BENTON – Walter Don Freeman, age 55, of Benton went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:15 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2021.
His wishes were to be cremated.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 16, 2021 at the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church, 15363 Ewing Road, Ewing, IL 62836 with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday at the church.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or share memories of Walter, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
GRAYVILLE – Robbie Jean (Cox) Rector, 57, of Grayville, IL and formerly of McLeansboro IL, passed away at 2:55 a.m., Monday, May 10, 2021 at her residence.
Robbie was born July 10, 1963 in Yorba Linda, CA to Lowell Cox and Lois Jean (Prince) Cox. She married Bobby Rector September 16, 1988 in Morganfield, KY. Robbie was a homemaker and she attended Harvest Time Apostolic Church in McLeansboro.
Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m., Friday, May 14, 2021 at Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, IL and the funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Reverend Robert Sefried officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, near McLeansboro, IL. We ask that social distancing guidelines and face coverings be observed by those attending.
She is survived by her mother, Lois Cox of Grayville, husband Bobby Wayne Rector of Broughton, IL; daughters Christina Karnes of Grayville, IL and Michelle Rose of Rosiclare, IL; son, Jaramy Rector of Broughton, IL; one brother, Alan Cox and wife Mary, McLeansboro, IL and a sister Elaine Kircher of Du Quoin, IL, Step-daughter Misty Rector.
10 Grandchildren: Honey Rose, Rylie Hall, Braden Rose, Camilla Rose, Weston Rector, Zoe Stoneham, Graceland Karnes, Joshua Dupwe, Justin Dupwe, Jonathon Dupwe, Audriana Rector, and Austin Canall
3 Great Grandchildren
Preceding her in death was her father, Lowell Cox and grandson Avery Orvin Rose.
Donations may be made to the family in memory of Robbie.
The Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.
BENTON – Ruth Janice Droit Keelin, 87, passed away at 5:28 a.m., Friday, May 07, 2021 at her home in Benton.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks consideration of memorial contributions. Donations may be made to the following charities: Rend Lake College Foundation: Ruth Keelin Memorial Fund or Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.
MULKEYTOWN – Doyle Gene Conner, 66, of Mulkeytown, passed away on May 5, 2021 at his home.
He was born on August 7, 1954 in Christopher to Bobby Gene and Caroline (Norris) Conner. He is survived by his mother Caroline Conner of Christopher; siblings Marion Conner of Florence, AL, Nancy Jamerson of Christopher, Pamela (Paul) Hampton of Gulf Port, MS, Dixie Conner of Mulkeytown, Valery (David) Keefe of Aurora, CO and Colleen (Larry) Freeman of Gainsville, GA.
Graveside services will be on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Ward Cemetery in Mulkeytown. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
CHRISTOPHER – Gary Wayne Willis Jr., 43, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
He was born on October 27, 1977 in Du Quoin, IL. He is survived by his mother Gail (Brian) Forrester of Springfield, IL; father Gary Wayne Willis Sr. of Christopher; three children Jaxson Willis of Christopher, Kaitlin Willis of Christopher and Emma Willis of Christopher; one sister Kristi (Randy) Meadows of Mulkeytown. He was an avid hunter and loved to collect and shoot guns. His wishes were to be cremated. There will be a private family memorial service.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
THOMPSONVILLE – Julie Dawn (Johnson) Davis, 62 of Thompsonville, IL passed away on Friday, April 30, 2021, surrounded by family at her home.
Julie was born to Vernon and Donna ( Smith ) Johnson on May 20, 1958 in Flora, IL. She married Gary Davis on May 8, 1999. Julie was a lover of all animals, especially her beloved horses. There wasn’t anything about a horse she didn’t know! She enjoyed breeding German Shepards, trail riding, camping, sewing and spending time with her family.
Survivors include:
Husband: Gary Earl Davis, Thompsonville, IL
Daughters: MeLisa (Jeff) Smith, Mt. Vernon, IL
Nikke Miles of Mt. Vernon, IL
Brothers: Doug Johnson of Tucson, AZ
Bret (Sue) Johnson of Orange City, FL
Dack (Melissa) Johnson of Salem, IL
Sister: DeLana (Tom) Stickney of Lincoln, NE
9 Grandchildren
1 Great Grandchild
Several Nieces and Nephews
Preceded in death by parents – Vernon and Donna Johnson and brother – Shane Johnson.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Specialized Equine Services, 722 Giant City Road, Makanda, IL 62958
A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date.
Arrangements have been handled by Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, IL.
THOMPSONVILLE – Robert Guy “Bob” Buntin, age 81, of Thompsonville passed away at 11:10 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the TriStar Centennial Medical Center of Nashville, TN.
Mr. Buntin’s wishes were to be cremated.
Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery at a future date. Masonic Rites will be observed at 8 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time. Masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and a sister.
The family prefers that memorial contributions, rather than flowers, be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Bob, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
MCLEANSBORO – Bonnie Jean Smith, 73, of McLeansboro, IL, passed away on May 3, 2021 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.
She was born December 29, 1947 in Eldorado, IL to John Ward Russell and Dorothy June (Biggerstaff) Russell. On August 8, 1965, Jean married William Robert “Bill” Smith. From this marriage came two beautiful daughters; Tonya Renee Martin and Trena Diane Hale.
Jean was a member of Mt. Olivet General Baptist Church and she loved baking her delicious pies and cobblers, reading cookbooks and spending time with her friends and family, especially her four great grandchildren, who she adored.
Jean is survived by one granddaughter, Amanda Marie Glass of McLeansboro, IL; sister Pat (Roy) Jones of Mulkeytown, IL; sister Peggy (Steve) McGill of Sanford, NC; sister Pam (Todd) Mathis of Indio, CA; great grandchildren Bryar Thomas French, Charley Diane French, Aiden Joshua Hall and Leah Jean Hall, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Bill, her daughters, two sisters, a brother and her granddaughter, Sarah Diane Hall.
There will not be a formal service at this time, however, a Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Jean’s wishes were that college funds be established in her memory for her great grandchildren. Contributions may be sent to her sister, Peggy McGill, who will serve as the custodian of funds.
The address is 807 West Williams Street, Sanford, NC, 27332
The Harre Funeral Home in McLeansboro is in charge of arrangements.
BENTON – Walter Don Freeman, age 55, of Benton went to be with his Lord and Savior at 11:15 p.m. Monday, May 3, 2021.
His wishes are to be cremated. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church at a future date.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the church or the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or share memories of Walter, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
BENTON – Jerry W. Peacock, 78, of Benton, passed away on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at his residence.
He was born on July 18, 1942, to Richard and Freda (Willis) Peacock in West Frankfort, IL.
Jerry is survived by his loving spouse Kay (Boldon) Peacock; and one grandson, Cory Peacock.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard Lee and Freda May Peacock, Sr; son, Steven Peacock; five brothers, Tom Peacock, Ronnie Peacock, Robert Peacock, James Peacock and Richard Peacock, Jr; and one sister, Beulah Ruth Peacock.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
A private family graveside service will be held at Tower Heights Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL., and will be accepted at the church and the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
ZEIGLER – Elsie Schram, 40, of Zeigler, passed away on April 30, 2021 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
She was born on April 18, 1981 in Cairo, IL to Joseph Elvis and Sally Ann (Salver) Little. She married C.J. Schram on May 4, 2007 and he survives of Zeigler.
She is also survived by her children Michael (Zoey) McGill of Johnston City, Liberty McGill of Zeigler and Brody Schram of Zeigler; brothers and sisters Becky Little of Jackson, MO, Elvis (Melissa) Little of Dallas, TX, Mona (Lindell) Johnson of Paducah, KY and Travis (Juliann) Little of Paducah, KY; a special niece Ashley (Freddie) Thomas of Scott City, MO and several other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at the Zeigler Eagles.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
WEST CITY – Deborah Susan (Lipe) Griffin Robinson, age 71, of West City, passed away Saturday, May 1, 2021 at her daughter’s home, surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery of Ewing. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday evening and from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.
BENTON – Carole Kay Rice, age 77, of Benton, passed away at 7:30 a.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.
Memorial Celebration of Life Graveside Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 7, 2021 at the Logan Cemetery, with Rev. Brian Mixon officiating. Friends and family are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Carole, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
BENTON – Priscilla “Pat” (Ponsetti) Rea Hill, age 85, of Benton passed away at 8:05 p.m. Friday, April 30, 2021 at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.
Public graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our funeral home at a time, masks are required. If you are sick, please stay at home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Pat, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS – Louie Kunas passed away on April 29, 2021.
He was born May 12, 1931 in Coello, Illinois, delivered by a midwife at the local mining company. The youngest of eight children born to Polish immigrants George and Valeria, Louie grew up working on the family farm and enjoying rural small-town life. After graduating high school in 1950, he worked for Caterpillar in Peoria. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving proudly as a ship’s mechanic on the SS Helena from 1951-1955. After the war Louie attended college at Montana State then moved to Chicago along with several of his siblings. In the 1970s he began a long career working as a model maker in research and development for Motorola and contributed to the creation of the earliest cellular telephone and flip phone.
Louie was a deeply devoted father to his children Lyle, Diana, Amie, and Myra, and a surrogate father to his granddaughter Isis. He was proud to have completed an associate’s degree from Elgin Community College. After retirement, he continued making machine parts from his home business in Hampshire. An avid reader, road-tripper, trap shooter and hunter, he loved traveling the country in the family RV and relished taking his kids on hunting and fishing trips to Wyoming, North Dakota, and Canada.
Louie is preceded in death by his parents (George and Valeria), siblings Stanley (Virginia), Carl (Helen), Julie (Bill Rose), Wanda (Ted Glowinski), Eleanor (Hillard Telinski), Henry, and Stephanie, infant son George Michael, and daughter Diana. He is survived by his son Lyle, daughters Amie Leucht and Myra Kunas, and his grandchildren Isis, Riley, Louie, Rudy, Selby, Evie, and Sammy.
Funeral services for Louie will be on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 p.m. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.
BENTON – Joe Robert Ronchetto, age 74, of Benton passed from this life to his Heavenly Home, to be with his Lord and Savior at 2:09 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021.
Funeral services will be held at noon Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Kevin Bradley officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of the family and others. We are limited to 50 people in the funeral home at a time. Masks are required and please practice social distancing. If you are sick, please stay at home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Valier First Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family or share memories of Joe, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
BENTON – Sherry Lynn Johnson, 66, of Benton passed away Friday afternoon, April 30, 2021 at the Helia HealthCare in Benton.
She was born in Christopher, IL on Nov. 24, 1954, the daughter of Harold Dean & Flora Mae (Good) Furlow.
Sherry married Steve Johnson on Oct. 8, 1971 in Elizabethtown, IL, and he survives.
Sherry lived for her family, especially her granddaughter. Sherry started her career as a CNA, she then went to LPN school, then became a Registered Nurse, and over the years served as Head Supervisor over ICU at UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort and was House Supervisor at UMWA when she left to go to Frankfort Health Care where she started as Director of Nurses, then became Administrator and retired from that position.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by her:
Husband: Steve Johnson of Benton
Son: Stevie Johnson of Benton
Daughter: Stacie Little & husband Greg of Buckner
Granddaughter: KayLee Little of Buckner
Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents and by two sisters – Sue Travelstead & husband Raymond Travelstead and Bernadine Braddy.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Bill Perry officiating. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and masks are recommended.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
BENTON – Mrs. Carol Jane King, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 3:37 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, 2021 at her residence at Heritage Woods of Benton.
Mrs. King’s wishes are to be cremated.
No public services are planned at this time.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Carol, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
