Mrs. Dorothy Mae Johnson, age 96, of West Frankfort; passed away at her home and went to be with her Lord and Savior at 4:20 a.m. Thursday, November 25, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday, November 29, 2021, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton, with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to Noon on Monday at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Dorothy was born on September 7, 1925, in Lyndell, Pennsylvania, the daughter of George Allen Kaiser and Elsie Mae (Osbourne) Kaiser. She married Arnie Leon Johnson, Sr. on September 21, 1942, and he preceded her in death on December 18, 2004.

She formerly worked as a CNA at Sanford Rehabilitation Center of Sanford, North Carolina.

Mrs. Johnson was a member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

She enjoyed cooking for her kids and grandkids. She also loved family and church gatherings. Her family said she enjoyed working with her hands; including painting, remodeling, and she use to raise farm animals.

Surviving are six loving children: Rosa Lee Decker and husband Bob of Chester, IL, Carl Johnson and wife Merry of Sanford, NC, Virginia Diamond and fiancée Jerry Cramer of Mack’s Creek, MO, Kenny Johnson and wife Krista of Sanford, NC, David Johnson of Sanford, NC, Margaret Morris and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, IL; 30 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, husband; two sons Arnie Johnson, Jr. and Peter Daniel Johnson; two grandchildren Amy Johnson and Michael Wayne Harris; two sisters Effie and Grace, and a brother Sonny.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church.

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

Christina Maria Pearson, of West Frankfort, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home on November 23, 2021 after her long battle with cancer. She was 44 years old, born July 17th, 1977.

Her wishes are to be cremated with a future Celebration of Life Service.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Christina was baptized at North Benton Baptist Church, and later went to church at Immanuel Baptist Church until she graduated high school and served in the Navy. She was stationed at Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, Hawaii, where she met and married her first husband and where her first child was born.

She leaves behind her three loving children: Tristan Carter, 24; Serenity Pearson, 16; and Lucas Pearson, 14. Also her mother Debra Kays and her husband Marion; her sisters Marie Staggs and Toni Ray; her father Stewart (Bill) Edwards and his wife Viola; her estranged husband Billy Pearson; her step sisters Brenda, Tammy, Debbie, and Elaina; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and other family and friends.
Proceeding her is her ex-husband Tracy Carter, her grandparents Rose Edwards and Lois and Robert Key, and her great grandparents Bertha and Ed Uselton.

Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with expenses, payable to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Sheena Nicole Frost, 37, of South Roxana, IL, went to her Heavenly home at 9:02 a.m., on Thursday, November 18, 2021, in South Roxana, IL.

She was born on August 15, 1984, to Jessie Parker, Jr. and Carla Frost in Benton, IL. She attended North Benton Baptist Church and was baptized in 1995. Sheena worked at Casey’s in South Roxana, IL.

Sheena had many experiences and adventures in life. She was beautiful, outgoing and loved her children and dogs. Sheena loved spending time with and talking to her children, traveling and attending concerts. She loved her faithful furry companion, Bowie. Sheena enjoyed playing the flute and was part of the Benton Middle School Marching Band. She attended Benton Consolidated High School, Rend Lake College and CALC Institute of Technology.

She is survived by her three loving children, Elijah Shores, Conner Rowe and Deacon Rowe; her parents, Jessie Parker and Carla Frost and her brother, Justin Beau Parker; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Sheena was preceded in death by her brother, Michael B. Frost; pet dog, Bella; maternal grandparents, Dorris and Carl Frost; paternal grandparents, Janet and Jessie Parker, Sr.

“I will always love you forever,” Carla Frost (Mother)

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

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to Sheena’s family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Gary W. “Doc” Hale, 73, of Whittington passed away Monday morning, November 22, 2021 at his daughter’s home.

He was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on March 27, 1948, the son of Walter & Racheal (Beaty) Hale.
He married Donna (Rone) on November 13, 1967.

Mr. Hale worked maintenance at Benton Consolidated High School for several years. Farming was his passion. He could fix anything.
Mr. Hale is survived by his:
Wife: Donna Hale of Whittington
2 Daughters:
Lorrie Whittington & husband Todd of Benton
Melissa Valleroy & husband Dave of Benton
6 Grandchildren:
Amanda Prince & husband Taylor of KY
Bryan Walker & Dakota of Christopher
Brittney Robey & Scott of Benton
Taylor Robey & Frankie of TX
Jacob Robey of Benton
Zachary Robey of Benton
7 Great-Grandchildren:
Hailey Prince
Mylah Walker
Corey Robey
Lillian Ayala
Vivian Robey
Killian Green
Rafeal Ayala
4 Siblings:
James V. Hale & wife Hope of Ewing
Janet Meneese & husband David of FL
Judy Edmison & husband Dexter of Belle Rive
Edward Hale & wife Anne of Ewing
Brothers-in-law & Sister’s-in-law:
Loberta Willhite
Vickie Price
Bill Rone
Phillip Rone & wife Rhonda
Tammy Doty & husband Craig
Lynn Rone
Several Nieces & Nephews

Mr. Hale was preceded in death by his Parents, Father-in-law & Mother-in-law-William & Mary Rone, Sister-Dorothy Foster and her husband Vic, Brothers-in-law-Roy Rone, John Rone & Dale Willhite and Nephew-William Allen Hale.
A Memorial Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M on Saturday, November 27th at the Ina Community Building. Everyone is welcome.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Marvin L. Gates, 71, of Benton, passed away at 2:35 p.m., on Sunday, November 21, 2021, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

He was born on June 18, 1950, to Ellard and Mabel (Sanders) Gates in Christopher, IL. On February 12, 1984, he married Lori Ann Wright and she survives.

Marvin was a loving spouse, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed gardening, farming and appliance repair. He loved socializing with people.

He is survived by his spouse, Lori, two daughters, Sherry (Shannon) Paisley of Sesser, IL and Dana (Holly) Gates of Benton, IL; two sons, Justin (Amanda) Gates of Benton, IL and Jason (Annie) Gates of Whittington, IL; a step-daughter, Danielle (Bryan Raines) Helmer of Chicago, IL; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents , Ellard and Mabel Gates.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, November 26, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 26, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Dean Severin, officiating.

Burial will take place in Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, American Diabetes Association or the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Jeffrey Ford, age 45, of West Frankfort; passed away at 10:04 a.m. Friday, November 19, 2021 at the Herrin Hospital.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Darrel Ford officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Jeffrey was born in Harrisburg, Illinois, on May 23, 1976; the son of Floyed Ford and Darlene (Milam) Ford.

Jeff formerly worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

He enjoyed watching sports, especially wrestling. Jeff was a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan.

Surviving are two sons: Destin Ford and Aiden Ford, both of Benton; his mother Darlene Kollra of Tuscon, AZ; six sisters: Bonnie Marks of Eldorado, IL, Debbie Gibbs and husband Ken of Galatia, IL, Denise Ford and partner Wanda Chaffin of Benton, Tillie Lambert of Crab Orchard, IL, Sue Lambert of Creal Springs, IL, Dorris Lambert of Lake of Egypt, IL; two brothers: Rondal Ford and wife Bea of New Burnside, IL, J.W. Lambert of Salem, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Floyed Ford; a sister Theresa Lambert, and a brother Robert Lambert.

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

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

George L. Del Longo, 89, of Valier, IL passed away on Sunday, November 14, 2021, surrounded by his loving family at his daughter’s home in Benton, IL.

He was born on November 4, 1932, to Louis and Mary (Burralli) Del Longo in Argo, IL. George retired as a General Maintenance Operator for Greater Chicago Auto Auction. He married Patricia Burns and she proceeded him in death. To this union they had 5 children.

George was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He enjoyed fishing, family picnics, watching sports, playing sports and playing with his pet dog Dash Del Longo.

He is survived by his three daughters, Margaret (Bill) Murphy, Karen (Carl) Batzel, and Shelly (Henry) Shelton; one son, Michael (Leslie) Del Longo; eleven grandchildren, Lynn Nielson, Sarah Genovese, Jill (Justin) Summary, Heather (Jeremy) Killmer, David Diaz, Patricia (Kendall) Spriggins, Justin (Sarah) Batzel, Jeremy (Lindsay) Batzel, Mark (Christina) Rangel, Michael (Lauren) Rangel, and Melanie (Michael) Benns; 25 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Mike (Cathy) Burns; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents Louis and Mary Del Longo; wife, Patricia Del Longo; daughter, Deborah Ann Genovese; sister, Elizabeth Jessie; brother-in law, Carlon “Earl” Jessie; brother, Raymond Del Longo; and a sister-in-law, Lorrane Del Longo.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL. A celebration of life will be held at a later date and burial will take place in the Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Alsip, IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

James Donald Price, 77, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday November 14, 2021.

He was born on January 27, 1944 in Lebanon, MO to Clyde Jerald and Elsie Grace (Jones) Price. He married Joyce (Bays) Price on September 16, 1967.

He is survived by his wife Joyce Price of Sesser; three sons James Phillip Price of Sesser, Donald Stephen (Lori) Price of Pennsylvania and Christopher Andrew (Cathy) Price of Florida; one special son Dan (Nickie) Winters of North Carolina; three grandchildren and one brother Jerry (Sandy) Price of Kansas City, KS.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday November 19, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Brother Gowdy Cannon officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m.

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