Judith Lynn Shukites, 63, of Christopher, IL, passed away November 14, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born September 25, 1953 in Christopher, the daughter of William “Bill” Yadloski and Doris Hargraves.

Judith married John D. Shukites on December 16, 1978.

She is survived by her children Phillip (Missy) Shukites, of Christopher and John Michael Shukites, of Christopher; grandchildren who were her life, Zane and Xander Shukites; brothers and sisters Chuck (Cheryl) Yadloski, of Marion, IL, Kathy (Chris) Ahrendt, of Goreville, IL, Sue (Dave) Andress, of Kansas City, MO, Lori (Roger) Gant, of Mulkeytown, IL; several nieces and nephews.

Judith was a retired LPN and an dedicated supporter of the Illinois Autism Society. She was known for playing the accordion and for her work in the music ministry at Christopher First Baptist Church.

.She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2016 at Christopher First Baptist Church  with Pastor Matthew B. Crain officiating. Cremation rites will follow with burial to be held at a later date.  Visitation will be on Friday November 18, 2016 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the church

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Christopher 1^St Baptist Church, envelopes will be available during visitation at the church.

Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

CHRISTOPHER — Beth Ann Pheasant, 37, of Christopher, IL, passed away on October 31, 2016 at 11:10 p.m at her home.

Beth was born June 18, 1979 in Urbana, IL, the daughter of Larry G. Wyskiel and Alice Faye (Cronin) Wyskiel.

She was a registered nurse and worked at the VA Hospital, in Marion, IL.

Beth is survived by her father Larry Wyskiel and wife Jackie, of Benton, IL and her mother Alice Wyskiel, of Sesser, IL.

Also surviving are her children Makaylah Wyskiel, Shelby Eickelmann, Riley Eickelmann, Hannah Pheasant, Daymon Pheasant and Drew Pheasant, all of Christopher; one grandson Parker James.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 5, 2016 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Private burial will be at a later date in Little Flock Cemetery, in Carterville, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Floyd Burns, age 66 of Benton, passed away at 6:25 p.m. Sunday, October 30, 2016 in Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016 at the First Christian Church of Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.  Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Floyd was born on February 7, 1950 in Perry County, IL, the son of Floyd Lewis Burns and Mary Ann (Fowler) Burns.

Floyd was a self-employed mechanic. He formerly worked for Dave’s Taxi and enjoyed the many trips driving area residents to their doctor appointments to the various St. Louis Hospitals, and the many other hospitals across Southern Illinois.

He was a proud member of the First Christian Church in Benton.

Floyd is survived by a nephew Lee Otis Sexton and wife Lana of Channahon, IL; an aunt Lillie Davie of Cape Girardeau, MO; and several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Ortus Velma Burns and Mary Lou Sexton; an infant sister; a niece Cathy (Sexton) King; and two nephews: Thomas Floyd Sexton and Timothy Dale Sexton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Fellowship Center Building Fund at the First Christian Church, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Norma “Jean” Dale, 89, of Sparta, IL passed away Sunday, Oct. 30, 2016 at her home.

She was born in Pesotum, IL on January 20, 1927, the daughter of Touncie E. and Rosie M. (Fields) Conner.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church, in Sparta.

She is survived by cousins Billy Paul Conner and wife Linda, of Whittington, IL, James Richard Conner and wife Nancy, of Pocahontas, Del Lavern Conner, of Midland, Texas and Barbara Newman, of Rockford, IL; her adopted family that she made her home with, Pastor Tim Gregory and wife Becky, of Sparta, and their children Rachel, Timmy and wife Kristan, Megan, Elizabeth, Joshua and Hannah.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Paul Everett Conner.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at First Baptist Church, in Sparta with Pastor Tim Gregory officiating. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery, in Whittington, IL.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, in Sparta.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Sparta Building Fund.

Johnston Funeral Home in Ina is in charge of arrangements.

James Ronald Phillips, Sr., age 71 of Benton, passed away at 4:35 p.m. Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial with Military Rites by the Benton American Legion Post #280, the V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard of Marion, will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

James was born on November 1, 1944 in Chicago, IL, the son of Vernon Phillips and Margaret (Huth) Phillips.

Mr. Phillips served his country in the U.S. Army from February 1, 1962 to March 11, 1965, where he attained the rank of Private First Class.

His working career was in the coal mines, having worked and retired from Amax Coal Company near Keensburg, IL, where he was a member of the United Mine Workers of America.

He enjoyed hunting, horseback riding, and working in coal mining.

James is survived by three sons: James R. Phillips, Jr. of Benton, Danny Phillips and wife Brittany of Benton, Kyle Darnell of Logan; grandchildren: Marissa Phillips, Abigail Phillips, Brendan Schell, Jordan Prosise, Sydney Phillips, Brooklyn Phillips, Kyra Phillips, Charles Schram, Jr., Autumn Schram, Brittany Schram, Tyler Mersinger; girlfriend Alice Shanks of Benton.

Mr. Phillips was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, and a son.

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