Dianne Crisp, 69, of Benton passed away on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.

Dianne was born July 7, 1955, to Paul “Toots” and Frankie Lou (Sneed) Howard.

She gave her heart to Jesus Christ at an early age and loved being a part of the youth group. GA’s and Acteens at North Benton Baptist Church. Although she enjoyed life as a child, becoming a teenager and receiving her driver’s license was such a fun time. During her 16th year she was one of the last lifeguards at the Benton City Swimming Pool at Lake Benton. Her boss was Gene Alexander, “Mr. A.”
After graduating Benton Consolidated High School in 1973, she took classes at Rend Lake College and continuing education classes with ICLE and the US Bankruptcy Court. In 1975, she married Mark S. Crisp, the love of her life and they had two precious boys: Dustin “Dusty” Mark Crisp, (Chelsea), Rylee, Raygan and Parker and David Joshua “Bubba” Crisp, (Bethany), Tinley, Lexi, Grace, and Silas and two Brothers David Paul Howard, Jr (Jo) and Douglas T. Howard (Kara).

She enjoyed being a homemaker and mother. After her children were in school she worked a number of years with various attorneys at law: Joseph Hickman, David B. Garavalia, and Pamela S. Lacey. Following many years in the legal circuit, she began working for the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of IL, Benton office. She spent 20 years at the US Bankruptcy Court and retired as a Deputy Clerk.
During the time she was working, she took many and various mission trips abroad to Ivanova, Russia; Playa Del Carmen, Mexico; Santiago, Dominican Republic; and stateside to St. Louis, MO; and Chicago, IL. She and Mark traveled together with trips to the Bahamas, Vancouver, BC, Puerto Rico, Chicago, Hawaii (2), New York (5), Boston (2), all of the New England States, and many times to Washington, DC. But their favorite getaway was St. Louis, MO. One of her most memorable trips with Mark was to Paris, France for their 25th anniversary.

She enjoyed reading about the actors and actresses of the golden age of Hollywood and watched the TCM Movie Channel. She also loved the musicials of the 40’s and 50’s, and made numerous trips to the Fox and Muny Theaters in St. Louis, MO. Eventually, she got to see several of her favorite musicals on Broadway in New York City.

After retiring she worked for the Franklin Baptist Association as the Women’s Director. It was important to her that people knew how much she loved Jesus Christ. She wanted others to know Her Savior in a personal relationship. She was the Women’s Missions Leader and a Bible Study Teacher while serving at Steel City Church. Reading and studying the Bible was a priority in her life. She loved anything to do with theology, doctrine and studying the “Jewish-ness” of Jesus, her Savior. One of her most exciting and favored trips was to the Holy Land in Israel.

She was obsessed about Heaven, and read many books and listened to CD’s and pastors on this subject; because she knew she would spend eternity there with Jesus Christ!

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 24th at the Steel City Baptist Church 9241 Crawford St. Benton, IL 62812. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at the church on Saturday.

The family requests No flowers. Instead they ask that Memorials be made to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, Annie Armstrong Easter Offering, North American Mission Board or Zbinden Ministries.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Margaret R. “Maggie” Fitzgerrell, 86, of Benton, and a former Ina resident, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis.

She was born in Marissa, IL on September 13, 1937, the daughter of Peter & Mary (Malick) Witt.

She married David Blair Fitzgerrell on June 30, 1956 and he preceded her in death on February 15, 1986.

Mrs. Fitzgerrell was a member of the Ina Missionary Baptist Church since October 14, 1984. She was also the Secretary, Bookkeeper and Treasurer at the Ina Grade School for 30 plus years and she retired in 2000.

She is survived by her:

Son: Brad Fitzgerrell & wife JoAnn of Ina
Daughter: Pamela Kerley & husband Marvin of Benton
Grandchildren:
Whitney Dabney & husband Marcus of St. Charles, MO
Tyler Kerley & wife Jane of Woodstock, GA
Michelle Sears & husband Jason of Benton
Great-Grandchildren:
Trenton & Aubree Dabney
Zachary Sears & wife Sam & their son Jaeger
Austin Sears
Hailey Sears
1 Sister: Barbara Rusiewski of Nashville
1 Brother: James Witt & wife Kathy of Mt. Vernon

Mrs. Fitzgerrell was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter-Vicki Kay Fitzgerrell, Son-Jon Scott Fitzgerrell, 1 Brother-Jerry Witt and 1 SIster-Patricia Long.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, August 24th at the Ina Missionary Baptist Church in Ina with Tyler Kerley & Rev. Dale Burzynski officiating. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery in Ina. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the Church.
In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or to Shriners Hospital for Children.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Rodney L. Reynolds, 67, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday August 18, 2024 at his home.

He was born on August 5, 1957 in Springfield, IL to Donald and Shirley (Courtwright) Reynolds. He married Janice (Carlo) Reynolds on February 19, 2000 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Nicole Barton of Springfield, Jeffrey Reynolds of Springfield, Baylee Reynolds of Creal Springs, Christina (Jason) Rushing of Carbondale and Kelli (Scott) Baker of Carbondale; 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother David Reynolds.

Rodney was a painter and had worked for Bombardier Recreational Products, National Railway Equipment and Crownline Boat Factory.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday August 24, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Ronnie Wilford Shaw, 58, passed away on August 7, 2024 at his home.

Ronnie was born in Herrin, IL on April 10, 1966 the son of Roy Wilford & Mary Ruth (Couch) Shaw.

He adored his children and grandchildren. He loved camping, fishing and boating. He always said what he thought at all times and people loved him for that.

Ronnie is survived by his:
4 Children:
Michele Shaw
Stephanie Salatas & husband Philip
David Hollon & fiancée Traci Staley
Patsy Hollon
Grandchildren: Alexis, Waylyn, Landen, Nick, Brantley, Hailie, Hailey, Quentin, Preston, Camaron, Constance & Collin.
2 Brothers:
Ricky Shaw
Robert Shaw

Mr. Shaw was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Brother-Randy Shaw.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 15th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Norma Jeane Copeland, a long-time Sesser resident, passed away on Monday August 12, 2024 at Helia Healthcare of Benton. She was born on January 6, 1928 in Dieterich, IL to Albert F. and Rosa (Strong) White. She married Leo Copeland on June 30, 1948 and he preceded her in death on December 19, 1989.

Norma taught elementary school for over 35 years, retiring from Christopher Elementary School, in retirement she did individual tutoring.

Norma is survived by one son Rev. Paul (Diane) Copeland of Kewanee, IL, 16 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 4 nieces and 2 nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one son Robert Copeland, one grandson Joshua Copeland, two brothers Albert R. White and Harold E. White and one sister Lenora Poehler.

A Celebration of Life will be on Friday August 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Sesser Methodist Church. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Memorial donations can be given to Sesser Methodist Church, Sesser Library or to Spero Family Services in Mt Vernon.

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

Ella Ruth Sentel Matyi, 72, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, at 8:56: a.m., with family at Helia Healthcare of Benton, IL.

Ella Ruth was born in Sullivan, IL on April 26, 1952, to Kenneth Dean and Virginia Faye Sentel. Preceding her in death were both her parents, her oldest sister, Virginia Lynn and her husband, Donnie Johnson. Their surviving children are Kerri and Corrie Hendren and Mark and Macy Johnson. Both live in Missouri and have three children each. Also preceding Ruth in death is Joshua Boyd Sentel, first son of Kenneth and Roberta Sentel.

Ruth was the matriarch of the Sentel family. A loving aunt and great-aunt to all her nieces and nephews. Each and every one were made to feel special. She worked and cared for many as an RN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon and Helia Healthcare in Benton. She was a true Giver, both in her professional and personal life and was well loved by all who knew her.

In her spare time she liked to sew, quilt and hunt for Vintage and Antique treasures, but her true joy was spending time with her family.

Ruth is survived by Robert Clark Sentel and Nancy and Darrel Launius. Their children, John and Tammy Launius, Christy and Susan Launius-Rensing, Amy and Jim Reith; William Walter and Julie Sentel and children, Marcy Faye and Adam Clark, Sarah Ann and Donnie Millenbine and Alison Page and Jason Woodrow; Kenneth Dale and Roberta Sentel and children, Jessica Elaine and Andrew Salmo and Elijah D. Braden Sentel and a total of 24 great-nieces and nephews.

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

Ella Ruth, being a very private person, chose to be cremated with a family celebration of life to be determined later.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Cecil (Sonny) Sullivan, of Herrin, IL, went to be with Jesus, the one he has preached about, witnessed about and taught about for 55 years, on Wednesday evening, August 7, 2024. Cecil had several loving family and friends at his bedside at the evening of his passing! He had been battleing Parkinson’s disease and liver cancer for several years. For the past month he had been under the amazing care of the Community Living Center, a facility of the V.A. in Marion, IL.

He was quite a character, jovial, a country boy, a “people” person for sure, never meeting a stranger. In 1964 he married Carolyn Hall of Benton. Together they have 4 awesome children: Wade Sullivan, Angela (Curt) Willis, Shane (Denise) Sullivan, & Amber (Jason) Todd.

Cecil was preceded in death by his father, Howard Sullivan & step-mom, Bertha and also his mother, Betty & step-father, Fred Crisp. Also, a brother preceded him in death, Marvin W. Sullivan.

He graduated from Benton Con. High School before joining the U.S Navy and was aboard the U.S.S. Forrestal and also the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk supercarriers with two combat tours in Viet Nam from 1964 – 1968. He was definitely a patriot and loved serving his country! He was adamant about having a American flag in his front yard!

Later, after becoming a Christian in 1968 he was voted in (as a very young pastor) at the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler, Il. That church grew and was the apple of his eye! Life began to get even more adventurous. After pastoring at Zeigler for 17 years and overseeing the construction of a beautiful new building he felt his missionary calling to the Philippine Islands. He had been stationed there while in the Navy and then the day to return to tell them of his experience with the Lord. He loved the Philippine people and still has many Filipino friends. To make a long story short for your reading, he and Carolyn, plus two of their younger children, Shane & Amber ministered overseas for another 17 years! After this he returned to the States and became the pastor of the Lick Creek, Il. Pentecostal Church and was there with that congregation for 12 wonderful years! Cecil preached many crusades in many places! He has traveled to 36 countries! As said earlier, he loves people.

Cecil (Sonny) leaves behind his wife of 59 years and his 4 children, as well as 8 siblings being, Melvin Sullivan, Bert Sullivan, Brenda Houseworth, Debbie King, Sandy Bright, Lora Loucks, Leslie Ann Murphy and Fred Crisp. He also leaves these grandchildren of whom he is SO proud of!!! Autumn (Doug) Filkins, Jaden Ford, Cory Ford, Afftyn Sullivan, Austyn Valentine, Austin Sullivan, Kameron Sullivan, and his little (punk’in heads) Jaselyn Shea Todd, Jaylin Willis, Chamnis Filkins & Caroline Brooke Filkins.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler, 309 Church Street, Ziegler, IL. and from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the church.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler.
Burial will follow services at Brady Cemetery in Akin, Il.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Apostolic Church of Zeigler in loving memory of Cecil (Sonny) Sullivan.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Carson Charles Thuilliez passed away on August 6, 2024.

He was born on June 20, 2024 in Carbondale to Tyler Ray and Kayla Michelle (Sadler) Thuilliez.

His survived by his parents Tyler and Kayle Thuilliez of Christopher; one brother Grayson Dean Thuilliez and one sister Kelsea Rose Thuilliez; grandparents Mike and Sarah Thuilliez of Christopher, Alice Sadler of Zeigler and Jeff and Julie Sadler of Texas.

He was preceded in death by his brother Hudson Tyler Thuilliez.

His favorite things were cuddling with mommy, watching the kids run around and playing, walking around with daddy, playing with jungle gym, he always had hiccups and he was so strong with keeping his head up for like 8 minutes just looking at mommy. He would always just like to look at you with his big blue eyes. He LOVED the bath, it was his favorite, he was the most relaxed there and he hated getting out of it. He loved to hold your hand when he was drinking a bottle or sleeping. He would always grab onto me anywhere he could. He was the best cuddler. He would coo here and there and it was the sweetest sound. He was just very loved by many, many people, he was special and was a perfect baby, with so much hair. We will miss him every single day of our lives.

Graveside services will be held on Monday August 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Smith Cemetery in Buckner, IL with Brother Mark Minor officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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