Bret G. Grob, 59, of Sesser, Il, passed away October 24, 2019 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Bret fought a brave and valiant four-year battle against cancer.

Bret was born June 1, 1960, the son of Gerome Grob and Joyce Grob Bagwell. He was a 1978 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School.

Bret was previously married to Kim Robinson and they shared a son, Kenny, who died in a car accident on July 4, 2003. Bret was later married to Sheri Prather and they also had a son, Lane, who survives of Sesser.

Bret worked for many years at Vernwood Press and also at MCA records and in recent years had worked for Knighthawk Coal as a roof bolter.

From an early age Bret showed a knack for doing things his own way and a little bit over the top. Bret, and brother Jeff, who is 18 months older, began tearing bicycles apart to rebuild them when they were youngsters – a passion he carried with him the rest of his life. As he grew older Bret graduated from bicycles to motorcycles and cars.

However, in recent years Bret reverted back to his childhood love when he purchased bicycles for his grandkids, only to ‘chop them up’ and build something totally different and original.

According to son Lane: “The work he did on bicycles and motorcycles always had to be different, unique and usually over-the-top. It had to be something nobody else had. There was nothing he couldn’t fix.”

Because of his love for children, Bret also built many custom bicycles and then donated them to be raffled off, raising thousands of dollars for charities for needy children and children facing serious health issues.

Bret logged thousands of miles on his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycles, often saying: ‘It’s not about the destination, it’s about the ride.”

Bret was a family man, a good son, a loving brother, an awesome dad and to say he was a doting grandfather would be an understatement. He even accompanied his daughter-in-law, Christina (Alvis), to her doctor appointments when she was pregnant with granddaughter Chesni.

Bret is survived by his mother, Joyce Bagwell, of Tampa, FL; his son Lane Grob, of Sesser: three siblings, Jeff Grob, of Sesser, Chris Grob, of Tampa, FL and Annette Gilbert, of Maryville, IL; granddaughters Kelisy Grob, of Sesser and Chesni Grob, of Valier; daughter-in-law Christina Alvis, of Valier; former wives Kim Robinson, of Benton, IL and Sheri Grob, of Sesser. Bret is also survived by a large number of nieces and nephews and close friends that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death by his dad Gerome Grob and his son Kenny Grob.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Italian Club, in Coello, IL on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Food will be provided and those attending are asked to ride their motorcycles and wear Harley-Davidson attire.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. According to Bret’s wishes, cremation services were performed. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to the funeral home to help with expenses.

Kay Jean Davis, 84, of Benton, passed away at 11:05 p.m., on Monday, October 21, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 20, 1935, to Leslie and Edith (Davis) Prestage in Flint, MI. On March 24, 1964, she married James Richard Davis, and he preceded in death. Kay worked as a hairdresser until her daughter was 2. She then stayed home to raise her daughter and take care of her family.

Kay grew up in the Methodist faith. She was loving mother and grandmother. Kay enjoyed word searches, cooking, baking and sitting on the porch watching the chickens play. She loved watching her great-grand fur puppy, Chevy, playing.

Kay is survived by her loving daughter, Angelia Kay Davis-Cairel, and husband, Derrick, of Benton, IL; two granddaughters, Ashley Christina Cairel and Alexandria Kay Cairel; one grandson, Andrew James Cairel and one sister, Georgene Prestage-McCarty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leslie and Edith Maude Prestage, husband, James Richard Davis,a son, James Daren Davis, four sisters, Naydene Prestage-Klingler, Glenadine Prestage-Verran, Gertrude Prestage-Zbiciak and Velma M. Prestage, and one brother, Jack Colon Prestage.

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

Visitation will be held Sunday, October 27, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 28, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Derrick Cairel, officiating.

Burial will take place following services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Rosalie Crisp, 86, of Benton, passed away at 7:05 a.m., Tuesday, October 22, 2019, at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on January 30, 1933, to Thomas and Ann (Yasevich) DeBartoli in Benton, IL. On May 5, 1950, Rosalie married Roger Crisp and he preceded her in death.

Rosalie, the matriarch of the entire family, was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and interior design. She held a special place in her heart for her pets.

She is survived by her two daughters, Vicki McGuire and husband, Mike, of Benton, IL and Kathy Swigonski and husband, Jack, of Parrish, AL; three grandsons, Michael McGuire, and wife Suzanne, of Benton, IL, Tyler McGuire of Benton, IL and Logan Swigonski, and wife, Julie, of Benton, IL; eight great-grandchildren, Tristan Swigonski, and wife, Chasidee, Madison McGuire, Parker McGuire, Morgan Swigonski, Landyn McGuire, Peyton Swigonski, Haighdyn McGuire and Taylor McGuire all of Benton; a great-great grandson Paxston Swigonski of Benton; and one sister, Shirley Grammer of Benton, IL, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Rosalie was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Ann DeBartoli, husband, Roger Crisp; brother, Thomas DeBartoli, Jr; and granddaughter, Samantha Ann Swigonski.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 25, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

“Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, so loved, so missed, so very dear.” Annon

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

Brenda M. LeVault, 72, of Sesser, IL, passed away at 1:00 p.m., on Friday, October 18, 2019, at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, IL.

She was born on January 27, 1947, to Ellis and Velma (Thomason) Bradley. She married Tom LeVault on July 27, 1963, together they shared 56 years of marriage.

Brenda was a member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton, IL.

The world became a little quieter with her passing. Her sassy, fierce, no-holds barred approach meant she left this world in true Brenda Fashion, her way and on her terms. You never had to question where you stood with her. She loved deeply and openly. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She never turned those in need away. Her door was always opened and you were always welcomed. She was the only women we knew who could take a meal for a few, and turn it into a meal for plenty. Her children’s friends became her kids. Brenda played many roles, but her favorite was just being Nanny to her grandchildren.

Brenda is survived by her loving spouse, Tom LeVault, one son, Larry LeVault of Sesser, IL; three daughters, Tawana Pitchford and husband Bill, of Valier, IL, Lisa Rapp and husband Paul, of Belle Rive, IL and Jackie Halley and husband Erin, of McLeansboro, IL; 12 grandchildren, Erica (Dawn) Bird of Sesser, IL, Holden (LeyCosta Clark) LeVault of Desoto, IL, Ashlee Ann LeVault of Pensecola, FL, TyAnn LeVault of Sesser, IL, Cody (Kacey Rasnic) Pitchford of Valier, IL, Cheyenne Pitchford of Valier, IL, Clay Rapp of Belle Rive, IL, Noah Rapp of Belle Rive, IL, Raegan Halley of McLeansboro, IL, Dylan Halley of McLeansboro, IL, Kenadee Halley of McLeansboro, IL and Larry Ellis LeVault of Benton, IL; two great-grandchildren, Deana and Mason; two brothers, Gale Bradley of Sterling, IL and Farell Bradley of Sesser, IL and two brother-in-laws, Richard (Iris) LeVault of Sesser, IL and Jim (Peg) LeVault of Sesser, IL.

She was preceded in death by parents, Ellis and Velma Bradley; brother and sister-in-law, Lloyd and Ruth Bradley; brother, Carlos Bradley; brother, James Bradley; sister-in-law, Elsie Bradley; father and mother-in-law, H.G. and Lucille LeVault; a granddaughter, Nikole Ann LeVault; and great-grandchildren, Pitchford Infant Twins.

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

Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 22, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at Grace Awakening Community Church, 313 North McLeansboro St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, October 23, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., at Grace Awakening Community Church, Benton, IL, with Brother Ken Petty, officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in Hammond Cemetery, Sesser, IL.

Memorials may be made to the American Breast Cancer Society or to Hammond Cemetery.

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

Billy David “Bub” Hammond, II, 52, of Benton, passed away on at 3:06 p.m., on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on January 4, 1967, to Billy David Hammond, Sr., and Betty J. (Lingo) Hammond in Benton, IL. He was a 1985 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. Billy was Co-Owner of the family paving business. He worked as a paving operator.

Billy was a member of Benton Church of God, Benton Masonic Lodge and was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shiner and member of the Knights Templar.

He was a loving son, father and brother. Billy enjoyed walks with his son, riding ATV’s with his brother, raising goats and wild game birds. He loved working in the yard, spending time and watching movies with his fiancée, grilling out for family and friends, was a prankster and loved making people laugh, and was a dear friend to many.

Billy is survived by his father, Billy David Hammond, Sr; mother, Betty Hammond; one son, Billy David Hammond, III, of Benton, IL; one daughter, Olivia Rutland of Benton, IL; a brother, Tommy Joe Hammond of Benton, IL; a grandson, Bentley; his loving Fiancée, Clara Poe; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his uncle, Timmy Hammond; one aunt, Gloria Hanner; and three beloved pets, Petey, Dugan and Babydoll.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Chaplain Ron Davis, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Franklin County Second Chance Rescue and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Barren Township Road Commissioner, Roy Lynn Miller, 69, passed away at 4:30 A.M. Wednesday, October 16, 2019 at St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, surrounded by the loving care of his family.

Roy was born May 17, 1950, to Harold Glenn and Wanda Miller, in Christopher. He grew up in Rend City with his brothers Jim and Evan Miller. The son of a coal miner and farmer, his childhood was that of a typical, working-class American youth. The work ethic and values he learned in his childhood remained with him throughout his life, and he worked hard to provide for his family and instill those lessons to the future generations of his family.

Roy married his wife of 51 years, Signa (Page), on July 6, 1968. They put down roots in Sesser near their respective families, where they remained for the remainder of their life together. They had three children, Russell, Carrie, and Lane. Much like his father, Roy began a life of a coal miner and farmer. Although he retired from mining after 35 years, he continued to operate his family farm with his son Lane for the remainder of his life. Roy truly loved farming and raising cattle. Roy was also passionate about drag racing with his sons Russell and Lane. While he thoroughly enjoyed working on the car and prepping it for the drag strip, he enjoyed watching his boys win even more.

Anyone who knew Roy will recall the twinkle in his eyes after a great weekend at the track. If you asked him how they did at the track over the weekend, he would reply “we put ‘em all on the trailer and sent ‘em home.”

Anyone who knew Roy also knew that he could repair or restore absolutely anything. Roy’s mechanical skills and abilities were second-to-none. Friends and neighbors knew where to go if they needed help with a repair that may have been a bit more than they could handle on their own. Roy’s workshop in his barn was probably his favorite place to be. It is easy for many of us to picture him working in his shop wearing his well-worn and well-loved Carhartt coveralls. Throughout his life, some of Roy’s various achievements include 33 years as a Barren township Road Commissioner, member of Goode Lodge 744 and a lifelong member of Rend City Baptist Church.

Roy is survived by his wife, Signa; his daughter Carrie Miller, his son Lane Miller and wife Joanna, granddaughter Jordan Miller Evrard and husband Brandon, two very dear grandsons Keaton and Brantley Miller; one beloved great-granddaughter Madalyn Evrard, his brother Jim Miller and wife Carolyn, sister-in-law Dixie Miller, and father-in-law Olen Page. He also leaves behind many cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends. Roy was preceded in death by his son Russell Miller, his father, Harold Glenn Miller; his mother, Wanda Veach Miller Coffman; his brother Evan Miller; his nephew, Jimmy Miller, mother-in-law Alberta Page, his stepfather Floyd Coffman, and brother by heart Dan Page.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday October 19, 2019 at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m.

Roy will be laid to rest in Masonic-Odd Fellow Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com