Hollis Ray Pitchford, 87, of Centralia, passed away on Tuesday February 4, 2025 at Cedar Ridge Health Care Center in Lebanon, IL.

He was born on October 24, 1937 in Jefferson County, IL to Phillip and Allegra (McBride) Pitchford. He married Barbara (Sigwerth) Pitchford on November 30, 1963 and she preceded him in death on July 11, 2007.

He is survived by his daughter Michele (Bobby) Davis of Lebanon; grandchildren Jason (Heather) Davis and Cody (Katie) Davis and two great great grandchildren Jordan and Abigail.

He was preceded in death by his father Phillip Pitchford, mother Allegra Thompson and his step-father Ira Lee Thompson.

He was a conductor for the Burlington Northern Railroad Company and was a veteran of the United States Army.

Graveside services will be held on Friday February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Pastor George Marshall officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery

Denise L. Barr-Szaro, 70, of Carbondale, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

She was born on August 6, 1954, to Everett and Gladys (Bell) Barr in Joliet, IL. Denise worked as a telephone server for Southern Illinois University Carbondale, for 32 years before her retirement in 2010. On July 5, 2003, she married Mark Duane Szaro and he survives.

She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Murphysboro, IL. Denise enjoyed taking photographs, sewing and quilting, but she absolutely loved her cats.

Denise is survived by her loving husband of 21 years, Mark; her brother, James (Pat) Everett Barr; her mother-in-law, Joy Elaine Szaro; her sister-in-law, Elaine Marie Szaro; two nieces, Lynette Overton and Sherri Ripley; two nephews, Ryland R. Belcher and Grayden Belcher and her cousin, Anna McGinty.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett Edgar and Gladys Lorene Barr.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home in Benton, IL, with Pastors Steve Raglin and David Pinkerton, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church in Murphysboro for the church camp and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Kimberly Lane (Hargis) Carso, 65, of Royalton, passed away on Thursday January 30, 2025 at her home.

She was born on October 2, 1959 in Christopher to Tommy and Gwendolyn “Gwen” (Hale) Hargis. She married Thomas Dale Carso and he survives of Royalton.

She is also survived by her brothers Mike Hargis of Gillette, WY and Jeff Hargis of Longview, TX; two nephews Justin Hargis and Timothy Neill and many special friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday February 6, 2025 from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Waneta Huffman, 90, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Janaury 31, 2025 in Macomb, IL.

She was born on September 15, 1934 in Valier, IL to Louie and Lena (Wilkerson) Eubanks. She married George Huffman Jr. on March 15, 1953 and he preceded her in death on April 18, 2008.

She is survived by her children Max Huffman of Macomb, Cynthia (Ronnie) Elms of Texas and George Huffman III of Macomb; ten grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; daughter-in-law Nancy Huffman of Carbondale; two siblings Carrol Owens of Virginia and Norman Eubanks of South Carolina.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Terry Gale Huffmanand one sister Shirley Furlow.

Waneta was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church and was a cook at the Sesser-Valier School for many years.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday February 5, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral Home. Entombment will be at Eastlawn Memorial Gardens in Energy.

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

Mrs. Mary E. Brayfield, age 88, of Robinson, Illinois, and formerly of Casey, Illinois, passed away peacefully at 6:25 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at Harrison’s at the Crossing in Terre Haute, following several months of declining health.

Born on March 1, 1936, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Freely Edward Woll and Sylvia (Ripley) Woll, Mary was a woman of strength, warmth, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. She married the love of her life, Richard L. Brayfield, on January 26, 1957, and he survives.

Mary attended high school in Goode Township, Franklin County, Sesser, Illinois, where she was voted Queen of the Penny Carnival during her freshman year. She dedicated her life to caring for others as a homemaker, a devoted Illinois State Trooper’s wife, a funeral Director’s wife, and a loving mother. She also found fulfillment as an Avon representative, the owner and operator of a ceramic shop in her home, and as the manager of the concession stand at the Casey Softball Park for many years.

A woman of faith, Mary was a member of the Sesser Baptist Church in Sesser, Illinois, and attended the Westside Church of God in Robinson, Illinois. She embraced life with passion and enthusiasm—she was an avid bowler, frequently scoring in the 600s, and an Elvis fan extraordinaire. She loved games of chance, often enjoying visits to “the Boats” and local casinos to play the slot machines.

Mary is survived by her loving husband, Richard L. Brayfield of Terre Haute, Indiana; her son, Mark (Twila) Brayfield of Robinson, Illinois; her daughter, Tondra Lee Brayfield of Robinson, Illinois; and her grandchildren: Matthew Thomas Brayfield of Bakersfield, California; Patrick Alan (Catherine) Brayfield of Columbus, Ohio, Ashley(Cory)Weger of Robinson, Illinois, and Amber Halterman-Settles of Palestine, Illinois. She also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren: Olivia Brayfield, Madyson Brayfield, Henry Brayfield, Ethan Brayfield, Gracie Weger, and Brooks Weger.

Mary will be dearly missed by her brother, Robert (Shirley) Woll of Sesser, Illinois; her sister, Mona Ruth (Larry) Sample of Sesser, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Freely and Sylvia Woll.

In accordance with Mary’s wishes, cremation will take place, with a Celebration of Life Service to be held in the near term at Pulliam Funeral Home in Robinson, Illinois, with Pastor Timothy Moats officiating. Due to the health of her beloved husband, visitation will be limited to one hour preceding the service and then when weather permits, Mary’s cremated remains will be laid to rest sometime in the Spring, as weather permits, in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

Mary Lee Brayfield’s legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Mrs. Carolyn Margaret Hart, age 93, of Benton, passed away at 8:01 a.m. Monday, January 27, 2025, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Carolyn was born on November 18, 1931, in Lincoln, Illinois, the daughter of Paul Coddington and Genevieve (Stufflebeam) Coddington.
She attended the University of Illinois where her family said she obtained her “MRS degree” on December 23, 1951, when she married Richard Odum Hart. Together they would share 67 years of marriage, until his death on March 12, 2018.

Mrs. Hart was the former owner and operator of Hart’s Gold Star Hallmark on the Benton Public Square, which was known for Hallmark cards, Mikasa Crystal, wedding registries, Hallmark ornaments, and Fannie May Candies.
She was also a former Cub Scout and Brownie’s Leader. She was a member of the First Christian Church and the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary both of Benton.
Carolyn enjoyed reading, spending time with her grandkids and great-grandkids, and cooking. She was known for her homemade toffee and peanut brittle. Her sons said she had her own style of fashion and design, and she always took good care of her husband.

Carolyn loved spending time enjoying the sunsets at her condominium in Gasparilla Island, Florida.

Surviving are her two sons: Murphy C. Hart and wife Jody of Benton, Paul R. Hart and wife Kim of Tampa, FL; three grandchildren: Ryan Hart of Dallas, TX, Caleb Hart of Benton, IL, Ali Herndon and husband Dallas of Tampa, FL; three great-grandchildren: Ruby age 7, Bennett age 5 and Brooks age 3; and two beloved nieces Cindy Beebe of Salt Lake City, Utah, Julie Fisher and husband Dan of Eagan, Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, an infant daughter Jennifer Hart, and a sister Ruth Joan “Joie” (Coddington) Johnson.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Private family burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from noon to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church or to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Carolyn, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Kurt Gartner, 68, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away at 1:05 p.m., on Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Linda E. White Hospice Home in Evansville, IN, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on February 11, 1956, to Gary and Gwen (Fulks) Gartner in Herrin, IL. Kurt was a retired coal miner. On May 24, 1978, he married Christy Kerr and she survives.

Kurt was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Kurt is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Christy; his daughter, Rachel (Bart Bradley) Gartner; his grandchildren, Hudson Gartner, Abigail Gartner and Isabella Gartner and two sisters, Lisa (Tom) Roth and Lori Gartner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gary and Gwen Gartner.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., at The Show Room, 117 West Market St., Christopher, IL.

Kurt’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorials may be made to Linda White Hospice House (Deaconess of Evansville).

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

Daniel Charles Alexander, 80, of Mahomet passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2025, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. He was born December 19, 1944, in Christopher, IL.

“Dan” or “Danny” to friends and family, he was an educator for 40 years. After completing his Masters degree at Southern Illinois University, he accepted a position on the Mathematics faculty at Parkland College where he remained until his retirement. He was the proud author of two college textbooks.

Dan was a lifelong sports fan who followed many teams, often from the vantage of his treadmill. He was a particularly avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, University of Illinois Basketball and Football teams, and the Arizona Cardinals. An enthusiastic reader, he never lost the ability to immerse himself in the magic of a good book with favorites including the writings of Michael Crichton and the Harry Potter series.

Mostly though, Dan was an incredible husband, father, and grandfather. He spent every day in the company of his beloved wife, Mary, with whom he completed countless garden and house projects, shared innumerable cups of mocha, and spent hours watching the birds in their backyard sanctuary. They traveled frequently together to visit family and support their grandchildren in various activities and always looked forward to hosting the next family gathering. He was always quick to add a dad joke which he had prepared days or weeks earlier for the occasion.

Dan is survived by his wife, Mary Alexander of Mahomet, IL; children, Matt (Kristine) Alexander of Brookfield, IL; Phillip (Mary) Alexander of Mahomet, and Sarah (Pascual) Arcangel of Aurora, IL; siblings Linda Heise and Donald Alexander of Benton, IL; eight grandchildren, Kianna, Zaiden, Journey, Rukia, Massimo, Alekzio, Rhydian, and Walden; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Delbert R. and Helen Teaney Alexander; brothers, Delbert Alexander and Gene Alexander, and sisters-in-law Mary Jane and Jean Marie Alexander.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 8th at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1102 Churchill Rd, Mahomet, IL 61853. Visitation from 1 pm – 5 pm and service at 2 pm.

Please join Dan’s family in sharing memories and photos on his guestbook at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Dan’s name to the Ronald McDonald House at Donate | RMHC

Carl Dale Smith, age 89, departed his earthly journey on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at his home in Benton, IL.

Carl was born November 14, 1935 to George Edward Smith and Nancy Marie (Wayman) Smith. He was of a non-denominational faith. Carl’s lifetime career was in the concrete business. He was no stranger to hard work. He was still finishing concrete at age 83 until his health failed. Carl enjoyed gardening or anything outdoors. Carl loved family, you could see the pride he had for them in that infectious smile displayed while speaking to or of them.

Carl married Beverly (Reed) Flatt in 1980 and they were blessed with 44 years. Surviving Carl, along with his wife Beverly are his children Richard (Rosa) Smith of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Brian Smith of Richland Center, Wisconsin, Tim (Melissa) Flatt, West Frankfort, Derek (Melinda) Flatt, Benton, Amy (Zach) Gillihan, Lees Summit, Missouri, Grandchildren: Travis (Malinda) Smith, Tyler (Leslie) Smith, Trenton (Sarah) Smith, Chelsea (Drew) Prusaczyk, Nathan Flatt, Kristen (fiancé Nathan Rhebergen) Flatt, Jake Harris, Emily and Hannah Cardwell, Mason, Josie and Bryce Gillihan. He is also survived by eleven great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and a third due to arrive in March. Also surviving Carl is his brother Arthur (Patty) Smith of Sheridan, IL, and several nieces and nephews that he adored. Preceding Carl in passing are his parents and siblings, brothers Charles and Everett Smith and sister Florence Warner.

Services will be held Thursday January 30th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. up to the time of service. Mr. Scott Potter and Mr. Eric Nueske will be officiating the services with internment to be at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

If you knew Carl you knew a man of genuine kindness and to us that love him, we find comfort in all the precious memories.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Minnie (Murphy) (Holman) Hess, age 100, of New Berlin, IL, passed away, Saturday January 25, 2025, at IL Presbyterian Home, in Springfield, IL.

She was born on August 7, 1924, in Wayne County, IL, to Charles and Bertha (Huff) Murphy. She married Stanley Holman in 1942. He preceded her in death in 1990. She later married Homer Hess in 1994. He preceded her in death in 2017.

She is survived by five children: Sandra Paulek (John), Janice Szperra (Gene), Richard Holman (John Murray), Marcena Urish (Matthew), and Melinda Martin (Greg). She is also survived by six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

She was also preceded in death by two infant children: David, and Susan Holman, her parents, and five siblings.
Minnie was a kind, loving, Mother and wife. She worked for Mt. Vernon city schools in food service, retiring in 1984. Minnie was a woman of deep faith and was a charter member of Southside Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Minnie was a blessing to all of the many lives she touched. Her memory will be treasured by many.

Funeral services will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, IL, on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., with visitation starting one hour prior. Burial will follow at Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing, IL.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Baptist Children’s Home. 949 County Rd 1300 N. Carmi, IL 62821, or charity of choice

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