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

02/10/2026

Robert Gabbert, 34, of Worden, Illinois passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026. Born on June 9th, 1991, to Andrew Anderson and the late Peggy Gabbert in Kankakee, Illinois. Robert graduated from Beardstown High School in 2009. Robert is survived by his wife, Lauren (Davis) Gabbert, his children Vivian, Ezra, Emeri and Velexi of Worden, Illinois, and his two sisters: Megan and Marissa Gabbert of Beardstown, Illinois. Robert was known for his sense of humor and dedication to his children. Robert was a bus driver for the Alton school district, and he loved getting to know the students he drove.

In his free time Robert enjoyed disc golf and spending time with his children.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that a donation be made to the Worden Volunteer Fire Department or to the National Alliance on Mental Health.

02/05/2026

Bethalto:
Joseph Morten, 85, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at his residence. He was born on February 1, 1941, in Gallatin County, Illinois, the son of the late Charles and Alice (Hise) Morten. Joe was a 1959 graduate of Galatia High School.

On August 11, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Hazel Thompson in Harrisburg, Illinois. She survives, along with their three children: Vicki Morten of Carbondale, Becky (Kraig) Patterson of Hamel, and Don Morten of Bethalto.

Joe was blessed with four grandchildren: Josh (Katie) Morten of Bethalto, Katelyn (Sam) Snyder of Edwardsville, Jacob Morten of Alton, and Alyssa Patterson of Wood River and three great grandchildren: Trenton Morten of Bethalto, Amberlee Morten of Bethalto, and Hudson Snyder of Edwardsville. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Joe was formerly employed at Laclede Steel, where he proudly worked for more than thirty-five years before his retirement. He was a dedicated member of the First Baptist Church of Bethalto, where he served faithfully as a deacon.

He lived life to the fullest and found joy in simple pleasures -- visiting with friends and family, reading, watching westerns, listening to Christian music, woodworking, repairing anything he could get his hands on, traveling, and gardening alongside Hazel. His quiet strength, steady work ethic, and warm heart touched everyone who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters: Gracie Ellis, Shirley Moore, Teresa Thompson, and by his brother, Charles Morten.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. In accordance with Joe’s wishes, cremation will follow afterwards. Graveside services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

Online condolences may be left at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com

02/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Christi Lee (Rose) Nowak, 69, on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. She fought a hard battle following multiple strokes that took place in March of 2023 and most recently in February of 2025. Christi is survived by her husband and soulmate, Gary Nowak of Edwardsville, Illinois.

Christi was born July 18, 1956, in Alton, Illinois to Eva Jean (Hickerson) and Charles Henry Rose Jr., both deceased. She was the fifth of ten children – Cecilia ‘Suzi’ Blackman (deceased; Kenny); Charlene Stauder; Charley ‘Brad’ Rose, Clifford Rose (Roberta); Clair Rose, Craig Rose (Cindy); Caryl Sellars; Cindy Sparks (Rusty); and Carla Rose (deceased).

Christi graduated in 1974 from East Alton-Wood River High School, after which she began a long career as a sought-after care giver for the babies of friends and family. She was truly in her element with little people to watch after and teach. Christi and Gary met in 1982 and were married in 1994. Soon after, they settled in their home on Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville. Gary’s daughters, Erica Proctor (Adam) and Jessica Roentz, shared lots of celebrations and family time on that lake with beloved granddaughters, Ella and Josie Proctor.

Christi was a wife, a sister, a bonus mom, an aunt, a grandmother, a great aunt and so much more to so many. In addition to her daughters and granddaughters, Christi enjoyed doting on her 20 nieces and nephews, 32 great nieces and nephews and 2 great-great nephews, along with all the other countless children she watched for friends…and she always had room for more!

Christi worked alongside Gary at their business, Nowak News Agency, for many years delivering newspapers each day to hundreds of homes in the Edwardsville and Metro East area. Christi, being a social butterfly, began working in assisted living and care facilities, following her retirement. Her most recent work was at Stillwater Assisted Living in Edwardsville, where her nametag read “Most Important One.” Following her recent strokes, and requiring additional care, Christi became a resident at Stillwater where she was lovingly cared for by the staff and residents whom she had come to know and love.

Christi was very small in stature, but the impact of her passing will be huge on all those who knew and loved her. Her heart was on display every day, always ready to offer a kind word, or care for those in need.

A visitation celebrating the life of Christi will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, from 10am-12pm with services to follow at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River, Illinois. A private burial will be immediately following at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to Glen-Ed Pantry or to Refuge (also known as Safe Surroundings & Refuge).

02/03/2026

South Roxana:

Frank Bruner Jr., 65, passed away at 7:40pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at his residence. He was born on April 3, 1960, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of Sandra (Foster) Bruner and the late Frank Bruner, Sr. He married the former Patricia “Pat” Talley on September 20, 1986, in St. Louis, and she preceded him in death on June 5, 2006. Survivors include his mom and step dad: Sandra and Thomas Bender of Bonne Terre, Missouri, his step mom: Judy Bruner of Missouri, three daughters: Cassie (Thomas) Walden of Johnston City, Illinois, Candice (Darin) Watts of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Chelsea (Joe Clark) Bruner of Fort Myers, Florida, a son: Frank Bruner of East Alton, Illinois, nine grandchildren, one great grandchild, two sisters: Dianne Taylor of St. Louis, Missouri, Linda (Bob) Scherl of Chesterfield, Missouri, many nieces, and other extended family.

In addition to his father and wife, Frank was preceded in death by a brother: Jeffrey Bruner.

In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private family services will be held.

Memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association or 5A’s.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

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

02/02/2026

Barbara S. Baker (Nee Mueggenburg), formerly of Highland, IL, passed away February 2, 2026 in Greenville, IL.

Barbara was born March 13, 1955, to John R. and Betty (nee Hensley) Mueggenburg in East St. Louis, IL. On June 22, 1985 she married Arlen L. (aka Cord) Baker in Highland, IL.

Barbara’s first career was as a manager at McDonald’s. She became a dedicated stay at home mom when her first daughter was born. Barbara was a talented graphic designer and did freelance design work for many companies and organizations through her small business, BusinesSidekicks. When her girls were grown up, Barbara worked at both the Highland Middle School library and Highland Hope Methodist Church doing various administrative functions. She excelled at anticipating the needs of others and making sure that everyone and everything was taken care of which made her an irreplaceable addition to these organizations. Barbara loved nothing more than a shopping trip with her girls and spending time with her grandchildren. She will always be remembered by her contagious smile that could light up a room.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Jamie (Douglas) Kuehl, Troy, IL, Kristi (Corey) Perigo, Pocahontas, IL; one stepdaughter, Dr. Audra (Dr. Derrick) Ward, Leawood, KS; 7 grandchildren, Chase Kuehl, Hayley Kuehl, Skylar Perigo, Addilynn Perigo, Crew Perigo, Barrett Ward, Quinn Ward.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staffs of All In 4 You Home Health Services, Stillwater Senior Living, Greenville Nursing and Rehab, and VITAS Hospice for all of their help and dedication to our family the last 9 years. Additionally the family would like to recognize both nurse Rachel from VITAS and Dr. Gus Davis of Washington University for their constant above and beyond support.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Center for Neurological Disorders at Washington University or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. No services are planned at this time.

02/01/2026

Granite City:

Bubba Ivester, 34, passed away at 5:33pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, at his residence. He was born on September 16, 1991, in Wood River, the son of the late Brian C. and Jacqueline (Hibbs) Ivester. He married the former Brittany Reckerd on February 21, 2014, in Edwardsville, and she survives. Other survivors include three sons: Braden Ivester of Pontoon Beach, Colin Decker of Bethalto, Mason Decker of Bethalto, a daughter: Brianna Ivester of Bethalto, a sister: Joanne Hibbs of Meadowbrook, and his father in law and mother in law: Ed and Michelle Decker of Bethalto.

Bubba enjoyed tinkering with small motors.

A celebration of life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Wood River. Pastor Mark Wells will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to the family in care of Michelle Decker.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

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

01/30/2026

Bethalto:

Doug Henline, 64, passed away at 4:19am on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St.
Louis University Hospital. He was born on October 20, 1961, in Sedgwick, Kansas, the son of the late Billy Eugene and Cleta Mae (Burns) Henline. He married the former Michelle Renae Sitzes on February 4, 2009, in Wood River, IL, and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters and a son in law: Danae Rogers of Chesapeake, Virginia, Taylor and Nick Calcara of Edwardsville, a son: Christopher Hamby of Bethalto, seven grandchildren: Kaden, Renna, Sevanna, Jace, Oliver, Riley, Olivia, three sisters and two brothers in law: Margaret and John Meixel of Las Vegas, Nevada, Deborah Gile of Glenwood, Washington, Susan and Don Smith of Bellevue, Washington, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Doug was employed as a safety manager for Utilitra prior to his retirement. He was a member of the VFW, loved watching football, playing golf and spending time with his grandkids. Doug served in the United States Navy for twenty – four years and loved the time he spent serving his county.

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

A celebration of Doug’s life will be from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Julia's Banquet Center in East Alton. In accordance with Doug’s wishes, his ashes will be spread at sea.

Memorials are suggested to the 5A’s.

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

01/24/2026

Juanita Sue Cox
July 13, 1973 – January 22, 2026

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Juanita Cox, a devoted animal lover, and proud U.S. Navy veteran. Juanita lived a life of service—both to her country and to the natural world she cherished so deeply.

Born on July 13, 1973, in Alton, Illinois, Juanita answered the call to serve by joining the U.S. Navy (2001-2007), where she dedicated herself with honor and resilience. After her time in the military, she carried that same unwavering spirit with her love for animals and those around her. Whether rescuing stray creatures, nurturing gardens in full bloom, or advocating for the preservation of nature, she found joy and purpose in protecting all living things.
Her kindness was limitless, her heart open to every soul—human and animal alike. She found peace in the rustling of leaves, the rhythm of the ocean, and the quiet presence of creatures who crossed her path. Those who knew her will forever remember her compassion, strength, and deep connection to the world around her.

Juanita is survived by two brothers and a sister: David Jeffrey Cox II and his wife: Kim of St. Charles, Missouri, sister: Melissa McKee and her husband: Chris of Brighton, brother Jonathan Cox of Godfrey (and his former wife) Rachel Cox of Jerseyville, and nieces and nephews: Emma, Alex, Kaylee and Landen and her cat: Jack.
She is preceded in death by her father, David J Cox, mother and stepfather Joyce and Thomas Buzzanga and her brother: William “Bill” Cox, in eternal rest with our Lord Jesus Christ.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date which will be announced soon where friends and family are invited to share memories and honor the remarkable life she lived.

She will be buried at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery (date yet to be set)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverbend Humane Society.

01/20/2026

East Alton:

Evelyn Haynes, 82, passed away at 6:17am on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Barnes – Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born on October 4, 1943, in Florisville, Texas, the daughter of the late Charles and Mabel (Wilson) Barnett. She married James Haynes, Sr. on May 29, 1964, in Alton, and he preceded her in death on August 29, 2014. Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Lisa and Troy Dailey of Rosewood Heights, a son and daughter in law: Rick and Cindy Haynes of Indianapolis, Indiana, five grandchildren: Courtney Dailey, Ally Dailey, Lauren and Matt Alexander, Samuel Haynes, Elizabeth Haynes, seven great grandchildren: Skyler, Janson, Nolan, Jolynn, Toby, Tucker, Tanner, a brother and sister in law: Larry and Eve Barnett of Charlottesville, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.
In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a sister and brother in law: Charlene and Don Scott.

Evelyn was a cancer survivor of 27 years. Evelyn and her late husband Jim, were very active in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. She was a proud member of Team Imagine. Their team was the top fundraiser for many years and the top three fundraising teams in Illinois one year.

Evelyn was loving, patient, and kind. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family above all else and spending time with all her grandkids and great grandkids. Evelyn was also a wonderful cook and loved hosting from “nacho night” to holiday dinners. She enjoyed watching cooking shows and tending to her flowers and garden. Evelyn was formerly in charge of the housekeeping department at Foxes Grove Retirement Community.

Memorials in memory of Evelyn can be made to American Cancer Society ATTN: Relay for Life of Riverbend-Team Imagine, P.O Box 670, Maryville, IL 62062 OR they will be accepted at the funeral home for Team Imagine.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Private inurnment will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

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

01/18/2026

Rebecca L. Wright, 57, passed away at 7:12pm on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. She was born on October 28, 1968, in Eugene, Oregon, the daughter of the late Wilford and Maxine (Martin) Clark. Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Stephanie and Josh Isaac of Alton, a son and daughter in law: Chad and Chelsey Preston of Wichita Falls, Texas, four grandchildren: Grayson, Liam, Luca, Logan, a sister and brother in law: Judy and Jeff Davis, five brothers and three sisters in law: Rick and Donita Clark, Charles Clark, Jack and Lori Clark, Gary and Candy Clark, Michael Clark, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother: D**k.

A celebration of Rebecca’s life will be from 6pm to 9pm on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Wood River Moose.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

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

01/17/2026

Mona Joan Clark, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother passed away on January 12, 2026 at the age of 90. Born in Morris, OK on July 21, 1935 to David and Valda Miller, Joan will be remembered as a kind, caring, and giving person who always put the needs of her family before her own. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage and dignity. Joan was a devout Christian woman who read her Bible daily and faithfully prayed for others. Her unwavering faith, gentle spirit, and servant’s heart were a source of inspiration to us all and she will be deeply missed by everyone whose life she touched. Joan’s family takes comfort in knowing she is now at peace and fully restored in the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband John Clark, son Kelly Clark, brother Bill Miller, brother Charlie Miller, sister Nada Wright, and grandson David Harrison.

Joan is survived by her sister Rita Albers, brother David Miller and his wife Judy Miller, son Steve Clark and his wife Leslie Clark, daughter-in-law Jean Clark, grandson Christopher Clark, granddaughter Courtney Clark, granddaughter Chrissy (Harrison) Wiley and her husband Tom Wiley. Joan also had four great-grandchildren – DJ Dutton, Ethan Dutton, Evan Wiley, and Olivia Wiley.

Joan moved from Moro, IL to Southern California in 1999 and resided in Dana Point and Laguna Hills until her death on 1/12/26 from heart disease and cancer.

Joan enjoyed a distinguished 34-year career with the Olin Corporation and took pride in being the first woman to travel internationally with Olin in her role as Marketing Manager Intl Ammunition Sales for the Wi******er division. Earlier in her career, she also worked at Monticello College (now Lewis and Clark Community College) in a communications role during 1965-66.

A funeral service will be held at the Pitchford Funeral Home located at 2555 Vaughn Rd, Wood River, IL at 10:00 am on Friday 1/23/26 followed by burial at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

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.

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