Fairbury, IL – Margaret (Loucks) Wing of Fairbury passed away Thursday, March 10th at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center in Bloomington.

Margaret was born in Sesser, Illinois, the daughter of Ivan and Virginia (Phillips) Loucks. She married Fred W. Wing Jr. in 1958 and is survived by her devoted husband and her loving children, Sheila (Eric) Langford of Dallas, TX, and Rebecca (Robert Kasinecz) Wing of Downers Grove, IL.

Also surviving Margaret is her sister, Marie Drexler, and five grandchildren, Sam (Rebecca) Langford, Katie Langford, Hannah Langford, Luke Langford and Lance Kasinecz, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Margaret attended University of Illinois and Southern Illinois University, graduating with a degree in Home Economics. She taught school in Kankakee, Gilman, and Fairbury. Thereafter, Margaret worked alongside her husband at their business, Mr. Timber, Inc. Margaret was an exceptionally kind and patient person, supporting her children and grandchildren in their activities. She enjoyed gardening and traveling.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 pm Friday, March 18th, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury. Memorial contributions may be directed to First United Methodist Church of Fairbury, National Kidney Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Livingston County, or SELCAS.

Family graveside service will be at Avoca Township Cemetery, with Pastor Paul Wier officiating.

The family would like to thank Fresenius Kidney Center, SELCAS, and Connections Home Care for all their dedicated care.

Condolences and tributes may be made to the family at www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com.

Edna Fern Ezell, 90, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021, at Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida.

Eddi was born March 24, 1931, in rural Benton, Illinois to Sherman Franklin and Anise Gayer Ezell. She was formerly from Naperville, Illinois; Prescott Valley, Arizona and Benton Illinois. She graduated from Frankfort Community High School in the class of 1949. Eddi attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois; Illinois State Normal University and North Central College where she earned a Bachelor of Science in education. She earned a Master of Science in Education from Northern Illinois University. While at Illinois State Normal she was a member of Gamma Pi.

Eddi was a retired special education teacher and took great pride in her career and her love of children. She loved to travel. She was also an avid quilter and a quilt appraiser. She was a gifted artist, creating many beautiful quilts and paintings. She spent many years researching family genealogy and loved traveling across the countryside researching old records and cemeteries. Eddi was a member of the Fairhope Community Church in Fairhope, Alabama. Eddi was an avid sports follower of several teams with the mascot of a Cardinal or a Red Bird, therefore her favorite bird was, of course, the Cardinal. She always said every time you see a cardinal that is a reminder of loved ones. Every Cardinal from now on will remind us of our precious Eddi.

Eddi is survived by her son, Roy Andrew “Randy” of Naperville, Il., her granddaughter, Tiffany and husband, Tom Alagna of Pingree Grove, Illinois, and three great-grandchildren, Brookelynn, Colette and Jacob Jeffery. She is also survived by her sister, Judith Summers of Fairhope, Alabama, sister-in-law, Bonnie Ezell, brother-in-law, Jon Blomquist, many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Donald Ezell and a sister, Della Sue Blomquist. She is also preceded in death by her son, Scott Jeffery Upton.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11:00 am at the Bethel Cemetery located at 11442 Charles Kern Lane, Benton, Illinois. (This is between Benton and West Frankfort) Following the service a meal will be served at the T Street Pub in Christopher, Il. The address is 105 N. Thomas St in Christopher. All are welcome to come celebrate with family and friends the wonderful life of Edna Fern. In honor of her favorite color wear something with the color purple or lavender.

Donations can be made in Eddi’s name to the Bethel Cemetery Association. Mail donations to Cheryl Tindall-Borcky at 1106 East Main Street, Benton, Il. 62812.

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

Nona Fae Shadowen, 82, of Christopher, IL passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at the
Herrin Hospital.

Nona was born on April 4, 1939, the daughter of Clyde M. and Georgia (Starr)

Shadowen. She lived in Christopher her entire life.

She is survived by several cousins and an adopted grandson, Noah

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Herman Ray Shadowen.

In her early years, she worked for the General Telephone Company and was the manager
of the General store that was located in downtown Christopher. She loved doing
genealogy. She was very crafty and had an eye for color. She loved going to the parks
and feeding the ducks and squirrels.

Graveside services will be held Monday, March 14, 2022, at 1 pm at the Harrison
Cemetery in Buckner, IL. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements.

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

Bob Flowers, 81, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday March 8, 2022.

He was born on November 17, 1940 in Zeigler to Ralph and Virginia (Hagen) Flowers.

He is survived by his son Randy (Susan) Flowers of Benton; daughter Daina Shafer of Christopher; sister Karen Simion of Christopher; grandchildren Rachel (Kevin) Pistorius of Olatha, KS, Brooke Webb of Marion, IL, Kyle Shafer of Coello, IL, Tori (JR) Myers of Royalton and Lexi Sala of Christopher; great grandchildren Mia, Kayla, Kason and Noah.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law Donald Simion.

Bob worked at the Rea Clinic, Evans & Polbinski, Bracy’s and Bolaps. He loved gardening, fishing, the St Louis Cardinals baseball and spending time with family and his many friends.

Bob Attended Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday March 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

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

Laverne Dillon, age 71, of Benton, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, at her home.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Laverne was born on October 1, 1950, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Clyde Ceford Dillon and Alice Elizabeth (Summers) Dillon. She would marry Thomas Vaughn and he preceded her in death.

She was a caregiver; and enjoyed driving around Rend Lake with her sister looking for and counting deer. She loved to collect cookie jars and Indian artifacts; she loved decorating for Halloween and Christmas; she enjoyed watching The Hallmark Channel; she was an avid Chicago Cubs fan; but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving is her loving daughter Tina Taylor of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Christopher Michael Schofield, Justin Dean Schofield, and Matthew Quintin Schofield, all three of Mt. Vernon, IL; two great-grandchildren: Sabrina Allison Noel Schofield and Roman David Schofield; two sisters: Kay Dudley and Carol Jean Easley, both of Benton, IL; a brother David Dillon of Benton, IL; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her father Clyde Ceford Dillon; her mother Alice Elizabeth (Summers) Vandover; a brother Clyde Dennis Dillon; and a sister Connie Ann Wyant.

Memorial contributions in Memory of Laverne, may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210, or visit www.petsneedhomes.org

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

Bob “Bobby” Vercellino, 81 years old, passed away peacefully and entered the gates of heaven on March 7, 2022 at his home in Valier, IL. He was born on November 27, 1940 to Johnny and Julia Vercellino.

He attended Valier Community High School, where he graduated in 1958. After high school, he attended S.I.U Carbondale and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business and Education.

On August 19, 1966, he married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Sammons and together they had two sons; Robby (Kristy) Vercellino of Mulkeytown, IL. Ryan (Ann) Vercellino of Marion, IL and one daughter Eileen Patchett of Valier, IL. He had eight grandchildren: Jeff (Mary) Patchett, Lindy (Isaiah) Stonecipher, Brooke (Jarrod) Cecil, Drew(Kayelee) Pettit, Matthew Vercellino, Ben Vercellino, Nick Reilly, and Brigitte(Kurt) Keeven and ten great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Judy (Buddy) Rowland, and two sisters-in-law, Judy Vercellino and Kay Ann (David) Simpson.

Bobby enjoyed playing sports all throughout grade school and high school. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals. He loved spending time with his family and was always willing to open up his home to anyone in time of need. Being this loving, caring, and giving person, he donated his body to S.I.U. School of Medicine, hoping that even in death he might be able to help someone.

After college, he went on to teach at Benton High School. Due to the passing of his dad, Bobby left Benton High School to run the family grocery store in Valier, Illinois. He took pride in making customers happy where friendships were started and great memories made. He worked in the mines for several years, but due to an injury at the mines he went back to teaching at Sesser-Valier. In addition to being a teacher at the high school, he served twelve years as a school board member.

Bobby was a born again believer and loved Jesus very much. He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church, where he attended regularly and worked in many capacities, which included sound technician, treasurer, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. With his strong faith in God and determination, he fought a long hard battle with Parkinson’s.

He will be sadly missed, but there is joy in knowing he is pain free and in the arms of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny and Julia Vercellino, and his brother, Jon Vercellino. There will be visitation on Saturday, March 12th at 10:00am at Valier First Baptist Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Valier First Baptist. Envelopes will be available at the church. Please join us after the service as we continue the celebration of Bobby’s life with lunch being served.

Joyce “Hunny” K. Szeszol, 73, of Benton, passed away at 6:13 p.m., on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL surrounded by her family.

She was born on February 16, 1949, to Mickey and Jennie (Kolano) Lenard in Chicago, IL. She was of the Catholic faith.

Joyce was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed crafting, following Facebook and loved her pet dog, Daisy.

Joyce is survived by her two sons, Anthony Szeszol and James (Ginger) Szeszol; her daughter, Jessica (Jeff) Spencer; twelve grandchildren, Alex Rush, Cheyanna Rush, Landon Szeszol, Wyatt Szeszol, Caleb Szeszol, Brooklynne Spencer, Chloe Spencer, Gabe Spencer, Paige Spencer, Bella, Dylan Rush and Bo Rush; great-granddaughter, Lanna Martin; one brother, Robert Lenard; one sister, Judy Smith and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mickey and Jennie Lenard.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Following the funeral service, per Joyce’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorials may be made to Mid-America Transplant Services and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Timothy D. Wilson, 67, of Benton, passed away at 4:20 p.m., on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the Ocean Springs Singing Rivers Hospital in Ocean Springs, MS.

He was born on April 24, 1954, to Charles and Dorothy (Hall) Wilson in Christopher, IL. He graduated from Frankfort Community High School in 1972. Tim retired as a machinist for Old Ben Coal Company and JOY. On May 17, 1975, he married Marsha L. Martin. To this union they had two children.

Tim was a member of the West Frankfort Moose, Benton Elks Lodge 1234, National Riffle Association, and the UMWA.

He was a loving husband, father and PaPa and friend to many. Tim loved to fish and spent many hours on Lake Moses, and hosting many family fish fry’s. He enjoyed attending sporting events, NASCAR and NHRA races with the guys, horse races with friends, and Cruisin the Coast.

Tim is survived by his loving spouse of 47 years, Marsha; son, Travis; daughter, Natalie; four grandchildren, Carly, Brant, Georgie and Stricker; three brothers, Rick and wife Jackie, Brad and wife Dawn and Neal and wife Susan; and many dear family and friends.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Dorothy Wilson; a brother, Ronald Trusty; a sister, Sharon Trusty-Carpenter; and niece, Tammy Jo Shadis.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2022, at Pate Funeral Home.

Burial will take place at a later date at the Shiloh Cemetery, Whittington, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Ewing Grade School or the Elks Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to express a special thank you for all their precious family and friends, and especially Jessica Castleman-Gin, and the entire staff at the Ocean Springs Singing Rivers Hospital.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Karen L. Hedges, 79, of Benton passed away on Sunday evening, February 27, 2022 at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born on April 16, 1942 to James & Nellie (Alexander)Phillips and was raised by James & Ethel (Alexander) Phillips in Benton, IL.
She married William Hedges, her high school sweetheart, on April 8, 1961, and he survives.

Karen grew up in and was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Benton. Throughout her life she kept the church at the center. Karen fulfilled many roles in her lifetime and she especially enjoyed singing in the choir and weekly Bible study with her church community. Karen and Bill enjoyed many years as leaders of the youth group, Chi Ro, at the church.

In addition to the church, Karen had the best friends, many of whom were her neighbors for 40+ years as well as newer editions. She loved life and doted on her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was a wonderful mother to Kristin and Andrew and a beloved Mimi to Madeline, Ephram, and Soijer, and she was a wonderful wife & partner to Bill.

She is survived by her:
Husband: Bill Hedges of Benton
Daughter: Kristin Pass & husband Randy of Makanda
Son: Andrew Hedges & wife Azsure Dorton of Allen, TX
3 Grandchildren:
Madeline Pass
Ephram Hedges
Soijer Hedges

Karen was preceded in death by her Parents and Sister, Jane Ellen Younkin.

Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Friday, March 11th at the First Christian Church with a funeral service at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Center Fund.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com