Leslie Rees-Buckner, IL

Leslie Rees, 78, of Buckner, passed away on December 22, 2019.

She was born on January 26, 1941 in Buckner, IL to William “Les” and Ann (Rapach) Rees.

She is survived by her sister Denise (Eddie) Gil of Buckner and several cousins.

She was a legal secretary.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be on Thursday December 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Masonic and IOOF Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Connie Mae Lambert-Benton, IL

Connie Mae Lambert, 65, of Benton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on December 21, 2019 at her home.

She was born on August 24, 1954 to Perry and Zelma (Holman) Furlow. She married Richard Lambert on June 28, 1973.

Connie is survived by her loving husband Richard Lambert, daughter Carrie Angela Lambert, and granddaughter Olivia Isabella Lambert all of Benton; two sisters Marilyn Kindler of Cedar Hill, MO and Brenda (John) Kovach; one brother-in-law James Lambert of Benton, and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Zelma Furlow, and two brothers Virgil Lee Furlow and Gail Ivan Furlow.

Funeral services will be on Friday December 27, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

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

Ruth Pechenino-Christopher, IL

Ruth Pechenino, 95, of Christopher passed away on Friday December 20, 2019.

She was born on December 8, 1924 in Benton, IL to Henry and Ruth (Ward) Taylor. She married Anthony “Tony” Pechenino and he preceded her in death on December 20, 2009.

She is survived by her daughters Karen Webb of Christopher and Kathy (John) Thomas of Owensboro, KY; grandchildren Kevin Webb, Scott Webb, Kim Webb and Michael Thomas; and five great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson Jason Thomas and four brothers Ralph Taylor, Gene Taylor, Charles Taylor and Bill Taylor.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 24, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at St Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

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

Ina Mae Neal – Benton, IL

Ina Mae Neal, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at her home at Heritage Woods of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 23, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Bro. Larry Miller officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Ina Mae Neal was born on June 14, 1933 in Thompsonville, Illinois, the daughter of Carlos Ing and Mabel (Clinton) Ing. She would marry Bennie J. Neal on August 26, 1950, and he preceded her in death on August 3, 2006.

Her working career was as a seamstress with the Joan Claire Dress Factory in Benton.
Ina Mae enjoyed antiquing, going to flea markets, yard sales, and watching her St. Louis Cardinal Baseball team.

She was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.

Survivors include several nieces and nephews; special close nieces and nephew include: Linda and Ronnie Baumgarte of Benton, Edie and John Jones of Benton, Norma Tate of Ewing, Jeanie and Don South of Dike, TX, Susan Danks of St.Louis, MO, Barbara and Mike Shoenberger of Fayetteville, NC, and Michael Fields and partner Dr. John Empkey of Festus, MO; and several great-nieces and nephews and their families; and her friends and neighbors at Heritage Woods of Benton.

Ina Mae was preceded in death by her parents; husband, two brothers Carl Dean Ing and Clinton Ing; five sisters: Lavora, Deloris, Alene, Audrey and June; and a sister-in-law Mona Lea Powell.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Scleroderma Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home. For more information about the Scleroderma Foundation, visit scleroderma.org

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ina Mae, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com
Her family said “She was a Port in the Storm”

Betty Jean Williams – Benton, IL

Betty Jean Williams, 94, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday December 17, 2019, at her daughters home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 29, 1925, to Alexander and Estella (Furlow) Van Zandt in Mulkeytown, IL.

Betty was of the Baptist faith. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, reading and crocheting. Betty was a 50 year member of OES and was a foster parent for many years . She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Betty is survived by her children, Barbara Mae Ziems, Michael Lee Williams and wife Susan Jane, Carolyn Sue Busse, Melissa Fae King and husband Dale and Matthew Rae Williams and wife Karen; one daughter-in-law, Reba Williams; one sister, Ruby Bernice Tindall and 27 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander Ferguson and Estella Van Zandt, 2nd Husband, Oliver Lee Williams, 1st Husband, Gilbert “Gay” Hicks, a son, Stewart Jae Williams, two sons-in-law, Dale Ziems and Bradley Busse, brother-in-law, Everett Tindall, and sisters and brothers, Gladys, Gena, Edith, Lester, Irma, Delora, Clifford, JoAnn, Lola, Infant brother, Cleda, and Richard, and many brothers & sister-in-laws.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, December 20, 2019, from 11:00 a.m.to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Rev. Michael Lee Williams Jr., officiating.

Burial will take place in the Mulkeytown Cemetery, Mulkeytown, IL.

Memorials may be made to the Mulkeytown Cemetery or the West Franklin Historical Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mattie Jo (Mason) Biggs – Royalton, IL

Mattie Jo (Mason) Biggs, 88, of Royalton, IL passed away Saturday evening, Dec. 14, 2019 at Reflections in Carterville.

She was born in Royalton, IL on January 14, 1931, the daughter of Cly Thomas & Mary Elta (Butler) Mason.

She married Bob Biggs on June 7, 1952, and he preceded her in death on March 3, 2011.
Mrs. Biggs was a member of the Royalton Church of the Nazarene, and of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in Royalton.

Mrs. Biggs is survived by her children, Tom Biggs and wife Stacey of Royalton and
Jennifer Biggs of Royalton; grandchildren Kasey Biggs of Royalton and greatgrandchildren: Ashton Craven, Archer & Paisley AdamsThomas Biggs Jr. of Murphysboro
Nicholas Biggs & wife Audrey of Murphysboro and great-grandchildren: Joel Smith & Jace & Maebry Biggs, Jamy King of Royalton and greatgrandchildren: Julian King & Gideon Martychenko
Nichole Robinson of Royalton and greatgrandchildren: Rilynn & Gaige Mason
14 great-grandchildren

Mrs. Biggs was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and one brother.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18th at the Royalton Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Dan Taylor officiating. Burial will be in the Miners Cemetery in Royalton. Visitation will be after 12 Noon on Wednesday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Royalton Church of the Nazarene, envelopes will be available at the Church during visitation or at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

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

Mary Annette Lynch – Benton, IL

Mary Annette Lynch, age 78, of Benton, passed away at 8:03 p.m. Monday, December 9th at her home in Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the First Christian Church of Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery, East of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Mary Annette Lynch was born on January 9, 1941 in West Frankfort, the daughter of Walter Dennis Frailey and Mary Lucille (Shanks) Frailey. She married Alfred “Whitey” Lynch on February 25, 1961, and he survives.

Annette was a homemaker and stay at home mom. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and most of all enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an active member of the First Christian Church of Benton, where she played the organ for 50+ years, sang in the choir ever since her freshmen year of high school, was involved in the Gertrude Fitzgerrell Ladies Group/CWF, and former director of the youth choir.

She enjoyed gardening, and was an avid flower gardener and bird watcher, and was a former member of the Benton Garden Club.
Annette is survived by her husband Alfred “Whitey” Lynch; four children: Susan Elizabeth Mann of Benton, Ross Allan Lynch and wife Susie of Fenton, MO, Daphne Ann Mitchell and husband David of Benton, Stephanie Renee Galloway and husband Darren of Benton; seven grandchildren: Tyler Mann, Dominic D’Addezio and wife Laura, Savannah Rae Lynch, Alexandria Markel and husband Kyle, Andrew Mitchell, Curtis Galloway and Spencer Galloway; four great-grandchildren: Jaice Andrew Mann, Trinity Marie Mann, Mia Rane Markel, Olivia Jo Markel; three sisters: Patricia Colombo of St. Louis, Carole Sue Hungate and husband Randy of Benton, Nancy Frailey of St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews; and her church family at First Christian of Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Center.

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

Ritchie Don Eubanks – Sesser, IL

Ritchie Don Eubanks, 65, of Sesser, passed away on December 8, 2019.

He was born on April 15, 1954 in Mt Vernon, IL to Roy Lee Eubanks and Ruth Ann (Summers) Crocker.

He is survived by his mother Ruth Ann Crocker of Sesser; brothers and sisters Michael (Jo Anna) Eubanks of Bourbonnais, IL, Susan (Mike) Summers of Scheller, Carl Crocker (Preceded) Kathy Crocker of Scheller, Bill (Lisa) Crocker of O’Fallon, IL and Jeffrey Crocker of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.

He was Veteran of the United States Navy.

Graveside services will be on Saturday December 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Bobby R. Pool – Sebring, FL (formerly of Valier, IL)

Bobby R. Pool, 72, of Sebring, FL (formerly of Valier, IL) passed away at 5:21 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at his home, following an eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Herrin, IL to Charles and Nona Pool. He was married to his wife Glenda, for 39 years.

Bobby was a retired 22-year veteran, Sergeant First Class, of the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a UMWA member who worked at Freeman 6 Mine, near Waltonville, IL. He also retired from the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections with 24 years of service.

Bobby was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Sesser and after moving to Florida, he attended the New Life Fellowship Church in Sebring. He loved the Lord and his church families.

Bobby is survived by his wife Glenda; sons Charles Pool, Darrell (Jennifer) Pool and Jody Shaw, of Sesser and Jim (Staci) Hood, of Valier. He was loved greatly by his grandchildren, Danielle (Jon) Porvaznik and Suzette Aiello and James Pool, of Sesser, Derek Hood, of Valier and Courtney Hood, of Denver, CO. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jocelyn and Delcan Porvaznik, of Sesser; brother-in-law James (Helen) Rusher, of Sesser and sister-in-law Doris Stewart, of Beecher, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he loved very much and by special friends, Kim and Lois Hamilton and Riley and Carol Farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nona Pool and by his sisters, Vada Denham, Minnie Bell Dunning, Betty Jo Waugh and Nadine Darrigo.

Per his request, there will be no public service. A gathering of his family will be held in the Spring. He requests that his family and friends celebrate the life he lived and enjoyed.

Memorials may be made in his honor to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida, 33870.

David E. Tollison – Benton, IL

David E. Tollison, age 75, of Benton, passed away Thursday afternoon of December 5th at his home in Benton.

Masonic Rites will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral
Home in Benton. A Shriners Walk Thru will take place at 12:45 p.m. prior to the Masonic Rites. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

David Ellis Tollison was born on July 25, 1944 in Memphis, TN, the son of Lawrence David Tollison and Syble Lorraine (Goode) Tollison. He married the former Louetta (Moss) Miller of Benton on May 29, 1992, and she survives.

Dave was the current sexton at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. He formerly owned and operated Dave’s Taxi, and prior to that he manufactured boat trailers.
He was a member of the Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M. where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001, 2010 and 2011. He was the President of the Franklin County Shrine, Chairman of the Ainad Shriners Bass Tournament, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Southern Illinois, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898.

Dave enjoyed fishing, playing golf, cooking, spending time with his two daughters and visiting with grandkids.

Surviving is his loving wife Louetta Tollison of Benton; his mother Syble Lorraine Tollison of Benton; two daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis; a step-daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton; a step-son James “Red” Miller of Benton; twenty grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; a sister Geneva; three step-sons John Alden Miller, Jr., Jerry Allen Miller, and Jack Ashley Miller.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News