Frances Geraldine LeVault, 91, affectionately known as Fran or Jerry, left our care on November 17, 2024, in New Port Richey, Florida. She was born on December 5, 1932, in Beason, Illinois.

She graduated in 1950 from Sesser High School and married the love of her life two weeks later. She became a homemaker and loving Mom to a lively family of nine. She also worked as a waitress and banquet manager in her “spare time”. Her hobbies included sewing, and embroidering quilts, showing her creativity and love for family and friends.

Known for her fun-loving nature, Frances was a wonderful mother and grandmother lovingly called Grandma, Gram, Gigi, and Bana by her 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her husband, Jack LeVault; daughters, Jacqueline Guidotti (Bruce), Cheryl Rysula (Keith), Cathy Peart (Leroy), and Charlene Spanos; sons, Charles LeVault, and Jerry LeVault (Chris).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Mae Cavitt and Clarence Earl Dillon; sisters, Nancy Dillon and Imogene Dubbert; daughter, Brenda Lanning; and grandsons, John Spanos, and Justin LeVault; as well as sons-in-law, Sam Lanning and Peter Spanos.

A celebration of life for Frances will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress Street, New Port Richey, Florida, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A private burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

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

Brenda J. Howland, 66, of Buckner, passed away at 11:43 a.m., on Monday. November 18, 2024, at her home in Buckner, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 31, 1958, to Roy and Flora (Coder) Sweetin in Geneva, IL. On May 3, 1976, she married Scott R. Howland, and he survives.

Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed reading books and taking care of her plants.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott Howland; her daughter Tippie Haarmann and her husband, Devin: her granddaughter, Jaryn Haarmann; her sister, Cindy Evangelides and her two brothers, Jim Roscoe and John Coder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Flora Sweetin and her brother, David Coder.

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

Per Brenda’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Walter Esco Robinson, 91, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on August 12, 1933 in Simpson, IL to Walter Hillis and Myrtle (Kerley) Robinson. He married Mary Frances (Miles) Robinson on September 12, 1953 and she preceded him in death on October 2, 2024.

He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Fred) Pitts of West Frankfort; grandchildren Garrick (Kristen) Pitts, Meredith (Corey) Ruble, Christopher (Sharon) Pitts; great grandchildren Caleb, Thea, Lakya, Faith, Gabriel, Eden, Matthias, Renee and Jazmine; one great great grandson Spencer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters Irmal Childres and Cleo Cravens.

Funeral services will be on Sunday November 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Mark Rich officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.

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

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

Paul Marlow, 79, of Marion, passed away on Friday November 1, 2024.

He was born on July 30, 1945 in Mt Vernon, IL to Logan and Cleo (Pasley) Marlow. He married Johnnie (West) Marlow on March 17, 1984 and she survives of Marion. He is also survived by his son Christopher Tapp of Evansville; grandchildren Isabella Tapp and Lawson West Tapp; one brother Rick (Jewel) Marlow of Mt Vernon; brother-in-Law Scott (Lisa) West of Katy, TX; one niece of Jasmine (Nick) Reuscher; one nephew Jordan (Heaven) John; great nieces Briley, Dimples and Isla; one great nephew Bennett. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Logan Marlow and Michael Marlow; two sisters-in-law Sue Marlow and Carolyn Marlow and one niece Holly Nicole Wilson.

Paul was a United States Marine and served during the Vietnam War. He was an Electrician and was a member of the IBEW Union. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 16, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Sesser United Methodist Church with Pastor James Slone officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

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.

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

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

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.