Betty Jean Williams – Benton, IL

December 19, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mattie Jo (Mason) Biggs – Royalton, IL

December 17, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mary Annette Lynch – Benton, IL

December 11, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ritchie Don Eubanks – Sesser, IL

December 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

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

December 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Obituaries

David E. Tollison – Benton, IL

December 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Betty Jayne Taylor – Benton, IL

December 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Betty Jayne Taylor, age 70, of Benton, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church of Benton with Rev. Lee Lovett officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Betty Jayne Taylor was born on March 30, 1949 in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Robert D. Blondi and Christine “Teeny” (Marlow) Blondi. She married Bill Taylor on December 28, 1967 and he survives.

Betty was a retired teacher from Ewing Grade School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, where she was an active singer in the church choir, until her health did not allow her to attend.

She absolutely loved being a teacher! She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and spending time with friends and family.

Betty is survived by her husband Bill Taylor of Whittington; a son Heath Taylor of Whittington; a daughter Chrissy Miller and husband Bryan of Sesser; two grandchildren: Ty Taylor and Dempsey Jayne Miller; a sister Pam Finley of Carterville, brother Tom Blondi and wife Barbara of Scottsdale, AZ, twin brother Bobby Blondi and wife Mary of Benton; sister-in-law Carole Rea and husband David of Benton; sister-in-law Sandra Taylor of Whittington; nieces and nephews: Jason Finley of Nashville, TN, Jeremy Finley and wife Rebecca of Nashville, TN, Rob Blondi and wife Summer of Valier, Brett Blondi and wife Kortni of Benton, Andrea and husband Josh Cleaver of Newton, Jayme and husband Chris Robinson of Redondo Beach, CA, Tyler Blondi and wife Dawn of Azusa, CA, Kim Sanders and husband Scott of Benton, Diana Ing and husband Keith of Benton; numerous great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Edith Taylor; brother-in-law John Finley; brother-in-law Kenneth Dale Taylor; nephew Monte Rea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the First United Methodist Church, 203 West Church Street, Benton, IL 62812, and will be accepted at the church on Sunday.

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

The family wanted to share how Blessed Betty was to have so many faithful, loving friends. They also wanted to extend their gratitude for the loving care Betty received during her stay at Benton Healthcare.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Gearld L. Hamilton – Benton, IL

December 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Gearld L. Hamilton, 94, of Benton passed away Monday morning, December 2, 2019 at his home.

He was born in Whittington, IL on October 14, 1925, the son of Jesse & Essie (Burton) Hamilton.

Mr. Hamilton was a World War II Army Veteran. He co-owned and operated North Main Motors on South Main for many years.

Mr. Hamilton is survived by his:
2 Sons:
Kim Wendell Hamilton & fiancee` Lois Shadoan of Frostproof, FL
Kelvin Dale Hamilton & fiancee` Bobbie Madden of Benton, IL

Kim & Kelvin’s Mother: Mazie Hamilton of Benton

2 Grandchildren:

Bryan Hamilton & wife Georganna of Benton

Mindy Foreman & husband Todd of Atlanta, GA

Great-Grandchildren:
Jacob Hamilton
Mason Foreman
Bryson Hamilton
Zander Hamilton

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Penelope & Lucy
Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his Parents and by Siblings-Wendell, Lester, Harry, Billy Donald, Glenna Jean, Harry & Larry.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, December 7th at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Pastor Curtis Smith officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts. Burial will follow. Therer will be No Visitation, those attending the service are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Pearl VanHoorebeke-Benton, formerly of Christopher

December 1, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Pearl VanHoorebeke, 79, of Benton, formerly of Christopher, passed away on November 29, 2019.

She was born on March 29, 1940 in Christopher, IL to Odie and Cynthia (Davis) Shaw. She married Frank VanHoorebeke and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2005.

She is survived by her children Earelen Zeboski of Sesser, Sherry (Mike) Boling of DuQuoin, Gary (Rhonda) Keller of Benton, Randy Keller of Florida, Cynthia Keller of Benton, George Keller of Benton, Georgia Chrostoski of Benton, Steven Keller of South Carolina and Shay Doty of Benton; step children Betty Lou Hopkins of Missouri, Clarence VanHoorebeke of DuQuoin, Shirley Worrle of Oklahoma, Charles VanHoorebeke of Benton, Sharon Plasters of Mississippi, Mary Jo Murry of Waltonville, Elmer VanHoorebeke of Texas, David VanHoorebeke of Texas, Loren VanHoorebeke of Mt Vernon and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Alice Patterson, one step-son Randy VanHoorebeke and six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 3, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

James Michael Thompson-West Frankfort, IL formerly of Sesser

November 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment

James Michael Thompson, 57, of West Frankfort, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Monday November 18, 2019.

He was born on September 22, 1962 in DuQuoin, IL to James Monroe and Joyce (Sink) Thompson. He married Pamela (Fisher) Thompson on December 28, 1991.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Thompson of West Frankfort; Mother and Father James and Joyce Thompson of Sesser; his children Jennie Burke of California, Brandi Thompson of West Frankfort, Travis Thompson of West Frankfort, Dillon Thompson of Sesser; one great granddaughter Kenna Thompson; three brothers Mark Thompson, Scott Thompson and Bob Thompson.

Military rites will be given by the Sesser VFW on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser.

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

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
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