Chyrlan M. Staffey

IN MEMORY OF: Chyrlan M. Staffey Serving Location: CRAIN FUNERAL HOME – MURPHYSBORO 1421 Walnut Street, Murphysboro, Illinois Chyrlan Marie Staffey, age 83, of Murphysboro, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa surrounded by her immediate family. She was born on December 19, 1942, to Alvie Eugene and Yula Mae (Doetch) Ripley in Murphysboro, Illinois. She was the youngest of five children raised on the Ripley family farm in rural Murphysboro. Although money was not plentiful, her family life was filled with an abundance of love and special memories with her immediate and extended family. Chyrlan worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS office – an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture) in Jackson County for 35 years. Following her retirement from the ASCS office, she devoted her life to sharing every day with her beloved grandsons, adult children, family, and lifelong friends. Chyrlan was the heart of our family. She loved her family and friends dearly and was an amazingly kind and giving person who always put others first. Regardless of the circumstance, she had an infectious smile and always saw the best in everyone and every situation. She was a loving mother, grandmother “grammy,” daughter, and sister who is loved tremendously and will be deeply missed forever. Chyrlan enjoyed gardening, beautiful flowers, sitting in the bright sunshine, listening to music, and visiting with family and friends. She enjoyed all Southern Illinois had to offer including the annual Apple Festival, St Andrew’s fish fries, and frequenting local orchards for fresh strawberries and peaches. She loved all animals especially her dogs and grand dogs. She is survived by her children, Dr. Kimberly S. Staffey, MD (Dr. Kimberly Delcour, DO) of Iowa City, IA and Samuel R. (Leslie) Staffey of Pinckneyville, IL; grandchildren, Samuel K. Staffey of Murphysboro, IL and Branden L. Staffey of Carterville, IL; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her siblings, Betty (Bill) Hicks of Vergennes, IL, Delmar (Linda) Ripley of Oreana, IL, Phyllis (Lloyd “Bud”) Tripp of Murphysboro, IL, and Frances (Donald) Opp of Tamaroa, IL. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 11:30 AM with Rev. Charlie Allen officiating at Crain Funeral Home Downtown Murphysboro. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 16th from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and again on the day of the service from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM both at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Murphysboro, Illinois. Donations in tribute to her lifelong love of animals can be made to the Wright Way Animal Rescue Shelter or St. Francis Care Animal Shelter both in Murphysboro, Illinois Crain Funeral Home in Murphysboro is in charge of arrangements.

Chyrlan M. Staffey

December 19, 1942 - January 11, 2026