Marguerite Yvonne Matyi, 86, of Christopher, Illinois passed away peacefully with her family by her side at 7:30 AM, Saturday, June 6, 2020.

A private funeral mass will be on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 11 AM at St. Andrew Catholic Church, Christopher, IL. Graveside services for Marguerite will be at 12 PM at the St. Andrew Catholic Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Andrew Chapel Fund, 412 E. Washington, Christopher, Il or CAYA (Christopher Area Youth Association), c/o Thomas House, 403 N. Ward, Christopher, IL. Gilbert Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Visit our website www.gilbertsfuneralhome.com.

Marguerite was born on August 20, 1933, in Christopher, Illinois to Henry and Carmen (Maniez) Bedar. She was the sister to two brothers, Rennie Bedar and Henry Bedar Jr., whom she greatly adored. She met the love of her life Albert Matyi on a Grey Hound bus coming home from her job at General Telephone. Their romance took off and they were married on April 1, 1952. It really took off!!

She is survived by her children Mike and Jenni Matyi, Benton, Steve and Sara Matyi, Mulkeytown, Beth and Kevin Davie, Johnston City, Janie and Randy Rowland, Mulkeytown, Francie and Rodney Fourez, Christopher and David Matyi, Mulkeytown, her grandchildren Thomas and Erin House, Christopher, Bill and Jacque Matyi, Johnston City, Joe House, Murrieta, California, Kevin Davie Jr, Johnston City, Meghan and Chad Dirler, Duquoin, Lindsi and Josh Downs, Duquoin, Nick and Molly Davie, Johnston City, Rodney and Katie Fourez, Swansea, Jared Fourez, Christopher, Katie and Eric Peradotto, Pickneyville, Loghan Matyi, Christopher and her great granchildren, Drake and Will Matyi, Max and Kylie Davie, Matyi and Mallory House, Londyn and Saylor Dirler, Jack and Addison Downs, Athena Fourez, Jase and Owen Fourez, Fisher and Lainey Peradotto, and Knox Davie. So many cousins and nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Also her beloved God children, Debbie Kretz and Mark Kirkpatrick.

Sadly Marguerite lost the love of her life, her husband Albert Matyi on November 19, 1973 and exactly 28 years later on the same day, her beloved daughter Cheryl (Sissy) House in 2001. She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brothers.

Marguerite, also known as GMA to many, will always be remembered as a huge Chicago Cubs fan and fortunately was able to see her Cubs win the World Series in 2016. She was a huge supporter of the Christopher Bearcats and enjoyed spending time with her classmates. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She loved to pray her rosary daily and always made of list of those who needed special prayers. To us she was a legend in her own time.

Although she will be missed greatly by her family and friends we are comforted knowing that she is with Albert and Sissy and all of her loved ones in heaven.

Rodney L.”Bootsie” Boots, 66, of Benton, passed away at 5:40 a.m., on Thursday, June 4, 2020, at Benton Health Care and Rehab Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was born on May 29, 1954, to Herman Boots and Bessie (Boner) Lampley in Danville, IL. On August 29, 1976, he married Jenny K.Battin, and she preceded him in death.

He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Bootsie enjoyed being around people and had a passion for working on vehicles from mechanics to auto body. He liked singing karaoke.

Rodney is survived two sons, Jamie (Heather) Miller of Carterville and Rodney Beasley of KY; two daughters, Patti (Jim) Miller of Benton and Sheresa (Ralph) Taylor of Benton and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Boots and Bessie Lampley, his wife, Jenny K. Boots, a son, Curtis Boots, three brothers, Phillip Boots, Charles Boots and Steve Boots and one sister, Twana Jacobs.

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

Per Rodney’s wishes cremation will take place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs.

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

William Arthur “Sonny” Bunton, 86, of Sesser, passed away on June 2, 2020 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Sonny was born Sept. 7, 1933 in Sesser to Eddie and Marie (Clapp) Bunton. On Sept. 4, 1955 he married Marjorie L. (Thompson) Bunton, to this union three children were born, W. Ralph (Cathy) Bunton, Virginia F. McCann and Mona L. (Mark) Lappin.

He was Papaw to 8 grandchildren, Rachel (Cory) Bailey, Ross (Liz) Bunton, Matthew (Brittany) Lappin, Jared Blaylock, Josh (Jenny) Bunton, Marcus (Reed) Lappin, J.B. McCann and Jake (Britt) McCann, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Sonny proudly serviced his country in Korea and Japan in the Army.

He was a lifelong member of Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church. A 62-year member of Sesser-Goode Masonic Lodge and worked at Old Ben #21 for 33 years. His high school motto was “Be willing and ready to help” served him his whole life. He never met a stranger and was a champion “roadkill” (tools, sunglasses, etc.) scavenger.

Sonny had many great friends and neighbors and the family would like to thank all those who checked up on him in past few years. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Darline (Harry) McNeil, and several other family members.

Private graveside services will be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. The family would like to thank the staff at SIH hospital for their compassion and care. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements.

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

Eddie Jones, 64, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 31, 2020, at his home, surrounded with by his family and loved ones, after a short battle with cancer.

He was born on July 23, 1955, to Ervin “Red” Jones and Goldie (Roberts) Payne in Christopher. On July 26, 1975, he married Debbie Kay Lucas, and she survives.

Eddie was a truck driver for 47 years and a true 4th generation cowboy. He was an avid team roper and passed on his love for horses and the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. He lived and loved the western lifestyle, but most of all, he loved his family.

Eddie is survived by his loving spouse of 45 years, Debbie, one son, Scott (Tami) Jones of Thompsonville; one daughter, Stacy (Josh) Pribble of Thompsonville; three grandchildren, Karley Jones, Wiley Jones and Alan Pribble; three brothers, Ty Jones of Benton, Tim (Lisa) Jones of Benton and David (Tammy) DeSpain of Thompsonville; one sister, Yvonne Fry of Thompsonville; mother and father-in-law, Steve and Judith Crane of Thompsonville; six brother and sister-in-laws, Terri Jones of Christopher, Jackie (Larry) Wyskiel of Benton, James “Bo” (Sandy) Shortland of Karber Ridge, Margie (Brian) Perkins of Louisburg, NC, Wendi Lee of Thompsonville and Ben “Doug” (Lisa) Schram of Tallahassee, FL; two uncles, Carl Roberts of Whittington and Cecil Roberts of Mt. Vernon; a very special aunt and uncle, Walter and Maxine Smith of Cahokia and many nieces, nephews and cousins

He was preceded in death by his father, Ervin “Red” Jones, mother, Goldie Payne, step-mother, Carolyn Wilson, step-father, Carl Payne, grandfather, Clarence Jones, grandmother, Estaleda “Peggy” Jones, step-grandfather, Darr Jones, father-in-law, Cletus “Red” Schram and two brother-in-laws, Ronnie Shortland and Cletus “Chip” Schram.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL. Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, at the Shiloh Cemetery, Whittington, with Pastor Jason Forby, officiating.

The family would like express a special thank you to Dr. Ralph Latta, Dr. Georges Tanios, LHC IL Home Health and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their guidance and kindness during Eddie’s illness.

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

Alice Fay Key, 94, of Mulkeytown, passed away on May 31, 2020 at Shawnee Senior Living in Herrin, IL.

She was born on July 6, 1925 in Christopher to Isaac and Callie (Newberry) Drysdale. She married Johnny E. Key on October 26, 1941 and he preceded her in death on November 2, 2016.

She is survived by her children Brenda Fay (Fred) Rauback of St. Louis, MO, Becky Susan (Mark) Hart of Lafayette, IN, Johnny Lavar (Cindy) Key of St. Charles, MO, Rue Launa (Vernon) Webb of Benton, Lorri Latona Key of Kansas City, MO and Derek Laron (Machell) Key of Marion, IL; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; one brother Marion Drysdale and three sisters Vera Gay of West Frankfort, IL, Nida Wright of West Frankfort, IL and Mirna Hamalton of TN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister fern Phelps and seven brothers Franklin Drysdale, Arnie Drysdale, George Drysdale, Victor Drysdale, Junior Drysdale, Ardin Drysdale and Vernon Drysdale.

Private graveside services will be held on Tuesday June 2, 2020 at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

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, 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.