Staunton Star - Times - Published in the Interest of the Staunton Community for Over 143 Years

JoElla Mary Alderson, 86, of Gillespie, Ill., died at her residence on Saturday, March 11, 2023. She was born June 14, 1936, in Litchfield, to Thomas Sr. and Charlotte (Thomas) Madden. She married James R. Alderson on Dec. 29, 1956, in Gillespie. JoElla and Jim had their first date at the Sweetheart Dance when they were 16.

JoElla attended SS Simon and Jude School, graduated in 1954 from Gillespie High School and attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. JoElla worked, and at one point, co-owned Lesum's Store in Gillespie. She worked many years at People's State Bank and Tetzla...