Vivian Rose Janello, of Christopher, always had a passion for traveling the world. She visited Israel, Italy, Spain, Hawaii, Alaska, The Bahamas, and many other lovely, historical, and interesting places. Vivian’s final journey, on August 14, 2020 at the age of 92, was to the place she most desired, her beautiful heavenly home. She departed this life at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Vivian was born on December 23, 1927 in Bush, Illinois to Ernie and Hazel (Glisson) Norman. She graduated from the Christopher High School in 1946. On October 5, 1946, Vivian married Frank Janello at the Methodist Church in Christopher. They were married 49 years and 3 months, when Frank passed away January 29, 1996. In 1948, Frank and Vivian welcomed their first child, Dianne Lynn, and three years later they were blessed with their second child, Gary August. Vivian was a very attentive and loving Mother and Homemaker, but also loved to keep busy writing for the local newspaper.

With Vivian’s vivacious personality, she eventually found the perfect job that allowed her to be home with her children and introduce a wonderful cosmetic line to area women. At her kitchen table, Vivian began her long-standing career with Beauty Counselor Cosmetics Company. Ladies would make appointments to get a cosmetic makeover and be introduced to skin care products. Vivian was shining in her new profession and enjoyed every minute of introducing the ladies to the magical world of cosmetics. Eventually, Vivian became an executive with Beauty Counselor Cosmetics, flying around the country to give motivational presentations and attending meetings with executives at the home office in Michigan. Vivian spent 25 years with the company, which eventually became known as Vanda Beauty Counselor.

Upon retirement, Vivian became active in the Christopher community. She served as President of the City of Christopher Chamber of Commerce and received the “Citizen of The Year” award from the Chamber for all of her tireless efforts to help the City of Christopher be a great place to live and work. Vivian was honored by then Governor Jim Edgar, at the Governor’s Mansion in Springfield, for her work with the Chamber.

When Vivian could bring joy into a child’s life, she was at her happiest. Vivian launched the “Annual Christopher Fishing Derby” which today remains a big success for young children. Vivian was instrumental in the addition of new playground equipment for the city park. She also presided over the “Annual Easter Egg Hunt” in Christopher, with an army of volunteers. Vivian’s idea of Christmas was not receiving gifts, but gathering the children of underprivileged families in her car, with her best friend Wanda Kunkle, and taking them Christmas shopping. Coming from a very humble childhood, Vivian never forgot her roots and was determined to give every child she knew a Christmas to remember. Vivian had a heart of gold for families in need, not just at Christmas, but 365 days a year.

Being a devout Christian, Vivian loved her Lord and Savior with all her heart. Vivian fulfilled the experience of a lifetime when she was baptized in the Jordan River while visiting Israel. She was of Protestant faith and lived to glorify her Lord in service and song. Vivian especially looked forward to attending Jubilee Tabernacle Church where Bro. Danny Norman, Vivian’s nephew, is the Pastor. Even though dementia robbed her mind of precious memories, Vivian never forgot Jesus. Nurses once heard Vivian witnessing to another resident at the nursing facility. Vivian asked the resident, “Do you know my friend Jesus?” Vivian spent her life asking family, friends, and neighbors that same life changing question, “Do you know my friend Jesus?”

Vivian married Lavern Dietz on November 9, 2002. Lavern sadly passed away in 2015. Vivian is survived by her daughter Dianne Janello (William Fuller) of Marion, son Gary (Anna) Janello of Christopher, grandsons Frank (Lori) Janello of Normal and Garett (Rachael) Janello of Mulkeytown, granddaughter Janell Troutt (fiance’ David Sims) of Christopher, great-grandchildren Jenna, Brett, Jacob, and Carter Janello, brother James (Margie) Norman of Carterville, half-brother Elmer Norman of Herrin, aunt Fanny Wichkowski of Carterville, sister-in-law Carol Norman of Royalton, and special nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, step-father Oscar Lansford, brothers Farrell Norman, Oscar Leo Lansford, Jr., sister Stella Lawson, aunts Catherine Mitcheff and Etta Worley, and a special uncle and aunt who took young Vivian under their wings, Glen and Velsie Hock.

A private family graveside service will be held at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, Illinois with Pastor Bro. Danny Norman officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to The Night’s Shield Children’s Shelter, 301 East Garland Street, West Frankfort, IL. 62896 or online at thenightsshield.org.

Judy Ann VanZandt, 79, of Christopher, passed away on August 17, 2020 at her home.

She was born on November 7, 1940 to Lester and Dorothy (Price) VanZandt.

She is survived by her children Terry Hoch of Texas, Marcia (Craig) Malone of Texas, Cheryl Rankin of Christopher and Daryl Sims of Royalton; five grandchildren Kelly (Donny) Krotzer of South Carolina, Jillian (Daniel) Burmeister of Texas, Brandon (Mimi) Rankin of Beijing, China, Jessica (Ben) Robbins of Texas and Kristen Hoch of Texas; eight great grandchildren Katherine (Otis), Tyler, Kyle, Cole, Elaina, Allison, Kyia and Beau; three great great grandchildren Jaden, Oden and O’syia; one sister-in-law Jeanne VanZandt of Florida; one niece Stephanie (Paul) Heineman; three nephews Chris (Meribeth) VanZandt, Andrew VanZandt and Gregory VanZandt and several family and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Larry VanZandt. Her wishes were to be cremated. A Celebration of Life for Judy will be held at a later date.

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

Mary Lou Murry Dauksch was born on January 26, 1927, to Xelpho and Gertie (Gilliam) Murry of Perry County, Illinois. She graduated from Sesser High School in 1944 and married Lowell (“Apple”) Dauksch on March 23, 1946. She was a faithful and active member of the Sesser Church of Christ, and few visitors left the building without an invitation to Sunday dinner at her table. Mary Lou was known in the community for her skill with a needle, both in the furniture upholstery shop she ran from her home and in the many quilts, clothes, curtains, teddy bears, artificial flowers, and countless other craft projects she made and often gave away.

Mary Lou taught school for only a few years in her young adulthood, but she remained a teacher at heart all of her life. She was a well-loved Sunday school and day school teacher at Sesser Church of Christ for many years. She was always involved in her children’s school activities, and she was their biggest fan on the athletic field. Her children and grandchildren have fond memories of the time she spent teaching them everything from the Ten Commandments to the multiplication tables to skills like crocheting, quilting, gardening, and cooking dumplins. “Mama Dukes” loved being with children and always had the time and patience to let them work alongside her.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband Lowell Dauksch and two brothers, Bill and Ben Murry. She is survived by three brothers: Bobby, Louie, and Keith Murry; her daughter Connie Dauksch Trull and husband David, son Danny Dauksch and wife Sue, son Lanny Dauksch and wife Penny, and son Leland Dauksch and wife Robin, as well as 11 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and step-great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be on Saturday August 15, 2020 at 3:00 PM at Sunset Memorial Park in DuQuoin, IL with Bob White and Kirk Dauksch officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.

Donations may be made in Mary Lou’s memory to the Sesser Church of Christ or Freed-Hardeman University and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mrs. Marjorie Ann “Marge” Buntin, age 79, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:27 p.m. Friday, August 7, 2020 at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Mrs. Buntin’s wishes were to be cremated with no public services.

Private family Celebration of Life Services will be held.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the services.

Marjorie Ann Buntin was born on November 26, 1940 in Chester, IL, the daughter of Vernon Chester Lochhead and Marjorie Ruth (Mansker) Lochhead. She married Robert Guy Buntin on June 30, 1962, together they shared in 58 years of marriage.

Marge was a homemaker, a member of the Eastern Star, Northern Homemakers, and the Carbondale United Methodist Church.

She enjoyed anything and everything concerning her family whom she loved more than anything. Other enjoyments included reading, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and watching St. Louis Cardinal baseball. Everyone in the family enjoyed her hand made gifts. She loved to get in the truck with Bob and “go burning some gas”.

Surviving is her loving husband Robert “Bob” Buntin of Thompsonville; her four children: Kelly Clark Balliet and husband Mark of McLeansboro, Scott Buntin and wife Shari of Thompsonville, Steve Buntin and wife Heather of Sarasota, FL, Sam Buntin and wife Cindy of Benton; nine grandchildren: Caleb Buntin and wife Beth, Alex Clark, Mat Buntin, Megan Buntin, Kira and Tyler Buntin, Lee Balliet and wife Ashley, Melissa Balliet, McKenzie Raley and husband Daniel; seven great-grandchildren: Harper and Reagan Buntin, Jada Hill, Ava Graham, Skylar and David Lee Balliet, Levi Raley; a sister Carol Hoffman and husband Harold of Union, MO; brother and sister-in-law Jerry and Ann Williams of Phoenix, AZ, brother and sister-in-law Mike and Brenda Buntin of Thompsonville, sister-in-law Jean Buntin Chamness (deceased); and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her father Vernon Chester “Spookey” Lochhead; her mother Marjorie Ruth (Mansker) Lochhead Brooks; her step-father J.E. Brooks; a sister-in-law Jean Buntin Chamness; and a son-in-law Jeffrey Clark.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, rather than flowers, be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children; and may be mailed to the funeral home.

Also, the family would like to mention that if you feel sick, go to the hospital and be checked, the Coronavirus Covid-19 is real.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mrs. Marjorie Buntin, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com

Please uplift the Buntin family in your daily prayers.

Bernadine Demaret, 95, of Christopher, IL, passed away August 10, 2020, at Wabash Christian Retirement Village in Carmi, IL, following a brief illness. She was born in Treveskyn, PA, August 17, 1924, the eldest daughter of John Paul and Ann Morgan, and raised in Lawrence, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Demaret married Ralph Jules Demaret March 8, 1947, and settled in Christopher, IL. He preceded her in death in 1991. She was a Registered Nurse, working in area hospitals. She was an avid reader in the field of medicine, nursing and health. In recent years she was a member of the Home Extension. She attended services at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

One son, Ralph “Raymond” Demaret (Blenda Sulser) survives, of Fairfield, IL. Three grandchildren survive, Julie (Doug) Aman, Craig (Sandra), and Derek (Amy), also of Fairfield. She was blessed with six great-grandchildren, Alexander Aman, Audrey Aman, Jorji Demaret, Jordan Demaret, Dominic Demaret, and Dane Demaret.

Surviving siblings include three brothers Richard (Rich), Andrew Thomas (Tommy), Donald (Donny) and four sisters, Kathleen (Kass), Eileen, Geraldine (Gerry) and Marlene. She was predeceased by her husband and parents, as well as brothers John Paul, Jr. (Buddy), George Raymond (Ray), Patrick (Sonny), William (Bill), Margaret, Charles (Chuckie) and Michael James (Jim). As the oldest daughter with fourteen siblings, Bernadine helped her mother in the home.

Bernadine lived healthy and independently until her recent hospitalization in July. She accepted hard work without a thought, including “cutting the grass” into her early 90’s. She enjoyed keeping her home stocked with healthy food and making fresh berry cobbler from scratch. A meal at her house meant a smorgasbord. One hobby included crocheting with family appreciating afghan keepsakes.

Funeral services will be on Thursday August 13, 2020 at 11:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home, 209 N Emma, Christopher, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:30 AM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

Bernadine volunteered into her 90’s each Memorial Day weekend at the Harrison Cemetery accepting donations for its upkeep.

She would be honored for memorial donations to the Harrison Cemetery, c/o Gilbert Funeral Home, 209 N Emma, Christopher, IL 62822.

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

Robin Marie (Norris) Veteto, age 63, of Benton, passed away at 3:39 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 2020 at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Robin’s wishes are to be cremated with a private family Celebration of Life Service to be held at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Robin was born on May 25, 1957 in Champaign, IL; the daughter of Lindel Norris and Lois (Fugate) Norris.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robin is survived by her two children: Kristy Engelke of Johnston City, IL, and George Engelke and wife Jenniffer of Benton, IL; her father Lindel Norris of Champaign, IL; four grandchildren: Dylan Engelke, Deanna Yocum, Keith Farmer, Hayleigh Engelke; three great-grandchildren: Wesley Yocum, Maxx Engelke, Jayclynn Engelke; three siblings: Wayne Berry, Nancy Norris, Kenny Joe Norris; many additional adopted brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Robin was a giving person; even upon death she continued to give by being a bone and tissue donor.

To leave online condolences or to share memories of Robin, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

On Friday, August 7, 2020, Gene Andrew Mitchell, 77, of Benton, Illinois, passed from this life to his heavenly home to be with the Lord he loved and served. He fought a long, brave battle with cancer and was surrounded by his loving family upon his passing.

Gene was born in West Frankfort, Illinois, on May 13, 1943, to Gene and Gladys Mitchell. He married his high school sweetheart, Juanita Farmer, on September 3, 1961.

He proudly served his country in the United States Navy as an electrician and instructor at the only mine warfare school that existed in the world at the time. His service included involvement in the Cuban Missile Crisis and sweeping mines in the Vietnam War. He retired from Rend Lake College in 1999 where he taught electricity, electronics, and federal mining certification classes. Many students were impacted by his instruction and influence. Gene was active in his church, New Life Church of God. He lived his life as a testimony to the Lord, who turned his life around. He loved spending time with his family, his dog Toby, studying scripture, reading, and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Bill and Jeff Mitchell. He is survived by his loving wife, Juanita, and his three loving children and their spouses, Lisa (Mike) Manis, Stephanie (Jeff) Moake, and Gene (Kendra) Mitchell II. His grandchildren also surviving are Michael (Heather) Manis, Nicole (Michael) Strickler, Brandon (Katherine) Moake, Jared (Mikayla) Moake, Abigail Mitchell, and Christian Mitchell. His seven precious great grandchildren, Hunter (13), Joshua (10), Benjamin (4), Sam (6), Will (6), Millie (2), and Warren (9 months) were a joy to his heart. His Dear Brother Scott Mitchell.

A visitation will be held from 12 – 2 pm on Monday, August 10, 2020, at New Life Church of God in Benton, Illinois. The funeral will follow the visitation at 2 pm with Pastor Rod Joplin officiating. Burial will be at Masonic Oddfellow Cemetery in Benton, Illinois, with Military Rites conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts. Social distancing should be observed and all CDC and local health requirements should be adhered to.

Special thanks to the staff and volunteers at the Fisher House in St. Louis, Missouri, and to Dr. Tanios and the nursing staff at SIH Cancer Institute in Carterville, Illinois. We would also like to thank friends and family for their prayers and kind support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Life Church of God or the Fisher House.

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

Beatrice Kay Price, 78, of Benton, passed away at 11:46 p.m., on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at Mt. Vernon Health Care Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Kay was born on August 5, 1942, to Dallas and Mabel (Taylor) Wynn in West Frankfort, IL. She married Wilfred Price and he preceded her in death.

Kay was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed being outdoors, bowling, traveling or just take a road trip.

She is survived by her loving daughters, Jo Linda (Dan) Swafford, Rebecca (Jim) Poole and Gayla (John) Edwards; three sisters, Wanda Shaw, Marilyn Kirkman, Beaulah Mae (Ferral) Avery; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Dallas and Mabel Wynn, her husband, Wilfred Price and one brother, Dallas Dean Wynn.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Services will be privately held.

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