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Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Brenda Todd.  

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Stephen Darr.

Marion Foster (Dimond)

Obit--Randy Lee Turk
July 6, 1946 - February 23, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky - Randy Lee Turk, born on July 6, 1946, a dual citizen of the United States and France, passed away peacefully on February 23rd, 2021.

Randy entered the US army at age 18, and served in the Army Corp of Engineers. He attended OCS at Ft. Belvoir, VA and arrived in South Korea at the age of 20 as a 2nd Lieutenant. By age 21, he was the youngest Company Commander in his 2nd Infantry Division. He proudly led his men in building bridges and irrigation pathways and was in charge of all engineering in his camp. He left the service with honors as a 1st Lieutenant.

Randy returned to the US and attended college to receive his MA in City and Regional Planning from SIU Edwardsville. After college, Randy went to work as a Land Specialist for Peabody Coal Company in St. Louis, MO, Gillette, WY and Denver, Colorado. He then relocated to Lexington, KY where he worked as the Director of Properties for Island Creek, Occidental Petroleum and Glenn Springs Holdings. He worked independently as a bioremediation consultant for mined and industrial properties.

Randy was successful in life by his own efforts. He was an avid lover of music, visual arts, architecture, culinary arts, photography, and animals. As an adult, he spent much of his time walking the streets of Paris, France with family in appreciation of the city's beauty.

Randy is survived by Janet Turk, his loving wife of 11 years, three daughters, Brittanie Jane Bryant, Meredith Lynn Turk, and Sylvie Louise Bruner, son-in-law Raleigh Bruner, his grandchildren Powers Gautier, Killian Sullivan, Juliette Bruner, Roman Bruner, Cosette Bruner, his brothers Michael Turk and Valere Perelman, sister Sophie Neyraut, nephews, John Elliott, Alexandre Neyraut, and Evan and Truewill Turk.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo Turk, Nicole Perelman, and stepmother, Patricia Turk, a brother, Steven Turk, and sister, Colette Elliott.

Mr. Turk's family wishes to extend a warm welcome to all who were blessed to know him, including friends of his daughters, to a celebration of his life at Milward's Man O' War, March 19th from 11:30am to 1:30 pm. An open memorial service with full military honors will follow at 2:30pm at Camp Nelson Cemetery.
www.milwardfuneral.com
 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Sharon Wilson Wood.

Ronald Frost

In today's Advantage circular is the obit of John L.Ditterline class of 1963 ,He was the husband of Pam Croxton Ditterline our 65 class mate.

Ronald Frost

In the obits is a Gary Vucich 78 died 3-8-2021 He was the brother to our late classmate Barbara Bock Spooner who died 7-8-2002 .

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Earl Hamilton. 

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Bill Wooten.  

Marion Foster (Dimond)

In Memory entry for Barbara Bock (Spooner) 1947-2002, from John Kennedy:

John Kennedy

this is a perfect lead in for me, not the way i would have choosen. but, i had a call from barb's daughter a couple of months ago. i've known Allison, since she was pretty small. as, many of you may know, Barb developed Lou Gehrig (sp) disease, somewhere between 25 and 30. Allison was around 5, when barb first got sick. their roles changed slowly at first and then progressed fairly fast. at a pretty young age, they started to reverse and Allison and Barb's mother were Barb's care givers. Allison and Barb developed this eye contact thing, when they knew that Barb would no longer be able to speak. Allison became the parent and Barb became the child, from a care taking stand point. Allison pretty much did not have a childhood, as most of us did. i started trying to visit with Barb, about once every month or two, the last couple years, of her life. most of the time Cindy Linsay (Black) would be there, as i believe other had visited as well. Cindy was so good about visiting with Barb and Barb loved that. Allison was in her twenties and would speak for Barb. it was amazing, by looking into each others eyes, Allison could speak for Barb and carry on conversation with you, just like you or i would carry on a conversation.

here's the poinnt off the response. Allison said, that she never really got to know her mother. she wander if i might be able to share some things/stories about her mother, with her. even though i've known Barb, for the biggest part of my life, i didn't have a lot to share. that bothered me and i got to thinking, maybe if i put it out there, class mates would have stories/thoughts and etc. that they would be willing to share. Allison broke down during that phone call and i wished i would of had more to share with her. so, this seemed like the time to give it a try. 

through this site or my email (jmk1947@att.net) i would love to get feedback, that i can put into a small book form. it will go in just as you state it. this is not my strong suit, if there is one. humor always helps! so, if you feel so moved, Thank You and God Bless You!

Ronald Frost

In today's obits is a Amanda Tolbert Randol 73 ,She was a 1965 AHS grad.

ALTON — Amanda Merles (Tolbert) Randol, age 73, passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2021.

She was born on Oct. 21, 1947 in Alton, Illinois.

She was the second daughter born to her parents, Frank and Shirey Inez (Bradley) Tolbert.

Amanda was a quiet and inquisitive child, who loved to read aloud.

She was educated in the Alton public schools and graduated from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work.

She was born and raised in the Church of the Living God, the Pillar and Ground of the Truth, at 1600 Maupin Avenue in Alton under the leadership of Elder Preston Frazier.

She accepted Christ at a young age and continued as a member until her death.

Her parents, maternal grandparents, Elijah and Mary Ida (Pate) Bradley, and paternal grandparents, J.B. and Eddie Victoria (Wilder) Tolbert, instilled in her a strong faith in God, Christian values, and life skills.

Amanda married Loren E. Randol, and to this union, two sons were born, Darold Scott Randol and Eric Bradley Randol.

In addition to raising her sons, she had a strong influence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, who were often mistaken for her children.

She was employed as a Social Worker for several years with charitable organizations throughout the St. Louis metro area.

She then worked for the State of Illinois as a licensed Child Welfare Specialist.

She ended her career working in the Alton School District as an educator.

Those who remember Amanda will speak of her candid opinions, sharp sense of humor, and love for reading and shopping.

She took pride in teaching etiquette and promoting literacy to any young person she met.

The lessons that she imparted will undoubtedly impact those she touched for generations to come.

She leaves to cherish her two sons, Darold of Alton and Eric of Los Angeles, California; sisters, Shirley M. Ebony (Richard Harang) of Atlanta, Georgia, and Doris A. Tolbert of Alton; brothers, Irving B. Tolbert and Elder Donald (Johndolyn) Tolbert both of Alton; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth A. Skinner; and her dear friend, Georgia Ann Shaw.

Walk-Through-Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at Harrison Funeral Chapel in Alton.

COVID restrictions and social distancing enforced.

Guest signatures available at HarrisonFuneralChapel.com.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Jon Brown, David Johnson and Ken Kennedy.

Rick Vail

John, I always new you were a good guy and your comments about Barb are very heartfelt and touching. I didn't know Barb very well, only in passing, but I hope those who did will reach out to you with their stories and to Barbs family my heartfelt sympathies.

Kenneth Hise

John,

Thank you for sharing the information about Barb.

I knew Barb a little in grade school,( unless my memory is making up stories for me), McKinley-Delmar in North Alton. We also for a time both attended North Alton Southern Baptist Church. I don't think she went to North Jr. High. and I sort of lost touch with her in high school and afterwards.  She was always very kind and nice to everyone as I recall. She was a beautiful girl with a radiant smile. That was very kind thing you did and are doing. It is so difficult to lose a loved one, especially someone so young.               Ken Hise

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Kathy Novitskie.  

Kathryn M. Novitskie (Pool)

JOHN, THIS IS VERY NICE OF YOU TO DO....I'm sure Allison will appreciate it tremendously. I didn't know Barb too well in school...after all there were over 600 kids in our class. But what I do recall was an amazingly gentle, somewhat quiet soul who truly did what everyone has said....she reached out and was friendly to everyone, no matter who they were. Barb was indeed popular as evidenced by her many friends, because she was sweet, patient and kind. Some people, like your mother Allison, are self assured and mature at an earlier stage than many of us probably do. She was one of God's angels on earth....put here for such a purpose and when fulfilled, they are called home, all too early...As a nurse, I've been fortunate to have met a few of these angels throughout life.... ALS is the most horrific disease I think I ever learned about, and I've known several people who've had it. It is tremendously difficult for the individual, and maybe even harder and more exhausting on their families and caregivers, particularly when it is a long, drawn out illness.. While I lost contact with most of the people I knew from school (my bad), I've never forgotten what a truly lovely person Barb was...I am deeply sorry Allison, for all your losses, especially the loss of your beloved mother.

Richard P. Stilwell

There are three comments or stories related to Barb Bock that have slumbered in my mind all these years and now, I feel, is the time to talk about them. Barb and I were part of a regular group who rode the bus home frm West Jr. and got off at the Elm and Alby intersection. From there we would go to a small store with a soda fountain, known by various names,  such as Gifts and Gadgets. I have fond memories of those daily gatherings and I got to know the sweet person that was Barb better there than  I did at school. Later on, at high school, Barb was definitely part of the "in" crowd and  I was not, but the way she acted toward me was the same as it had been  in those  memorable jr high days. The last time I saw her was at a store in Alton Square. Barb was already in a wheel chair and could not speak as clearly as before  but, of course we spoke and renewed our acquaintance, even though her purpose for being there, I believe, was for her and Allison to pick out a prom dress. I didn't know that would be our last time to meet, so I treasure the opportuniy that we had that day.  If ever anyone left behind a positive legacy of kindness, class and elegance, then Barbara Bock Spooner did, and I'm glad I was able to call her my friend

Kenneth Hise

Happy birthday Kathy. Ihope you are staying safe and healthy.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Randy Pace.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Belated Birthday to Linda Lowe.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Pat Hughey and James Earnest McCormick.

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Norman Crews and Janice Fleming.

Richard Alford

Monday 3/29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.  I thank all Vietnam Veterans for their service especially our local Veterans. And a special God Bless those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, especially Robert Davis, Dennis Dooley, Gary Gillean, Bob Madson, Ron Wilson, Lenny Witcher and Steven Woods. God Bless you guys. 

Ronald Frost

In todat's obits is a Merry Skelton Trtanj she died 3-25-21 a 61 AHS grad  ,She was the sister to our 65 grad Jane Skelton Cogan .Brother David a 1964 grad .died 11-19-2020 his daughter was Toni Van Dee the lady who got runover on her date by her friend of the evening and died .

Maridell Fox (Unger Brown)

Linda Hicks (Montayne)

Happy Birthday to Moine McGibany.