Johanna “Jo Ann” Lipe, age 70, of Compton, IL, passed away peacefully at home, cradled in the love of her children and grandchildren.

Born on May 12, 1954, in Groningen, Holland, Jo Ann was one of six children born to Henrik and Alberdina (Koster) Styve. Her early years in Lisle, Illinois were filled with the kind of warmth and family closeness that would go on to define her entire life.

At just 18, Jo Ann married the love of her life and best friend, Gordon Lipe. Their marriage, nearly 53 years strong, was a true testament to love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in devotion and laughter, eventually moving to the quiet countryside of West Brooklyn in 1993 to enjoy the peace of rural living—a dream they shared and cherished.

Jo Ann was the proud and loving mother of three children: Angelique Lipe, Gordy (Susan) Lipe, and Sherry (Nathan) Hovious. Her greatest joy came from her family, and that joy multiplied with the arrival of her beloved grandchildren: Josh Ward, Blake Ward, Raymond (Amy) Lipe, Anthony (Zachary) Lipe, Austin Lipe, Ashley (Richard) Lipe, Hannah Ward, Brianna (Nathan) Lipe, and Savannah Foss—as well as many great-grandchildren. Each one brought a unique sparkle to her life, and she never missed a chance to celebrate them, guide them, or simply make them laugh.

Jo Ann had a heart full of passion and curiosity. She loved photography, capturing life’s little moments and turning them into treasured memories. She had a deep love for genealogy, always eager to trace the roots and stories that shaped her family. But above all, Jo Ann’s heart belonged to her family—there was nothing more important to her. Her love was fierce, loyal, and unconditional. She was the kind of woman who made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room and loved unconditionally.

To know Jo Ann was to be loved by her. She was the comforting voice on the phone, the warm hug at the door, the laughter at family gatherings, and the quiet strength holding everything together. Her absence leaves a space that no one else can fill, but her spirit, her love, and her legacy will live on through every life she touched.
We miss you deeply, Grandma. We love you beyond words. We know you’ll be the first to greet us in Heaven, arms wide open, just as you always were here on Earth. Rest in peace, sweet Jo Ann. You were truly one of a kind.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 19th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Lova “Jean” Schwartz (Sneed) took her final curtain call on April 14, 2025.

Jean was born on September 6, 1939. She grew up in southern Illinois enjoying a simple life. She briefly lived in Chicago as a young adult before returning to live life to her fullest in southern Illinois.

Jean had a fun and wild spirit. If she had an interest, she explored it. She taught dance at Authur Murray, she raced cars, hunted, competition shooting, doll making, and so many other talents. Many nights were spent playing yatzee or slinging the one armed bandit. She could also grab a coke and enjoy a good long chat. While doing all this, she brought three children into her life. Lori (Schwartz) Prunty, Erick Schwartz and Nikki (Schwartz) Godoy. She was intensely proud of her children. She was always sure to share their accomplishments and pictures with anyone who would listen. Jean’s blessings continued with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who perpetuate her legacy of spunkiness in the world. Jean is also survived by her brother, Leonard Sneed.

Jean’s children would be honored if you would join them on Friday at Morton and Johnston Funeral home to celebrate her. Visitation will be from 9 am to 11 am with services following. Jean will then be laid to rest in Kirk Cemetery in Ina, IL.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Clatie Mae Bursich, 93, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday April 15, 2025 at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.

She was born on October 7, 1931 in Sesser, IL to Earl and Emma (Eubanks) Beck. She married John Bursich Jr. on May 16, 1959 and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2015.

She is survived by her two sons John (Ronell) Bursich III of New Baden, IL and Jeff (Melissa) Bursich of Glen Carbon, IL; grandchildren Samantha Jane Bursich, Sarah Bursich, Zachary (Lisa Manrique) Bursich and Kathryn (Stuart) Schiber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, fourn sisters Dixie Lee Spotanski, Connie Diann Maddox, Earline Welsh and Marcella Rone and one brother Burl Coffel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Jim Slone officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Barbara Ann Bennett, age 78, of Benton, Illinois; passed away at 2:33 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Barb was born on September 3, 1946, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Utley and Essie (Lunsford) Utley. She married Ernest James “Jim” Bennett on November 28, 1981, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.

She worked as a manager for Bowlin’s Foodland (later Furlow’s) of Zeigler.
She was a member of the First Church of God in Benton.

Barb enjoyed sewing and going on drives in the country. Her family said everyday she had a time that she was to not be disturbed, that was during her favorite soap operas “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Surviving is her loving husband Jim Bennett of Benton, Illinois; her daughter Tina Lampley and companion Roger Lampley of Benton, Illinois; a grandson Ben Lampley and wife Courtney of Melbourne, Florida; an adopted grandson Steven Lampley of Benton, Illinois; a brother Bob Utley and wife Patti of Sesser, Illinois; in-laws including: Diane Utley of Christopher, Illinois, Lynda Sanchez of Benton, Illinois, Marlene Webb of Benton, Illinois, Kingsley Bennett and wife Cathy of Ewing, Illinois, Rodney Bennett of Evansville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cat “Smokey.”

Mrs. Bennett was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Kenny Utley.

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

Barbara Ann Osteen, age 83, of West Frankfort, passed away at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at her home.

Barbara was born on October 9, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Arthur Dasher and Leona (Reed) Dasher. She married James Paul Osteen on July 2, 1960, together they shared just three months shy of 65 years of marriage.

Barbara’s wishes are to be cremated.

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

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

Mrs. Osteen’s working career was in retail and as a secretary. She formerly worked for Arview Heating and Air Conditioning. In her younger years she even attended airline school and was offered several secretarial positions across the U.S.

Mrs. Osteen was a Baptized Christian. She enjoyed being a homemaker, raising her three sons, going camping, and eating out with her sisters. Most of all she enjoyed her time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband James P. Osteen of West Frankfort, Illinois; two sons: Brandon Lee Osteen and James Eric Osteen, both of Thompsonville, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Kasey Nicole Woodrow and husband Josh of Akin, Illinois, Kaitlyn Hoge and husband Geoffrey of Washington D.C., Ashley Marie Thomas of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jacob Noble Osteen and wife Maddie of Iowa, Cheyenne Morganstern and husband Brock of Du Quoin, Illinois, Brehan Osteen of Metropolis, Illinois, Autum Osteen of Crab Orchard, Illinois; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jackie Duniphan of Benton, Illinois, Dorothy Eubanks and husband Larry of Marion, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Scott Paul Osteen, a brother Ronald Dasher, and a sister Shirley Arview.

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

Benita A. Coffel, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday April 10, 2025 at her home.

She was born on July 4, 1941 in Kilmichael, MS to William Ira and Lettie Jane (Tidwell) Palmertree.

She is survived by her children Cindy Coffel of DuQuoin, Scott (Donita) Coffel of Mulkeytown and Theresa Rutland of Christopher; grandchildren Lacy McPhail, Jesse (Dylan) Mullins-Gunter, Alyson (Brian) Risley and Amanda Dellow; great grandchildren Serenity, Rowan, Oaklynn, Brianna, Dalton, Morgan and Nolan and two sisters Francis Tankersley of Houston, TX and Mary Sammons of West Palm Beach, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bill Palmertree.

Benita’s wishes were to be cremated, services will be at a later date.

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

Eli Galayda, 95, of Buckner passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

Mr. Galayda was born in Buckner, IL on July 3, 1929 the son of Steven & Anna (Krohta) Galayda.

He married Roselene Chamness on July 25, 1953 and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2023.

Mr. Galayda was a loving Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather.

Mr. Galayda proudly served in the US Air Force and was very active for many years in the Military Honor Guard-Funeral Detail with the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts, serving numerous families.

Mr. Galayda is survived by his:
Son: Eli S. Galayda & wife Shelley of Mulkeytown
Grandsons:
Eli M. Galayda & wife Nicole and their children Eli, Callen & Brenley
Kyle David Galayda & wife Kelsey and their children Finley & Amelia
Sister: Liz Adkins
Brother: Steven Galayda
1 Sister-in-law: Pearl Mitchell
Mr. Galayda was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Son-Charles Michael Galayda and several Brothers & Sisters.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 12th at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner with Pastor Ivan Ryan officiating. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Benton American Legion, VFW Posts and the Air Force Honor Squad.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Charles Paul Blades, age 77, of Benton, passed away at his home on April 2, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on June 10, 1947, in Eldorado, Illinois, Charles was a graduate of McLeansboro High School, Class of 1965. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Illinois University and later a master’s degree in Rehabilitation Administration and Services from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1983. Charles dedicated many years of his life to public service, retiring in 2003 as the Regional Supervisor for the Department of Human Services, where he made a lasting impact on the community.

Charles was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Rebecca, with whom he shared 50 wonderful years of marriage, a loving father to his four children, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather.

An avid outdoorsman, Charles found joy in hunting, fishing, and immersing himself in nature. He was also a ham radio operator, known by his call sign KT9D, which connected him with friends and fellow enthusiasts. He was a devoted member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton. Additionally, he was proud to be associated with the fraternal orders of the Elk’s and the Eagles in McLeansboro.
Charles was preceded in death by his first spouse, Deborah (Dean) Blades; his father, Charles W. Blades and stepmother, Charlene; his mother, Elsie Geneva (Knight) Sneed; his two sisters, Sylvia Sutphin and Linda Rubenacker; and his brother-in-law, Linus Rubenacker.

He is survived by his wife, Rebecca (Wolf) Blades; son, John Bradley Blades and his wife, Paula; son, Timothy Blades and his wife, Misty; son, Brian Blades and his wife, Sarah; and daughter, Amanda (Blades) Burton and her fiancé, Josh Stockinger; his grandchildren, Brittni Blades, Kaitlin Rubenacker, Logan Blades, Emily Braden, Alison Blades, Breanna Blades, Kaden Blades, Alexa Blades, and Korie Blades; and his great-grandchildren, Chloe James, Corbin Peterson, Leland Paul Rubenacker, Blakely Rubenacker, Otto Rubenacker, Paisley Blades, Landon Blades, and Charles Axel Race Blades.
He is remembered as a beloved spouse, father, grandfather, and friend, who touched the lives of many. Charles will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating.

Following a dinner for family and friends, Charles will be interred at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery in Piopolis.

Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers in lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to St. Jude – Children’s Research Hospital.

May Charles Paul Blades rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love he so generously shared throughout his life.
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Charles, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Penni Dunford, age 64, of Benton, grasped the hand of her Lord and Savior at 6:57 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025; surrounded by her husband and sons, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Harmony Free Will Baptist Church of West Frankfort, Illinois, with Rev. Kent Dunford officiating. A Fellowship Luncheon will follow the service.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Penni was born on August 18, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois, the daughter of Gene Jent and Vicki (Gantz) Jent. On August 28, 1981, she married Jeff Dunford, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.

She formerly worked as a clerk at the Franklin Hospital of Benton and was a homemaker.
Penni enjoyed going to Rend Lake, taking Sunday drives, going on family trips, watching the Andy Griffith show, and decorating her home for the holidays.
Penni is survived by her loving husband Jeff Dunford of Benton, Illinois; two sons Cameron Dunford of Benton, Illinois and Chason Dunford of Carterville, Illinois; a brother Dennis Jent and wife Sandra of West Frankfort, Illinois; and several kids that spent time in her home that she treated as her own.
She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the 3200 crew and the Palliative care team at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Memorial contributions in memory of Penni Dunford, may be made to the Finding Forever Animal Rescue, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959; @ffanimalrescue
To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Penni, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.