Marilyn Kay Twitty, 63, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away on Sunday January 26, 2020.

She was born on August 18, 1956 in Christopher, IL to Dr. Wilbert A. (Doc) Weintz and Julia (Migielicz) Weintz. She attended St. Andrew’s Catholic School and was a graduate of Christopher Community High School in 1974. She received her associate degree in nursing from Maryville University in 1976 and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from McKendree University in 1981. She married the love of her life, Brett Twitty, on June 11, 1982. They welcomed a daughter Stephanie in 1985, a son Todd in 1989 and daughter Lindsey in 1991. Here love of helping others was evident in her long career in nursing. She worked as an RN at Bi-County health and retired from Jackson county Health Department after 28 years of service. She continued her nursing as a substitute school nurse at Christopher Unit School District.

She enjoyed gardening, boating at Rend lake, trying out new recipes and crafts and spending time with family and friends. She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and infectious laugh. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilber and Julie Weintz. She is survived by her husband Brett Twitty, daughter Stephanie, son Todd and wife Aleesha, daughter Lindsey and Kipp Kuberski. She is also survived by her brother Gary (Doc) Weintz and an endless list of family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday January 31, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday January 30, 2020 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Church Chapel Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Martha (Sample) Hargis, 84, of Sesser, passed away on Friday January 24, 2020 at 9:18 AM at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on November 21, 1935 in Sesser, IL to Mitchell and Irene (Kirkpatrick) Sample. She married her high school sweetheart, Danny Hargis, on August 22, 1953. They shared fifty years of marriage prior to his death on October 16, 2003.

She retired from Orpack-Stone Corporation of Herrin on December 31, 2000, where she held the position of Human Resource Manager. Martha started her working career as an executive secretary, moving into administration in the purchasing and human resource fields.

Having had no children of her own, Martha’s thirteen nieces and nephews, as well as her great nieces and great nephews, held a special place in her heart and were a big part of her life. Martha was also “Aunt Martha” to many friends and their families. Martha enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, as well as bowling and playing poker with her family and her poker buddies.

She is survived by one sister Joan Earnheart of Sesser; two sisters-in-laws Joan Sample of Elgin, IL and Marie Sample of Sesser; as well as two brothers Larry (Mona) Sample of Sesser and Danny (Sharon) Sample of Sesser.

Also surviving are nieces and nephews Mitch, Christa, Ed, Mike, Brad, Mark, Andrew, Amy, Greg, Anna, Gena, Tim and Cynthia, along with their spouses and children. She is also survived by three aunts, one uncle, cousins and a multitude of friends.
Martha is also survived by her extended family Steve and Becky, Jeff and Kim, and Sierrra and Nathan.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, two brothers Roy Sample and Bill Sample, brother-in-law Bill Earnheart, her in-laws Sam and Margie Hargis. She was also preceded in death by the love of her life, Jack Fornear.

As per her wishes, she will be cremated. A time of gathering for family and friends to celebrate Martha’s life will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 from 12 noon until 2 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with a memorial service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Burial will follow at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

For those who prefer, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to St Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Leslie James Summers, Sr., age 78, of Thompsonville, passed away at 5:51 p.m. Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2020 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Mt. Etna Cemetery of Thompsonville. The Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671, and the U.S. Air Force will conduct the Military Honors. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton where Masonic Rites will be performed at 7:30 p.m.

Les was born on July 28, 1941 in Thompsonville, the son of Sherman “Red” Summers and Fonda Irene (Brown) Summers. He married the former Kathleen Anne Colliton on April 4, 1964; and together they celebrated 55 years of marriage.

Les was a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force where he attained the rank of Sergeant.

His working career consisted retiring from the coal mines, last working for Old Ben Coal Company Mine 25. He formerly served as a police officer with both the Benton and Thompsonville Police Departments. Les also, worked as a car salesman; having worked with Taylor Motors, Bert Baker Chevrolet, Demaretti Buick, and Cash Chevrolet; and he worked with the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center, transporting inmates.
He was a member of the First Christian Church “Disciples of Christ” of Benton; Akin Masonic Lodge # 749 A.F. & A.M. of Thompsonville; Benton American Legion Post #280; and the U.M.W.A.
Les enjoyed the outdoors, especially deer hunting and fishing. He loved woodworking; and was known for crafting handmade walking sticks and canes. He most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially the grandkids. He also enjoyed worshipping at his church with his many church members and friends.

Surviving is his wife of 55 years: Kathy Summers of Thompsonville; four sons: Rev. Leslie James Summers, Jr. and wife Rev. Jackie of Bardstown, KY, Rev. Greg Summers and wife Christi of Atlanta, GA, Steve Summers of Sherwood, Arkansas, Danny Summers of Thompsonville; nine grandchildren: Clayton Summers and wife Alix of Flanagan, IL, Kathryn Summers of Bardstown, KY, Gregory Keith Summers, Jr. of Charlotte. NC, Melissa Drew and husband Matthew of Cary, NC, Noah Summers of Atlanta, GA, Alex Summers and wife Trisha of Ward, Arkansas, Averie Summers and wife Emily of Maumelle, Arkansas, Dani Summers and Scott Summers of Thompsonville; five great-grandchildren: Kyleigh Hanna, Jaydin Summers, Summer Drew, Jax Drew, Jet Drew.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Myola Hatfield, Mary Miller; a brother: Huston Virgil “Pete” Summers; and a niece: Donna (Miller) Corey.
Memorial contributions may be made at the First Christian Church Fellowship Center; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

John “Jack” Charles Notham, 86, of Buckner, passed away on January 21, 2020.

He was born on July 10, 1933 in Arkansaw, WI to Henry and Ethel (Sweeny) Nothom. He married Marjorie (Austin) Notham on August 17, 1953 and she preceded him in death on October 20, 1998.

He is survived by his daughter Rose (Marvel) Straub of Buckner; grandchildren John (Cherie) Straub of Morganfield, KY and Mindy (Jamie) Veach of Salem, IL; great grandchildren Lane Straub, Aubrey Straub, Carly Veach, Austyn Veach and Wyatt Veach; one sister Susie (Eddie) King of Eden Prairie, MN; one brother Jerome Nothom of Galesburg, IL; one sister-in-law Sandy Nothom of Bloomington, MN and one brother-in-law Ray Martin of Centreville, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Helen Nothom, wife Marjorie Notham, one son Barry Lynn Notham, two sisters Jean Hacker and Julie Martin, one brother Jim Nothom and one special friend Barb Scheel.

He was a veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War. He worked for the Railroad as a Railroad Signal Maintainer until his retirement.

He was an avid collector of model trains, John Deere tractors, Coca-Cola items and was a life-long fan of the Green Bay Packers.

He was a member of the Christopher Knights of Columbus, 4th degree Knight of the Duquoin chapter, Christopher American Legion and a member of the St Andrews Catholic Church.

Funeral mass will be on Monday January 27, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday January 26, 2020 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher Knights of Columbus and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Tracy T. Hundley, 58, of Benton, passed away at 6:43 a.m., on Friday, January 17, 2020, at Christian Hospital, Saint Louis, MO.

He was born on October 7, 1961, to Eustance E. and Barbara L. (Tredway) Hundley in Seoul, Korea. Tracy married the former Wendi Ellingson and she survives.

Tracy was a United States Air Force Veteran serving during the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) as a AMMO Troop. He was a proud military veteran. Tracy enjoyed flying his ultralight aircraft and raising animals on his small farm.

He is survived by his loving spouse, Wendi Hundley; three children, Richard, Daniel, and Katherine; two brothers and a sister, Franklin E. (Margaret) Hundley, Virginia Lee (Dale) Mau, and Jeffrey G. (Marilyn) Hundley.

Tracy was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.
Per Tracy’s wishes, cremation will take place.
A memorial service will held on Saturday, January 25, 2020, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Benton American Legion Post 280/VFW Post 2671, 311 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post 280 and VFW Post 2671.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post 280 and VFW Post 2671.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Josh Carlton, 40, of Macedonia passed away Monday morning, January 20, 2020 at his home.

He was born in Benton, IL on July 23, 1979, the son of Tom and Rita (Hays) Carlton.
He married Jennifer (Volz) on March 8, 2003, and she survives.

Josh was a heavy equipment operator. He was very excited to see his son Logan playing basketball. He enjoyed mudding, hunting and driving horses with Logan.

Mr. Carlton is survived by his wife Jennifer Carlton, of Macedonia; son Joshua Logan Carlton, of Macedonia; parents Tom and Rita Carlton, of Benton; brothers John and Sarah Carlton, of Macedonia, Jake Carlton, of Macedonia and Jaren and Clarissa Carlton, of Benton; father-in-law and mother-in-law Steve and Linda Volz, of Benton; sister-in-law Stacey Stricklin and husband Mike, of Marion; brother-in-law Scott Schaefer, of St. Charles, MO. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Josh was preceded in death by his grandparents Edgar and Artie Hays and Dwight and Norma Carlton and by a niece, Makanda Jaide Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 24, 2020 at Whittington Church with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in Liberty-Ridlin Cemetery at Macedonia. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday at Whittington Church.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Ramona Louise Elder, 79, of Benton, passed away at 2:42 p.m., on Monday, January 13, 2020, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL.

She was born on December 20, 1940, to Samuel and Mary (Rogers) Wertz in Benton, IL. Ramona was a homemaker. On December 12, 1975, she married Walter Joseph Elder, Jr., and he preceded her in death.

Ramona was a member of Whittington Church. She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ramona enjoyed watching TV, especially her day time soap operas and game shows. Walter and Ramona enjoyed gardening and sold vegetables for many years until Walters passing.

Ramona is survived by her children, Paula (Bryon) Snyder of Benton, IL, Kenneth (Becky) Henson of Benton, IL, and Alisha (Christopher) Anderson of Benton, IL; three sisters, Jo Dunn, Jane Ellen Myers, and Shirley Jean (Tommy) Seals; two sister-in-laws, Donna Bryce and Laura Cole; seven grandchildren, Amber (Josh Foist) Plumlee, Bryan (Tosha) Plumlee, Justin (Stacey) Plumlee, Diamond Anderson, Brandie (Jordan Wilson) Anderson, Christopher Anderson, and Cassie Phillips; three great-grandchildren, Paityn Snyder, Landon Foist, and Nyla Plumlee.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Mary Faye Wertz; husband, Walter Joseph Elder, Jr; step-mother, Lucille Wertz Stella; three brothers, Harry Wertz, Butch Wertz, and Wayne Wertz, and one sister, Carolyn Ann Miller.

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

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, January 16, 2020, at Pate Funeral Home, with Reverend Mark Minor, officiating.

Burial will follow service at Shiloh Cemetery, Whittington, IL.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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