Roilynn McClanahan

She was born on September 10, 1970, in Litchfield, Illinois, the daughter of Robert and Rhoda (Striplin) Goodwater.

Roilynn graduated from Gillespie High School and was a member of Radiant Church in Springfield. She had a heart for serving others and volunteered at the Washington Street Mission on Fourth Street in Springfield. Roilynn worked in food service for more than 30 years, first at Shop ’n Save, which later became County Market, and most recently at a correctional facility in Illinois.

In March 2023, Roilynn was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. True to her nature, she met the diagnosis with extraordinary courage and determination. For three and a half years, she fought tirelessly, undergoing multiple brain surgeries, radiation treatments, and rounds of chemotherapy. Through the uncertainty and challenges of her illness, Roilynn remained steadfast in her faith and continued to face each day with remarkable strength. She fought courageously until the very end, and her family finds comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and free from pain.

Roilynn was vibrant, full of life, and never met a stranger. She cherished spending time with her family and her beloved dogs. She loved going to the beach, reading, and sharing her faith with those around her. One of her favorite pastimes was quizzing her mother and other family members on Bible verses, a sweet reflection of the love she had for both her family and her faith.

Roilynn’s warm spirit, generous heart, strength, and joyful personality touched the lives of everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She was preceded in death by her father, Robert; stepfather, Alfred Vaniter; and beloved dog, Lollie.

Roilynn is survived by her mother, Rhoda Vaniter; partner, Richard Ferguson; daughters, Rachel (Tyler) McClanahan-Cronister of Webster Groves, Missouri, and Sarah McClanahan of Gillespie, Illinois; stepdaughter, Danyel (Phil) Robins of Chillicothe, Illinois; three sisters, LeAnn (Greg) Wilson of Litchfield, Illinois, Dawn (JJ) McDaniels of Gillespie, Illinois and Michelle (Chad) Whaley of Carlinville, Illinois; three grandchildren, Freya, Nora, and Everette Robins; beloved dogs, Pearl and Rocky; and three grand-dogs, Violet, Sunflower, and Harleigh. She is also survived by many other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield, Illinois. A memorial ceremony will begin at 11:30 a.m., with Pastor Tony Curtis officiating. A Celebration of Life will follow at Erin’s Pavilion in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to advance brain cancer research at Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1082-414-2555, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105, https://siteman.donordrive.com/campaign/Roilynn-McClanahan

For gifts made by check, please indicate that the gift is in memory of Roilynn McClanahan by including the following in the memo line: IMO Roilynn McClanahan (GF0005243) Siteman Cancer Center – Brain Cancer.

Please visit www.butlerspringfield.com to offer condolences.