Frances Ruth Furlin, 91, of Marion, formerly of Christopher, IL passed away on Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, IL. She born on December 14, 1928 in Valier, IL to Martin Elbert “Bill” and Maude (Jones) Vogel. She was married to the love of her life, Pete Furlin, for 65 years and he preceded her in death on December 27, 2017.

In addition, Frances was preceded in death by her parents, a stepfather Joe Berolatti, one brother Charles Vogel, sister-in-law Edith (Frank) Pallecone, sister-in-law Irma (Carl) Swindell, two nephews Patrick Pallecone and Dennis Pallecone, and one niece Judith Pallecone.

Frances is survived by a sister-in-law Naomi Vogel of Marion, IL, four nieces Susan (David) Trisdale of Dexter, MI, Lu Ann (Rick) Polley of Mulkeytown, IL, Faye Baysinger of Crest Hill, IL, Linda Pallecone of Matteson, IL, one nephew Gary (Diane) Pallecone of Newark, IL, and several great and great great nieces and nephews.

Frances was an active member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher where she served as church secretary, a member of the choir, Regent of Catholic Daughters, a Eucharistic Minister, and President of the Belleville Diocese Council of Catholic Women. Many will also remember her as a school librarian at Christopher Elementary School.

Her wishes were to be cremated. There will be a graveside service and Celebration of Life at the St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher on April 17, 2021 for Frances and Pete. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

William E. Swain, 75, of Royalton, passed away on Monday November 23, 2020 at his home.

He was born on October 20, 1945 in Royalton, Il to Ernest Clyde and Lucille Ellen (Shuping) Swain. He married Donna (Lawrence) Swain on May 12, 1967 and she preceded him in death on September 17, 2004.

He is survived by his children Shonna (Carl) Gooden of Herrin, Steve (Hazel) Swain of Carterville and Gary (Jessica) Swain of Royalton; daughter-in-law Carrie Swain; grandchildren Kimberly Messamore, Curtis Messamore III, Madison Fulford, Hanna Swain, Zack Swain, Brittany Swain, Kaitlyn Swain, Emily Swain, Jace Swain, Landon Swain, Hadley Curtwright, Lillian Jordan and Sarah Bose; great grandchildren Adeline Messamore, Skyleigh Messamore, Brently Fulford and Ashleigh Russell; one sister Wilma McCurdy of Royalton; sister-in-law Phyllis Gray of Hartford and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

William was a Navy Veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He loved to go to auctions and loved to aggravate people and make them laugh and loved to be around people.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one son William Swain, two brothers-in-laws John Wood and Carlos McCurdy.

Graveside services will be on Sunday November 29, 2020 at 1:30 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. Face coverings will be required at the cemetery.

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

Robert “Bob” Hoey, 93, of Christopher, passed away on November 17, 2020 at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab in Benton.

He was born on January 20, 1927 in Christopher to Edward and Beatrice (Jones) Hoey. He married Carolyn (McNail) Hoey and she survives.

He is also survived by a niece Melissa (Noble) Whitlow of Christopher; great nephew Matthew (Laura) Whitlow and their children. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Bob was a Navy Veteran serving during World War II. He was also very involved with the West Franklin Historical District and Genealogical Society and was a valuable historian for the city of Christopher and surrounding areas. He was also a member of the First Christian Church in Christopher.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday November 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Masonic and IOOF Cemetery in Benton. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Mrs. Sharon Lee Pedigo, age 79, of Benton; went peacefully to be with her Lord as her family surrounded her at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, 2020 at her home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton, with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will be in the Logan Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

It is required to wear a mask and social distancing should be observed. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Sharon was born on June 21, 1941 in Logan; the daughter of Arthur LaVern Roach and Laura Sue (Rieder) Roach. She would marry James Edward Pedigo on August 27, 1961 and he preceded her in death on September 17, 1990.

Sharon was an active member, since 1973, of Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton. She read her Bible every day. Her Church was her life and she enjoyed worshipping with her Church family.
She enjoyed listening to the radio and watching the “Game Show Network” on television.

Sharon especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved and looked forward to the time spent with and going out to eat with her brothers and sisters. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandchildren.
Sharon worked for many years at the Severin Nursing Home as a housekeeper.

Surviving are four daughters: Laura Rutherford and husband Rev. James Rutherford of Bush, IL, Paula Price and husband Paul of Mulkeytown, Vicki Hammonds and husband Rev. Chris Hammonds, Valerie Price and husband Rev. James Price of Benton; grandchildren: Tiffany Norris and husband Joe of Mulkeytown, James Rutherford and wife Markella of Energy, Kayla Rutherford of Bush, Rachel Easton and husband Kyle of Benton, Bethany DeMond and husband Jordan of Benton, Aaron Price and Charity Price both of Benton, Christa Ivanov and husband Konstantin of West Frankfort, Melissa Price of West Frankfort, Shannon Price and wife Camara of Mulkeytown; great-grandchildren Ava Easton, Henry Easton, Chance Norris, Madi Kelton, Aiden Ivanov, Emma Price and Jocy Price; siblings: Kenneth Roach and wife June of Sumiton, AL, Phyllis Carlile and husband C.L. of Thompsonville, Bette Lambert and husband Bill of Marion, Artie Roach and wife Katie of Logan; Marla Patten and husband Keith of Logan; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to say “Thank You” to Angela Parrent for all of her love and care that she showed towards Sharon.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Daryl Wayne Pedigo, a granddaughter Kristen Brooke (Hammonds) Miller and husband Josh; two sisters Marilyn Moss and Beverly Rosoho.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Sharon, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Linda Tolliver, 77, of Christopher, passed away on Monday November 16, 2020 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on June 6, 1943 in West Frankfort to Leon and Verdill (Burns) Fulks. She married William “Bill” Tolliver on September 27, 1963 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by two sisters Gwen Gartner of Benton and Karen Weaver of West Frankfort. She is also survived by her friend Bill Acord and her caregiver Susan Day.

Her wishes were to be cremated. The family will have a service at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements for the family.

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

Dr. Mina Gabrawy, age 85, of Benton; passed away at 9:15 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the Helia Healthcare Center in Benton.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Private family visitation will be held at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Due to State of Illinois Region 5 COVID-19 Mitigation; only 10 people are allowed at the Mass of Christian Burial, masks are required, and social distancing must be observed.

Mina Gabrawy was born on February 19, 1935 in Tahta, Egypt; the son of Amozis Gabrawy and Aida Labib (Ramsey) Gabrawy.

Dr. Gabrawy was a pathologist at Franklin Hospital for many years, and later served in that capacity at the VA Medical Center of Marion.

A voracious reader Mina also enjoyed woodworking, photography, playing tennis, listening to music.

He was an active member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and enjoyed attending all services at the church. His family said he use to purchase two roses, almost every day, to put in front of the St. Mary’s icon. He also enjoyed visiting The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville.

Dr. Gabrawy is survived by his son Mike Gabrawy and wife Raymonda of Los Angeles, CA; two grandchildren Jake and Emma; a brother Magdy Gabrawy of Minneapolis, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters Raga and Wafa Gabrawy.

In Lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Dr. Gabrawy to the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.