All Obituaries

LaVerna Helen Roach, 98, of Brighton, passed away at 12:41 pm on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at Riverside Rehab and Healthcare in Alton.   She was born on December 23, 1921 in Brighton to the late George and Alma (Grabbe) Kruse.   LaVerna married William Webster Roach on October 16, 1943 in St. Charles, MO. He preceded her in death on August 18, 1991.    She worked several part time jobs, but stayed at home to raise her family.  She enjoyed gardening and...

Raymond “Ray Ray” Howard Blackwood, 29, of Brighton, passed away on Sunday, May 10, 2020 at his home.   He was born on March 3, 1991 to Kevin and Janet (Newburger) Blackwood.   Ray worked as a landscaper for Native Roots Landscaping and Design in Brighton.  He was a 2009 graduate of Southwestern High School and graduated from Lewis and Clark with an associates degree in science.  Ray loved sports, avidly following the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Blues,...

David A. Noles, 68, of Medora, passed away at 11:48 am on Friday, May 8, 2020 at his home.   He was born on January 18, 1952 in Alton, the son of the late Herman and Gilberta (Waters) Noles.   David served our country in The United States Army in Korea and Germany.  He was a mechanic for most of his life, working on a special stock car The Hard Bargain.  Before retirement he worked for Farrell Oil.  In his younger years he worked several jobs in construction and...

Catherine Elizabeth Loveless, 47, of Brighton, passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2020 at her home. She was born on February 14, 1973 in Litchfield to Rita (Kahl) Link. Cathe worked at Alton Steel as a yard leader and EMO driver for 15 years.  She was a past volunteer on the Brighton Fire Department, and current member of the Illinois Valley Blacksmith Association.  She was gifted artistically, enjoyed collecting Native American artifacts, and possessed a huge giving heart. She is...

Morris Elliott, 90 of Kemper, passed away at 8:46 am on Tuesday April 28, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital. He was born on February 20, 1930 to the late Monroe and Eula Elliott. Morris married Doris Elliott on March 4, 1951. She survives. He served our country during the Korean War from 1950 to 1952 in the United States Army.  Morris was a lifelong farmer on his multigenerational farm. He was a true gentleman and enjoyed a full and fruitful life on the farm. He was a lifelong member...

Gregory Paul Minor, 37, of Brighton, passed away at 12:20 am on Saturday, April 25, 2020 at Alton Memorial Hospital.   He was born on December 12, 1982 in Alton to Paul “Dinky” and Rita (Via) Minor.   Greg enjoyed collecting action figures, working on computers, cooking, playing video games, and loved his dog Ethel.     He is survived by his parents, Dinky and Rita Minor of Brighton; sister Mendi Minor of Bethalto; brother Josh Minor of St. Charles,...

Cynthia Joann Grizzle, 67, of Brighton passed away unexpectedly at 6:49 am on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at her home.   She was born on March 17, 1953 in Alton to the late Alex and Verna (Parker) Wright.   Cindy married Terry Grizzle on July 17, 1976 at their home in Brighton. He survives.    She worked several part time jobs, but stayed at home and raised her children and took care of her family.  Cindy enjoyed the outdoors and horseback riding. She was a...

Crystal Stephens, 41, of Brighton, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at her home.   She was born on November 2, 1978 in Alton to Patricia Hutchins and Ernest Stephens.   Crystal worked as an inspector at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in St. Louis.  She enjoyed crafting, wood carving, and spending time on her patio.   She is survived by her son Dayton Smith; parents Patty (David) Hutchins and Ernest (Judy) Stephens; siblings Brandon Stephens and April...

William “Bill” George Kruse, 95, of Brighton, passed away on Thursday, April 9. 2020 at his home.   He was born on February 21, 1925 in Brighton to the late George and Alma (Grabbe) Kruse.   Bill married Lena Sue Andrews on November 2, 1974 in Brighton. She survives.   Bill served our country in The United States Navy during WWII in the Pacific theater where he was awarded 11 Battle Stars.  He owned and operated Brighton Plumbing and Electrical, and was...

Gary Eugene Lewis, 72, of Brighton, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at home with his family by his side.   He was born on July 25, 1947 in Ironton, MO, the son of the late Harold and Lucile (Cooper) Lewis.   Gary married Donna Rae Williamson on July 1, 1978. She survives.   He was a journeyman for the Ford Motor Company before retiring in 2006 and owned and operated Mom’s Maid Service.  Gary was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in...