Cox & Son Funeral Home - Ridgway

11/05/2025

Reaching out with condolences can sometimes feel difficult — especially when you’re unsure what to say. But even a short, heartfelt message can mean so much to someone who’s grieving. 💛 A few kind words can bring comfort and remind them they’re not alone.

11/04/2025

We had so much fun celebrating Halloween with our community! 🧡
Thanks to everyone who joined in on the spooky fun! 🎃

11/03/2025

Kyleigh Jo Oldham

Though you are gone, you are not alone for a part of all of us went with you the day you went home. You will always be our child. The one we never had, but we will never forget our little angel. We will always love you love mom and dad.

She is survived by her Father Zaccary Dewayne Oldham, Mother Ashley Nicole Stuby, sisters Aspyn and Layla Oldham, Paternal grandparents Benny and Patricia Tanner, Maternal grandparents April and Damon Morris uncle Benny Lee Tanner, aunt Heather Tanner, uncle Blake Tanner(Carlena),and aunt Kassie Tanner (Brittny) uncle Jacob Stuby(Heather), and aunt Andrea Stuby And one living great grand parent Connie Kay Rehbein

She was proceeded in death by Joyce McGhee (great grandmother) John Oldham (great grandfather) and Catherine Vonda Page (great grandmother)

View Kyleigh Jo Oldham's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

11/03/2025

Maggie M Miles

Maggie M. Miles, age 82, formerly of the Leamington Community in Gallatin County passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025 at her daughter's home in Effingham, Illinois, surrounded by her loving family. Maggie was born in Gary, Indiana on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1943 to the late Floyd and Violet (Beattie) Thomas. On September 24, 1960 she married the love of her life, Bernard E. Miles, who preceded her in death in 2017.

Maggie was talented and hardworking, taking on many roles over the years. She was a dedicated homemaker while raising her daughters in the 1960s and 1970s and sold Avon on the side. In the 1980s, she made countless beautiful wedding cakes for couples, including one for each of her daughters and eventually her granddaughter. During the 1980s and early 1990s, she also managed the old Pounds Hollow concession stand. However, many will remember her for the years she worked at Rash’s Quick Mart in Shawneetown before retiring in the early 2000s.

Beyond all her talents, Maggie’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved family gatherings, especially during the holidays, and would always have a big pot of chicken and dumplings waiting to feed the crew. She enjoyed spending time with her family, whether going on outings with her daughters, especially to Purse Bingo, attending her great-grandkids’ ball games, or watching her great-granddaughter sing and perform on stage. Maggie was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Maggie is survived by her daughters, Shelia (Charles) Threet of Carrier Mills and Sheryl (Eddie) Edwards of Effingham, her sister, Shirley Johns of Cave-In-Rock, two brothers, John Jackiewicz of Ridgway and Robert Thomas of Crestview, Florida, three grandchildren, Brandon (Cheyenne) Edwards of Rosebud, South Dakota, Kendra (Aaron) Zirkelbach of Marion, and Jeremy (Alexandra) Edwards of Dieterich, seven great-grandchildren, Abby Zirkelbach, Ethan Zirkelbach, Kyleigh Edwards, Jace Engelmeier, Rowan Edwards, Emmett Edwards, and Luca Edwards as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Maggie was proceeded in death by two brothers, Floyd Thomas and Edgar Thomas and two sisters, Sharon Caldwell and Nancy Gobin.

View Maggie M Miles's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/31/2025

👻 Happy Halloween from all of us at Cox & Son Funeral Home! Wishing everyone a safe and fun evening filled with sweet treats, laughter, and maybe a friendly scare or two. 🎃

10/25/2025

Roger Lewis Drone

Roger Lewis Drone, age 91, passed away October 23, 2025, in St. Louis, MO.

He was born Aug 1, 1934, in Ridgway IL, the son of Lewis R. and Rosalia (Herbert) Drone. He is survived by brother Leon (Judy) Drone; sister Marilyn Drone; son Bill (Jennifer) Drone; grandson Tanner Drone; and nephew Dimitri (Krystn) Drone. He was predeceased by his niece Heather Drone.

Roger graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale with a degree in Finance. He served two years in the Army.

Roger was an investment professional, helping clients manage their financial futures with care and professionalism. Roger served the St. Louis community in this role for over 40 years. His favorite pun was 'I work with stocks and blondes.'

He was actively involved with the Clayton Optimists Club, volunteered at the Carmelite Monastery, had a deep love of miniature shelties and was an avid Cardinal's fan. Roger was a 4th degree knight in the Clayton Knights of Columbus.

Roger was a great and loyal friend to many. He will be dearly missed by Sonia Beard, LaDonna Brooks and Rita Mathews.

Memorials may be made to Mother of Good Counsel Home, 6825 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis MO 63121 or the Carmelite Monastery, 9150 Clayton Rd., St. Louis MO 63124.

A memorial mass will be held in St. Louis at Mother of Good Counsel Home on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 9:30 am

View Roger Lewis Drone's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

“You will smile again—not because you’ve forgotten, but because you’ve learned to carry the love with you.” – Unknown

10/22/2025

Robert Gilbert Cox

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert "Bob" Gilbert Cox, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Robert passed away peacefully at his home on October 19, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on June 24, 1943, in Eldorado, Illinois, Bob was a proud graduate of Ridgway High School, Class of 1961. Bob was the proud owner and operator of Stegie’s Pizza in Eldorado, Illinois, for several years, where he served his community with both great food and friendly conversation. He later transitioned to a long and dedicated career as a coal miner at the Kerr McGee/Galatia Mine, where he worked until retirement.

Bob had a deep appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. He found joy in gardening, especially tending to flowers, and was a passionate antique enthusiast, always searching for meaningful treasures. With his wife Sherri, he shared a love for the performing arts, creating cherished memories at concerts, shows and sporting events. Bob was also a devoted sports fan, loyally supporting the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues, and Kansas City Chiefs

Known for his warm heart, helpful nature, and gentle spirit, Bob was a man who touched the lives of everyone he met. He was always willing to lend a hand and offer kindness without hesitation.

Above all, Bob's greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a joyful grandfather and great-grandfather. He is survived by his wife Sharyon (Sherri) Grant Ulbrich Cox, daughters Leslie (Brad) Thompson and Traci Cox, and stepsons Dr. Cary (Cheri) Ulbrich, DDS, and Dr's. Jamie (Sherri) Ulbrich, MD.

Bob (Papaw and PopBob) will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Ellen, Brice, and Blake Thompson, Erica (Keith) Kossmeyer, Kayla (Tyler) Knuckles, Rachel Schuler, Grace Ulbrich, and John Ulbrich; and his great-grandchildren: Bennett, Blair, Leighton, Ryden, and Jensen.

He is also survived by his best friend and brother Jerry (Tracy) Cox. Bob and Jerry could spend hours in conversation, sharing thoughts and stories about politics, the stock market, medical issues, cars, and farming. And another brother, Mike. He also leaves behind his faithful feline companion, Abigail, who brought him comfort and joy.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Marilyn McElhaney Cox, and his aunt and uncle, Robert and Corrine Gregg, who were significant figures in his life and whose influence and love meant so much to him.

As we mourn the loss of Bob, we celebrate a life beautifully lived—a life of love, generosity, and unwavering dedication to family. He will be profoundly missed, and his spirit will forever illuminate our lives.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Bob Cox, please visit our flower store.

In memory Bob Cox, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

Riley's Childrens Hospital

American Heart Association

View Robert Gilbert Cox's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/22/2025

Myra Willis

Myra Willis, a beloved matriarch, passed away on September 29, 2025, at Gallatin Manor in Ridgway, IL leaving a rich legacy of love and family. Born on January 28, 1960, in Eldorado, Illinois, Myra touched the lives of many during her time on earth, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege to know her.

As a devoted mother, she cherished her role as a parent to her children, Wesley McClusky and Myranda Willis, continually offering them support and unconditional love. Her grandchildren, Jayden McClusky, Taryn McClusky, and Elijah Potts, were the light of her life; she reveled in every moment spent with them and took immense joy in watching them grow.

Myra was known for her warm personality and deep affection for her family. She often expressed her love through her unwavering presence and attention, drawing her loved ones closer with her kind heart.

A true lover of music, Myra found peace and joy by listening to her favorite tunes, which provided her a way to reflect and connect with the world around her. Music was not just a hobby for her; it served as a passion that enriched her life and the lives of those, she shared it with.

Myra was preceded in death by her father, Charles Edgar Porter, her mother, Evelyn (Shepard) Porter, her husband, Larry Willis, her brother, Charles Wes Porter, and her sister, Sherry Boulds. Their memories remained cherished within her heart, and their legacies undoubtedly influenced the person she became.

Myra's spirit will forever live on through her surviving family who will remember her for her nurturing love, vibrant personality, and commitment to family. Her life was a beautiful reminder of the importance of family bonds and the joy of family gatherings. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her love will continue to be a guiding light for her cherished family.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

View Myra Willis's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/17/2025

Michelle Charnelle Ellison

Michelle Charnelle Ellison, born on November 5, 1983, in Harrisburg, Illinois, passed away at Deaconess Hospital on October 15, 2025. Michelle's legacy is woven through the cherished memories of those who loved her deeply.

She was a beloved daughter to Debbie (James) Owens and Johnny (Lora) Ellison, and was also guided in life by the special man she called Daddy, Les Fly. Michelle found joy and connection in her role as a loving mother to her son Kevin Ellison and her daughter Emily Potter. The bonds she shared with her siblings were equally meaningful, including her brothers Johnny (Callie) Ellison, Tony Ellison, Gary Ellison, Matthew (Sarah) Owens, and James Owens, as well as her sister Kaila (Gideon) Grissom and sister Amanda Bloodsworth.

Michelle's zest for life was reflected in her personality. She loved her kids and family dearly, and her spirited nature encompassed various passions. Michelle had a particular fondness for karaoke and gambling. She also enjoyed playing games, including Yahtzee and various board games. These activities brought her great joy and further enriched the lives of her family and friends.

She is survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom will miss her vibrant energy and warmth. While her time with us was far too short, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Michelle was predeceased by her grandmother Cleada Oldham, as well as her uncle and aunt, Butch and Phyllis Oldham, and her uncle Bub Collins. Their spirits will forever remain intertwined with hers, as she carries their love onward.

The visitation will be held on October 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cox & Son Funeral Home Shawneetown, followed by a funeral service beginning at 12:00 PM. The burial will take place at Westwood Cemetery at 2:00 PM, where she will be laid to rest.

Michelle Charnelle Ellison will be remembered not only for her love of life but also for the deeply rooted connections she fostered throughout her journey. Her spirit will shine on in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

View Michelle Charnelle Ellison's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

10/14/2025

Every family has their own unique wishes when it comes to saying goodbye. Whether you choose burial or cremation, what matters most is creating a service that reflects your loved one’s life, values, and story.

At Cox & Son Funeral Home, we’re here to help you explore every option and design a service that feels meaningful and personal. 💐

Reach out to us at (618) 272-3511 to talk through what’s possible.