Linda Lou (McBride) Acosta, 85, of Sesser, IL passed away on May 22, 2023.

She was born on January 8, 1938 in Sesser, IL to Lionel and Ethel (Walker) McBride. She was married to Alfonso Acosta and he preceded her in death on April 17, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three siblings Mary Louise Ragland, Mona Lou Guziejka and Austin A. McBride, one son Donald Biard “Fonz” Acosta and one grandson Matthew Acosta.

Linda was a homemaker and caretaker for many people, but she also worked for National Battery, Olin Mills, Burns Security, Central Dispatch, Celebrity Boats and Mariah Boats.

Linda enjoyed playing cards with her grandkids and bingo with her many friends. She also enjoyed fellowship and meals with Brother Larry and Sister Linda Cook. Her kitchen was always open.

She is survived by three sons Alfonso Acosta Jr., Kevin Acosta and Dale Acosta; one daughter Susan (Acosta) Payne and her husband Harlan; seven grandchildren Anthony Acosta, Jared Acosta, Cash Acosta, Dalton Acosta, Sarah Acosta, Dillon and Tara Payne and Justin Payne and one great grandson Gavin Michael Johnson.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.

The Family would like to thank neighbors, family and friends for their prayers, phone calls and food that they have given to the family during their time of need.

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

Patricia (Pat) Ruth Miller went to be with her Heavenly Father on May 24, 2023 at 11:22 pm.

She was born to Frank and Ester (Stegman) Svanda on October 27, 1945 in Ava, IL. She graduated from Trico High School in 1963. After graduation, she moved to St. Louis and worked downtown in a bank, before moving home and becoming a bookkeeper at the Steeleville Bank in Steeleville, IL.

In 1976 she married Gene Miller on June 19, 1976. They shared 44 years of marriage during which they had two boys, Troy Gene Miller and Timothy Patrick Miller. When the boys were older, Pat became a dishwasher and eventually a cook at Lincoln School and eventually Grant School. Then she worked at the Benton Middle School before retiring. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, sister and friend who loved spending time with her family, planting flowers, craft shows and baking. Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she loved anything with snowmen. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s sporting events, awards ceremonies, graduation and school music events and picking them up from school. She enjoyed her daily breakfast at McDonald’s with her friends. She was extremely proud of her family and loved them more deeply and endlessly until her last breath. She was loved by many for her uplifting spirit, constant contagious smile, and the ability to talk to her about anything.

She is survived by her sons, Troy Gene Miller, wife Amanda, and their children, Matthew Gene and Isabella Lynn Miller and Timothy Patrick Miller, and wife Amy and her children, Blane, Annie and Braden.

She is also survived by four sisters: twins Carol Winscher, of Charleston, MO and Mary Bogenpohl (Jim) of St. Louis, MO; Debbie Hinkebein (Ted) of Florissant, MO; and Lisa Uffleman (David) of Murphysboro, IL and one brother, Rick Svanda (Cindy), of Ava, IL and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ester Svanda and one brother, Donald Svanda, and her husband, Gene Miller.

Visitation will be on Monday, May 29, 2023 at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home at 410 S. Main in Benton, IL from 5 pm – 8pm. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, May 30 at 1 pm with the Pastor David Mitchell officiating. Burial will be at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, following the service. A meal will be provided by the First United Methodist Church in Benton after the burial service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Rend City Baptist Church at the funeral home.

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

Freda A. Hobbs, 102, of Benton, passed away at 3:35 a.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Helia Heathcare of Benton, IL.

She was born on October 19, 1920, to Cloyd and Chloe (Meadows) Foster in Denning Township, Franklin County, IL. She married Marvin Hobbs, and he preceded her in death.

Freda was a loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother and her family meant the world to her. She loved family get-togethers and cherished that special time with her family. She loved to go to the movies, and play games, she was an avid card player. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting and making crafts.

Freda is survived by her loving son, Charles (Mary) Hobbs of Marine, IL; son-in-law, Tim Pribble of Thompsonville, IL; eight grandchildren, Jeremiah (Dana) Pribble of Goreville, IL, Amanda (Kris) Mayberry of Norris City, IL, Josh (Stacy) Pribble of Thompsonville, IL, Jacob Pribble of Thompsonville, IL, Dennis (Cheryl) Hobbs of Festus, MO, David (Christina) Hobbs of East Alton, IL, Jeffrey (Julia) Hobbs of Marine, IL and Kurt (Angie) Hobbs of Marine, IL; fifteen great-grandchildrens, Loren Pribble, Shelby Pribble, Blaire Mayberry, Marissa Mayberry, Brayden Mayberry, Alan Pribble, Casey Pribble, Courtney Pribble, Jason (Leslie) Grace, Trisha Farnam, Donnella Hobbs, Phillip (Nicole) Hobbs, Jacob (Laura) Hobbs, Justin (Rachael) Hobbs and Matthew Hobbs; fourteen great-great-grandchildren, Ryan, Lucas, Emily, Ian, Ethan, Lilly, Ava, Elizah, Erica, Kaylee, Rebekah, Lillian, Payten and Eliott; one sister, Leona Middleton of California; nieces and nephews, Fred, WM, Sherlene, Aubrielle Middleton, Mike, Mendy, Robin, Laida Hediger, Mary Beth Barnhardt, Michael, Stephanie, Taylor, Kaylee Harkness, Jacie, Mattie, Nicky, Jeanette Dorchinciz, Becky, John Gaylor and dear friend Roy Pribble.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cloyd L. and Chloe E. Foster, husband, Marvin Hobbs, daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Kay Pribble, brothers, John Walter (Edie) Hobbs, Bobby Frost and Carl Foster; sisters, Hazel (Michael) Dorchincez and Gloria (Wayne) Hediger, brother-in-law, Buck Middleton, grandson, Charles Hobbs, great-grandson, Jonathon Hobbs, nephews, Jim Dorchinciz and Steve Dorchinciz, and her dear friend, Mary Alice Pribble.

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

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dwight Lee Waller, age 97, of Macedonia, passed away at 3:11 a.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation of McLeansboro.

Mr. Waller was born on February 23, 1926, in Hamilton County, Illinois; the son of Marion Leslie Waller and Irene (Lampley) Waller. He married the former Lois Pauline Biddle on February 16, 1947, and she preceded him in death on June 28, 2016.

Dwight was a retired self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, gardening, and enjoyed family fish fries. His family said he was the best at frying fish.

He is survived by a daughter Vickie L. Ward and husband Dale of Macedonia, a son Billy Waller of Macedonia; two grandchildren: Jordan Lee Ward of California, Shelby Lynn Ahlfeld and husband Nick of Benton; four great-grandchildren: Justin, Mariah, Samuel and Sadie; a brother Carol Dean Waller and wife Margie of Hamilton County; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a daughter-in-law Karen A. Waller, three brothers: Bob Waller, Wayne Waller and Jerry Waller.

His wishes are to be cremated.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Brady Cemetery, with Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; and will be accepted at the services and at Leffler Funeral home.

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

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