Bette Ronchetto Thomas, 93, of Christopher, IL passed away October 18, 2016 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born February 20, 1923 in Christopher, the daughter of Charles “Doc” Flatt and Nora (Braden) Flatt.

Bette married Michael Ronchetto and he preceded her in death, she later married David Thomas and he also preceded her in death.

Bette worked as a personal legal secretary. She was a member of Eastern Star and Christ’s View Christian Church, in Christopher.

She is survived by her children, Harry and Christine Thomas, of Buckner, IL and Valerie and Andy Wilson, of Christopher’ daughter-in-law Joan Thomas, of San Bernardino, CA. She is also survived by six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son David “DL” Thomas, three sisters Emma Hastings, Lucille McCarty, Nora Mae Furlow, and three brothers Charles Flatt, Alfred “Alfy” Flatt, and Robert “Bob” Flatt

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will on Friday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser, IL.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements. For more information visit

www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Eula K. Spain, 99, of Benton, passed away at 9:36 p.m., on October 17, 2016 at Helia Healthcare of Benton, IL.

She was born on March 10, 1917 to William and Nellie (White) Kerley in Parrish, IL. Eula retired as a District Manager for Schnuck’s Bakery. On April 20, 1935 she married Ellis Spain and he preceded her in death on January 3, 1994.

She was a member of Order of The Eastern Star and the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Eula is survived by her two granddaughters, Kelly Darnell and husband Scott of Thompsonville, IL, Vicki Minor and husband Jesse Sr., of Benton, IL; four great-grandsons, Lance Darnell and wife Emily of Thompsonville, IL, Ryan Darnell of Thompsonville, IL, Jeremy Minor of Benton, IL, Jesse Minor, Jr. of Carbondale, IL; brother-in-law, Joe Zid of Hot Springs Village, AR; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents, husband, Ellis Spain, a daughter, Nancy Kays, four brothers, Jewell Kerley, Ray Kerley, Eldon Kerley, Billy Kerley, five sister, Reathel Locklar, Rosalie Sadler, Jessie Pruess, Wanda Kerley, Ethel Mae Zid.

Arrangements under the direction of Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, 1 pm at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL, with Rev. Michael Kramer, officiating.

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

Opal J. Burkett, age 88 of Benton, passed away at 8:22 p.m. Friday, October 14, 2016 at the Westside Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Frankfort.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Jonesboro Cemetery, Jonesboro, Illinois, with Opal’s son David Daisy officiating.  There will be no visitation, family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Burkett was born on June 18, 1928 in Jonesboro, IL, the daughter of Tom Lynn and Mary (Theiss) Lynn.

Opal formerly worked as a housekeeper at the Franklin Hospital, and previous to that she was a seamstress at the Joan Claire Dress Factory in Benton.

She is survived by her son David J. Daisy and wife Tonya of Jerome, IL; a grandson David Andrew Daisy of Jerome, IL;  a sister Dorothy Penrod of Waterloo; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Burkett was preceded in death by her parents; first husband David F. Daisy; second husband Kenneth Burkett; four brothers: Robert Lynn, Glenn Lynn, Ray Lynn and Paul Lynn; and a sister Viola Rendleman.

Memorial contributions may be made to her family to donate to the organization of their choice.

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

Sharon Rose (Holman) Burton, age 70 of Benton, passed away Friday, October 14, 2016 at her home.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at the Potter’s Way Church in Frisco, with David Holman officiating.  Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Sharon Rose Holman was born on December 19, 1945 in Pumpkin Hill, the daughter of Edgar and Fern (Fields) Holman.

Mrs. Holman was a CNA  She was a member of the First Assemblies of God Church in Benton, until it’s closure.

She enjoyed reading, playing Scrabble, and loved visits from her children and grandchildren.

Sharon is survived by her children: Beth Smith and husband Scott of Benton, Scott Bailey and wife Leigh Anne of Benton, T.J. Burton of Benton; thirteen grandchildren: Meredith John Osborne and wife Cindy of Ewing, Asia Rose Bailey of Benton, Zachary Paul Ragsdale and wife Kristin of West Frankfort, Dawson Smith of Benton, Samantha Haggerman and husband Robbie of Benton, Gracey Gowler and husband Derek of San Antonio, TX, Shiloh Mocaby and husband J.R. of Benton, Kaitlyn Aiken, Chase Aiken and Carter Aiken, all three of Akin, IL, Gaige Bailey, Matyi Kays and Ryder Bailey;  four great-grandchildren: Ethan Osborne, Lily Osborne, Masan Ragsdale, Silas Gowler; three sisters: Doris Douglas of Benton, Mary Cook and husband Gary of Ewing, Joyce Gilbert and husband Russell of Effingham, IL; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Tommy Hood Burton; a son Jason Paul Bailey (Aug. 5, 2016); two brothers: Russell Holman and Stanley Holman; and a sister Louise Williams.

Memorial contributions may be made to the K.J. Rocks Memorial Scholarship Fund and will be accepted at the services.

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

Benton, Illinois– Michael Dean Eaton, age 31 of Benton, passed away Sunday, October 9, 2016 at the Herrin Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.  Burial will be in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery, East of Thompsonville.  Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. Wednesday until the funeral hour at 1 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Michael Dean Eaton was born on August 17, 1985 in Chicago Heights, IL, the son of Steven Eaton and Kathryn Ann (Underwood) Eaton.

Michael worked for the West City McDonalds Restaurant.

Survivors include his father Steven Eaton of Kennett, MO; four children Travis Eaton of Franklin County, IL, Steven, Kevin and Hailey Eaton all three of Kennett, MO; grandmother Joyce Atchison of Benton; step-grandmother Sandy Underwood of Hardin, KY; a brother Adam Mac Eaton and wife Samantha of Kennett, MO; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother Kathryn Ann Eaton (Oct. 30, 2015); a daughter Trinity Eaton, maternal grandfather James Underwood; maternal step-grandfather Bert Atchison; paternal grandparents Thomas and Martha Eaton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

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

Donald Lee Wade 81, of Energy, passed away October 5, 2016 at Herrin Hospital.  He was born December 3, 1935 in Herrin, IL to Glen and Mildred (Hall) Wade.

Donald worked in the construction field until he became ill and was placed in Helia Nursing Home in Energy and resided there until his death.

Donald enjoyed watching the Price is Right and was an avid fisherman.

Survivors include his children Mary Le’Donna Wade-Edmonds of Herrin, Marty and his wife Tabitha Wade of Zeigler, and Melissa Wade of Herrin.  One sister Phyllis (Wade) Barham of Herrin, and two brothers Ray Wade of Herrin and Roger Weiman of Freeman Spur.  Also survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Fred Wade, Bob McGee, Percy Wade and one granddaughter Eco Edmonds.

Donald’s wishes were to be cremated.  Burial will be at a later date.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is in charge of arrangments.

Donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Tanya Marie Braden Mariano, 45, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away Tuesday morning October 4, 2016, at her home.

Tanya was born in Benton, IL on October 17, 1970, the daughter of Robert and Betty (Bozovich) Braden.

She is survived by her husband, Charles Mariano, of West Frankfort; one daughter Madison Marie Carnahan, of Benton; one son, William Robert Gusentine, of Energy, IL;one granddaughter Riley Marie Reed; one stepson, Kristopher Ryan Mariano, of Indianapolis, IN; one stepdaughter, Nicole Marie Meyers, of Pittsburg, IL; two step-granddaughters, Ashley Nicole Turner and Danielle Elizabeth Meyers; brothers and sisters Nick James Braden, of Benton, William E. Braden and wife Rose Charlene, of Benton, Roberta Sentel and husband Kenneth, of Creal Springs, Jeffrey Allen Braden, of Oklahoma, Clarence Braden, Benton and Jeanie Hoyle, of Florida; sister-in-law Vanessa Lee Braden, of Akin. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a mental health association of the donor’s choice.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Robert “Pastor Bob” Lee Shook, 70, of Marion, IL, passed away October 6, 2016 at Heartland Regional Medical Center, in Marion.

He was born September 28, 1946 in St. Louis, the son of Lester Shook and Selma (Helbig) Shook.

He married Susan (Thompson) Shook on December 10, 1988 and she survives of Marion.

Mr. Shook is survived by four children, Deana and Gary Kelly, of Du Quoin, IL, Eric and Robin Shook, of Texico, IL, Stephanie Shook, of Centralia, IL and Mathew and Gina Shook, of Centralia, IL; grandchildren Jordan Kelly, Kailah Kelly, Levi Shook, Lyra Shook, Carter Shook, Cassidy Shook and Dirk Robert Brewer; brothers and sisters Jack and Mavis Shook, of Springfield, IL, Terri and Sal Chavez, of St. Louis and Barbara Ann and Bill Wells, of Salem, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents.M

Mr. Shook was a Methodist minister, for 48 years, serving churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at First United Methodist Church, in Sesser. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Preacher’s Aide Society and will be accepted at the church and also the funeral home.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

The Rev. Charles E. Issler, 84, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away Monday Oct. 3, 2016 at Parkway Manor, in Marion, IL.

He was born March 27, 1932, the son of Charles and Bertha (Goff) Issler.

He married Freda (Meadows) Issler on Nov. 12, 1949 and she survives.

Rev. Issler was a servant of God that loved singing, preaching and going to church.

He is survived by his wife Freda; children Charles “Bud” Issler and wife Anna, of Benton, Gary L. Issler and wife Liz, of Herrin, IL, Paula Biby and husband David, of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Kevin Issler, Ryan Issler and fiancee Marsha, Tim Issler and wife Yolanda, Crystal Grant and fiance Jason, Christi Guinn, William Biby and Melissa Matier; 12 great-grandchildren; one sisters, Carolyn Schmidt and husband Gene of Shellknob, MO; one brother Ricky Issler, of Shellknob, Mo; two brothers-in-law Harvey Meadows and wife Anna, of Stroud, OK and Johnny Key and wife Faye, of Christopher, IL.

Mr. Issler was preceded in death by his parents, a son Ronald Eugene Issler, a daughter-in-law Rita Issler, a sister Geraldine and husband Wayne Craig, a sister Lillian Pride and a brother Darrell Issler.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the Trinity Full Gospel Fellowship Church, in West Frankfort with Brother Guy Wayne Webster and Brother Mike Jeter officiating. Burial will follow at Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 am. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mr. Issler’s memory can be made to the Trinity Full Gospel Fellowship Church.

The Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, is in charge of arrangements.