http://www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com/

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

12/25/2025

South Roxana:

Blanche Martin, 88, passed away at 1:52pm on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on January 14, 1937, in Grandin, Missouri, the daughter of the late William and Goldie (Swafford) Huddleston. She married Everett L. Martin, Sr. on April 18, 1955, in Hernando, Mississippi, and he preceded her in death on August 5, 2020. Survivors include two daughters: Patty Wamhoff (Kenny) of Wood River, Janice and John Stephenson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, two sons and a daughters in law: John and Julie Martin of Nashville, Tennessee, Matt and Teri Martin of Little Rock, Arkansas, eight grandchildren and their spouses: Jeremy and Bethany Martin, Melissa Scott, Megan and John Edington, Emily Martin and Wade Fuqua, Josh and Meredith Martin, Katie Martin, Madison Wamhoff, Lindsay Wamhoff, fifteen great grandchildren: Bailee, Hayden, Emma, Leo, Ava, Lucy, Eli, Annie Jo, Adlee, Nora, Sophie, Parker, Aleah, Andrew, Callan, four sisters, three brothers, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Blanche was employed at Lipe Bakery in Granite City prior to working as a cook at Wood River Hospital. The family attends Peace Church in Granite City.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a son: Everett Leo Martin, Jr. and four sisters.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9:30am until time of funeral services at 11am on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Jeremy Martin will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials are suggested to Free Will Baptist Missions.

12/25/2025

Janna, our kids, and I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas! Happy birthday, Jesus!

12/23/2025

Alton:

Deneen M. Philbeck, 61, passed away at 5:37am on Monday, December 22, 2025, in the emergency room at Alton Memorial Hospital. She was born on December 19, 1964, in Alton, the daughter of Martha “Martie” (Turpin) Harris of Jerseyville and the late Dan Harvey. Survivors include a son and daughter in law: Daniel and Crystal Sanders of Pontoon Beach, a daughter: Kirstie Belden of St. Louis, several grandchildren, two sisters and a brother in law: Dana Harvey of Alton, Kayla and Jeremy Hosford of Wood River, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Deneen attended Cornerstone Church in Bethalto.

In addition to her dad, she was preceded in death by a daughter: Shannon Philbeck.

In celebration of her life, memorial visitation will be from 1pm to 3pm on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to the National MS Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

12/22/2025

Bethalto:

Gary Tilman Yates, 84, passed away at 1:44pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 24, 1941, in Ridgely, Tennessee, the son of the late Theran and Dorothy (Law) Yates. He married the former Janet Maloney and they later divorced. Survivors include a daughter and son in law: Shelley and Jim West of Roxana, a step son and his wife: Zach and Nina Reed of Edwardsville, two grandchildren: Brendon West, Lane Gregory, a step grandson: Hayden, three sisters: Sonjia (Don) Peacock of Godfrey, Julia (Kelly) Price of Dorsey, Pam Szwargulski of Alton, two brothers: Darrell (Evelyn) Yates of Bethalto, Lanny Yates of Edwardsville, three sisters in law: Modell Yates, Brenda Yates, Betty Yates, many nieces, nephews, and other extended and friends.

Gary was an operator through Local 520 and worked at RCS Construction in Rosewood Heights. He owned and operated C & G Construction. Gary always followed his passions. He was great storyteller and had a wonderful sense of humor. He should have been a comedian. The party was always better when Gary was there. He loved hosting fish fry’s and get togethers. He loved horses, training quarter horses and putting on horse shows. He then went on to open The Longhorn Western Shop in Bethalto and was involved with The Cowgirl Night Club in Meadowbrook. He did all of this and still worked full time as an operator. His passion for fishing led him to open a bait and tackle shop in East Alton. He also loved shooting pool.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter: Amy Yates, three brothers: Johnny Yates, David Shelby Yates, Michael Yates, a brother in law: Larry Szwargulski, and a sister in law: Alice.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 10am until time of services at 11:30am on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to the family of the charity of the donor’s choice.

12/21/2025

Wood River:

David Poe, 58, was pronounced deceased at 1:17pm on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born on August 17, 1967, the son of the late Michael and Jacqueline (Byerly) Poe. Survivors include three daughters: Katherine (Robert) Messerly of Sparta, Illinois, Alexa Owens of Kirkwood, Missouri, Anna Poe of Kirkwood, Missouri, six grandchildren: Alexander, Krystiauna, Angellenah, Robert, Autumn, Ember, and many other extended family and friends.

David was formerly employed as an engineer at American Boat.

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

Cremation rites have been accorded.

12/19/2025

It’s with a heavy heart that we announce Dennis Ogg Junior has passed on to the other side. He came to this world on May 13th, 1972 and departed on December 17th, 2025. He was the son of Dennis Ogg Senior and Paula Sullivan-Ogg, being the only child.
He was an alumni of Roxana Senior High School, where he made lifelong friends and memories. Even in his older years, he was proud of his school and kept in touch with his classmates. He furthered his education at BAC.

Dennis will greet his father Dennis Ogg Senior, an aunt Brenda Sullivan Nichols, and a cousin Julie Harbke Harbison as he arrives to the other side. He will also reunite with his dear grandfather, Ira Sullivan and all the pets he loved.

He is survived by his Mother Paula Sullivan Ogg, Grandmother Mildred “Millie” Sullivan, Daughter Jessica Eady, Aunts Carla (Richard) Sullivan Maddox and Janet (Michael) Sullivan Timmermeier, Aunt Georgianne Ogg Cassidy, and Uncle Greg “Sully” Sullivan. He is also survived by many cousins and extended family, spanning multiple generations and places. His memory will live on amongst his neighbors, friends, and anyone he had the honor of being close with.

Dennis loved collecting car models, animals, and fishing. He enjoyed being the funniest person in the room, and lived life to the fullest, regardless of whatever life threw his way.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you spread his love of animals by donating to your local animal shelter, or to Metro East Humane Society in his honor. There will be no formal service, but please celebrate his life by keeping his memory alive with stories and pictures of him.

12/16/2025

It is with deep love and heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Ronda Sechrest who went home to be with her Lord and Savior on December 15, 2025. She leaves behind a legacy built on kindness, compassion, and unwavering devotion to those she loved. Ronda was born on February 9, 1964, in Alton, the daughter of Carol (Adams) Copeland of Wood River and the late Lonzo Copeland. She married the love of her life, Larry Sechrest, on May 27, 1989, in South Roxana, and he survives. In addition to her mom and her husband, Ronda is survived by two daughters and sons in law: Kara and Michael Corby of Staunton, Ashlie and Jeramy Oswald of Highland, a son and daughter in law: Kyle and Cami Sechrest of Godfrey, seven grandchildren: Hayden, Logan, Aleah, Oliver, Camden, Carson, Chloe, a brother and sister in law: Lonnie and Chrissie Copeland of East Alton, her mother in law: Linda Roberts of Cottage Hills, her sisters in law and brothers in law: Regina and Phillip Baldwin of Wood River, Dennis and Aimee Sechrest of Wood River, Frank and Kendra Roberts of Alton, Wesley and Chrissy Roberts, Jr. of Harford, Karen and Andrew Chamberlain of Troy, Illinois, Jason and Marie Roberts of Virginia, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

From the earliest days of her life, Ronda made it her mission to be a source of comfort and encouragement to others. She was thoughtful and giving, always ready with a listening ear, a gentle word, or wise advice. Her ability to make every person feel valued was one of her greatest gifts, and countless lives were made brighter because of her.

Ronda’s faith in Jesus guided her steps and strengthened her spirit, especially during the challenges she faced. Despite a long and difficult battle with her health, she carried herself with grace and joy, even on her hardest days. Her radiant smile, warm laughter, and steadfast positivity were testaments to her remarkable strength.

She found peace and happiness in the simple gifts of life. She loved the water and cherished every opportunity to go swimming, where she felt renewed and free. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her grandbabies, who were the light of her life. Their giggles, hugs, and milestones brought her immeasurable joy.

In addition to her dad, Ronda was preceded in death by her father in law: Wes Roberts and her sister in law: Sandra Farris.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 9am until time of funeral services at 11am on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Rev. Timothy Keller will officiate. Burial will follow at Wanda Cemetery in South Roxana.

Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to love selflessly, to serve others, and to find joy even in hardship. We will miss her dearly, but her kindness, faith, and strength will continue to guide us.

“Well done, good and faithful servant."

12/10/2025

Bethalto:

Jason A. Rorie, 45, passed away at 7:16pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at his residence. He was born on September 17, 1980, in Wood River, the son of Dunbar and Susan (Dunnagan) Rorie of Bethalto. He married the former Crystal Hoxsie on May 15, 2004, in Wood River, and she survives. Other survivors include a daughter: Marissa Rorie of Rosewood Heights, a son: Andrew Rorie of Phoenix, Arizona, two brothers and a sister in law: Michael and Nicole Rorie of Rosewood Heights, David Rorie of Wood River, many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Jason was formerly employed as the Director of IT at Weststar Aviation in Bethalto. He was currently working as a chef at Doc’s Smokehouse. He attended the Meadowbrook First Assembly of God. He enjoyed collecting antiques and records, as well as cooking amazing foods loved by friends and family. He also enjoyed his travels across the country visiting National Parks, specifically Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 2pm until time of services at 5pm on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Michael Rorie will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to American Foundation for Su***de Prevention (AFSP) and will be accepted at the funeral home.

12/06/2025

East Alton:

Karen S. Herrin, 69, passed away at 7:57am on Friday, December 5, 2025, at her residence. She was born on February 22, 1956, in Alton, the daughter of the late Paul and Mary (Smith) Kelley. She married Terry Herrin on December 15, 1973, in Wood River, and he preceded her in death on June 6, 1997. Survivors include two sons and daughters in law: Brian and Dawn Herrin of East Alton, Jason and Tiffany Herrin of Rosewood Heights, five grandchildren: Eric (Gabrielle) Herrin of Rosewood Heights, Madison Herrin, Zachary (fiancé: Sydney Henderson) Herrin of Arnold, Missouri, Megan (Cade Smay) Herrin of Rosewood Heights, Bradley Herrin of Rosewood Heights, a sister and brother in law: Marilyn and Tom Jaco of Wood River, a brother and sister in law: Glen and Mary Kelley of Wood River, many nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends.

Karen worked as a manager for Dollar General. She attended the Vaughn Hill Church of Christ. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sisters: Patricia Gates and Laura Lannom.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be at Woodland Hill Cemetery in East Alton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the 5A’s and will be accepted at the funeral home.

12/05/2025

East Alton:

Richard Dale Raymond, 87, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was born on December 24, 1937, in Alton, the son of the late Joy Klenke. He married the former Barbara Borman on June 3, 1960, in Wood River, and she preceded him in death on September 22, 2021. Survivors include two sons and their spouses: Michael (Lisa) Raymond of Wood River, Kevin (Jackie Davis) Raymond of St. Louis, three grandchildren: Cassi Stanton, Kayla Harrison, Andrew Raymond, six great grandchildren, and many other extended family and friends.

Rich formerly worked at Olin Brass and Ingersoll Rand before becoming the manager at The Wi******er Club. He loved hunting, fishing, bowling, mushroom hunting, boating, and spending time at his cabin on the river in Hardin and later in Nutwood.

In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

12/02/2025

Bethalto:

Marie N. Null, 87, passed away at 6:04pm on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at her residence. She was born on December 30, 1937, in Edwardsville, the daughter of the late Noah and Margaret (Penek) Williams. She married Donald Null in 1956 and he preceded her in death in 1988. Survivors include her children: Pamela (Darrell) Becker of Bethalto, Donna Hammons of Bethalto, Sandra Cole of Bethalto, Bryan (Jennie) Null of Bethalto, her grandchildren: Russell Hammons, Teri Wehrle, Christine Hammons, Bradley Cole, Logan Bernier, Ryan Null, Jessie Becker, her great grandchildren: Journey Hammons, Blake Bower, Gavin Hammons, Wyatt Hammons, Carter Null, Rory Bernier, Dalton Null, and many other extended family and friends.

Marie attended Hearts Harvest Church in Bethalto.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by two sons: Mark Null, Jeffrey Null, and ten brothers and sisters.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Graveside services will be held at 11:30am on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Moro Cemetery. Pastor Terry McKinzie will officiate.

Memorials are suggested to BJC Hospice.

11/30/2025

Bunker Hill:

Holland Jurak, 40, passed away peacefully at her home in Bunker Hill on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She was born on September 15, 1985, in Belleville, Illinois, the beloved daughter of David and Debra (Dick) Lewis of Paderborn, Illinois. She married Joseph Jurak on February 4, 2011 and is survived by their three children: Sophia, Chase, and Benjamin, a brother: Zachary Jurak of Alton, her mother in law and father in law: Deborah Jurak Conner and Gerald Conner of Bunker Hill, many aunts, uncles, cousins, and other extended family and friends.

Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.

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

Pitchford Funeral Home

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