Michael Dean Key, age 48, of Benton IL, passed away at 1:44 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at St. Louis University Hospital.

Cremation services are entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Key was born on March 18, 1969 in Benton, the son of Gary Key, Sr. and Patsy (Webb) Key.

Michael was construction worker and was a carpenter. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #2898 of Benton.

He loved to play the guitar, have fun, and spend time with his family.

Surviving are his children: John Dean Ingersoll of Byron, IL, Melissa Key Shepard of Benton, Wesley Key and Kasandra Key both of Harrisburg, Trevor Key, Trey Key and River Key, all of Benton; nine grandchildren; his mother Patsy Larsen of Benton; five brothers: Gary Key, Wesley Key, Robert Key, James Key, Curtis Key; two sisters: Rose Mary Hollon, Dena Key; two half-brothers: Gary Key, Jeremy Key; a half-sister Celena Key; and his fiancee Carla Foster of Benton.

He is also loved by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Key was preceded in death by his father; a son: Michael Lee Key; and a brother: Taylor Whittington.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812, to assist the family with expenses.

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

Robert E. Key, Sr., 77, of Benton, passed away at 4:49 p.m., surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at Memorial Hospital, Carbondale, IL.

He was born on June 14, 1940, to Crawford and Pearl (Stringfield) Key in Paris, TN. On February 22, 1961, he married the former Lois Lavern Uselton and she preceded him in death on March 20, 2016. On June 14, 2016, he married the former Sheila Wilson and she survives. Mr. Key was a United States Marines Veteran and a retired truck driver.

Robert was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed driving, traveling, mechanically working on vehicles, boats, going fishing and camping.

Mr. Key is survived by his loving spouse, Sheila Key, children, Debra Kays and husband Marion of Benton, IL, Maria Hill and husband Donnie of Woodlawn, IL, Lisa Casey and husband Mike of Benton, IL, Clarence “Alan” Hammond and wife Glenda of Decatur, IL, Robert Key, Jr. and wife Gina of Benton, IL, Scott Key and wife Laura of Benton, IL, Michael Key and wife Carla of Sesser, IL, Ricky Key and wife Julie of Hudson, FL and Ted Payton and husband Randall of Arnold, MO; a sister and brother, JoAnn Douez and Earl Dean “Butch” Wallace; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Crawford and Pearl Key; his first wife of 55 years, Lois Lavern Key; a daughter, Charlotte Key; and a sister Suzie Wallace.

Funeral Services will be privately held and are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marion VA Medical Facility and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Mrs. Geraldine Simmons, age 90, of Benton IL, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, August 27, 2017 at Helia Healthcare of Energy.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services for Geraldine Simmons and her daughter Linda Case will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 13, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Gerri was born on December 14, 1926 in Benton, the daughter of James Alvis Bridges and Leola Evelyn (Wills) Bridges. She was married to Charles Ray Simmons, and he preceded her in death.

She was a hard worker and worked most of her life in retail.

Mrs. Simmons enjoyed to read, exercise, play cards, listen to music, and spending time with her family. She attended the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

Geraldine is survived by her son Doug Collins and wife Kathy of Scottsdale, AZ; three grandchildren: Robbie Williams and wife Kris of Galesburg, IL, Chris Collins and wife Kim of Winnetka, IL, Kelly Romanczuk and husband Paul of West Chester, PA; eight great-grandchildren: Garret Williams, Madison Williams, Casey Williams, Ryan Collins, Kate Collins, Cooper Romanczuk, Collin Romanczuk and Riley Romanczuk.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son Jeffrey Len Collins; and a daughter Linda Jo Case.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois for Gerri; and to Heartland Healthcare of Galesburg for Linda; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mrs. Linda Maxine Lowry, age 75, of Benton IL, passed away at 9:57 a.m. Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at the Memorial Hospital of Chester.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Lee Lovett officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Linda was born on July 3, 1942, in West Frankfort, the daughter of Bobbie V. Armstrong and Naomi (McKemie) Armstrong. She married Randall Lowry in June of 1962, and he preceded her in death on October 4, 1988.

She was a retired school teacher with Logan School District 110.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton where she was a former Sunday School Teacher.

Linda also was a member of the Red Hat Society, Benton Garden Club, Franklin County Historical Society, and the Retired Teachers of Franklin County.

Linda enjoyed gardening, reading, animals, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her three children: Lori Fry and husband Michael of Caseyville, IL, Dr. Lisa Lowry-Rohlfing and husband Rodney of Steeleville, IL, Rob Lowry and fiancee Shari Canada of Benton; three grandchildren: Nicole Fry of Maplewood, MO, Kellyn Rohlfing and Patrick Rohlfing both of Steeleville, IL.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

God came to take Rosalee Jones home on August 28, 2017 at the age of 89. Rosalee was born May 7, 1928 to Iley Roscoe and Alverda Henry. She graduated from Valier High School. She married Henry R. Jones on June 2, 1946 and together they had five children. They worked a small farm in Rend City.

She worked for the University of Illinois Extension and the Benton Evening News. Throughout her life she was a 4-H leader, Sunday school teacher and church clerk at the Rend City Baptist Church. She loved working in her flower gardens and making quilts for all her family.

Rosalee is survived by her children Alice and Dave Hunt, Holly and Bill Ing, Melvin and June Jones, John and Carla Jones, and Joy and Jamie Willis all of Benton; one sister Roberta Miller of Valparaiso, IN and one sister-in-law Erma Henry of Sparta, IL; grandchildren Gene Ing, Janel Barnett, Leanne Ledbetter, Nathan Jones, Dianna Lackey, Joshua Jones, Jim Hunt, Kendall Jones, Rachel Moore, Rebecca Ice, Stephane Jones, Aubree Willis, Justin Forby, Cody Shockley, and Jordan Willis. She has 41 great grandchildren, 5 great great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews as well as a host of friends.

Rosalee was preceded in death by her husband Henry R. Jones, her parents, one brother Robert Henry, brother-in-law Clyde Miller, and two great grandchildren.

Rosalee was an amazing lady. She will be sadly missed by those who loved and cared for her.
Funeral services will be on Saturday September 2, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday September 2, 2017 from 11:30 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.