Richard Leroy Snelgrove, 70, of Benton, went to be with the Lord on Friday, August 5, 2022. His given name was Richard, but to his world-his grandkids-he was Paco.

Richard was the Patriarch of a small but very loving family. He and his wife Mary Lawson Snelgrove, were married for 41 years. They met in Ohio at a Guide Dog School. (It was love not at first sight as they were both blind). Richard was from Rittman, Ohio but moved to Illinois in 1981 to start a family with Mary. In 1983 they had a son Dustin.

Richard, who was proud to be an Eagle Scout, was a man of few words, but many loves in life.College Football (Go Buckeyes!), Rock ‘n’ Roll, Audio books, collecting vinyl records, beer steins and later in life enjoyed making turquoise jewelry.

Richard leaves behind his wife, Mary, his son, Dustin Snelgrove, and wife Alicia, of Sesser; his two favorite kids in the world, his grandkids, Jasper and Olivia Snelgrove. He is also survived by his brother, Robert Snelgrove of Ohio and nieces, nephews and his beloved dog Rusty.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister, all of Ohio.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., at the First Baptist Church 201 S. Main St., Benton, IL. A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 13, 2022, at 2:00 p.m., at the Benton First Baptist Church, with dinner following at 3:00 p.m.

We will forever miss you Paco!!
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Ruth Hale, 103, of Benton and a former Bonnie resident “Went Home to be with her Lord” from Heritage Woods in Benton, on Friday morning, August 5, 2022.

She was born in Covert, Michigan on July 16, 1919, the daughter of Eldon Bryan Phillips and Lena (Howell) Bryan.

She married Pastor Bertram Hale in Bonnie on November 15, 1948.

Mrs. Hale was a longtime member of the Bonnie Church of God. She was a faithful, loving wife and mother, and served her Lord faithfully.

Mrs. Hale is survived by her children:
Teresa Bolen of Benton, IL, Leland Hale and wife Maryann of Galatia and Sondra Hosmon and husband Stacy of Benton.
Daughter-in-law: Patti Hale of Bonnie
Grandchildren: Thomas “David” Bolen and wife Karen, Tonya Shurtz and husband Rod, Amanda Bolen, Bobby Hale and wife Amy, Crystal Frei and husband Robert, Paul Michael Hale, Cassie Brooks, Ian Cocke, Dustin Cocke and wife Cassie, Lindsey Yordy and husband Jake, Tony Hale and Kaycee Hale.
Great-Grandchildren: Chris Orta and wife Lexi, Jennifer Orta, Seiger Shurtz and wife Leah, Sayler Shurtz, Macy Shurtz Riley and husband Zack, Mason Bolen, Landon Bolen, Eliza Bolen, Bobby Hale, Steven Hale, Kimberlynn Hale, Mercedez Hale, Madilyn Hale, Gabriel Brooks, Jacelyn Brooks, Dailin, Cayson, Ava, Miles and Jack.
Great-Great-Grandchildren: Brittyn, Elam, Emilia and Carly.
Mrs. Hale was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a son-Eddie Hale, great-granddaughter- Makenna, and by two sisters- Pauline Hopper and Claudia Thomas Wayman.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday August 9th at the Bonnie Church of God with Pastor Micah Arcuri officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Vernon Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be after 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Bonnie Church of God.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Wanda Jean Laxton, 62, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday August 3, 2022 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on August 12, 1959 in St Louis City, MO to Willard E. and Evelyn Marie (Stocker) Laxton.

She is survived by her children Cody Andrews of Christopher, Wendell Andrews of Christopher, Genevieve Andrews and Wesley Laxton; one sister Georgia (Clinton) Smith of Cutler, IL and two brothers Willard (Mel) Laxton of Missouri and Charles Laxton of Oklahoma.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers John Laxton and Robert Laxton.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Barbara Jean Reeves, age 81, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 4, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

She was born February 2, 1941, in Rockford, IL, to Elnora and Lloyd Gilbert. Barbara was a cosmetologist, and worked as a Medicare Claims Processor for Blue Cross and Blue Shield, where she later retired after 16 years of service. She enjoyed the outdoors, animals, and had a special knack for solving puzzles.

She is survived by her children, Tammy Webb, Patti (Jonas) King, Jody (Lisa) Reeves, Jennifer Ivy, Crystal (Scott) Dagner, Aaron (Michelle) Reeves, grandchildren; Amanda (Chuck) Weaver, Stephanie (John) Dalton, Sarah (Barry) Schweitzberger, Kendra Alexander, Steven Webb, Amber (Lenny) May, Elijah Reeves, Savanah Reeves, Meghan Hicks, Mackenzie Deloch, Cole Dagner, and Levi Dagner; cousin, Bonnie Gilbert, niece, Peggy Palmer, nephew Jeff Reeves, and 14 beautiful great-grand children. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Patricia Reeves, son Michael (Big Mike) Reeves, nephew Ralph Reeves, and her special furry friend, Chopper. For those that wish to attend, a grave side service will be held on August 8, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

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

Willard Lee Davis, 94, of Benton, passed away at 6:42 a.m., on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born on February 7, 1928, to Frank and Minnie (Allen) Davis in Bessie, IL. On August 21, 1948, he married Phyllis Doty and she preceded him in death on February 7, 2021.

Willard was a member of the United States Army serving during WWII.

He was a member of Middle Fork-Salem Primitive Baptist Church.

Willard enjoyed working hard on his family farm. He loved watching birds and western movies. He played in a blue grass band with his wife, Phyllis, and they were honored to be invited and play in Washington, D.C. at the National Wall.

Willard is survived by his son, Jim Davis; two grandchildren, Tyler Davis and Janee (Scott) Johnson and two great-grandchildren, Sophia and Mattis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Minnie Davis, his wife, Phyllis Jean Davis, infant daughter, Rebecca Davis and many siblings.

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

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, August 6, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at the Jackson Grove Cemetery, 9054 Bessie Rd., Benton, IL, with Brother Larry Miller, officiating.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Wyatt Montana Pulver, 27, of Benton, IL lost his battle with depression at his home on July 26, 2022.

He was born in Centralia, IL on May 4, 1995, the son of Ricky and Renee (Carlyle) Pulver.

He married Vera “Nicole” Welch on April 18, 2019.

Wyatt loved playing the guitar, camping, stargazing, guns, and their dog Nova. He was employed at Continental Tire.

Wyatt is survived by his:
Wife: Vera “Nicole” Pulver of Benton
Mother: Renee Helton & husband Kevin of Anna
Father: Ricky Pulver & wife Lisa of Anna

5 Siblings: Leah Pulver & fiancé Carmen Sinatra of Saugus, MA
Tia Jackson & Steven of Anna
Ryan Pulver of Anna
Alexis Roeker & spouse Aurora of Jonesboro
Natalie Knight of Anna

Brother: Ethan Helton of Georgia
Grandmother: Phoebe Siegler of Connecticut
Best Friend: Allen Richards
Several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces & Nephews

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P. M. Saturday, August 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Bob Hagerman officiating. Visitation will be after 11 A. M. Saturday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers or gifts donations can be made directly to the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Joseph Kish of Hillsborough, California, passed away on Saturday, July 23, 2022.

Joe was 93 years of age and is survived by his sister Betty, daughters Kymberly and Keely, sons Kirby and Kelly, grandsons Henry, Sean and Shane, niece Cheryl and nephew Dennis.

He was married to his wife Sandria for sixty years until her passing four years ago.

Growing up in Zeigler, Illinois, Joe was a graduate of Zeigler High School and completed his education at Southern Illinois University majoring in Geography.

During the Korean War he served in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant flying both B-29s and B-47s and earning the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal as well as the National Defense Service Medal.

After his time in the Air Force Joe flew for Trans World Airlines as captain for thirty-three years. Aircraft he piloted included the Lockheed Constellation and L1011 TriStar as well as the Boeing 707 and 747.

He had a great love for animals having several cats (indoor and outdoor) over the years.

Joe also enjoyed baking, in particular fruit pies, with the fillings coming directly from his garden.

His other loves included both making and flying radio-controlled aircraft, playing golf and photography. His favorite place was his home and on any given Saturday evening Joe could be found enjoying “two fingers” of Johnny Walker with a fine cigar in his favorite room, the den.

Graveside services with Military Honors provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, VF.W. Post #2671, and the U.S. Air Force will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 3, 2022, the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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