Rodney Martin Powell – Thompsonville, IL

November 7, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Rodney Martin Powell, 74 of Thompsonville, IL, left this earth on Thursday, October 31st surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was born December 30, 1949, to Eugene and Dorothy Powell, who preceded him in death.

Rodney was married to his loving wife, Linda Powell in July of 1978, and she preceded him in death in January 2024. They were married 45 years.

Rodney spent the first part of his career in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. He then began working in the coal mining industry where he spent the rest of his career of nearly 40 years. In his spare time he loved to be spending time with his family, playing golf and fishing with his grandson.

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy Powell of Benton IL, one brother, Michael Powell of Du Quoin, IL, and his wife Linda Powell of Thompsonville, IL.
Rodney is survived by one son, Adam Powell of Marion, IL, one daughter, Jessica Powell of Thompsonville, IL, one grandson, Noah Minton of Christopher, IL, one sister Patti (Ronnie) Burlison of Benton, IL, one aunt, Jean Battershell of Richland, WA, two sisters-in-law, Debby Powell of Du Quoin, IL, and Toni (Jim) Head of Benton, IL, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call upon the funeral home on Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 AM until the service at 12:00 PM with Bro. John Odle officiating, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL, where military rites will be performed.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Beverly Jean Irvin – Orient, Illinois

November 5, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Beverly Jean Irvin, 74, of Orient, Illinois passed away Monday November 4, 2024 in Memorial Hospital of Carbondale at 9:40a.m.

Beverly was born September 13, 1950 in Christopher, Illinois to Lester and Eleanor (Hartsock) Broadway. She was a member of Calvary Bible Church – West Frankfort and the American Legion of Orient. Beverly was very active in bingo and she loved to play board games with her family. She loved to eat out with her friends on Friday and Saturday night.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: Carl Goodman, Bill Goodman, Ronnie Adams, James Broadway, Kenny Broadway, and Stacy Broadway; sisters: Jan Hartsock, Linda Groves, Cheryl Jones, and Paula Broadway; brother-in-law, Mike Lee; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann McVey.

Beverly is survived by her husband, Wayne Irvin; son, David Irvin; daughter, Monica Dorris; sister, Cathy (Joe) Lamont; brother, Dale Broadway; good friend, Carmalee Carr (“Little Girl”); grandchildren: Chelsea Knight, Sam Knight (Brandy Sikora), Derek Knight, and Jared Dorris; great grandchild, Gavin Knight; several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00a.m. Saturday November 9, 2024 in Union Funeral Home – West Frankfort, Illinois with Pastor Doyle Mills officiating. Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00p.m. Friday November 8, 2024 at the funeral home and 9:00-11:00a.m. Saturday November 9, 2024 prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to the American Legion in Orient. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

John W. Bennett – Benton, IL

November 4, 2024 By Leave a Comment

John W. Bennett, 60, of Benton, passed away at 4:42 a.m., on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on April 17, 1964, to Johnnie and Melva (Jones) Bennett at Lompoc, CA. John worked as an Overnight Maintenance Technician for Walmart Corporation in Benton, IL. On September 7, 1991, he married Pamela Calonne, and she survives.

John was a loving husband, father and brother. He loved fishing, going to dinner and taking spontaneous trips to experience new adventures.

John is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Pamela, his son, Justin Wayne Bennett; his brother, Donald Andrew Lee; his sister, Christina L. Jackson; nine nieces and nephews, Devin Osborne, II, Benjamin Souders, Alex Calonne, Joshua Calonne, Alisandra Calonne, Josephine Calonne, Reese Eldridge, Ryian Calonne and Ashton Calonne; four great-nieces and nephews, Gracie Osborne, Venice Osborne, Christian Spillman, Braxton Osborne and Grayson Paul; his father and mother-in-law, Jerome and Virginia Calonne; brother and sister-in-laws, Brian and Christie Calonne; Carrie Eldridge and Kevin Calonne and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnnie Wane and Melva Jean Bennett and his niece, Brandy Osborne.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Per John’s wishes, cremation will take place.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to Pamela Bennett to assist with funeral expenses, and will be accepted at the Funeral Home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ruth Harlene (Eldridge) Huffman – Christopher, Illinois

November 4, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Ruth Harlene (Eldridge) Huffman, 93, of Christopher, Illinois, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Harlene was born on May 13, 1931 in Christopher, the daughter of Harlan “Rusty” Eldridge and Georgia Elizabeth (Ensinger) Eldridge in the home her grandfather, George Ensinger, built. She married Vincent Huffman August 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on August 30, 1999.

Harlene was a stay-at-home mother until 1972 when she graduated summa cum laude from nursing school at Kaskaskia College. She was an active member of the first Christian Church in Christopher, as well participating in various social organizations, such as Eastern Star, Women’s Club, Red Hats, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She loved to read and paint. Harlene’s passion was for her family. She loved traveling and vacationing with them, and enjoyed spending time with and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was never too busy for her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Ellen Gorsek of Springfield, Melody Gulley of Buckner, and Apryl Malkovich (Mark) of Benton; grandchildren, Ambre’ Gorsek (Martin) of Greenville, NC, Jonell Hembrough (Chris) of Springfield, Michael Gorsek (Jessica) Springfield, Donnelley Wink (Jonathon) of Mulkeytown, Gretchen Martin (John) of Mulkeytown, Chase Malkovich (Karen) of Benton, Lana Hammond (Bryson) of Paducah, Jack and Ellie Gorsek of Springfield, IL; Great-grandchildren, Leah and Ethan Bier of Greenville, NC, Emily and Luke Birtch of Springfield, Hannah Hembrough of Springfield, Brittany Ranos (Mike) of Springfield, Brydon and Lennon Huie and Holland Wink of Mulkeytown, Veda and Janson Martin of Mulkeytown, Talon Hughes, Dailyn and Dane Malkovich of Benton, Mack, Ridge and Georgia Hammond of Paducah; and great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Ranos of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, officiated by Minister David McConnell. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral services at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Christopher and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

John Patrick Giles-Thompsonville, IL

November 4, 2024 By Leave a Comment

John Patrick Giles, 80, of Thompsonville, passed away on Friday November 1, 2024 at his home.

He was born on September 21, 1944 in Herrin, IL to Chester Thomas and Marie (Cagle) Giles. He married Judith (Harding) Giles on December 3, 1966 and she survives of Thompsonville, IL.

He is also survived by his son Jonathan Patrick Giles of Thompsonville, IL; grandchildren Logan Patrick Giles, Riley Sue Giles, Allyson Faith Giles and Jaxson Wyatt Giles; one great grandson Waylen Patrick Giles and one sister Sue Baggett of Fort Worth Texas.

John was a retired Game warden with Fish and Wildlife services and had served in the United States Army.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday November 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:30 PM. Burial will be at the East Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Joe H. Boldrey – Benton, Illinois

November 4, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Joe Howard Boldrey, born June 1st, 1942, passed away at 7:22 a.m. Thursday, October 31st, 2024, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville, Indiana.

He was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Joseph Elza and Vivian R. (White) Boldrey.

Joe was a mechanic for 50 years. 40 of those years he owned and operated Mill Street Auto Repair in Mt. Vernon, IL. He later would work in Mt. Vernon and Benton, working for Jefferson and Tyler Motors. He loved his work and was very good at keeping motors running.

He enjoyed fishing and camping, watching NASCAR, especially his favorite driver Harry Gant. Joe also enjoyed spending time outside in his garage.

He enjoyed being with his family and grandkids.

Surviving is his son Sam Boldrey and wife Angie of Benton, IL; a daughter Julie Beth Kirk of Illinois; significant other of 30 years Janet Border of Benton, IL and her two sons Riley Roberts of Ewing, IL and Jeff Roberts of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Logan Kirk, April Chartrand, Ashley Boldrey, Halai Piercy, Colby Allen, Kessa Bernard, Kalie Neal, Kacee Neal, Peyton Roberts, Cami Roberts; several great-grandchildren; a brother Roy Boldrey and wife Phyllis of Woodlawn, IL; a sister-in-law JoAnne Boldrey of Woodlawn, IL; nieces and nephews: Brett Boldrey, Travis Boldrey, Ty Boldrey, Michelle Boldrey, Stacey Boldrey, Becky Boldrey, Bryan Boldrey, Sandy Leneave, Debbie Leneave, Mike Leneave; his three dogs: Jake, Allie and Abby.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Paul Boldrey, a sister Shirley Leneave, and a nephew Steve Leneave; and two dogs Molly and Digger.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A future Celebration of Life visitation service will be announced.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Joe, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Travelin’ On

October 31, 2024 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

I like to look at what I do in this space as small ‘portraits’ of life through my eyes. Today’s ‘portrait’ involves fading summer, a lifelong love affair and ‘travelin’ on.’

Let me explain.

I’m asked to speak at various venues on a regular basis, a list that in the past year has included sports banquets at a half dozen high schools, a junior high and high school graduation and various civic groups. It’s something I enjoy.

Recently, I experienced a ‘first’ – I was asked to speak at a birthday party for 100-year-old Stella (Burzynski) Stewart, of Benton. I hold the Stewart family in high regard and I saw the request as an honor and a challenge so I readily accepted the invitation.

Stella is one of 12 children of immigrant parents and grew up in Rend City, an area located northwest of Benton, near Valier. Stella raised eight children and still lives alone. To say Stella is a remarkable lady who has lived a remarkable life would be an understatement.

When I arrived at the party at the Benton Kiwanis Hall, I knew many people there and I sort of just mixed and mingled and visited – something I do very well. The person I spent the most time talking with that day was Ruth Grammer, Stella’s 88-year-old ‘younger’ sister.

Ruth was married to former Grand Ole Opry star Billy Grammer, who passed away in 2011. Billy also grew up in Rend City, one of 13 children, and achieved stardom in 1958 with his million-seller Top 5 hit, “Gotta Travel On.” Ruth and Billy were married 65 years.
On an afternoon when reminiscing was the main theme I listened as Ruth told me about graduating high school at age 16 and traveling alone 900 miles to Washington, D.C. for her first job. She said it was the most excited and scared she has ever been in her life.
I heard about Billy borrowing $50 from Verbal Rea, who ran the relief office in Valier, to hitchhike to Virginia for a job possibility with nationally known disc jockey Connie B. Gay, who had a live radio show at WARL Radio in Arlington, Va.

You could still see the pride in Ruth’s eyes when she finished the story by telling me that Billy beat out 150 other guitarists and won the audition and a spot on the national radio show. She talked and recalled Billy’s success in country music that led to appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand,” “Bill Anderson’s Backstage Opry,” “Hee Haw” and others. He also worked as a front man musician for the likes of Patsy Cline, Grandpa Jones, Charlie Pride, Louis Armstrong, George Jones and Ernest Tubb. I did more listening than talking but thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Ruth.

Last Sunday morning, the day before Labor Day, Ruth did what she has done every Sunday morning for virtually her entire life – she headed to Rend City Baptist Church – the church she attended as a child, the church where she married the love of her life way back in 1944. During the service, and without a sound, Ruth simply slumped over in the pew and passed away – suffering a massive heart attack. Much like a cowboy dying with his boots on, Ruth passing away at the church she loved and that had been such a huge part of her life seemed proper and fitting to me.
After I heard about Ruth passing away, I spent a good deal of time recalling our conversation only eight days earlier. The single thing that stood out to me was that she really missed Billy every single day. As she had told me the weekend before she died, she missed talking to him, she missed holding his hand, she missed listening to him ‘make a guitar talk’ … she just missed him.

“Oh, how I wish I could sit and watch him play guitar again,” is one poignant comment that stuck with me.

Through the wonders of modern technology, I went to YouTube and found a recording of Billy Grammer performing “Gotta Travel On.”

I watched the black and white video and I was struck by the irony in the chorus of the song and the timing of Ruth’s death. The chorus goes like this:

I’ve laid around and played around
This old town too long
Summer’s almost gone
Yes, winter’s comin’ on
I’ve laid around and played around
This old town too long
And I feel like I gotta travel on

While fall does not officially begin until September 23, I’ve always thought of Labor Day weekend as the unofficial end of summer. And on Labor Day weekend 2015, with summer almost gone and winter comin’ on, Ruth Grammer traveled on and crossed the threshold from this life to the next one. And I believe her beloved Billy, probably with guitar in hand and a big smile on his face, was there waiting for her. While there was a sense of sadness for me that Ruth had passed and the world had lost such a remarkable woman, there was a greater sense of joy because she is reunited with the love of her life. What a reunion that must have been!

Filed Under: Featured

Linda S. Braun – Sparta, IL

October 29, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Linda Sue Braun, age 67, of Sparta, IL, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Mulkeytown, IL, with her family at her side.

Linda was known for her one-of-a-kind personality and the innate ability to bring joy and laughter wherever she went, with a heart as big as her smile.

Survivors include her loving husband Vernon Braun of Sparta, IL; daughters: Amber Skinner and husband Travis of Mulkeytown, IL, Mishelle Becker and husband Scott of Sparta, IL; grandchildren: Braedyn, Cooper, Easton, Ambryaunna, Allaynah, Allexiyah; great-grandchildren: Landynn and Canon.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Herbert and Wilma (Berndt) Hecht; brothers: Roger Hecht, Herbert “Herbie” Hecht II, Gene Hecht.
Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
Linda was a longtime employee at Walmart Supercenter in Sparta, IL, where she made some everlasting friendships.
She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church of Chester, IL.

While the family has decided not to hold services at this time, Linda’s spirit will continue to live on by those she impacted. She will be forever remembered as a wonderful individual, full of life, quick-witted, and always ready to provide those with what was needed to lighten the hearts of everyone around her. She was loved beyond measure and will be missed greatly.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Linda, may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, 125 Opdyke Street, Chester, IL 62233.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Donnie Lee (Shorty) Zimmerman – Sesser, Illinois

October 29, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Donnie Lee (Shorty) Zimmerman, 86, of Sesser, Illinois, went to his heavenly reward on October 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Donnie was born on May 19, 1938, to Donald Earl and Margaret Mae Zimmerman in Cobden, Illinois. He married Darline (Spann) Zimmerman in November of 1955 and moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois to begin working at Thrall Car. Donnie and Darline had four children, Donnie Eugene, Donnetta Jo (Michael) Gould, Anita Kay (Roger) Craig and Dana Sue (Darren) Portell. He served at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Indiana as a trustee and bus attendant during their years living near Chicago Heights. In 1974, Donnie and Darline returned home to Sesser, Illinois where he began working as a coal miner at Old Ben 26 mine. Donnie worked alongside his father-in-law and his brother-in-law building their family home in Sesser.

Donnie was a quiet man with an unwavering commitment to his family and his church. After his retirement in 1993, he loved spending his time outside on the lawn mower, in his vegetable garden, tinkering around in his garage and traveling with Darline. Donnie and Darline enjoyed attending church gatherings in many Southern Illinois Free Will Baptist churches but devoted their service to their home church of First Free Will Baptist in Benton, Illinois where Donnie served as a trustee for many years.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, his son, Donnie Eugene Zimmerman and his grandson Michael Cole Gould.

Donnie was survived by his wife of 68 years and 11 months, Janetta Darline (Spann) Zimmerman; daughters Donnetta Jo (Michael) Gould, Anita Kay (Roger) Craig, Dana (Darren) Portell; grandchildren Jeremy Lemons, Jessica Craig Harmon, Rachel Craig Welch, Daman Sink, McKenna (Luis) Vital, McGwire (Abby) Portell, McCayde and McLayne Portell; great grandchildren Daniel and Jeremiah Flowers, Jayden Craig, Rilee Sink, Sophia Sink, Capri Vital, Mark Sink and he is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church or to Illinois Board of Missions 1176 County Road 1975 N, Cisne, IL 62823. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Funeral services are under the direction of Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, Sesser, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Wednesday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the funeral service on Thursday at 11 a.m. all at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Donnie’s final resting place will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Sheila Brown-Marion, IL

October 28, 2024 By Leave a Comment

Sheila Brown, 79, of Marion, passed away on October 25, 2024 at her home in Marion.

She was born on September 17, 1945 in Sesser, IL to Paul and Wilma (Duff) Atchison. She married Norman Ernest Brown on November 29, 1963 and he preceded her in death on September 5, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry Campbell of Dutchman Lake, IL, grandchildren Stephanie (Jake) Page, Sammie Wilson, Ashleigh Rea Campbell, Jobi Ray Hart and Norman Jacob Campbell and one sister Sharon Atchison of Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Debra Kay Wilson and one sister Sandy Atchison.

Graveside services will be on Friday November 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Pastor Greg Gibbs officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
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