Area Obituaries

Seth Matthew Smith, age 43, of Vandalia, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL. Seth was born December 8, 1981 the son of Mickey “Mick” Gene Smith and Dana Lynn Smith. He served the country honorably in the United States Navy, and was deployed on the Arabian Sea…

Patti Michele Adams Bohner, 66, of Vandalia, IL passed away on October 1, 2025 in Glen Carbon, IL. Patti was born in Vandalia, the daughter of Don and Diane Engelhardt Adams. Patti graduated in 1977 as salutatorian from Vandalia Community High School, then went on to Butler University and Eastern Illinois University, earning a degree…

Bernadine “Bernie” Helen Ray, age 104, passed away Monday September, 29, 2025 at Fayette County Hospital L.T.C. in Vandalia. She was born September 18, 1921 the daughter of John Robert Peyton and Alta Fern (Idleman) Peyton in Maroa, IL. She married Albert Lee Ray on December 27, 1941 in St. Louis. He passed away August…

Clarence Denver Ricke, Jr. “C.D.”, age 90, passed away Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Greenville Nursing Rehab, in Greenville, Illinois. He was born March 19, 1935 in Fillmore, Illinois the son of Clarence Denver Ricke Sr. and Kathryn Irene (Harrison). He married Beverly Kay Azbell on June 2, 1956 in Morton, Illinois. Clarence worked as…

Robert “Bob” Duckworth, 71, of Vandalia, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at his home, surrounded by family. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, October 03, 2025, at Hohlt & File Funeral Home with Rick Wells officiating. Interment will follow in Evans Cemetery, rural Vandalia. Visitation will be held…

Jana L. Shafer, 54, of Vandalia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care .   Per Jana’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, October 06, 2025, at Northside Christian Church, Vandalia with Pastor Dennis Warner officiating.…

Sara M. Gable, 58, of Shobonier, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2025 at her home with her husband by her side.   Per Sara’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Metro Community…

Ronnie “Ron” Nash, 78, of Vandalia, passed away at 4:52 AM, Monday, September 22, 2025 at SBL Fayette County Hospital Long Term Care, surrounded by his wife and daughter, after a long, courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. Per Ron’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM,…

Melba Dorothy Miller, 92, of Fillmore, passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Montgomery County Nu rsing and Rehabilitation. Melba was born on September 3, 1933, in Nokomis, IL, to the late Elden Herbert and Neva Eloise (Tooley) Haines. On May 29 , 1953, she married Leona rd Keith Miller in Decatur, and they…

Keith F. Hobler, 70, Vandalia, passed away at 11:45 PM, Friday, September 19, 2025 at SBL Fayette County Hospital. Per the family’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded. A Graveside Service & Interment will be held at 11 AM, Friday, September 26, 2025 at Fairlawn Cemetery, Vandalia with Rev. Fr. Seth Brown officiating. In lieu…