Sharlyn Kay Gunter-Benton, IL

Our Dear Mother, Sharlyn Kay Gunter, 72, sadly passed away on Thursday September 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM at her home. She was a wonderful mother who loved her children unconditionally and was always there for us. She was also a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend.

Sharlyn was born on April 20, 1951 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL. She was the daughter of Floyd Pete and Elsie Mae (Boling) Offerman of Pinkneyville.

Sharlyn worked at Decca Records out of high school where she met her husband Donald Ray Gunter. They were married 52 years and he survives.

She is also survived by her children, Sherri Dawn Gunter of Sesser, Jason Ray (Shawna) Gunter of Sesser and Cory Don Gunter of Evansville, IN, one sister Norma Jean (Rick) Lowman of Mesquite, TX, several grandchildren Jordan (Lauren) Gunter, Joshua Gunter, Gavin (Marissa) Gunter, Jaslyn Gunter, Shayna Slone and Jaxon Gunter and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Garry Allen Offerman of Beaumont, TX.

She was a member of the Illinois Sigma Phi Chapter 10190 of Beta Sigma Phi at Sesser. She also worked at Weeks Chevrolet in West Frankfort for several years until her retirement.

Everyone that knew her loved her. She was kind and had a smile that would light up any room. She always helped others and loved her family immensely. She was loved so very much and will be missed dearly.

Funeral services for Sharlyn will be on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Bill Uhles officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Linda Lou Willis-Christopher, IL

Linda Lou Wills, 82, of Christopher, passed away on Friday September 22, 2023 at her home.

She was born on September 23, 1940 to Cecil and Lucille (Kirkpatrick) Grove. She married Ralph Willis on April 5, 1974 and he survives. She is also survived by her children Danny (Toni) Furlow of Coello, IL and Robin Bullock of Christopher; grandchildren Kyle Furlow and Nickolaus Furlow; great grandchildren Kayson Furlow and Greyson Rivett; three sisters Joyce Wright of Christopher, Brenda Poe of West Frankfort, IL and Windie Dorris and two brothers LeRoy (Pam) Grove of Carterville, IL and Darrell Grove of West Frankfort.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one granddaughter Ashley Rivett.

Linda’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Ralph Willis for an Education Fund for the great grandchildren.

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

Janet Carol Rone – Thompsonville, IL

Janet Carol Rone, 65, of Thompsonville, passed away at 9:09 a.m., on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

She was born on December 9, 1957, to Carl and Melba (Warren) Darnell in Poenton, IL.
She was a member of Akin Missionary Baptist Church.
Janet was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed taking care of other people. She was the entertainer of the family, always cutting up, laughing and bringing a smile to others.

Janet is survived by her sons, Jason (Amanda) Rone and Travis Rone; granddaughter, Emma Rone; sister, Deb (Dave) Link; brother, Keith (Bobbie) Darnell; nephews, Chad (Jamie) Link, Ryan (Kelli) Darnell and Brody Rone; nieces, Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage and Mallory (Eli) Lampley and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Dean and Melba Lois Darnell, her husband, Roger Lee Rone and sister, Amy Rone.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin,IL.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Residential Hospice and Franklin Hospital, for the exceptional care Janet received.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Kathryn L. Wilson – Benton, IL

Kathryn L. Wilson, 91, of Benton passed away Monday morning, September 18, 2023 at Helia HealthCare in Benton.

She was born in Benton, IL on January 29, 1932 the daughter of Everett & Belvia (Overturf) Marvel. She married Bob Wilson on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on December 5, 1997.

Mrs. Wilson was of the Assembly of God Faith.

Mrs. WIlson is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Karen Dancer of Haleyville, AL
Linda Hiney & husband Randall of Haleyville, AL
7 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandchildren
Sister: Judy Shurtz & husband Merle Ray of Mt. Vernon, IL
Son-in-law: Danny WIlson of Benton, IL

Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter-Debbie Wilson, Son-in-law-LaVough Dancer, 4 Sisters-Dorothy, Virginia, Evelyn & Freda and 6

Brothers-Clyde, Roy, Raymond, Eddie, Jackie & Bobby.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 22nd at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Joecy James Padavic – Benton, IL

Joecy James Padavic, age 15, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Benton Civic Center.

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

Joecy was born on May 4, 2008, in Carbondale, Illinois; the daughter of Jeff Padavic and Stacy (Golliher) Padavic.

She was a Sophomore at Benton Consolidated High School where she was a former cheerleader.

Her family said that she enjoyed taking selfies, dancing, singing, hanging out with her friends, and going to the beach in Panama City, Florida. She was looking forward to getting her drivers license.

Surviving is her loving mother Stacy Golliher Padavic of Benton; her doting father Jeff Padavic of Benton; siblings Tyler Golliher and Seth Padavic both of Benton; her grandparents Pat and Connie Golliher of Benton, Cameron and Rhonda Trusty of Benton, Theresa Twogood of Herrin; great-grandparents John and Karen Golliher of Benton, Barbara Whitsett of Benton, Carolyn Trusty of West Frankfort; aunts and uncles: Brad and Jara Wilson of Benton, Preston Golliher of Sesser, Jayme Martinez of Benton, Kyle Grant of Thompsonville; cousins: Lyric and Emerson Golliher, Kylie and Cody Grant, Chesney Chamberlain, Ayzik Martinez, Kadinz and Keezley Wilson; and several great-aunts and uncles, and numerous other cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa Joe Padavic; great-grandparents: George and Mary Golliher, Frank and Ann Padavic, Dennis Whitsett, Francis and Margaret Reith, Carolyn White, and Lonnie Reiger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Fund that has been established to assist each of the three families equally with funeral expenses; and will be accepted at the services on Thursday.

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

Ellaine R. Goss – Ewing, IL

Mrs. Ellaine Rose Goss, age 70, of Ewing, Illinois and formerly of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away at 8:28 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services at this time.

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

Ellaine was born on June 25, 1953, the daughter of Robert B. Lueken and Margaret Emory (Meisenheimer) Lueken. She married Michael Lee Goss on October 15, 1999, and he survives.

She was a retired Childhood Development worker, having last worked as a Director with Head Start in St. Charles, Missouri.

Ellaine enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables from her garden, and reading. She was a former Girl Scout leader. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. She was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael Goss of Ewing, Illinois; her three children: Jennifer Hohlt and husband Brian of St. Charles, Missouri, Andrew Wiskoski and wife Dawn of Union, Missouri, Margaret “Maggie” Fischer and husband Scott of St. Charles, Missouri; Mike’s children: Michelle Hollowell and husband Jason, Jennifer Beskorovany, Corinne “Cori” Tinker and husband Denny, all of St. Charles, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren to whom she was referred to as “Gummy”; a brother Steven Lueken and wife Trish of Eureka, Missouri; a sister Beverly Cantoni and husband Robert of Manchester, Missouri; several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Goss was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Sharon Kuhlmann.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Ellaine to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hosea W. Eubanks – Buckner, IL

Hosea W. Eubanks, 91, of Buckner, passed away at 11:55 p.m., on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Marion VA Health Care, Marion, IL.

He was born on July 1, 1932, to Hosea and Grace (Meyers) Eubanks in Christopher, IL. On August 30, 1952, he married the former Norma Sanders, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2010.

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

Hosea was a loving father and grandfather and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling in Southern Illinois, bingo, cards and horses.

Hosea is survived by his children, Gene (Kelly) Eubanks, Charmion (Kerry) Einspahr and Roy (Mary) Eubanks; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Grace Eubanks, wife, Norma Jeannine Eubanks, seven brothers and four sisters.

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

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL

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

Landen Brian Agnitsch – Whittington, IL

Landen Brian Agnitsch, 16, of Whittington passed away on Saturday September 16 at 6:00pm.

He was born on May 4, 2007 in Carbondale to Jeremy and Kimberly (Cockrum) Agnitsch. He attended Whittington Baptist Church and loved sports, especially football and wrestling.

Landen was preceded in death by his father Jeremy Agnitsch, paternal grandfather Robbie Barkley, maternal grandfather Brian Cockrum.

He is survived by his mother and step-father Kimberly and Nathan DeSett; brothers Gavin Agnitsch and Chase DeSett; sisters Lexie and Zoey DeSett; maternal grandparents Zelta Eldridge, Duane (Saida) DeSett, and Jammie (Robin) Hutchison; paternal grandmother Melissa Barkley; great-grandfather Mike Eldridge; girlfriend Chloe Arnone; aunts Hilary (Danny) Siefert, Hannah Cockrum, Rachael Walling, Natalie (Bobby) Stark, and Brenda Boner; uncle Joe (Kim) Agnitsch; and many cousins.

Services will be held on Friday September 22, 2023 at the Whittington Church in Whittington at 11:00am with Pastor Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00pm to 8:00pm at the church.
Memorials may be made to the family to assist with funeral arrangements and will be accepted at the Union Funeral Home.

Bradley Williams – Benton, IL

Bradley Scott Williams, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Dr. Kirk Kay and Rev. Ryan Casey officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Bradley was born on May 13, 2006, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Kellis Paul Williams and Jamie Nichole (Smith) Gostowski.

Brad was a Junior at Benton Consolidated High School where he was on the wrestling team. He recently worked at West City McDonalds.

His family said that he had a “Heart of Gold”, he was a free spirit and enjoyed doing his own thing. Brad also enjoyed being a prankster, hanging out with his friends, going to Sonic, sleeping in, and boxing in the basement.
He loved watching and attending WWE events, watching Cardinal Baseball, eating at Fujiyama’s, and loved to watch over-and-over again his two favorite movies, The Sandlot and Home Alone. He was proud and loved driving his car.
His mother said he will be remembered as always being a vibrant, happy, and free person.

Surviving is his loving mother Jamie Gostowski of Benton, Illinois; his loving father Kellis Williams of Herrin, Illinois; his siblings: Reese Cornelison of Benton, Illinois, Hudson McCord of Herrin, Illinois, Chasen Cornelison, Benton, Illinois, Levi Williams of Centralia, Illinois; grandmother Georgia Lohman of Benton, Illinois; aunts and uncles: Beth Karnes and Brian Aaron of West Frankfort, Illinois, Brandon Smith of Benton, Illinois, Tiffanie Crabtree of O’Fallon, Illinois, Chasity Smith of Benton, Illinois, Zina Smith and Clay Richardson of Herrin, Illinois, Mike Williams of Akin, Illinois; great-uncle David Ezell of Benton, Illinois; several cousins including: Jersey Smith, Halle Smith, Hadley Richardson, Charli Smith, Atticus Richardson, Brooke and Clint Williams, Ashley Karnes, Jarrett and Lindy Cash, Skye Carlisle; numerous other extended family and his friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Charlie and Barb Williams; maternal grandpa Jack Lohman; uncles Scott Ezell and Chuck Karnes; a great-aunt Kathy Ezell.

Memorial contributions in memory of Brad may be made to either the Benton or Herrin Wrestling Programs, and will be accepted at the services.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Brad, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family has requested that everyone wear bright colored clothing to Bradley’s services, he wouldn’t want everyone dressed up and dark.

Jama M. Stanton – Benton, IL

Jama Marie Stanton, age 77, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at her home.

Jama was born on May 13, 1946, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harold Fred Hollaway and May Olean (Cook) Hollaway. She was married to Rickey J. Stanton, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was recently retired from her position at the Franklin County Courthouse, where she served as a domestic violence legal advocate. Jama leaves a legacy of service. She was an active servant of the people of Franklin County through CASA, Benton Volunteers, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, and many other organizations.

Jama loved travel (especially to the beach), dancing, reading, crafting, fishing, antiquing, and playing candy crush. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by a daughter Angie Harrison and husband Tab of Murphysboro, Illinois; a son Kris Wagner of Benton, Illinois; Grandchildren: Alicia Mormino of Marion, Illinois, Emily Zurlinden and husband Justin of Carbondale, Illinois, Shelby Harrison of Murphysboro, Illinois, Ben Holland of Bremen, Georgia, Savannah Harrison of Benton, Illinois and Brock Harrison of Benton, Illinois; Great-grandchildren: Oliver Zurlinden and Matthew Zurlinden; her sister Karen Hampton and husband Jack of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jama was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

Her wishes are to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a future date.

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

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Jama to the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center or the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News