The Obituary Section

Millie Arden

, Illinois

Millie Arden, 94, of Gillespie, IL, died at Gillespie Health and Rehab Center on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.  She was born January 4, 1932, in Benld, IL to Peter Motika & Paraskevia "Pearl" Cuca Motika.  She married Harry G. Arden on August 1, 1959 in Benld, IL.  He preceded her in death on July 6, 2022.  She was a clerk for St. Francis Hospital for 3 years, Illinois Power for 17 years and Echlin for 14 years.  Millie was a member of the Holy Dormition Church.  She is survived by several nieces and nephews.  Millie was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, brothers, Paul Motika, Frank Motika, Peter Motika, sisters, Julia Katrenich, Mary Redeffer, Olga Massa, Anastasia Dunmire, Ann Stengel and two sisters in infancy.  Public funeral services are Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Kravanya Funeral Home in Gillespie.  Burial will be at Holy Dormition Cemetery,…

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Charlene Jo Taylor

, Illinois

August 17, 2026

Charlene Jo (Sobberi) Taylor, of Staunton, IL, formerly of Gillespie, passed away on August 18, 2026.  She was born November 22, 1941 to Louis & Josephine Sobberi of Wilsonville.  Charlene married James "Jeep" Taylor on May 5, 1962, and together they had five children.  She is survived by her children, Richard Taylor and wife Karen, Amy Weir and fiancé Ted Meckes, Andrew Taylor, Jennifer Burns and husband Andy.  Charlene is also survived by grandchildren Annabel Taylor, Anthony Taylor, Alley Taylor, Tayler Weir, Troy Weir, Tanner Weir, Caleb Peterson, Riley Burns and Parker Burns, as well as her special friend Robb Monroe.  Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, sister, Darlene Smith and son, James Taylor.  Per her wishes there will be no memorial service.  Kravanya Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

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