Virginia Waller, 94, of Christopher, IL, passed away September 5, 2016 at her home.

Virginia was born April 27, 1922 in Mulkeytown, IL, the daughter of Harley Kirkpatrick and Marie (Watson) Kirkpatrick.

She married Willis Burton Waller in November 1938 and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2010.

Virginia is survived by her children Gloria and Jim Jenkins, of Christopher and Vivian Turner, of Energy, IL; grandchildren Shelly and Donnie Baine, of Mulkeytown and Bradley and Sue Johnson, of St. Charles, MO; great-grandchildren Katelyn and Madison Baine; sister Phyllis Grubbs, of Christopher; sisters-in-law Sue Kirkpatrick, of Christopher and Wanda Kirkpatrick, of Benton, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was a member of the Eastern Star and a homemaker.  Virginia was a member of the First Baptist Church in Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters Hester Salo and Ruby Kirkpatrick, and two brothers Norman Kirkpatrick and Richard Kirkpatrick.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with the Rev. George Biby officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

John Hampton Alexander, age 59, of Ewing, passed away at 11:47 p.m. Sunday, September 4, 2016, at his home with his loved ones at his side.

Funeral services for John will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Pastor Jay Kelly officiating.  Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.  Private burial services will take place at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

John Hampton Alexander was born on May 20, 1957 in Ramapo, New York, the son of James Arthur Alexander and Francis Jewel Pauline (Oshier) Alexander.  He married the former Kimberly Dawn Parr and she preceded him in death in 2010.

John was a LPN, as well as an avid fisherman and motorcycle rider.

He is survived by his siblings: Robert Eugene Alexander of California, Geneva Harmon-Cremer of Ewing, IL, Mary Denise Gobtop and husband Randall of Macedonia, IL; his children: Eric Powell and wife Tiffany of Sesser, IL, Thomas Gratton Alexander & wife Amber of Sulpher, LA, Michael Andrew Alexander and wife Kendra of Sesser, IL, Michael James Salatas of St. Louis, MO, Jeanetta Kay Speakman of Zeigler, IL, Nicholas John Salatas and wife Emily of St. Louis, MO, Jeffrey David Salatas and wife Lisa of Johnston City, IL, Elizabeth Dawn Salatas-Molitor and husband David of St. Louis, MO, Phillip Robert Salatas of Benton, IL; his father-in-law Leon Parr of Orient, IL; 19 grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

A special “Thank You” to Geneva and Joseph Alexander for their loving care during John’s illness, and to all of his lifelong friends that uplifted him in his time of need.

John was preceded in death by his parents; wife; four brothers: William A. Alexander, James Arthur Alexander, Jr., Gerald “Harry” Archie Alexander, Thomas Gratton Alexander; two sisters: Rita Lee Davis, Carol Lynn Rand; a sister-in-law Judith Ann Shurtz; and a nephew James Earl Hinton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Eternal Friends in Christ Church of Sesser, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Barbara Jean Pierson, age 75, of Benton, passed away at 1:54 a.m. Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating.  There will be no public visitation, family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.  Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Barbara Jean Pierson was born on October 22, 1940 in Benton, the daughter of Louis Trapper and Kathleen (McKinney) Trapper.  She married Bobby Pierson on August 7, 1971 and he preceded her in death on November 23, 2002.

Mrs. Pierson was a homemaker, and formerly worked at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

She liked playing Bingo, writing to pen pals, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

She is survived by a sister Theresa White of Benton; a brother Walter Trapper and wife Janet of Benton; a nephew Steve Trapper of Thompsonville; two nieces: Michelle Dorris and Diana White both of Benton; three great-nephews: Michael Rodriguez, Matthew Rodriguez, and Mitchell Rodriguez.

Mrs. Pierson was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant brother Richard Trapper, a brother Charles Trapper, and a sister Angie Swigert.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hospice agency of the donor’s choice.

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

Wesson Anthony Ken Dudek, two-day old son of Misty Renee May Smith and Kyle Anthony Dudek, joined his two brothers in Heaven on Thursday, September 1, 2016.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with Grandfather Mark Dudek officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Wesson Anthony Ken Dudek was born at the Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 and passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at Children’s Hospital in St. Louis.

Baby Wesson is survived by his parents Misty Renee May Smith and Kyle Anthony Dudek of Benton; maternal grandparents: Kennith and Jodi Smith of Freeman Spur; paternal grandparents: Janice Dudek of Marion, and Mark and Arden Dudek of Georgetown, TX; paternal great-grandmother: LaVeda Warren of Benton; maternal great-grandmothers: Dorothy Lewis of Freeman Spur, and Alice Smith of Marion; aunts and uncles: Melissa Dudek, Joshua Dudek, Jennifer Dudek, all of Marion, Kennith Scott Smith of Freeman Spur, Tina Lyn Smith of Herrin; and several other cousins, great-aunts and uncles.

Wesson was preceded in death by his two brothers; paternal great-grandparents: Marion and Mary Dudek; paternal great-grandfather: Raymond Warren; maternal great-grandfathers: Carl Lewis and Bobby Smith.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Heather Lynn Basenberg, 27, of Du Quoin, IL, passed away August 28, 2016 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Heather was born March 10, 1989 in Berwin, IL.

She is survived by her father William D. and Lindsay Basenberg, of Marion, IL and her mother Donna Holley and Todd Miller, of Du Quoin; brothers and sisters Keith Holley, of Marion, Lashonda and Ronnie Orr, of Energy, William D. Basenberg, Jr., of Energy, IL, William Boone Basenberg, of Crab Orchard, IL; step-brothers and step-sisters David Gilliam, of Mt. Vernon, IL and Tawnie Miller, of Mulkeytown, IL; nieces and nephews Jacob Orr, Ayden Orr, Trevor Basenberg, Landon Orr, Riley Basenberg, Drake Vorhees.

Heather was a CNA.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Margaret Sue Lemons, age 74, of Sesser, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2016 at her daughter’s home in Sesser.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 1, 2016 at the First Apostolic Church of Sesser, with Pastor Michael L. Fleming officiating.  Burial will be in the Hammond Cemetery of Sesser.  Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

Mrs. Lemons was born on September 14, 1941 in Taylorville, IL, the daughter of Theodore Baxter and Della Lucille (Scott) Baxter.  She married Lloyd Lemons on September 12, 1960, and he preceded her in death on May 31, 2010.

She was a housewife.  Formerly she was a cook at Marlo’s restaurant.  She will be most remembered as “the Hotline Lady” where she volunteered until her retirement.

Mrs. Lemons was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Sesser.

She is survived by her two children: Theodore Lemons and Tena Collins, both of Sesser; three grandchildren: Lindsay Smith and husband Dakota, of Ft. Polk, LA, Jeremy Young of Zeigler, Mykul Lemons of Crete, IL; two great-grandchildren: Colton and Gracelynn Smith, both of Ft. Polk, LA; a sister: Millie Pasko and husband Mike of Buckner, three brothers: Ray Baxter and wife Dorothy, of Sesser, Luke Baxter of Sesser, John Baxter and wife Debbie of Ashley, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Lemons was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters: La Verne Lenhan and Janie Tucker, and a brother: Paul Baxter.

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

Mary Beth Kihs, 62, of Benton, passed away at 11:59 p.m., on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

She was born on February 15, 1954 to James and Ruth (Little) Cavaness in Christopher, IL.

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

Per Mary’s wishes cremation was held.  Services will be private.

 Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Kathleen “Katy” Ann Lewis, 61, of Sesser, IL, passed away on August 26, 2016 at Marshall Browning Hospital, in Du Quoin, IL.

Katy was born on July 25, 1955 in Pinckneyville, IL, the daughter of Charles Flanary and Dorthea (Koontz) Flanary.

She married William “Bill” Lewis on October 24, 1972 and he survives of Sesser.

Katy served as a board member for the Horse Prairie Cemetery and the Sesser Fire Protection District.  She was a volunteer at the Sesser Library and the Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament.  She was also a member of the Sesser Homecoming Association and Clerk for Barren Township. She was a homemaker.

Katy is survived by her children, Melody Lewis, of Sesser, Joshua (Rachel) Lewis, of Scheller, IL and Andrew Lewis, of Sesser; grandchildren Blaine Leslie, Jared Leslie, Sophia Lewis, Nealia Lewis, Isaac Lewis and Levi Lewis; brothers Randol (Mildred) Sumner of Pinckneyville and Bryan Flanary of Pinckneyville. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church, in Sesser, with the Rev. Ernie Lewis and the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Visitation will be on Monday August 29, 2016 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral home in Sesser and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery, in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the staff at Marshall Browning Hospital for their care and hospitality during their time of need.

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

For more information visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Mary Ellen Fann, 77, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25 at 2:15 a.m. Mary was born June 27, 1939 to Stanley and Della (Phillips) Brown.

On September 6, 1959 she married the love of her life, Billy Earl Fann and together they proudly and lovingly raised two sons, Billy Jr. and Bryan and one daughter, Tricia. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be dearly missed by her family.

Mary was a great cook and enjoyed cooking dinners for her family. She loved playing bingo with friends and poker games with her family. Mary and her husband, along with their friends and family created many special memories at their lake home on the West Frankfort City Lake. She also had two great-grandsons that brought joy to her heart and a smile to her face.

Mary worked at Container Stapling in Herrin for many years to help provide for her family.

She is survived by her two sons, Billy Fann Jr. and his companion Helen, Bryan Fann and his wife Jana, and one daughter, Tricia Salmo and her husband Marc, one daughter-in-law, Denise Fann, six  grandchildren Amanda Fann Farrell  and husband Liam, Kira Fann Bandy and husband JT ,Chase Fann, Faith Fann Vandekerkhove and husband Treg , Cory Salmo and Adam Salmo, two great grandsons, Lane and Brennan and a third great-grandchild on the way.  She is also survived by two brothers-in-law, five sisters-in-law, and several nieces and nephews.

Proceeding Mary in death were her husband, Billy, parents, Stanley and Della Brown, brothers , Floyd (Dorothy) Brown, Ralph Brown, Nathan (Hazel) Brown, Charles Brown and one sister Virginia (Joe) Struckle.

A Memorial Service for Mary will be held on Saturday August 27, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Kirby Ownby officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday August 27, 2016 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Mulkeytown cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Helia Healthcare Activity Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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