Patricia “Pat” Hollada, 87, of Benton, IL, passed away on July 2, 2024 at her home.

Pat was born on January 26, 1937, in Benton, IL. She is a 1954 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School and was an avid Benton Rangers sports fan through the decades.

Pat attended SIUC where she obtained her bachelor’s degree, while participating in three-sports. At SIUC Pat played tennis two years, basketball four years and softball for four years.

Pat spent more than 35 years teaching at Benton High School and Sesser-Valier High School before retiring in 1993. After her retirement she worked as a part-time health-education instructor at Rend Lake College and also returned to SV and many other area schools to work as a substitute teacher.

During her teaching/coaching career, Pat served as an assistant track coach at Benton and coached basketball and track at Sesser-Valier. As a coach at SV, Pat was a pioneer in ushering in girls’ sports, which were non-existent in the early 1970s. Working to see that girls’ sports was on a level playing field with boys’ athletics was a goal and a passion that Pat worked for her entire life.
Pat also taught physical education, health and driver’s education at SV. Pat taught many SV students the driving skills they still use daily and also sat in the passenger seat for many students on their first attempt behind the steering wheel.

During her retirement Pat did not slow down, and to the contrary, actually became more active and involved. At the age of 70, Pat shined at the Huntsman World Senior Games held in St. George, Utah. One of more than 10,000 athletes from 30 nations that participated in the event, Pat competed in track and field and basketball. She won a bronze medal (third place) in the discus and she narrowly missed the medal round in the shot put, finishing in fourth place. In basketball Pat brought home a gold medal in what was called the “hot shot” – a shooting exercise where the participant tries to make as many baskets as possible during an allotted segment of time. Hollada barely missed bringing home two gold medals in basketball finishing in second place in the combined event of free throw and three-point shooting.

Pat also invented “Jett the Clown” and performed at countless birthday celebrations, holiday parties and in later years at area nursing homes. Spreading happiness and smiles as Jett the Clown was one of the true joys of Pat’s life.

Pat was also active in her community, serving as a board member at Benton Public Library and the Rend Lake Tourism Council. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary at Franklin Hospital and an active member at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton.

Pat is survived by one brother, Bill, and wife Roberta, of Mattoon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, with Dr. Kirk Kay officiating. Visitation will at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Pat’s memory to the Benton Public Library or the Franklin County Animal Shelter. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Brian Keith Brooks, age 57 of Ewing, IL, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Brian was born on January 12, 1967, in McLeansboro, IL; the son of Donnie Keith Brooks and Vonda (Allen) Brooks.

He was a Benton Consolidated High School Graduate of 1986.

Brian worked for Lang Furniture/Lang-Taylor Home Furnishings of Bonnie, Illinois.

Brian was an outdoorsman that enjoyed fishing, hiking, coon hunting with his hound “Ole Red.” He also was an avid NASCAR fan; and every Saturday and Sunday, during race season, he could be found watching the races on the television, rooting for Kyle Busch, and in years past the late Dale Earnhardt.

Surviving is loving mother, Vonda Brooks of Ewing, IL; his son Joshua Keith Brooks of West Frankfort, IL; a grandson Joshua Keith Brooks, Jr. of Ewing, IL; special aunts Barb and Carol; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Donnie Keith Brooks on September 30, 2018. He was also preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 8, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Ryan Overbey officiating, with burial to follow in the Opdyke Cemetery, Opdyke, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

The family prefers. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Brian, to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton to assist with funeral expenses.

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

On Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, at 9:59, Diana Gail Shew Lipe, age 81 passed away peacefully at Camellia Gardens of Life Care, Thomasville, Georgia. Diana was born on May 10, 1943, in the loving home of Jennie Loretta Thomason Shew and James Samuel Shew in Benton, Illinois. James Richard “Dick” Shew joined the family as Diana’s little brother, but later, became her protector and advocate.

Even though Diana spent her final years in Georgia, her heart never left Illinois. Diana spent her carefree childhood days in the town of Benton, Illinois. She learned to play the piano beautifully and loved playing her shiny white piano as an adult. As a student, Diana excelled in school, always achieving good grades, striving for perfection. Diana had God given talent in art and painted exquisite landscapes and still life on canvas. As a top ten outstanding senior, Diana graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1961. Three short years out of high school, Diana caught the affections of a Marine, Larry Kent Durham and they were married in 1964. While they both went on to remarry, they were the parents of two children whom they both adored: Michael Kent Durham and Kenneth Wade Durham.

Diana worked at Lawrence A. Lipe and Associates for 27 years. A work relationship turned into a marriage between Larry Lipe and Diana. Their marriage would last 29 years and would have gone longer had Larry not passed away in 2016. Larry lovingly cared for his bride when she had a debilitating stroke in 2004 until the time, he could no longer care for her because of his own illnesses. His selflessness and patience with her condition never wavered. Diana moved from Illinois in 2018 so she could be closer to family. She captured the hearts of those who cared for her in South Georgia. In her last days, caregivers teared up as they recounted her blowing kisses in gratitude for her care. The family remains indebted to those in Illinois & Georgia who cared for her. The next time you dance, and we hope you do, remember Diana. A stroke paralyzed her right side, but now we can joyfully celebrate that she is dancing and moving freely in heaven.

Diana was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence Alfred “Larry” Lipe, grandson, Jasper Lipe and her parents, Jennie Loretta Thomason Shew, and James Samuel Shew. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Michael “Mike” Kent Durham (Judy Williams), Kenneth Wade Durham (Angie), grandchildren Mary Grayson Durham, Catherine “Cassie” Caroline Durham, brother James Richard “Dick” Shew (Cathy), niece Amy Shew Bosch (Dan), great niece Caroline Bosch, great nephew Braxton Bosch, nephew Matt Shew (Lynnette), great nephew Wyatt Shew, stepson Steve Lipe (Susan), grandchildren, Coco Lipe, Scarlett Lipe, stepdaughter Laura Lipe Vavrin (John), grandchildren, Sarah Vavrin and Will Vavrin.
Diana wished to be buried beside her beloved Larry Lipe in Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing, Illinois. Although her soul is in heaven, her body will be laid to rest in the dirt she loved. We rejoice knowing that the last few words she heard on this earth were from John 14:19: “Because I live, you also will live.” Diana believed these Words and believed on the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation, and she rests with Him now.

A visitation will be held at Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. The service will follow visitation at 1:00 p.m. followed by the interment at Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Diana’s memory may be made to either Williams Chapel Cemetery or Brady Cemetery & will be accepted by Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Diana, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com

Robert Alan “Bob” Fauset, age 76, of Christopher, Illinois, passed away Friday, June 28, 2024, at his home.

Bob’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Robert Alan Fauset was born on September 3, 1947, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Robert D. Fauset and Jean (Ballard) Fauset.

Bob attended Chicago City Schools. In 1966 he graduated from Carl Sandburg High School of Orland Park, Illinois. He also attended Red Lake College
He worked for 38 years as an inspector with Norge/Maytag of Herrin. Bob would later work with Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon and Changing Seasons Ace Hardware of Benton.

He married the former Kathleen Shea on August 9, 1974. In two months, they would have been married for 50 years.

Bob was an avid bowler who enjoyed woodworking projects, fishing, and trap shooting. He attended the Resurrection Baptist Church of Benton, until his health failed him.

Surviving is his loving wife Kathleen Fauset of Christopher, IL; a son Christopher Fauset and wife Clarissa of Benton, IL; two grandchildren: Connor M. Fauset and Sidney M. Fauset, both also of Benton, IL; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by His father Robert D. Fauset; his mother and stepfather: Jean Fauset Auten and husband James Auten; and his in-laws: Harold and Catherine Shea.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Robert A. “Bob” Fauset, may be made to Kathleen Fauset c/o Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Christopher- Nancy Jo Jamerson, 66, of Christopher, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at 9:30 AM, Friday, June 28, 2024 at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton.

Nancy was born on June 12, 1958 in Mulkeytown to Bobby and Caroline (Norris) Conner.

She was a believer in Jesus Christ and a former member of Greenwood Methodist Church, where her mother spent many Sunday services playing the piano. She spent over 20 years working at Jamerson Auto Sales in Benton, where she was the office administrator. She always found time to run her beloved children to the many different sports and event they participated in and was their biggest cheerleader.

In her spare time she enjoyed watching “Criminal Minds” and “The Golden Girls”. She was an animal lover and spent many years caring for her beloved Dachshund “Lucy”. She loved listening to music and had a wide variety of favorites from Brooks and Dunn to Fleetwood Mac. Her best memories were made in the kitchen, where she would prepare dinner for the holidays and celebrations spent with her family. She will always be remembered for her famous “Cheese Ball Spread”.

Survivors include her children- Edward Jamerson III and wife Bre of New Branfels, TX, Anthony Jamerson and wife Lexi of Benton, Laura Wilkerson and husband Shane of Benton, Bill Jamerson of Sesser and Bonnie Jamerson of Benton; eight grandchildren- Ezekiel, Caleb, Karter, Lily, Maggie, Rowen, Alyssa and Michael; siblings- Marion Conner and Neoma of Florence, AL, Pamela Hampton and Paul of Gulfport, MS, Dixie Conner of Mulkeytown, Valery Susan Keefe and David of Aurora, CO and Colleen Kay Freeman and David of Gainsville, GA.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother- Doyle Conner.

A memorial visitation will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10-11AM, Wednesday July 3, 2024. A graveside memorial service will follow at Ward Cemetery officiated by Rev. Larry Cook. Memorial Arrangements were entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Memorial donations are suggested to the ASPCA and will be accepted at Gilbert Funeral Home/ 209 N. Emma/ Christopher, IL 62822.

For more information, please visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Cathy Joann Garrett, age 67, of Benton and formerly of Sheldon, Illinois, passed away Saturday, June 29, 2024, at her home.

Cathy was born on December 12, 1956, in Chicago Heights, Illinois, the daughter of Noel J. Bull and Lois G. (Johnson) Bull.

She formerly worked as a laborer in a factory. In the most recent years, she was known for her abilities of buying and selling through E-Bay, which she thoroughly enjoyed working.

Cathy enjoyed antiques, watching movies, color by number painting, cross stitching and watching crime scene television. She enjoyed collecting, her collections included Barbies, Trolls, Glassware and Salt and Pepper shakers. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are two children: David Tenbroeke of Benton, Illinois, and Heather Woods and husband Kenny of Watseka, Illinois; grandchildren: Robekka Tenbroeke and fiance’ James Martin, Gabrielle Pendergast and husband Skylar, Brianna Stampfli, Jacqueline McCullough, Laci Woods; great-grandchildren: Prudence Pendergast, Ivy Pendergast, Ezra Cromie, Chloe Lindgren, Jaxton Morgan, Rosaline McGahan, Samuel McGahan; a sister Mari Griggs and husband Ron of Watseka, IL, and a brother Mark Bull of Buck Creek, Indiana; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Lori Hicks; a brother Charles Bull.

Her wishes are to be cremated. A private family Celebration of Life service will be held at a future date.

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

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

Stephen Andrew Lewis, 44, of Benton, died June 22, 2024. He was born to Bob and Becky (Smith) Lewis. Stephen was extremely bright and had many talents. He was an Eagle Scout, an accomplished saxophone player, and a doting uncle. Stephen was Valedictorian of his class at Benton Consolidated High School where he was a member of the band, the jazz band, and scholar bowl team, as well as participating in math and science competitions. His senior year, he won First Place in the WYSE Physics competition.

Stephen graduated with honors from Southern Illinois University with degrees in Aviation Management and Aviation Flight. He attained the rank of Captain as a commercial airline pilot. He was a Certified Flight Instructor and aviation technical writer.

Stephen was an avid traveler and adventurer. He loved zip lining and once did a parachute jump from an airplane to celebrate his birthday.

Using Rosetta Stone, he became fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese. On two separate occasions, he spent several months in Brazil working at a hostel while immersing himself in Brazilian culture and perfecting his Portuguese. He spent time with a Brazilian friend in Ireland, England, Belgium, Luxemburg, France and The Netherlands.

Another trip took him to Russia to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. He rode the Tans-Siberian Railroad across Russia to Siberia where he swam in Lake Baikal. He continued on to Mongolia where he stayed in a Yurt and rode horses on the Mongolian Plains before traveling through China.

He returned to South America two more times, this time to perfect his Spanish. The first trip lasted 3 months and included Uruguay, Argentina and Chile, including touring Patagonia all the way to the southern tip of the Western Hemisphere. The Second trip lasted several months and included touring Chile, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina.

Stephen also travelled widely in the United States and Canada.

Stephen is survived by his parents; his sister Natalie (Jake) Magnuson; his brother Richard (Vanessa) Lewis; his niece, Sophia Magnuson; his nephews, Will Magnuson, Asher Lewis, and Eli Holman; his aunt Linda (Bill Fisher) Lewis; his uncles, Tom (Judy) Smith and Billy (Cathy) Smith; and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wayne and Mary Alice Lewis, and Tom and Jeannine Smith.

A private graveside service will be held with interment at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Memorial Contributions in Stephen’s memory may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance’s summer lunch program.

Funeral services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois.

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

Jamy Jo (Odle) Corn, 40, of Benton passed away on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri surrounded by her friends & family.

Jamy was born in West Frankfort, IL on February 23, 1984 the daughter of Dennis & Gwineva (McClintock) Odle.
Jamy is survived by:
3 Children:
Tanner Corn of Benton
Spencer Alderson of Benton
Jaylah Alderson of Benton
3 Sisters:
Amy Mitchell of Benton
Miki Atchison of Sesser
Amanda Odle of Sarasota, FL
Fiancé: Scotty Coleman of Benton
Father of Jaylah & Spencer: Dustin Alderson of Benton
2 Nieces:
Denni Durbin
Macy Fee
Nephew: Adan Te
Several Cousins
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Nephew-Baylen and her Grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Friday, June 28th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com