Deloris M. Scaturro, 87, of Granite City, passed away at 10:20 a.m. on Monday, July 13, 2015 at Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City.

She was born February 12, 1928 in East St. Louis, a daughter of the late Leonard and Bertha (Cochran) Plummer.

She married Leo Scaturro on December 19, 1947 at the St. Phillips Catholic Church in East St. Louis and he survives.

She was an active and faithful member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City where she enjoyed volunteering in her earlier years. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus Tri-Cities Council 1098.

She cherished her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed her days of sewing and going to craft fairs. She had a special love for animals and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.

In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by three children and their spouses, Leo J. and Rose E. Scaturro of Congress, AZ, Karen and Richard Mitchell of Glen Carbon and Dale Scaturro of Provincetown, MA; five grandchildren, Lisa Hagnauer, Jason Scaturro, Jessica Krisch, Amanda Brown and Shonda Burrow; twelve great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; other extended family and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Leonard Plummer and a sister, Bonnie Cummings.

In celebration of her life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Granite City on Friday, July 17, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Chris Comerford as celebrant.

Burial will be at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville.

Memorials may be made to masses, Knights of Columbus Tri-Cities Council 1098 or to the Granite City A.P.A. and may be accepted at the funeral home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Delores Holly, 89, of Venice, died Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

She was born May 24, 1926.

Arrangements were handled by Officer Funeral Home, East St. Louis. You can read more on the funeral home's web site at www.officerfh.com.

Courtesy of Officer Funeral Home

(For informational purposes only) -->

Lorraine A. (Hall) Essington, 95, of Glen Carbon and formerly of Venice passed away Wednesday morning, July 1, 2015.

She was born May 19, 1920, to Fred and Marie (Mewes) Hall in Venice. Her parents preceded her in death.

She married John J. Essington on December 23, 1944, in Madison IL. He preceded her in death on March 16, 1992.

Mrs. Essington was a member of the Venice High School graduating class of 1938.

She is survived by a son, Richard (Niecey) Essington of Glen Carbon and a daughter, Sally (Bill) Levy of Lebanon MO.; grandchildren Carl (Aaron Suess) Varble, Brian (Tori) Sorenson; step-grandchild Carolyn (James) Patterson; great-grandchilden Kyle Varble, Kayla Varble, Kloi Karban, Abby Sorenson and Laney Sorenson; sister-in-law Jean Hall; niece Helen Hall and step daughter-in-law Delores Essington.

Mrs. Essington was preceded in death by her brother Gilbert Hall, a step-son Carl Essington and a step-grandson John Essington in addition to her parents and husband.

She was a member of the Good Shepard United Methodist Church in Granite City and had been a volunteer at the Gateway Regional Medical Center. She was a long-time member of the Venice Junior Service Club. She worked as the office manager for the Auto Terminals in Venice for 15 years.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at the Thomas Saksa Funeral Home, 2205 Pontoon Rd. in Granite City where funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, July 6, with burial in Calvary Cemetery to follow.

The family has requested memorials to Gateway Hospice in Granite City.

Courtesy of Thomas Saksa Funeral Home

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Catherine T. Creamer, 88 of Granite City passed away on Friday, June 19, 2015 at Edwardsville Nursing & Rehabilitation Center surrounded by her family.

Catherine was born on January 25, 1927 in Granite City, a daughter to the late Charles and Katherine (Harizal) Seka. Catherine was a life long homemaker and mom. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church where she was a dedicated choir member and active in the Young at Heart's. She was a member of the Granite City AARP and will be remembered for her kind heart and all the special times she spent with her family and friends.

In addition to her parents Catherine was preceded in death by her husband; Charles E. "Bud" Creamer, whom she married on May 29, 1954 and her brothers, William Seka, Carl Seka, Skip Seka; and a sister, Leona Svezia.

She is survived by and will be missed by her son; Louis and (Jeanette) Saucier of Edwardsville; her daughter, Mary K. and (Michael) Cochran of Granite City; grandchildren, Jocelyn and (Brian) Biggs, Gregory Cochran and (Pam Wynn), Tim and (Crystal) Saucier, Joel Saucier and (Jamie Darnell); great-grandchildren, NovaLee Saucier, BayLee Saucier, Brennan Cochran, Liam Biggs; sister, Anne Bruno of Belleville.

In celebration of her life, friends may call on Monday, June 22, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Manuel Cuizon officiating at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Edwardsville. Memorials are suggested to masses.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Clarence Silas, 81, of Venice died Wednesday, June 17, 2015. He was born on March 2, 1934 in Memphis, TN.

Visitation will be from 3 to 3:50 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church, 800 Jefferson St., Madison. His funeral will follow at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the church.

Officer Funeral Home, East St. Louis, is in charge of arrangements.

Courtesy of Officer Funeral Home

(For informational purposes only)

Roland Wade Cagle, 64, passed away June 14, 2015, at his home in Pollard, Arkansas.

He was born August 9, 1950 to the late Joe and Laretta (Conley) Cagle. Roland graduated from Venice High School in 1968.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Ronnie Guyn, and one sister Gracelin Crum.

He is survived by two daughters: Pamela Coffey of North Carolina, and Jo McKnight of Piggott, Arkansas; one grandchild Carl Coffey of North Carolina, one brother Kevin Cagle of Pollard, Arkansas; one sister Bonnie Mazar of St. Louis, Missouri; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 2 P.M. in the Hoggard & Sons Chapel. Burial will be held at a later date in the New Hope Cemetery. Visitation will begin one hour before service time.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hoggardfuneralhome.com.

Courtesy of Hoggard & Sons Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Leonard Eugene Hormann, 80, of Granite City, Ill., born January 9, 1935, in Venice, Ill., died Wednesday, June 10, 2015, at 5:37 p.m., in Fairview Heights, Ill.

Leonard worked as an electrician out of IBEW Local 309 until his retirement in 1991. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean Conflict. He was a member of the Granite City V.F.W. Post 1300.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances R. Wilson, whom he married on September 2, 1960, in Centreville, Ill., and who passed away on May 27, 2003; two sons, Terry Hormann and Michael Y. Hormann; two daughters, Joyce "Yolie" Hormann and Jackie Lynn May; his parents, Leonard O. and Frieda, nee Wiess, Hormann; three brothers, Charles, Bill and Edward Hormann; two sister, Norma O'Shea and Martha Allison; and a son-in-law, Paul Renner.

Surviving are a son, Buddie Hormann of St. Louis, Mo.; two daughters, Jerri Hatch and Kim Renner of Granite City, Ill.; two sisters, Joyce (Frank) Pycola of Keysport, Ill., and Rose Mary (Frank) Huffstedler of Fairview Heights, Ill.; five grandchildren and four-great grandchildren.

His remains will be cremated according to his wishes and a memorial service was held on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville, Illinois. A celebration of his life was held at the Eagles Lodge on Madison Avenue in Granite City later that day. Burial will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015.

The family requests memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.weberfuneralhome.com.

Courtesy of Weber Funeral Home

(For informational purposes only)

Anna M. Howard, age 85, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 at Gateway Medical Center, Granite City, IL. Anna was born on January 16, 1930 in Venice, IL, a daughter to the late Thurman and Effie (Odell) Cleveland.

Anna had retired from the Granite City Press-Record as a bookkeeper after thirty-five years of dedicated service. She loved life, she loved to laugh, but most of all she loved her family. Anna will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her parents, Anna was preceded in death by her husband, Merl Howard; son, Ronald Howard; grandson, Adam Zimmer; granddaughter-in-law, Lindsey Zimmer; great-grandson, Riley Zimmer; and three sisters, Ruby, Evelyn and Shirley.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 12, 2015 at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL.

In celebration of her life, funeral services will follow at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, with Pastor Mark Maynard officiating. Private interment will be in Sunset Hill Memorial Estates, Glen Carbon, IL.

Memorial donations may be given to Adams Scholarship at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, IL and will be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Kevin James Faulkner, 28, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 3:36 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis.

He was born October 17, 1986 in St. Louis, a son of Timothy Lewis and Tracey Lynne (Boker) Faulkner of Granite City.

He married Kayla Lynn (Dugger) Faulkner on November 23, 2013 at the S.I.U. Chapel in Edwardsville and she survives.

He had worked as a salesman with Goedekers in St. Louis. He never met a stranger and had a loving and kind spirit to all. He loved all sports and was an avid hockey fan. He loved being amongst his friends and being a part of "The Crew". He was a 2005 graduate of Granite City High School. He will be remembered for the love and special times shared with his friends and family.

In addition to his beloved parents and wife, he is survived by a precious son, Kason Richard Faulkner; sister and brother-in-law, Leanne Michelle and Austin Wagoner and brother, Ryan Thomas Faulkner, all of Granite City. He was especially close to his grandparents, Thomas and Fern (Johnson) Boker of Granite City; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jeff and Kimberly McClain of Caseyville; brother-in-law, Josh McClain and two sisters-in-law, Kristen Dugger and Lori McClain; other extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, James J. and Faye Faulkner.

In celebration of his life, visitation was held at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on June 1, 2015 where funeral services were held on June 2, 2015 with Reverend Tony Schoeber officiating.

Burial was in St. John Cemetery on Nameoki Road in Granite City.

Memorials may be made to Narcotics Anonymous or to the family.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.irwinchapel.com.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Mrs. Frieda Kellison of Pinckneyville, IL formerly of Okawville, IL departed this life in the Pinckneyville Community Hospital on Tuesday, May 26, 2015. She was 92.

Frieda was born in Venice, IL on September 19, 1922 the daughter of Frank Albert and Martha Pearl (nee Peach) Schone. She was united in marriage to Raymond Kellison in St. Charles, MO on April 5, 1941 and he preceded her in death on October 31, 1983.

Mrs. Kellison was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed cooking and reading.

Surviving are her three children, Raymond Kellison Jr. and wife Cecelia of Caseyville, IL, Frank Kellison and wife Dorothy of Pinckneyville and Denise Weinman and husband Gregory of Marissa, IL; eight grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; two brothers-in-law, Richard and Jack Kellison both of St. Louis; three sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kellison of St. Louis, Loretta Kellison of O’Fallon, MO and Cora Lee Hill of St. Louis; several nieces, nephews and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a great grandson, Eric Wood; a great granddaughter, Kristina Kellison; and one brother and one sister.

Funeral services were held at the Campagna Funeral Home in Okawville on Tuesday, June 2, 2015. Interment followed in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Okawville.

Courtesy of Campagna Funeral Home

(For informational purposes only)

Elaine Mosby passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2015. She was born on June 5, 1958.

She is survived by her daughter , Meesh~Miranda Mosby; and two grandchildren, Amirra "Bug" Elayne and Ajai "Bud" Emir and her ex-husband and friend Michael Williams.

Ms. Mosby is also survived by her siblings, Jesse “Face”(Bernice), Bobbie, Dorothy “Dot”, Larry TC” (Alva Jean), Annie Ruth “Mag”, Raymond “Chuck” (Babette) & Linda “Lin” and uncles Henry “Duke”, Andrew “Lee” (Irene); her aunt Annie Lee Smith and a special friend, Crystal Bechman, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, May 29 from 6 - 8 pm at Galilee Central Baptist Church, 2334 Lincoln Ave., East St. Louis, IL. Services will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00am at the church.

Interment will follow in the Sunset Gardens of Memory, 3230 Cemetery Rd., Millstadt, IL.

You can use this link: Serenity Memorial Chapel, to leave your condolences.

Bobby Earl Sugg, of Park Drive, Riverside, formerly of Barrington, died Saturday, May 16th with his family at his side.

He was the husband of Heather (MacQuattie) Sugg. He was born in a log cabin in Pocahontas IL, a son of the late Earl and Mary (Brewer) Sugg.

Bobby was a janitorial supervisor for the East Providence School Department and established Sugg’s Carpet and Furniture Cleaning Company and was a bartender for the Legion and the RI Country Club.

After graduating from Venice High School (Class of 1955), he served in the U.S. Navy for four years aboard the destroyer Gatling DD671 and later he was active in the DesRon 30 reunions.

Bob was an Honorary Member of the American Legion, Post 10, and member of their Golf League, was a former member RI Track and Field Official and the West Barrington Men’s Club. After his discharge from the Navy he umpired for the Barrington Little League. He loved deer hunting in Nova Scotia, reading and freshwater fishing.

Besides his wife of 56 years, he leaves two sons, Chaplain Major Robert Sugg(Ret) and his wife Karen of Crestview. FL, Kenneth Sugg of Riverside, Two daughters, Helen Ridondo of Riverside, Holly Meade (Kenneth) of East Providence, a brother Jerry Sugg of Granite City IL and 5 grandchildren, Joshua & Jeffrey Ridondo, LCP Kenneth Meade Jr. USMC, Elizabeth Meade and Brittany Sugg.

A memorial Service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM in the Barrington Congregational Church 461 County Road Barrington. Calling hours will be Thursday, 4 to 7 PM, in the Smith-Mason Funeral Home, 398 Willett Avenue, Riverside.

You can visit the funeral home website by clicking HERE, where you can send condolences.

Courtesy of Smith-Mason Funeral Home

(For informational purposes only)

Information has been received that another VHS graduate has recently passed away, but no details are available.

It has been reported that Rosetta Harmon, Class of '85, died on May 5.

If anyone has any more information about this recent death, please email to: venicememories@yahoo.com.

Robert W. Godfrey, 74 of Madison, IL passed away on Saturday, May 2 2015 at Eden Village in Glen Carbon.

Robert was born on March 25, 1941 in Venice, IL, a son to the late William A. and Anna May (Reed) Godfrey.

He was a long time welder and pipe fitter working out of Carpenters Local #633. In his free time he enjoyed his passion of fishing. He loved to be outside where he could work in his garden or hunt and he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Robert is survived by and will be missed by his children; Terri Worthen of Granite City, Kim Scarborough of Granite City, Mike Godfrey of Granite City, William and (Julie) Godfrey of Granite City; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents Robert was preceded in death by his companion; Jacqueline Godfrey and his sister, Rosemary Kampman.

Friends may call on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City.

In celebration of his life services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 12:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Sherman Smith officiating. Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery on Maryville Road in Granite City.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society.

You can use this link: , to leave your condolences.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

As we entered into the Easter season, we realized that Sister Mary Jerome would soon be with the Risen Lord “in Paradise.” What a blessed time to make her final journey; what a joy must now be hers as she has crossed over into the new life for which she was always preparing!

In grade school, Betty Ann Roberts was encouraged by a priest to become a Sister with the community of the Sisters of Divine Providence. She was attracted by the community’s name and was always grateful to God for leading her to this community. The ninth of fourteen children, Sister Mary Jerome was one of three girls in her family who chose religious life. One sister was an Ursuline missionary who lived and died in Thailand. The other sister was a Religious of the Cenacle who has also completed her earthly journey. The three are now together in eternal joy!

Having completed her novitiate, Sister Mary Jerome began teaching, even as she continued to study, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education. For 17 years she taught in parish schools, in Illinois, in Brussels, Madison, Meppen and Venice, and in Missouri, in Bonnots Mill, California, Normandy, and Wardsville.

Sister Mary Jerome next studied nursing and for 23 years ministered as a nurse at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, before taking on new responsibilities at the hospital. For another 14 years, she served as director of volunteers and in pastoral care, writing that these years, “were the happiest, most satisfying and rewarding years of my life.”

In retirement, Sister Mary Jerome moved with her Sisters to St. Clare’s Villa in Alton, Illinois, where she served as sacristan and where she had time to deepen her contemplative prayer. Even in the years when she was fully engaged in active ministry, Sister Mary Jerome gave much attention to others, praying for their needs: poor people, single mothers and their children, those who carried heavy burdens or were suffering in any way.

With gentleness and compassion, Sister Mary Jerome always looked for ways to be of quiet service. She often brought communion to residents at the Villa, people who were sick and unable to attend the daily liturgy. She especially helped Sister Mary Thomas Jirauch and when she was no longer able to go to the main dining room at St. Clare’s, Sister Mary Jerome brought her meals to her room. In 2009, her Sisters in community presented Sister Mary Jerome with the Marie de la Roche Award. The award, named after the community’s foundress, is given to a Sister who exemplifies a “spirit of contemplation, combined with action, humility, gentleness, and simplicity.”

Living the joy of her faith and the peace of her prayer, Sister Mary Jerome always had a smile on her face. She was faithful to the God who called her and she lived every day seeking only to do God’s will. She wrote, “I have asked God to help me accept all that happens to me and others in a Christ-like manner…. I thank God for what He is doing in me, and through me, for me and for others here and in the world.”

Now, we rejoice and sing with Sister Mary Jerome, the joyous Easter song: Alleluia! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad. Alleluia!

Eulogy letter courtesy of the Sisters of Divine Providence

William Joseph Burgener, 80, passed away on April 7, 2015 at the Veterans Hospital in Marion, IL.

Bill was the son of William and Barbara Burgener, longtime residents of Venice. He was born on March 16, 1935.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lois, a son, Bill, three grandchildren, Michelle, Bill and Eric, two great grandsons, Benjamin and Eli. Also surviving are four sisters, Barbara, Theresa, Lee Ann and Vicki; five nephews and four nieces, a dear aunt and uncle, numerous cousins and friends who will miss him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Gary, his sister Mary Kay and his parents and grandparents.

Bill served proudly for ten years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He will be buried in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis County, MO.

May he rest in peace.

Diana S. Lindsey, age 68, of Odin, Illinois passed away March 20th, 2015 at St. Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She loved her grandchildren and loved to play Bingo with her friends. She was a housewife and a very active member of the PTO and the Odin First Baptist Church.

Funeral services were held Monday, March 23 at Rogers-Atkins Funeral Home in Salem with Curt Matthews presiding. Interment was at the Peaceful Valley Cemetery in Odin. Donations may be made to the family.

Diana is survived by her husband - John Lindsey, whom she married on May 21, 1977; children - Kimberly Voegele and husband Thomas of Granite City; Scott Davis of Sandoval; Reda Lindsey of Odin; step son - John Lindsey, Jr. of Arnold, MO; one brother - Steven Davis and wife Barbara of Granite City; grandchildren - Casey, Jacob, Cody, Jenna, and a great granddaughter - Serenity. She is also survived by sisters-in-law and a brother-in-law.

She was born May 28, 1946 in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of Boyd and Reda Davis, both of whom preceded her in death.

Eddie L. Salmond Sr., 74, passed away on Jan. 12, 2015.

He was born on Oct. 6, 1940.

Visitation will be Saturday, Jan. 17, from 11 to 11:50 a.m. at the Officer Funeral Home where funeral services will begin at 12 noon. Internment will be at Jeffrerson Barracks National Cemetery.

Click HERE to go to the Officer Funeral Home website.

Mr. Andy Crochrell passed away Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, with his family by his side.

He was born March 1, 1939 in Barclay County, Tenn., and moved to the Metro East area at the age of 15, where he resided on Kerr Island in Venice, Ill.

Mr. Crochrell retired from Metalico Industries (formerly national Lead) after 31 years of dedicated services and was a member of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church in Madison, Ill.

Andy took great pride in his home and was always working around his house, tinkering with his cars and manicuring his lawn. He enjoyed cooking and spending recreational time with his family and friends playing cards, watching movies, reading the bible and watching Victor on the Young and the Restless.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Delisa Crochrell; and two sisters, Mrs. Essie Lee Salmon and Mrs. Cradie Lewis.

Andy leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 55 years, Mrs. Eva Monk Crochrell; two daughters, Sharon (Darrell) Reed of Centreville, Ill., and Dewanda Crochrell of Madison, Ill.; four sons, DeRodney Crochrell of Tampa, Fla., DeLarry Crochrell of Madison, Ill., Delanders (Yolanda) Crochrell of Edwardsville, Ill., and DeMarque Crochrell of Madison, Ill.; a brother, Jerry (Anna) Hall of Florissant, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

A visitation service for family and friends will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, 2015, at Officer Funeral Home, P.C., 2114 Missouri Avenue, East St. Louis, Ill.

The home-going service of Mr. Crochrell will be held at noon Friday, Jan. 16, 2015, at Mount Nebo Baptist Church. 900 Jefferson Street, Madison, Ill., followed by interment service in Sunset Gardens of Memory, 3230 Cemetery Road, Millstadt, Ill.

Carlton "Wayne" Hill, age 84, of Granite City, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Gateway Regional Medical Center, Granite City, IL. Wayne was born on August 28, 1930 in Puxico, MO, a son to the late Roy and Morine (Beale) Hill.

Wayne was a Unites States Navy Veteran who proudly served his country. He had retired on December 16, 1994 from Cerro Copper & Brass in Sauget, IL as an operating engineer. Wayne was an avid sports fan and he loved Cardinal Baseball. Wayne was their greatest fan. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his son, David W. Hill; three brothers, Roy, Dale and Allen Hill; and his loving dog and faithful companion, Diamond.

He is survived by his loving daughters and son-in-laws, Donna and Roger Laws, Rena and Jerome Boyer and Janice and Kevin Wilson all of Granite City, IL; three sisters, Genese Baxter, Nancy Wallace and Ginger Hackney; four brothers, Joe, Don, Larry and Denny Hill; four grandchildren, Blake Boyer, Hannah Wilson, Matthew (Kristin) Laws and Meredith Wilson; two great-grandchildren, Lucy and Benjamin Laws; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, IL.

In celebration of his life, funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at Irwin Chapel with Rev. Charles West officiating. Wayne will be laid to rest at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO with full military honors provided by the United States Navy.

Memorial donations may be given to Holy Family Catholic School and will be accepted at the funeral chapel.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

Mary Jane Caruso, 68, of Las Vegas NV and formerly of Venice, died Tuesday, Dec. 9, at her home.

She graduated from Venice High School in the Class of 1964.

Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Evelyn Caruso, and two brothers, Dennis and Lawrence Caruso.

She is survived by her son Brian and his wife Jessica. Mary Jane also had three grandchildren, Maddie, Colton and Hayden. She is also survived by nieces and nephews.

It has been learned that her remains will be cremated and buried later in a private service.

Gene Andrè Cross passed away suddenly on Dec. 4, 2014, at the age of 65. He was born in 1949.

He was the son of George and Althea Cross, longtime educators in Venice schools.

He is also survived by his grandsons Justin and Gavin.

No other information was received, but his funeral and burial was handled by Randle & Sons Funeral Home in St. Louis.

Yvonne P. "Snooks" Passig, 88, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 12:48 p.m. on Monday, November 24, 2014 at Christian Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born January 5, 1926 in Granite City, a daughter of the late John E. and Irene D. (Long) Hughes.

She married Louie E. Passig on August 30, 1943 in Venice, Illinois and he passed away on September 2, 2014.

She was a clerk at F.W. Woolworth Company in Granite City and also at Luna Café in Mitchell for many years.

She was a very generous person, always volunteering through the years and was very active and helpful with the Granite City Senior Citizens and the Democratic Party and loved her days of playing bingo, baking and being with her grandchildren. She had a special love of Christmas time and will be remembered for the love and special times shared with her family and friends.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Timothy and Maria Passig of Bunker Hill; six grandchildren, JohnnyKay, Jennifer, Heather, Andrea, Caty and Doug; eight great grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Deb Passig and Shary Passig; a brother, John Hughes of Las Vegas; other extended family and friends.

In addition to her beloved husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons, Ricky Passig and John Passig; a brother, Cleve and two sisters, Jackie and Honey.

Funeral services were held on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Charles West officiating. Burial was at St. John Cemetery on Nameoki Road in Granite City.

Memorials were requeted to be made to the Alzheimers Association.

Courtesy of Irwin Chapel

(For informational purposes only)

George L. Smith was a reflection of his 100 years of experiences. Mr. Smith was born in Benoit, MS on April 10, 1914, the only child of Walter and Ollie (Parnell) Smith. George's death occurred on October 20th in Lansing, MI, where he has lived for 12 years.

George and his mother moved to Madison, IL in 1918. He completed the 8th grade at Dunbar Elementary, but was not allowed to attend the segregated senior high school. His mother sent young George to Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, AL, where he graduated from high school in 1932 and college in 1936. He later earned advanced degrees from Illinois and Indiana Universities.

George had a lifelong affiliation with Mt. Nebo Baptist Church (Madison, IL).

Tuskegee Institute altered George's world, teaching him a lifestyle of personal integrity and work that he would emulate the rest of his life. He also met the love of his life…Hazel Marie Smith (no relation). Married in 1936, they became soul-mates in a relationship that lasted 62 years until Hazel's death in 1994.

George was preceded in death by his mother and father; step-grandson, Russell A. Lewis (1976); daughter, Barbara Jean Smith (2005); and son-in-law, Rodney A. Lewis (2010).

Surviving are his daughters: Janet Smith Lewis (Lansing, MI), Patricia L. Smith (Cleveland, OH); grandchildren, Laurie (Victor) Cenales Odenton, MD, and Joaquim (Celia) Cinque (aka Rodney Avery) (Dallas, TX); six great-grandchildren; Adrian Boyer and Amanda Boyer Street, Alia and Aaron Lewis Cenales, Xavier and Emily Cinque. George has also been an important figure in the lives of "adopted daughter", Rochelle McKenzie and the family of devoted godson, Michael (Angela) Terrell.

George's professional career included being a Teacher, Coach, Elementary and High School Principal, Assistant Superintendent of Schools and Director of Equity for the St. Louis, MO schools.

He served as principal and basketball coach at Dunbar High School in Madison and led the 1946 boys basketball team to the Illinois African-American basketball Championship.

George loved tennis, track, swimming, basketball, football and almost any other sports activity. He was the recipient of many awards including Outstanding Volunteer Award for a tennis program that he developed and conducted for 24 years in St. Louis, MO. He also received recognitions from the Tuskegee Hall of Fame and from his brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He served as the Director of the Madison Community Center and its Senior Program for 12 years following his retirement.

His curiosity about the world in which he lived made him an avid reader and an enthusiastic traveler. His travels took him to Canada, China, Mexico, Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Greece, Turkey, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, France, England, Italy, and Alaska and to two Olympiads.

A Memorial Service was held on Friday, November 7, 2014 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes in Lansing, MI. Interment was in Millstadt, IL.