Evelyn Joyce Swisher, 81, of Coello, passed away on May 8, 2024 at her home.

She was born on September 2, 1942 in West Frankfort, IL to Elbert Logan and Helen Mae (Bacon) Pinkham. She married Robert Eugene Swisher on June 19, 1965 and he preceded her in death on May 24, 2015.

She is survived by daughter Carrie (Dennis) Estes of Christopher; daughter-in-law Karen Swisher of Queensbury, NY; grandchildren Adam (Amber) Estes, Joshua Estes, Edward Swisher, Kendra Swisher, Jason Estes and Brandi Estes; great grandchildren Kayden Estes, Justin Wilson, Kyah Swisher, Paige Adams and Brooke Adams; two sisters Wilma (Larry) Hammel of DuQuoin and Jane (Lou) Pivarski of Christopher; one brother Marion (Karen) Pinkham of Galesburg, IL and one sister-in-law Heather Pinkham of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son LeRoy Swisher and two brothers Allen Pinkham and Carl Pinkham and one sister-in-law Delores Pinkham.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 11, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Wayne Purdy officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical District and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Blanche A. Jolly, 70, of Benton, passed away at 11:26 a.m., on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Helia Healthcare of Benton, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 30, 1953, to Clifford and Hildred (Sanders) Obrecht in West City, IL.

Blanche was a Benton Consolidated High School graduate. She had a passion for art and graduated with an art degree from Rend Lake College. She loved listening to music, playing card games, making crafts whenever she could, playing bingo in the dining hall and Fall scenic drives. Above all, she loved spending time with her family.

Blanche is survived by her children, Faith (Paul) Archie of Benton, IL, Brad Jolly, Jr. of Henderson, KY and Kylee (David) Summitt of Benton, IL; her brother, Robert “Bob” Obrecht; 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Hildred Obrecht, two sisters, Deloris L. Beyreis and Nancy Kay Rhine and two brothers, Frank “Scottie” Obrecht and James “Jim” Issac.

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

Per Blanche’s wishes, cremation will take place.

The family would like to send a very special thank you to Blanche’s second family at Helia Healthcare of Benton, who loved and cared for Blanche like one of their own.

Memorials may be made to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, to assist the family with funeral expenses.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Mark Arlin Eubanks, beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away at age 57 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL on April 26, 2024 with his family by his side.

He was born on December 12, 1966 in Benton IL to Garry and Barbara (Mendenall) Eubanks and lived almost the entirety of his life in the home he loved in rural

Scheller. Mark’s last three months were spent at StoneBridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton, IL where he received the most amazing amount of love and care.

Mark’s early educational years were spent at Denning Elementary in West Frankfort after which he attended and graduated from both Sesser-Valier Community School and Christopher High School. Mark’s life was influenced greatly by those he encountered during his school years and some of his fondest memories were those created with his teachers, bus drivers and classmates.

Throughout Mark’s life, he enjoyed music, family history, cook books, coloring books, animated stuffed animals, traveling and watching his many “shows” with a particular love for “The Waltons” and “Little House on the Prairie.” His love for music was evident at an early age, singing, strumming a guitar and listening to his favorite albums for hours at a time. The sounds of John Denver, Grand Ole Opry stars and gospel hymns reverberated in his home and heart his entire life. A testament to his love of music and television, Mark had accumulated over the years an impressive collection of VHS, DVD, CD and vinyl albums, which brought him immeasurable
entertainment and happiness. He was incredibly witty and had an amazing mind, able to capture and retain even the smallest of details about the things that interested him most. His greatest love, however, was that of family. Mark was happiest surrounded by family, celebrating each other, always with large amounts of food and fun. His closest loved ones could count on an early morning call on their birthday every year with him singing the happy birthday song loud and clear. And recognizing the gift God gave us in Mark, we never missed an opportunity to celebrate him. Mark had the most remarkable ability to not just find joy in life but to create joy in the life of every person he met. He never met a stranger who didn’t become a friend and he hugged and loved big. Simply but profoundly, to know Mark was to love Mark.

He is survived by his father, Garry Eubanks of Scheller, and four siblings, Lesley Shovan of Christopher, Kelly Eubanks of Waltonville, Lori (Mark) Laur of Scheller, and Julie (Jim) Boles of Sesser. He especially adored children and Mark’s role of uncle was one of his greatest joys.

Mark leaves behind nieces and nephews Kendra (Chad) Woodland, Tony (Danea) Shovan, Jared (Erin) Laur, Bethany Laur, Alyssa (Jordan) Laur, Bryan (Amber) Eubanks, Jenna (Brock) Harris, Savannah Boles and Seth Boles. Mark also had 14 great nieces and nephews: Clayton and Gavin Woodland, Logan and Laurelai Shovan, Cooper and Julia Laur, Lucas Laramore, Greyson and Paisley Edwards, Addie, Allie and Zachary Eubanks, and Grayson and Emmy Hopkins.

Mark was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Johnny Shovan, and his devoted mother, Barbara Eubanks. The reunion in heaven between mother and son was long anticipated by Mark and the certainty of that reunion is an immense comfort for those of us still here on earth.

Leaving behind a legacy of pure love, he was such a bright light in this world and we will forever treasure his memory the rest of our days. Services to honor Mark’s life will be held on Saturday May 4, 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Sesser. Visitation will be from 10am until the time of the service at 12 noon with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that you please consider a donation to Special Olympics Illinois.

Pamela I. Friend, 75, of Valier, IL, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024, at her home in Valier.

She was born on April 15, 1949, to John and Florence (Linthicun) Friend in Aberdeen, MD.

She was a member of the Valier Second Baptist Church in Valier. She was a loving mother, grandmother and sister. She really enjoyed spending time with her family.

Pamela is survived by her children, Chris L. Gore, Anita Gore and Berman (Marcell) Gore, II; her brothers, John Friend and Jerry Friend; her sisters, Vicki Helms, Linda Keefe and Deb Layton; eight grandchildren, Allison (Mark) M. Jett, Aleah C. Gore, Christopher “Vali” Gore, Berman Gore, III, Danny Gore, Jasimen Gore and James Pursell and several great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Charles Friend.

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

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 29, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Bill, of the Valier Second Baptist Church, officiating.

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

Betty R. Bennett, 74, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at Fifth Seasons Assisted Living, Benton, IL, Surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 23, 1950, to Oliver and Helen (Frisch) Casey in Chattanooga, TN. She married Richard Dale Bennett and he preceded her in death on September 21, 2006.

Betty was a member of the Logan Church of God. She worked at Rex Rowland Realtors in Christopher for 15 years as the Office Manager and also for the Franklin County Election Office.

She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and was very excited to meet her newly expected great-great grandchild. Betty was an avid Elvis Presley fan. She enjoyed traveling with her sisters.

Betty is survived by her loving daughters, Angela D. Crawford and husband Richard of Benton, IL, Debra Smith and husband Duane of Whittington, IL, Bobbi Lynn Darnell and husband Keith of Akin, IL; son, Richard “Rich” D. Bennett, Jr. of Austin, PA; four grandsons, Andrew (Kaitlyn) Crawford of Benton, IL, Austin (Presley Allsopp) Crawford of Benton, IL, Kyle Overturf of Benton, IL and Charles Ryan (Kelli) Darnell of Akin, IL; two granddaughters, Jennifer ( Dr. Josh Aaron) Aaron of Evansville, IN and Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage of Macedonia, IL; five great-grandsons, Drew Aaron, Aiden Aaron, Silas Overturf, Brantlee Sauerhage and Hadley Sauerhage; four great-granddaughters, Nayla Overturf, Presley Aaron, Allie Darnell, Rylyn Darnell; and newly expected great-granddaughter, Kloey Ann Crawford; two Sisters, Lucille Bierbaum and Helen Evans; brother-in-law, Joe Bierbaum; sister-in-law, Donna Bennett; and many other extended family members.

She was preceded in death by Parents, Oliver T.and Helen A. Casey; Husband, Richard Dale Bennett; sister, Ethel Woods; brother-in-law, Cecil Bennett; and sister-in-law, Yvonne Smith.

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

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 28, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Burial will take place in the Baxter Cemetery.

Memorials contributions maybe made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Kenneth Franklin Bush, 76, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday April 24, 2024 at his home.

He was born on November 11, 1947 in DuQuoin, IL to Dwight and Wanda (Johnson) Bush. He married Beverly (Christian) Bush on January 21, 1978 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his daughter Amanda (John) Pearsley of Herrin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Gary Bush.

Kenneth was a member of the Church of Christ at Miner, Christopher American Legion and the NRA.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 27, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

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

Joy Griffith, age 65, of Harrisburg, IL and formerly of Benton, IL, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Sunday, April 21, 2024, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Joy was born on September 29, 1958, in Benton, IL; the daughter of Leslie F. Hammond and Wilma (Storey) Hammond. She was first married to Victor Earl Cardwell, and he preceded her in death on April 12, 2003. She would later marry Tim Griffith, and he survives.

She formerly worked as a cook at several Benton area restaurants.

Joy attended the West City Church of God. She enjoyed worshipping her Lord Jesus with her church family. She also enjoyed singing, making crafts and being outdoors.

Surviving is her daughter Shawna Cardwell of Johnston City, IL; two step-children: Cheryl Roberson and Eric Cardwell, both of Benton, IL; several step-grandchildren; her husband Tim Griffith of Harrisburg, IL; a sister Annie Smith of Paducah, KY; brothers: Billy Hammond of Benton, IL, Gale Hammond and wife Teresa of Hendersonville, TN, Dale Hammond of Hendersonville, TN, C.J. Easter and wife Annette of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Victor Cardwell; a sister Winnie Beall; and six brothers: Alvin, Carney, Jimmy, Timmy, Paul, and Johnny; and a step-son Kevin Cardwell.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery of West End, Illinois in Saline County. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Joy Griffith to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Summer Lunch Program and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

William “Bill” James Crabtree, 56, of Herrin, passed away at 5:40 p.m., on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, IL.

Bill was born on July 27, 1967, to James and Arlene (Taylor) Crabtree in Marion, IL. On March 12, 2019, he married Rachel Barnett, and she survives.

He worked as a tatoo artist and enjoyed using his talent creating tatoos for his customers. He also loved racing.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rachel and three sons, Cory Barnett, Devin Barnett and Logan Conway.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Arlene Crabtree.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per Bill’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Keith Ward, 84, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2024.

Keith was born on June 22, 1939, in Du Quoin, IL, the son of Dr. William Harvey Ward and Irene (Cox) Ward.

He was a 1957 graduate of Goode-Barren Township High School (which later became Sesser-Valier High School).

Keith was a larger-than-life figure, never met a stranger, and throughout his lifetime he wore many hats. Keith worked as a coal miner, owned a car dealership, in Sesser, and served as the Franklin County Recycling Coordinator for more than 20 years.

On May 6, 1961, Keith married Leota “Lee” (Connor) Ward and they were married for 54 years, until her passing on February 18, 2016.

Keith was a lifelong resident of Sesser and took great pride in his community. He served for more than 50 years as a member of the Sesser Homecoming Association and was the emcee for more than three decades at the popular Sesser Homecoming Rend Lake Days, held annually in June at Miner’s Memorial Park, in Sesser. During his time as emcee he was known for his colorful clothing, quick wit and sometimes “corny” jokes.

A self-admitted “gear-head” Keith was one of the founding members of the Road Rebels, a local classic car enthusiast group that was formed in Sesser back in 1956. That group, at Keith’s urging and promotion, enjoyed a resurgence in the past decade. Keith was one of the organizers and driving forces behind the annual 4-Way Stop Car Show that is held in downtown Sesser each August. The event draws more than 200 classic cars each year to Sesser’s Main Street area. The event grew so large and popular in recent years that the intersection of Route 148 and Route 154 was shut down in downtown Sesser to accommodate the large crowd.

Keith was also heavily involved in Franklin County politics, serving as a Precinct Committeeman and working tirelessly for the Democratic Party. He also served as a trustee at the Rend Lake Conservancy District for more than 20 years and as secretary for all Franklin County Board committee meetings for more than 20 years.

Keith is survived by his children, Byron Ward, and wife Tonya, of Buckner, IL, Scott Ward, of Sesser, Brandi Ward, and significant other Kent Kellerman of Sesser and, special friend Sibyl Swinney. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Abbie Leigh Ward, Jordan Ward and Jered Benson and one great-grandchild, Briella Dayne Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter-in-law, Michelle Renee Ward, a brother, William Harvey Ward, Jr and a sister, Neva June (Ward) Coggins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on May 18, 2024 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. The family invites all car enthusiasts to bring their cars to the visitation and funeral for display.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the 4-Way Stop Car Show or the Sesser Homecoming Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A dinner and gathering for family and friends will be held at the Sesser VFW following the Celebration of Life Memorial service. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Leonard Crofford, of Thompsonville, IL, went home to his Heavenly Father on April 16, 2024, just one day after celebrating his 103rd birthday.

Leonard was born on April 15, 1921, to Andy and Zetta (Ward) Crofford. He married Rosaline Louise Alexander on October 6th, 1945, and together they shared 75 years of marriage until her death in 2020. Leonard was an unwavering caregiver to his wife until her passing. He faithfully served his God and attended Parrish Baptist Church.
Leonard worked in a number of trades throughout his lifetime. Early on he served his country in the Navy and later the Army. Although he rarely spoke of it, Leonard is one of the few WWII veterans in the area to be present at Wheeler Army Airfield/Schofield Barracks on the infamous day Pearl Harbor was attacked. He has told the story of being blown from his bunk and remembering precisely the faces of the pilots flying overhead. Moments embedded, but not discussed.

Once out of the military, he and Rosaline settled down and started their family. They resided throughout Indiana, spending many years with their children in Northern Indiana. They shared five children together, Ron, Connie, Diana, Sharon and Leonard. During his family years, Leonard spent time in a variety of trades. He was a farmer, a dairy farmer, a gas station and dry cleaning business owner, he worked on heating and air, worked as a foreman for a trucking company and retired as a diesel mechanic, moving to Southern Illinois for the remainder of his retirement.

In addition to his five children, he was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. His family was his greatest achievement and most valued possession. His blue eyes sparkled whenever he spoke of his family.

Leonard became a Master Mason of the 33rd degree of the Colfax Lodge #378 Lowell, Indiana. He was 72 year member of the Lodge. On April 15th, 2023, just one year ago, he became a member of the Scottish Rite and a recipient of the illustrious Harry S. Truman award, an achievement only accomplished by a few. His list of achievements and honors is endless throughout his lifetime. He has served his country and his God with unwavering heart, dedication, integrity and faith. His legacy will remain unmatched.

Mr. Crofford is survived by four children and their spouses, Ron Crofford, Diana (Larry) Lenz, Sharon (Ron) Wright and Leonard (Gail) Crofford; 16 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; brothers, Dale and David Crofford and a sister, Shirley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Rosaline, brother, Ray, sister, Faye, daughter, Connie and two grandsons, Rodney and Joshua Watson.

“Leonard didn’t just live for 103 years, he was ALIVE every second of every day for 103 years”, he was the epitome of a man, husband, father and faithful servant of God. His deeds will be graciously rewarded and he will be sorely missed.

Services for Leonard have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Howard Johnson, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Denning Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Army Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.