LaVera L. Spilman – Benton, IL

May 24, 2018 By Leave a Comment

LaVera L. Spilman, 62, of Benton passed away May 20, 2018 at her home.

She was born in Christopher, IL on July 9, 1955, the daughter of John & Pauline (Piazza) Spilman.

She worked for as a registered nurse at Heartland Regional Medical Center until failing health.

LaVera is survived by two sons, Damian Dawson and wife Kelly, of Benton and Derek Dawson, of Benton; four grandchildren Mayci, Cameron, Makenzie and Taylor; three brothers, Merv Spilman, John Spilman and Ronnie Corbin.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Paul DeGroff.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 24th at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be no visitation and those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Michael Forest Heath – Marion, IL

May 23, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Michael Forest Heath, age 71, of Marion, IL, formerly of the Pontiac, IL area, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 8:23 p.m. on Sunday, May 20, 2018 in Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion.
He was born on Wednesday, July 31, 1946 in Pontiac, IL, the son of Forest Milton and Marie Vera (Pate) Heath.
Michael attended school in Pontiac and was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School Class of 1964. Following graduation he continued his education at Illinois State University of Normal, IL where he received his Bachelor Degree in Education. All during his high school and college years he was involved with the school choirs.
During his college years Michael answered the call of this nation by serving in the Army Reserves and after his period of faithful was honorably discharged.
He was united in marriage to Maureen Diane Pike on Saturday, June 15, 1968, in the Methodist Church of McDowell, IL and together they shared over 32 years of marriage until her death on Saturday, November 25, 2000.
Michael’s working career early in his lifetime was with Interlake Steel in Pontiac for several years. He and Maureen moved from Pontiac to Marion in 1980, and soon he began working for Allen Industries of Herrin, IL. He later became Director of Payroll and Disbursements at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, IL and remained there for 20 plus years until his retirement around 2002. After his retirement he still wanted to be active helping others and began working at the White Medical Center in Carmi, IL with their Human Resource Department. He later became Director of the Franklin County Regional Economic Development Corporation in Benton, IL. He also helped open and manage Shawnee Winery and worked for Jackson Hewitt Tax Service both in Vienna, IL. He later began working as Director for Good Samaritan Ministries in Carbondale, IL until his retirement in 2017.
Michael was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Marion. He also was a former member and Past President of the Marion Kiwanis Club.
In his spare time he enjoyed bargain hunting. He was always interested in tools and machinery, what he called “Gadgets,” and could tell you what all they could do. He also enjoyed watching movies, especially westerns, listening to all kinds of music and was an excellent trivia player, knowing a little bit about everything. He was a very social person and loved being around people and enjoyed the “Wednesday Afternoon” and “Friday Morning” breakfast groups. His family was a very important part of his life and was always interested in their many activities. The memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Megan M. and James K. Mitchell of Overland, MO; sister and brother-in-law, Kathryn K. and James Sutter of Fairbury, IL; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Robert T. “Terry” and Sunny Pike of Marion; long time special friend, Alice Rix of Marion, several nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.
Arrangements for Michael F. Heath have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be on Thursday, May 24th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 25, 2018 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Monsignor Thomas Flach, V.F.  presiding.
Interment will follow next to his wife in Rose Hill Cemetery of Marion.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to “The Multiple Sclerosis Society” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.
Filed Under: Obituaries

Alice “Faye” Aaron – West City, IL

May 22, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Mrs. Alice “Faye” Aaron, age 79, of West City; passed away Monday, May 21, 2018 at the Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, May 24, 2018 in the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.  Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Leffler Funeral Home. 

Mrs. Aaron was born on September 21, 1938 in Edgar County, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur Lee Dunn and Serena Lavera (Baker) Dunn. She married Lavern “Moon” Aaron on June 1, 1956, and he preceded her in death on February 17, 1996.

Faye was the owner and operator of Faye’s Fashion Draperies of West City.  She was a former pharmacist assistant with the Kimmel-Chaplain Pharmacy of Benton.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Benton.

Faye enjoyed reading, doing word searches, sewing, traveling, spending time with her great-grandchildren, and spending time with her friend Katherine Mandrell.

Mrs. Aaron is survived by her three children: Karla Genisio and husband Steve of Benton, Cary Aaron of West City, and Craig Aaron and wife Polly of Youngsville, LA; six grandchildren: Paige Aaron, Kayla Aaron, Nathan Genisio and wife Jenna, Stephanie Stayton and Matt Stubblefield, Avery Potter, and Abbie Potter; six great-grandchildren: Gavin Genisio, Jaxon Genisio, Kayson Genisio, Ashlyn Stayton, Gunner Stubblefield, and Kynsleigh Stubblefield; a brother Steve Dunn of Ehrhardt, SC; a sister-in-law Phyllis Dunn of Paris, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother Wayne Dunn; and a sister Carolyn Fitzjarrald.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Linda Lou King-Royalton, IL

May 21, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Linda Lou King, 79, of Royalton, IL passed away on Saturday May 19, 2018 at Hearland Regional Medical Center in Marion.

She was born November 12, 1938 in Royalton to Homer and Evelyn (Hedges) Howell. 

Survivors include her children Vickie (Marty) Smith of Herrin and Marty King of Royalton; 6 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters Jerry Howell of Royalton, Doris Stewart of Royalton and Ronnie (Linda) Howell of Hurst.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson Michael Todd Brower, and one brother-in-law Bob Stewart.

Graveside services will be Thursday May 24, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Blairsville Cemetery.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Phyllis Jean Sager – Marion, IL

May 19, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Phyllis Jean Sager, age 88, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at 8:18 a.m. on Friday, May 18, 2018 at home in Marion.
She was born on Tuesday, August 6, 1929 in Marion, the daughter of Barney Floyd and Eulala Inez (Poteete) Russell.
Phyllis grew up and attended school in Marion and was a graduate of Marion High School class of 1947.
Phyllis was a member of the Second Baptist Church and a member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary both of Marion,
She was united in marriage to W. Leroy Sager, on Saturday, October 7, 1961 in the Zion United Church of Christ in Marion.
Phyllis worked for many years and retired in 1989 after working for Electrolux Vacuum Sweeper Company in Marion for thirty-two years.
She enjoyed traveling and camping, visiting almost every state including Alaska and Hawaii. She especially enjoyed the southern states, Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Branson. She always kept busy and was always interested in the activities of her family, especially those of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed the many times they shared together and the memories that were created will now be cherished by those she leaves behind.
She is survived by her husband, Leroy Sager of Marion; her children, Lisa Weaver and partner, Ron Rogers of Marion and Tom McDowell of Carbondale, IL; step children, Dennis Sager of Vincennes, IN and Karen Ulrich of Sumner, IL; three grandchildren, Jeremy Weaver and wife, Allison, Lesley Decker and husband, Ryan, and Emily Hall and husband, Kevin; three step grandchildren, Dave Ulrich and wife Deon, Matthew Sager, and Lesley Beard and husband, Spencer; nine great-grandchildren; sister, LeAnn Ashley and husband, Herb of Paducah, KY and brother, Ron Russell and wife, Fran of Paducah, KY; other extended family, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Ronald Lee “Fuzz” McDowell.
Arrangements for Phyllis J. Sager have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22nd  at the funeral home.
The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the funeral home with Rev. John Holst presiding.
Interment will follow in Maplewood Cemetery of Marion, IL.
For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “Shriners Hospital for Children”  or “Hospice of Southern Illinois” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St. Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.
Filed Under: Obituaries

Marilyn Jane Brookins – Whittington, IL

May 18, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Marilyn Jane Brookins, 77, of Whittington passed away Friday morning May 18, 2018 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 12, 1940, the daughter of Vernon and Mary (Williams) Rose.

She married Elmer M. Brookins on November 30, 1958 and he survives.

Mrs. Brookins was a faithful member of Immanuel Baptist Church, her passion was assisting others trough Immanuel Helping Hands Ministry. She was co-owner Brookins Donut Shop in Charleston, IL. She was also the manager of Burton’s Cafe for 10 years.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Brookins, of Whittington; two sons, Dale Brookins and wife Penny, of Whittington and Ron Brookins and wife Susan, of Marietta, GA; five grandchildren, Mallory Gibbs and husband Alex and their children Cali and Keaton, Chelsea Brookins, Whitney Brookins, Tyler Brookins and Chandler Brookins; one brother, Dale Rose and wife Judy, of Sesser, IL.

Mrs. Brookins was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, May 21 at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Brookins memory may be made to The Helping Hands Ministry at Immanuel Baptist Church.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
May 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer, age 82, of rural Marion, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 4:25 p.m. on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at his home.
He was born on Monday, July 29, 1935 in Drakesboro, KY of Muhlenberg County the son of Robert Virgil Lee “V.L.” and Mary Susan (Scarbrough) Dwyer.
He was first united in marriage to Sue Willoughby in Kentucky and to this union three children were born; Steve, Debbie and David. He later was united in marriage to Marjorie Richey in Indiana and to this union a daughter Genea was born. He later was united in marriage to Margaret Louise (Turnage) Montgomery on Thursday, July 2, 1987 in Marion, IL and together they have shared nearly 31 years of marriage.
Early in his working career he worked for Inland Steel Mill in Hammond, IN for about 15 years. In the mid 1960’s he moved to the area and began his coal mining career. He worked for several mines of the area including; Bluebird Mine near Dykersburg, IL, Harrisburg Coal Mine near Harrisburg, IL, Peabody Eagle No. 2 Mine near Shawneetown, IL, Zeigler Coal No. 4 Mine near Johnston City, IL, Morris Coal No. 5 Mine near Pittsburg, IL, Inland Steel Coal Mine near McLeansboro, IL and Brushy Creek Coal Mine near Galatia, IL. When the Brushy Creek Mine closed in 1995 he decided to end his career in mining. He also was involved in farming and raising cattle most of his lifetime.
Eugene loved the LORD and was a faithful Christian always willing to witness to those he came in contact with. He was a member and trustee of the Marion Freewill Baptist Church and currently was attending with his family at Arnold View Freewill Baptist Church located southeast of Marion. He was actively involved in the development and management of Camp Jericho located near Goreville, IL. He also was a member of the United Mine Workers District 12 Local Union No. 2420 and a member of the Williamson County Farm Bureau.
In his spare time when he was younger he enjoyed waterskiing, coon hunting and bird and deer hunting. He also enjoyed gardening and traveling to many areas of the country pulling his 5th Wheel Camper to camp and making many new friends who he met. His large family was a very important part of his life. He was always interested in all of their many activities and enjoyed going to all of their events. The many memories created will now be cherished by those he leaves behind.
He is survived by his wife, Louise Dwyer of Marion; son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Robbie (Blumenstock) Dwyer of Marion; daughter and son-in-law, Genea and Scott Allred of Fredericksburg, VA; four grandchildren, Brandon Dwyer and his wife Bethany of Pittsburg, IL, Jason Dwyer and his wife Heather of Marion, Christinia Brisson and her husband Chad of Benton, IL and Christopher Roberson and his wife Alisha of Fredericksburg, VA; five great grandchildren, Lucianna Isabel Dwyer, Allie Jane Dwyer, Mya Roseanna Dwyer, Skyler Lewis and Selena Brisson; brother, Robert Dwyer of Galatia, IL; three sisters, Betty Crick of Madisonville, KY, Maggie Phelps and her husband Mike of Greenville, KY and Ruby Vance and her husband John of Earlson, TX; stepdaughter, Rowena Montgomery of Paducah, KY; stepson, James “J.C.” Montgomery of Pinckneyville, IL; step daughter-in-law, Pam Montgomery of Marion; ten step grandchildren, Staci Vess and her husband Chase of Frederiksberg, VA, Sarah Forby of Goreville, IL, Aaron Smith of Goreville, IL, Rindi Brainard and her husband Josh of Warrensburg, MO, Mandi Goins and her husband Ben of Herrin, IL, Caleb Montgomery of Goreville, IL, Danny Montgomery and his wife Marie of Jacksonville, FL, Leah June Sadlo and her husband Andrew of Orange Park, FL, Jonathon Montgomery of Anna, IL and Michelle Montgomery of Marion; fourteen step great-grandchildren, Shea Forby, Emma Forby, Shanley Smith, Tealy Smith, Aiden Brainard, Haven Randolph, Elijah Brainard, Leyton Goins, Lexi Goins, Dakota Montgomery, Guilianna Montgomery, James Morales, Anthony Morales, Joseph Morales, many nieces and nephews, other extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, David Dwyer; daughter, Debbie Dwyer; two sisters, Bessie Ryhe and Nell Davis and stepson, Duco Montgomery, III.
Arrangements for Eugene “Bluegrass” Dwyer have been entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion.
The visitation will be on Friday, May 18th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 19, 2018 at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Ivan Ryan presiding.
Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located on Route 166 southeast of Marion.
For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to “Camp Jericho” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
For additional information, complete family information or to leave an online condolence of memory please visit our website at www.wilsonmcreynolds.com or call the funeral home at 618-993-2131.

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2018/05/16/30465/

Filed Under: Obituaries

Roger Rentfro – Mulkeytown, IL

May 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Roger Rentfro, 64, of Mulkeytown passed away on Tuesday May 15, 2018. 

He was born on November 14, 1953 in Peoria to Robert and Anna (Nieukirk) Rentfro.

Survivors include his special friend Kim Roberts; children Rachel Rentfro of Bartonville, IL and Melissa (Jade) Miller of Dixon, MO; step-children Ryan Pfordresher of Collinsville, IL, Tory (Drew) Hulse of Minneapolis, MN, and Jennifer (James) Roberts of Medford, MA; grandchildren ShayLyn, Arianna, Jeremy, Caleb, Joshua, Abigail, and Rowe; two great grandchildren Koby and Waylon; brothers and sisters Roberta (Frank) Wiese of Washington, IL, Daniel (Susan) Rentfro of East Peoria, IL, Donna Fargher of Washington, IL, Patrick (Tracy) Rentfro of Aledo, IL, Patricia (Gary) Hooker of Murfreesboro, TN, and David (Lyn) Rentfro of Royalton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Jillanna Rentfro, and one great granddaughter Serenity.

Roger’s wishes were to be cremated.  A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Francis “Eick” Eickelman – Valier, IL

May 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment
Filed Under: Obituaries

Obituary – Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings – Creve Coeur, MO

May 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Patty Sue (Winemiller) Hastings, 79, of Creve Coeur, MO and a former Cape Girardeau resident passed away Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Creve Coeur, MO.

She was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1938, the daughter of Richard & Louise (Clinton) Winemiller.

Patty married Warren Steven Hastings on August 29, 1959 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 1996.

She went to SIU-Carbondale, was awarded a scholarship and received her Bachelors Degree and became an Elementary Teacher in Cario. While in College she was a member of Delta Zeta, and in Cape Girardeau of Beta Sigma Phi. After marrying Steve they moved to Cape Girardeau and did alot of travelling. When Steve passed away Patty moved to St. Louis and became a doting grandmother.

Mrs. Hastings is survived by her daughter, Jamie Hastngs-Omahen and husband Michael of Creve Coeur, MO; sister Phyllis Whittington and husband Marvin of Whittington, IL; nephews Robert Whittington and wife Anita and Robert Whittington and wife Melissa and one niece, Christy Deputy.

Mrs. Hastings was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018 at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be no visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries
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