Charlene Marie Thompson, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 5:35 p.m. Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at her home.

Charlene’s wishes are to be cremated.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Charlene was born on October 2, 1956, in St. Louis, Missouri; the daughter of Charles Tate and Dorothy (Zoeller) Tate.

She formerly worked as a house maid with Sure Stay Hotel in Benton.

Charlene loved to go antiquing. She enjoyed the outdoors, and especially liked nature watching and trail walking.

Surviving is two nephews: Travanti Jones of Benton, IL, Jason Jones of St. Louis, MO; a niece Chanel Fielder of St. Louis, MO; and several great-nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister Sandra Jones; and a nephew Drumson Jones.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Charlene, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Ryan Christopher Wininger, 41, of Benton, passed away at 11:42 p.m., on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at his home surrounded by his family. Ryan was a cherished member of our family, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

He was born on December 17, 1981, to Donald and Bonnie Wininger in West Frankfort, IL.

Ryan had a deep love for his family and friends. He was a very loving son, brother and uncle who was able to connect with everyone. He especially loved his faithful dog, Xena. Ryan was always willing to lend a helping hand, embodying the true essence of friendship. He was known as a very giving and loyal person. One of Ryan’s greatest joys in life was the thrill of the open road. He had a deep love for motorcycles and bicycles finding solace in the wind against his face and the freedom of the journey. Ryan was also an avid adventurer, embracing the great outdoors with open arms. He found peace and serenity in nature, whether it was cruising on his motorcycle, pedaling along scenic trails, or indulging in the excitement of mudding in his truck.

Ryan is survived by his mother, Bonnie Wininger; four sisters, Kimberly (Dale Houseworth) Livesay, Robin Culbreth, Beth Livesay, and Kristen Garner; two brothers, Stephen Livesay and Kevin Livesay; seven nieces and nephews and nine great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald G. Wininger, paternal grandparents, Harold & Cloeva Wininger and his maternal grandmother, Bonnie Snider.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL.

Memorial Gathering will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Connie Kerley – West Frankfort, IL

Connie Lee Kerley, age 57, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:56 a.m. Sunday, October 8, 2023, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon Thursday, October 12, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow in the Plaster’s Cemetery north of Thompsonville. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Thursday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Connie was born on September 9, 1966, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Marshall McCullough and Eloise (Serles) McCullough. She married Billy Joe Kerley on September 6, 1985, and he survives.

She was a homemaker and loved taking care of her family. She was a member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church.
She enjoyed morel mushroom hunting. Her family said she was very proud of being the first each year to find morels.

Surviving is her loving husband of 38 years, Billy Joe Kerley of West Frankfort; two sons: Aaron Marshall Kerley and wife Mackenzie of Johnston City, Ethan Joe Kerley and wife Allyson of West Frankfort; her parents Marshall and Eloise McCullough of Thompsonville; two grandsons: Noah Marshall Kerley and Benjamin Scott Kerley both of West Frankfort; a sister Cathy Ann Wall and husband Donnie of Harrisburg; and three nieces: Danielle Baker, Mechelle Rawlings, and Dena Peavyhouse.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents.
Memorial contributions in memory of Connie may be made to the Manna Mission, 306 East Broadway Blvd, Johnston City, IL 62951, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Connie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Joe Robert DeAngelo, 85, of Benton, passed away on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on June 24, 1938 in Sparta to Joe and Beula (Ballard) DeAngelo. He married Ruth Ann (Hagan) DeAngelo and she preceded him in death. He then married Dorothy (Brueggemann) DeAngelo and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his children Mark (Sherry) DeAngelo of Benton, Angela (Joe) Bullock of Benton and Teresa (John) Stacey of Sesser; grandchildren Christy (Justin) Polland, Ashley Butler, Sierra DeAngelo, Brooke DeAngelo, Savanah King, Domenick Bullock, Alecia Stacy and Maggie Stacey; great granddaughter Peyton King and one brother John DeAngelo of Sparta.

He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, one daughter Julie Butler and one infant brother James Lee DeAngelo.

Joe was a 33-year veteran of the construction industry and brought to Korte Construction Company many experiences in projects ranging from nuclear power plants to St Louis Busch Stadium. He personally supervised the largest concrete pour in history at the Clinton Nuclear Power Station.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army serving during the Korean War.

He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher.

Funeral services will be on Sunday October 8, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Caledonia Cemetery in Sparta, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Christopher or to the Sesser VFW. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Candace Marie Pedigo, age 70, of Benton, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Visitation Services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, October 5, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Candace’s wishes are to be cremated. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

She was born on January 7, 1953, in Cleveland, Ohio; the daughter of James Robinson and Marie (Whitecotton) Robinson. On March 5, 1971, she would be united in marriage to Dennis Wayne Pedigo. Together they shared 44 years of marriage, until his death on June 8, 2015.

Mrs. Pedigo was retired. She formerly worked as a waitress with the V.F.W. Post #2671, and with the Kewpee Café. She also worked as a cook at area nursing homes, and she also formerly worked in the deli and meat department at Dyel’s IGA.
Candace last attended the Jackson Grove Baptist Church near Benton.

She, along with her late husband and her children, enjoyed fishing and camping. Most of all she enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren compete in Benton Ranger sporting events. Her family said, “You knew where she was sitting at a sporting event, she was the loudest cheering grandma at the game”. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are two children: D.J. Pedigo and wife Trina of Marion, IL, Kelley Ann White and husband Eric of Benton, IL; seven grandchildren: Brittany Hammonds and husband Branden of Benton, IL, Zachary White and fiancée Maggie Russell of Benton, IL, Amber Pedigo and fiancée Corey Vreeland of Herrin, IL, Kaylee Pedigo of Marion, IL, J.J. White of Benton, IL, Easton Pedigo and Faith Pedigo both of Marion, IL; two great-grandchildren: Sophia Vreeland, River Hammonds, and one on the way; three brothers: Steve Robinson and wife Trisha of Mt. Vernon, IL, Dave Robinson and wife Linda of Mt. Vernon, IL, Rick Robinson and wife Lori, Benton, KY, several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five brothers: Jim Robinson, Denny Robinson, Kenny Robinson, John Robinson, Bob Robinson.
Memorial contributions in memory of Candace, may be made to the American Kidney Foundation, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Candace Pedigo, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Mrs. Rose Imogene (Fitzpatrick) Bushue, age 76, of Benton, passed away at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Harrisburg Medical Center.

Graveside Services were held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. David Fitzpatrick officiating. Private Family visitation was held at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Rose was born on April 21, 1947, in Benton, the daughter of Charles Fitzpatrick and Delie (Davis) Fitzpatrick. She married Harvey Dean Bushue on March 18, 1965, and he survives.

She was a homemaker.

Rose enjoyed to crochet, cook, bake, read her Bible and spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving is her loving husband Harvey Bushue of Benton, Illinois; two children: Charles Duane Bushue and wife Diana of Benton, Illinois, Donna Marie Bushue of Logan, Illinois; five grandchildren: Kaleb Bushue, Alicia Meyers, Chelsee Bushue, Jeremy Small, Ashley Durham; seven great-grandchildren; six brothers: Bob Fitzpatrick, Donald Fitzpatrick, Larry Fitzpatrick,
John Fitzpatrick, Rick Fitzpatrick, David Fitzpatrick; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters: Etta, Martha and Ramona; seven brothers: Bill, Jack, George, Chuck, Dennis and two infant brothers.

The family would prefer Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Shirley Mae Bradley, 78, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at her home.

She was born on November 20, 1944 to Robert and Elsie (Kirkpatrick) Bradley.

She is survived by her significant other Eric McFarland of Sesser; three grandchildren Bradi Lawrence, Simone (Clayton) Endersbe and Jose (Jamie) Rodriguez; great grandchildren Christopher, Samantha, Payton and Devin; one great great grandson Jacob and two sisters Alma Haywood of Benton and Millie (Gary) Capps of Valier and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Andrea Bradley, two sisters Ruth Henley and Rose Ann Melton and two brothers George Bradley and Robert Bradley.

Graveside services will be on Friday September 29, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Horse Prairie cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be at the Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Kenneth Mateycak, Sr., age 77, of Thompsonville, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his home.

Mr. Mateycak’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Kenneth was born on October 18, 1945, in Chicago, IL; the son of Joseph Mateycak and Lillian Mateycak. On December 1, 1986, he married the former Judith Kay Gunnels, and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2019.

Mr. Mateycak was a retired coal miner from Old Ben 26. While working at the mine he was referred to by his nickname, “Pollack.” He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Kenneth enjoyed being outdoors, working in his yard, drinking coffee, watching WSIL TV3, talking daily with his children, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving are his loving children: Bethany Mateycak of Memphis, TN, Kenneth “Butch” Mateycak, Jr. and wife Ruth of Benton, IL, Keith Mateycak and wife Amber of West Frankfort, IL, Curtis Mateycak and wife Julie of La Vergne, TN, Peggy Hipp of La Vergne, TN, Dawn Southwood of Illinois; sixteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; a sister Josette Siemeck and family of Orland Park, IL; a sister-in-law Ruth Feigl of Granite City, IL; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sons-in-law: Jeramie Southwood and Dave Hipp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Area Volunteers and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Earl Lee Smith, age 70, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 9:43 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

Earl Lee Smith was born in Fairfield, IL, the son of Kenneth Leon Smith and Mary Elizabeth (Jeffords) Smith. Earl married the love of his life, Isabel McDonald Smith on August 30, 1975 in Scotland. Together they raised five children and numerous foster children.

Earl served 20 years in the United States Navy (8 years active and 12 years Seabee reserves). This accomplishment was something he was most proud of. Before joining the Navy, Earl graduated from Mills Prairie High School and continued his education at Olney Central College. Earl retired in 2010 from the United States Postal Service after working 28 years. Earl’s hobbies include running, biking, swimming, listening to music, geocaching, spending time with his grandkids, and taking care of his family farm in Burnt Prairie, IL. The farm has been in the family for over 150 years and Earl enjoyed farming with his Dad and Grandpa, Charles T. Smith. Earl has run 108 marathons and countless other races. One of his favorite accomplishments was twice qualifying for the Boston marathon.
Earl is survived by his wife, Isabel and his five children: Sheri (Shon) Hargis, James (Melissa) Smith, Rebecca (Dustin) Chavez, Shannan (Dr. Matthew) Bernico, and Evan Smith. His eight grandchildren who are his pride and joy, Raine, Nora, Luna, Deklan, Lewis, Charlee, Ryne, and Archie. His siblings Nancy Merritt, Betty (Jeff) Schroeder, Ray (Kim) Smith, and Gail Doggett and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Earl was a man of strong faith, and he was an active member of Whittington Church where he enjoyed men’s fellowship and Monday night ping-pong. On September 23rd, 2023, Earl finished his last race and ran into the arms of Jesus.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Whittington Church, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Buria, with Military Honors, will follow in the Burnt Prairie Cemetery, Burnt Prairie, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Whittington Church.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whittington Church for the construction of a children’s playground.

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