) of Alton, Scott Robertson(Cindy) of Alton; grandchildren Kelsey Fischer (Christopher), Lauren Walsh, Kiley Groves (Blake), Katie Herndon, Samantha Robertson (James Biggs), Andrew Robertson and a great-grandchild Rory Groves.

Visitation will be from 9:00 am until a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am on Wednesday November 26, 2025. Father Jorge Sanchez will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Alton. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Boys and Girls Club of Alton. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online arrangements and guestbook can be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

11/23/2025

Dateline: Godfrey

Sally Marie Ursch was born on June 12, 1958 in Alton, IL to Bernard J. Ursch and Peggy J. Ursch. She passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 7:20 AM at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL at the age of 67. Sally was the kindest person and had the biggest heart. She was the youngest of 4 children and she lived in Alton throughout her childhood and teenage years. As a child she loved sports, fishing, animals, plants and being outdoors. She attended St. Mary’s School and then later Alton High School, graduating in 1976. Sally attended Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville for her Bachelor’s Degree as well as her Master’s, which she finished in 1990.

It was at SIUE that she met the love of her life, Mollie J. Fedor. Mollie and Sally enjoyed travelling in their camper across the country, especially to places like Montana and Wyoming. They also enjoyed camping and fishing trips close to home. Their lives were filled with dogs, cats, gardening, and feeding and watching the birds and wildlife in their yard in Godfrey as well as cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pirates. Sally worked the majority of her career in nursing homes in the Edwardsville area and took care of her residents as if they were her own family members, which she felt they were. Sally spent her days and many nights with residents, especially when they had no family of their own. She was a patient and calming presence that staff and residents alike came to rely on.

Sally retired early in order to take care of her mother, and later her step-father Ralph Milford, who preceded her in death. She also cared for her partner Mollie as she battled cancer, passing away in October of 2024. Sally was also preceded in death by her brother Tom Ursch, her sister Ann Rowan, and her brother-in-law John Fitzgerald. She is survived by her sister and best friend Karen Fitzgerald and a brother-in-law Bill Rowan. Also left to cherish her memory are her favorite niece Jeanne (Steve Koopman) MacAinsh, 6 beloved nephews Pat (Jamie) Fitzgerald, Tom (Kristine) Fitzgerald, Mike (Julie) Fitzgerald, David (Emmett) Fitzgerald-Sullivan, Scott (Jill) Monroe, Chad Monroe and many great nieces and nephews, as well as her mother-in-law Betty Fedor and sisters-in-law Jean (Lori O’Bryan) Fedor and Anne Fedor. Sally also leaves behind her life-long friend Cheryl McLagan, friends and care-givers Debbie Martin, Goldie Clarke, and Kristy Burns as well as her helpful and generous friend “24 Hour” Bill Gottlob. Our sincere thanks to her family, friends and neighbors, all of whom have helped out as we navigated some very difficult times.

A one hour visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton, IL. Father Don Robers will officiate. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Godfrey, IL. Memorials may be made to 5A’s of Alton or Helping Hands Food Pantry of St. Peter and Paul Church in Alton. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

11/18/2025

Dateline: Godfrey, IL
Sharon Mardell Liley, 80, died at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 17, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital. She was born March 5, 1945 in Alton, the daughter of the late Merle Claude and Mardell Lavon (Talbot) Ward. Sharon was a training coordinator with Walmart for many years and a member of Vaughn Hill Church of Christ in East Alton. She married Robert Smith, and he preceded her in death in 1978. On May 4, 1979 in Godfrey, she married Donald Everett Liley and he preceded her in death on October 26, 2024. Surviving are three daughters, Jennifer Beck (Brad) of Maui, Michelle Otis (Mike) of Alton, Cristie Scott (Greg) of Bowling Brook, IL, two sons, Matthew Smith (Sandra) of Godfrey and Scott Liley (Candy) of Brighton, fifteen grandchildren and one sister, Lynn Lenker (Jim). Besides her two husbands she was preceded in death by a grandson, Hunter Beck. A Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Vaughn Hill Church of Christ in East Alton. Gent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Additional information and online guestbook may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com