Melissa Marie Hayes, 40, of Otterson Road in Benton, passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2024.

Melissa was born on July 23, 1983, to Kenneth Hayes and Karen Greeney at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

After Melissa received her GED, she began working all kinds of jobs. Melissa’s last job was at Mike’s Drive In as a cook. Melissa met Chad Wallace in the late 2000’s. Melissa and Chad went on to have two children, Hailey Wallace, 20 years of age and Mauro Wallace, 21 years of age. After Chad passed away, Melissa then started figuring out life on her own. Melissa spent her time outside. She loved to walk, she loved hikes and pretty views. She mainly worked the night shift at Mike’s Drive In. Before work, she would walk to the tanning company where she would spend tons of time in those tanning beds. She would always make sure she had time to walk down to the gas station to get a pop and play on the gambling machines.

Melissa was a do-er. She did everything for everyone even when they wouldn’t ask. When it came to Melissa’s children, she would be there in a heartbeat. Melissa had several active roles in her lifetime, she worked at Anarchy Angels, where she helped others fight their addictions. She would make donations so these homeless addicts weren’t struggling as much and then tried to start a women’s group. She had a few women show up to the meetings and that made her so happy. She helped everyone when she had her own battles to face.

She was a loving friend and mother. She was her children’s biggest cheerleaders. Melissa always had your back.

Most of all, Melissa will be remembered for her goofy smile and silly jokes she cracked. She will be greatly missed by all.

Melissa is survived by her father, Kenneth (Christina) Hayes; her mother, Karen (James) Greeney; her son, Mauro Michael Wallace; her daughter, Hailey Rae Wallace; her grandson, Westin Wallace; her sister, Elizabeth Parent; her brothers, Matthew T. Hayes, Brad William Greeney and Tyler Schofeld and numerous nieces and nephews.

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

Per Melissa’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Richard Dewayne Knight was born in Belvidere, Illinois on December 22nd , 1953.

Richard passed away on July 22nd, 2024, at 4 pm in his home surrounded by family. He was 70 years old when he passed. He also goes by Rick. Rick was a beloved father, brother, son, grandpa, and friend to many. He had a passion for racing stockcars, go-karts, drawing, golfing, and crafts. His biggest accomplishment was the Superman water tower he painted in Metropolis, Illinois.

He loved spending quality time with his grandchildren. Rick enjoyed playing the Guitar and singing. Rick was an amazing man that will be remembered forever. Rick is survived by daughters Tina Knight of North Carolina, and Nichole (Chris) Beraird of Cape Missouri, Stephanie (German) Garcia of Christopher, and one stepson Anthony Morefield of Murphysboro. He is survived by four grandchildren: Jada Morales-Morefield, Juliana Morales-Morefield, Kolton Johnson, and Erich Morales. He is also survived by his siblings Gary (Debbie) Knight of Oklahoma, Rhonda Knight of Carbondale, IL, Ronnie of Texas, Cheryl of Murphysboro IL, and Crystal (Texas). Rick is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Richard is preceded in death by his mother Betty (Joe) Post and Father Cecil (Nancy) Knight.

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

Gilbert Ray Pulcher, 85, of Murphysboro, passed away on Saturday July 20, 2024 at the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born on August 22, 1938 in Desoto, IL to Gilbert and Georgia (Wingett) Pulcher. He married Ruth (Raines) Pulcher.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Ruth Pulcher of Murphysboro; his children Beth (Bobby) Dallas, Terri (Ed) Miller, Tom (Pam) Pulcher and Tim (Kara) Pulcher; grandchildren Craig (Ellen) Etherton, John (Halie) Dallas, Logan (Bobbi) Dallas, Erika (Caleb) Diericx, Jake (Emily) Miller, Austin Pulcher, Justin Pulcher, Caitlan (Luke) Scaggs and Trent (Mekenzie) Pulcher; seven great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Gilbert served in the United States Navy from 1956 until 1959 on the USS Forrestal.

His wishes were to be cremated and his ashes will be buried at the McKinney Hill Cemetery in Carterville, IL.

In lieu of flowers donation can be given to the McKinney Hill Cemetery, 3034 North Reed Station Road, Desoto, IL 62924.

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

Mr. Russell Joseph Ballard, Jr., age 75, of Benton, passed away at 12:30 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 21, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Sunday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors by the Army National Guard will follow at the Baltimore Cemetery, South of Wayne City, IL.
Russell Joseph Ballard was born on April 25, 1949, in Wayne City, IL, the son of Russell Joseph Ballard and Ruth Allie (Hood) Ballard.

Mr. Ballard served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. During his service in Vietnam his bravery helped him attain National Defense Medal, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and 1 Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm. Marksman (M-16 Rifle), Expert (.45 Caliber Pistol), Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry Unit Citation, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Honor Medal (2nd Class). He was proud to have served his Country.

He was a member of V.F.W. Post# 1301 of Marion, IL, and American Legion Post# 0528 of Christopher, IL.

Joe was a self-employed over the road truck driver.

On June 4, 1993, he married Lea Neri, and this past June 4th, they have been married for 31 years.
Joe and Lea enjoyed traveling, camping, trail hiking and gardening together.

Surviving is his loving wife of 31 years, Lea Ballard of Benton, IL; two children: a son, Steven Ballard of Mt. Vernon, IL, a daughter, Jody Carter of KY; seven grandchildren: Victoria, Shara, Austin, Makaila, Jordan, Hanna and Sith; three great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers: Jerry Ballard and Ernie Ballard.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Christopher American Legion Post #0528; and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Joe; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Joseph Paul Cook, 79, of Benton, IL passed away Saturday morning, July 6, 2024 at StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab Center in Benton.

He was born in Chicago, IL on November 11, 1944 the son of Joseph & Ruby (Burgess) Cook.

Mr. Cook worked for Maytag for 39 years & 3 months. He was a farmer and was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Cook is survived by his:
Son: David Cook & wife Betty of Benton
Daughter: Janet Budnick & husband Norm of Mahomet
Grandchildren:
Brandon Cook & wife Avery of Benton
Joseph Cook of Benton
Jacob Cook of Benton
Caitlyn Cook of Benton
Ashley Cairel of Urbana
Dylan Stewart of Benton
Lauren Budnick of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Lindsey Budnick of Seattle, Washington
1 Great-Grandchild due in February
1 Brother: Ronald Cook & wife Shirley of Benton
1 Sister: Irene Cluck of Benton

He also leaves behind several Nieces & Nephews.

Mr. Cook was preceded in death by his Parents, Step-Mother-Gladys Cook, a Granddaughter-Jessica Stewart, a Sister-in-law-Peggy Cook, a Brother-in-law-Kenneth Cluck, Niece-Julie Cook and a Cousin-Eugene Fleming.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, July 8th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. William Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com