Lela Marlene Stubblefield, 78, of Sesser went to be with the Lord on Tuesday December 12, 2017 at 9:15 AM.

Marlene was born to Howard and Evelyn (Loman) Eubanks on May 30, 1939 in Sesser. She married Jack Stubblefield on July 19, 1958 in Sesser. She is survived by Jack, her husband of 59 years.

She had two children Jackie (Jeremy) Lilly and Chris (Tammy) Stubblefield both of Sesser.

She adored her grandchildren Taylor Myers of Mt Vernon, Morgan and Kelsi Stubblefield of Nashville, TN, Jackson, Hudson, and Ava Stubblefield, Keegan and Mason Lilly all of Sesser. She is also survived by two sisters Brenda (Billy Joe) Hartley of West Frankfort and Debbie Malkovich of Sesser and one brother Gale (Carrie) Eubanks of Sesser and several nieces and nephews that she adored.

Marlene was preceded in death by her parents. Visitation will be held on Thursday December 14, 2017 at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Funeral services will be on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the First Baptist Church in Sesser at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 AM until the time of services at the church. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home and the church.

Dana Lynn Crawford (Wiggins) died unexpectedly in Barnes Jewish Hospital on December, 6th 2017 in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 58.

Dana Lynn Crawford is survived by her husband, Orville Crawford, her three sons Jesse Crawford (wife Ashley Crawford and two grandchildren Jacob and Alec Crawford), Brandon and Travis Crawford, her sister Linda Kimmel (husband Jerry Kimmel), brother Jim Wiggins, nephew Dustin Wiggins and his son Gohan Wiggins, and her father and mother in law Jerome and Vivian Crawford all of the Southern Illinois region. She is preceded in death by her mother Bettie Wiggins, her father L. Tony Wiggins Sr. and Brother Tony Wiggins Jr. of Benton, Illinois.

Dana Lynn Wiggins was born on August, 20th 1959 in Benton Illinois to Tony and Bettie Wiggins. She graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in 1977. She married Orville Crawford on December, 1st 1983. The couple welcomed three children into their home and Dana set about teaching them right from wrong and how to be good men. Her children remember her as a fun loving, kind natured artistically gifted mother who encouraged them to always put others first, do the right thing and to pursue their goals.

Dana was a talented mother, singer, cook, craft maker, Halloween costume designer and beauty pageant competitor, winning Miss Rend Lake and Old King Coal Princess Flame Pageants. She always wanted to make sure others were happy. She was a generous individual who loved her Heavenly Father and his Son Jesus Christ and was passionate about spreading that love to others through word and deed. She was an active and dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – day Saints.

A Visitation is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2017, at 11:00 AM with a Funeral to follow at 1:00 PM at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E. Main Street in Benton, IL, with a reception to follow at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter – day Saints, 17947 State Route 37, Johnston City, IL 62951. First Counselor Bishopric Chris Behan will officiate the ceremony. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dana’s life. Flowers can be sent to Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E. Main Street in Benton, IL.

The family would like to thank St. Louis University, Kindred Hospital and Barnes Jewish Hospital Medical Staff for their efforts, care and dedication.

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

Charles (Chuck) Melvin House, 67, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, December 5, 2017. He was born in Benton on January 9, 1950, the son of James A. and Jaunita House. He was married to Barbara Curtis and she survives.

Chuck served his county honorably in the US Army from 1969 thru 1971, including a 12-month tour of duty in Vietnam. After returning from the service, he began a long and fulfilling career with Ford Motor Company at various plants in Michigan, where he resided for over 45 years.

Chuck was a fun loving, jolly person who was quick witted and always ready to play a prank or tell a joke. He was also an avid fan of NASCAR.

Chuck was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, Eric. He is survived by his loving wife Barb, step-daughters Toni Hawkins and Dana(Clint) Hoelzer, first wife Lana, sons Brian (Heather) House, Jeremy House, and daughter Angie (Mark) Kinney. Chuck will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren, Tyler, Haylee, Payton, Salemah, Logan, Jacob, Tiffany, Karah, and Kacey.

He is further survived by his sister Sue (Ed) Doty, brothers Butch Seibert, Ron (Carol) House, Lou (Leslie) House, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 10th from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. and Monday December 11th preceding the funeral at 10:00 A.M., at Morton and Johnston Funeral home, 410 South Main Street in Benton. Pastor Kurt Sanders will be offiicating. Military Rites will be administered by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts and the National Guard Honor Squad.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund and will be accepted at any time at the funeral home.

Donald Gene Rumsey, born May 9th, 1952 to Junior and Ruth (Beames) Rumsey, left this world peacefully on Tuesday, December 5th at 1:55 p.m. in Herrin Hospital.

Gene is survived by his wife of 45 years, Susan (Loftus). He is also survived by his daughter Tiffany Williams, her husband Robert and their daughter Brooklyn, sons Harrison and Jase. Also surviving is his son Dallas, Dallas’ wife Lauren, and their sons Kaede and Reid. He is also survived by his Aunt Anna Lois Rumsey, and double cousins N. Wayne Rumsey, Joyce Rumsey, and Sue (Don) Loudermilk. Also surviving is his brother and sisters, James, Sheila, Gayla, Roberta, Sara, and his extra special sister Traci.

Donald Gene, DG, Genker, Geno or Pop (he answered to them all) was a very avid Cardinals baseball fan. He particularly enjoyed the days of Jack Buck and Mike Shannon on the AM radio. Gene also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time on the beach with his wife Susan. He loved spending summer afternoons in the back yard by the pool, listening to the radio and cooking on the grill.

Donald Gene was employed at General/Continental Tire for 39 years, where he was a very dependable, dedicated worker. DG worked whatever schedule was needed to support his family.

Donald Gene’s wishes were to be cremated with no formal funeral. A graveside ceremony will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, or to his grandchildren’s education fund.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Michael Anthony Settle, age 62, of Benton IL,  passed away at 12:27 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

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

Mr. Settle was born on September 7, 1955 in San Francisco, CA, the son of Joel Settle and Naomi (Taliferro) Settle. He would marry the former Janaune Yankee on June 28, 1992 and she survives.

He formerly worked in data processing and accounting with H & R Block and 3ABN Radio.

He enjoyed music, especially playing the piano, and he loved to cook.

Mr. Settle was a member of the Thompsonville Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years, Janaune Yankee of Benton; two daughters: Tae-Elise MR Settle, Gueyshen MN Settle, both of the Los Angeles area; ten grandchildren; three brothers: Joel Settle of Las Vegas, NV, Frederick Settle and Edward Settle, both of the Los Angeles area; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, and his parents.
Memorial contributions may be made 3ABN

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

Troy Edward Doty, II, age 48, of Benton IL, passed away at 5:55 a.m. Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Sue Solomon and Jim Laurent officiating.

Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
Mr. Doty was born on June 21, 1969 Du Quoin, IL, the son of Troy Edward Doty and Flora (Bray) Doty. He married the former Shannon Keller on October 25, 2016, and she survives.

He owned and operated his own construction company. He was a member of the Sons of the American Legion Post #280 of Benton, and he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898 of Benton.

He enjoyed boating, motorcycles, and his dog Trixie.

Troy is survived by his loving wife Shay Doty of Benton; two step-daughters: Erika Grimes and Kelsey Docherty, both of Benton; his mother-in-law: Pearl Vanhoorebeke; a grandson Allen Martin; two sisters: Nikki Gorby and husband Robert of St. Petersburg, FL, Debbie Mandrell of West Frankfort; a sister-in-law Cindy Keller, who also was his caregiver during his time with Hospice; three nieces: Rikki Bonthron and husband Raymond of Benton, Stefanie Bonthron of Benton, Danielle Mandrell of West Frankfort; three nephews: Justin Lipsey of West Frankfort, Shaun Mandrell of West Frankfort, William Bonthron of Benton; numerous cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a nephew Trent Terry; two brothers-in-law: Tom Mandrell and Darrell Lipsey; many aunts and uncles; and his close friend Patrick Carr.

Memorial contributions may be made to Celtic Hospice, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave the family online condolences or to share memories of Troy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com