Joy Gay Reed of Benton, passed away at 9:52 a.m., on Tuesday, June 4th, 2019.

Joy lived in the Wheeling/Elm Grove, WV, area most of her life and with her “green thumb” was an avid gardener. Joy was very athletic as she enjoyed dancing, particularly line dancing, aerobics, water aerobics, walking and babysitting her grandchildren. Also she was very active as a member of Stone Presbyterian Church of Elm Grove where she served as a Deacon, Elder, member of the kitchen crew, Hunger Cupboard volunteer and much more. Joy was an exceptional cook and particularly enjoyed working with the church group that participated in the Wheeling soup kitchen. Joy participated in a close knit bible study group that met for 40+ years.

When Joy was 75 she moved to Benton, IL, to be closer to her son Larry Wilson and his family. Joy joined Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton where she participated in several activities and groups. Joy loved to travel and meet new people. She took numerous bus trips visiting various states but especially enjoyed foreign travels.

She was preceded in death by her two husbands, Donald Wilson in 1950 and Willis Reed in 1997; her parents Paul (Petie) Porter on November 11, 1966, and Naomi Nice Porter on October 14, 1949; and her first son Gregory Wilson June 23, 2013.

Surviving include one son Larry Wilson and wife Resi, of Benton IL; a daughter-in-law Pamela Wilson of Walsenburg, CO; grandchildren, LaRe (CA), Wendi (IL), Erik (IL), Steve (CO), Russ (CO), and Gabe (CO) and 18 great-grandchildren.

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

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m., at Immanuel Baptist Church, Benton, IL.

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 25, 2019, following visitation at the church with the Rev. Sammy Simmons officiating.

Online condolences may be given at www.patefh.com

Greyson Eli Key was stillborn at 2:11 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2019 at the SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Per the parent’s request; there will be no public services.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Greyson Eli Key is survived by his parents Jessica Marie Davis and Frankie Issac Key, both of Benton; grandparents: Susan Davis of Benton, John Sutton of Christopher, Connie Sutton of Missouri, and Kendra Key of Christopher; great-grandparents: Maureena Davis of Benton,and Evelyn Sutton of Benton; a brother Aiden Ezel Issac Key of Benton; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Baby Greyson now joins grandpa Frank Key, and great-grandpas Brad Sutton and Robert Davis in Heaven.

To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Melody Ann Kristofferson, age 66, of Benton and formerly of Berwyn, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2019 at her home in Benton.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date in Berwyn.

Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, has been entrusted with the cremation services.

Melody was born on September 3, 1952 in Neodesha. KS, the daughter of Donald Swan and Ellen Emogene (Weldy).

Ms. Kristofferson was a homemaker and formerly worked as a bartender at the New Town Tap in Berwyn, IL.

On occasion she attended the First United Methodist Church in Benton.

She enjoyed reading, painting, photography and loved her four-legged companion “Hugger”.

Surviving is her two children, a son Thadeus James “T.J.” Bornheimer and wife Amy of Wheaton, and a daughter Allegra Kanehl of Lyons, IL; four grandchildren: Tyler Martin, Cole Kanehl, Amber Rose Bornheimer, and Matthew James Bornheimer; two brothers: John Hermosillo and wife Donna of Benton, and Marty Swan and wife Martha of Franklin, WI, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her mother; and a brother Eddie Hermosillo.

Memorial contributions may be made to Second Chance Rescue of Franklin County, and, may be sent to Leffler Funeral Home 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Fay King, 88, of Mulkeytown, passed away on June 11, 2019 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on November 2, 1930 in Mulkeytown to Lee and Wavia (Culley) Price. She was married to Noah King and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by one daughter Karen (Jim) Noto of Mulkeytown; seven grandchildren Jolynn (Frank) Vigiano, Shane (Lori) King, Jenny King, Wilton (Keri) King, Holly King, Travis (Leslie) Noto and Ashley (April) Noto; several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; one sister Chloe Cook of Dowell; and one brother Carl Price of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, three sons Gary King, Randy King and Bruce King, two brothers, Leon Price and Neal Price and one sister Irene Price.

Funeral services will be on Friday June 14, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Guy Webster officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will at Zeigler Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Patricia “Pat” Kay Szczeblewski, 75, of Mulkeytown, IL., passed away at 1:32 p.m., June 9, 2019, at her residence.

Pat was born on December 19, 1943, to Bill and Winnie (Scott) Bailey. She married Richard Szczeblewski on August 5, 1960, and became in her words, a “Kept Woman.”

She is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years; parents; and one brother, David Bailey.

Pat is survived by her children, Tracey (Michael) Vandekerkhove of Mulkeytown, Jamie Donovan of Mulkeytown, and Steven (Deb) Szczeblewski of West Frankfort. Her grandchildren, Stormi (Brandon) Dilliner, Ty (Abbey) Vandekerkhove, Treg (Faith) Vandekerkhove, Shad Donovan, Remy Vandekerkhove and special friend Caleb Miner, and Nathan (Jodi) Robasse; her great-grandchildren, Shayne Dilliner, Bentley Donovan, Sloane Vandekerkhove, MaKaiden Robasse, and Taylor (Tayler) Ellison; and great-great grandchildren, Dylan and Rhett Ellison.

She took great joy in life. Pat was a dedicated and loving wife and mother. She was a Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, Room Mother/ Parent Volunteer, the first woman to hold a seat on the Sesser-Valier School Board, attended the Greenwood United Methodist Church, where she was a Sunday School Teacher and led a kids Saturday program when her grand-children were young. Pat loved life and brought laughter wherever she went. She was always up for a good time.

She will be remembered for her witty sayings and her dedication of sending cards for any and all occasions. Pat loved to play games (especially Pinnochle) and spent many hours playing with family and friends.

After a battle with Metastatic Breast Cancer and COPD she entered peacefully into God’s Kingdom at home surrounded by her family. Her big heart and generous spirit will be greatly missed. Mom, Grams, Weezer you are forever in our hearts. We love you!

Pat and her family want to thank all the friends and church family who visited and brought food for her to enjoy while she was alive (per her request), the cards, flowers and many prayers sent her way. Thank you to the SIH Cancer Institute of Southern Illinois for their kindness and care, the friendly staff of Medicine Shop that always took care to deliver her medical supplies, and Hospice of Southern Illinois for their wonderful care.

Words Pat lived by: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, totally worn out and proclaiming, “Wow, What a Ride!”

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

There will be a celebration of life for Pat on Friday, June 14, 2019, at the Greenwood United Methodist Church, 2638 Park Street Road, Mulkeytown, IL., Starting at 1:00 p.m. with a brief service at 3:30 p.m., with the Rev. Bill Wiggs officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Pat requested donations be made to the Greenwood United Methodist Church, Hospice of Southern Illinois, or the charity of your choice.

Praise God for his goodness. Pat loved the Lord with all her heart!

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

Bette Marian Hughes, 87, of Ewing passed away June 5, 2019 at Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro.

Funeral services will be at 2:30pm on Saturday, June 8th at Morton Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL. Visitation will be from 12pm to 2:30pm, with the funeral beginning at 2:30pm. Burial will be at the Thurmond Cemetery, Ewing, IL. A dinner will be hosted at the Rescue Free Will Baptist church, immediately following the burial service.

Marian was born on May 30, 1932, the daughter of Earl, Sr. and Mildred (Warren) Smith of Benton, IL. She graduated Benton High School in 1950, married James Ernie Hughes on September 3, 1950, and after two years of following Ernie as he served during the Korean Conflict, returned to the farm in Frisco, IL. She obtained her Registered Nursing degree and began her career as an RN Nurse and farm wife. She spent her life caring for others.
Marian was preceeded in death by her husband Ernie, her parents and three brothers, Jackie, Jim and Earl, Jr.

Marian is survived by her daughter, Marilee Clark and husband John of Ewing; son, James Earl Hughes and wife Anjanette of Benton; two sisters, Evelyn Fiala of Schaumburg and Francis Glover of South Roxana; four grandchildren, Sarah Lowery and Daniel Fairchild, both of Ewing, James Ethan Hughes, Owensboro, KY and Anna Hughes, St Louis, MO; three great-grandchildren, Sebastian Fairchild, Tamrah and Lauren Lowery and a number of Neices and Nephews.

Special thanks to Lynn Mathis, Joyce Kelso and Marci Buck, caregivers who made it possible for Marian to spend her final years at home.
Memorial contributions can be made for the benefit of Thurmond Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Merwin Henry Eaton, age 92, of Thompsonville, passed away at 11:49 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019, at VA Community Living Center of Marion.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, June 8, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery of DuQuoin. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, where Masonic Rites will be observed at 11:00 a.m.

Mr. Eaton was born on October 5, 1926 in DuQuoin, Illinois, the son of Irl Eaton and Celia (Wheeler) Eaton. He married the former Marilyn Zoe Margenthaler on August 29, 1951, and she survives.

He was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II; and was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the Benton V.F.W. Post #2671.

Merwin was a farmer and a retired coal miner. His coal mining career was with the Freeman United Coal Company, where he worked at Freeman #11 in DuQuoin. He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mr. Eaton was also a member of the DuQuoin Masonic Lodge# 234 A.F. and A.M. of DuQuoin; the Franklin County Shrine, Ainad Temple of the Shrine; Scottish Rites Body of Southern Illinois; and was a member of the Liberty United Methodist Church of Thompsonville until it closed.

He enjoyed hunting; which he did all of his life. He especially enjoyed training Beagle Hounds; and participated and won many Field Trials. He also enjoyed hunting quail and squirrels. He also enjoyed raising cattle.

Most of all he was proud of his grandson and loved to spend time with him.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years: Marilyn Eaton of Thompsonville; two sons: David Allen Eaton and friend Linda Paris of DuQuoin, James Lee Eaton and wife Linda of Thompsonville; a grandson Charles Jacob Eaton and wife Haley of Oregon, OH; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Eaton was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters: Wanda Lows, Ruth Wright, Ann Wright, and Helen Taylor; and a brother Irl Wilson Eaton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Shrine Club or the Benton American Legion and V.F.W. Honor Squad; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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