Obituaries

Cathy Wright

Published by admin on Mon, 06/05/2023 - 1:29pm

GARDNER—Cathy Diane Wright (nee Merrill), 70, of Gardner, formerly of Braidwood, passed away unexpectedly, Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born March 5, 1953 in Vandalia, IL, she was the daughter of Richard S. Merrill and ImoJean (nee Haslett) Hannah. Cathy was a proud and dedicated homemaker who cherished spending time with family, especially her grandchildren. She was an animal lover and enjoyed listening to all varieties of music.

James Roy

Published by admin on Fri, 06/02/2023 - 8:30am

MADISON, WI— James Nicholas Dale Roy, 34 of Madison, WI and formerly of Coal City, passed away on Memorial Day after a long battle with addiction.
James, known to most as Nick, was born and raised in Coal City, and relocated to Madison, in 2015 to live a life of sobriety. He had the ability to learn any trade he tackled. From house siding, to home remodels, to car repair, to tattoo artistry and photography. He excelled at anything he touched.

Jim Wilson

Published by admin on Thu, 06/01/2023 - 9:55am

BRACEVILLE—Jim Wilson, 68 of Braceville, and formerly Frankfort, IL died at his home on May 29, 2023. Born Jan. 31, 1955 in Joliet, James Warren is a son of Marlene (Mankowski) Smith of Frankfort and the late James Warren Wilson, Sr. He was raised in the Frankfort area and graduated from Lincolnway High School with the Class of 1973.
Jim worked as a carpenter and owned and operated his own construction business for numerous years. He was an excellent mechanic; loved racing and watching NASCAR, and took great pleasure in fishing and bowling.

Vonda L. Stefancic

Published by admin on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 3:04pm

WILMINGTON—Vonda L. Stefancic, 83, of Wilmington, passed away Friday, May 26, 2023 at Ascension Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born Aug. 24, 1939 in Morris, Vonda Lea was a daughter of Emmett and Grace (Moats) Davis. She was raised and educated in Marseilles, and on Nov. 26, 1970 she married Anthony Stefancic, and together they moved to Wilmington where they would live and raise their family.

Joseph Reid

Published by admin on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 1:53pm

HARLINGEN, TX— We are saddened to announce the passing of Joseph Raymond Reid, 84. Born 1938, entered eternal rest Jan. 14, 2023, Harlingen, TX. Joseph “Joe” Reid was born to Robert and Mary (Zupancic) Reid in Joliet. Joe was the oldest of six children.

Ruth Herman

Published by admin on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 1:03pm

MORRIS—Ruth E. Herman, 86, of Morris, passed away peacefully with family on Sunday, May 21, 2023.
Born May 7, 1937, in Kentucky, she was the daughter of Lonnie and Thelma Bradley. When she was four they moved to Coal City. Ruth graduated from Coal City High School with the class of 1955. On June 25, 1955, she married Richard L. Herman at the Methodist Church of Coal City. Together they farmed in rural Morris and raised their five children.

Diane Lange

Published by admin on Thu, 05/25/2023 - 9:15am

NAPLES, FL—Diane Marie (Nagel) Lange, 71, passed away May 19, 2023. Diane was born to Robert E. and Mary Jane Nagel on Dec. 10, 1951 in Aurora, IL. She was raised on farms in Wheaton and Sugar Grove, IL. She graduated from Rosary High School in Aurora, and received her Bachelor and Masters degrees (in Special Education/Education and Educational Administration) from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL. She taught students with Learning Disabilities and Behavior Disorders at the Junior High and High School levels in Joliet, for seven years.

Ronald Stockman

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 10:25am

COAL CITY—Ronald Gary Stockman, 79, of Coal City, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, May 21, 2023.

Beverly Grant

Published by admin on Tue, 05/23/2023 - 10:00am

GARDNER—Beverly Jean Grant (nee Neece), 82, of Gardner, passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Morris Hospital.

Barbara Ann Ray

Published by admin on Mon, 05/22/2023 - 11:34am

BRAIDWOOD—Barbara Ann Ray (nee Jones), 65, of Braidwood, passed away on May 19, 2023 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born Jan. 9, 1958 in Chicago, she was the daughter of Dwight D. and Columbia Ophine (nee Thompson) Phillips. Barb attended Joliet East High School. She married Bobby E. Ray Sr. on June 12, 1999 at Pilcher Park in Joliet. She bartended for over 32 years, previously at Spivey's in Coal City. Barb enjoyed karaoke, designing jewelry, playing Yahtzee, and fund raising and organizing for the Moms of Military Prayer and Support Group.