Kurt Lane Gregory, 38, of Benton, released on May 20, 2023 at his home after a 9 month fight against Melanoma.

He was born on March 29, 1985 in Urbana, IL to Ronnie and Linda (Roesch) Gregory. He married Carly (Lappin) Gregory on September 17, 2016 at a dear friend’s house in Carbondale, IL, where they found each other.

He was a graduate of Hamilton County Senior High in McLeansboro, IL in 2003, Rend Lake College in Ina, IL in 2005 and Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 2008.

He is survived his wife Carly Gregory of Benton; parents Ron and Linda (Roesch) Gregory of McLeansboro; one brother Kent (Hanna) Gregory of San Tan Valley, AZ; one sister Angel (Jasen) Hawn of Elliott, IL; niece Jada (Katie) Hawn and Eli; nephew Chayton Hawn; father-in-law and mother-in-law Marion and Kelly Lappin of Sesser; one sister-in-law Rae (Ross) Worthey and nieces Jane and Marigold Worthey.

Graveside services for Kurt will be held on Tuesday May 23, 2023 at 1 PM at the Smith Cemetery in Buckner, IL. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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

LeeAnn Stritzel, 81, of Christopher, passed away on Monday May 15, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on September 12, 1941 in Christopher, IL to Carl Steven and Lela (Jones) Webb. She married Richard “Dick” Stritzel on May 30, 1963 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her daughters Lori (Dennis) Tindall of Mulkeytown, Kellie (Scott) Bast of Chesterfield, Mo, Julie (Vas) Sabeeh of Phoenix, AZ and Holly Helfrich of Christopher; grandchildren Kati (Steve) Borta, Matt (Leighann) Thomas, Rachel (Jeremy) Chaney, Jacob (Niki) Tindall, Chloe Bast, Audrey Bast, Miles Sabeeh, Simone Sabeeh, Rollin Sabeeh, Ryan Helfrich, Jack Helfrich and Sam Helfrich; great grandchildren Jaxon, Charley, Gwen, Evan, Ryleigh, Meme, Luke, Wyatt and Khloe; one sister Jane Brayfield of Benton and one sister-in-law Jeanie Webb of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Carl Dean Webb.

Graveside services will be on Monday May 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Toby Daniel Doxsie, 55, of Benton passed away Friday evening May 12, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Pekin, IL on October 22, 1967, the son of Derling Travis and Mary Alice (Poole) Doxsie.

He loved his family and his friends. He enjoyed camping and fishing and outdoor activities.

He is survived by his:
Mother: Mary Doxsie of Benton
Sister Dawn (Tim) Doxsie of Benton
Brothers: Steve Doxsie & wife Brenda of Ewing, Terry Doxsie & wife Billie of Benton
Nieces & Nephews: Stephanie Doxsie, Courtney Doxsie, Corey Hunt, Trisha Neumann & husband Josh, Dustin (Vicky) Bailey, and Kelsey Doxsie.
Mr. Doxsie was preceded in death by his Father, by 3 Brothers-Michael Dean, Ricky Eugene and Mark Anthony, by a Niece-Melissa Storey, by an Uncle-Hosea Poole and by his Grandparents- Derling Edison and Grace Elizabeth Doxsie and Buster and Bertie Poole.

Graveside Services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, May 20th at the Kirk Cemetery in Ina with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. 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

Scott Charles Pritchard, age 65, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at his home.

Graveside Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, May 15, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Illinois State Police Honors will be observed. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.
Following the graveside service, a Celebration of Life Open House will be held until 8:00 p.m. at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Parrish Center of Benton.
An additional Celebration of Life Service will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Benton Elk’s Lodge.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Scott was born on July 6, 1957, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Charles Allen Pritchard and Catherine M. (Whittington) Pritchard. He married the former Wanda Sue Wolf on June 8, 2012; and she survives.

He was a retired Trooper with the Illinois State Police.

Scott was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, Benton Elks Lodge, and the Benton Boccie Ball Club.

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

Scott enjoyed hunting, driving his corvette, watching NASCAR, going to the Boccie Ball Club and visiting with his many friends. His favorite NASCAR driver was Jimmy Johnson.

Surviving is his loving wife Wanda Pritchard of Benton; a son Travis Gesell of Chicago; a brother Mike Pritchard and wife Debbie and their daughter Mallory of Benton; a close cousin Tim Tyler; father and mother-in-law: Willie and Mary Wolf of Benton; sister and brothers-in-law: Debbie Fertig and husband Scott of Midlothian, TX, Billy Wolf and wife Masumi of Edmond, OK, Vicky Wolf of West Frankfort, Angie Johnson and husband Chris of Marion, IL, Mark Wolf of Indianapolis, IN; several other cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and Wanda’s son Devon LaPointe.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Scott, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Jimmie Dale Rhodes, 91, of Zeigler, passed away at 10:50 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Dale was born on October 21, 1931, in Alto Pass to Ray and Geneva (Bridgeman) Rhodes. He was united in marriage to Alice Joan Bagwell on February 12, 1955, at the First Baptist Church in Zeigler. Together they’ve shared 68 years of marriage.

Dale was a 1949 graduate of Wolf Lake High School, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. He later continued his education at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. Dale served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict.

Dale was retired having been the former Executive Vice President of Boatman’s Bank of Zeigler for 23 years. He had previously worked at the Illinois Central Railroad for 17 years as a telegraph operator and depot agent. He also owned and operated a Western Star semi-tractor trailer and delivered goods across the country.

Dale became a Christian and was baptized at 12 years old. He was a member of the Zeigler First Baptist Church where he served as trustee, deacon, and Sunday school teacher for many years. Dale enjoyed volunteering at the Lifeway Christian Conference Center in Ridgecrest, North Carolina for 18 years.

Dale enjoyed mowing grass and kept his yard immaculate. He oversaw the Zeigler First Baptist Church food pantry. Dale was also given the honorary title of Zeigler-Royalton’s #1 sports fan. He enjoyed supporting the ZR’s schools and going to all their games. Dale was also a huge Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching every game on TV.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Rhodes of Zeigler; two daughters, Lesa Ann (Stephen) Joiner of Hickory, NC, and Rhoda Dale (Phillip) Champley of Taylorville, IL; three grandchildren, Erin Kathleen Joiner of Atlanta, GA, Kelsi Dale Champley of Boston, MA, and Kord Phillip (Madisyn) Champley of Assumption, IL; great-grandson, Cainen Rhodes Champley; sister, Sherry Rendleman of Wolf Lake, IL. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lane (Belinda Lu) Rhodes; sister, Beverly Rhodes; brother-in-law, Gary Rendleman.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Zeigler First Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Shacklee officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the church.
Memorial contributions are preferred to be made to Zeigler First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church the day of the service.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home of Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.

Lanetta Mae Lomelino, 47, of Sesser, passed away on Friday April 28, 2023 as a result of an automobile accident.

She was born on December 6, 1975 in Roanoke, VA to Jerry Lee Ing and Tina (Dozeman) Gilliam. She married David Leo Lomelino on September 27, 2015.

She is survived by her husband David Lomelino of Sesser; children Jerry Wayne Ing of Eldorado and Zachary Lomelino of Sesser; grandchildren Ryley Ing, Gauge Ing and Zoey Ing; mother Tina (Danny) Gilliam of Nason; father Jerry Lee Ing of Scheller; two sisters Angie (Daniel) Evans of Sesser and Valerie (Britt) Talley of Stonington, IL.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother Lanetta Mae Queen.

Funeral services for Lanetta will be on Friday May 12, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Bean officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

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