Donetia Faye (Bozovich) Laur – Benton, IL

Donetia Faye (Bozovich) Laur, 90, of Benton passed away Thursday, September 17, 2020 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, September 21st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of Flowers, Memorial donations may be made to the Steel City Baptist Church or to the Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance.

Donetia worked at the telephone company in Benton upon graduation from high school. She later worked in the office for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria and a secretary for Freeman Coal Company in West Frankfort. After retiring from Freeman, she worked 12 more years doing in-home care for the elderly through several senior citizen programs. For a time she served as the pie baker at the Christopher MaidRite.

Donetia was a member of the Steel City Baptist Church.

She enjoyed listening to her music, working in her flowers, and cooking; she also loved watching Cardinal Baseball games.
She was born October 15, 1929 in Benton, Illinois to Nicholas John and Dollie Faye Overturf Bozovich. Survivors include two step-sons, Nick and Sandy Laur of Sesser and Mark and Lori Laur of Scheller: five grandchildren, Brian and Dana Laur of Sesser, Erin and Chip Basso of Sesser, Jared and Erin Laur of Evansville, Indiana, Bethany Deaton of Carterville, and Allyssa Laur and fiancè Jordan Edwards of Sesser: eight great-grandchildren, Reid and Reagan Basso, Delaney, Patrice, and Banx Laur, Cooper and Julia Laur, and Lucas Laramore, Sister, Virginia Benns of Benton, Brothers, Howard Bozovich of West Frankfort, David and Diana Bozovich of Whittington; Sister-in-law-Rosemary Bozovich of Godfrey. Several nieces & nephews and their families: Terri J. Harmon, Tresa M. Reigart, Stephen R. Bozovich, Michael Bozovich, Richard Bozovich, Kathy Bozovich, Nick Braden, William Braden, Roberta Sentel, Clarence Braden, Jeanie Braden, Warren Rice, Donald Rice, Karen Rice, Tammy Young, Ronald Bozovich, John Bozovich, Al Baluk, Christine GrBr and Diane Bozovich.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Bill Neal, who passed away in 1978 and her second husband Dallas Laur, who passed away in 2012 after 32 years of marriage. She was also preceded in death by Sisters Mildred Jacobs, Ann Mason, Ruth Baluk, Betty Braden, Mary Bozovich and Brother Kenneth Bozovich.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

John “Little John” Hampton – Mulkeytown, IL

John “Little John” Hampton, 59, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday September 18, 2020 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on March 16, 1961 in Christopher to John “Pappy” and Nina Mae (Clancy) Hampton. He married Georgetta (Anderson) Hampton on June 1, 1991 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his children Chris (Mary) Hampton of Mulkeytown, Sarah (Jim) Emberton of Zeigler, Tearra (Zach) Carter of Mulkeytown, Andrew Hampton of Christopher and Gabby Hampton of Mulkeytown; six grandchildren Ashly, AJ, Jared, James Jr., Jarren and Jenna; one sister Tina (John) Hughes of Sesser and two brothers Dennis Hampton of Mulkeytown and Harry Hampton of Wentzeville, MO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Kevin Hampton, two grandchildren Carlie Staggs and Christian Hampton and one brother Phillip “PG” Hampton.

John was a Supervisor of Dispatching at the West Frankfort Police Department.

Graveside services will be on Monday September 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown with Brother George Marshall officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday September 20, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with an Emergency Service Personnel Walk-Thru at 4:45 PM on Sunday. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Cathy Ann Mize – Zeigler, IL

Cathy Ann Mize, 52, of Zeigler, passed away on Monday September 14, 2020 at her home.

She was born on January 11, 1968 to Margaret (Friedrich) Sanders. She married Michael Mize.

She is survived by her husband Michael Mize of Zeigler; mother Margaret Sanders of Christopher; one son David (Nikki Ramey) Clark of Sesser; one granddaughter Marley Nicole Clark; one sister Tina (Thomas) Dean of Benton.

She was preceded in death her sister Patricia Henderson.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Jerry Lee Gossett – Sesser, IL

Jerry Lee Gossett, 68, of Sesser, IL, passed away September 14, 2020 following a battle with lung cancer.

Jerry was born July 20, 1952 at Miner’s Hospital in Christopher, IL, the son of Stanley Lee Gossett and Betty Jo (Snyder) Gossett.

Jerry was a 1971 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School and a veteran of the United States Army, where he proudly served for two years. He worked as a coal miner for several years with Freeman United Coal Company and also as a carpenter.

Jerry is survived by two sons, Jeremy, and wife Jennifer, of Caseyville, IL and Joshua, and wife Kimberly, of Christopher, IL; grandchildren Chasity, Sophia, Cody, Grady, Kelsey and Rachael; great-grandchildren Ryker, Kayson and Amelia. He is also survived sisters Rhonda Skurat, of Christopher and Sandra Gossett, of Carbondale and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Betty Gossett and one sister, Debra Gossett.

It was Jerry’s wish to be cremated and a Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank all those who offered prayers and support during Jerry’s illness and passing.

JoAnn Marie Ohms-Sesser, IL

JoAnn Marie Ohms, 83, of Sesser, passed away on September 11, 2020 at her home.

She was born on November 10, 1936 in Randolph County, IL to Leo and Elsie (Schiebel) Gaertner. She married Otto Ohms on May 30, 1956 and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survived by her children Alan Ohms of Redbud, IL, Don (Becky) Ohms of Sparta, IL and Julie (Don) Heine of Sesser; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Searby, Victoria (Eric) Halfacre and Leo Ohms; step-grandson Greg Lashbrook; four great grandchildren Atlas, Zoe, Jonah and Scout.
She was a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church of Sesser. She had worked in the family’s upholstery business and had also worked at the Redbud Hospital.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday September 15, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the St Pius Cemetery in Walsh, IL following the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Charles N. Edwards – Macedonia, IL

Charles N. Edwards, 85, of Macedonia, IL passed away Thursday morning, Sept. 10, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born in Macedonia, IL on May 8, 1935, the son of Noble & Evelyn (Vanhorn) Edwards.

He married Sue (Dethrow) on Feb. 3, 1957.

Mr. Edwards was always there to help others. He loved his friends and family, horses and farming. He never met a stranger. Mr. Edwards was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church. He was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge & Eastern Star.

Mr. Edwards is survived by his wife, Sue Edwards; three daughters, Judy Courter, and friend Gary Ehrhart, Joyce Hawkins, and husband Mike and Jennifer Ehrhart, and husband Mike; grandchildren Michele Gulley, Timothy Courter, and wife Melissa, Alicia Courter, Tammy Filkins, and husband Dave, Josh Hawkins, and wife Jennifer, Katie Bonsack, and Frank Akin, Jarret Bonsack, Kyle Bonsack; great-grandchildren Kolton Gulley, Gage Clark, Jaden Courter, Laney Courter, Kaylyn Courter, Brinley Montgomery, Adyson Filkins, Selena Filkins, Antonio Filkins, Jonah Filkins, Westyn Hawkins and Lily Akin; a cousin who was like a brother, Melvin Edwards.

Mr. Edwards was preceded in death by his parents, by a brother and a sister.
Masonic Rites will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2020 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with a funeral service to follow with Pastor Derrick Cairel officiating. Burial will be in the Edwards Farm Cemetery in Macedonia. Visitation will be after 10 A.M. Saturday at the funeral home.

We ask everyone attending the services to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and everyone attending is encouraged to wear a mask.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Rohney Eugene Bacon-Cleburn, IL

Rohney Eugene Bacon, 65, of Cleburn, passed away on September 8, 2020 in St Louis, MO surrounded by his wife and daughters.


He was born on March 29, 1955 in Christopher to Eugene Lyle and Violet Ann (Poweski) Bacon. He married Susan (Webb) Bacon on February 15, 1980 and she survives of Cleburn.

He is also survived by his two daughters Amy Jo (Matt) Bagwell of Zeigler and Alyssa (Jordan) Cavins of Christopher; three grandchildren Star, Jonathon and Carter. He was loved by his entire family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter April Ann Bacon and one sister Donna Bacon.

He had worked at Larry’s Trailers Sales in Zeigler.

His wishes were to be cremated with a private family service.

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

Robert Wayne Rone – formerly of Benton, IL

Robert Wayne Rone passed away on Saturday, August 1st, 2020, at the VA Medical Center in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Robert was born on July 22nd, 1952 to Robert and Shirley (Thomas) Rone in Peoria, Illinois. Robert was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Vietnam War.


On December 13th, 1975, Robert married Sandra Fitzpatrick. They had one child together during their marriage. Though they did not remain married, Robert always said she was the love of his life, the only one for him.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Theresa (Thomas) Herron of West Frankfort, Illinois; one step-daughter, Dana Dotty of Carterville, Illinois; one sister, Roberta (Jimmie) Bayless of Akin, Illinois; grandchildren, Micaela (Corey) Baltzell of Johnston City, Illinois, Trenton Pritchett of Goreville, Illinois; five step grandchildren, Taylor Lappin of Savannah, Georgia, Brenden Lappin of Marion, Illinois, Colin Whitehead of Goreville, Illinois, Savannah and Wende Herron of West Frankfort, Illinois; two great-grandchildren, Maverick and Maddox Baltzell of Johnston City, Illinois; Nieces and nephews, Alicia Rone-Williams of West Frankfort, Illinois, Daryl Shannon Rone of Carrier Mills, Illinois, Jason (Amanda) Rone of Benton, Kentucky, Leeann Bayless of Akin, Illinois, Travis Rone of Akin, Illinois, Ryder and China Rone of Herrin, Illinois; great nieces and nephews, Logan Bayless of Akin, Illinois, Emma Rone of Akin, Illinois and Rue Rone of Herrin, Illinois.

He is also survived by two sister-in-laws, Janet Rone of Akin, Illinois, Lisa Rone of Herrin, Illinois.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Rone and Shirley Ann Rone, his brothers Ricky Rone, Roger Rone, Ronnie Rone and Roy Rone as well as his paternal and maternal grandparents.

In his last days, Robert spent his time reminiscing with his daughter, Theresa over the good times that were had together throughout their lives. They listened to some of their favorites songs which included “Old Time Rock and Roll” and wished to go back to the days where they would roller skate together and dance disco. He also loved to listen to his granddaughter sing to him as he believed it was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted in Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St. Benton, Illinois.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 am., Saturday, September 12th, 2020, at the Brady Cemetery in Akin, Illinois with Pastor Stan Serati and Kent Burns officiating services. Military rites will follow services by the Benton American Legion Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honors.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.patefh.com

Julia Ann Milton – Benton, IL

Julia Ann Milton (Collins) “Julie”, 69, of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, September 06, 2020 at her home.

She was surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing. She was born April 19, 1951, in Cairo, Illinois to William Greenley and Mary Josephine Siers Collins. Julie graduated from Egyptian High School in Tamms, Illinois in 1969 and went on to receive her nursing degree from Baptist Memorial School of Nursing in Memphis, Tennessee. Julie spent all of her career as a Registered Nurse before retiring at the age of 63. Caring for others was something that she held near and dear to her heart. She also loved gardening, cooking, reading, boating, exercising, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren and family.

Julie married Barry Milton on April 21, 1973 at Shaeffer Memorial Chapel in Germantown, Tennessee. They spent a majority of their married life living in Iowa before making their final move to southern Illinois in 2002 where they have presided since.

Julie is survived by her two children, Joseph (Angela) Milton of Germantown Hills, Illinois and Emily (Timothy) Milligan of Benton, Illinois.
She is survived by four beautiful grandchildren: Riley Tschannen of Benton, Illinois, Leoni Milton of Germantown Hills, Illinois, Hazel Milton of Germantown Hills, Illinois and Mack Milligan of Benton, Illinois. Julie is survived by her brother-in-law, Stephen Milton of Boca Raton, Florida and sister-in-law, Judi Collins of Tallahassee, Florida. She is also survived by nephrews; Wade Collins of Tallahassee, Florida, Zach (Alex) Kluesner of Columbia, Missouri, nieces; Katy (Nic) Christie of Crawfordville, Florida, Lacy (Ryan) Turner of Thebes, Illinois, and Alli Kluesner of Jackson, Missouri. She also leaves behind many dear friends.
Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Jo Collins, her father, Bill Collins, her two brothers, Mark (Kim) Collins and Kevin (Judi) Collins, and her sister, Joanie (Jim) Kluesner.

Visitation will be Friday, September 11 from 3:00 – 5:00 P.M. at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. A private family and close friends Celebration of Life will follow at 5:00 P.M. with Jere Gowin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association in honor of Julie Milton. The family would like to thank Shirley Davis, her caregiver, and Hospice of Southern Illinois for providing such exceptional care and comfort.
We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time. As per the CDC and local health guidelines, everyone attending is asked to observe social distancing. For everyone attending masks are required, and they will be made available upon request.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Sybil Davison-Christopher, IL

Sybil Jane Davison, 91, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, September 7th, surrounded by her family.

Sybil Harrison was born November 9, 1928, in the “Harrison House” on North State Street, which still stands, the daughter of Russell Theodore and Margaret Bione Harrison. She was a descendent of Christopher Harrison after whom the City was named.

Throughout her life, Sybil was active in the community and area organizations, among which were the Christopher Betterment Association, Christopher Area Youth Association, West Franklin Historical Society, CCHS Alumnae Bearcat Boosters, Beta Sigma Phi Chapters, and Christopher Business & Professional Women.

She also served on the Christopher Elementary School Board for 18 years, 13 years as Secretary as well as the Christopher Public Library Board for 15 years, 8 as Secretary, Franklin-Jefferson Special Education Board, Franklin-Williamson Human Resources Board, Franklin County Zoning Commission, St. Andrew’s Parish Council.

Sybil was also a member of the University of Missouri Alumnae Association and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority Alumnae. Two years in a row, she was picked FanFare for 50 for Outstanding Women on Campus. And listed as Who’s Who of American Women.

She was a bowler for 20 years with the Monday night Women’s League on The Vogue team.

She and her husband served as consultants with the International Service Corps in Panama.

She attended the University of Missouri and received a Bachelor of Journalism degree, graduating in 1950, where President Truman gave the graduating address.

An enthusiastic sports promoter and participant, she volunteered in teaching tennis and swimming. She served as assistant coach of the 1st Christopher Girls Softball Team in 1979.

As a student at Lincoln Junior High, she received a letter as a member and pitcher of the boys softball team. Special permission was granted for her to participate in this sport.

Following her graduation from the University of Missouri, her first job in journalism was as Editor of the Glen Ellyn News. She also served as Editor of the newspapers owned by she and her husband and was nominated for Illinois Editor of the Year.

She is survived by five children: Gregory William (and wife Debra), Timothy Joseph (and wife Barbara, Topeka, Kansas), Jodie Jane Toney, Mary Margaret (Austin, Texas), and Matthew Russell. Also living are her husband, Joseph William to whom she has been married for 64 years, and her sister, Mary Louise Munsell from California.. She was preceded in death by her son, Stephen Harrison, who was killed in an automobile accident in 1978.

Her grandchildren include Dr. Jamie Davison Link, Julie Davison, Mandy Engleken, Missy Heinen, Megan Patterson, Will Toney, and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at St. Andrew’s Chapel in Christopher, Illinois, on Thursday September 10, 2020 at 3:00 PM with visitation at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM followed burial at the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew’s Chapel, Christopher Library Board, or Franklin County Animal Rescue.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News