Clarence Everett Lampley — Benton, Illinois

Mr. Clarence Everett Lampley, age 88, of Benton, passed away Saturday, May 9, 2020 at the Benton Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

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

Clarence Everett Lampley was born on April 24, 1932 in Benton, the son of Andy Lampley and Gertrude (McCann) Lampley. He married the former Mary Lou Poynor on June 22, 1950, and she preceded him in death on August 10, 2013.

Mr. Lampley was a retired laborer. He formerly owned and operated a insulation business, and a CB Radio business.

He enjoyed CB Radio, his handle was “Golden Boy”; and he enjoyed fishing.

Surviving are four sons: David Lampley, Tike Lampley and wife Cindy, Stephen Lampley, Keith Lampley and wife Christine, all of Benton; nine grandchildren: Stephanie Neal and husband Brian, Casey Lampley, Jeremy Lampley, Adam Lampley, Danielle Lampley, Stephen Lampley, Tyler Lampley and wife Hayli, Jordan Lampley and wife Taylor, Keegan Lampley; five great-grandchildren: Kade, Skylinn, Karsinn, Brennan, Maddox; a brother Paul Lampley and wife Diane of Buckner; a sister Mary Summers and husband Wayne of West Frankfort; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; three brothers: Donald Lampley, Sr., Archie Lampley, Sr., William Thomas Lampley, Sr.; two infant sisters: Dorothy and Lula Belle Lampley.

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

Edwin “Ed” Russell – Mulkeytown, IL

Edwin “Ed” C. Russell, 72, of Mulkeytown, passed away at 12:40 p.m., on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

He was born on September 11, 1947, to Edwin and Mary (Stewart) Russell in Terre Haute, IN.

Mr. Russell was a member of the West City Church of God.

Ed was a loving brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Throughout Ed’s life he had a passion for helping others, he retired with 55 years of faithful dedication serving many communities in fire service. At the end of his fire service career he was a Captain at the Buckner Fire Department. If you couldn’t find Ed at his residence you would find him faithfully at the fire department, training, washing and performing maintenance on the fire fighter apparatus, cleaning the fire house and taking care of up keep, giving tours to children, or simply spending time with his fellow fire fighters which he considered family.

Edwin is survived by his four children, Angela Henderson and husband Jahavich, Leslie Allen and husband Lewis, Eddie Russell, and Daniel Russell and wife April; a brother, the Rev. Gerald Russell and wife Annie; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Howard and Mary Jennetta Russell.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Ed’s wishes cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Buckner Fire Department, 207 Main Street, Buckner, IL. 62819.

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

Miriam J. Stewart — Benton, Illinois

Mrs. Miriam Jane Stewart, age 84, of Benton, passed away Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center of Benton.

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.

Miriam was born on August 23, 1935 in Benton, the daughter of Howard Whaley and Madge (Keaton) Whaley. She married Harry Stewart on July 16, 1954, and he preceded her in death on September 18, 2011.

Before her retirement, she worked for the Franklin County Clerk’s office as Chief Deputy County Clerk. She was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton.

Mrs. Stewart enjoyed gambling, especially playing slot machines and betting on horses. She also enjoyed crafts, entertaining friends and family, traveling, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are three children: Laura Stewart of Bloomington, IL, Dr. Kelly Stewart of Benton, Lex Stewart and wife Shannon of Benton; three grandsons: Alex Stewart, Jon Pulliam and wife Kaitlynn, Landon Stewart, all three of Benton; three great-grandchildren: Daniel Stewart Hobbs, Braxton Stewart, Keaton Pulliam; and longtime caregiver and personal assistant Daphne Hamby; three cousins; and several dear nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Howard Whaley (died in the Battle of the Bulge); mother Madge (Keaton) Whaley Jones; step-father Wayne Jones; and her husband Harry Stewart.

Memorial contributions, In Memory of Miriam J. Stewart, may be made to either the Harry Stewart Memorial Scholarship Fund or to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry; 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 Miriam, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Doris J. Mabry — Benton, IL

Doris J. Mabry, 86, of Benton, passed away at 1:15 a.m., on Sunday, May 3, 2020, at the Helia Care Center in Energy, IL.

She was born on June 2, 1933, to Lawrence and Gladys (Wooldridge) Clifton in Mt. Vernon, IL. Doris worked in data entry in the Computer IT department for Franklin Hospital for 26 years, retiring in 1998. On August 2, 1952, she married James Lee Mabry, and he preceded her in death on June 4, 2002.

She was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church. Doris was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, going shopping, socializing and going out to eat. She also loved her pets.

Doris is survived by her loving children, Gary L. (Pam) Mabry and C. Larry (Valerie) Mabry; two grandchildren, Brea (Cliff) Thomas and Brian (Steph Schaaf) Mabry; two great-grandchildren, Olivia Thomas and Avery Thomas; special friend, JoAnn Nuenswander and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence and Gladys Clifton and her husband, James Lee Mabry.

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

Private graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Mark Minor, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association or the Benton Ministerial Alliance, and can be mailed to the funeral home.

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

Robert Lee Chwarczinski — Benton, IL

Robert Lee Chwarczinski, 70, of Benton, passed away on May 4, 2020.

He was born on January 22, 1950 in Christopher, IL to Joseph and Ann (Krolikowski) Chwarczinski. He married Tonya (McKown) Chwarczinski and she survives of Cambria, IL.

He is also survived by his children Lisa (Curtis) Leek of DuQuoin, Robert Chwarczinski of Mt Vernon, Tyson (Josh) Bandy of Marion; one son-in-law Robert Leek of Mt Vernon; grandchildren Johnathon, Brooke, Trinity, Shelby, Kyliee, Everett, Aranda, Scott, Nathaniel and Sarah; nine great grandchildren; three brothers David Chwarczinski of Christopher, Jimmy Chwarczinski of Zeigler and Paul (Earline) Chwarczinski of Christopher.

He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Leonard Chwarczinski.

His wishes were to be cremated. The family will have a graveside service at Mulkeytown Cemetery at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Wanda Kirkpatrick-Christopher, IL

Wanda Kirkpatrick, 84, of Christopher, passed away on May 2, 2020 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

She was born on February 11, 1936 in Flint, MI to Talbert Herbert and Bonnie (Furlow) Wall. She married Harley Norman Kirkpatrick on September 1, 1952 and he preceded her in death on January 6, 2012.

She is survived by her daughter Patty (Mike) McCubbins of Benton; grandchildren Ryan (Rachel) Payne of Sesser, Sean (Kari) Payne of Benton, Page (Jamie) Kirkpatrick and Amanda Yosanovich of Buckner; great grandchildren Shelby, Dustin, Sadie Jo, Camden, Colton, Olivia, Drake, Isla, Harper, Trace, Lucas and Rowen.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Norman Kirkpatrick and three sister.

There will be a private family graveside service at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Letta Mae Conti-Zivich – Caseyville, IL (formerly of Benton, IL)

Letta Mae Conti-Zivich, 98, of Caseyville, formerly of Benton, passed away at 4:45 p.m., on Tuesday, April 28, 2020, in Caseyville, IL.


She was born on November 5, 1921, to Marion and Verna (Foster) Willis in Benton. Letta married Dino R. Conti, he passed away November 8, 1975. She married Michael Zivich, Sr., who passed away June 7, 1982.

Letta is survived by a son, Richard Conti and wife, Nancy, of Golden, CO; a daughter, Glenna Hamilton and husband, Ross, of Caseyville, IL; one grandson, Craig Conti and wife, Sharon, of VA; and two great-grandsons, Spencer Conti and Bryce Conti, both of VA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marion and Verna Willis; first husband, Dino R. Conti; second husband, Michael Zivich, Sr., and one brother, Raleigh Willis.

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

Private graveside services will take place at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society and may be mailed to the funeral home.

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

Joan H. Johnson-Christopher, IL

Joan Haas Johnson, 90, of Christopher, Illinois died Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at home. Joan’s wishes were to be cremated upon her death. The Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

Joan was born on February 12, 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. The daughter of Floyd Earl Haas and Melanie Hedwig Ursula (Kleih) Haas. She was married to E. Kenneth Johnson on February 25, 1950.

Joan was the editor of the Beverly Review in the 60’s ad 70’s and later in the real estate business in the Chicago area.

She is survived by her five children, Melanie (Stephen), Cynthia (Donald), Mark (Karen), Pamela (Patrick), and Wendy (Joseph) as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ken and her parents and brothers, Floyd and Jack.

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

Gloria Mae Menckowski- Mulkeytown, IL

Gloria Mae Menckowski, 80, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Wednesday April 22, 2020 at her home.

She was born on July 2, 1939 in Royalton, IL to Walter and Edna (Eades) Smillie. She married James Menckowski on December 24, 1958 and he preceded her in death on October 23, 1994.

She is survived by her children James (Christine) Menckowski II of Mulkeytown, Chris (Jerri) Menckowski of Mulkeytown and Tonya Menckowski of Zeigler; grandchildren Kara Alford, James Menckowski III, Shane Menckowski, Jamie Sizemore, Nicolas Menckowski, Chloe Menckowski, Kennedy Menckowski, Jessie Menckowski, Preston Clark and Payton Clark; great grandchildren Xander, Koda, Serenity, Josie, Naomi, Channa, Jacob, Briley, Bryson, Avery, Camille and Adlee; two brothers and one sister Bill (Pat) Smillie of Royalton, Glenda (Glenn) Tripp of Herrin and Jerry (Barbara) Smillie of Troy, IL.

Gloria had worked in the sewing factory and was a homemaker.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

The family will have a private graveside service at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton, there will be a Celebration of Life service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Family Church of God. Donations can be sent to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Robert “Bobby” Mitchell Jr.-DuQuoin, IL

Robert “Bobby” Anderson Mitchell, Jr. passed away peacefully at Fairview Nursing Center in Du Quoin, IL on April 24, 2020.

He was born on November 7, 1942 in Bath, North Carolina to Robert and Meredith (Brinn) Mitchell of Norfolk, Virginia. He is survived by his four daughters and sons-in-law, Roberta and Jerry Fogg of Spartanburg, SC, Lisa and Dennis Bastien of Vergennes, IL, Lori and Philip Crockett of Inman, SC and Veronica Mitchell and JC Oxendine of Carbondale, IL; the mother of his children, Doris Oliver Chapman, sister Patricia Nalepka and brothers Alan and Don Mitchell; grandchildren, Ronald Hunter, Ben Dalton, Terianne Rickett, Wyatt Bastien, Keith Cox, Annie Claire Wesselman, Grace Bastien, Madalynn Donato and Marilynn Donato; great grandchildren, Neveah Hunter and Anderson Rickett.

He was loved and cared for by many special people at Fairview Nursing Center and his special friend, Rose Kaburia. He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Meredith Mitchell and granddaughters Brittany Lynne Fogg and Christy Cox White. Robert served in the U.S. Army and retired from the W.M. Wrigley, Jr. Company. A journey of life celebration to is planned for a later date.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News