Judy Ann Hastings, 79, of Benton, passed away on May 6, 2023 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

She was born on October 22, 1943 in Peoria, IL to Earl and Flora (Crooks) Rogers. She is survived by her children, Bryan and Cheri (Rath) Hastings of Sesser and Cindy Hastings and (Joe Fennawalt) of West Frankfort and her sister Gloria Hastings of Valier, five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Flora Rogers, two brothers Jim Rogers and Skip Rogers and one sister Sharon Dozard.

Graveside services will be on Thursday May 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Judy will be missed by her family and friends.

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

Loretta Marie Whitlow, 90, of Sesser, passed away on Friday May 5, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on May 1, 1933 in St Louis, MO to Fred and Margaret (Wigard) Heidkamp. She married Raymond Kenneth Whitlow and he preceded her in death on February 18, 2005.

She is survived by her children Michael (Rosemary) Whitlow of Michigan, Barbara (Ron) Clark of Sesser and Bill (Joyce) Whitlow of Sesser; grandchildren Beth (Eddie) Mudgette, Rhonda (Jimmy) Combs and Robert (Mandi) Whitlow; great grandchildren Kayla, Lane, Katie, Christopher and Dakota and one great great grandchild Camron; three sisters Joyce Heidkamp of Cisco, Betty Leach of Monticello and Peggy (Ron) Parsons of Cosco and one brother Delmar Heidkamp.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one granddaughter Alisha Whitlow and two brothers Robert and Edward Heidkamp.

Funeral services will be on Saturday May 13, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother George Marshall officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Horse Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Maxine “Nana” (Taylor) Rowley, 98, of Sesser IL, surrounded by family went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 6, 2023.

Maxine was born May 4, 1925 in Scheller IL, to Alreva (Laur) Crain and Claude Taylor. Maxine was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, and friend. Her family, especially her grandchildren, were the light of her world. She loved to play with her grandchildren and was affectionately known in play as “Mrs. Widebottom”. Maxine enjoyed reading, baking, knitting, and crocheting. Thanks to her generous heart, many have received her knitted dish rags and crocheted blankets. She also loved numbers, working as a school bookkeeper when her children were young, making sure every penny was accounted for. Maxine was of deep faith in God, had a loving heart, and was a wonderful blessing to her family and friends. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Maxine was preceded in death by her father Claude Taylor; parents, Alreva and Orville Crain; her husband, Howard Rowley, after 54 years of marriage; and her brother, Max Ray Crain.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Evilsizer; son Stephen Rowley and his wife, Ann; son, Bruce Rowley; son, Carl Rowley; daughter, Judith Cochran and her husband, Mark; Nana to grandchildren Catherine and Howard Rowley; Shannon Phillips and her husband, Adam; Timothy Loucks; Sarah Szczepanski and Will Compton; Elizabeth Lents and her husband, Ross; Ashley Peterson; Lauren Cera and her husband, Alex; great-grandchildren Mae Belle Phillips, Gavin Lents, Chloe and Logan Cera, and numerous other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be on Monday May 15, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Maple Hill Cemetery.

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

Ronald L. Jones, 78, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at Stonebridge Nursing Home.

Ronald was born on November 24, 1944 in Centralia, IL to Allen and Dorothy Elvira (Nehrkorn) Jones. He married Virginia (Earl) Jones and she preceded in death.

He is survived by his caregivers and special friends Patti and Bob Utley of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one brother Roger Jones.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday May 10, 2023 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Linda S. Marvel, 82, of Benton, passed away at 5:15 a.m., on Monday, May 1, 2023, at Helia Health Care of Benton, IL.

She was born on October 20, 1940, to John and Lucinda (Gettings) Rich in Benton, IL. On October 25, 1958, Linda married Robert Marvel and he preceded her in death on December 31, 2020.

Linda was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed crocheting, socializing, putting puzzles together, playing games and going to church.

Linda is survived by her daughter, Lori Hopkins and her husband, Michael, of Murphysboro, IL; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Lucinda Carolyn Rich, husband, Robert Marvel, two sons, Jeffrey L. Marvel and David Keith Marvel and brother, Robert Gettings.

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

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at the Union Freewill Baptist Church, 1403 New Lake Road in Thompsonville, IL, with Pastor Ivan Ryan, officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Union-McCann Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Adelaine Faye Violet Valleroy, 92, of Christopher, passed away on April 30, 2023 at her home.

She was born on August 26, 1930 in Peoria, IL to Elmer and Ethel (Kirby) Casley SR. She married Nathan Valleroy and he preceded her in death.

She I survived by her daughter-in-law Cheryl Valleroy of Benton; grandchildren Timothy Learned, Casondra (Paul) Denton, Jacob (Erin) Learned, David (Melissa) Valleroy, Cristy (Travis) Bivins, Daniel Valleroy, Wesley Keith (Julie) Dunn, Sarah E. (Ethan) Klein and Katheryn Denise Valleroy; 18 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchildren; two sisters Josephine Bohannan of Kansas and Bonnie Seiwell of Peoria, IL; Elmer Casley Jr of Arkansas and John Casley of Metamora, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Diana Lynn Learned, one son Elmer Henry Valleroy and five brothers and sisters.

Adelaine loved to be outside working in her garden and with her flowers, but she especially loved her grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Friday May 5, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother John Overturf officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

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

Marcus Thomas Cunningham, Sr., died on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 4:25 p.m. in Benton, IL.

Marcus was born in Littleton, CO, on December 12, 1931. He attended Sacred Heart Grade and High School, Waterloo, IA. He then attended Iowa State Teachers College (University of Northern Iowa, Class of 1953) where he studied History and Business and earned a minor in Mathematics.

He married Elizabeth Ann Libner on January 23, 1959 at West Pullman, IL. They raised three children and were together until her death in 1995. Marcus had a long and successful career in the grocery business at Kroger Company; Vescio, Inc. in Michigan; Glosser Brothers and U-Save Warehouse, Johnstown, PA. After retirement, Marcus and Liz moved to Benton, IL.

Marcus is survived by his children and grandchildren:
Thomas F. II (Lynn) Lisle, IL – Benjamin Pointer, Kathryn
Janine (Chris Kane) Iowa City, IA – Hannah, Neil, Ellen
(Anne-Marie) Oshkosh, WI – Anastasia, Naomi, Michael, Christi, and Nicole,
as well as nieces and nephews and the many friends he made from all the places he lived, especially his community at Saint Joseph’s and neighbors, including most recently Memorial Care Center in Belleville, IL and Helia Heathcare of Benton.
He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas H. Cunningham; mother, Ellen A. (Davin); siblings Thomas F. Cunningham, Alice Linden, Helene V. Cunningham, and Margaret I. Cunningham; wife Elizabeth Ann (Libner); his younger son, Marcus T. Cunningham, Jr.; grandsons Sean Cunningham Kane and Matthew Patrick Cunningham.

Marcus was an active member of Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, including founding organizer of the Flea Market and member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks for approximately 68 years, most recently of Benton Lodge #1234; Marcus originally joined Chicago South lodge #1596.
Marcus has been described as a gentleman; mentor; and stubborn, lovable Irishman. His many hobbies included attending auctions and flea markets, collecting antiques, and worldwide travel with Liz prior to her death in 1995 and solo adventures to other far off destinations including Ireland and Scotland, Russia, China, Vietnam and Cambodia, Macchu Piccu, Italy, France, Greece, and Malta, his favorite.

Visitation will be held at Saint Joseph’s Church, Benton, IL on Saturday, May 6, 2023 from 10-11 a.m. with a Mass at 11 a.m. The Church will provide a lunch to follow Mass. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Waterloo, IA, on Monday, May 8, 2023 at 11 a.m..

In lieu of flowers, Marcus’ family requests that donations be directed to Camp HOPE, Stevens Point, WI (www.camphopeforkids.org), with which the Kane family has volunteered over the years since Sean’s death, or St. Joseph’s Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

David Dean Flowers, 82, went to be with the Lord at 4:18 AM on April 30, 2023, surrounded by his family and under the care of Hospice of Southern Illinois.

David was born on April 16, 1941 in Christopher, IL to James and Eloise Flowers.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Carol Ann Flowers, who he joined in Heaven. He was also preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jack, Donnie, and Sammy Flowers, one sister Betty Flowers, his grandmother Derrington and a granddaughter Jamie Flowers.

David leaves behind six children, daughters Tammy and Brad Lindsey of Royalton, Terri and Randy Loucks of Sesser, Beverly Miller of Zeigler and Karen McIntosh (Hank Bostedt) of Christopher; sons David and Mary Flowers of Christopher and Danny and Kelly Flowers of Christopher; 17 grandchildren Carol and Shawn Ratley of Christopher, Cheryl and Ron Baker of Goreville, Beverly and JJ Mintz of Herrin, Daniel and Robin Prather of Christopher, April Loucks of Centralia, Crystal and John Uraski of Sesser, Matthew Loucks of Sesser, Amanda Miller of Buckner, Melinda Miller (David Howe) of Florida, Sara and Mike Glenn of Arizona, Tamara McIntosh of Christopher, Wesley McIntosh of Zeigler, Daniel McIntosh of Coder, Bethany Flowers, Jericho Flowers and Hannah Flowers of Christopher, Michael Flowers of Christopher and Daniel Flowers of Christopher.

David enjoyed spending time with his family, attending church, singing and praising the Lord. David also enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, gardening, driving his golf cart around town, as well as organizing and being outdoors, especially at sunrise.

His family would like to thank all of those involved in his care during his last days, especially his granddaughters Cheryl and Carol, who cared for him with great love and tenderness, during his difficult time.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 4, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Doug Burkhamer officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Bob L. Johnston, 86, of Whittington passed away Sunday morning, April 30, 2023 at the Mt. Vernon Countryside Manor.

He was born in Whittington, IL on May 25, 1936, the son of Harley Oral & Bertha (Britton) Johnston.
He married Deanna Arnold on October 24, 1964.

Bob enjoyed playing, coaching, and watching various types of sporting events. He was a 1954 graduate of Benton High School, where he was part of a regional championship team in basketball. He went on an athletic scholarship to Erskine College in South Carolina to attain his teaching degree. He was a four-year starter in both baseball and basketball along with being selected as team captain in both sports his senior year. In 1994 Erskine College inducted him into their athletic Hall of Fame.

Bob’s teaching and coaching career included stops at Whittington, Royalton, Valier, and Galatia. The majority of his teaching years were with the Benton Grade School District, where he retired from in 1993. There are many who remember him as a member of the Whittington fastpitch softball team. Several of his years in the summer were spent at the Benton Park where he served as Park Superintendent.

Bob was at his best while teaching. This included not only the classroom but also in helping others learn to do things like water skiing or even flying radio controlled model airplanes. He loved going to Benton athletic events and worked on the scorebench for basketball games during the heyday of Benton basketball. He rarely missed watching the St. Louis Cardinals games.
During his retirement years he loved following his grandkids, Jared and Jenna, in all their sporting events and activities. Bob and Deanna attended Whittington Baptist Church where Bob enjoyed Sunday School classes.

Bob is survived by his:
Wife: Deanna Johnston of Whittington
Son: Jeff Johnston & wife Jan of Whittington
Grandson: Jared Johnston & wife MaKennah of Benton and Great-Granddaughter-Jovi
Granddaughter: Jenna Schimpf & husband John of St. Louis, MO
Bob was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Brother-Bill Johnston.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Friday, May 5th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mary Louise Shaw went to be with her heavenly father on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the age of 85. She passed peacefully in her home surrounded by her husband and children. Louise was born August 31, 1937 in Vienna, Illinois. She married Donald E. Shaw on June 23, 1956.

Louise was a member of Grace Bible Church in West City, Illinois. She loved spending time with her family and attending church. She blessed many lives through her many years as a childcare provider, foster parent, cafeteria and playground supervisor, and crossing guard.

Louise is survived by her husband, Donald Shaw of Benton, Illinois; children, Karyn Joseph of Marion, Illinois, Cheryl (Jeff) Moore of Maryville, Illinois, Scott (Jodi) Shaw of Smithton, Illinois, Christopher (Jeri) Shaw of Benton, Illinois, and daughter-in-law, Jackie Shaw of Warner Robbins, Georgia; grandchildren, Kelly (Brian) Gagne, Andrew (Melissa) Shaw, Hayley (Jared) Mason, Paden (Crystal) Joseph, Chad (Brenda) Carlson, Chalon (Ashley) Knight, Ryan Shaw, Grace Shaw, Cristen (Derek) Oxford, Jared Shaw; great-grandchildren, Jackson Gagne, James Gagne, Evan Gagne, Zachary Shaw, Allison Shaw, Dottie Mason, Velma Mason, James Joseph, Alex Joseph, Caleb Carlson, Jessica Carlson; foster brother, Jeff Hemminghaus; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Carl Day and Thelma Holt Day and foster parents George and Dorothy Hemminghaus; son, Alan Shaw; son-in-law, Daren Joseph; brother, William Day; half-sister, Virginia Holt; half-brother Paul Smith; and foster brother, Steve Hemminghaus.
Visitation will be held Saturday, May 6th at Grace Bible Church, 107 N. Court St., West City, Illinois from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm with Pastor Jim Duncan officiating. Burial will follow at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin, Illinois.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com