Phillip Michael Kramer, age 73, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at his home.

Mike was born on March 10, 1949, in Benton; the son of Fred Kramer and Mary Lou (Cook) Kramer. He was married to the former Ramona Craft; and they were married for 10 plus years, until their divorce.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
He was a retired coal miner, last working for Crown 2 Mine of Farmersville, Illinois; and he was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mike enjoyed watching NASCAR, his favorite drivers were Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt. He liked his firearms; and enjoyed having a beer with his friends. Most of all he enjoyed having breakfast with his grandkids.

Mike was also known for many years for hosting 4th of July pickings at his home.

He is survived by his son Mathew Kramer and wife Kailyn of Logan; two grandchildren Mattilyn and Brayden Kramer of Logan; a step-son Shane Craft of West Frankfort; special cousin John Kramer of Benton; two nieces: Maria Medders of Benton, Marina Baine of Ewing; three great-nieces: Erica DePoister, Molly Bird, Holly Bowlder; a great-nephew River Kearney; and his ex-wife Ramona Rice and husband Chuck of Benton; several other cousins, friends and families.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister Kandis McGraw.
Memorial contributions in Memory of Mike, may be made to the family.

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

Ann Smart, 86, of St Peters, MO, passed away on May 23, 2022 at Barns-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO.

She was born on December 15, 1935 in Sesser, IL to Victor and Venetta (Menzel) Yung. She married Donald Ray Smart and he preceded her in death on November 13, 1986.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry (Paul) Behle of Weldon Spring, MO; two grandsons Tom (Katrina) Behle of Lake St Louis, MO and Bob (Lauren) Behle of Ballwin, MO; five great grandchildren Karissa, Chase, Trent, Brooke and Ryan and one brother Robert Yung of Bourbonnais, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Mary Lou Hammonds and one brother Woody Wilson.

Funeral services for Ann will be on Tuesday May 31, 2022 at Noon at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Varlyn Verlane Bruce Stanley, 82, of Marion and a former Benton resident passed away Thursday, May 19, 2022 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born in Benton, IL on September 25, 1939, the daughter of Cleadus & Dena Mae (Baldwin) Gosnell.

She married William Henry Bruce, and he preceded her in death on June 19, 1986. She then married Vernon Stanley and he died November of 2012.

Mrs. Stanley enjoyed sewing and crocheting. She loved the outdoors, her dogs, birdwatching, hunting and traveling.

Mrs. Stanley is survived by her Children:

Duane Bruce of Benton
Penny Bruce Wisely of Benton
Anita Bruce of St. Charles, MO
Renee Bruce Walther & spouse Annie of Denmark
Bobby Bruce of Benton
Megan Holderfield & spouse Dylan of Marion
10 Grandchildren & 9 GreatGrandchildren
1 Brother: Garel Dean Willis & wife of South Carolina

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husbands, by a Son-Billy, by a Sister-Gladys Mae Shaw & by a Brother-Glendell Gosnell.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 P.M. TUESDAY, May 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 1 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

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

Charles Linn, 89, of Benton passed away on Monday evening May 23, 2022 at Carrier Mills Nursing & Rehab.

Mr. Linn was born in West Frankfort, IL on May 7, 1933 the son of Charles O. & Maudie (Sanders) Linn.

Charles married Jeanine Page on November 3, 1955 in Chicago, IL. He was a loving husband, wonderful companion and best friend. They enjoyed 66 1/2 years together.

Mr. Linn was a U.S. Navy Veteran serving during the Korean War.

Mr. Linn is survived by his:

Wife: Jeanine (Page) Linn
Daughter: Lana Kay Bain
Several Nieces, Nephews and Grandchildren
6 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Charles was preceded in death by his Parents, 4 Brothers & 1 Sister.

Graveside funeral services will be held on Friday, May 27th at 10:00 A.M. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Ray Minor officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post #280 & VFW Post #2671. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Jennetta Fay Gouge, 79, of Valier, passed away on May 18, 2022 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on July 14, 1942 in Hurst, IL to Damon and Beatrice (Cooper) Harrison. She married Robert Gouge on October 25, 1961 and he survives of Valier.

She is survived by her husband Robert Gouge of Valier; her children Michael (Janice) Gouge of Greenville, IL, Robin (Vince) Akin of Akin, IL and Joseph Gouge of Buckner; son-in-law Tim Robinson of New Minden, IL; grandchildren Jacob, Sarah, Holly, Katie and Christina; two sisters Lynetta Watkins and Karen Feltmeyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one daughter Stella Robinson and two sisters Sandy Valco and Libby Fenton.

Jennetta loved her family very much and was a member of the Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, where she taught Sunday school. She also volunteered at Shawnee Christian Nursing Home in Herrin.

Funeral services will be on Monday May 23, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Blairsville Cemetery in Blairsville.

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

Johnny Kent Shovan, 71 years of age, passed away May 19 2022 peacefully at his home.

He was born April 23, 1951 to Joe and Laura (Price) Shovan at Miners hospital in Christopher, Illinois. He married Lesley Smith in Benton on July 18 1970. Together they had 2 children, Kendra Jo and Anthony Kent during their 51 year marriage. He spent his life working as a coal miner.

Our “Pa” enjoyed fishing, driving around in his truck, spending time in his pole barn, and loving his grandkids which were the light of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

He is survived by his wife Lesley of Christopher, as well as his children Kendra (Chad) Woodland of Valier, Tony (Danea) Shovan of Mulkeytown, one brother Joey(Debi) Shovan of Benton, four grandchildren Clayton, Gavin, Logan, and Laurelai, several nieces, nephews, and many other beloved family and friends.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday May 24, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral home in Christopher with Brother Kevin Bradley officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser IL. There will be a luncheon to follow at First Baptist Church in Valier for family and friends. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the Valier First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Ohmann Dick, 88, of Christopher, passed away on Monday May 16, 2022 at St. Clair Hospital in Fenton, MO.

He was born on January 2, 1934 in Christopher to Aldred and Cleo (Minor) Dick. He married Tricia (Martin) Dick on December 27, 2020 and she survives of Christopher.

Ohmann is survived by his wife, children; Bryan (Jo) Dick of Mulkeytown, Jay Dick of Christopher, grandchildren; Daniel Dick, Kelcey Dick, Lydia (Ryan) Hicks and Ethan Dick, great-grandchildren; Slayde and Olive; one niece, Melody and 2 nephews, Mark and Paul.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Bruce Dick and his sister, Edda Jo Dye. Visitation will be held on Friday May 20, 2022 from 5 to 8 pm at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mulkeytown Cemetery, Christopher Lion’s Club or the Christopher American Legion. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Bobby Gene Jarvis, 86, of Zeigler went home to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:40 a.m., Tuesday, May 17, 2022 at Herrin Hospital.

Bobby was born on December 28, 1935 in Blairsville to Paul Jarvis and Eathel (Taylor) Fogle. Bobby was united in marriage to Amanda Sue Jarvis on August 18, 1956 in Zeigler. Together they shared 60 years of marriage before she preceded him in death on January 31, 2017.

Bobby was a 1954 graduate of Zeigler High School and a longtime, faithful member of the Zeigler First Baptist Church. Bobby was retired having been a Coal Miner for many years. During his career he worked for Old Ben 21 & 25 and eventually retired from Peabody Energy in Coulterville.

Bobby enjoyed bird hunting, fishing and playing sports when he was younger. He also enjoyed spending time with his family.

Bobby is survived by his two children, Gayla (Jim) Mitchell of Zeigler, Kevin (Beth) Jarvis and Rose Steh of Springfield; three grandsons, Aaron Jarvis of Utah, Andrew (Lacy) Mitchell of Zeigler and Tyler (Karissa) Mitchell of Odin; three great-grandchildren and one on the way, Brogan Mitchell, James Landry Mitchell and Maverick James Mitchell; brother, Paul (Susan) Jarvis of Zeigler; sister-in-law, Doris Dobbins of Johnston City; special friend and caregiver, Paula Nolen. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Amanda Jarvis; parents, Paul Jarvis and Eathel Fogle; father and mother-in-law, Fount and Faye Moore; brother-in-law, Verlyn “Bozo” Dobbins; three sisters-in-law, Betty (Leo) Beavers, Lenora Wallace, and Joanne (Earl) Payne; nephew, Dan Payne.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 23, 2022 at Zeigler First Baptist Church with Pastors Larry Shacklee and Chris Funkhouser officiating. Interment will follow in Zeigler Cemetery. The family is asking for everyone to wear their favorite St. Louis Cardinals shirt for the funeral.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 22, 2022 at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Zeigler First Baptist Church Children’s Program or the Sandoval High School Basketball Program. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bobby, please visit our floral store.

Larry R. Hastings, 79, of Benton, passed away on May 14, 2022, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN. He was born March 6, 1943, in Christopher to Charlie and Emma (Flatt) Hastings.

Larry was united in marriage to Linda (Alldredge) Steinmetz on August 3, 1985, and she resides in Benton.

Larry was a retired coal miner, in which he worked at Consol, Rend Lake Mine as a plant repairman for 34 years. He was also a member UMWA and the Benton Eagles.

He is survived by his wife, Linda of Benton; and five children, Bryan and Cheri (Rath) Hastings of Sesser and six children, Ryan and Lydia (Dick) Hicks of Coello, Chandra and Brian Ridling of Jefferson, GA, Christin Hicks of Sesser, Sandy and Chris Autry of Jefferson, GA, Jordan Hicks of Sesser, and Taylor and Taylor Satterfield of Jefferson, GA; Cindy Hastings of West Frankfort and two children, Danielle and Jesse Stone of West Frankfort, and Kaylin Moore of West Frankfort; Philip and Carla (Overturf) Steinmetz of Christopher and two children, Derick and Morgan (Denbo) Hammonds of Christopher, and Brittany Hammonds; Kerry Steinmetz of Portland, OR; Kendra Steinmetz and Denise Minor and daughter, Sammy and Zack Nave of Jacksonville; 18 great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim and Sue (Braden) Hastings of Christopher; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie Hastings and Emma (Flatt) Hastings; and two brothers, Bill Hastings and Don Hastings.

He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends.

A Memorial service will be held on Thursday May 19, 2022 at 3:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Kevin Bradley officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

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