Gray Funeral Home

Gray Funeral Home Serving the community with the traditions of the past and the innovations and vitality of the future. Family owned and operated since 1978.

Offering traditional, non-traditional, cremations, memorial services, and pre-arrangements.

06/01/2026

Today is Gray Funeral Home's birthday. God has given us 48 years of serving our community. The years have gone by so quickly and life has changed. Still serving. Thank you who have given us the privilege of caring for your loved one's.

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Kara Nicole BrownKara Nicole “KB” Brown, 25, of Alton, passed away on May 24, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved m...
05/27/2026

Kara Nicole Brown

Kara Nicole “KB” Brown, 25, of Alton, passed away on May 24, 2026, surrounded by the people she loved most. She was born on September 17, 2000, to Jessecca Gray and Christopher Brown of Alton.

From the very beginning, Kara lived life full speed ahead. She learned to walk at just nine months old and never slowed down. Known for her huge heart and adventurous spirit, Kara was always bringing home stray cats, dogs, ducks, squirrels, and any other animal that needed love and care. Her passion in life was helping others — family, friends, strangers, and wildlife alike. She would gladly give her last dollar to help someone in need, especially the homeless, whom she lovingly referred to as “the Papas.”

Kara was deeply curious about life and all of its adventures. She loved hiking, camping, swimming, and spending time outdoors with her beloved dog, Sweet D. She treasured her friendships and family above all else, but her greatest love was her son, Kylo Brown, her “little stink pot.” Though her time with him was far too short, Kara’s strength, kindness, and love will continue to live on through him forever.

Kara was truly the life of the party. She had a way of touching everyone she met and could light up any room with laughter. She was bold, loving, proud, and unapologetically herself — and as those who loved her know well, you couldn’t tell her nothing.

She is survived by her mother, Jessecca Gray of Branson; her father, Christopher Brown of Cottage Hills; her son, Kylo Brown of Alton; her grandparents, Dawn and Geoff Gray of Alton; her grandmother Karen Brown; her grandfather Elberon Brown of Goose Creek Mo; her great-grandmother Rose Stewart of Innfield, great-grandmother Donna Smith of Alton, great-grandmother Linda Haskell of Wood River; her aunts Amber and Travis Moore of Godfrey, Amy Gray of Cottage Hills, and Durinda Brown- Dunlap of Cottage Hills; and her uncle Kevin Brown of Rosewood Heights, along with many extended family members and friends who loved her dearly.

She was preceded in death by her beloved Papa Randy Gray; her uncle’s Josh Gray and Eric Gray; her cousin Kory Jean; and many other loved ones who will surely welcome her with open arms in Heaven.

Kara’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Kara’s life will begin at 12:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, May 30, 2026 at Gray Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Matthew Gonzalez will officiate.

View Kara Nicole Brown's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

If you are looking for something to do this week that should cheer you up, come and join us.  We love sharing by singing...
05/11/2026

If you are looking for something to do this week that should cheer you up, come and join us. We love sharing by singing unto the Lord.

Matthew Francis YorkMatthew Francis York, 64, of Edwardsville, quietly passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 a...
04/05/2026

Matthew Francis York

Matthew Francis York, 64, of Edwardsville, quietly passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at Evercare at University in Edwardsville.

Matt was born June 6, 1961 in Alton. He was a son of the late Vernon Weston and Elizabeth Faye (Smith) York.

He and the former Cynthia Tickner were married on March 27, 1986 in Edwardsville and she survives.

Matt had worked in the Maintenance Department of Walmart in Collinsville for several years before retiring.

Matt was an Army Veteran and had been a member of the Wood River Eagles.

Besides his wife Cindy, he is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Keefer and her husband John of Pierron; two sons, Matthew V. York and wife Abby of Godfrey, Johnathan M. York of Florissant, MO; four grandchildren, Civic Keefer, Zander Keefer, Cameron Keefer all of Pierron, Garret York of Godfrey; four sisters, Victoria York of Glen Carbon, Amy York of Sulphur, LA, Lisa Craig of Collinsville, Maria Wilson of Edwardsville; one brother and sister-in-law Eric W. and Shelly York of Alton. Many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Matt was preceded in death by two sisters, Melinda Duncan, Celeste York; two brothers, Vernon J. York, David R. York.

Services will be private.

Matt will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.

View Matthew Francis York's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Matthew Francis YorkMatthew Francis York, 64, of Edwardsville, quietly passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 a...
04/05/2026

Matthew Francis York

Matthew Francis York, 64, of Edwardsville, quietly passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2026 at Evercare at University in Edwardsville.

Matt was born June 6, 1961 in Alton. He was a son of the late Vernon Weston and Elizabeth Faye (Smith) York.

He and the former Cynthia Tickner were married on March 27, 1986 in Edwardsville and she survives.

Matt had worked in the Maintenance Department of Walmart in Collinsville for several years before retiring.

Matt was an Army Veteran and had been a member of the Wood River Eagles.

Besides his wife Cindy, he is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Keefer and her husband John of Pierron; two sons, Matthew V. York and wife Abby of Godfrey, Johnathan M. York of Florissant, MO; four grandchildren, Civic Keefer, Zander Keefer, Cameron Keefer all of Pierron, Garret York of Godfrey; four sisters, Victoria York of Glen Carbon, Amy York of Sulphur, LA, Lisa Craig of Collinsville, Maria Wilson of Edwardsville; one brother and sister-in-law Eric W. and Shelly York of Alton. Many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, Matt was preceded in death by two sisters, Melinda Duncan, Celeste York; two brothers, Vernon J. York, David R. York.

Services will be private.

Matt will be so very missed by all who knew and loved him.

View Matthew Francis York's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

Rebecca Ann GoldmanRebecca Ann Goldman, 73, of East Alton passed away at 12:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at Alton memo...
03/16/2026

Rebecca Ann Goldman

Rebecca Ann Goldman, 73, of East Alton passed away at 12:00 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2026 at Alton memorial Hospital, with her family by her side.

Born May 5, 1952 in Wood River, she was the daughter of the late Howard Earl and Jeannetta Louise (Edwards) Skelton.

Rebecca worked at the KMart Department Store in Wood River for several years before working as a Dispatcher for Republic Services. She then worked 20 years and retired in 2018. After retiring, Rebecca went back to work at Diebergs in Edwarsville for three plus years.

Survivors include one daughter, Erin Smart and Brian of East Alton; one son, Rich Goldman and Rhonda of Collinsville; three grandchildren, Matt Goldman and Caitlyn of Edwardsville, Meaghan Goldman of Collinsville and Fiance’ Warner Johnsey, Reagan Smart of East Alton; 4 great-grandchildren, Lydia Goldman, Kennedy Goldman, Brooks Goldman, Judah Goldman; brothers, Al Baiter of South Roxana, Mark Baiter of East Alton, Jeff Baiter of Little Elm, TX.

Private services will be at a later date.

Gray Funeral Home in Wood River is in charge of arrangements.

Rebecca loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

View Rebecca Ann Goldman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/11/2026

View Catherine Sue Riggins's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

View June Lyvonne Satterfield's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/19/2026

View Lois Eileen Bartels's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

02/02/2026

View Brian Keith Trimm's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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205 E Lorena Avenue
Wood River, IL
62095

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