Wilson's Funeral Homes, Ltd

03/14/2026

Russell Asbury, Sr.

CHESTER – Russell Asbury, Sr., 85, of Chester, IL, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at home.

Russell was born April 3, 1940, in Rockwood, IL to Roy and Mable Lorenz Asbury. Russell was of the Protestant Faith and was a member of Inter-Continental Church of God, in Tyler, TX. Russell was a retired Truck Driver.

Russell is survived by his children: Lisa Trammel of Fayetteville, Russell Asbury, Jr, of Chester, Steve Asbury of Fayetteville, and Lori Ohman of Fayetteville; his 13 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandsons.

Russell was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters and 5 brothers.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Dr. James Ricks officiating. Burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Chester, IL. Visitation will be Tuesday morning, where friends may call from 11:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Shriners Children’s Hospital and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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03/10/2026

Sadie Roxana Brooks

AVA – Sadie “Roxie” Brooks, 80, of Ava, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her home.

Sadie was born February 8, 1946, in Washington, MO, to James Sr. and Zelda McClure McCann. Sadie was a retired Nurse. She was of the Christian Faith and a member of A.F.S.C.M.E.- Chester Mental Health.

Sadie is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Everett) Bugg of Richmond, KY, her grandchildren: Chelse Bugg (David), Austin Bugg, Amanda Cheatham; her siblings: James H. McCann Jr. of Freeburg, IL, Linda Bukovac of Sorento, IL; her sister-in-law, Marsha Felty of Murphysboro, IL and many nieces and nephews.

Sadie was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sons: Gregory Ray and Raymond James “Jamie” Gerberding; 3 brothers: Larry, Johnnie, Roger (Tracy) McCann; and a sister, Shirley Anheuser.

It was Sadie’s wishes for Cremation, and no services will be held.

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03/10/2026

03/09/2026

Ronald L. Tretter

STEELEVILLE – Ronald L. Tretter, 82, of Steeleville, IL, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Randolph County Care Center, Sparta, Illinois.

Ronald was born August 24, 1943, in Chester, IL to Reno and June Stewart Tretter. He married Patsy Parkinson on December 26, 1964, in Vandalia, IL. Ronald was a retired General Superintendent from Gilster Mary Lee. He was of the Catholic Faith and a member of Knights of Columbus, Chester, IL.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Patsy Tretter of Steeleville, IL, his son, Patrick Tretter of Carterville, IL, his daughters, Heather (Adam) Mandrell of Pittsburg, IL, Leanna (BIll) Kilpatrick of Steeleville, IL, his grandchildren: Johanna (Jacob) Young, Addison Mandrell, Adian Kilpatrick, Bryton Kilpatrick, Colin Kilpatrick, his great grandson, Reid Young, his siblings: Doris Claxton of Jacksonville, FL, Joe Tretter of Steeleville, IL, Richard Tretter of Marion, IL, Bruce Tretter of Perryville, MO, and Annette Hornbostel of Chester, IL.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Mary Moore, and a brother, David Tretter.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 2:00 pm, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, IL, with Tom Peck officiating. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Chester, IL. Visitation will be Thursday, where friends may call from noon until time of service at the funeral home. Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospital and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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03/07/2026

Orville Alms, Jr.

STEELEVILLE – Orville H. Alms, Jr., 69, of Steeleville, passed away Friday, March 6, 2026 at his home.

Orville was born in Red Bud, Illinois, on November 30, 1956, the son of Orville, Sr. and Nita Firth Alms. He married Mary Gale on October 9, 1981, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Willisville, Illinois. Orville was retired from SIU-C. He was a member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Steeleville. Orville loved spending time outdoors with family and friends.

Orville is survived by his wife, Mary Alms of Steeleville; his children, Jared Alms of Ava and Alaina (Tim) Mevert of Marion; two grandchildren, Colsen and Makenna; brother, Scot (Sheila) Alms of Steeleville; sister, Deb (Bruce) Hasemeyer of Steeleville; 28 nieces and nephews; and 62 great nieces and nephews.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents and his father & mother-in-law.

Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 1:00 pm, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Steeleville, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mark’s Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Steeleville, where friends may call on Tuesday from 10 am until 1 pm. Memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church or Hope Lodge – St. Louis, MO.

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03/02/2026

Myrtle M. Meyer

STEELEVILLE – Myrtle M. Meyer, 89, of Steeleville, passed away at 5:10 am, Friday, February 27, 2026, in Cape Girardeau, MO.

Myrtle was born on March 1, 1936, in Rockwood, Illinois, the daughter of William and Grace Ellen Marton Moore. She married Harold A. Meyer on December 12, 1964, in Rockwood, Illinois. He proceeded her in death on February 15, 2017. Myrtle was a member at St. John’s Lutheran Church Breman in Chester, Illinois.

Myrtle is survived by her son, Brian (Angela Swan) Meyer of Perryville, MO; two granddaughters, Nicholette (Tyler) Beusink of Cape Girardeau, MO, and Amanda (Tom Webster) Myer of Fulton, MO; four brothers and two sisters.

Myrtle was also preceded in death by her parents.

Graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. John’s Cemetery Bremen, Chester, Illinois, with Rev. Steven Theiss officiating. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Bremen.

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03/02/2026

Lorene Meyer

STEELEVILLE – Lorene A. Meyer, 93, of Steeleville, passed away at 5:03 pm, on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Sparta Community Hospital, Sparta, Illinois.

Lorene was born on September 20,1932, in Evansville, Illinois, the daughter of Siemon and Clara Geitz Ohlau. She married Raymond A. Meyer on August 13, 1955 in St. Peter Lutheran Church, Evansville, Illinois. He preceded her in death on January 19, 2002. She was retired from Ohms Bookkeeping and HR Block Tax Service. Lorene was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Bremen, St. John’s Choir, and Women Missionary Group. Lorene enjoyed quilting with the women of the church and spending time with church family. She enjoyed making Christmas stockings for her family, friends and host of granddaughter across the world. Lorene loved working outside mowing grass on the family farm. She loved gardening and working with her flowers, especially her roses.

Lorene is survived by her son, Keith A. (Pat) Meyer of Steeleville, IL; daughter, Sheryl K. Meyer of Springfield, IL; and granddaughter, Michelle (Nate) Meyer-Todd of St. Charles, MO.

Lorene was also preceded in death by her Parents; and one sister and brother-in-law, Wilma and Raymond Everding.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 am, at St. John’s Lutheran Church – Bremen, Chester, with Pastor David Peters officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery – Bremen. Visitation will be at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, where friends may call on Wednesday from 5 pm until 8 pm, then on Thursday from 7:30 am until 9 am, then from 10 am until 11 am at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery (Perpetual Care Trust) or Marion Medical Mission, Marion, Illinois.

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02/27/2026

Micheal Adrian Clover

MURPHYSBORO – Micheal Adrian Clover, 31 of Murphysboro, IL, passed away on February 20th, 2026, at the Carbondale Memorial Hospital, surrounded by family.

Micheal was born to Lennet Gibbs and Adrian Clover on December 27th, 1994. He was baptized on March 4, 2007, at the Cornerstone Community Church.

Upon his passing: there to meet Micheal were his late daughter, Eve Anna Hazel Kay Clover, his Papa Don, Grandpa Darrell, Uncle Brian and his dearest friends, Brent Micheal Compton and Roy Roger Compton, among many others.

Micheal leaves behind a young son, Dominic Micheal Kia Clover, his parents, Lennet Gibbs of Murphysboro and Adrian and Lesley Clover of Energy, IL, Grandmother Anna Heape from DuQuoin, IL, Grandfather Russell Clover from O’Fallon, IL, Nanny Susan and Grandad Pete Taylor of West Frankfort, IL, a brother, Christopher Austin Clover from Carterville, IL, dearest cousin Kody Sheets from Murphysboro, IL, Aunt Paula and Tish Beckham, Aunt Melanie Shoffner from Memphis, TN, Uncle Todd and Michelle Taylor from Thompsonville, IL, Aunt Angela and Rich Smith from Stiritz, IL, Uncle Eric and Emily Taylor, from Paducah, KY, Uncle Kevin and Dawn Oestreicher from DuQuoin, IL, Aunt Traci and Sean Haney from DuQuoin, IL, Uncle Kerry and Natasha Oestreicher from DuQuoin, IL.

Micheal enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his son Dominic and live streaming on his video games, while hanging out with his friends. As a young boy, Micheal loved most spending time with his Papa Don in the shed watching and learning as Papa tinkered with the tractors aka “putt putt’s. “

Micheal’s Grandma Anna describes him as a chameleon, what he liked today he didn’t want anything to do with the next day. He hated going anywhere if the car ride was more than 10 minutes. He was a smiling little boy always happy until bedtime. he would wait until Papa Don or Gma was asleep then would crawl into bed with one of them.

Micheal was a St. Louis Cardinals fan which sparked a friendly rivalry with his Aunt Paula and Tish as being Chicago Cub fans.

Micheal should be remembered for his kindness, his big heart and for having had the biggest brightest smile.

YOUR SMILE

Though your smile is gone forever, and your hand we cannot touch.

Still, we have so many memories of the one we loved so much.

Your memory is our keepsake with which we will never part.

God has you in his keeping, we have you in our hearts.

It is sad to walk the road alone, instead of side by side.

But to all, there comes a moment when the ways of life divide.

You gave us years of happiness, then came sorrow and tears,

But you left us beautiful memories, we will treasure through the years.

A Celebration of Michael’s life will be planned at a later date. Memorials may be given to the family and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.

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02/26/2026

Marilyn S. Gerlach

SPARTA – Marilyn Sue (Marlow) Gerlach, 90, of Sparta, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Three Springs Lodge, Chester, IL.

Marilyn was, in the truest sense of the word, a maker. Maker, meaning a person that makes or produces something, is a common term in today’s vernacular. The term usually implies that the maker has a creative product of service that is uniquely theirs. Unlike many artisans who embrace the label of maker for monetary gain, Marilyn’s talents led her to instead “make” a lasting positive impact on the lives of the people around her.

When Marilyn married Willis R. Gerlach on November 19, 1955, she embraced the traditional role of wife by making their home attractive, welcoming and comfortable. She acquired and honed the skills of homemaking – cooking, sewing, decorating, gardening – all while raising their two children, Terry and Angela. Though Marilyn often vowed that cooking was not her passion, no one ever left her table hungry. She was well known in family circles for making outstanding potato salad, a recipe that was uniquely her own.

Marilyn made a positive impact on the children in her community through her many years of service to schools in the Sparta area. As assistant to the school nurse for many years, Marilyn helped to ensure the health and well-being of students at all levels. She continued her school service for many years, eventually filling the role of Secretary to the Superintendent of Sparta Community Unit School District until her retirement. Marilyn also served the children in her community by teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.

Marilyn truly embodied the definition of maker in one distinctive area – her love of and gift for making music. Her love of music was literally the soundtrack of Marilyn’s life. She learned to play the piano at an early age and a passion for music was ignited that would never diminish. After Marilyn accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at Nine Mile Baptist Church, likely her first act of Christian service was to play the piano for worship services. Providing musical accompaniment for worship was a service Marilyn offered to the other churches with which she was associated throughout her lifetime of faithful Christian service.

Marilyn’s passion for making music extended far beyond playing the piano for worship services. She was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and was a frequent soloist at church services, weddings and other special occasions. She was a highly respected piano and vocal teacher, sharing her love of music with many young students and even some adults. In the 1970s Marilyn organized a vocal group called The Raptures. Accompanied by Marilyn on piano, The Raptures shared their unique style of Gospel music throughout Southern Illinois and beyond. The group even made and marketed several recordings of their music. Through these recordings, Marilyn continues to make music.

It should be noted that Marilyn loved and appreciated many music genres, though her appreciation for popular music stopped in roughly the 1970s. She once stated, “if it doesn’t have a melody, it’s not music.” In light of that statement, it should come as no surprise that Marilyn was a lifelong fan of the music of Dean Martin.

Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Angela Sue (Randy) Truluck, grandsons: Jerad (Stephanie) Hoffmann, Bryan Jordan (Ottilie) Hoffmann, Terry Ryan (Andrea) Gerlach, Richard Caleb (Autumn) Gerlach and Billi (Haley) Gerlach; granddaughters: Marilyn (Casey) Newport, Heaven (Josh) Sanderson; step-grandchildren: Jennie Martinsen, Jeremy Truluck, and Kristen Schumacher; sister, Ramona (Dustin) Hatch, sisters-in-law: Nellie Gerlach, Jeanette Moeller, Mary Helen Moeller, Alice (Roger) Marlow; 15 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, Willis R. Gerlach, her parents, Orville and Beulah Marlow, her son, Terry Gerlach, brothers: Roger Marlow, Darroll Marlow; brothers-in-law; James Gerlach, Donald Moeller and William Moeller; and sister-in-law, Janet Shipp.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026, 12:00 noon, at Steeleville Baptist Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Dr. Jared Pemper officiating. Burial to follow at Union Cemetery, Sparta, IL. Visitation will be Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, where friends may call from 10:00 am until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to Steeleville Baptist Church and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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02/24/2026

Fern Estelle Shannon

MURPHYSBORO – Fern Estelle Shannon, 93, of Murphysboro, Illinois passed away February 22, 2026, in hospice care at Carbondale Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, Illinois.

Fern was born on October 12, 1932, to Erle and Grace (Bigham) Hallbauer of Cutler, Illinois. She attended a one room schoolhouse and then graduated from Trico in the class of 1950. She married Claude Shannon in Denmark, Illinois, December 18, 1954, and established their home on the Shannon Farm, which was homesteaded in 1840 by Claude’s Great Grandfather, outside Murphysboro, Illinois. She was instrumental in getting the farm recognized as a “Centennial Farm” and finally a “Sesquicentennial Farm”. In addition to helping on the farm, she drove a school bus for Trico. They were members of Camp Creek Baptist Church of Murphysboro, Illinois. They had three children, two daughters and one son.

Claude preceded Fern in death on March 5, 2025, after celebrating 70 years of marriage. Fern is survived by daughters: Claudia (Mark) Kinder of Murphysboro, Carol (Rodney) Brown of Murphysboro; son, Donald Shannon (Karla Morgan) of Murphysboro; grandchildren: Adam (Audrey) Kinder, Joshua Kinder, Sarah (Eric) Allen, Emily (Brandon) Taylor, Ashley Brown (fiancé Caleb Schwinn), Grant (Jennifer) Brown, Michelle Godwin, and Morgan Cook; great-grandsons: Ezekiel, Tobias and Theodore Kinder, Jacob, Nolan and Oliver Allen, great-granddaughters: Bailey Brown, Johanna and Maddie Lynn Godwin; one cousin, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Fern was also preceded in death by her parents, sisters and brothers-in-law: Helen (Mervin) Smith and Melba Jean (Russell) Campbell; brothers and sisters-in-law: Henry Shannon, Wilma Shannon, Kenneth Shannon, Ernest Shannon, Kathryn Smith, Verna Nobel, and Claudine Shannon.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00, at Wilson Funeral Home in Ava, Illinois, with Bill Smith officiating. Burial to follow at Murdale Garden of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday morning, where friends may call from 9:00 am until time of the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be directed to Camp Creek Cemetery and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 277, Ava, IL 62907.

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02/19/2026

Ruth Ann Thies

PERCY – Ruth Ann J. Thies, 81, of Cutler, IL, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at Manor Court, Carbondale, IL.

Ruth Ann was born January 11, 1945, in Jacob, IL to Roland and Mildred (Wichern) Kranawetter. She married Gerald L. Thies on September 5, 1964, in Neunert, IL. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2019. Ruth Ann was retired from Spartan Aluminum and a member of St. Marks Lutheran Church, Steeleville.

Ruth Ann is survived by her children: Brian (Allisen) Thies of Cutler, IL, Carla Jarrett of Willisville, IL, Kevin (Michelle) Thies of Ava, IL, Jason Thies of Jacob, IL; her grandchildren: Rachel, Katelyn, Chelsea, Austin, Douglas, Aimee, Zach, Paige, Abbey, Logan, Olivia; her great grandchildren: Camilla Ruth and Brooks Lee, her brothers: Earl (Linda) Kranawetter of Campbell Hill, IL, Dale Kranawetter of Jacob, IL, Lloyd Kranawetter of Jacob, IL; her sisters: Wanda (Mark) Holt of Gorham, IL, Rita (Brian) Vanpelt of Gorham, IL; her in-laws: Diann (Jerry) Moore of Willisville, IL, Zeke Thies of Willisville, IL, Terry Thies of Willisville, IL, Mary Ann (Rick) Bowerman of Campbell Hill, IL, and Connie (Bruce) Shockley of Lenzburg, IL.

Ruth Ann was also preceded in death by her parents, her in-laws: Betty & Renee Kranawetter, Dennis Korando, Lonnie “Buck” Thies, Kenny “Cornbread” Thies, Allie Thies, Randy “Nip” Thies, Bonnie Faverty, and Judy McFadden.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, 11:00 am, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Steeleville, IL, with Rev. Mark Harriss officiating. Burial to follow at Percy Village Cemetery, Percy, IL. Visitation will be Friday evening, February 27, where friends may call from 5:00 – 8:00 pm and on Saturday morning from 7:30 - 9:00 am, at Wilson’s Funeral Home, Steeleville, then from 10:00 until time of service at the church. Memorials may be given to St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and School and can be mailed to Wilson’s Funeral Home, P.O. Box 217, Steeleville, IL 62288.

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02/17/2026

https://www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net/obituaries/raymond-gerberding

View Raymond James "Jamie" Gerberding's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.