Owen Kroese, passed away on Saturday November 30, 2024 at the Marion, IL VA CLC under the care of a wonderful staff.

He was born on July 18, 1943 in Firth, Nebraska to John and Jenny (Fisher) Kroese. He is survived by his two sons David (Dr. Kareen Simpson) Kroese of Loves Park, IL and John (Joni) Kroese of Sesser. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Ruth, Ruby and Jeanette and five brothers Henry, John, Dean, Glen and Garrett.

Owen was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Navy.

His son David wrote a tribute for his dad: Owen influenced every aspect of my life. Clamoring to join him on late night calls to a coal mine with an inoperable hoist and working men tired from a long and arduous shift stranded hundreds of feet beneath the earth, miners eventually emerged, faces blackened with soot and coal dust and several made a point to stop and talk to the little 8-year-old boy waiting in a pickup truck to tell him how they appreciated Owen and his ability to troubleshoot the equipment that brought them back to their families. “We were in good spirits knowing Owen was here and we would be coming up as soon as possible,” more than one blackened face stopped to share. These experiences inspired me to be an engineer from grade school. What a powerful thing, to use math and science to fix problems important and critical to other human beings. Owen developed a knack in the U.S. Navy for electrical technology and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1970 after his active duty. The inspiration to pursue engineering came entirely from Owen and his contributions to others. My parents shared their love of history at an early age. The library of books my father collected covering American and world history became childhood readers for his young son. We trekked to historical locations at every opportunity. The resulting passion would later inspire my exploration of our national park system. Owen taught his two boys a love and respect of God, country, and family. Until past the age of seventy when nearly all of his older siblings had passed, he remained a brother or brother-in-law with healthy familial relationships. Owen remained proud of his military service until his last moments. When he knew he could no longer manage independently, he wanted to spend his remaining time near fellow veterans. Owen shared formative and lasting influences by example. He approached managing others as a responsibility to support the success of those under his influence. Through the last seven years of his life, Owen struggled with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. These conditions changed him in unfortunate ways. I hope others can forgive any less than decorous behavior caused by these conditions.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday December 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Graveside services will be held on Friday December 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, MO with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Cynthia “Cindy” Hall, 64, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday December 1, 2024 at her home.

She was born on November 24, 1960 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Terry and Carol (Treadwell) Hall.

She is survived by her mother Carol Hall of Mulkeytown; one sister Terry Dawn (Randy) Redding of Mulkeytown; niece Becca (Damien) Redding; nephew Nick (Kim) Redding and three great nieces Raylynn, Lexi and Sophia and one great nephew Maverick.

She was preceded in death by her father Terry Hall.

She worked for Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation for 33 years. She was a lover of animals, and would take care of any stray animal that she could.

Funeral services will be on Friday December 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Dennis Ward officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Corn, age 68, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at the home of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, in Pinckneyville, Illinois.

Cynthia was born on February 16, 1956, in Florence, Alabama; the daughter of Frank Little and Ann (Williams) Little. She married Robert Lewis Corn on August 11, 1984, and they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Mrs. Corn was a retired educator and coach. While coaching at Haleyville High School, Alabama, Cindy’s girls basketball team won the state championship, and her cheerleading squad finished fourth in the nation.

She enjoyed cooking and making crafts. She was a faithful proud supporter of her husband’s basketball teams. She would invite and host her husband’s team to their home for meals. The players called her Mama Corn.

Most of all she enjoyed being involved with her two sons and anything in which they were involved. Robert said, “her favorite place to go, was at the beach with her toes in the sand.”

Survivors include her loving husband Robert L. Corn of Cartersville, Georgia; two sons: Rob Corn of Cartersville, Georgia, Scott Corn of Brooklyn, New York; a sister Becky Shabo and husband Dan of White, Georgia; two brothers: Mike Little and wife Sharon of Birmingham, Alabama, Bob Little and wife Wanda of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; in-laws: Richard “Dick” Corn and wife Penny of Pinckneyville, Illinois, Jean Winemiller and husband Lewis of Mc Leansboro, Illinois, Jerry Corn and wife Sharon of Macedonia, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Ann Little, and her father and mother-in-law Robert and Eloise Corn.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Brady Cemetery of Macedonia, Illinois, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, is in charge of the services.
Memorial contributions instructions to donate for a scholarship in memory of Cynthia Corn, are as follows:

To honor someone with a donation to the Haleyville High School Scholarship Fund:
1. Go to Walker County Community Foundation
2. For online donations, select Give Now, select or enter an amount, and then select Winston County Fund – Haleyville High School from the dropdown menu. Complete the form and include the name of the person to honor.
3. To mail a donation, select Giving and then print and complete the DONATION FORM.

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

James F. “Jim” Rea, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at 87, surrounded by his loving family, He was born on September 7, 1937, to Marion and Lucy Rea in the small town of Mulkeytown, IL, where he spent his formative years.

After graduating from Christopher High School, Jim pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. He studied agriculture community development, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He served as an Army reservist for four years. One of his early professional endeavors was at the Illinois Department of Agriculture at SIU.

Over a span of 22 years, Jim served in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois State Senate, working for the betterment of southern Illinois. His influence and dedication were evident through his active involvement in numerous organizations, including a distinguished membership in the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, the Lions Club, the Shriners, and many others. Perhaps most notably, he took great pride in his contributions to CASA of Franklin County, advocating for the welfare of children.

Jim’s life was shared by his first wife, Josephine (Toigo) Rea, whom he met in Christopher, IL and preceded him in death.They were married for 42 years and raised two children: James A. Rea and Jo Ellen McKinney. Jim was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren: Steven Brayfield of Mulkeytown, IL; Sarah (Kody) Rathert of Campbell Hill, IL; Cody(Rachele)McKinney of Coello, IL; Aaron Rea of Fargo, ND; Dalton (Jessica) Rea of Peoria, IL; and Avery (Connor) Kink of Waterloo, IL. He also has five great-grandchildren: Skylar and Dawson Rathert, Bowen and Caroline Brayfield, and Kimber McKinney.

In his later years, Jim remarried Lorena (Simion) Rea and is deeply remembered by his devoted and loving wife, who was by his side for twelve cherished years.

A graveside service will be held on December 7, 2024, at Mulkeytown Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA of Franklin County, located at 903 Washington St, Suite #3, Benton, IL.

Rudy Earl Stowers, 83, of Benton, passed away at 6:48 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 23, 1941, to Elza and Bertha (Wiley) Stowers in Benton, IL. Rudy was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. He worked as a Class A Electrician with mine construction. On December 25, 1978, Rudy married Deloris Jane Williams in Hurst IL, and she survives.

Rudy was a United States Army Veteran, serving one tour in Alaska and two tours in Korea.

He was a member of Steel City Baptist Church. Rudy enjoyed gardening, working out at the gym and going fishing.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Deloris; his children, Paula (David) Newcomb of Yulee, FL, Rudy Eugene (Tabitha) Stowers of Nashville, IL, Amy (Jeff) Taylor of Benton, IL, Bobbie (Ruth) Wright of DuQuoin, IL, Frank E. (Amy) Wright of Benton, IL and Laura (Chris) Wright of Makanda, IL; 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elza E. and Bertha A. Stowers, six brothers and sisters, Floyd, Geneva, Johnny, Zella, Daniel and Ruth.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
A Celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Steel City Baptist Church, 9241 Crawford Street, Benton, IL., with Rev. Joe Zbiden officiating.
Per Rudy’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Memorials may be to Steel City Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Burial will be privately held at the Hill Crest Cemetery, Carterville, IL.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Jerry DeWitt, 87, went to be with the Lord Friday, November, 22, 2024 resting peacefully at Wesley Willows Retirement Community in Rockford, Illinois.

Jerry was born September, 15, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a minister of the Gospel, sharing it with everyone he met. He was a great prayer warrior and a great believer in the ministry of prayer cloths. He was proceeded in death by his parents Merl & Vonie DeWitt and brother and sister in law, Bernie and Sherrie DeWitt. Jerry was married to Duene (Austin) DeWitt who also proceeded him. After knowing each other for 19 days were married for over 60 years. It was a true love story.

Jerry is survived by their three children: Chris and Kelly DeWitt. Tom and Naomi DeWitt. Pam and Jay Watson. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jared Watson, Beth DeWitt and Liz Idzakovich, Jenny and Chris Lindsay, Caitlyn and Nick Stallons, Adrianna Watson and Will Bixby; two great grandsons: Oliver and Eliot Lindsay.

Funeral services will be on Monday December 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the West City Church of God. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated and envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Ronald “Ron” D. Crofford, 78, of Benton, passed away at 10:10 a.m., on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, IL.

He was born on July 19, 1946, to Leonard and Rosaline (Alexander) Crofford in Hammond, IN.

He was a member of Village Baptist Church in Lake Village, IN. He loved restoring old cars in his past-time and flipping houses.

Ron is survived by his three sons, Ronald A. Crofford and wife, Uni, Mark Crofford and wife, Patty and Scott Crofford; his sisters and brother, Diane Lenz and husband Larry, Leonard Crofford and wife, Gail and Sharon Wright and husband, Ron, and four grandchildren, Paige, Tiara, Alexia and Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Rosaline Louise Crofford and his sister, Connie Watson.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Howard Johnson, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Denning Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Plant a Tree Foundation.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Carol Ann Borgra, 86, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday November 21, 2024 at Marshall Browning Hospital.

She was born on May 3, 1938 in Zeigler to Steve and Beulah (Burns) Ondo. She married Joseph Borgra on October 12, 1957 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Joseph Borgra of Coello, Bill Borgra of Christopher, Dana (Tim) Zeidler of DuQuoin and Donna Prather of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Steve (Audrey), Allison, Luke (Marisol), Laci, Kortoney (Chris) and A.J.; great grandchildren River, Shiloh, Lucas, Junior, Lydia, Pierce and Kailyn; one sister Julia Bouffard of Beach Park, IL; three brothers Richard (Mary) Ondo of Waukegan, WI, Charles (Belinda) Ondo of Byhalia, MS and Tim (Jean) Ondo of West Frankfort, IL and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Nancy and her husband Homer Swathwood, three brothers Jack and his wife Pat Ondo, Donald and his wife Ann Ondo and Dan Ondo and one brother-in-law Norm Bouffard.

Funeral services will be on Monday November 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Danny Motta officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery.

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

Frances Geraldine LeVault, 91, affectionately known as Fran or Jerry, left our care on November 17, 2024, in New Port Richey, Florida. She was born on December 5, 1932, in Beason, Illinois.

She graduated in 1950 from Sesser High School and married the love of her life two weeks later. She became a homemaker and loving Mom to a lively family of nine. She also worked as a waitress and banquet manager in her “spare time”. Her hobbies included sewing, and embroidering quilts, showing her creativity and love for family and friends.

Known for her fun-loving nature, Frances was a wonderful mother and grandmother lovingly called Grandma, Gram, Gigi, and Bana by her 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her husband, Jack LeVault; daughters, Jacqueline Guidotti (Bruce), Cheryl Rysula (Keith), Cathy Peart (Leroy), and Charlene Spanos; sons, Charles LeVault, and Jerry LeVault (Chris).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Mae Cavitt and Clarence Earl Dillon; sisters, Nancy Dillon and Imogene Dubbert; daughter, Brenda Lanning; and grandsons, John Spanos, and Justin LeVault; as well as sons-in-law, Sam Lanning and Peter Spanos.

A celebration of life for Frances will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress Street, New Port Richey, Florida, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A private burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

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

Brenda J. Howland, 66, of Buckner, passed away at 11:43 a.m., on Monday. November 18, 2024, at her home in Buckner, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 31, 1958, to Roy and Flora (Coder) Sweetin in Geneva, IL. On May 3, 1976, she married Scott R. Howland, and he survives.

Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed reading books and taking care of her plants.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott Howland; her daughter Tippie Haarmann and her husband, Devin: her granddaughter, Jaryn Haarmann; her sister, Cindy Evangelides and her two brothers, Jim Roscoe and John Coder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Flora Sweetin and her brother, David Coder.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Brenda’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Online condolences can be give at www.patefh.com.