Mrs. Merlene Powenski, age 87, of Benton, passed away at 5:52 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Benton, IL.

Her wishes are to be cremated, with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Mrs. Powenski was born on March 10, 1936, in Franklin County, IL; the daughter of Henry and Meredith Eickleman. On May 12, 1956, she married Marion Frank Powenski, together they shared 67 years of marriage.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed visiting with family and friends, sewing, cooking, relaxing, and watching television. Before their health failed them, Marion and Merlene would root for their Benton Rangers, and would attend most if not all home basketball games. Most of all, Merlene enjoyed spending time with her newest great-granddaughter Nyla.

Merlene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

She is survived by her loving husband Marion Frank Powenski of Benton, IL; a daughter Linda Powenski of Benton, IL; a son Mike Powenski and wife Cindy of Johnston City, IL; three grandchildren: John Gouge, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Kalamazoo, MI, Adam Gouge of Iowa, Natosha Plumlee and husband Bryan of Valier, IL; six great-grandchildren: Ava, Aiden, Deacon, Michael, Faith, Castiel, and Nyla.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions in memory of Merlene may be made to the Benton Healthcare Resident Activity Fund, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

JoAnn Johnson, 83, of Christopher, passed away in Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin with loved ones by her side on January 29, 2024, she left this world to be with the Lord.

She was born on May 5, 1940 in Christopher to Joe Kovach and Grace (Adams) Kovach and they both preceded her in death.

She was a homemaker, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to go fishing, camping, and having fun with her family. She attended South Side Baptist Church in Christopher.

She was married to James E. Johnson and he preceded her in death on July 6, 2009.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie and Danny Joplin of Christopher; grandson Greg and Marci Hood of Coello; one sister Mary Steele of Christopher and one brother John and Brenda Kovach of Mulkeytown.

Private Graveside Services will be held at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Bette Bernell Stubblefield was born on January 5, 1946, to Willie and Hazel (Bradley) Stubblefield at their home in Sesser, IL. She grew up in Sesser, and on May 4, 1972, she married Gary Allen Reynolds. Bette and Gary made their home on State Highway 14 east of Benton, IL.

Bette graduated from the School of Technical Careers at SIU-C, and worked as a cosmetologist for five years. She then took a job with the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals as a secretary at their Benton office, and worked there 30 years until her retirement in 2001.

Bette was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Valier.

Bette was an excellent cook, specializing in baked goods, and always made homemade eggnog for the family gatherings on Christmas Eve over the years.

Bette is survived by her husband, Gary Reynolds and a son, Brandon Reynolds of Benton. She is also survived by three sisters, JoAnn Garner of Herrin, Joyce (Kent) Hodge of Sesser and Gayla Stubblefield of Mt. Vernon, and a brother Richard (Carolyn) Stubblefield of. Mt Vernon. She is also survived by her trusted and beloved friend from childhood, Linda Muir Howell. Bette and Linda met in church in a preschool Sunday School class, went through grade school, high school and cosmetology school as best buds. Their friendship has continued with Linda as a part of her extended family, standing vigil at her bedside, right along with Bette’s husband and siblings during her last illness.

Bette was a doting and loving aunt to the following nieces and nephews who mourn her passing: Dr. Kevin (Myjal) Garner, Kara (Karl) Silge, Kendall (Claire) Garner, Michelle Davis, Lenise (Steve) Sgutt, Jennifer (Ed) Lobenhofer, and Nancy (Paul) Graser.

Bette passed from this life on January 28, 2024, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early January. Bette was preceded in death by her daughter, Danielle, her parents, a sister Carolyn Sue Stubblefield, a niece Sara Stubblefield, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Thelma and Ingram Morgan, and a sister-in-law Donna Lampley.

Visitation for Bette will be on Tuesday evening, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral Services with Pastor Bill Uhls officiating, will be held on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM, also at Brayfield’s. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Memorials can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, P O Box 624, Sesser, IL 62884.

The family is being served by Steve Gilbert with the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home.

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

Mr. Paul Wayne Rose, age 90, passed away at 12:41 p.m. Monday, January 22, 2024, at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, January 25, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Thursday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the Army National Guard will follow at the Masonic & Oddfellow Cemetery, of Benton.

Paul was born on May 14, 1933, in Benton, the son of James Paul Rose and Lela (Wilson) Rose. He married the former Judith Ann Nava on July 7, 1958. Together they shared 65 years of marriage.

Mr. Rose served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he achieved the rank of Corporal.

For 36 years, along with his partner Fred Hunter, he was the owner and operator of H & R Body Shop of Benton.

Paul was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280, Life Member and Past-Commander of the VFW Post #2671. He was also a member of the Benton Elks and Boccie Ball Clubs.

He enjoyed fishing, making homemade wine, gardening, woodworking, and genealogy. He and his wife Judy enjoyed their card playing time with friends Don and Betty Aiken. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his grandsons.

Surviving is his loving wife of 65 years, Judy Rose of Benton, IL; a daughter Laura Richardson and husband Edward of Benton, IL; two grandsons: Eddie Richardson of Benton, IL, Ethan Richardson and wife Miho of Myrtle Beach, SC; a brother Merrill Rose and companion Diane of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son James Rose, a grand-daughter Stephanie Richardson, and a brother Curtis Rose.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Benton American Legion Post #280 and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

On January 15, 2023 Joseph Newton McCarty left this world to be with the Lord and begin his final chapter.

Joe, as most knew him, was loved by so many people. He made a lasting impression wherever he went. From his Cajun accent and hilarious personality, all would remember him. Joe was born September 19, 1944 to Flora and Joseph E McCarty (who preceded him in death) in Pineville, Louisiana. After joining the US Army at age 17 he made a lasting impression with joining the 101st Airborne Division and excelling at Ranger school to becoming a Ranger. Shortly after, he withstood two tours in Vietnam. Where he received several recognitions for his performance and duties as a soldier. Joe was commander at the American Legion in Ridgway, IL for many years and remained an active member in Sesser, IL chapter, when he moved there several years ago. He enjoyed spending time with his friends and making so many memories. Throughout Joe’s life he always worked hard to be a good provider and instill work ethics. He was able to retire from Big Muddy Prison. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with family and friends. Always stories to be told.

Joe was always there to help anyone in need. He never asked for anything in return.

He is survived by his children Joseph Newton McCarty Jr. of Junction, IL, Tina Lynn McCarty of Terre Haute, IN, Terry (Christy) Lee McCarty of Ridgeway, IL and Nicholas Keith McCarty of Sesser; step-children Stephanie Smith, Steven Shurtz, Rachel Shurtz, Sarah Urban, Miriam Newman, Christy Cox and Jeffrey Cox; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; two sisters Dollie McCarty Stephens of Louisiana and Margaret McCarty Slayton of Louisiana; two brothers Edwin McCarty of Germany and Joseph Luther “L.J.” McCarty of Florida and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters Carolyn, Josephine, Marjorie and Marion.

Visitation will be on Friday January 26, 2024 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Graveside services will be in Louisiana.

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

Gordon Mandrell, 81, of Buckner, passed away on Sunday January 14, 2024 at his home.

He was born on June 28, 1942 to Ralph and Mary Ann (Conner) Mandrell. He married Nancy (Dawson) Mandrell and she preceded him in death, he later married Linda Sue (Goessman) Mandrell and she preceded in death.

He is survived by his best friend and caregiver Kathy Fromherz, his adopted children Carlos, Alex, Jeremy, JoAnna and Franky; one nephew Gary Fry and one brother-in-law Warren Dawson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, two sons, sister Sharon Fry and his adopted daughter and dancing partner Laura Schuller.

He was a Coalminer and a Corrections Officer and was a United States Army veteran. He loved to watch sports and to go to dances, he loved food and Elvis Presley.

Funeral services for Gordon will be on Wednesday January 24, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery.

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

Kathleen was born March 19, 1929 to Commodore and Mabel (Slack) Grove in Bible Grove, Illinois. She passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024, at her home in Columbia, MO.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Fornear on September 6, 1952. To that union were born a son, Michael Fornear and a daughter Kathi Fornear. Ken and Kathy resided in Carmi, Illinois a number of years before they became owners and operators of Sesser Lumber Company in Sesser, Illinois. Her husband Kenneth Fornear preceded her in death in October 1986. She later married Marvin E. Sapp (who survives) of Columbia, Missouri, on January 6, 1997, and has resided there since. In Columbia, Kathleen was employed in Saffees Ladies Apparel in downtown Columbia, while Marvin farmed.

Kathleen enjoyed reading, tending her flowers, and watching or listening to the St. Louis Cardinal’s baseball games. She was a remarkable artist and took great pride in serving as a docent at the Boone County Historical Society.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter Kathi Jones, grandson Finius (Amy) Fornear, great-grandsons Zayne and Lelan Fornear, great-granddaughters Kristina, Jovie and Aneira Jones, and daughter-in-law Meredith Fornear. She is also survived by one brother Larry (Vicki) Grove, nieces Michele (Scott) Malone, Pam (Joe) Seed, nephews Jim (Selina) Grove, Harold (Trell) Cockrum, great nieces Kayla Malone, and Sherry (Heath) Harpole. She is also survived by sister-in-law Carolyn (Richard) Stubblefield, and niece Jennifer (Ed) Lobenhofer.

In addition, Kathleen is survived by her stepdaughters: Patricia (Glenn) Wehmeyer, Pamela (Mac) Cook, Paula Netemeyer, Priscilla (Robert Aitkens) Stone, Portia (Jerry) O’Laughlan, Jane Harrison, John (Connie) Morris, Larry Morris, and daughter-in-law Kathy Morris, 28 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her first husband Kenneth Fornear, son Michael Fornear, grandson Dylan Jones, son-in-law Brad Jones, brother Jim Grove, sister Maxine Cockrum, sister-in-law Grace Grove, brother-in-law Harold Cockrum, nephew Greg Cockrum, and niece Sara Stubblefield.

The visitation for Kathleen will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Sesser. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend James Sloan officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser following the service.

The family is being assisted by Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com