Mary Slaton, age 64, of Ewing, passed away at 6:55 p.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 at her home.

Mary’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be no public services at this time.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mary was born on October 16, 1951 in Arcadia, MO, the daughter of Ollie Chasten and Dorothy (Tripp) Chasten.

She married James Arthur Slaton on January 7, 1996 and he survives.

She was of the Lutheran faith.

Before her health failed her, Mary was a clerk at Lake Zone Shell in Whittington.

Mary enjoyed fishing. She loved garage sales, playing cards, board games, and family cookouts. Her family said she was the best at barbecuing chicken. When her kids would come to visit, she always enjoyed a car ride around Rend Lake, and a trip to Lake Benton with her grandchildren to feed the ducks.

Mary is survived by her husband Jim Slaton of Ewing; a son Richard Freeston of Galesburg, IL; a daughter Jennifer and spouse Tamra Pagel of Pontiac, IL; four step-sons: Ryan Slaton, Jason Slaton, Joshua Slaton and Nathen Slaton all of Pontiac, IL; four grandchildren: Kaitlyn, Nathan, Keegan, and Sarah; three brothers: Norman, James, and Ray all of Texas; two sisters: Norma and husband Frank of Des Moines, IA, Deanna and husband Dave of Chenoa, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters: Darlene and Debbie; and a brother Stanley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with Mary’s cremation expenses.

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

Sara Ann Burgess, 73, of Valier, IL passed away at 8:03 p.m. on March 10, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Sara was born December 7, 1942 in Christopher, IL the daughter of John Gamrat and Fern (Slinger) Gamrat.

She married Bob Burgess on September 24, 1962 and he preceded her in death on June 26, 2005.

Sara is survived by her children, Joe and Diana Burgess, Valier, Elizabeth and Jeff Shew, of Benton, IL and John and Tamara Gamrat, of Golconda, IL; grandchildren Dalton and Kryslyn Shew, Katherine Shew, Madeline Burgess and Jacob Burgess. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

She was a member of the Sesser-Valier Distinguished Alumni Committee, Valier Alumni Association, Valier Woman’s Club, and Valier Village Trustee. She was a member of the Valier Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, IL with Pastor Harold Quick officiating. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery, in Sesser. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, March 14, 2016 from 6 to 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Valier Alumni Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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

May C. DeLyser, 93, of Benton, IL, passed away March 10, 2016 at StoneBridge Senior Living Center, in Benton, IL.

She was born in Rochester, New York on August 8, 1922, the daughter of Jesse and Lily (Mead) Comstock.

She married Robert M. DeLyser on November 21, 1942 and he preceded her in death on June 20, 2000.

Mrs. DeLyser dearly loved her grandchildren. She had a great love for toy poodles, orchids and birds and shopping. She loved life to the end.

Mrs. DeLyser is survived by her children, Sharon A. Potts and Kayo Pitts, of Faubush, KY, Ronald DeLyser and wife Linda, Thornton, CO, Thomas R. DeLyser and wife Meri, of Rowlett, TX and Ellen S. Dorchincez and husband BJ of Benton, IL; grandchildren Nina May Dorchincez, Blaze Dorchincez, Robert (Bobby) Edwards, Craig Potts, Ronnie Potts, Tami Erna, Shelly Smith, Marc DeLyser and Aaron DeLyser; one cousin Earl Comstock, Coshen, IN. She is also survived by several great-grandchildren.

Mrs. DeLyser was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by a grandchild, Devon Lee DeLyser, a sister Lillian McIntyre and by an infant sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 13 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Preston House officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.

For those who wish memorial contributions can be made to Celtic Hospice.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Celtic Hospice and the administration and staff of StoneBridge Senior Living Center for the excellent care that was given.

 

Donna Darlene Morgan, 70, of Sesser, IL passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2016 at her home.

Donna was born June 24, 1945 in Union County, MI, the daughter of Herbert Kizer and Frieda (Easter) Kizer.

She married Louis Morgan on July 22, 1965 and he survives of Sesser.

Donna was a homemaker.

She is survived by her children, Paula Morgan, of Sesser, Danny Morgan, of St. Charles, MO, Lisa Morgan, of Sesser, James Morgan, of Alton, IL and Pammy Morgan, of Bethalto, IL; brothers Terry Kizer, of East Alton, IL, James Kizer, of East Alton and Gerald Kizer, of East Alton; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Rickie Kizer, Larry Kizer and Tommy Kizer.

Donna’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a memorial service at a later date.

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

 

 

 

Kevin Lee Chamness, age 47, of Benton, passed away at 3:05 a.m. Sunday, February 28, 2016 at his parent’s home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 2, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Tower Heights Cemetery, West Frankfort, IL. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Kevin was born on October 17, 1968 in Benton, IL, the son of Lyndell Vernell Chamness and Shirley Ann (Parks) Chamness.

Kevin was employed as a Lieutenant with the Illinois Department of Corrections, Big Muddy Correctional Center in Ina.

He enjoyed coaching and watching his daughter’s softball team, watching her play volleyball, and he enjoyed playing golf.

Kevin is survived by his daughter Sydney Chamness of West Frankfort; his parents Lyndell and Shirley Chamness of Benton; a sister Tina and husband Kevin Harpool of West Frankfort; a brother Keith Chamness and wife Misty of Benton; a step-brother Michael Chamness and wife Anne of Utah; an aunt and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents; and a step-brother Craig Chamness.

Memorials contributions may be made to assist with Sydney’s future college education; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

LOGAN — Marilyn Rae Moss, 76, of Logan, IL passed away Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born in Logan on Nov. 11, 1939, the daughter of Arthur L and Laura Sue (Rieder)  Roach.

She married her high school sweetheart, James Roy Moss on October 5, 1957.

Mrs. Moss enjoyed crocheting and camping with friends.

She is survived he her husband, James R. Moss, of Logan; son Jimmie Moss Jr. of Logan; daughter Jamie Lampley and husband Donald, of Benton, IL; two grandsons Jacob Tylor and Andrew Roy; granddaughter Madilyn Rae; seven siblings, Kenneth Roach and wife June, of Sumiton, AL, Phyllis Carlisle and husband C.L., of Thompsonville, IL, Sharon Pedigo, of Benton, Beverly Rosoho and husband Nick, of Zeigler, IL, Bette Lambert and husband Bill, of Herrin, IL, Arthur Roach and wife Katie, of Logan and Marla Patten and husband Keith, of Logan. She was also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Moss was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers-in-law, Jim Pedigo and Paul Ray Moss.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 26, 2016 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with the Rev. Mike Mayberry officiating. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the church.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

BENTON — Andy Lee Williams, age 66, of Benton, passed away at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at his home.

A Memorial BBQ and Celebration of Andy’s Life, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the Kiwanis Hall located at 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois; with Pastor Alan Newman officiating.

Andy’s wishes were to be cremated. Cremation services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Andy was born on December 8, 1949 in Mt. Vernon, IL, the son of Ora Stanford Williams and Mary Catherine “Woody” (Woodring) Williams. He married the former Kathryn Ann Kinkade on February 27, 2004.

He was a master brick layer and a member of the Brick Layers Union.

Andy served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

He was a former member of the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church.

Andy enjoyed Harley Davidson Motorcycles, his dogs, horseback riding, fishing, gardening, spending time with his family, and barbecuing.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Williams of Benton; his mother Mary Catherine “Woody” Williams of Benton; five children: Shane Gostowski of Benton, Amy Williams of Rhode Island, Kim Williams of Rhode Island, Mason Williams and wife Jenna of New Orleans, Andrea Williams of Carbondale; four grandchildren: Ryan, Mason, Aaron and Amber; seven siblings: Guy Williams of Benton, Jimmy Fones and wife Edith of Pensacola, FL, David Williams and wife Debbie of Benton, Stanley Williams and wife Jean Ann of Benton, Jeanita Spillman and husband Merv of Benton, Terry Williams and wife Mary of Benton, Rita Arcieri and husband Kevin of Conroe, TX; his four legged family: Bailey, Spike, Buddy-Guy, Walter; and several nieces and nephews.

Andy was preceded in death by his father, father-in-law Nolen Kinkade, brother-in-law Russell Kinkade, and sister-in-law Jan Williams.

Memorials contributions may be made in memory of Andy, to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

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