Linda Sue Worley, age 68, of Benton,IL passed away at 2:32 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

Linda Sue was born on August 31, 1951 in Golconda, IL, the daughter of William Bransfor McCormick and Alma (Smothers) McCormick.

She was a homemaker, having raised nine children.

Linda enjoyed spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving are her nine children: Shwana Hart and husband David of Makanda, IL, Helen Braden and significant other James Booker of Benton, Elwyn Worley, Jr and wife Melony of Benton, Bonnie Cluck and husband Cody of Mt. Vernon, IL, Angie Miller and husband Christopher of Christopher, Michael Worley of Benton, Donald Worley and wife Ericia of Benton, Ronald Worley of Hillsboro, IL, and Jesse Davis of Benton; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings: Delbert McCormick, Dianna Booker of Benton, Paula Hill of Mt. Vernon, IL, Mary Turner of Golconda, Paul McCormick of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dwight McCormick of Mt. Vernon, IL.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers: David Lee McCormick and Donald McCormick; and a great-granddaughter: Payton Joplin.

Cremation services have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with the cremation services; and can 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 Linda Sue Worley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Julia Ruth Havener, 60, of Benton, IL passed away at 5:52 p.m., on Friday, January 31, 2020, at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, Benton, IL.

She was born on January 13, 1960, to Lester and Virginia (Young) Havener in Springfield, IL. Julia was a Cosmetologist and truly loved her job.

Julia loved singing and was a great cook.

She is survived by her daughter, Chelsea Lorraine Campbell of Herrin, IL; a granddaughter, Haven; one sister, Leslie Ann Cox and husband Courtney of Benton, IL; and one brother, Joseph Lester Havener and wife Pamela of Benton, IL.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Lester Merle and Virginia Ruth Havener.

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

Per Julia’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private memorial service was held.

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

James E. Evans, 80, of Loudon, TN., formerly of Benton, IL., passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2020 in Loudon, TN.

He was born on December 22, 1939, to William and Dorothy (Wilkerson) Evans in Benton, IL. James retired from the United States Army Corp of Engineers as a Civil Engineer. He married the former Doris Shockley, and she preceded him in death.

James loved his family, friends and enjoyed golfing.

He is survived by his son, Michael Evans and wife Patti of Racine, WI; five grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and a sister, Barbara Whitsett; and a close personal friend, Lynda Burman.

James was preceded in death by his parents, William Clyde and Dorothy Mae Evans; first wife, Doris Evans; second wife, Carol Evans; two sons, Donald W. Evans and Edward A. Evans; two sisters, Linda Poynor and Norma Jean Myers.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, February 8, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2020, 3:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Brad Wilson, officiating.

A private graveside service will be held at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

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

Wilda Kathleen Rizor, 84, formerly from Claysville and Punxsutawney Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, at Herrin Hospital, Herrin, IL.

She was born April 13, 1935, in Claysville, PA, the daughter of Albert and Orpha Pattison of Claysville.

Wilda was the mother of two daughters, Sandy Davis (John Hermans) of Fort Pierce , FL, and Donna (Joe) Helman of Punxsutawney , PA; one son Joe (Claudia) of Benton, IL; five grandchildren, Amanda and Tommy Helman, Brad Dorsey and Scott and Robb Rizor; six great grandchildren, Kassidy and Kenzie Rizor, Hayley Rizor and Gunnor Tierney and Jack and Reagan Hall; one sister who survives: Mildred (Don) McAfoose of Worthington, PA.

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

Funeral service will be at Young’s Funeral Home of Claysville with visitation on Thursday, February 6, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with burial to follow in the Claysville Cemetery.

Condolences may be made at www.patefh.com

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