Frances Louise Furlow, 101, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday March 18, 2023 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on November 22, 1921 in Valier, IL to Charley and Lillie (Pharris) Bennett. She married Earl Monroe Furlow on November 2, 1951 and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her granddaughter Chrissy (Dale) DeWeerdt; grandson Shane Brown; Great grandchildren Corey (Shyanne) DeWeerdt, Connor DeWeerdt and Caitlyn DeWeerdt; Great Great Granddaughter Kye DeWeerdt; stepchildren Earline Galloway, Bob Furlow, Pauline Scott and Wilma Maceri; three nephews Ray (Deborah) Bennett, Dean (Kathleen) Bennett and Lee Bennett and one niece Diane (Dave) Bennett Simpson .

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter Marilyn Kondoudis and three brothers Ed Bennett, Charles Bennett and John Bennett.

She was a lifelong member of the Southside Baptist Church in Christopher and played the piano for years there, she was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the White Shrine for over fifty years. She loved to quilt, do word search puzzles, volunteering, baking and gardening.

Her wishes were to be cremated. A private family burial will take place at a later date.

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

Michael Scott Williams, age 30, of Herrin, Illinois, was pronounced deceased at 11:32 a.m. Wednesday, March 15, 2023, in Buckner, Illinois.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. A luncheon will follow at Twin Oaks of Benton.

Michael was born on September 11, 1992, in Carbondale, Illinois; the son of David Williams and Tammy (Graham) Williams.
He worked as a press operator with Aisin Manufacturing of Marion, Illinois.

Michael enjoyed woodworking, fishing, camping, hiking, and running. When he was younger, he enjoyed running and competing in cross country. Most of all he enjoyed life.
Surviving is his loving mother Tammy Williams of Herrin, Illinois; his father David Williams of Benton, Illinois; grandparents: Bill and Shirley Plunk of St. Augustine, Florida, Janice Williams of Johnston City, Illinois; two brothers: Anthony Darnell and wife Misty of Benton, Illinois, John Williams and wife Sarah of West Frankfort, Illinois; nephews: Aren, Jayce, Noah, Eli, and (Abel due to arrive in May); aunts and uncles: Vickie Nance and husband Roger of Edwardsville, Illinois, Tina Gray of Marion, Illinois, Bret Gray of Benton, Illinois, David Graham and wife Becky of Hobe Sound, Florida, Tina Lynn Greenwood of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, Kathryn Lawrence and husband John of St. Augustine, Florida, Brian Plunk of Benton, Illinois, Thomas Plunk of Edwardsville, Illinois, Lori Williams of Thompsonville, Illinois, Michelle Williams of Johnston City, Illinois; numerous cousins and their families.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfathers Bill Feig and Norman Graham; paternal grandfather Ronnie Williams; and an uncle John Plunk.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Franklin County Emergency Management Agency (Search and Rescue), 401 East Park Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; or Community Action Place Inc. (Homeless Coalition), 1400 North Wood Road, Suite 7, Murphysboro, IL 62966; or Lincoln’s Challenge School, 212 West Borman Drive, Rantoul, Illinois 61866; or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, Illinois 62959; or GIA Missing Persons Awareness Network NFP, P.O. Box 164, Grant Park, Illinois 60940; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Robert (Bobby) Edmond Mace Jr, 74 of Sesser, Illinois passed away on Friday March 17th 2023 at his home with his loving wife by his side.

He was born in West Frankfort, Illinois on April 7, 1948 to Robert E. Mace Sr and Gertrude (Swain) Fabris. He married the love of his life Bonnie (Bower) Mace on December 12th 2012 in Benton, Il. They shared 30 years together, and were married for 10 years.

Robert was a 1966 graduate of Sesser-Valier High School where he was a talented athlete especially in track and football. After graduation Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served as a postal work. He was in the Vietnam War, and after being honorably discharged from the military he worked in the coal mines.

He loved watching horse races, dog races and playing cards. He loved listening to Creedence Clearwater Revival and classic country music. He loved watching soap operas and spending time with his best friend his wife and their dog Gizmo. He was an avid golfer and he loved playing horse shoes. He was a wonderful Papa and loving husband. He accepted the Lord as his savior as a young man. He will be missed here on earth but we know he is in Heaven with his loved ones.

Robert is survived by his wife Bonnie Mace; children, Randy (Ann) Carlton, of Malden, MO, Robert Carlton, Valier, IL, Karen (Bob) Sprague, Sesser, IL, Sara Pedigo, Sesser, IL, John (Michele) Gunn, Benton,IL, Bonnie Clark, Christopher, IL, Allie Cosma, Alliance, OH; grandchildren,Serena Abbott, RyAnn Clark, Railan Clark, Vivian Carlton, Adalyn Heiman, Mason Cosma, Maggie Cosma, Stephanie (Shane) Smith, Rachel Shurtz, Sarah Urban, Steven (Holly) Shurtz, Miriam (Ethan) Newman, Nicholas McCarty, David Pedigo and Alice Pedigo.

Robert is also survived by brothers, Mario Fabris, Valier, Bobby Fabris, Christopher; sisters, Marine (Kirby) Williams, of Valier, Tina (Larry) Tucker Christopher, Christy (Brian) Mann Valier. Also surviving are great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Johnnie Terry, Vallie Fabris, daughter Diana Gunn and great grandson Odin Hensley.

Funeral services will be on Friday, March 24, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 6 p.m.. Burial will be held at a later date.

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

Michelle Lee (Heimgartner) Williams, 42, of Benton passed away on March 16, 2023 at her home.

Michelle was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on December 18, 1980, the daughter of Elaine Heimgartner and Gail Heimgartner.
She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. She graduated from Benton High School Class of 1999 and from Rend Lake College LPN Program. Michelle loved her daughter, her family, her friends and the cats. She enjoyed quilting, fishing, being outside and helping others.

Michelle is survived by her:
Daughter: Autumn Williams of Murray, KY
Mother: Elaine Heimgartner of Benton, IL
Father: Gail Heimgartner of Kell, IL
Brother: Mark Heimgartner & wife Dee of Princeton, KY
Sister: Monica Heimgartner of Sesser, IL
Nieces:
Anna Belle Heimgartner of Princeton, KY
Sydney Heimgartner of Kell, IL

She is also survived by several Aunts, Uncles and Cousins.
She was preceded in death by her Grandparents John & Donna VanUytven and Robert & Lillian Heimgartner.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday, March 21st at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. on Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Michelle’s memory to Finding Forever Animal Rescue & Thrift Store, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, IL 62959 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. James Raymond Yancik, age 86, of Benton; passed away at 2:05 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Memorial Mass Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 20, 2023, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Monday at the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Jim was born on June 17, 1936, in Litchfield, Illinois; the son of Joseph John Yancik and Anna Lorraine (Gubach) Yancik. He married the former Dorothy Ramseier on September 26, 1959, and she survives.
He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois, where he also was in the ROTC. He also served in the Army reserves.

Jim worked and retired as a mining engineer.

He was a devout Catholic and was very involved in the many activities and services at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Jim enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing, and playing golf. He was a renown brew master, brewing his own beer. He also enjoyed woodworking, even constructing the beautiful walnut urn that he will be placed in. Most of all he enjoyed his grandchildren.

Surviving is his loving wife of 63 ½ years, Dorothy Yancik of Benton, Illinois; four children: Michele Lampley and husband William of Benton, Illinois, Kent Yancik and wife Darlene of Tempe, Arizona, Susan Falkner and husband Ron of Simsbury, Connecticut, Brad Yancik and wife Karla of Mulkeytown, Illinois; six grandchildren: James Lampley of Benton, Illinois, Mark Lampley of Marion, Illinois, Justin Yancik of Tempe, Arizona, Andrew Yancik of Tempe Arizona, Jack Falkner of New York City, New York, Jennifer Falkner of Washington DC; a sister Linda Erdely of South Bend, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Yancik was preceded in death by his parents; a grandson Ryan Yancik; and nine siblings.

The family prefers in lieu of flowers that Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance; and will be accepted at the services on Monday or may be mailed in care of Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. James Yancik; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Billie Joan Allen, 92, of DuQuoin, passed away on Tuesday March 14, 2023 at the Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

She was born on March 26, 1930 in DuQuoin to Norf Bowlin and Peggy (Napier) Bowlin-Green. She is survived by her daughter Kandace (David) Porter of DuQuoin; grandchildren Greg (Leigh) Allen, Jonathon (Jeni) Allen, Kaylee (Hunter) Zeigler, Kacie (Mike) Gaffney, Drew (Natalie) Porter, Chase Porter and Alison (Steven) Brayfield; great grandchildren London, Talion, Blaine, Graham, George, Drake, Georgie, Stricker, Easton, Maverick, Tucker, Bowen and Caroline and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sons Bobby Alllen and Dale Allen and two brothers Robert Bowlin and Jim Bowlin.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 20, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Joe Wagner officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Billie was an avid giver to St Jude’s Children Hospital, so the family would like all donations in lieu of flowers be given to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Grace (Cripps) Kennedy, 76, a former resident of Benton and West Frankfort, passed away at her home in Florida on Saturday, March 11, 2023, surrounded by family, following a long illness.

Grace was a retired nurse’s aide and phlebotomist who had worked for hospitals in the Franklin and Williamson County areas. She was an active member of the Pyramid Players theatrical association for many years. She enjoyed singing, visiting family and friends, taking cruises and road trips, and holding court at the pool of her Floridian retirement community where she was involved in the local choir.

Grace is survived by her husband David Gutmann, Homosassa, FL, her children Christopher Cripps (and wife Géraldine), Paris, France, Theresa Cripps Ellis (and husband Shane), Clarksville, TN, Timothy Cripps (and wife Carrie Peacock), Collierville, TN, and Matthew Cripps, Clarksville, TN, her sister Andrea Merz and her brother Jack Schiro, both of Michigan, and many nieces and nephews.

Grace will continue to watch over her seven grandchildren (Brittani, Ryan, Keely, Damian, Rylie, Parker, and Aidan), and two great-grandchildren (Hadley and Margo).
Her stepchildren Edward Gutmann, Daniel Gutmann, and Dawn Dennis, and step-grandchildren D.J. and Addy, all from Central Illinois, share in the family’s sorrow.
The family wishes to thank the many people who knew Grace and touched her life over the years.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd at 10:30 am with Father Urban Osuji officiating, with visitation on Tuesday, March 21st from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Grace’s name to the American Diabetes Association.
Condolences may be sent to www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

A Circle of Life memorial will be held for Grace in Homosassa, FL at a later date.

Nancy Mae (Flatt) Bailey, 78 of Christopher, Illinois passed away March 9, 2023 at her home surrounded by her loved ones and her beloved Bosco.

Nancy was born in West Frankfort, Illinois on August 15, 1944 to Gerald W. Flatt, Sr and Phyllis (Lamb) Flatt. She married Charles (Charlie) Bailey on September 7, 1963 in Christopher. They shared 52 years of marriage before Charlie’s passing on June 8, 2016. To this union were born two sons, Stephen Scott and Craig David.

Nancy was a 1962 graduate of Christopher Community High School and after graduation she attended and graduated from VTI (SIU’s trade school) as a cosmetologist. She styled hair in various beauty shops in the area before setting up her own salon in her home. She later worked at various places and professions including the Christopher Water Department, as a florist and at Crownline Boats. She took on another career later on detailing boats. Nancy never knew the phrase “sit and be still” because she was always on the move! Nancy never met a stranger and always had a big smile on her face. She was a beloved friend to many and will be missed more than words can say.

Surviving Nancy are sons Stephen Bailey, Benton and Craig Bailey of Hot Springs, Arkansas; siblings Donna (Mike) Sevenski, Benton and Kathy (Brad) Miller of Mulkeytown. Grandchildren Gunner (Chelsea) Bailey, Tanner Bailey, Joey and Kortnie Bailey, as well as two great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews who are left to mourn her passing. She is also survived by her beloved dog and constant companion Bosco. Survived also by sister-in-laws Brenda (Ralph) Hale, Christopher, Ada Flatt Benton and Wanda Flatt of Duquoin and her dear friend Brenda Gunter of Christopher.

We cannot thank SSM Hospice enough for their wonderful and compassionate care of Nancy. We want to thank especially her nurse Chris, HHA Serena and social worker Andrea. Without them we don’t know what we would have done.

She was preceded in death by her parents Gerald and Phyllis Flatt, her husband Charlie, her brothers Gerald Jr. (G.W.), Oliver II (O.D.), and niece Cheryl (Hale) Cali.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 13, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Hammonds Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers please honor Nancy’s memory and her love for her dear Bosco by donating to Friends of FCAC, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822. Donations will also be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mr. Charles “Bud” Tate, age 81, of Benton; passed away at 8:16 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center.
Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Charles was born on April 15, 1941 in Benton, Illinois; the son of Clarence Tate and Beulah (Cole) Tate. He married the former Dolores Carter on March 6, 1983, and she preceded him in death on September 3, 2014.

Bud was the former owner and operator of B & B Cleaners of Benton. He later worked for the City of Benton in maintenance and lawn care.
He enjoyed hunting, especially racoon hunting.

Surviving are eight children: Tom Tate, Gina Tate, Shannon Tate, Jeremy Tate, Scott Tate, Benjamin Tate, Christi Volkman and husband Paul, all of Benton, and Hanna Akin and husband Tyler of Belle Rive; nine grandchildren: Tiffany, Wyatt, Michael, Taylor, Aubrie, Parker, Alexis, Wyatt and Aria; one great-granddaughter Alannah; a sister Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, a brother Larry Tate of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Tate was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a brother Clarence Tate; two sisters Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Charles “Bud” Tate; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com