James “Burly” Louis Burlison, 68 of Benton, born March 9, 1954, passed away on the morning of Monday, March 28, 2022, at his residence with his loved ones at his side.

Jim loved to work and make money. He coal mined for 19 years with Old Ben Coal, where he and his fellow workers received recognition in 1983 for a production record at Old Ben 26. Jim earned his Mine Examiners papers in 1992. He worked through IBEW Local 702 Starting in 1995 on line clearance. He became a Journey Man Trimmer, and a Forman. Jim enjoyed tree work and excelled at it.

He was a life time member of the “Good Old Boy’s Club”. Jim liked to buy, sell and trade. He enjoyed fishing and four-wheeler drives, meeting new people and conversing with friends and family over a cold beer. In recent years Jim was often accompanied by his loyal “Partner in Crime” Sweet Pea. Jim greeted everyone with a warm smile and a strong hand shake and plenty of laughs! His passion for the simple life will endure. Jim will be greatly missed.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Audie and Nettie Burlison; brother Audie Burlison; sister-in-law, “Judy” Burlison; brother-in-law, Sam Meadows; a step-son, Wayne Walker; and many friends.

He is survived by his wife Jill Burlison; two daughters, Angela Burlison and Alyssa Burlison; two sisters, Janet Meadows and Linda (David) Robinson; three grandchildren, Bobby Plumlee, Dalton Roberts and Aiden Andrews; nephews and nieces, Stephen Burlison, Karen (Jim) Greeney, Diane Mandrell, Sam Meadows, Jr., Timothy Meadows, Andrea (Kevin) Gibbs, David Robinson and Barbie Mace.

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

A celebration of life will be held at his home in the coming weeks.

Per the family’s request in Lieu of floral arrangements and other gifts, memorial contribution may be made to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Condolences may be given at www.patefh.com

Dale Edward Wingo, age 72, of Benton, passed away at 3:20 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2022, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. Private Family Celebration of Life services will be held at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Dale was born on December 2, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Harry Wingo and Ethel (Eckels) Wingo. He married the former Ethel Diania (Ison) Braden on June 10, 2007, and she survives.

He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War where he received a Bronze Star Medal and 2 Army Commendation Medals.
He was a retired coal miner having last worked at Old Ben #24. He was a proud member of the U.M.W.A.
Dale loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also enjoyed fishing, playing guitar, and riding horses.
He is survived by his loving wife Diania Wingo of Benton; two sons: Jeff Wingo and wife Melissa of Bonnie, IL, John Wingo and wife Trisha of Johnston City, IL; three step-children: Adam Braden and wife Kimberly of Winthrop Harbor, IL, Lori Braden of Knoxville, TN, Christopher Braden of Houma, LA; twelve grandchildren: Dala Wingo, Breana Wingo, Kassi Ing, Kelsi Wingo, Kali Wagers, Allison Baker, Alec Wingo, Daniel Braden, Shai Austin, Michaela Austin, Tressa McCosker, Asher Braden; twelve great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and their families.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren: David Wingo and Jennifer Braden; three brothers: Harry Donald Wingo, Arnold Wingo, Nolan Wingo; a sister Arlene Michelletto.

Memorial contributions in memory of Dale Edward Wingo, may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Mark Angelo Basolo, 48, passed away on March 21, 2022.

He was born on May 30, 1973 in Benton, IL to Martin and Polly (Hicks) Basolo.

He is survived by his children Ava Basolo and Keaton Basolo of Cambria; his parents Martin and Polly Basolo of Christopher; two sisters Angie (Larry) Bond of Christopher and Anita (Sam) Brockett of Benton; four nephews Dalton and Ryan Bond and Bo and Blake Brockett; three uncles Fred (Loretta) Basolo of Mulkeytown, Carl (Glenda) Hicks of Texas and Ray (Linda) Hicks of Arizona; one aunt Katherine (Leonard) Gallagher of Colorado and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and one aunt.

Mark was a retired correctional officer.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday April 9, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday April 8, 2022 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and also on Saturday April 9, 2022 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the St Andrews Catholic Church. The family invites everyone back to the St Andrews Parish Hall for a meal that will be provided after the memorial service.

The family also request no flowers and that donations be given to Mark’s children Ava and Keaton for a scholarship fund. Checks can be made payable to Anita Brockett.

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

Sue Battaglia, 81, of Royalton, passed away on Friday April 1, 2022 at her home.

She was born on April 28, 1940 in Plumfield, IL to Arley and Lucile (Rowland) Davis. She married Sam Battaglia JR on May 11, 1963 and he survives of Royalton.

She is also survived by her children Stacy (Toni) Battaglia of Royalton and Deanna (Tim Wells) Battaglia of Marion; grandchildren Brittney (Eric) McElroy of Zeigler and Marrisa (Brandon) Gamble of Royalton; great grandchildren Cadence and Bryar; one brother Rodney (Annie) Davis of Dyer, IN; two nephews Nathan (Olivia) Davis of Denver, Co, Aaron (Leah) Davis of Denver, Co and one niece Amy McCarty of Dyer, IN.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon.

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

John Douglas Shukites, 75, of Christopher, passed away on March 31, 2022 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on December 20, 1946 in Herrin, IL to John Charles and Juanita Rose (Higginson) Shukites. He married Judith (Yadloski) Shukites on December 16, 1978 and she preceded him in death on November 14, 2016.

He is survived by his two sons Phillip Shukites of Christopher and John Michael Shukites of Carbondale; two grandsons Zane Shukites and Xander Shukites; one sister Marilyn Clements of Arnold, MO; one special niece Holley Smith and several other nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and two sisters Helen Carter and Charlene Moore.

He was very proud of his service in the United States Navy, he served during the Vietnam era and was on a spy ship of the coast of Cuba. He attended the rank of MM3. He was a truck driver and was a very talented welder.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday April 7, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Denny Bush officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital and will be acted at the funeral home.

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

Linda S. Williams, 70, of Benton passed away on Tuesday morning, March 29, 2022 at the St. Louis University Hospital.

She was born in Welch, West Virginia on January 2, 1952 the daughter of William McKinley & Edna Margaret (Trump) Harmon.

She married Sidney E. Williams on October 4, 1980 in Thompsonville, IL.

Mrs. Williams worked for Addus HealthCare for Seniors working in the Health Care field for 26 years. She was a member of Freeman Chapel.
Mrs. Williams is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Angie Dunning of Benton
Melinda Upchurch & husband Tim of Mascoutah
6 Grandchildren
2 Great-Grandchildren
4 Step-Children:
Vevia Ann Tindall & husband Greg of Benton
Keith Williams & wife Jennifer of Benton
Randy Williams of Benton
Robin Musgrave & husband Marvin of Benton
16 Step-Grandchildren
9 Step-Great-Grandchildren and 2 on the way
1 Brother: Sam Rose of Orient
3 Sisters:
Marie Vincelette of West Frankfort
Donna Hooker & husband Mike of Dallas, TX
Rita Jeter & husband Mike of West Frankfort

Linda was preceded in death by her Father-William McKinley Harmon, Mother-Edna Rose, 1 Sister-Tammy Rose and Brother-Terry Rose.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

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

Norma Jane Page, of Ewing, Illinois, passed this life and entered her eternal home on March 26, 2022, at 2:00 a.m. at Franklin Hospital with her family by her side.

Norma was born December 21, 1930, to Ralph Marcus Smith and Serena “Pearl” Carlton Smith in Gary, Indiana. She married William “Thurmond” Page on June 29, 1951.

Together Thurmond and Norma enjoyed 57 years together building their family farm until he died in 2009. She was owner/manager of the H & R Block franchise in Benton for 42 years. Norma was named Franklin County Farmwife of the Year in 1978. Norma was active in the 4-H as a member and a 4-H Club Leader. She was a member of Benton First Free Will Baptist Church, charter member of the Macedonia Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #1028; and assisted with the summer lunch program at the Benton Ministerial Alliance.

Norma was the third oldest of nine children. Those surviving include Robert C. Smith (Lorene) of Royalton, Joyce Thomas (Bob) Thomas of West Frankfort, Linda Akerman (Dr. Lou) of Silverdale, WA, Jack Smith (Frances) of Benton, and sister-in-law Virginia Smith.

Norma is survived by her five children: Robert Ray Page (Janice) of Benton, Jean Ann Chamness of West Frankfort, Jane Ellen Page of Mt. Vernon, Patricia Lynn Wilson (David) of Benton, and John Kendall Page (Tanya) of Benton.

Sixteen grandchildren survive: Robert “Brandon” Page of Chesterfield, MO, Bradley Thomas (Monica) of Benton, Ashley Kern (Travis) of Thompsonville, Dr. Allison Schumacher (Dr. Charles) of Effingham, Garrett Thomas (Meghan) of Highland, Curtis Wilson (Kristen) of DuQuoin, Sarah Hutchcraft (Gideon) of Pinckneyville, Brice Wilson of Benton, Jacob Page (Stephanie) of Benton, Quinton Wilson of Benton, Austin Thomas (Michelle) of Carbondale, Emalee Watkins (Jeremy) of Benton, Emily McKinney of Christopher, Erin Page of Bluford, Kelsey Page of Benton, Logan Page of Benton.
Twenty-four great grandchildren: Holden Hutchcraft, Isaiah Sphere, Makaya Thomas, Madelynn Hutchcraft, Nathaniel Kern, Aaron Thomas, Liberty Thomas, Dayton Wilson, Sylvie Schumacher, Addi Sphere, Jakson Page, Brody Thomas, Jace Thomas, Reed Schumacher, Gentry Wilson, Phoebe Page, Katherine Kern, Enslee Watkins, Vivian Page, Elise McKinney, Brayliee Thomas, Jeremiah Watkins, Grady Thomas, and Eliana McKinney.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, husband, William Keith Page (infant son), Timothy Chamness (grandson), Ronnie Thomas (great grandson), Mary Schwind, Fay Krapf, and Martha VanDyke (sisters), and Ralph E. Smith (brother).

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 29, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the First Free Will Baptist Church, 1208 E. Bond St., Benton, IL. OES rites will begin at 1:45. Funeral services begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Harlen Johnson and Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. Interment will follow at Liberty-Ridlin Cemetery, Macedonia, IL.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, 302 S. Main St., Benton, IL 62812 or First Free Will Baptist Church, 1208 E. Bond St., Benton, IL 62812.
A special thank you goes out to Jane for her dedicated care given to Norma over the past year and a half.
Online condolences can be made to the family, or to share memories of Norma; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com