Nellie Lodene Todd – Thompsonville

Nellie Lodene Todd, 89, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away on  June 2, 2017, at her home that she lived in since birth.
  
Lodene was born December 14th, 1927, in Thompsonville Rural Route 3 to Lem and Nellie (Wall) Launius. She married Ennis Lee Todd on March 17, 1951.  He preceded her in death on October, 17, 2000. 

She is survived by two son’s who loved her dearly, Darrel L. Launius and wife Nancy of Benton,IL, and Glennis “Glen” Todd of Belleville, IL. She is also survived by three grandchildren that she loved with all her heart, grandson, John D. Launius of Sesser and granddaughters, Christie L. Launius from Oshkosh, WI, and Amy R. Reith of Crestwood, MO; five great grandchildren Preston, Chole, Pearson, Willa, Porter, and several nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers, Lowell Rich and Wayne Launius; her five sisters, Glenna Bradon, Alta Sands, Carmen Farmer, Jewell Smothers, Gustava “Gussie” Heiple. 

She was a member of the Antioch United Methodist of West Frankfort. Her love was cooking for her family baking pies of every flavor. For sixty-two years she shared a birthday with her son, Glennis. 

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. 

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St. Benton, IL.
   
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, at 2:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home with the Rev. Dennis D. Price officiating.

Burial will follow services at Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Antioch Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home. 

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

  

Richard Garner – Sesser

Richard Ward Garner, age 82, of Sesser, Illinois, passed from this life June 2, 2017, at Mt. Vernon Health Care. He was born December 13, 1934, in Sesser to Tony and Justine (Warkalis) Garner.

 Richard was a graduate of Goode Barren Township High School in Sesser and wen,t on to graduate in 1956 from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Illinois and then completed his Master’s degree in Administration in 1958.

Richard married JoAnn Stubblefield, also of Sesser, on November 22, 1956and they had three children.  Mr. Garner was a long time teacher, coach, and principal in Akin and Sesser.  He was a member of the First Christian Church where he served as a deacon, elder, and board member as well as Sunday School teacher and song leader. He was active in the community as a member of the Sesser-Goode Masonic Lodge #744, the Junior Chamber of Commerce, precinct committeeman, and also coached his sons’ summer baseball teams for several years.  However, the title he cherished most was “Grandpa”. During retirement, his greatest joy was to spend time with his family, especially traveling with his wife and grandsons.

Richard and his wife owned and operated Garner Insurance Agency for many years.  Richard was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved the outdoors.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnn, and their three children: Kevin Garner and wife, Myjal, of Maryville, Illinois, Kara (Garner) Silge and husband, Karl, of Lindenhurst, Illinois, and Kendall Garner and wife, Claire, of Florissant, Missouri;  and also by his five grandsons: Will Garner, Harry Garner, Andrew Silge, Richard P. Garner, and Robert J. Garner.  Richard was preceded in death by his parents but is survived by his siblings: Judi (Garner) Bone and husband, Bob, of Florida and David Garner and wife, Mary, of Michigan.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home of Sesser will conduct the services. Visitation will be on Monday evening, June 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM with Masonic Rites performed at 7:00 PM. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 6 at 1:30 PM at the funeral home. Pastor John Plunkett and Pastor Daniel Ison will officiate. Interment will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Research and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

 

Theron “Eddie” Arnold

Theron E. “Eddie” Arnold, age 69, of Benton, passed away Thursday, June 1, 2017 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, East of Marion, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday evening at the Whittington Church.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Eddie was born on July 27, 1947 in Van Nuys, CA, the son of Theron Eugene Arnold and Helen (Culbertson) Arnold. He married the former Bobbi Marie Little on July 20, 1964 and she survives.

Mr. Arnold was a service manager/pest control technician having worked with Terminix and Tabor Pest Control both of Benton.

He was a member of the Whittington Church. He enjoyed fishing and doing yard work.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Bobbi Marie Arnold of Benton; a daughter Neva Zinzilieta and husband Scott of Benton; a son Robert Edward Arnold and wife Marissa of U.S. Military based in South Korea; four grandchildren: David Zinzilieta, Bethany Zinzilieta, Marie Arnold and Marjorie Arnold; a great-granddaughter Gracie Hakes; three brothers: Larry Arnold and wife Lois of Evansville, IN, Martin Arnold and wife Carol of Sumner, IL, Timothy Arnold and wife Marlene of KY; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Arnold was preceded in death by his parents.

George Higgins – Benton

George J. Higgins, 93, of Benton, passed away on  June 2, 2017, at the Anchor of River to River Community of Marion.

He was born on September 3, 1923, to George and Marie (McCurdy) Higgins in Elkville, IL. George retired as a Mine Superintendent for Freeman Coal Company. On May 24, 1945, he married the former Marie Endres and she proceeded him in death.  George served in the Navy during WWII on the Battleship New Jersey.

George was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, the Benton Elks, Bocce Ball Club, and the Benton American Legion.  He was a devoted father, grandfather and great grandfather.  After his retirement he enjoyed gardening, golfing and fishing.

George is survived by his children, Dennis (Pam) Higgins of Highland, IL,  Lyn Higgins of Benton, IL, Patrick (Robin) Higgins of Columbus, OH, Ted (Celeste) Higgins of Benton, IL, and Gina (Greg) Gajewski of O’Fallon, MO; seven grandchildren, Heather (Richard) Rabinowitz of Palm Harbor, FL, Ann (Perry) Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Hayley (Jeff) Knick of Columbus, OH, Kelsey Higgins of Columbus, OH, Kayla Gajewski of O’Fallon, MO, Ryan (Roxanne) Gajewski of Denver, CO, and Nathanael Higgins of Benton, IL; six great-grandchildren, Olivia Rabinowitz of Palm Harbor, FL, Karleigh Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Briella Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Steffen  Osborn of Des Moines, IA, Cainan Osborn of IA, and Miles Knick of Columbus, OH.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his loving wife, Marie Higgins.

Arrangements are under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 7, 2017, 10:30 a.m., at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL, with Fr. Urban, officiating.
Burial will follow services at Elkville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions 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.

Mary Ellen Wright-Naylor – Benton

Mary Ellen Wright-Naylor, 94, of Benton, IL, passed away at 6:55 a.m., Saturday, May 27, 2017, at Nature Trail Nursing Home in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born on April 15, 1923, to Russell and Ruby (Wright) Kilgore. Mary Ellen retired as a LPN for Good Samaritan. She married Leon Wright and he preceded her in death on March 1, 1981. She later married Ted Naylor who also preceded her in death on September 29, 2005.

She was a member of North Benton Baptist Church in Benton, IL.

Mary Ellen is survived by, one daughter, Carolyn (Terry) Wright-McCauley of Mt. Vernon, IL; one son, David Wright of Columbus, OH.; five grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ruby Kilgore, first husband, Leon Wright, second husband, Theodore “Ted” Naylor, one son, Robert Wright, two brothers, Russell Wayne Kilgore and Robert Donald Kilgore in infancy.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St. Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, 7:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Per Mary Ellen’s wishes cremation will take place and will be buried with her first husband, Leon, in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Worthington, OH.

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation or to Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Joseph Baker – Christopher

Joseph Wayne Baker, 50, of Christopher, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at the Franklin Hospital ER.

He was born on December 8, 1966, to David and Francis (Cihak) Baker in Oak Lawn, IL. He married the former Judith “Judy” Meier. Joseph was a loving husband, father, and son. He enjoyed fishing.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Judith Baker, his six loving children, Thomas Baker, Emily Baker, Autumn Baker, Cathy Baker, Pearl Baker and Kimberly Baker; his father, David Baker; two brothers, Mark (Cheryl) Baker and Thomas (Michelle) Baker; and three nephews, Michael Baker, Matthew Baker, and Jason Baker.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Francis Baker.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Per his wishes, cremation will  take place.

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

Nellie Kelley – Benton

Nellie J. Kelley, 59, of Benton IL, passed away at 4:45 a.m., on Saturday, May 27, 2017, at her residence.

She was born on July 2, 1957, to Don and Regina Duncan in Benton, IL.  On November 18, 1983, she married Vince Kelley and he survives.

Nellie was a 1975 graduate from Benton Consolidated High School. She received her Bachelors of Science from Southern Illinois University Carbondale in Criminal Justice. Nellie worked as a Teachers Aid for Benton Consolidated High School. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend to many. Nellie enjoyed decorating for every holiday, planting flowers and sudoku puzzles.

Nellie is survived by her loving husband Vince Kelley of Benton IL., one son, Corey Kelley of Benton, IL; one daughter, Mallory Kelley of Benton, IL; her father and step-mother, Don and Linda Duncan of Benton, IL.; two sisters and a brother, Susan (Jess) Spohn of Buckner, IL,Cindy (Kevin) Worthey-Alvis of Benton, IL., Roger (Tammy) Duncan of Benton, IL.; a step-brother and sister, Danny (Sue) Robey of Destin, FL. and Brook (Shawn) Craig of Benton, IL.; and her loving pets, Runt and Petey.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Regina Duncan; and step-sister, Kim Anderson.

Services will be privately held at Pate Funeral Home with the Rev. Ross Worthey.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois.

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

Vera Flowers – Mulkeytown

Vera L. (Hiller) Flowers, 86, of Mulkeytown IL passed away in the Sunshine Gardens Memory Care Unit on Sunday May 28, 2017.

Vera was born on March 24, 1931 to Everett and Bonnie (Sanders) Hiller in Christopher.

She graduated from Christopher High School in 1948, where she was a proud Bearcat cheerleader, and married Larry D. Flowers on November 23, 1950 at the First Christian Church in Christopher.  They shared over 66 years of marriage together.

Vera owned and operated many businesses with her family including Vera’s Flower’s and Gifts, Flowers Fashions, Larry’s Trailer Sales and Flowers Farms.

Throughout her life, Vera was very active, social and involved with the Zeigler Saddle Club, Christopher Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Zeigler Eastern Star, Homemaker’s Extension as well as holding several positions at area churches.  She was active in horse shows for her sons and attended most events for her grandchildren.  Vera always looked forward to her annual high school class reunions, often hosting the celebrations at her home.

Vera is survived by her husband Larry D. Flowers, son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Gayle Flowers, grandchildren Lacey Holt, Larry A. Flowers, Courtney Flowers, Chad Flowers, and Chase Flowers, great grandson A.J. Holt, daughter-in-law Pricilla Flowers, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kenneth and Carolyn Flowers as well as several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents, one son Larry Allen Flowers, brother and sister-in-law Archie and Doris Hiller, and a sister and brother-in-law, Loretta and Nelson Harris.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday May 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with brother Denny Bush officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday May 30, 2017 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 11:00 AM until 12:45 PM.

Vera’s family would like to thank all the caregivers and staff at Sunshine Gardens Memory Care for their love, respect and dignity provided to Vera and the family as well as the caregivers at Reflections Memory Care and Hospice of Southern Illinois.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Sunshine Gardens Memory Care Unit or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.  For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuenralhomes.com

Olga Roush – Christopher

Olga B. Roush, 88 of Chirstopher IL, passed away on Saturday May 27, 2017 at 5:30 AM at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born on January 19, 1929 in Chihuahua, Mexico, to Tolstoy Leo and Margarita (Castellanos) Binswanger.

 She is survived by her children Kitty and Mark Cavinder of Mulkeytown, Mark Roush of Midland, TX, Paul Roush of Lubbock, TX, Viki and Joe Jensen of Midland, TX; grandchildren Kimberly and James Nesler of Herrin, Mandy Sneed of Christopher, Casey Cavinder of Mulkeytown, Tracy Cavinder of St. Louis, MO, Lucas Roush of Arlington, OR, Sarah Roush of Lubbock, TX, Marta Jensen of St Paul, MN, Emma Jensen, Midland, TX, Matthew Roush of Lubbock, TX; great grandchildren Hannah Nesler and Jake Nesler both of Herrin; brother Lewis Binswanger of El Paso, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Enedina Ellzey, one sister-in-law Corine Binswanger, one brother-in-law Paul Ellzey, grandson Vincent Paul Sneed, three great grandchildren Eliana Kathryn Nesler, Karissa Hazel Nesler, and Alexa Renee Nesler.

Olga lived the majority of her life in Carlsbad, NM, where she raised her four children.  She retired from the banking business while living in Carlsbad.  She relocated to Christopher in 2005.  She enjoyed being with family, reading, crocheting, needlepoint, and crossword puzzles.  She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher.

She was an amazing lady, whose loving presence brilliantly shined upon all those with which she came into contact.  She will be sadly missed by her entire family, including her beloved Abigail, a three year old red short-haired miniature dachshund.

Graveside service will be on Thursday June 1, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Father Urban Osuji officiating at the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.  Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery, envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

Gordon Higginson – Benton

Gordon Lewis Higginson, age 82, of Benton IL, passed away at 3:05 p.m. Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Mr. Higginson was born on November 4, 1934 in Wabash County, Illinois, the son of Leo Higginson and Caradena (Stadler) Higginson. He married the former Janet Bruce on April 24, 1953, and she survives.

He formerly worked for Ashland Valvoline Oil Company for 36 years until his retirement. He was a 52 year member of Pond River Masonic Lodge #244 in Greenville, KY. And he was a member of First Baptist Church of Thompsonville.

Gordon enjoyed quarter horses and trucks. He was known for his ability to fix anything and help anyone that asked.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Janet Higginson of Benton; three children: Stephanie Hobbs and husband Russell of Christopher, Bruce Higginson and wife Theresa of Benton, Beth Moore and husband John of Benton; four grandchildren: Jason Hobbs and wife Tiffanie, Kyle Hobbs, Shelby Biggs and husband Aaron, Taylor Moore; two great-grandchildren: Carson Hobbs and Tinley Hobbs; three sisters: Letha Michels, Lois Helm both of Mt. Carmel, IL, Dolores Elliot of Olney, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Donald Higginson and Bernard Higginson, and a sister Phyllis Hayes.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 28, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rod Joplin officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Masonic Rites will be observed at 2:00 p.m. with funeral service to follow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News