Suella Marie (Smith) Sullivan, 70, of Benton, passed away at 6:50 a.m., on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, IL.

She was born on March 26, 1953, to Charles and Norma (Bigham) Smith in Christopher, IL. She attended Benton High School and Rend Lake College Nursing Program working in several nursing homes.

She was the mother of Melony (Beasley) Dalby and David Brown.

Suella is survived by her son, David (Callie) Brown of Benton, IL; her brother, Robert “Bob” (Pam) A. Smith of Benton, IL; four granddaughters, Katlyn (Andrew) Conners, Faith Wyant, Peyton Robinson and Hannah Robinson; two step-granddaughters, Jayla Eubanks and Jacey Eubanks; great-grandson, Julian Conners; great-granddaughter, Wynonna Kay Gibson and several nieces, nephew, uncles, aunts and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles M. and Norma Smith, daughter, Melony (Beasley) Dalby, infant brothers, Richard Brent Smith and Charles Edward Smith, paternal and maternal grandparents, Edward and Marie Smith and Melvin and Mayme Bigham.

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

Per Suella’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Burial will be the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton at a later date.

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

Timothy Ray Jones, 76, of Coello, Illinois, passed away on November 25, 2023 surrounded by family at Marshall Browning Hospital.

He was born on August 8, 1947, in DuQuoin, Illinois. Tim was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who worked many years in the coal mines to provide for his family before retiring.

Timothy is survived by his beloved wife, Brenda Jones, and their children Kerry (Dana) Jones of Yorkville Illinois, James (Kim) Jones of Springfield Illinois and Kami (Eric) Buchanan of Monteagle Tennessee. He was a proud grandfather to Taylor Hamilton, Huntar (Anthony) Parra, Kierra Brenn Buchanan and Deacon Timothy Buchanan. Timothy also leaves behind his sisters and brothers Vicki (Chico) Bowlin of Coello, Illinois, Randy (Barbara) Jones, of Mexico, Missouri, Jill (Mark) Waldis of Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his father Ray Jones and mother Juanita Jones both of Coello, Illinois.

Timothy received a well-rounded education graduating from Christopher High School in 1965. He went on to have a successful career working in multiple coal mines mainly in southern Illinois. Outside of work, Timothy enjoyed golfing, traveling, stamp collecting, and fast cars. He had been to Jamaica over 48 times. He was a volunteer for the local fire department where he was involved with many local fundraisers and worked for the city as treasurer. He was a Member of the Shriners, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge of Sesser and the Valley of Southern Illinois 32nd Degree.

No memorial services will be held at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Timothy’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of Timothy Jones, a devoted family man and hard worker. May his soul rest in peace.

Debra Rae Camden (Walker), 69, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at her home on November 23, 2023.

She was born on July 8, 1954 in Wilmington, Ohio. She married Stephen Camden on September 18th, 1976 and he preceded her in death in 2015. Debbie is survived by her daughter, Lisa Camden of Herrin and son Bryan Camden of Christopher. She will be deeply missed by her grandchildren, Brian Krominga, Chelsea Krominga, Victoria (Tayler) Ellison, Beau Camden, Kennedi Camden, Knox Dublo, Kollyns Dublo, Alexia Johnson, Chase Johnson and Alivia Johnson, as well as her great-grandchildren Gracelynn, Paisleigh, and Kynndale. She is also survived by her sister, Judith (Dan) Pinckard of Missouri, aunt Betty Dillow of Ohio, and mother-in-law, Dorothy Camden of Benton along with a few nieces and nephews.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents Edith (Bob) Mosby and Paul Walker. As well as her sister, Paula and brother, John.

Debbie had a heart full of love and was known for her unconditional love for her children and family. She was a dedicated and hardworking lady, managing several gas stations around Southern Illinois. She then worked at Franklin Hospital for around 10 years. Debbie’s kindness and compassion were evident in her role as the President of the PTO program at the school for the hearing impaired in Marion while her daughter was attending. She was also the biggest and loudest fan of Red Devil Football, cheering on her son and two grandsons who participated in the sport.

With a smile that could light up a room, Debbie never met a stranger and had a knack for making everyone feel welcome. She had a kind nurturing spirit, always taking care of others. However, being a grandma was her favorite role. She cherished every moment spent with her grandchildren.

Debbie’s love and wild spirit touched the lives of those around her, leaving lasting memories.

Visitation will be held on Thursday November 30, 2023 from 11 am to 1pm, followed by the funeral service at 1pm at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Our beloved brother, uncle and father, David W Augustine, passed peacefully Friday, November 17, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN at the age of 75.

David was born on August 27, 1948, in Salina, Kansas.

David proudly served in the United States Army from 1970 to 1972, and then fulfilled his obligation in the Army Reserves until 1976.

David worked for Caterpillar Tractor Company for many years but decided to return to college where he graduated from The State of New York earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. Immediately after graduation he passed his CPA Exam (on his first attempt). He worked for the Internal Revenue Service for several years. David spent the next 26 years as an entrepreneur – working at, owning and operating H & R Block offices. [At the time of his death, he still owned and operated two locations.]

He is survived by his brother, Douglas and Grace (Narve) Augustine of Marquette Hts, IL.; sister Gay (Marshall) Bowlin of Benton, IL.; daughters, Amber Augustine and Zena Rosenberger, nieces and nephews; Charles and Catharine (Augustine) Brisby, Joseph and Robin Augustine, James and Dana Augustine, Jeff and Adena (Bowlin) Clark.; and great nephews Caleb Augustine, Henry Augustine and Louis Augustine.

He was preceded in death by his loving mother and father, Wilma (Eldridge) Marshall and Jimmy Marshall of Zeigler, IL, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins.

The family requests that all who knew David and would like to share stories to do so on the Leffler Funeral Home website at www.lpfuneralhome.com or by sharing in person at the funeral home.

Services will be as follows: Visitation on Friday December 1st, 2023, at Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, IL from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Burial with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the Army National Guard will follow at the Masonic & Oddfellow Cemetery, of Benton.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the Benton American Legion Post #280 or the Benton V.F.W. Post #2671 and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Brothers/Siblings may part, but the memories created between us will forever remain in our hearts.

Ira G. Ramsey, 84, of Ewing, passed away at 10:38 p.m., on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at the Franklin Hospital ER in Benton.

He was born on July 1, 1939, to Ira and Leona (Snow) Ramsey in Mount Vernon, IL. He married the former Reta Jones and after 44 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on June 6, 2018.

Ira loved his family and his pet dog. He enjoyed gardening and taking walks outside.

Ira is survived by his children, Steve Ramsey, Clint A. Ramsey and Teresa (Edward) Campbell and his sister, Shelby Cockrum.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ira G., Sr., and Leona M. Ramsey, his wife, Reta K. Ramsey, his son, Brian Ramsey, his daughter, Linda Whittenberg, and his siblings, Bob Ramsey, Maxine Funkhouser, Christine Beard and Doris Ramsey.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Ira’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Linda Mae Cremeens went to be home with Jesus on Nov. 23, 2023. Linda was 79 years young.

Linda was born in Broughton, IL to John and Doris Myers on November 6, 1944. Linda married Ronald H. Cremeens from West Frankfort, IL, on June 2, 1962. Her husband, Ronald, survives.

To this union they had two beautiful daughters: Kristy Juecka who resides with her husband, Kevin, in Texas; Stacy Shaw who resides in Carterville, IL. Linda and Ron have three wonderful grandchildren: Nicholas Creasey who is a pilot in the U.S. Airforce and Caroline Bush, his fiancé; Madison Shaw who attends Carterville High School; and Elias Shaw who attends Carterville Junior High.

Linda was preceded in death by her brother Bill Myers and her parents, John and Doris Myers. Linda is survived by her brother Dick Myers and wife Ginny from Decatur, IL; brother Tom and wife Cynthia Myers of Newcastle, OK; sister-in-law Marilyn Myers of Evansville, IN; and brother-in-law Dwight Cremeens of West Frankfort, IL.

Linda received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and her Master’s Degree in Education at Rockford College. They moved away to the Dallas, Texas area for Ron to complete seminary. After his graduation, they came back to Benton, Illinois where she taught third grade for 34 years for Benton District 47. After retirement, Linda and Ron came back to Immanuel Baptist Church where they are currently members.

Linda was a glorious woman of faith and shared her love through praying for her family and friends. Linda was known for her boisterous laugh, her tender heart, and her giving spirit. Linda impacted so many and will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. The one thing that she had a tremendous love for beyond her family was her Coca-Cola.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Immanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Kirk Kay officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and monetary donations may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church for Missions.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Sharon Kay Kesler, 69, of Benton, passed away on Monday November 20, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on December 27, 1953 in Christopher, IL to Olen and Mildred “Millie” (Maleport) Jones. She married David Kesler on October 20, 2006 and he survives of Benton.

She is also survived by her sister Karen Sue Fourez of Benton; sister-in-law Mary Ann Kesler of Benton; best friend Dianne Johnson of Texico; nieces and nephews Jolie (Marty) Minor of Dix, Larry (Gayla) Fourez of Alabama, Jacqueline Brust of Zeigler and Johnny (Jami) Fourez of Sesser and several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother-in-law Larry Fourez.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday November 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM at St Joseph Catholic Church in Benton with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Sally Ann Cesar, 75, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday November 19, 2023 at 6:37 PM at Missouri Baptist Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 26, 1948 in Mulkeytown to Harry and Della (Hedger) Tindall. She married Gary Gene Cesar on November 4, 1966 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Tammy (Scott) Cesar-Sargent of Christopher and Kimberly Ann Cesar of Christopher; grandchildren Alex Sargent, Mareesa (Trent Halliday) Ratajczyk and Adrian Ratajczyk; great grandchildren Averie Shae Ratajczyk and Abel Micah Halliday; brothers and sisters Brenda (Terry) Pedigo of Christopher, Randy Tindall of Valier, Donna DeLaval of Mulkeytown and Dennis (Lori) Tindall of Mulkeytown; several nieces and nephews and a special friend of many years Kim Mitroka and special Christian Family Gigi’s Jesus Dolls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Shelby Randolph, sister and brother-in-law Fayetta and Charles Emmons and one brother-in-law Edgar DeLaval.

She was the Executive Vice President of the Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the St Aloysius Sacred Heart Parish in Royalton with Father Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher immediately following the Mass.

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