Raymond Dean Rogers, 87, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Saturday March 15, 2025 at Stonbridge Nursing and Rehab.

He was born on November 27, 1937 in Mulkeytown, IL to Lloyd and Grace (Koenig) Rogers. He married JoAnn (McKinney) Rogers on May 18, 1957 and she preceded him in death on August 9, 2012.

He is survived by his children Sara (Steve) Matyi of DuQuoin, Gale (Shirley) Rogers of Mulkeytown and Garry Rogers of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Lindsi (Josh) Downs, Katie (Eric) Peradotto and Brenden Rogers; great grandchildren Jackson, Addison, Fisher and Lainey.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother Everett Gail Rogers.

He worked at the post office and was Post Master for over 30 years.

Dean loved to go hunting, golfing, bowling and going to races, but most of all he loved being able to spend time with family especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Sunday March 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Carmon Wuebbels officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Charlie Leon Eubanks, 88, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday March 16, 2025.

He was born on January 18, 1937 in Sesser IL to Cecil and Mary “Tincey” (Bishop) Eubanks. He married Judith “Judy” (Daigh) Eubanks on July 15, 1959 and she preceded him in death on January 16, 2013.

He is survived by his children Chuck (Debbie) Eubanks of New Iberia, LA, David Eubanks of Sesser and Janet (Robert) Robbins of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Anthony Eubanks, Nicole Downey, Abby Jones, Ryan Eubanks, Maggie Purcell and Emma Robbins; 11 great grandchildren; one brother Cecil “Butch” Eubanks of Sesser and two sisters Carol Seiler of Sesser and Mary Morefield of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother Curtis Eubanks and one brother-in-law Freddie Seiler.

Charlie was a member of the Sesser First Baptist Church and was a Deacon. He was also a huge Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 24, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser First Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Doyle Philips Galloway, 95, of Sesser, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025 at Franklin Hospital.

He was born on August 20, 1929 in Sesser, IL to Gilbert and Nancy (Phillips) Galloway. He married Earlene (Spann) Galloway on June 4, 1949 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Gayla (Ron) Marlo of Sesser, Randall (Tammy) Galloway of Sesser, Darin (Christa) Galloway of Buckner and Theresa Miller of Hurst; grandchildren Derek (Donna) Marlo, Tara (Tim) Marlo-Eyelens, Ronnelle (Angelo) Muscarella, Randie Marie (Marty) Skorch, Brandy (Louie) Harland, Bethany (Aaron) Galloway, Devin (Victoria) Galloway, Loghan (Christian) Pyles and Olivia (Alex) Sweetin; great grandchildren Anthony, Ashlynn, Joshua, Elijah, Addyson, Martina, Miranda, Michaela, Lennon, Bridger and Bram; one great great grandchild Kaia; siblings Delbert (Phyllis) Galloway of Carterville, LaDonna (Jim) Kalish of Belleville, Brenda Bradley and Dean (Mary Lou) Galloway of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Mona Lou Williams and one brother Donald Lee Galloway.

Funeral services for Doyle will be on Saturday March 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Pastor Curtis Smith and Pastor Bill Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Hammonds Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Wilma Jean Ogilvie, 89, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday March 14, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on March 26, 1935 in Mulkeytown to Dock Benjamin and Thelma Blanch (Long) Hammonds.

She is survived by her son Mark (Rhonda) Harp of Benton, IL and one sister Debbie Manion of Christopher.

She was preceded by her parents, one son Randall Harp, siblings Francis Hammonds, Jess Hammonds, Lee Hammonds, Leroy Hammonds, Shirley Kirchner, Jerry Hammonds, Sharon Sue Majdich and Rita Branson.

Funeral services will be on Thursday March 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Beloved business owner of DuQuoin Furniture and Mattress Company, previously known as House of Furniture, for the past 26 years, Mavis Ann Alecci, age 76, passed away on Sunday evening, March 9, 2025, in the care of Marshall Browning Hospital with her loving daughter, Tammy Young, by her side.

Mavis had a fun and energetic life, enjoying every moment of it. Mavis enjoyed touching the lives of many others throughout her entire lifetime. She was always
the spark of light in the room. She enjoyed shopping, spending holidays, and unexpected road trips with her family.

Mavis was of Baptist faith and was born on July 10, 1948, to Walter Burzynski and Juanita (Sullivan) Burzynski of Valier, IL, who preceded her in death. Her sister Maureen (Burzynski) Goessman, wife of Larry Goessman, also has preceded her in death.

Survived by: daughter, Tammy (Alecci) Young and son-in-law Kebin Young; granddaughter, Alicia Young and her significant other, Joshua Roberts; sister Ava (Burzynski) Gerdes and brother-in-law Mike Gerdes; Nephews Christopher Gerdes and Tripp Goessman. Mavis Ann Alecci will be missed and remembered by her community as the vibrant person she has always been. She asked for there not to be any services held.
This obituary was written by Mavis’ granddaughter Alicia Young.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.

Anthony Dean Young, 52, of Christopher, passed away on Friday March 7, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on July 8, 1972 in Carbondale to James Judd and Pamela Hiller.

He is survived by his mother Pamela Hiller; his children Autumn Young of Richmond, VA, Eric Young of Anna, Cheyenne Frazier of Jacksonville, FL, Justice Young of Jacksonville, FL, Bradley Young of Christopher, Phoenix Young of Christopher and Serenity Young of Christopher; 8 Grandchildren; siblings Tina Ross of DuQuoin, Eric Overton of DuQuoin, Nicole Raysby of Carbondale and Brandy Raysby of DuQuoin.

He was preceded in death by his father.

His wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

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

Mrs. Betty Ruth Christensen took her Heavenly Journey to be reunited with her loving husband Bob Christensen, at 5:35 p.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, from her residence at the Fifth Season Residential Assisted Living of Benton.

Betty was born on May 1, 1935, in Franklin County, Illinois; the daughter of James Marion Harris and Olive Pearl (Richardson) Harris. She married the love of her life Earl Robert Christensen on December 17, 1955. Bob would precede her in death on May 4, 1996.

She was a former Avon sales lady, and a former teller with Bank of Benton and Boatmen’s Bank.

Betty was a faithful member of the Mt. Etna United Methodist Church near Akin, until its closing. She would later become a member and worship with her fellow congregation at the Antioch United Methodist Church of West Frankfort.

Betty enjoyed reading, playing dominoes, caring for her cats, and attending church. Most of all, she loved her time spent with her family.
Surviving is her loving children: Robin Freed and husband Mike of Thompsonville, IL, Dale Robert Christensen and wife Teresa of North Charleston, SC, Daniel James Christensen and wife Diane of Saratoga Springs, NY; grandchildren including: Virginia Pearl Christensen, Dale Robert Christensen, Jr., John Christensen, James Christensen and wife Liz, Danielle Christensen and husband Craig, Nicholas Michael Freed and fiancée Stacey; two great-grandchildren Celes Domings and Troy Christensen; her cat Olivia; special extended family Bobby Freed, Mollie and Melissa Freed, Gabby, Zac and August Howard.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: James Oliver Harris and Lloyd Dale Harris.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Lin Mahan officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Etna Cemetery of Thompsonville, IL. Visitation services will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Control Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Betty, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Andy Carstensen, of Benton, passed away Wednesday evening, March 5, 2025, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Janet (Frailey) Carstensen, his son Sean, Sean’s wife Amanda and two grandsons Graham and Liam Carstensen, also of Benton.

Andy was born in Clinton, Iowa to Emmert and Phyllis (Sally) Carstensen, now deceased. His oldest brother David of New York, New York also preceded him in death. His siblings include Joe Carstensen (Luann) of Camanche, Iowa, Phillip (Skip) Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, Iowa, Dennis Carstensen (Judy), Clinton, NY, Becky Stechroth (Kevin), Livonia, MI, Mark Carstensen, (Karen), North Judson, IN and Jeff Carstensen, Tarpon Springs, FL.

Andy began his sophomore year of High School in Benton when his father’s job transferred him to work on Rend Lake. Andy excelled at running track on the Benton High School track team and held time records in the state of Illinois. Midway through his senior year, his father’s job transferred the family to Detroit where he graduated from Redford High School.

Andy always considered Benton home. After graduation he returned to Benton and enrolled in Rend Lake College. As luck would have it, he drew a draft number of fifty-three the year college deferments ended. In 1972 he opted to enlist in the Army and spent 3 years in Germany in the Military Police. While home on leave in his third year of service he was introduced to his wife Janet, by his former high school English teacher, Betty Frailey. In 1974, Janet had accepted a job in Germany working as a civilian for the Air Force near the base where Andy was stationed; they were married in Basel, Switzerland and enjoyed traveling Europe for the next two years before their son Sean was born.

In 1977 they moved back to the states and settled in St. Louis to be near family. In 1981 they moved to New England with work and lived in New England until 2000 when they moved back to Benton.

Andy was always a fixer of all things. When he was a boy, he started with rebuilding his own bicycle and then moved to restoring antique John Deere tractors, vintage cars and remodeling three houses. His favorite coffee mug says, “If Grandpa can’t fix it, we’re all screwed.” If it could be fixed, he could fix it.
He loved photography. While in Germany, he received an associate’s degree in photography from University of Maryland. He enjoyed developing and printing beautiful and interesting photos of Europe. As a dad, he coached Sean’s little league team for 3 years and helped coach his soccer team. He taught Sean to ski when he was three years old. When Sean got older, he loved racing him back to the lift line. He was always the competitor.

Andy loved his dogs, taking them on daily walks in the field and playing games of Frisbee. He enjoyed being a member of the Benton Golf Club and playing in the golf league. His greatest joy was introducing the game of golf to his two grandsons. He loved taking them to the driving range and then playing nine holes with them. He was so proud of them.

Andy was always generous with his time and skills, always happy to help friends and neighbors when they needed a hand. Even though he graduated high school in Detroit, he liked to be involved in organizing his Benton Class reunions. He loved people, had a quick smile, and would make a witty remark often at the most unexpected times. Andy was well loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends of both the two and four legged varieties.
Andy’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Voyage Senior Living of Marion, IL, or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted in memory of Andy, care of the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Andy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ernest Charles “Chuck” Bennett, age 57, of Benton, IL, passed away at 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at his home.

Chuck was born on July 21, 1967, in Fairfield, Illinois; the son of David Thomas Bennett, Sr. and JoAnn (Toombs) Bennett.
He was a retired roofer. Having worked out of the laborers local in both Tennessee and Illinois.

Chuck loved to fish, he also enjoyed watching UFC fights and WWE. Most of all he loved the time spent with his kids and grandkids. His kids said he was always willing to help them out, even if it meant doing without for himself.

Survivors include his five children: Autum Bennett of Flora, IL, Chas Keebler of Benton, IL, Kimbra Choisser and husband T.J. of Harrisburg, IL, Justin Bennett of Benton, IL, Seth Bennett of Benton, IL; four grandchildren: Jeffrey Eastman, Tanner Layman, Allie Layman, Kyson Bennett; a sister Robin Will of Granite City, IL; two step-sisters: Susan Kebodeaux and Terri Hopkins; his girlfriend Melissa Hall of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father David Thomas Bennett, Sr.; his mother and stepfather JoAnn Kebodeaux and husband Elmo Kebodeaux; two brothers: Michael Bennett and David Thomas Bennett, Jr.; two stepsisters: Joyce Scott and Donna Dammrich.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be scheduled at a near future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Chuck, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Ronald E. Prather, 77, of Christopher, passed away peacefully at Herrin Hospital on March 5, 2025.

He was born on October 22, 1947 to Elmer and Nell (Pleva) Prather.

Ron is survived by his wife of 46 years Judi (Kirk) Prather; two daughters Kelly (Brian) Jansen of Chattanooga, TN and Sheri (Travis) Watts of DuQuoin, IL; three grandchildren Paige Prather, Lane Grob and Kortney Farriols and three great grandchildren Chesni, Vayda and Lucas Keith.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, his son Keith and one sister Sophie Ann Jones.

Ron graduated from Christopher High School in 1965. In October he enlisted in the United States Army serving honorably until his discharge in 1969. During his military service he was stationed in Augsburg, Germany.

He was a long time member of the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge and the Valley of Southern Illinois 32 Degree.

Ron’s employment career included Inland Steel Coal Mine in Sesser, Taylor Motor Company and Auto Credit of Southern Illinois in Benton.

After retiring in 2012 he enjoyed working part-time at Ace Hardware in Benton.

He was an avid fan of the St Louis Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Nascar Racing. In his spare time, he enjoyed yardwork, working in his shop building and restoring old cars and trucks.

Ron was of the Christian Faith, and a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher, IL.

It was Ron’s wishes to be cremated. A private memorial will be held at a later date.

A Special thank you to Dr. Anad Salam, Herrin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

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