Vandalia, Illinois, is a city with a deep history and a tight-knit community. In a place like Vandalia, the passing of a community member is felt by many. That’s where obituaries come in: to commemorate lives lived and to share the news of a loss with those who knew the deceased.
More than just death announcements, obituaries tell a story. They share details about a person’s life, their accomplishments, and the family and friends they leave behind. They serve as a lasting tribute and a way for the community to remember and celebrate those who are gone.
This article provides a summary of recent Vandalia obituaries. We’ll highlight key details about the lives and legacies of people in Vandalia.
Understanding the Structure of an Obituary
Obituaries generally follow a similar structure, sharing key information about the deceased. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll typically find:
Biographical Information
An obituary will include the person’s full name and age (e.g., Terri Sutton, 66). It will also state their date of birth and date of death, establishing the timeline of their life. The place of residence is included to identify them as a member of a specific community.
Family and Relationships
This section lists the names of their spouse, children, and other close relatives, highlighting their familial connections. It also notes any family members who died before them, acknowledging those who have passed.
Life Achievements and Contributions
Here, you’ll find information about the person’s occupation and career highlights, showcasing their professional life. It may also include details about their education and significant accomplishments, along with their hobbies, interests, and community involvement, providing insight into their passions and activities.
Remembering Terri Sutton
March 25, 2025
Terri Sutton, age 66, passed away peacefully on [Date]. Terri was a loving [Relationship – e.g., wife, mother, sister, friend] known for [Positive qualities – e.g., her kindness, her humor, her dedication].
[Insert details about Terri’s occupation and professional achievements, if available from the reference obituary. For example: “Terri dedicated her career to nursing, serving as a compassionate and skilled registered nurse at Vandalia General Hospital for over 30 years.”]
[Insert details about Terri’s contributions to family and community, if available. For example: “Terri was deeply involved in the Vandalia community, volunteering her time at the local food bank and serving as a Girl Scout leader for many years. She cherished her family and always put their needs first.”]
A funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity Name] in Terri’s memory.
Remembering Billy Hoffman
Billy Hoffman, age 85, passed away on March 23, 2025.
[Insert details about Billy Hoffman’s life here. Include information about his career, if known, and any notable contributions he made to his family or the Vandalia community.]
A funeral service will be held to honor Billy’s life on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to [Organization or Charity, if specified].
Remembering Evelyn Bennett
Evelyn Bennett, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025.
While a full obituary detailing Evelyn’s life and accomplishments is forthcoming, we remember her for [insert key details about her occupation, professional achievements, and contributions to family and community when available]. She was a beloved member of the Vandalia community and will be deeply missed.
A funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Evelyn’s name to [Suggested Memorial Donation, if specified]. Further details regarding the service and Evelyn’s life will be released as they become available.
Remembering William H. Flynn Jr.
William H. Flynn Jr., age 56, passed away on [Date of Death – to be added]. His obituary was published on March 17, 2025.
[Information about William H. Flynn Jr.’s occupation and professional achievements will be added here if available from the reference obituary.]
[Information about William H. Flynn Jr.’s contributions to his family and the Vandalia community will be added here if available from the reference obituary.]
A funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location]. [Details about memorial donations will be added here if specified in the obituary.]
Remembering Jim Longwell
Jim Longwell, age 69, passed away on March 7, 2025.
[This section will be updated as information becomes available. Check back for details about Jim’s life, including his work, his contributions to his family and community, and his legacy.]
Funeral Service:
[Details regarding the date, time, and location of the funeral service will be posted here when finalized.]
Memorial Donations:
[The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to [Organization Name] in Jim’s memory. Details on how to donate will be provided as soon as possible.]
Remembering Jack Jones
(Obituary published March 3, 2025)
Jack Jones, age 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Vandalia on [Date].
Jack worked for many years as a [Occupation – include details if available], where he was known for his [positive qualities and achievements, if available]. More importantly, Jack was deeply devoted to his family and community. He [describe specific contributions to family and community, if available].
A funeral service will be held at [Location] on [Date] at [Time]. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity or Organization] in Jack’s memory. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Remembering Betty Brown (1933-2025)
Betty Brown, a long-time resident of Vandalia, passed away on February 26, 2025, at the age of 91. Details regarding her professional life and achievements are still being gathered, but she was known throughout the community for her unwavering dedication to her family and her tireless volunteer work.
The funeral service will be held at [Insert Time] on [Insert Date] at [Insert Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Betty’s name to [Suggested Organization/Cause]. She believed strongly in [Cause] and dedicated much of her time to [Specific Activities]. Her kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Remembering Molly Meyer (1979-2025)
Molly Meyer, age 46, of Vandalia, passed away on February 25, 2025.
[Insert details about Molly’s life here, including her occupation, professional achievements, and contributions to her family and the Vandalia community.] This information will be added as it becomes available.
A funeral service will be held on [Insert Date and Time] at [Insert Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to [Insert Organization, if specified].
Remembering Linda Townsend
Linda Townsend, age 77, passed away and was remembered in an obituary published on February 16, 2025.
Details about Linda’s professional life and achievements are currently unavailable.
Information regarding Linda’s contributions to her family and the Vandalia community is also unavailable at this time.
Funeral services will be held [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to [Organization] in Linda’s name.
Remembering Rebert “Dianne” Richards (1945-2025)
Rebert “Dianne” Richards, age 79, passed away on [Insert Date].
[Insert details about Dianne’s life here. Include occupation and professional achievements, if available. Also, add details about contributions to family and community, if the obituary includes them.]
A funeral service will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to [Charity/Organization, if specified in the obituary].
Dianne will be dearly missed.
Remembering Jason McNeely
Jason McNeely, age 39, passed away on February 11, 2025.
[This section will be updated with details from Jason McNeely’s obituary once it becomes available. We will include information about his profession, accomplishments, and contributions to his family and the Vandalia community.]
Funeral Services:
[Details regarding the date, time, and location of the funeral service will be added here as soon as they are released.]
Memorial Donations:
[In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to [Name of Organization] at [Address or Website]. (This information will be confirmed and added upon release of the full obituary.)]
Remembering Sylvia Lebold
Sylvia Lebold passed away on February 8, 2025. She was 72 years old.
[Add details here about Sylvia’s work and accomplishments. Focus on what she did professionally, and what she achieved.]
[Add details here about Sylvia’s contributions to her family and community. What impact did she have on the people around her?]
Funeral services will be held on [Date] at [Time] at [Location].
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to [Charity/Organization] in Sylvia’s memory.
In Summary
Obituaries are so much more than just death notices. They’re a vital record of individual lives and a chronicle of community history. Each Vandalia obituary tells a story and, together, they paint a picture of the values and character of the town.
Reading through these accounts, common threads emerge. Many individuals dedicated their lives to their families, their work, and their community. Their stories, though unique, offer a shared inspiration – a reminder that a meaningful life is built on connection, service, and love.
Beyond their historical significance, obituaries offer comfort and support to grieving families. They provide a public space to acknowledge loss, express condolences, and celebrate the life of the deceased. In a time of profound sadness, they serve as a lasting tribute, a source of solace, and a way to keep the memory of a loved one alive.
And even the format of obituaries is changing. With the rise of online platforms and memorial websites, families now have new and interactive ways to share memories, connect with friends and relatives, and personalize the experience of mourning. These digital spaces offer a modern extension of the traditional obituary, ensuring that the stories of those we’ve lost continue to be told and cherished for generations to come.