Charles Robert “Boogie” Welsh — Benton, Illinois

Charles Robert “Boogie” Welsh, age 74, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at his home.

Boogie’s wishes are to be cremated. Burial will be at a future date in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Robert Welsh was born on May 19, 1946 in Chicago, IL, the son of James Welsh and Mary Virjean (Brown) Welsh.

He was a self-employed painter.

Boogie enjoyed Karaoke, hunting, fishing, camping, playing the guitar. His family said he was a very sociable person and enjoyed spending time at Sandy’s Bar in Benton.

Surviving are his children: Marissa Jackson and husband Tony of Valier, Amanda Welsh of Ocala, FL, Jessica Welsh of West Frankfort, IL, Michael Welsh of Benton; ten grandchildren: Crystal, Steven, Kaysea, Mary, Ricky III, Joshua, Emily, Devan, Shaylyn and Ashlen; ten great grandchildren; a aunt Christine Brown of Benton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Sue Jerrells Sloan – Benton, IL

Sue Jerrells Sloan, 72, of Benton, passed away at 10:55 a.m., on May 26, 2020 at the Franklin County Hospital, Benton, IL.

She was born on January 5, 1948, to Roland and Kathryn (Prindle) Jerrells in Christopher, IL. Sue retired from the Franklin County Clerks Office. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

Sue is survived by her loving daughter, Melissa K. Hungate, husband Stewart; grandsons, Tayler Hungate, wife Ashlee, Grante Hungate and Fiancee Madison McGuire; a brother, Hal R. Jerrells, wife Sandy; nephews, Chris Jerrells, wife Catherine, Craig Jerrells; Victor Achilam from Nigeria, who has become part of our family; special friends, Karen Baker and Cynthia Britton, all of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Kathryn T. Jerrells.

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

A private family visitation will be held at Pate Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in the form of a Mass Intention or a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church, and can be mailed to the church at 506 West Main Street, Benton, IL. 62812

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Georges Tanios Oncologist and friend.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Clyde Ray Tucker – Christopher, IL

Clyde Ray Tucker, 70, of Christopher, passed away at 4:45 p.m., on Monday, May 25, 2020, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center.

He was born on March 20, 1950, to Edward and Edith (Elders) Tucker in Du Quoin, IL.

Clyde is survived by his companion, Denita Chaney of Christopher; one son, Andy Tucker; one daughter, Amy Tucker; one brother, George Tucker; three sisters, Mary Bloom, Naomi Cash and Rita Tucker; grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edith Tucker, one son, Tommy Tucker, one brother, Billy Tucker, and four sisters, Edith Allen, Alberta Vanhoorebeke, Katherine Lambert and Stella “Tuts” (Tucker) Rodriquez.

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

Per Clyde’s wishes cremation will take place.

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

Judy Ann Laur – Sesser, IL

Judy Ann Laur, 76, of Sesser, passed away on May 22, 2020 at Nature Trail Nursing Home in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on December 21, 1943 in Sesser, IL to Todd and Judith (Silkwood) White. She married James Laur and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children James Todd Laur of Sesser and Michael Laur of Sesser; three grandchildren Hunter, RyAnn and Aidan; brothers and sisters Mary Smith of Herrin, Maureen Williams of Bellevue, NE, Bob White of Sesser, Bradley White of Aurora, IL and Loyd White of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Mima Geisey and one brother Bill White. Judy’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling the arrangements.

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

JoAnne Drew – Benton, Illinois and formerly of Ewing, IL

Mrs. JoAnne Drew, age 76, of Benton and formerly of Ewing, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Private graveside services will be at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

JoAnne was born on September 12, 1943 in Wabash, Indiana, the daughter of Merril Hendrix and Helen (Floyd) Hendrix. She was married to James A. Drew, and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2015.

She was a retired Housekeeper, and she was of the Baptist faith.

JoAnne enjoyed sewing, fishing, re-sale shops, flea markets and yard sales. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are four children: James D. Lenard and wife Judy of Benton, Rick Lenard and wife Kelly of Benton, Vicky Shageto and husband Victor of Bonnie, Kim Phelps of West City; two step-sons: Robert Drew and wife Heather of Benton, James Drew of McLeansboro; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Hendrix of Indiana; a sister Charlotte Hodges of Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Merril Hendrix; mother and step-father: Helen and James Crowley; two sisters: Diane Floyd and Kay Moore’ a brother Ted Crowley.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of JoAnne to the family to assist with funeral expenses, and may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Donna (Dossett) (Wallace) Grogan – Valier, IL

Donna (Dossett) (Wallace) Grogan, 86, of Valier, IL passed away peacefully on May 16, 2020, at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton, IL.

She was born in Princeton, IN on Jan. 1, 1932. She was one of two children born to Marlin and Doris (Rumble) Dossett.

She graduated from Princeton High School 1951. She worked at the Gibson County Recorders office and Lynn Gas in Princeton before moving to Valier, IL.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her two sons, Ricky Robinson (Sharon), Benton, Illinois, and Mark Robinson (Laura) Ellettsville, Indiana; brother, David Dossett, Bellingham, Washington; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one niece, two nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Donna will be laid to rest in a private family service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

For more information go tour website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Carl Edward Garascia — Sesser, IL

Carl Edward Garascia, 83, passed away on Wednesday May 13, 2020 at Benton Healthcare and Rehab.

He was born on March 5, 1937 in Sesser to Charles “Pappy” and Anna Jean (Fornear) Garascia. He married Evelyn (Brown) Garascia and she preceded him in death, he then married Ruth Ann (Kellerman) Garascia and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children David (Sheri) Garascia of Sesser, IL, Mike (Lauri) Garascia of Virginia, Steve (Debbie) Bigham of Bartlesville, Ok and Sarah Bigham of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Caleb, Brooke, Hannah, Katie, Jordan and Jared; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, 2nd wife, one son Marc Garascia, one great granddaughter and one brother David Garascia.

He was Veteran serving in the United States Army. He was a Coalminer and a member of the UMWA.

Private graveside services will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

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

Christian Mitchell Rolla — Benton, Illinois

Christian Mitchell Rolla, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 in Benton.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Private family burial services will be Thursday at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Christian Mitchell Rolla was born on February 21, 2003 in Mt. Vernon, the son of Billy Ray Rolla and Jonna June L. (Mitchell) Rolla.

Christian was a student at Benton Consolidated High School.

He enjoyed attending both the Horse Prairie Baptist Church of Sesser, and the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.

Christian was into gaming, loved playing X-Box, enjoyed running track, collecting historic antique swords, studying history, talking politics, hanging out with his friends, and was fascinated with Russia.

His plans were to attend Georgetown University and planned to major and study foreign relations, with the goal of becoming an Ambassador.

According to his family, Christian was a very affectionate and supportive person. He cared about others, before himself.

Surviving is his mother Jonna June L. Rolla and partner John Paul Miller of Benton; his father Billy Ray Rolla and partner Theresa DeBord of Sesser; siblings: John Charles Eubanks, Jr. and wife Sierra of Whittington, Johnel Maria Eubanks and fiancée John Vercellino of Mulkeytown, Cobin Dane Rolla of Benton; grandparents: Ned Mitchell of Sesser, Victoria Conner and husband Mike of Herrin, Mike and Barbara Rolla of Christopher; aunts and uncles: Honor Haught of Alabama, Heidi Haught of Florida, Justin Mitchell and wife Brittany of Marion, Carrigan Mitchell of Nashville, TN, Michael Rolla and wife Valerie of Orient, Rodney Hale of Chicago; a niece Violet Eubanks; several cousins and numerous friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents: Amos and Rose Mary Mitchell, and Bill Ray.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rolla Memorial Scholarship Fund, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mary Catherine Cook – Mulkeytown, IL

Mary Catherine Cook, 81, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Monday May 11, 2020.

She was born on September 27, 1938 in DuQuoin, IL to Clifford Edward Bryant and Mildred Lorraine (Stanhouse). She married Delton Ray Cook on July 22, 1956 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her children Danny Cook of Mulkeytown, Christy Cook of Mulkeytown and Neita Cook of Surprise, AZ; granddaughter Shonda Pinkham of Mt Vernon; great grandchildren Chelsea Oliver, Hannah McKinney, and Alexis Oliver; great great grandchildren Ethan Fletcher, Finnley Shirrell, Adlynn McKinney and Carter Oliver expected in June 2020; brothers and sisters Lois (Larry) Powers of Florida, Barb (Mike) Hallobough of Tunnel Hill, IL, Martha Linn of Coello, Job Sisney of Benton and Bruce Joe (Debbie) Sisney of Mulkeytown.

She was a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church in Mulkeytown for 64 years. She was preceded in death by her mother, father, step-mother Elsie Bryant and her step-father Sam Sisney. Graveside services will be held at the Ward Cemetery with Pastor Bill Wiggs officiating. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Phoebe J. Meyer – Christopher, IL

Phoebe J. Meyer, 94, of Christopher, passed away on May 8, 2020 at her daughter’s home in Christopher.

She was born on November 21, 1925 in Chicago, IL to John and Lena (Blake) Jensen. She married John Meyer on August 23, 1947 and he preceded her in death on October 2, 1966.

She is survived by her children J. David Meyer of Royalton, Jane (Bill) Rogers of Christopher and Karen (Dewey) McCabe of Columbus, GA; five grandchildren John (Trina) Meyer, Kristen (Paul) Gentry, Mike (Julie) Hertz, Angela McCabe and Dewey (Heather) McCabe and ten great grandchildren.

Phoebe had lived in Normal, IL, then she moved to Scottsdale, AZ and in 2018 she moved to her daughter’s home in Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one infant sister and two brothers Charles Jensen and Robert Jensen.

Private graveside services will be held at Park Hill Cemetery in Bloomington, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News