Lucille L. Pingsterhaus Cooper, of Benton, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, in her home surrounded by her loving husband, children and grandchildren.

Lou was born on August 2, 1945, to William and Emma (Becker) Pingsterhaus, who preceded her in death alongside her brother, Gene Pingsterhaus and three infant brothers and sisters.

Lou was a graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School, and raised on the family farm outside of Albers, IL. She married David Cooper on May 18, 1973, and started their family in Centralia, IL. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, David, her daughter, Alicia (Dennon) Davis and grandchildren, Lucas and Emma Davis of West Frankfort, IL; her son, Aaron (Brandi) Cooper and grandchildren, Maddie and Carson Cooper of Jackson, TN; her brother, Charlie (Florence) Pingsterhaus of Beckemeyer, IL; her sister, Julie (Tom) Langenhorst of Damiansville, IL and many loving nieces and nephews.

For 30 years, Lou was co-owner and office manager of Cooper’s Studio in Benton. Outside of spending time with family, she loved working outdoors with plants, collecting antiques and accessorizing her clothes, her house and the portrait studio. Beyond her creative skills and keen eye for decor, Lou was known for her exceptional care giving abilities, selflessly dedicating herself to her family and St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she assisted with numerous projects and committees over the years.

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

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main Street, Benton, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, with Father Urban Osuji, officiating.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or in the form of a Mass to St. Joseph Catholic Church, and will be accepted at Pate Funeral Home or at the service at the church.

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

Keith Finney, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday September 29th, 2024, at 6:07pm surrounded by his family at his home in Macedonia.

He was born on March 13th, 1962, in California. Keith fought a long and courageous battle against a terrible disease and his passing has left an indelible void in the hearts of his family and friends.

Keith was a man of many talents and passions. As a professional truck driver and welder, he dedicated himself to his work with unwavering commitment and skill. His expertise extended beyond the confines of his career; Keith was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Keith was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft. He shared a loving relationship with his wife, Beth Finney, was a proud father to his children and a proud grandpa. Keith’s warmth and humor were hallmarks of his personality; he was known for his light-heartedness and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His ability to bring a smile to others, even in tough times, made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He was surpassed in death by his parents Robert and Sherry Finney

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Beth Finney; children, Kasey Jennings (David), Tzena Colp (Jon), Lorenza Finney, Anthony Finney, and Travis Finney (Ashlee); grandchildren Jaxson, Alaysha, Odin, Kyra, Helena, Isla, Sylvia, and Paisley; cousin Sandy and brothers Kenny and Rob Finney.

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Friends of FCAC.

Celebration of Life visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Susan Elaine Saxe of Thompsonville Illinois, born on October 9th 1948, died on September 28, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

She is survived by husband Tom, three children, and six grandchildren: Matthew and Faith Saxe, Lauren, Emma, Luke, and Madelyn; Jonathan and Erin Saxe, Reilly and Reesa; and Elizabeth and Timothy VanOrden. Susan was preceded in death last year by her cousin Rebecca Whittington.

Susan was the only child of Leon and Marjorie Lewis of Benton, Illinois. She graduated as valedictorian from Benton Consolidated High School in 1967 and attended Illinois State University, where she majored in English. After graduating, Susan began working as a teacher and married Tom on June 5, 1971.

As a lifelong member of North Benton Baptist Church, Susan faithfully served the congregation as a skilled pianist, accompanying countless hymns and providing offertory music for decades.
After teaching at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels, including as a special education teacher, Susan spent many years as a 4th grade general education teacher. She completed a Masters degree in Education from Rockford University in 2002. She retired from teaching after 39 years in 2009.

Following a lifelong passion for reading which she passed on to her students, Susan worked part time at the Benton Public Library for much of her retirement, often being greeted with enthusiasm by former students bringing their children or grandchildren to the library.

Visitation for Susan Saxe will be held at North Benton Baptist Church, 623 Joplin St, Benton, IL 62812 on Saturday October 5, 2024 from 9am to 11:30am, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benton Public Library in Susan’s name. Information can be found at www.bentonlibrary.com/donate-to-the-library/
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Dennis Kinkade, age 72, of Benton, passed away at 6:31 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, IL.

Dennis was born on August 5, 1952, in Fort Benning, GA; the son of Nolen Kinkade and Susan (Herring) Kinkade. He married the former Jama McClellan on December 1, 1979, and she survives.

He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2898, Benton Elks Lodge, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., Williamson County Shrine Club.

In his working career, he was a foreman and a lineman with Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Dennis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

He enjoyed golfing, shooting guns, playing pool, and being with his dogs Elsa and Angel.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Jama Kinkade of Benton, IL; two sons: Jeremy Kinkade and wife Amanda of Rend City, IL, Nathan Kinkade of East Dubuque, IL; six grandchildren: Tyson, Desi, Kayla, Gaige, Gemma and Jaden; a great-grandchild due in 2025; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Russell Kinkade, a sister and brother-in-law Kathy Williams and husband Andy Williams.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of West Frankfort, IL. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, IL.

The services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Sam Aiello, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Friday September 20, 2024 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

He was born on February 27, 1932 in Palermo, Italy to Giuseppe and Anna (Marchese) Aiello.

He is survived by his children Joe (Candy) Aiello of Sesser and Anna Glaser of Dyer, IN; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter Rose Lech.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating, Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Phyllis J. McMahon, 85, of Benton passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

She was born on May 27, 1939 the daughter of Robert Lavern & Ruth Jane (Knight) Beatty.

Phyllis was first married to Patrick McMahon.

Phyllis was a Nurse’s Aide and caregiver for many years. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church. She loved her grandchildren and going to their activities.
Phyllis is survived by her:
3 Children:
Pam Dorris of Benton
Jim McMahon & wife Karen of Flora
Phil McMahon & wife Debbie of Benton
Grandchildren:
Sam & Ellie
Chelsey & Phil
Brittany
Sasha
Stormi
Remington
Colleen & Emma
Jordan & wife Alison
Caitlin & husband Chas
Ian
Brooklyn
Great-Grandchildren: Jaxson, Drew, Kiara, Oakley, Maddux & Harper
1 Sister: Sue Risley of Sesser
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Daughter-Paula J. Sherley, Son-in-law-Michael Dorris, 1st Husband-Patrick McMahon, by her companion of 24 plus years Roy Shaw, Sister-Mary Lou Atwood and Brother-in-law-Noble (Cotton) Risley, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 25th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Greg Whaley officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com