Area Obituaries

 Bonnie Faye McBee Johnson,  85 year old, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Bonnie was born on June 19, 1941 in Cave-in-Rock, Illinois, to Aaron Johnson and Ida Mae Allen Johnson.   Bonnie was the youngest of fifteen children and carried with her the strength, resilience, and love that came from growing up in…

 Terry Weldon Vaughn, 65, of St. Peters, MO (formerly of Hardin County) passed away Thursday, July 2, 2026.  His parents were Peggy Pennell Lanham and James Walter (JW) Vaughn.  He is survived by his wife, Mary Kathrine Vaughn; son, Aaron (Brandi) Scott; step-daughter, Jodi Powers; grandchildren, Beau and Levi Scott, Desiree Powers and Maverick Becker;…

 Layla Sue Shell-Rushing, 45, formerly from Elizabethtown IL, entered the Kingdom of Heaven on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved the most. She was born on August 5, 1980, and graduated from Hardin County High School.   She lived a short, but meaningful life. She was a bright light to those who…

 On Monday, May 11, 2026 at 2:03 a.m., Betty Ann Haney passed away in her Albuquerque, New Mexico home at age 92. Betty was born on September 10, 1933 in Harrisburg, Illinois.  Betty had an inquisitive and curious mind. She liked to discover, explore and learn from her world through different places and people. Betty…

 Eula Mae Milligan Ralph was born on October 22, 1929 in the Battery Rock Precinct of Hardin County, Illinois. Her parents were Burley and Ethel Milligan. She had one brother C.W., who passed away as a young child.  Eula Mae, in her teenage years, worked at a waitress for several years in Cave In Rock.…

 John Wess Outen, 47, of Easley, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday, June 11, 2026. He was born on November 22, 1978, in Savannah, GA, to Donna Smock Outen and the late Danny Joe Outen. He was known as John to some and Wess to others.  He worked alongside his brother, Jay at JO Surfaces,…

 John Albert Smock, 60, died Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at home. He was born June 28, 1965.  He is survived by one daughter, Jessica (Tanner) Thomas of Paducah, Kentucky; sons, Justin (Kara) Shoulta of Ledbetter, Kentucky and Tyler (Samantha) Shoulta of Paducah, Kentucky; mother, Carol Smock of Rosiclare, Illinois; brothers, James Howard (Tina) Smock Jr.…

 J.C. Schutt left this earth for his heavenly home on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. at Hardin County General Hospital with his family by his side, being the age of 93 years, 7 months, and 5 days old at the time of his death. J.C. was born in Hickstown, IL to Clyde and…

 Joel W. Jennings, 89, of Metropolis, Illinois, was born on July 19, 1936, in Rosiclare, Illinois, the son of Pervis and Euna (Riley) Jennings. He departed this life on June 4, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.…

 Mona Lisa Bishop, 74, of Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, passed away on June 7, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Mona was born on February 13, 1952, and spent her life devoted to her family and friends.   She was known for her quick wit and willingness to help others. Mona enjoyed thrift shopping, gardening, going to church,…