Gary Stephen Ramsey, 64, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Tuesday January 5, 2021 at his home.

He was born on September 26, 1956 in Christopher to Lester and Rose (Hampton) Ramsey. He married Sue (Crow) Ramsey on May 20, 2006.

He is survived by his wife Sue Ramsey of Mulkeytown; mother Rose Ramsey of Coello; children Heath (Jillian) Ramsey of Mt Vernon, Stephani (Jason Rund) Schwettman of Grand Junction, CO, Kim (Eddie) Gossett of Mulkeytown and Leslie (Johnny) Hacker of Valier; step children Tracy (Chris) Mueller of Murphysboro and Ginger (Jeff) Brennecke of Ballwin, MO; 18 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; two brothers Greg (Carol) Ramsey of Lee’s Summit, MO, Glen (Barbara) Ramsey of Kansas City, MO; and two sisters Tina (Tim) Dennis of Gainesville, FL and Lisa Ramsey-Gilbert of Zeigler, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Gary was a coal miner in the area for over 40 years and was a belt coordinator for Prairie State Energy Mine.

Graveside services will be on Saturday January 9, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Friday January 8, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and on Saturday from 8:00 AM until 1:30 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Siteman Cancer Center and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mary Hartman Slankard, who was the very definition of a lady full of love and grace, passed away on December 29, 2020. She was 91 years old.

Born to David and Carrie (Stalker) Hartman on October 7, 1929, in Metropolis, IL. The family moved to Carbondale, IL where Mary attended grade school through graduation from Carbondale High School. She went on to attend Southern Illinois University and graduated early, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. She taught in the Sesser school system, where she met her soon to be husband, George Slankard, while they were teaching in the elementary school. Mary later taught English at Sesser High School, where she was revered as “one of the best English teachers” many students ever had. Numerous students went on to earn their college degree in education and teach, because of the influence that Mary Slankard had in their life.

George and Mary Slankard expanded Slankard Publishing in the 1960’s. While still teaching, Mary was the proofreader of all content for the three periodicals (magazines) that were published; “Cooner”, “Cars and Parts”, as well as “Hunter’s Horn”. Upon retirement from education, Mary worked alongside George, fulltime, until their retirement from the publishing business.

Mary and George enjoyed a fulfilling life together and were married for nearly 70 years, before his passing in March 2020.

Mary was an avid learner and enjoyed reading, cooking, English and French design, and horticulture.

Mary had numerous nieces, nephews and friends who regarded her as a beloved aunt and mother. She will forever be in their hearts.

A celebration of life will be held in the summer, contingent upon Covid 19 guidelines.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Mary, may be made to the Sesser United Methodist Church, P O Box 428, Sesser, IL 62884.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.

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

Richard Lee Murphy, age 60, of Benton; passed away at 10:14 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

Mr. Murphy’s wishes were to be cremated A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

He was born on September 1, 1960 in Kansas City, Kansas, the son of Roy and Ruby Murphy.

Richard was a former cook at the Franklin Hospital.

He enjoyed going to yard sales, and he was a lifelong Kansas City Chiefs fan. He was so happy to see his Chiefs win the Super Bowl this past season.

Mr. Murphy is survived by his son Matt Murphy and fiancee Becca Brock of Zeigler; his longtime companion and friend Clara Lewis; two grandsons: Hunter Bagley of Benton and Tucker Brock of Zeigler; six brothers and sisters; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Richard to assist his family with the cremation expenses, may be sent in care of Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Charles Richard Webster, 76, of Benton passed away Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020 at Stonebridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

Charles was born in Colorado Springs, CO on March 15, 1944, the son of Byford and Marjorie (Cook) Webster.
He married Sondra (Powell) on August 9, 1963 at the Herrin First Methodist Church.

Mr. Webster was co-owner of Flowers by Dave in Benton. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton, and had served for years at the church in numerous capacities. Mr. Webster in his younger years had served as a volunteer fireman, had served as finance commissioner for the City of Benton, and had served on the Fire & Police Commission. He graduated from Automotive Technology at SIU-VTI and had a lifelong love for sharp cars.

He was passionate about his family, church and community.

Mr. Webster is survived by his wife, Sondra Webster, of Benton; son Kevin Webster, and wife Jennifer, of Macedonia; daughter Kerri Cottle, and husband Jim, of Benton; grandchildren Brad Cottle, Alison Webster, Emma Webster, Bethany Cottle and Ryan Webster and great-grandchildren Braxton Cottle, Kalib and Addison Mayberry. He is also survived by brother David Webster and wife Sharon, of Benton; sister Laurie Webster, of West Frankfort; brother Brett Webster, and wife Traci, of West Frankfort; sister-in-law Joyce Mathers and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Webster was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2, 2021 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton with the Rev. Don Jamerson officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Church.

Masks are strongly recommended, and will be available, and social distancing should be practiced.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com