Ronald Dean Niblett – Christopher, IL

Ronald Dean Niblett, 80, of Christopher, IL, passed away peacefully at home at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2020, surrounded by his loving family.

Ronald was born December 25, 1939 in Christopher to Avery and Alta (Williams) Niblett.

He married Judith Marie McGhee on August 3, 1961. She survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his children, Lisa Murphy, Timothy Niblett, Mark Niblett, and Crystal (Scott) Dagner, grandchildren, Alexis Murphy, Ashley (Adam) Swon, Lindsey (John Wilson) Niblett, Brandi (Taylor) Adams, Mathew (Kayla) Niblett, Sabrina (Omar) Mendez, Destiny Niblett, Cole Dagner, and Levi Dagner, great-grandchildren, Alexis Swon, Avery Niblett, Tristin Adams, Abby Adams, Piper Adams, Kaiden Niblett, Myla Niblett, Jaden Mendez, and Daniel Mendez.

Ronald is also survived by sisters, Betty (Ken) Jones, Billie VanZandt, sister-in-law Marietta Niblett, several nieces and nephews, lifelong friends, a special niece, Suzanne Crain, friend, Gary Dean VanZandt, and special girls, Bailey and Reagan Gilbert.

Ronald was preceeded in death by his parents Avery Niblett and Alta Niblett Cherry, step-father, Ira Cherry, sisters, Mildred Hagen and Margaret Pasquino, brothers, Howard and Donald Niblett, and two special brothers-in-law, Doy VanZandt and Bob McGhee.

Ronald graduated from Christopher High School in 1957 and was a lifelong resident of Christopher. He retired from Old Ben Coal Mine in West Frankfort. Ronald was active in the class of 1957 reunion committee. He was a member of the Christopher American Legion where he liked to play pinochle with his buddies. He worked for the City of Christopher for many years both as an alderman and the building and zoning inspector. Ronald was an avid Cardinals fan. He enjoyed fishing and spending time with his grandkids. Ronald was a member of the New Life Church of God in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home on Thursday, July 23 with the Pastor Rod Joplin officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am-1:00 pm. The funeral will begin at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For More information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com