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Roger C. Hill, PhD, emeritus professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Physics, passed away on Nov. 5, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. He was 84.

Born and raised in Pasadena, Calif., Hill earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1963 and a doctorate in physics in 1969 from the California Institute of Technology. His doctoral thesis, “Relativistic Quark Models and the Current Algebra,” contributed to the emerging landscape of particle physics in the late 1960s. Before joining SIUE, he served as a research associate and lecturer at Northwestern University from 1968–70.

Hill joined SIUE faculty on Sept. 16, 1970, as an assistant professor of physics. He advanced through the ranks to associate professor and professor, and for four decades taught courses in classical and modern physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical physics and advanced dynamics. He was beloved by his students.

Hill’s scholarship included work in quark models, current algebra and quantum field theory. He authored a textbook on quantum mechanics, published numerous articles and delivered presentations at conferences and workshops throughout his career. Hill retired on Aug. 31, 2010, and was granted emeritus status in recognition of his distinguished service to the University.

Beyond his academic work, Hill was known for an expansive curiosity that shaped a wide range of interests from astronomy, early computing and 3-D imaging to music, languages and model railroading. He shared these passions generously with colleagues, students and friends, often bringing the same careful attention and enthusiasm to his community pursuits that he brought to the classroom and laboratory.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern California Railway Museum at socalrailway.org.

PHOTO: Professor Emeritus Roger Hill

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is mourning the passing of student Adeline Mwajuma, 21, who died Monday, Nov. 11.

Adeline was a School of Business student and an active member of Black Girls Rock and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs (NACWC). She was known on campus for her warmth, creativity and the steady kindness she shared with friends and peers.

Born in Tanzania, Adeline was raised in a home that nurtured curiosity, imagination and joy. She brought that same spirit to SIUE, where she engaged deeply in community-minded work through NACWC and found connection through student involvement and friendships. Those who knew her describe her as fearless, funny and unwaveringly supportive.

She is survived by her parents, siblings, extended family and many friends who will miss her deeply.
Visitation and services will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 1100 College Park Dr., Columbia, Mo. Interment will take place at Columbia Cemetery. Colleagues mourned her loss with a balloon release on Wednesday, Oct. 19 in the Stratton Quad.

A full obituary is available through Parker-Millard Funeral Service & Crematory.

PHOTO:  Adeline Mwajuma

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community extends its condolences to the family, friends and former colleagues of Franklin J. “Frank” Crain, who died Friday, Oct. 3 at the age of 81.

Frank served SIUE for more than 25 years, beginning his career in 1978 and retiring in 2004. He was a skilled EDP auditor and supported Institutional Research and Financial Affairs, serving as Assistant to the Director of Institutional Research and later as Special Assistant to Financial Affairs. He was known for his enthusiasm for technology, his meticulous nature and his kind spirit. He took great pride in his work and in the relationships he built across campus.

After retiring, Frank continued to nurture his lifelong love of learning and creativity. A talented storyteller and musician, he shared his warmth and wit through his annual Christmas letters and his music, having played both trumpet and organ.

A memorial service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 8 in the Atrium of the Eden Village Retirement Center in Glen Carbon, Illinois.

Read the full obituary on Baue Funeral Homes.

In lieu of flowers, tributes may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Frank Crain.

PHOTO:  Franklin J. Crain

Eldon “Ed” Bigham, a retired Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty member who played a major role in the development of the Vadalabene Center, died on Wednesday, Sept. 17. He was 83. 
 
Ed made a lasting impact on the SIUE community as a professor, athletic director, assistant basketball coach, and assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs. In Edwardsville, he served as president of the LeClaire School PTA, joined the YMCA board and worked as a real estate agent in Maryville for approximately 20 years after post-retirement. 
 
According to an online obituary, Ed was born July 8, 1942 to William Leslie and Ernestine Heisner Bigham. His birth mother passed away months after Ed was born. Ed was raised by Ernestine’s brother, Leonard Heisner and his wife Mary Faltmeyer Heisner (Ernestine’s best friend). This made Ed the youngest in both the Bigham and Heisner families, to which he often said, “I am the luckiest child in Southern Illinois to be blessed with 14 siblings.” 
 
A product of the Pinckneyville school system, Ed graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School (PCHS) in 1960 and was recruited and offered a scholarship by NBA Hall of Fame basketball coach Harry Gallatin to Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). He played four seasons of basketball at SIUC, two for Coach Gallatin and two for Coach Jack Hartman. Upon graduation, he returned to Pinckneyville to teach and serve as head basketball coach at PCHS. After four years, Gallatin recruited him again, but this time as an assistant basketball coach at SIUE, where Ed would begin his career on the Edwardsville campus.
 
Ed is preceded in death by his parents and many siblings. He is survived by his wife, Gloria Jumper Bigham; daughters Michele (Shelly) Bigham and Jenifer Bigham Bonney (Lance); stepson C. Robert (Robb) Crawford; grandchildren Michael U. Willame, Isabelle C. Bonney, Grace E. Bonney, and Samantha R. Bonney; brothers A. Wayne Bigham (Charlene); sisters-in-law Marilyn Heisner and Margie Moore; and many beloved nieces and nephews. 
 
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 with an 11:00 a.m. service at Eden Church of Edwardsville, located at 903 N 2nd St., Edwardsville, Ill. 62025. Interment will follow at Valley View Cemetery in Edwardsville. 
 
Memories can be shared via the online guest book.

PHOTO:  Eldon “Ed” Bigham

Ashton Carter, a fourth-year business administration-marketing major in the SIUE School of Business, died one day before his 21^st birthday.

Ashton was recruited from Kenwood Academy to attend SIUE and received a full scholarship as a Meridian Scholar.

Not long after arriving on campus, Ashton was quite a popular figure. He joined numerous organizations and connected with the students on a level that got him elected to office as a Senator in the Student Government. He served a two-year term from 2023-25.

Gabrielle Allen, junior in the School of Nursing, attended the same high school as Ashton and was glad to reunite with him when she transferred to SIUE.

"He spoke life into everyone. He was inviting. He was comforting. If you had any questions or problems, you could come to him. You could talk to him,” Gabrielle reflected. “He was an amazing person to be around and an amazing person to encounter. He will be truly missed, and he is still truly loved.”

Ashton mentored a community of classmates, and prioritized community service among his social circles. He pledged the Iota Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he was installed as treasurer in 2023 and then chapter president the following year. Ashton simultaneously spent two years in office in the National Pan-Hellenic Council taking on the roles of compliance officer and secretary in 2023 and then vice president in the spring of 2024.

Ashton was a formidable presence in the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) office and was fully involved in numerous student organizations, such as the Black Student Union where he was also treasurer and held the position of secretary of Fashion Hub this year.

Devin Willis, junior in the School of Education Health and Human Behavior and Ashton’s fraternity brother and current chapter president recalled, “I looked at him as a mentor. I saw the way he carried himself throughout his presidency, and it inspired me to be better. He always pushed me and always supported me. He always gave me great advice, and I appreciated him.”

“If I have learned anything, it is to walk in kindness because you never know when someone will be gone. I miss my brother,” said Bryan Robinson, a senior in integrative studies. “I just wish I had five more minutes. It’s definitely heartbreaking, but it is also an opportunity for us to unite, come together and lean on each other. Because at the end of the day, we are all we got.”

Ashton’s family has shared that an Omega and memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, at The Greenwood Oasis on the campus of New Life Covenant Southeast, 7621 S. Greenwood Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60619.

PHOTO:  Ashton Carter

SIUE mourns the passing of Athletics Hall of Famer Jean McDonald, who died on August 16, 2025.

McDonald was a secretary and administrative assistant under multiple directors of athletics from 1978 to 2002. She followed the Cougars through numerous national championships and provided behind-the-scenes support for all SIUE's sports, giving of her time above and beyond the call of duty.

"It is difficult to say in a few sentences what a wonderful human being God gave this world in Jean," former SIUE Director of Athletics Brad Hewitt said. "She brought a smile, kindness and calmness to SIUE Athletics every day.

"In the toughest of days and the toughest of times Jean was there to support and offer her confidence to those who needed it," Hewitt continued. "She was so important because she cared so much for the success of SIUE Athletics and of her colleagues. She truly made a great difference in the lives of her family, friends, colleagues and the SIUE student-athletes."

In 2007, the department honored her with the naming of the Jean McDonald Service Award which honors individuals who have displayed a similar dedication to SIUE Athletics.

Jean and her husband Dick were inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Cougar Champions Fund.

A complete obituary may be found on Legacy.com.

PHOTO:  Jean McDonald

Edward “Ed” Alan Knowles, IT associate director for Production Control and Enterprise Reporting, devoted more than 41 years of service to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He passed away Friday, July 25, 2025.

Born September 18, 1961, in Granite City, Illinois, Ed was known for his dedication to his work and the friendships he built across campus. He enjoyed camping outings with his co-workers in the IT department and beyond.

Ed and his beloved wife of 15 years, Peggy (nee Knepper) Knowles, passed away a day apart.

A complete obituary is available on the Irwin Chapel website for Edward Alan Knowles. Arrangements are being conducted by Irwin Chapel. A memorial visitation will be held Friday, Aug. 8, from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road, Granite City, Illinois.

PHOTO:  Edward Knowles

Therese “Terri” M. Svehla, who lived in Edwardsville, died Thursday, July 24, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. She was 63.

Svehla began working as a Program Services Specialist on Feb. 22, 2016, at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Program. At the time of her death, she was classified as a Business Administrative Associate for the Program.

A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, July 31 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1 at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Glen Carbon with the Rev. Robert J. Jallas officiating. Interment will be Monday, Aug. 4 at All Saints Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio.

A complete obituary is listed on the website of Weber & Rodney Funeral Home.

Arrangements are being handled by Weber & Rodney Funeral Home.

PHOTO:  Terri Svehla

Jarrod E. Rhodes, a third-year student in Mechanical Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Engineering, died. He was 22 years old.

Originally from Belleville, Jarrod was a member of numerous student organizations and worked on campus as a receptionist for the Student Opportunities of Academic Results (SOAR) office.

Jarrod was awarded the Johnetta Haley Scholarship (2023) and was a member of the following: Engineers Without Borders, Chess Club, Black Student Union, Association for Information Systems, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE). Most recently, Jarrod assisted in the engineering career fair.

Funeral services are being held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. 

PHOTO:  Jarrod Rhodes

Kathleen Armstrong Thomerson, a former Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty member in the Department of Music, died Monday, April 7 in Austin, Texas. She was 91.

Born Feb. 18, 1934, in Jackson, Tenn., Thomerson was a gifted organist and respected educator. Thomerson taught organ in the Department of Music during the late 1980s and 1990s, sharing her deep knowledge of hymnal and classical music. She also served on the faculty of the St. Louis Conservatory and held a long tenure as organist and director of music at University United Methodist Church in St. Louis.

A member of the American Guild of Organists, Thomerson earned both the Fellow and Choirmaster certifications and chaired the organization’s committee on professional certifications.
Her legacy as a composer and writer continues to resonate across musical and spiritual communities. Her hymn, “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” and its accompanying tune, “Houston,” have been included in hymnals across the United States and internationally. In addition to numerous published compositions and recordings, Thomerson authored a book, “Jean Langlais: A Bio-Bibliography.”

She is survived by her son, Eric of Austin, Texas; daughter, Rachel Miller and her husband, Richard, of Arlington Heights, Ill.; grandson, Mason Miller of Tempe, Ariz.; and brother, Boyd Armstrong of Houston, Texas.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 22, at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 3011 E. 8th St., Austin, Texas.
Read her full obituary on legacy.com.

PHOTO: Thomerson

Brandon Stewart Ahring died in a car accident on April 16. He was 22 years old.

Brandon was a student in the School of Engineering who recently made the decision to pursue a major in Cybersecurity Engineering.

Brandon was also a talented athlete. During his cross-country career at Father McGivney Catholic High School in Glen Carbon, he was known for completing 3-mile races under 17 minutes. Though he graduated in 2021, he returned to his alma mater the past three years to inspire students on the track and field team as an assistant coach. He took great pride in coaching his younger brother, Tyler, a senior on the team.

Senior Academic Advisor in the Office of First Year and Transitional Advising, Elizabeth Sanders, worked closely with Brandon and shared the following: “Brandon’s quiet authenticity and kind sincerity struck me immediately upon meeting him. Those of us who had the distinct honor of knowing him, were aware Brandon had something wonderful and uniquely irreplaceable to contribute to those around him. His energy will be missed tremendously, not only on this campus, but far beyond; as Brandon touched the lives of the many students he coached on his alma mater’s Track & Field team, at Father McGivney, as well as his circle of friends, and the faculty and staff that worked with him closely. I will forever be heartbroken that Brandon’s dreams and impact will not be fully realized. The entirety of student services at SIUE is feeling this loss and we offer our sincerest condolences during this unimaginable time.”

Services were held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Staunton. Read more about Brandon in his obituary.

PHOTO:  Brandon Ahring 

George Mellott, PhD, who lived in Colorado, died Thursday, April 10. He was 92. 

Mellott began working in the Department of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Sept. 6, 1964. He retired on Aug. 31, 1994. He was a professor emeritus in Music until his death. 

Attesting to his excellence and expertise both as a musician and instructor is Mellott’s longtime colleague and artist Stephen Brown, SIUE professor emeritus in Music. 

“At the time I had no idea how exceptional a performer George was,” said Brown, who worked with Mellott for several decades. “He was the only clarinet professor I knew, and I just sort of thought of him as industry standard. Not the case. George was equally at home on clarinet and saxophone, equally at home in jazz and classical music, reading and improvising, and always with a prodigious technique and innate musicality.” 

Mellott and Brown formed a bond after their years of working and playing together. 

“We got to know each other well when we were jointly tapped to lead a student jazz combo, which led to the formation of an actual jazz group inventively called the Mellott-Brown Combo,” continued Brown. “We did a little gigging, continued to play with students, and were fortunate to work with two talented bass players – David Engelke and Doug Meyer (SIUE music reference assistant).” 

Brown also noted that several of Mellott’s students went on to professional careers in playing and teaching music. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26 at the Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo, Colo. Donations in Mellott’s honor may be given to any of the following: Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center in Walsenburg, Colo.; the Salvation Army, Shriners Children’s Hospital, the ASPCA, Wounded Warriors, Ascension Episcopal Church in Pueblo, or the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration in Vail, Colo. 

A complete obituary is listed on the website of Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors. 

Arrangements are being handled by Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, Inc.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mourns the passing of George Henderson, PhD, professor emeritus of physics, who died peacefully on Monday, Feb. 10. He dedicated more than 31 years of service to SIUE.

Henderson was born on August 22, 1940, in Charleston, W.Va., Henderson joined SIUE in 1970 and taught a wide range of physics courses, helping to develop general studies classes in astronomy and musical acoustics. He was a dedicated member of the SIUE Physics Department for many years, serving on numerous departmental and university committees. He contributed significantly to the campus community through his involvement with the Religious Center, now the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS).

A passionate supporter of the arts, Henderson sang with the SIUE Community Chorus and was an enthusiastic advocate for the Arts & Issues program, alongside his wife, Pat. The couple enjoyed traveling with the Chorus.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, at the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability.

Memorials may be sent to the SIUE Friends of Music (SIUE Campus Box 1771) or the Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (SIUE Campus Box 1059).

Read the full obituary at Legacy.com.

PHOTO: George Henderson, PhD

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community mourns the passing of Alice Prince, PhD, emerita professor of Health Education (now Public Health) in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior. Born October 6, 1942, in Terre Haute, Ind., Prince dedicated more than 12 years of service to SIUE, inspiring students to pursue meaningful careers in health education, challenge injustice, and work toward a healthier, more equitable society. She passed away on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Maryville, Ill.

A trailblazer in HIV/AIDS education, Prince brought compassion, honesty, and advocacy to her teaching. She was deeply committed to democracy, fairness, and empowering students to recognize and address inequalities in public health. As a non-traditional student and parent, she earned her PhD and later co-founded the SIUE Alice Prince Award, a scholarship supporting non-traditional students in public health.

Prince retired in 2006 but remained dedicated to student success. Her impact continues through the many students she mentored and the work they carry forward in public health.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alice Prince Award via the SIUE Foundation at SIUE Applied Health Development Fund (Select “3210-Applied Health Development” and specify the Alice Prince Award in the comments.)

A full obituary is available at Herr Funeral Home.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville community mourns the passing of Paul Wanda, PhD, professor of Biological Sciences, who passed away on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025.

Born October 18, 1951, in Chicago, Wanda retired in 2015 after a dedicated career mentoring students and advancing scientific inquiry. He joined SIUE’s faculty in 1982 and had more than 30 years of service to the University.

Wanda’s research focus was in measles and canine distemper virology, macular degeneration modeling, apoptosis, biophysics and electron spin resonance spectroscopy. At SIUE, he taught a diverse catalogue of microbiology and biophysics courses.

Wanda earned his PhD in biophysics from Penn State University and a BA in Physics from Knox College. He was not only a passionate educator but also an avid fisherman, chess player, St. Louis Blues fan, and artist. Paul had a notorious sense of humor that glimmered brightly beyond the Department of Biological Sciences. He was known for his commitment to student success and his ability to inspire future scientists through both rigorous academics and personal mentorship.

A memorial celebration will be held Friday, Feb. 14, from 3-5 p.m. at Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, Ill.

Memorials can be made to the WashU Section of Movement Disorders.

A family obituary is available at Barry Wilson Funeral Home.

The SIUE community is saddened by the passing of Karen Kay Trone, former Lead Financial Specialist in Financial Affairs. Trone dedicated 15 years of service to the University, working from December 1996 until her retirement in 2011.

Born July 30, 1943, in Rushville, Illinois, Trone passed away on January 25, 2025, in Sudbury, Massachusetts. She was known for her kindness, dedication, and love for her family. Outside of her career, she found joy in travel, reading, and time spent with loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at Immanuel United Method Church in Edwardsville. Memorials may be made to the Missouri Botanical Garden, the Alzheimer's Association, or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America.

A full obituary is available at Legacy.com.

Mont Everett “Flea” Bodine IV, of Alton, died Tuesday, Oct. 1. He was 58. 

Bodine attended SIUE in his younger years. He began working at SIUE in the Morris University Center Bookstore on Sept. 3, 2002, and was employed as a retail associate until his death. 

Visitation will be from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 at Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State St. in Alton. The Rev. John Pawloski will officiate. A memorial service will be held immediately following at 6 p.m. at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to the Sierra Club-Piasa Palisades or a donation for a Memorial Park bench in memory of Flea. 

Arrangements are being handled by Gent Funeral Home.

Dennis Alan Shaw, 72, passed away at 11:02 p.m. on Thursday, September 12, 2024. Shaw was born May 7, 1952 in Alton, IL the son of the late Clarence Joseph Shaw and Betty Lucille (Shewmake) Franklin.

Dennis was a fourth generation union painter. He loved WWE wrestling, NASCAR, muscle cars and was a gun collector. On June 27, 1986 in East Alton he married Mary Christina (Sproull) Shaw and she survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Christy Roswell of Bethalto, Nikki Shaw of Alton, Stephanie Shaw of Alton, one son, Joe Shaw (Cheri) of Alton, six grandchildren, Lil Rickey, Brandon, Colten, Joey, Payton and Maycie, one great grandchild, Rieler, one brother, Kevin Tite of Missouri and one sister, Dreana McClurg (Mike) of Kansas City.

Dennis' grandson, Brandon Sweeney, continues his grandfather's rich legacy at SIUE as the Director of Online Giving.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one son, Rickey Shaw, six brothers, Clarence “Butch” Shaw, Rickey Shaw, Ronnie Shaw, Joe Shaw, Jeffrey Shaw, Kurt Steele and one sister, Donna Cambell.

Visitation will be Monday, Sept. 16, from 4–7 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17. Reverend Sonny Renken will officiate. Burial will be at Upper Alton Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. 

Samuel Becker Grant, Jr., PhD, professor of history at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, died on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. He was 93.
Born in St. Louis, Mo. on August 12, 1930, to Sam and Natalie Grant, he grew up in Clayton, a St. Louis suburb. After graduating from Williams College, Grant taught English at Roberts College in Istanbul, Turkey. This inspired years of discovery and study in the Middle East, while living in Cairo, Aleppo and Jerusalem.

Grant kept company with Egyptian writers, Israeli socialists and Palestinian National Council members. He attended the University of Michigan and earned a PhD in Middle Eastern languages and literature.

Grant taught as a professor of history at SIUE for more than 30 years.

“Sam was a wonderful colleague and mentor, always smiling and jovial, kind and caring,” said Allison Thomason, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of History.

After retirement, Grant continued to teach at the lifelong learning institute at Washington University in St. Louis, exploring Islamic art and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Grant is survived by his wife, Patricia, two sons, Chris (Georgiana) and Dave (Tori), four nieces, sister-in-law Christine Smithee, his grandchildren Clio, Helen and Nellie, and multiple grandnieces and grandnephews. He was preceded in death by his mother Natalie, father Sam and his two brothers.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Lovejoy Library.

The family will receive guests at Lupton Chapel, 7233 Delmar Boulevard, University City on Saturday, Aug. 3, from the hours of 2 p.m.-5p.m. Read Samuel’s complete obituary on the Lupton Chapel website.

Jessica Elizabeth Prost, a student in the School of Nursing's anesthesia program, died following a year-long battle with brain cancer on Friday, March 29.

Jesssica's obituary is posted here.

The family will receive friends at the Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road, Ballwin, Missouri, Friday, April 5 from 2-8 p.m. A funeral mass will be celebrated at Incarnate Word Catholic Church, 13416 Olive Boulevard, Chesterfield, Missouri on Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m.

Her classmates Kristen Mattson, Lauren Hunt, Alexa Brummund, Messy Dedic and Rick Heuermann spoke of her bright personality and her nursing ambitions.

"It is hard to describe the kind of person Jessica was in just a few words," said her friends Mattson, Hunt, Brummund and Heuermann. "To know Jessica was to love Jessica. Nobody was ever a stranger to her, as she had the tendency to light up every room that she walked into. Her positive attitude and contagious smile brought so much joy to others throughout the rigors of anesthesia school. Even after multiple surgeries & harsh chemotherapy/radiation treatments, Jessica continued to show up for her patients, friends, and family. Jessica’s lifelong dream was to graduate and begin practicing as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Jessica was so much more than a classmate and anesthesia student to us. She was a lifelong friend that everyone wanted to be surrounded by. While our hearts are broken by the passing of our best friend, we will honor her achievements as we walk across the stage and graduate in a few weeks. We know Jessica will proudly be looking down on us and smiling!

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to the SIUE Nurse Anesthesia faculty and students. Your support over this last year has helped carry us through this difficult time."

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Washington University’s Brain Tumor Center.

PHOTO: Jessica Prost, courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville mourns the recent loss of Anne Perry, RN, MSN, EdD, FAAN. Dr. Perry was a professor emerita from the School of Nursing and was also an SIUE alum receiving her EdD in 1991. Dr. Perry was a distinguished nurse and served the School of Nursing many years as a faculty member, chair, and Interim Dean.

Her obituary is posted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and redistributed on the Legacy website.

Throughout her award-winning career, Dr. Perry co-authored seven internationally acclaimed nursing textbooks with translations in 11 languages. Dr. Perry’s numerous awards included the Missouri Nurses Association Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, North American Nursing Diagnosis Association International Mentor Award in 2012, Saint Louis University School of Nursing Alumni Merit Award in 2016, and the March of Dimes Legends in Nursing Award in 2016.

“Dr. Perry was an inspirational nurse leader who touched the lives of thousands of nurses around the world,” said Kay E. Gaehle, PhD, RN, associate professor and assistant dean of Graduate Programs. “She was a pioneer in the development of videos that demonstrated nursing skills that revolutionized teaching nursing skills.”

Gaehle adds, “In addition to her scholarship, Dr. Perry was a wonderful mentor to students as well as faculty. She was a lovely person who genuinely cared about others and had a special approach to communicating that made one feel elevated after a brief interaction. She inspired those around her to set goals and work to achieve those goals. Her dry sense of humor, wit and love of family were evident in all that she did. The world has lost a wonderful colleague, mentor and friend.”

Dr. Perry was also responsible for creating one of the first online courses in nursing. Dr. Perry was recognized for her contributions to the nursing profession and to the School of Nursing with induction into the SIUE School of Nursing Hall of Fame in 2017.

The SIUE community extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Perry.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 10 with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, 6199 Waterman Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63112. 
 
PHOTO:  Anne Perry, EdD, courtesy of the family 

Linda Colombara-Buffo, 63, of Troy, Ill., died on Tuesday, March 19 in Maryville, Ill. She was born September 22, 1960 in East St. Louis, Ill., the daughter of Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara and Joseph Colombara of Troy, Ill. She was a loving companion to her husband, Robert “Bob” Buffo, for more than 20 years.

Linda was a long-time staff member of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She enjoyed taking walks with friends on lunch breaks. She held administrative roles in the Early Childhood Center, University Housing, the Morris University Center Administration Office, the Provost Office, Admissions and Equal Opportunity, Access and Title IX Coordination.

Linda retired from SIUE in 2022, and is remembered by her colleagues as a great person and friend.

Visitation will be from 3-5 p.m., Sunday, March 24 at Richeson Funeral Home in Troy, Ill. and Monday, March 25  from 9:30-10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Collinsville, Ill. Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Linda was preceded in death by her mother, Joan (nee Jokerst) Colombara, and her step mother, Eleanor (Mikalouski) Colombara.

She is survived by her husband Robert “Bob” Buffo of Troy, Ill, her son Brian Wallheimer of Rockford, Ill;  her grandchildren, Eleanor, Katherine and Charles Wallheimer; her father, Joseph Colombara of Troy, IL; and her brothers, Thomas (Cindy) Colombara of Troy, Ill and Gary (Mary) Colombara of Tampa, Fl.

Memorials are suggested to the Siteman Cancer Center Breast Cancer Research Department, 4921 Parkview Place, St. Louis, MO 63110.

Linda's arrangements are in the care of Richeson Funeral Home.

Rosemarie Archangel, PhD, foundational faculty member, associate provost, and dean of the Graduate School, died Tuesday, March 19. She was 93.

Rosemarie was one of SIUE's pioneering members of the faculty. She earned her PhD in kinesiology and came to SIUE in 1962, establishing the Department of Physical Education. Additionally, Rosemarie served as the first female President of the Faculty Senate, Associate Dean of the Graduate School, Associate Provost, and Dean of the Graduate School. While Dean of the Graduate School during the late 1980s until the mid-1990s, Rosemarie expanded graduate programs and strengthened the infrastructure supporting faculty research. After retiring, Rosemarie helped establish an endowment in the Graduate School to support excellence in graduate education.

"Rosemarie was a pioneer in gender equity with impact both nationally and locally" Stephen Hansen, PhD, faculty emeritus, said. "She helped author the first Title IX legislation for women's equity in sports as part of the Education Amendments of 1972."

Dr. Archangel was among the first women to provide leadership as a dean at SIUE.  Carol Keene, former Dean of the School of Humanities and professor of philosophy said that "Rosemarie was a force for excellence. In a time when money was tight and morale was low, Rosemarie provided leadership for the faculty."

Hansen said that it was more than her skill and determination that made Rosemarie Archangel a tour de force.

"It was her honesty and clear-eyed view of the world. She wheeled a brand-new Corvette around campus and like her car," Hansen said, "she had little patience for pettifogging obfuscation!"

Visitation will be held at the Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, Ill from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Monday, March 25. Services will follow at the Mother of Perpetual Care Catholic Church in Maryville at 1 p.m. 

Camillia Sanders Banks, of St. Louis, Mo., died Feb. 14 in St. Louis. She was 77. 

Banks began working as the assistant director in the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program on Nov. 22, 2005. She retired and later returned to work as the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Acting Director. She left the University on July 15, 2011. 

Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Murchison Tabernacle CME Church, 7629 Natural Bridge Rd., Normandy, Mo., 63121. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2 p.m. 

Arrangements are being handled by the Bi-State Cremation and Funeral Service in Florissant, Mo.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus community extends our sincerest condolences to the family of Randy Paul Rock who died Wednesday, Feb. 14, at University Care Center in Edwardsville. He was 76.

Rock’s journey at SIUE started as a student. He earned a Bachelor of Science (1969) and Master’s in English and History (1979). He taught English 101 and 102 and served as the Dean of Students from 1994 to 2003. Rock received his 30-year service award in April 2001 and retired from SIUE in 2003.

Randy Rock, the father of SIUE financial aid coordinator Jason Rock, continued to instruct students part-time until the fall 2023 semester.

According to friends and colleagues, Rock was a fixture at SIUE for nearly 50 years. Linda Jaworski-Moiles, office manager for the Department of English said, “Mr. Rock always enjoyed working with students. He had a genuine interest in what the students thought and had a passion for helping them put those thoughts into writing.”

Rock is survived by his wife, Janis Surette, son Jason Rock (Brianna Domescik), daughter Jamie Horstmann (Matt Horstmann), and two grandchildren: Brynn and Briar Horstmann.

Rock is preceded in death by parents Hilbert and Nora (nee Niehaus) Rock, and numerous beloved family pets.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville. Memorial service will follow at 4 p.m. 

Memorials can be made to Gardens at SIUE and the Metro East Humane Society. Arrangements are being handled by Barry Wilson Funeral Home . 

Photo: Randy Paul Rock, courtesy of Barry Wilson Funeral Home.  

Elven Davis, of Collinsville, died Jan. 18 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville. He was 89. 

Davis began work at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) on Oct. 1, 1968, with TRIO Upward Bound. He was a science teacher with the Upward Bound Science Awareness program. He later became Coordinator of the Upward Bound Math and Science program. He worked extensively with East St. Louis School District 189 and Cahokia, Brooklyn and Madison school districts in preparation for the SIUE regional and state science fairs. He retired and later returned to the ESLC, working as a consultant for the then five TRIO Upward Bound programs. He left the University on June 30, 2010. 

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m.-noon Thursday, Feb. 8 at Officer Funeral Home in East St. Louis. The funeral party will proceed to Jefferson Barracks for a graveside memorial to be held at 1:15 p.m. 

Arrangements are being handled by Officer Funeral Home.

Samuel Carlton Driedger died on Saturday, Jan. 27. He was 19 years old. A funeral mass will be held at St. John the Baptist Church in South St. Louis City on Saturday, Feb. 10 at 1:30 p.m. with a visitation immediately following.

Samuel was a second year student at SIUE studying psychology. He is survived by his parents, Erin and Jason Driedger, sister Lila, brother Will, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Samuel's obituary can be read here.

Joyree H. Chura, 62, of Edwardsville, Illinois, passed away at 9:09 PM on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at her residence in Edwardsville, Illinois. She was born February 19, 1961 in Staunton, IL, the daughter of the late Harry & Louise (Tagnani) Chura. She married Bradley Allen on October 6, 2000 in Edwardsville, IL & he survives.

Joyree worked at SIU-Edwardsville for 30 years, most recently as an H/R Manager, & later worked part-time at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL. She was a member of St. Boniface Catholic Church of Edwardsville & played in the Handbell Choir at St. Boniface Church. She is survived by her husband - Bradley Allen of Edwardsville, IL; one sister - Marthee (Tom) Rizzi of Staunton, IL; & four nephews also survive.

Friends may call from 3 to 5 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL. A Memorial Mass will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Edwardsville, IL with Father Jeffrey Goeckner officiating. Private burial will be held at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton, IL.

Memorials are suggested to either the Staunton Education Foundation, St. Boniface Catholic Church of Edwardsville, or to St. Mary's Catholic Church of Edwardsville, IL.

Williamson Funeral Home, Staunton, is in charge of arrangements. 

Nadine Lucille Verderber, PhD, of Glen Carbon, died on Thursday, Sept. 7. She was 83. 

Verderber was a professor emeritus of mathematics at SIUE. She loved to travel and was a die-hard Cardinals baseball fan. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Joseph Verderber and Lucille Katherine (Kirk) Verderber. She is survived by her brother, David Verderber of St. Louis.

To plant Memorial Trees in memory, please click here for the Barry Wilson Funeral Home Sympathy Store. A full obituary is available at barrywilsonfuneralhome.com/obituary/nadine-verderber. 

Xiyue “Elsie” Deng, PhD, of Edwardsville died Friday, Sept. 8.  

Deng joined SIUE in 2021 as an assistant professor in the School of Business’ Department of Management and Marketing, following completion of her PhD at the University of Toledo. Her research areas included supply chain management, supply chain risk management and disruptions, sustainability, strategic SCM and applied text analytics. 

“In the short time she was with us, Elsie was a vivacious and energetic force for good,” said Janice Joplin, interim dean of the School of Business. “She was student-centered, produced outstanding research, and was an exemplar of the teacher-scholar model. Elsie’s students very much appreciated her as a professor and the loss is felt deeply among our School and students.” 

In celebration of her life, a visitation gathering will be held at Irwin Chapel, 591 Glen Crossing Road in Glen Carbon on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. A full obituary is available at irwinchapel.com. Friends of Professor Deng have launched a GoFundMe page. 

Steve Brown, of San Francisco, passed away Thursday, Aug. 3. 

Brown was employed by SIUE in 2000 and retired in 2019 from the Department of Art and Design. He recently earned the status of emeritus professor.  

Brown oversaw the design of the new photography and digital media space, shifted to a predominantly digital lab, developed an international class trip to Ireland and had a strong foundation of art theory. Brown challenged his students to think critically about the intersections between art and their environment. He made a fundamental impact on the graduate assessment protocols in the MFA program and introduced ways to enhance graduate student interaction with faculty beyond their specialization. Brown’s work explored the intersection of culture and nature. A memorial exhibition of his work will be planned in the near future. 

An obituary has yet to be released. 

Lloyd Kropp, of Maryville, died Thursday, July 27. Kropp was 90.  

Kropp was employed by SIUE in 1956 eventually becoming professor emeritus of English Language and Literature. In addition to his time at SIUE, Kropp was a published author, winning several book awards.  

An obituary is available at legacy.com. 

Vaughn Vandegrift, PhD, died Tuesday, July 11. He was 76. 

Dr. Vandegrift served as SIUE’s seventh chancellor from 2004-2012. He was a visionary leader, a dedicated educator and a true Cougar at heart. 

During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous initiatives which elevated the visibility of the University. He led SIUE to national recognition as one of U.S. News & World Report’s up-and-coming universities, transitioned the University into the NCAA Division I, and facilitated numerous construction and infrastructure projects — paving the way for the University to reach its largest enrollment in the history of the school in 2011.  

His work was instrumental to the success of SIUE’s programs, and the development of professional and community leaders. His efforts in promoting SIUE to even higher levels of academic excellence are still being felt. 

Services and an obituary are yet to be released.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the Vaughn and Sue Vandegrift Chancellor’s Scholarship.  

Let the SIUE community celebrate the remarkable legacy Chancellor Vandegrift leaves behind. As he always said, “Be bold. Be achievers. And always be a Cougar.” 

Watch this video that highlights Dr. Vandegrift’s long-lasting impact on SIUE.  

Donald Gene Loucks, PhD, of Glen Carbon, died Tuesday, June 20. He was 85. 

Loucks started his career at SIUE in 1975 and spent the majority of his time as the chair of the Department of Music. He retired in 1996 and was later named emeritus professor of music. 

Visitation will be from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 1 at St. John’s United Memorial Church in Edwardsville. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m.

A complete obituary is available on Legacy.com. 

Sidney Grant Denny, PhD, of Edwardsville, died Tuesday, June 13. He was 82.  

Denny began work at SIUE on Sept. 16, 1968 as an instructor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He was eventually promoted to the rank of professor and served several terms as chair of the Department of Anthropology. Denny was president of the Faculty Senate in 1987. He also served as chair of several key University committees including one that transitioned the campus from a quarter to a semester system and one that consolidated schools into what is now the College of Arts and Sciences.  

He retired Dec. 31, 2000 and was later named emeritus professor of anthropology.  

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, July 15 at Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville. A memorial service will follow at 11 a.m.     

A complete obituary is available on Legacy.com.  

Arrangements are being handled by Weber & Rodney Funeral Home in Edwardsville.