Mrs. Thelma Smothers, age 87, of Logan; went to be with her Lord and Savior at 7:18 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Logan Church of God, with Rev. Mike Mayberry and Rev. Rick Fowler officiating. Burial will follow in the Logan Church of God Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday at the Logan Church of God.

Funeral Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Thelma was born on November 3, 1934, in Celina, Tennessee; the daughter of Eston Eads and Mary Rhea (Thrasher) Eads. She married Jackie Dean Smothers on October 22, 1953, and he preceded her in death on November 15, 2018.

Her working career consisted of working in a dry-cleaning plant in Taylorville, IL, waitress, laborer with American Can Company, cleaned houses, worked with the Franklin County Senior Services at the West Frankfort Wit and Wisdom Center, and she was a cosmetologist.
She was a member of the Logan Church of God, where she formerly served as a Sunday School Teacher, and Church Clerk.
Thelma enjoyed sewing, most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving is her three children: Loretta Rice and husband Steve of Logan, IL, Jack D. Smothers of Logan, IL, Lisa Morse and husband Zandle and son Tyler of Buncombe, IL; five grandchildren: Melissa Coons, James Pense and wife Chrystal, Paula Coons Arpasi and husband Thomas, Daniel Rice, Chloe Morse; three great-grandchildren: Kaven, Aubrie and Mia; a sister Gena Clark and husband Jack of Monroe, TN; a brother: Raymond Eads and wife Janice of Livingston, TN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter Connie Coons; and three brothers: Samuel George Eads, Ray Wilson Eads, and John Wheeler Eads.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Logan Church of God and will be accepted at the church.
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Thelma, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Due to the mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Gov. J.B Pritzker, and the recent Omicron surge, masks are recommended at all times while inside the church.

Phyllis Jane Barnfield, 85, of Benton, IL passed away on Thursday morning, January 20, 2022.

Phyllis was born in West Frankfort, IL on June 21, 1936, the daughter of Jesse Lee & Maggie (Whitlow) Wallace.

She married Bill Barnfield on July 9, 1955, and he survives.

Mrs. Barnfield was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. She worked for 20 plus years at Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department. Her family and her faith were the most important things in her life. Even though Mr. & Mrs. Barnfield may have had only one year of schooling beyond high school, they knew an education would provide one with limitless opportunities. Mrs. Barnfield was proud that all of her children graduated college and as of now, the five oldest grandchildren have done the same.

Mrs. Barnfield is survived by her:

Husband: Bill Barnfield of Benton

4 Children:

Deidre Rea & husband Richard of Dunlap, TN

Dr. Terry Barnfield & wife Glynis of Salem, IL

Clydette Barnfield of Benton, IL

Dr. Marda Voss & husband Travis of Weldon Spring, MO

7 Grandchildren:
Jesse Rea & wife Caroline

Dr. Libby Ownby & husband Kirby

Dr. Rayla Bolton & husband Captain Aaron Bolton

Ford Barnfield

Jennings Barnfield & wife McKenna

Eva Voss

Elise Voss

4 Great-Grandchildren:
Jacob & Emily Claire Rea
Ethan & Kaden Ownby
Mrs. Barnfield was preceded in death by her Parents and 2 Sisters-Billie Vanhorn & Weymouth Clark.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Monday January 24th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church Building Fund.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James Ronald “Jim” Heifner, age 83, of Thompsonville, passed away at 10:48 a.m. Thursday, January 20, 2022, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Elder Willie Huffine officiating. Burial with Military Honors provided by the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194 and the Army National Guard, will be in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
James Ronald Heifner was born in Hamilton County, Illinois on July 17, 1938; the son of William Martin Heifner and Ida Mae (Poynor) Heifner.

He married Patricia Ann Flannigan on June 17, 1967, at Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church, and she survives. They had two children, Cynthia Ann Heifner Biggs and James Martin Heifner, both of Akin. He also leaves behind three cherished granddaughters Payeton Heifner, Harley Heifner, and Brooke Biggs. He was also blessed with one great-grandson Dramir Haskins.
Jim is survived by a sister, Darlene Roberts of Dale, Illinois; and was preceded in death by a brother Charles, who died as an infant; a sister Barbara Wyant; brothers John Heifner, and Carlton Heifner. He was very close to his siblings who lived near most of his life. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

He was a member of Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church for 47 years, where he became a Trustee and Deacon.
Jim made a living as a coal miner and working in the oil fields and construction.

He was a member of the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194 and the Akin Masonic Lodge # 749 of Thompsonville. He was also a Caretaker and on the Board of Trustees for Brady Cemetery, and at one time Eastern Township Trustee and Republican Precinct Committeeman.
He enjoyed collecting antiques and “trading” with friends. Most of all he loved visiting with family and friends whether it was drinking coffee in Thompsonville, fellowship at his church or just at home. He will be remembered as a devoted family man and good friend to many.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jim, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Due to the mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Gov. J.B Pritzker, and the recent Omicron surge, masks are recommended at all times while inside the funeral home.

Marietta Kolisek, 90, of Benton, IL, passed away on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born in West Frankfort, IL, on November 30, 1931, to John C. and Nell F. (Troutt) Wall.

Marietta retired as a receptionist from Old Ben Coal Company. She was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Benton. She was married to Fred Kolisek, who preceded her in death in 2008.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Melinda and Jan A. Melvin of Benton, IL; sister, Winnie Bergeson of Joliet, IL; sisters-in-law, Janet Kolisek and Margaret Rice of Benton, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Marietta was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Maxine Jackson and Kay C. Wall; brothers, Ralph L. Wall and Jack Wall.

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

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m., on Monday, January 24, 2022, at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, with the Reverend Jim Jenkel officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 201 South Main St., Benton, IL, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Condolences may be given at www.patefh.com

Jack L. Townley of Ewing, IL passed away on Thursday, January 19, 2022 at home with his wife by his side. He was 84 years of age.

Jack was born on November 9, 1937 in Ewing to Jack C. and Pauline (Whittington) Townley. On his 20 birthday of November 9, 1957 he married Helen Marie (Adams) Townley and to this union were born three sons Larry, Jack Kevin and Jeffery.

In his teenage years Jack worked for his dad at the Home Ice & Coal Company. He had several other jobs but the one he liked best was as manager/operator of Platolene 500 Service Station on West Main Street in Benton. He loved talking to the customers and meeting new people.

Jack is survived by his wife of 64 years Helen, son Jack Kevin (Jill) of Ewing, daughter-in-law Debbie Townley Webb of Ewing, grandchildren Stephanie (Chris) Nunez of Yuma, AZ, Jesse (Kristina) Townley of Yuma, AZ, Damien Townley of Ewing, Libby Townley of St. Louis, Ben Townley of Marion. Great-granddaughters Samantha, Chloe and Allison Townley of Yuma, AZ, Hailey McIntosh of Ewing, sister Mary Brock of Logan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sons Larry and Jeffery, sister Ida (Townley) Campbell.

Funeral arrangements are Friday, January 21st at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to time of funeral at 2:00 P.M. Burial will be at Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington.

Doris Gilbreath, 95, of Benton, passed away on January 18, 2022 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

She was born on May 22, 1926 in Benton, IL to Raymond and Nina (Jones) Miller. She married William Gilbreath on March 28, 1942 and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children William “Bill” Gilbreath of Benton and Janet (Joel) Flatt of Rochester, IL; six grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; four sisters Karen (Jim) Morrison of Benton, Ruthann Patin of Louisiana, Ailene Liebman of St Louis and Billie (Ben) Hessleberg of St Louis and James Miller of Macedonia, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Lida Rusher and one grandson Will Gilbreath.

She was a member of the Rend City Baptist Church.

Funeral services for Doris will be on Saturday January 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Rend City Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

David Lee Rogers, age 68, of Benton, passed away at 8:56 a.m. Friday, January 14, 2022, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Private family-only Graveside Services will be held.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

David was born on October 9, 1953, in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Virgil Rogers and Verdeen (Crabtree) Rogers.
He worked as a laborer with the Browning Township Highway Department. He also formerly worked as a coal miner; and later worked at the Benton Elks, Hey Carl’s, and the Benton Boccie Ball Club as a bartender.
He was of the Baptist faith.

David enjoyed Chicago Cubs baseball, playing golf, competition cooking events; and especially loved his nephew David Hunt and spending time with him.

He is survived by his brother Carl Hunt of Benton; two nephews David Hunt and fiancée Desiree Casey of Benton; Brad Giles and wife Charlotte of Denton, TX; special close friends Fred and Carolyn West of Benton.

He was preceded in death by his father Virgil Rogers; his mother Verdeen Hunt; his step-father Carlton Hunt; a half-sister Phyllis Giles; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Memorial contributions in memory of David, may be made to the Elks Crippled Children’s Fund, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of David, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Lonnie Gaylor, 56, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday January 13, 2022 at his home.

He was born on December 27, 1965 in Tiptonville, TN to Glenn Mathis and Joyce (Lawrence) Connell.

He is survived by his sister Katherine Clawson of Herrin; best friend Luke McGill; one niece April and three nephews Phillip, Shawn and Hiram and several cousins, great nieces and great nephews.

Lonnie was a very kindhearted and simple person and loved to collect comic books, action figures and movies. He was also a freelance artist.

His wishes were to be cremated with a private service at a later date.

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