U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Maxine Lueker
PINCKNEYVILLE -- Evelyn Maxine Lueker, 79, died at 2:25 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Pinckneyville Community Hospital. Maxine was born in Marion on Aug. 3, 1924, a daughter of Len S. and Grace Dexter Casey Hartwell. She married Elmer "Junior" Lueker on Oct. 25, 1942, in the Pinckneyville United Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on March 9, 2000. Maxine was a homemaker and worked for many years at the former McCant's clothing store in Pinckneyville. She was formerly very active in the Du Quoin and Pinckneyville saddle clubs and the Pinckneyville PTA. She was an excellent dancer who enjoyed square dancing and doing the jitterbug. She dedicated her life to her family and friends and supported her children and grandchildren in all of their pursuits. She was loved and will be deeply missed. Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Steven and Kathleen Lueker of Mount Vernon; a daughter and son-in-law, Judith E. and Don Vlasek of Katy, Texas; a brother and sister-in-law, William E. and Julia Hartwell of Hazelwood, Mo.; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ellen and Henry Justice of Du Quoin; a brother-in-law, Tex Brostmeyer of Pinckneyville; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; along with numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister, Pat Brostmeyer, and a brother, Wesley James Hartwell. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, in Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home in Pinckneyville, with the Rev. Maurice Swinford officiating. Interment will be in Mueller Hill Cemetery. Friends may call from 5 to 9 p.m. today and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.
Ernestine Lence
ANNA -- Ernestine Davis Lence, 83, died at 12:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, at home. She was born March 18, 1920, in Cobden, the daughter of Ernest Davis and Cecil Vesta Casper Davis. She married Albert "Barney" Lence on Jan. 17, 1945, in Coronado, Calif. He preceded her in death on Jan. 17, 2000. Her parents and her step-father, Floyd L. "Rocky" Davis also preceded her in death. She is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Sherry Lence of Anna; one granddaughter, Cally Lence of Anna; and her mother, Cheryl Tuma. Ernestine was homemaker and had worked for Dr. Berry Rife. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, in Anna City Cemetery, with the Rev. Doug Bridgeman officiating. Interment will be in the cemetery. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today in Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Anna. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to P. A. W. S. Envelopes are available at Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.
Chester Laverne 'Chet' Hughes
JOHNSTON CITY -- Chester Laverne "Chet" Hughes, 70, died at 12:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in V. A. Medical Center in Marion. Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, in Murman and Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City, with the Rev. Steve McClure officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery
in Johnston City. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. today in the funeral home. Graveside military rites will be conducted by the Marion VFW. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Chet was born Oct. 23, 1932, in West Frankfort, the son of Thomas David and Fannie Holland Hughes. He married Marion Gibbens on Sept. 27, 1958 in Los Angeles, and she survives. He was the owner and operator of Chet Hughes Plumbing in Johnston City for 25 years. He was a Navy veteran of the
Korean War. He was a member of the Plumbers and Steam Fitters Union local 551 in West Frankfort. He was a life member of the Marion VFW Post 1301. He is survived by one daughter, Tonya Hughes of Johnston City; one granddaughter, Tori Craig; a mother-in-law, Genon Gibbens of Johnston City; one sister, Mary Louise Dyer of Tullahoma, Tenn.; one brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Helen Hughes of Cape Coral, Fla.; two nieces and two nephews; several great-nieces and nephews; and several very close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jewell Botz
DIX -- Oma Jewell Botz, 83, died at 11:55 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon. Services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Johnston Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, with the Rev. Jim Gosney officiating. Burial will be in Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.
'Lodi' Garner
CARBONDALE -- Lorraine "Lodi" Garner, 70, passed away at 4:10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale. Services will be at 2 p.m. today in Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale, with the Rev. Tommy Monroe officiating. Interment will be in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call from 1 until 2 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorials are the preferred form of remembrance and may be made to the Girls' and Boys' Town of America, P. O. Box 7000, Boys Town, NE 68010, and will be accepted at the funeral home. Lorraine was born June 26, 1933, in Carbondale, to Fred Lee and Eunice Marie Rushing Garner. She is preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister. Survivors include one brother and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Shelby Garner of Carbondale; three aunts, Bessie Jackson of Chicago, Virginia Baker of Murray, Ky., and Lois Adams of Energy; several cousins; and many friends. Lorraine was of the Baptist Faith. She worked as a retail sales clerk for 44 years having been employed at both Ben Franklin and Spires Grocery.
Cecil Odle
WEST FRANKFORT -- Cecil Odle, 71, died at 11:43 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in Franklin Hospital in Benton. Arrangements are incomplete at Parker-Reedy Funeral Home.
Gertrude L. Craig
MARION -- Gertrude L. Craig, 92, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion. Services are at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, in Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Kenneth Kramer officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. Burial will be in Maplewood Cemetery
in Marion. Memorials may be made to Zion United Church of Christ and envelopes are available at the funeral home or may be sent to Blue Funeral Home, P. O. Box 411, Marion, IL 62959. Mrs. Craig was born Feb. 21, 1911, in Marion, to Walter and Hannah Claridy Morse. She married Irvin L. Craig on May 31, 1939, in St. Louis, Mo., and he preceded her in death in March 1991. Survivors include nieces and nephews, Nadine and Kenneth Harris, Robert and Sue McNail, Carl Groves, Charles and Yolie Groves, John and Janet Groves, Jack and Marilyn Groves, David and Cheri Ramsey, Glenn Adkins, Marvella Biggane, Bill and Candy Cropper, Judy Adkins, Karen Adkins, Bob Morse and Bruce Morse; and several great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, Julius, Miles and Paul, and two sisters, Velma Groves and Hester Strummer. She lived in the Marion area for the past 34 years. She retired in 1969 from Katz Drug Store in Richmond Heights, Mo., after 20 years of service. She was a member of Zion United Church of Christ, Order of the Eastern Star LeRoy A. Chapter 350, Marion Senior Citizens, lifetime member of Marion Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, American Association of Retired Persons, Williamson County Programs on Aging and Herrin Senior Citizens. She received loving care for the past four years by Julee and Merlin Williams and staff at Country Acres Elderly Care in Marion.
Lloyd Byrd
MURPHYSBORO -- Lloyd Byrd, 83, died at 9:10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. Lloyd was born on Sunday, May 23, 1920, in Murphysboro, the son of Frank and Susie (Turner) Byrd. He was a member of First Christian Church and Murphysboro Lodge 498 AF&AM. Mr. Byrd worked at the Brown Shoe plant in Murphysboro for 38 years and the Lustor Corporation in Murphysboro for 6 years before his retirement in 1982. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church or the Masonic Lodge. Lloyd married Kathryn Lee on July 2, 1955 in Jonesboro. She survives in Murphysboro. Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, 2003, in Crawshaw Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark K. Irwin. Burial will be at Boucher Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, with Masonic services at 7 p.m. In addition to his wife, Karthryn, survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Cashma and Dennis Garner of Murphysboro; one son and daughter-in-law, Frank and Lisa Byrd of Murphysboro; one granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Garner of Murphysboro; one grandson, Evan Michael Byrd of Murphysboro; two sisters, Murl Dean Wunderle of Bloomington and Alma Fay Cook of Harrisburg; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard L. Byrd and Roy Byrd, who died in France in World War II; two sisters, Flossie Glasser and Jewell Struck; and his parents.
Paul F. Jones
ALTO PASS -- Paul F. Jones, 95, of Cape Girardeau and formerly of Alto Pass, died at 12:06 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday in Lutz and Rendleman Funeral Home in Alto Pass, with the Rev. Perry Williams officiating. Burial will be in Alto Pass Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
Agnes O. Donaldson
JOHNSTON CITY -- Agnes O. Donaldson, 86, of 1305 S. Davis St., died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Burgess Nursing Home in Westmont, losing her short fight with cancer. She was born Jan. 16, 1917, in Lehigh, Okla., the daughter of John and Rose Oster. She married Arthur "Dot" Donaldson on Oct. 20, 1932, in Carrier Mills, and he preceded her in death in 1985. During World War II "Aggie" worked as a riveter on Douglas C54 aircraft at Orchard Field in Chicago. This work led to severe deafness in her later years. After Douglas, she worked at Motorola and Western Electric, retiring from Western Electric in 1976. At Western Electric she received the first company award for working 20 years without one sick day. After retirement, she was very active in bird watching, clogging and line dancing, both in Mount Morris and the Johnston City area to where she had relocated in 1999. She is survived by her son, Kenneth; two grandsons, Kenneth and Kevin; two great-grandsons, Brandon and Justin; a brother, Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Chapel Hill in Dixon. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today in the funeral home.
John L. Ruffino
TAMAROA -- John L. Ruffino, 79, died at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in Pinckneyville Community Hospital Skilled Care Unit. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in St. Paul United Church of Christ, with Pastor Howard Self officiating. Burial will be in Campbell Cemetery, with military rites by Du Quoin American Legion Post 647. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. today and 8 to 10 a.m. Friday in the church. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes. Association. Pyatt-Harrawood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald R. Felts
CREAL SPRINGS -- Donald R. Felts, formerly of Creal Springs, died Sept. 28, 2003, in New York, N. Y. Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Creal Springs Assembly of God Church, with the Revs. Deon Thompson and Bobby Crisco officiating. Mr. Felts was an architect and engineer in New York. Survivors include his wife, Nancy; a son, Gabriel; a daughter, Angela; two stepdaughters, Margaret and Holly; mother, Eva Powell of Creal Springs; two brothers, James of Carrollton and Glenn of Creal Springs; and a sister, Diane Tanner of Marion.
Virginia Kelley
WEST FRANKFORT -- Virginia Kelley, 75, died at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in Severin Intermediate Care. Arrangements are incomplete at Union Funeral Home.
George Kotur
VALIER -- George Kotur, 76, of Symsonia, Ky., died at 4:55 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Lourdes Hospital in Paducah, Ky. Services will be at noon Saturday in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery, with military rites by Sesser VFW and American Legion. Visitation will be after 6 p.m. Friday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of choice and will be accepted by the funeral home. He was born June 30, 1927, in Valier, to Michael Kotur and Anna Srnik. He married Lee Hicks Kotur and she survives. He was a layout man for Verson Steel in Chicago. He was an
Army Paratrooper in the 11th Airborne during World War II. He was a member of the VFW in Anna. Survivors include two sons, Tom George Kotur of Watertown, Wis., and Donald Robert Kotur of Ballwin, Mo.; five grandchildren, Amy Gray of Naperville, Ann Kienzle of West Hollywood, Calif., Michael Kotur of Watertown, Kelsie Kotur and Kevin Kotur, both of Ballwin; three great-grandchildren, Rachel, Loren and Ethan Gray of Naperville; and two sisters, Millie Price of Lincoln and Mary Kozuszek of DuBois. His parents and one sister, Annie Kustudich, preceded him in death.
Clare Motchan
CAIRO -- Clare Adele Motchan, 85, died at 4:35 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday in Barkett Funeral Home, with Dr. Larry L. Potts officiating. Burial will be in Wickliffe Cemetery
in Wickliffe, Ky. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. today at the funeral home.
Erwin H. Schueren
CHESTER -- Erwin H. Schueren, 88, died at 9:21 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, in Memorial Hospital in Chester. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in Welge-Pechacek Funeral Home, with the Rev. Mark Willig officiating. Burial will be in St. John Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today and 7:30 to 11 a.m. Friday in the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church.
Joe Mezo
MCLEANSBORO -- Joe E. Mezo, 83, died at 12:55 p.m. Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, at home. Services will be at 11 a.m. today in IOOF Cemetery
in McLeansboro, with the Rev. Robert Sefried officiating. military rites will be provided died by McLeansboro American Legion Post 106. There will be no public visitation.
