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.

David C. Biggs, 78, of Mulkeytown, passed away on August 4, 2020.

He was born on February 10, 1942 in Mulkeytown, IL to Clyde and Sylvia Marie (Brown) Biggs.

He was married to Carolyn (Journey) Biggs and she survives of Mulkeytown.
is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by parents, one sister Betty Rice and two brothers Roy Howard Biggs and Billy Ray Biggs. He was a coalminer and a member of the UMWA. He also served in the United States Marine Corp. during the Vietnam War.

Graveside services will be on Monday August 10, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Shirley Mae Yon, 82, of Benton passed away Monday afternoon August 3, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

She was born in Chicago, IL on April 17, 1938, the daughter of Jerry & Mae Yon.

She was married to George Ray Bouer, and he preceded her in death on October 4, 2012.

Shirley is survived by:

A Nephew, a Cousin and her Church Family who she dearly loved
Shirley was a faithful member of the Faith Baptist Church in Benton.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 8th at the Faith Baptist Church in Benton with Pastor Steven Flach officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemtery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. Saturday at the Church.
In lieu of Flowers, Memorials may be made to the Faith Baptist Church.
The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com