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

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News