Mrs. Betty Ruth Christensen took her Heavenly Journey to be reunited with her loving husband Bob Christensen, at 5:35 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, from her residence at the Fifth Season Residential Assisted Living of Benton.

Betty was born on May 1, 1935, in Franklin County, Illinois; the daughter of James Marion Harris and Olive Pearl (Richardson) Harris. She married the love of her life Earl Robert Christensen on December 17, 1955. Bob would precede her in death on May 4, 1996.

She was a former Avon sales lady, and a former teller with Bank of Benton and Boatmen’s Bank.

Betty was a faithful member of the Mt. Etna United Methodist Church near Akin, until its closing. She would later become a member and worship with her fellow congregation at the Antioch United Methodist Church of West Frankfort.

Betty enjoyed reading, playing dominoes, caring for her cats, and attending church. Most of all, she loved her time spent with her family.
Surviving is her loving children: Robin Freed and husband Mike of Thompsonville, IL, Dale Robert Christensen and wife Teresa of North Charleston, SC, Daniel James Christensen and wife Diane of Saratoga Springs, NY; grandchildren including: Virginia Pearl Christensen, Dale Robert Christensen, Jr., John Christensen, James Christensen and wife Liz, Danielle Christensen and husband Craig, Nicholas Michael Freed and fiancée Stacey; two great-grandchildren Celes Domings and Troy Christensen; her cat Olivia; special extended family Bobby Freed, Mollie and Melissa Freed, Gabby, Zac and August Howard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: James Oliver Harris and Lloyd Dale Harris.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Lin Mahan officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Etna Cemetery of Thompsonville, IL. Visitation services will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Control Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Betty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Andy Carstensen, of Benton, passed away Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Frailey) Carstensen, his son Sean, Sean’s wife Amanda and two grandsons Graham and Liam Carstensen, also of Benton.

Andy was born in Clinton, Iowa to Emmert and Phyllis (Sally) Carstensen, now deceased. His oldest brother David of New York, New York also preceded him in death. His siblings include Joe Carstensen (Luann) of Camanche, Iowa, Phillip (Skip) Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, Iowa, Dennis Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, NY, Becky Stechroth (Kevin), Livonia, MI, Mark Carstensen, (Karen), North Judson, IN and Jeff Carstensen, Tarpon Springs, FL.

Andy began his sophomore year of High School in Benton when his father’s job transferred him to work on Rend Lake. Andy excelled at running track on the Benton High School track team and held time records in the state of Illinois. Midway through his senior year, his father’s job transferred the family to Detroit where he graduated from Redford High School.

Andy always considered Benton home. After graduation he returned to Benton and enrolled in Rend Lake College. As luck would have it, he drew a draft number of fifty-three the year college deferments ended. In 1972 he opted to enlist in the Army and spent 3 years in Germany in the Military Police. While home on leave in his third year of service he was introduced to his wife Janet, by his former high school English teacher, Betty Frailey. In 1974, Janet had accepted a job in Germany working as a civilian for the Air Force near the base where Andy was stationed; they were married in Basel, Switzerland and enjoyed traveling Europe for the next two years before their son Sean was born.

In 1977 they moved back to the states and settled in St. Louis to be near family. In 1981 they moved to New England with work and lived in New England until 2000 when they moved back to Benton.

Andy was always a fixer of all things. When he was a boy, he started with rebuilding his own bicycle and then moved to restoring antique John Deere tractors, vintage cars and remodeling three houses. His favorite coffee mug says, “If Grandpa can’t fix it, we’re all screwed.” If it could be fixed, he could fix it.
He loved photography. While in Germany, he received an associate’s degree in photography from University of Maryland. He enjoyed developing and printing beautiful and interesting photos of Europe. As a dad, he coached Sean’s little league team for 3 years and helped coach his soccer team. He taught Sean to ski when he was three years old. When Sean got older, he loved racing him back to the lift line. He was always the competitor.

Andy loved his dogs, taking them on daily walks in the field and playing games of Frisbee. He enjoyed being a member of the Benton Golf Club and playing in the golf league. His greatest joy was introducing the game of golf to his two grandsons. He loved taking them to the driving range and then playing nine holes with them. He was so proud of them.

Andy was always generous with his time and skills, always happy to help friends and neighbors when they needed a hand. Even though he graduated high school in Detroit, he liked to be involved in organizing his Benton Class reunions. He loved people, had a quick smile, and would make a witty remark often at the most unexpected times. Andy was well loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends of both the two and four legged varieties.
Andy’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Voyage Senior Living of Marion, IL, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted in memory of Andy, care of the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Andy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ernest Charles “Chuck” Bennett, age 57, of Benton, IL, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home.

Chuck was born on July 21, 1967, in Fairfield, Illinois; the son of David Thomas Bennett, Sr. and JoAnn (Toombs) Bennett.
He was a retired roofer. Having worked out of the laborers local in both Tennessee and Illinois.

Chuck loved to fish, he also enjoyed watching UFC fights and WWE. Most of all he loved the time spent with his kids and grandkids. His kids said he was always willing to help them out, even if it meant doing without for himself.

Survivors include his five children: Autum Bennett of Flora, IL, Chas Keebler of Benton, IL, Kimbra Choisser and husband T.J. of Harrisburg, IL, Justin Bennett of Benton, IL, Seth Bennett of Benton, IL; four grandchildren: Jeffrey Eastman, Tanner Layman, Allie Layman, Kyson Bennett; a sister Robin Will of Granite City, IL; two step-sisters: Susan Kebodeaux and Terri Hopkins; his girlfriend Melissa Hall of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father David Thomas Bennett, Sr.; his mother and stepfather JoAnn Kebodeaux and husband Elmo Kebodeaux; two brothers: Michael Bennett and David Thomas Bennett, Jr.; two stepsisters: Joyce Scott and Donna Dammrich.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled at a near future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Chuck, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Ronald E. Prather, 77, of Christopher, passed away peacefully at Herrin Hospital on March 5, 2025.

He was born on October 22, 1947 to Elmer and Nell (Pleva) Prather.

Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years Judi (Kirk) Prather; two daughters Kelly (Brian) Jansen of Chattanooga, TN and Sheri (Travis) Watts of DuQuoin, IL; three grandchildren Paige Prather, Lane Grob and Kortney Farriols and three great grandchildren Chesni, Vayda and Lucas Keith.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his son Keith and one sister Sophie Ann Jones.

Ron graduated from Christopher High School in 1965. In October he enlisted in the United States Army serving honorably until his discharge in 1969. During his military service he was stationed in Augsburg, Germany.

He was a long time member of the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge and the Valley of Southern Illinois 32 Degree.

Ron’s employment career included Inland Steel Coal Mine in Sesser, Taylor Motor Company and Auto Credit of Southern Illinois in Benton.

After retiring in 2012 he enjoyed working part-time at Ace Hardware in Benton.

He was an avid fan of the St Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Nascar Racing. In his spare time, he enjoyed yardwork, working in his shop building and restoring old cars and trucks.

Ron was of the Christian Faith, and a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher, IL.

It was Ron’s wishes to be cremated. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

A Special thank you to Dr. Anad Salam, Herrin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

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

Dr. Willis Richard “Dick” Simpson (86) passed away in his sleep on March 3, 2025, after a long battle with lymphoma.

Doc Simpson, as he was known to many, was born to Sarabel “Sally” Pemberton Simpson and Willis Richard “Dub” Simpson on February 16, 1939, in the same home on North Main Street of Benton, Illinois, where his mother was born in 1916. He graduated from Benton High School in 1956, where he excelled in both academics and athletics, earning a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University. While working his way through dental school at St. Louis University, he met his match in a young nurse from St. Luke’s Hospital. He married Lasalea “Lea” Chandler on June 8, 1963.

After completing his dental residency in Iowa City, the couple returned to Benton, where he practiced dentistry for more than 50 years. Doc was a vital part of the community, serving on the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for 23 years acting as chairman during his tenure. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, supporting local charities and activities, seeing patients regardless of their ability to pay, and performing oral surgeries at Franklin Hospital. Dick was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Elks, and Boneyard Boccie Ball Club. He loved snow skiing, water skiing, hunting, fishing, golf, reading historical novels, and his life-long friends. Everyone who knew him loved him, but only those who spent time on one of his golf, skiing, or hunting trips really knows the hijinks he was a part of.

In 1994, Coach Simpson found his passion as the defensive coach for the Benton Rangers. Coach was famous for Wednesday night films at his house, going toe to toe with the boys on the field, and with Head Coach Jeff Roper, leading the Rangers to their first-ever playoff berth. He loved the game and the players more than anyone could know and missed it every day after he retired.

Dr. Simpson was preceded in death by his parents, wife, nephew Benton Lee Chandler, niece Sadie Marie Chandler, and infant grandsons Nathan Simpson Morris and Triston Robert Morris. He is survived by his brother William “Bill” Simpson (Vickie); three children Marya Jayne Smith (Denny), Joelle Morris (Matthew), and Richard Chandler “Chad” Simpson; grandchildren Cody Smith, Peyton Smith, Savannah Simpson, Amelia Morris, Rachel Morris, Willis Morris, Liam Simpson, Amy Smith Baker, and Reggie Smith; great-grandchild Britney Wright; and great-great-grandchild Forest Wright; niece Elizabeth Chandler; and nephews Damian Simpson and Christopher Simpson. He will be missed by countless friends, including Jim Kearney and David Hurley, who made Dick’s last years so much richer and easier.

Visitation will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Benton, Illinois, from 1:00-4:00 on Thursday, March 13. The funeral service will be held at the church at 4:00 pm, with the burial immediately following at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Dr. Simpson’s honor.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

David W. McClelland, 85, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday March 1, 2025 at his home.

He was born on July 10, 1939 in Blairsville, IL to Hugh and Miriam (Anderson) McClelland. He married Shirley (Walters) McClelland on February 1, 1964 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and one great great niece.

David was a United States Army Veteran and a member of the Christopher American Legion and the President of the West Franklin Historical Society.

Funeral services will be on Friday March 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Alan Minton officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Troy Thomas Hewlett, 59, of Poplar Bluff, MO, born December 16, 1965, in Benton, IL, died Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in Poplar Bluff, MO.

Troy was the ultimate “Sporting Man”, a great competitor, loyal teammate, dedicated coach, and #1 fan. His deeply rooted love for sports began at a very young age when his mom made a hoop out of a hanger, and Troy spent hours playing basketball against himself, all while keeping score. Some of his best years were spent when he was a Benton Ranger where he lettered in four varsity sports: football, basketball, baseball, and track. Shide, a nickname given by his teammates, believed in the spirit of teamwork and understood the value of unity. Later in life, Troy created a legacy committing years to coaching his younger siblings, having the ability to translate his own skills and experiences into teachable moments. As a fan, Troy was unparalleled in his devotion to the Kentucky Wildcats, Chicago Bulls, da Bears, the Cubs, Salukis, and his number one team, The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame. His passion was evident, a force of energy that is a testament to how powerful and impactful support can be.

Family was the center of Troy’s universe. Troy’s proudest moment was becoming a father to his son, Tylan. A race in Nanny’s pool, a Lancer ball game, a round at Yorktown, a bench – in a park – waiting for his son, a Wilkinson reunion, a holiday free throw contest, a Saluki basketball game, and a Peters/Bennett impromptu concert were just a few of his favorite things. Troy had a great sense of humor and the best laugh. He constantly found the good in others, always lifting up those around him and magnifying every accomplishment with his enthusiasm, no matter how big or small.

Troy proudly served his country for six years in the United States Army. Troy’s favorite song was “Redeemed,” and we have peace and hope knowing that Jesus has carried him home.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Hewlett and his stepfather, Charlie Bennett.

Surviving are his son, Tylan Hewlett; his mother, Becky Bennett; four sisters and a brother, Heather Followell, Kim (Matt) Bullock, Lori Bennett, Natalie (Jason) Peters, and Bart (Shannon) Bennett; three stepchildren, Lundy Bills, Dante Thames, and Bria Isaiah; nine nieces and nephews, Jessica, Dylan, Noah, Susie, Ella, Zoe, Ruby, Charlie, and Lyra; a beloved uncle, Bobby; and many close first cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Stop Soldier Suicide, https://stopsoldiersuicide.org/donate. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit the family from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL, with Rik Maxedon officiating
Private burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.

Tyler “T.J.” Lowery, a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend was called home too soon on February 19th, 2025 at the young age of 34. Randy and Michelle (Huff) Lowery welcomed T.J. into the world on September 12th, 1990 and raised him in Woodlawn, Illinois with his sisters Andria and Whitney. As a middle child, and only boy, he never stood a chance against Barbies, dress-up and pink nail polish.

In 2009, T.J. graduated from Woodlawn High School building friendships and hobbies that would last a lifetime. It was here he found his passion for cars and paintball. His weekends quickly became filled with customizing his Sykotic team gear, traveling to tournaments and cruising with the Midwest Sho Boyz car club. He made a million friends and left a thousand laughs wherever he went. To know T.J. was a gift and an honor.

T.J. wore his small-town roots with pride sporting camo print every chance he got, counting down the days to hunting season and celebrating Opening Day as a local holiday. He knew more about fishing than Bill Dance could have ever dreamed. When he wasn’t in a duck blind or cruising the water, you could find him at home grilling, all winter long, with an Xbox controller in his hand and his dogs, Axel and Orion, curled up at his feet.

We will never know why God needed him more than we did. It’s for certain his guardian angels were greeted by his loving personality and infectious smile in Heaven. He was embraced by his mom, Michelle; grandparents John and Elsie Gockel and Norman and Peggy Huff; grandfather Jim Lowery; uncle, Dean Shafer.

T.J. will forever live on in the hearts of his father, Randy Lowery; long-term girlfriend Devon Sowl; sisters, Andria Clarke, Whitney Walker and Caitlyn Lowery; brother-in-law Bert Walker; aunts, Joan Shafer, Diana Hirons, Gay Lynn Huff and Tonya Eubanks; uncle, Mike Eubanks; niece, Wrenley Walker; nephews Brennon Walker and Sawyer Clarke; special friends, Sam Thacker and Renee Sussman; cousins Doug Shafer and Chad Hirons, along with the countless friends and extended family who were blessed to know him.

A Visitation will be held Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Newell Funeral Home in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 1:00 pm with Mr. Marty Mills officiating. Entombment will follow at Mount Vernon Memorial Gardens in Woodlawn, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations or adoptions be made to an animal charity or shelter in honor of T.J.’s love for his sweet boys.

Rita Lynn Branson, 72, of Marion, left this earth at 11:04 PM Wednesday February 26, 2025.

She was born on October 17, 1952 in Mulkeytown to Dock and Thelma (Long) Hammonds.

She is survived by her daughters Jennifer (Kenny) Tucker and Sarah Kelly. She was a grandmother to six grandchildren Laird Tucker, Londyn Tucker, Drake Prater, Arianna Bennett, Doug Kelly and Nadia Kerley. She has one great grandchild Rory Bennett. She is also survived by two sisters Wlma Ogilvie and Debbie Manion. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Rita was preceded in death by her mother, father, five brothers Francis, Lee, Jerry, Leroy and Jessie Hammonds and two sisters Shirley Kirchner and Sue Majdich.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday March 4, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Dean Hammonds officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Paradise Cemetery in Salem.

Rita will be remembered for her sweet smile and she was loved dearly by her family and friends.

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