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

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

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, 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, 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.