Julia Irene (Odom) Whittington, 86, of Marion and formerly of Whittington, passed away on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Integrity Healthcare of Carbondale.

Irene was born in Benton, IL on August 31, 1935, the daughter of Paul and Julia (Beaty) Odom.

She married her high school sweetheart, Noel K Whittington, on December 12, 1952. He preceded her in death on September 19, 2007.

Prior to a prolonged illness, Irene attended First Freewill Baptist Church in Ina. She was proud to have been a homemaker, working alongside her husband on the family farm. Irene spent countless hours working in her yard and was often seen doing yard work by the light of a lawnmower. She loved her kids & grandkids, sewing, and cooking for friends and family.

Mrs. Whittington is survived by her: Children: Marsha Whittington Rea of Benton Michael (Donna) Whittington of Marion
4 Grandchildren: Whitney Rea Winstead of Benton Haley (Cory) Rea Smith of Benton Lindsay (Nate) Whittington Bisel of Bowling Green, KY Nathaniel Whittington of Marion

5 great grandchildren: Bentley Rea, Blakely Pavin and Bristol Leeann Smith Sawyer Michael and Harper Amelia Winstead.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her Husband, infant daughter Patty Jean, Son-In-Law Monty Rea, and her brothers James Odom and Everett Odom.

Funeral service will be conducted by Morton-Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Mark Minor officiating. Those attending the service are requested to please meet at the Funeral Home and stay in your vehicle. Procession to graveside funeral service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 18, 2021. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Lulabell L. Boswell, 79, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday September 1, 2021 at her home.

She was born on May 6, 1942 in DuQuoin, IL to Floyd Edgar and Lillie (Meadows) Cash. She married Marvin Boswell on September 5, 1958.

She is survived by her husband Marvin Boswell of Christopher; children Vanessa (Danny) Clark of West Frankfort, Veronica (Michael) Davison of Marion and Tara Ann Smith of California; grandchildren Sean (Jennifer) Boswell, Kyle Boswell, Derek Clark, Brittney (Jared) Kennedy, Danny Ray (Lisa) Clark Jr, Amanda (Alan) Holmes, Julie Littlefair and Jason (Megan) Holmes and one sister Bernice Johnson of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Marvin Boswell II, siblings Rosalie Henson, Floyd Cash Jr, Wanda Andrews, Arley Cash, Leroy Cash and Mary Ellen Cash.

She was a homemaker and the Assistant Pastor of the Creek Nation Pentecostal Church.

Funeral services will be on Sunday September 5, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Creek Nation Pentecostal Church in Mulkeytown with Brother Curt Overton officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Creek Nation Pentecostal Church. Envelopes for donations will be available at the Church.

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

John Olen “Youngblood” Melvin III, 33, of Herrin, passed away on Saturday August 28, 2021 from injuries received from a motorcycle accident.

He was born on December 27, 1987 in DuQuoin to John Olen Melvin II and Donna (Gray) Cockrum.

He is survived by his mother Donna Cockrum of Tamaroa; 2nd mother Tammy Melvin of DuQuoin; his children Adrian Melvin, John Olen Melvin IV and Avery Melvin; grandmothers Joyce Poole of DuQuoin, Marilyn Melvin of DuQuoin and Deonna Schreiber of Mt Vernon; uncle Mike Feldscher of Thebes; siblings Jami Melvin of Sesser, Tricia (Bert Bloomfield) Melvin of Ava, Maeleigh Melvin of DuQuoin, Myai Melvin of DuQuoin, Brandi Melvin of DuQuoin, Trent (Shelby) Barber of Mt Vernon, Tyler Barber of Mt Vernon, Trevor Barber of Mt Vernon and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father John Olen Melvin II and his grandparents.

He loved to ride his motorcycle and was a Black Piston’s Prospect.

Funeral services will be on Saturday September 4, 2021 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Old DuQuoin Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Gwenlyn Sue Gartner was taken into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on the evening of Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, Illinois.

She was 83-years-old. Gwen, known to many as “Nan or Nana,” was born on April 3, 1938 to Leon and Verdill Faulks. While she lived with her parents most of her childhood, she often spoke very fondly of her time spent with her Uncle Morris and Aunt Mary. Gwen married Gary Gartner in 1955, and had three children, Kurt in 1956, Lisa Kay in 1960 and Lori Ann in 1969. In 1994, Gwen and Gary also adopted their granddaughter Hanna.

Gwen was a spunky, fun and faithful woman who passionately loved her family and God. Gwen always put family first, and was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She adored all of her babies. Her hugs always felt like home, and she was known to use her hand to gently caress the face of her loved ones. Until recent years, holidays and family gatherings revolved around her kitchen table and her family-famous chicken and dumplings. Gwen was also a devout Christian, and cherished her time with her Bible study friends.

Gwen was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Gary Gartner, her former son-in-law Randy Bowling, her sister Linda Tolliver and her brother-in-law Mark Weaver. Gwen leaves behind her four children: Kurt Gartner (and wife Christy) of Mulkeytown, Lisa Roth (and husband Tom) of Newnan, Georgia, Lori Gartner of Herrin, and Hanna Swan (and husband Matt) of Zeigler. Gwen is survived by her four grandchildren: Rachel Gartner (and fiance Bart Bradley) of Benton, Jacob Bowling of Reidsville, Georgia, Kyle Mitchell (and wife Chelbie) of Mt. Vernon, and Ian Perry (and girlfriend Samantha Allen) of West Frankfort. Gwen is also survived by her five great-grandchildren: Hudson, Abigail and Isabella Gartner, Emma Craig, and arriving in December, Evelyn Mitchell. Gwen also leaves behind her brother-in-law Bill Tolliver, and her sister, Karen Weaver of West Frankfort.

At her request, no memorial services will be held. Her wishes were to be cremated, and her ashes spread at a private location. Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Vickie at Marshall Browning Hospital and Pate Funeral Home for treating our Nan like she was one of your own.

Gwen will be forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts. While her passing leaves with heavy hearts, her family finds peace in the fact that she is finally in the arms of our

beloved Jesus Christ in Heaven.

www.patefh.com

Mrs. Norma Ruth Shockley, age 86, formerly of Benton; passed away at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Visitation services will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4th at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. After visitation services a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, conducted by the Benton American Legion Auxiliary.

On Sunday, September 5th at 1:00 p.m. there will be a Memorial Luncheon in Honor of Mrs. Norma Ruth Shockley at the Benton American Legion Post #280, for her family and friends.

Private family burial will take place at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Norma Ruth Shockley was born on January 3, 1935, in Sesser, IL, the daughter of Walter Martin and Nina (McBride) Martin. She married Clinton Eugene Shockley on April 3, 1953. They were married for 51 years until his death on February 14, 2005.
Norma worked and retired from Wal-Mart in West City.

She enjoyed working at the Benton Grade School K-4 as a teacher’s assistant where the children called her Grandma Shockley.
Norma was a dedicated member of the Benton American Legion Auxiliary, serving in every capacity along with her late friend Freda Broadway. She enjoyed helping Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary.

When not volunteering or working, Mrs. Shockley enjoyed flower gardening, boating, camping, spending time with family; especially spending time with her grandkids.

Mrs. Shockley is survived by her four children: Patricia Loboda of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Pamela Baxley of Riverview, Florida, Martin Shockley and wife Terri of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Michael Shockley and wife Lesa of Benton; four grandchildren: Nikki Baxley, Mandi Baxley, Aaron Shockley, Nate Shockley and wife Katie; three great-grandchildren: Maverick, Jett and Everett; a sister Dee Hanon of Tuscon, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother Jack Martin; a sister Janice Wheatley; and two nephews Shane Wheatley and Dave Hanon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Auxiliary; and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Norma, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Michael Ray Foos, 70, of Logan, IL; went to be with his Lord and Savior on the evening of Friday, August 27, 2021, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Logan Church of God. Burial with Military Honors will take place following the funeral, at the Logan Church of God Cemetery, by the Benton American Legion Post#280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Logan Church of God.
Funeral arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Michael Ray Foos was born on November 6, 1950, in Clinton, Indiana; the son of Enoch Buck Foos, Jr. and Nancy Lorene (Thomas) Foos. He married the former Brenda Ann Hanrick on May 29, 1971, and she survives.

He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, and a member of the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194.
Michael was a Deacon and member of the Logan Church of God.

Michael was a retired truck driver, last working for Taylor Transportation, based out of Fayetteville, N.C. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union.

His family said, “He was a pure legend when it came to redneck engineering”. He enjoyed fishing, crafts, working on cars, reading his Bible; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Brenda Ann Foos of Logan; three children: Heather Lee Bauza and husband Louis of Ashley, IL, Michael Todd Foos and wife Tiffany of Centralia, IL, Lorrie Williams and fiancée Greg Stewart of Benton, IL; 13 Grandchildren: Kelsea, Gage, Aiden, Remington, Jordan, Jason, Brayden, Brooklyn, Jessi, Taylor, Tyler, Tanner and Bella; 9 Great-Grandchildren: Lily, Brennley, Hudson, Kinsley, Madison, Kaleb, Kaiden, Jaxson and Tinsley; a sister Vicki Hubbard and husband David of Bonnie, IL; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Foos was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Dennis Lee Foos, Richard Enoch Foos; and a sister Kathy Gillis.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Michael Ray Foos, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Helen Sveda, 101, of Valier, passed away on August 29, 2021 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

She was born on July 5, 1920 in Shirley, AR to Walter and Nora (Plumlee) Berry. She married William “Bill” Sveda and he preceded her in death on October 21, 2004.

She is survived by daughter Donna (Phillip) Menckowski of Benton; step-son Mike (Kathy) Sveda of Christopher; grandchildren Mike Menckowski, Phillip (Cheryl) Menckowski, Diana (Rick) Holland, Gabe (Alicia) Sveda, Rachel (Hannah) Sveda-Webb; great grandchildren Michael Ben (Kristy) Menckowski, Kristine (Thomas) Reid, Whitney (Brandon) Ortega, Shawn Menckowski, Stacy (Aaron) Jones, Sarah (Josh) Smith, Darcy (Gavin) Gosha, Colin Sveda and Landon Sveda; great great grandchildren Drew, Kamryn, Carson, Brenson, Ameila, Kira, Kase, Lani and Beckham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three siblings Clodene Berry, Bob Berry and Tom Berry.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday September 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veteran’s Honor Flight of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Oma Lucille Elko, age 67 of Benton, went to be with the Lord and her loving husband on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Bill Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Lucille was born on July 6, 1954, in Benton, Illinois to Marion and Oma (Jones) Roberts. She married John Elko on November 21, 1973, and were happily married for 47 years.

Lucille enjoyed spending time with her family, her dog Luci, and feeding her squirrels.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Elko, and wife Casey of West Frankfort; her daughter, Amanda, and husband Ben Mikutis of Christopher.

Lucille was the proud mama/grandma of three amazing grandchildren, Logan Elko, Tyson Elko and Fallyn Bradley.

She also leaves behind sisters Jane Stowers and Carolyn McLearin, brother Vernon Roberts, and brother-in-law Lonnie McLearin, along with special nieces and nephews that she loved like her own.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, William Roberts and wife Linda, and sister Wanda Frost.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Lucille, visit www.lpfuneral home.com