Erik Daniel Phelps West City, IL

Erik Daniel Phelps, age 46, of West City, passed away at 6:55 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2019 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room in Benton.


Erik’s wishes were to be cremated with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Erik was born on December 15, 1972 in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of John Allen Phelps and Gloria (Bechelli) Phelps. He married the former Kimberly Dawn Lenard on July 7, 1997, and she survives.

He formerly worked with Burns Security, and he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Erik enjoyed riding motorcycles, working on cars, and most of all enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his children.

Erik is survived by his wife of 21 years Kimberly Dawn Phelps; a daughter Trinity Dawn Phelps; a son Daniel Allen Phelps, all of West City; his mother Gloria Phelps of Marion; sisters: Jo L. Phelps Sweet and husband John of Christopher, Terri Phelps West and husband Curt of West Frankfort, Linda Phelps of Mt. Vernon, IL; father-in-law Richard Lenard of West City; mother-in-law Jo Anne Drew of Benton; brother-in-law Rick Lenard and wife Kelly of Benton; nieces and nephews: Felicity and Ariah of Benton, McKhaylah and fiancée Alex Hill of Herrin, Holly Sweet Queen and husband Abijah of Christopher, Stephanie Sweet Brace and husband Aaron of Christopher, John D. Sweet and wife Jennifer of Benton, Audra West Ursini and husband Preston of Paducah, KY, Andrew West, Noah West, Nathan West of West Frankfort, Christopher Phelps and Veronica Kueker of Christopher; great-nieces and nephews: Israel Queen, Isaac Queen, Christian Queen of Christopher, Lizzy Brace, Triton Brace of Christopher, Tilly Sweet, Porter Sweet of Benton, and Eli Ursini of Paducah, KY.

He was preceded in death by his father; and two brothers: John and Mark Phelps.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses.

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

James Anthony “Tony” Denham — West Frankfort, IL

James Anthony “Tony” Denham, age 71, of West Frankfort, passed away at 6:13 a.m. Monday, April 22, 2019 at the VA Medical Center in Marion.


Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Joe Zbinden officiating. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard, will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to the funeral hour on Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Denham was born on January 29, 1948 in Benton, Illinois, the son of Ira Jay Denham and Esther Lorene (Smith) Denham. He was first married to the former Lou Ellen Summers, after their divorce we would marry the former Nancy Kathleen Dunmyer on February 21, 2000, and after fifteen years of marriage, she preceded him in death on November 3, 2015.

James, or known to many as Tony, served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

He worked as a handyman, and for many years tended to and cared for horses on Kenny Hutchens’ farm.

He also enjoyed fishing, all Elvis music, and loved visiting with his family and friends,

James is survived by a daughter Linda Lou Houseworth and husband Charles of Ewing, IL; three grandchildren Steven Houseworth of Indiana, Jeffrey Houseworth of Carbondale, IL, Christine Lopez and husband Luis of Carterville, IL; four great-grandchildren: William, Antonio, Ayden and Adrian, all of Carterville; two brothers: Dennis Denham and wife Nola of West Frankfort, IL, Gordon Denham and wife Paula of Cambria, IL; Nancy’s children and their families: Carrie Griffin and husband Bart, Larry Hackleman, Betty Hackleman, Lois Osinga and husband Doug, Kay Robey and husband Todd; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nancy; and a daughter Teresa Reed.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the VA Medical Center in Marion to assist Veterans and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Terry Wayne Ing- Creve Coeur, IL formerly of Sesser

Terry Wayne Ing, 43, of Creve Coeur, IL, formerly of Sesser, passed away on April 20, 2019 at St Francis Medical Center in Peoria, IL.

He was born on April 15, 1976 to Gene and Marilyn (Conner) Ing. He married Kari (Chamness) Ing on March 23, 2018 and she survives of Creve Coeur, IL.

He is also survived by his mother Marilyn Ing of Sesser; one son Jerry (Kassi) Ing of Nashville, IL; step-children Keith (Susan) Jones of Christopher, Tyler (Kate) Benson of Creve Coeur, IL, Shauna’ Hillier of Creve Coeur, IL; grandchildren Ry Ry and Gauge Ing; step-grandchildren Brock and Piper Jones and Roman Benson; one sister Wanda (Rod) Sides of Sesser; nieces and nephews Nick (Brittany Long) Benedict of Elkville, IL, Conner (Bob) Pabst of Longview, TX, Ryan (Brittany) Benedict of Christopher and Trystin Massa of Benton, IL; great nieces and nephews Maddie, Layla, Mia, Luke, Braxton and Jace.

He was a member of Local Union #974 and worked at Caterpillar. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed hunting and fishing with his friends and his son and loved spending time with Kari.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be on Friday April 26, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

The family requests that everyone attending the service to dress in camouflage or casual dress.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Terry’s grandchildren for their education. Make checkes payable to Jerry Ing. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Karen Lee Knepp — Christopher, IL

Karen Lee Knepp, age 66, of Christopher, passed away at 3:00 a.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center.

Mrs. Knepp’s wishes were to be cremated, with no public services.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Karen was born on January 5, 1953 in Pittsburgh, PA, the daughter of Daniel O’Connell and Margaret (Sweeney) O’Connell. She married Donald Knepp in December 1978, and he preceded her in death on January 17, 2010.

Mrs. Knepp was a homemaker and a former service desk attendant at a grocery store.

She enjoyed watching television, talking on the phone to her friends and family, and she loved her dog Susie Q.

Karen is survived by her children: Melissa Golec and husband Richard of Buckner, Rhonda Knepp-McCrumb of Finleyville, PA, Donald Knepp, Jr. of Bigler, PA, James Knepp and wife Crystal of East Liverpool, OH, Jennifer Rose-Harper, Michelle Knepp and William Knepp all of Pennsylvania; 21 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers: Daniel O’Connell and wife Nancy of Pennsylvania, Robert O’Connell and wife Linda of New Port Richey, FL, John O’Connell and partner Kathy of St. Petersburg, FL, James O’Connell and wife Sherri of Clearwater, FL; a sister Patricia Richard and husband David of Pikeville, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 2 children: Yvonne Knepp and Christopher Knepp; a granddaughter Marissa Yohe; and a brother Eugene O’Connell.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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

Oveda Neal Gulley – Benton, IL

Oveda Neal Gulley, 96, of Benton passed away Wednesday night April 17, 2019 at Heritage Woods in Benton.
She was born in Benton, IL on February 23, 1923, the daughter of James & Cora Neal.
She married Raymond Gulley on September 7, 1940.

Mrs. Gulley was a member of the North Benton Missionary Baptist Church. She worked as a homemaker, she worked at Franklin Hospital, and as a Factory Worker. She truly enjoyed her family and her Church.
Mrs. Gulley is survived by her daughters, Shirley Wilkerson and Judith Border; son–in-law, John Trill; grandchildren Karen (Bill) Pickering, Eric (lynn) Hutchens, Cathy (John) Terry, Connie Johnson and fiancé Eric Ashby; great-grandchildren Ryan Miller and partner Brandon Miller, Alecia (Brian) Davis, Ashley Hutchens, Matthew Hutchens, Calli Terry & fiance Kaleb Gardner, Seth, Nicholas & Connor Terry, Trevor & Reece Johnson; great-great-grandchildren Riley & Skylar Davis, Alaina Creswell, Emric Hutchens,

Jaxson Terry,Chase & Emiri Gardner (Due August 19).
Mrs. Gulley was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a daughter-Sharon Trill, by a grandson-Shawn Trill, by Sons-in-law-Bobbie Wilkerson and John Border, seven brothers and one sister.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Ralph Latta & Staff. Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Staff of Heritage Woods of Benton, and caregivers:Kathy Fromherz & Sandy Amireh.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or to North Benton Missionary Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. Saturday, April 20th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Gary West & Rev. Keith Neal officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Katherine K. Sanford – Benton, IL

Katherine K. Sanford, a long-time Benton native, passed away late Monday, April 15, 2019 at Franklin Hospital.

Mrs. Sanford was born on January 1, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Robert D. and Elizabeth Ross Kemp. She was a 1949 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. and received Bachelor’s degrees from West Virginia University and SIU Carbondale.

Mrs. Sanford taught GED classes for over 15 years in addition to being a long time member of Benton First United Methodist Church Benton as well as serving on the Benton Public Library Board for several years.

Katherine was a world traveler where her travels took her to China, Russia and nearly every country in Europe as well as sailing through the Panama Canal. She and her sister also traveled to both the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic, experiencing the world pole to pole as she liked to describe it.

Mrs. Sanford is survived by daughter Martha S. (Bill) McCreery of Benton, grandchildren Amber E. Winters, Jordan J. (Elizabeth) McCreery, Michael L. McCreery and great-grandchildren Syler and Jaylen McCreery. She was preceded in death by husband Charles E. Sanford, sister Dr. Virginia M. Kemp, daughter Deborah Sue Winters and sister-in-law Lois Sanford McMillen.

As per her wishes, Mrs. Sanford donated her body to the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Medicine. There will be a memorial visitation on Monday, April 22, 2019 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Morton-Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL. In lieu of flowers or other gifts, memorial gifts may be made to Benton First United Methodist Church, the Benton Public Library or Franklin County Animal Control.

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

Kenneth Bielecki-Valier, IL formerly of Chicago, IL

Kenneth Bielecki, 73, of Valier, IL formerly of Chicago, IL passed away on April 16, 2019.

He was born on August 29, 1945 in Chicago, IL to Walter and Dorothy (Kendzierski) Bielecki. He married Catherine (Fries) Bielecki on April 16, 1983 and she survives of Valier.

He is also survived by his children Lisa (Ryan Stapleton) Bielecki of Crystal Lake, IL and Tracy (Jacob) Bielecki Smith of Naperville, IL; one sister Karen Bielecki of Chicago, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his little buddy “Bear”.

Military Rites will be performed by the Christopher American Legion Honor Guard at 7:00 PM on Friday April 19, 2019 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Friday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Southern Illinois Honor Flight or to the Christopher American Legion. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Margaret Vettorello – Christopher, IL

Margaret Vettorello, 96, of Christopher, passed away on Monday April 15, 2019 at her home.

She was born on July 25, 1922 in Christopher to Arthur and Bessie (Milburn) Giles. She married Albert “Red” Vettorello and he preceded her in death on April 21, 1999.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Christopher.

She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and church community.

Funeral services will be on Friday April 19, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Daniel Ison officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 Am until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the First Christian Church of Christopher and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Scott Allen Gaither – Thompsonville, IL

Scott Allen Gaither, 25, of Thompsonville, passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2019, as the result of an automobile accident.

He was born on June 9, 1993, to Wayne and Kim (Craun) Gaither in Fostoria, OH. He was a 2011 Graduate of Thompsonville High School. Scott worked as an Assembler Technician 2 for Fabic Mining and was a Volunteer Fire Fighter for Thompsonville Fire Department. On September 15, 2018, he married his best friend and soul mate Kelsey Nolan in Thompsonville, IL. Even though Scott and Kelsey’s marriage was cut so short they had spent 10 years together. In that short period of time they had endured so much from outdoor adventures, attending costume parties, and being admired for their photogenic love for each other. Scott had always told his family he knew from day one that she was the love of his life.

Scott was a loving husband, son, brother and uncle. He enjoyed watching all sports, racing four wheelers, playing golf with his father, brothers and friends, playing football and baseball with his nephews, going out Jeeping and Kayaking with his best friends, going to watch and coach his nephews play baseball, spending quality time with his nieces and nephews and hanging out with his friends. Scott was known for his caring personality and a smile that would light up a room.

Scott is survived by his loving spouse, Kelsey Gaither; his parents, Wayne and Kim Gaither; Scott and Kelsey’s Fur Babies, Duke, Mini, Mila and J.J; his two big brothers, Kenny Gaither and wife Tiffany, of Thompsonville, IL and Dave Gaither and wife Brittany of Thompsonville, IL; grandmother, Marilyn Craun of Fostoria, OH; nieces and nephews, Hunter Gaither, Bradyn Gaither, Riley Gaither, Gentry Gaither, Rynlee Gaither and Kennley Gaither; many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth and Rose Gaither and John Craun, Sr.; his dear aunt and uncle, Sherry Isaacs and Wayne Bowers.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, April 19, 2019, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother John Robinson, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family and accepted at the funeral home.

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

Freda Mae Webb – Ewing, IL

Freda Mae webb, 89, of Ewing passed away Thursday afternoon, April 11, 2019 in Benton.

She was born in Spring Garden, IL on May 11, 1929, the daughter of Homer & Alma (Johnson) McCann.

She married Charles Harold Webb on Sept. 26, 1949, and he preceded her in death on Oct. 16, 1975.
Mrs. Webb was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother & sister. She worked for many years at Burton’s Café in Whittington.
Mrs. Webb is survived by her children, Charles R. Webb, and fiancé Debbie Antill, of Ewing, IL, Charlotte Brown, and husband Darrell, of Sesser, IL, Linda Holman, and husband Clay, of Ewing, Carolyn Zettler, and husband Rodney, of Sesser and Brenda Witcher, and husband Rick, of Sesser; 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Ruth Endsley, and husband Ed, of Benton; two brothers, Carl McCann, and wife Mary, of Christopher, Il and Jerry McCann, and wife Mary Ann, of Benton

Mrs. Webb was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a brother, Junior Ray McCann & his wife Peggy and by a sister, Wastina Campbell and her husband Byford.

Funeral services will be 1 PM Monday, April 15, 2019 at Johnston Funeral Home in Ina, with Rev. Ed Endsley officiating. Burial will be in Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11 AM Monday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News