Darla Jane Rogers, 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away on April 28, 2019.

She was born on October 22, 1941 in Chicago, IL to Herbert and Ruby (Copeland) Silkwood. She married Jimmy Rogers on December 23, 1960 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her daughter Lisa DeMunbren of Chesterfield, MO and one granddaughter Jessica DeMunbren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Allen Silkwood.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Wanda Lea (Rice) Bush, 89, of Pocahontas, AR was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 28th, 2019 at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

Wanda was born on April 17, 1930 in Dalton Community, AR to Jasper Monroe and Laura Emmaline (Looney) Rice. Wanda married Edward Richard Bush on Sept 4, 1947 in Corning, AR.

Wanda’s hobbies included quilting, sewing and fishing with Edward. She also loved watching westerns and listening to bluegrass, southern gospel and older county music. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, husband Edward one son Kendal Bush; a son-in-law Furlin Allison and all 9 siblings. Wanda is survived by one son Micke Bush of Pocahontas and a daughter Bonnie (Roger) Flatt of Buckner, IL; three grandchildren Jared (Trinity) Allison; Miranda (Jeremy) Young all of Benton, IL, and Debbie (Jamie) Davis in Springfield, MO. 6 great grandchildren Morgan Young, Austin Young, Travis Allison and Meryl Allison all of Benton IL and Lanora Davis and Owen Davis of Springfield, MO and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

It was Wanda’s wish to be cremated and her remains will be placed at Antioch Cemetery in Hamil Community near Pocahontas, AR. A memorial service may take place later but at this time there will not be any services pending.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

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

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, 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