Melissa Mae Storey, age 44, of Ewing, passed away at 2:20 p.m. Friday, October 29, 2021 at her home with her loving family by her side.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Gathering will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 3, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Melissa Mae Storey was born on November 25, 1976 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the daughter of Larry Storey and Brenda (Johns) Storey.

She graduated from the Benton Middle School and later Christopher High School.

Missy was always happy and would make those around her smile. She enjoyed watching Professional Wrestling, watching television, loved food and always enjoyed her trips to McDonalds.

Surviving is her mother and step-father: Brenda and Steve Doxsie of Ewing; her father Larry Storey of Benton; a sister Christina Cooper and husband Tony of Ewing; a brother Michael Storey of Benton; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: James and Dorothy Storey; maternal grandparents: Bill and Loma Johns; and a special aunt Charlotte Leonard.

The family would like to say “Thank You” to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and to family and friends for their care and compassion.

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

Alexander James Barclay Jr., 64, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday October 30, 2021 at his home.

He was born on April 10, 1957 in Germany to Alexander James and Mary Catherine (Donelson) Barclay Sr.

He is survived by the love of his life for 43 years Gail Barclay of Christopher; his father Alexander James Barclay Sr. of Royalton; two daughters Amanda (Brian) Gant of Christopher and Nichole Thorpe of Christopher; grandchildren Brittni, Dakota, Bianca, Junior, Hunter and Harley; one great grandchild Kahmara; brothers and sisters Starlene Underwood of Oklahoma, Michael Barclay of Nashville, IL, Steve (Cindy) Barclay of DuQuoin and Linda (Michael) Murphy of Johnston City.

He was preceded in death by his mother and one sister Cheryl Lynn Smillie.

He was a diehard Cubs fan.

A Memorial service will be held on Wednesday November 3, 2021 at 6:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Donald Schluter officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:30 PM until the time of the service at 6:30 PM.

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

Bonnie B. Maller, 81, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at her home.

She was born on September 12, 1940 in Ewing, IL to Coy and Frieda (Conner) Harmon. She married Joseph Maller and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Teresa (Roger) Roberg of Beafort, SC, Tammy (Jim) Sheehan of Benton, Traci Wright of Marion and Michael Todd of Columbus, GA; grandchildren Isaac (Jenny) Roberg, Lindsay (Jim) Roberg, Tysen (Jennifer) Yates, Amanda (Brandon) Yates, Bethani (David) Shultz and Zackary Moore; 9 great grandchildren; one sister Violet Mandrell of Valier and one brother Tom (Jane) Harmon of Ewing and several nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson Eric Roberg, two sisters Delena Kniffen and Mary Lou Kniffen and two brothers Max Harmon and Ted Harmon.

Bonnie’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

David Keith Marvel, 54, of Hudson, NC., passed away at 6:17 p.m., on Thursday, October 14, 2021, at the Caldwell UNC Heath Care in Lenoir, NC.

He was born on May 5, 1967, to Robert and Linda (Gettings) Marvel in Franklin County, IL. He married the former Kathryn Burris, and she survives.

David was a member of Reflection of Christ Ministries.

He is survived by his loving spouse of six years, Kathryn Marvel; mother, Linda Marvel; daughter, Brittany Marvel; son, Phillip Marvel; and sister, Lori Hopkins.

David was preceded in death by his father, Robert Marvel; and brother, Jeffrey L. Marvel.

Funeral Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St., Benton, IL. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, 1:00 p.m., at the Union Freewill Baptist Church, 1403 New Lake Road, Thompsonville, IL, with Brother Ivan Ryan, officiating.

Burial will follow services at the Union-McCann Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL., with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Marines Honors Team.

Memorials contributions may be made to the family.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Robert Elie Valette, 86, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday October 24, 2021 at his home.

He was born on September 18, 1935 in St. Ambroix, France to Henri and Albertine (Soustelle) Valette. He married Doris (Giacomo) Valette on January 26, 1957.

He is survived by his wife Doris Valette of Mulkeytown; children Elaine (Keith) Polbinski of Christopher, Mark (Linda) Valette of Mulkeytown and David (Tammy) Valette of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Erin (Tom) House, Lauren (Justin) Williams, Susan (Keith) Jones, Ben Valette, Tony Valette, Hope (Bradford) Hargraves, Holly (Kolten) Pedigo and Halle Valette; great grandchildren Matyi and Mallory House, Olivia and Margot Williams, Brock, Piper and Maren Jones and Townes Hargraves.

In July of 1948 Robert immigrated to the United States from France with his parents at the age of 12.

He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, Knights of Columbus and UMWA. He worked at Old Ben #26 as a Hoisting Engineer.

Funeral Mass for Robert will be on Wednesday October 27, 2021 at Noon at the St Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday October 27, 2021 from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Chapel Fund. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Archie Lee Williams Sr., 77, of Mulkeytown, passed away on October 23, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on June 20, 1944 to Owin Lee Williams and Carman (Capps) Mann. He married Marlene (Meadows) Williams on August 19, 1972.

He is survived by his wife Marlene Williams of Mulkeytown; one son Junior Williams of Herrin; two sisters Carol O’Brien of Anna and Brenda Hoppers of Herrin and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two children and one brother Owin Williams.

Graveside services will be on Friday October 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Robert Eugene Summers, age 77, of Christopher, passed away at 3:33 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Norton-Brownsboro Hospital of Louisville, KY.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 23, 2021, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Pastor Larry Adams officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Eugene Summers was born on February 28, 1944, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the son of Eugene Summers and Zella (Bailey) Summers. He married the former Barbara Sue Adams on December 15, 1962, and she preceded him in death on August 21, 2021.
Bob was a retired coal miner and a member of the U.M.W.A.

He was a member of the West City Baptist Church, where he and his late wife Barbara lead the worship.

Mr. Summers enjoyed fishing, loved to cheer on the Cardinals. He liked to tinker and fix anything he could.
Surviving are two sons: Jeff Summers and wife Lori of Dallas, TX, Robbie Summers and wife Lisa of Louisville, KY; five grandchildren: Jennifer Summers of Eldorado, IL, Jordan Summers of Louisville, KY, Mitchell Summers of Farmington, MO, Liam Kirk and Laney Kirk, both of Benton; several great-grandchildren; two sisters: Sheila Rich and Cheryl Kelly, both of Benton; a brother Gary Summers, also of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; a brother Jim Summers; and an uncle Leroy Bailey.
Memorial contributions in memory of Robert Eugene Summers, may be made to the West City Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Jimmy W. Bennett, age 76, of Benton and formerly of Alabama, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at his home.

Mr. Bennett’s wishes are to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date in Alabama.

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

Jimmy was born March 11, 1945, in Walker County, AL; the son of Robert Jackson Bennett and Bertha (Sanders) Bennett. He married the former Bobbi Ragsdale, and she preceded him in death on July 30, 2013.

He formerly worked in the administrative department for AAA Cooper Transport of Birmingham, Alabama.

He was a member of the Dora Church of God of Dora, Alabama. He enjoyed playing piano at numerous churches in Alabama and Illinois.

Jimmy enjoyed visiting Rend Lake, listening to music, especially Blue Grass Music. He loved to cook and enjoyed his Milos Sweet Tea and Little Debbie snack cakes. Most of all, he cherished his time with his two granddaughters.

Surviving is his loving son Mark Lance Bennett and wife Rachel of Benton; two granddaughters: Chloe Rae Bennett and Kyndall Larae Bennett, of Benton; a brother Johnny Bennett of Sumiton, Alabama; his special friend Lynda Orlandini of Herrin; Rachel’s parents Ray and Connie Morris of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Bertha Bennett; his wife Bobbi Bennett; three brothers: Ralph, Gene and Bob; two sisters: Billie Sue and Geraldine.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; or visit
www.diabetes.org

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

Joshua W. Szczeblewski, 40, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from a recreational off-highway vehicle accident.

He was born on December 2, 1980, to Robert and Brenda (Shobe) Szczeblewski in DuQuoin, IL.

Joshua loved farming and spending time with his family and daughters.

He is survived by his brother, Kevin Szczeblewski of Mulkeytown, IL; sister, Brandy (Jerry) Waligorski of Mulkeytown, IL; two daughters, Shi-Anne Lappin and Saylor Lappin; and niece, Madison Szczeblewski.

Joshua was preceded in death by mother, Brenda L. Szczeblewski.

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

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be planned at the family’s church. Memorials contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Daphne Dee Thiele-Hamby age 50, of Whittington, passed away at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

Daphne’s wishes are to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

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

Daphne was born July 22, 1971, in Granite City, IL; the daughter of James Robert Thiele and Jackie Gail (Justice) Schofield.

She was a waitress at Harbor Lite Restaurant in Whittington, IL; and, also worked for Dr. Kelly Stewart.

Daphne enjoyed her dogs, loved to work, loved being around her friends and helping people.

Surviving is her mother and step-father Jackie and William Schofield of Benton; two children: Tyler Schofield and Harli Rhine, both of Benton; two grandchildren: Khloie Rhine and T. Ray Alexander; a brother Jason Thiele and wife Tonya of Benton; a sister Teri Schofield of Middleburg, FL; nieces: Erica Thiele and fiancée Brendan Portee, Mariah Thiele and fiancée Austin Walker; all her babies Kane, Ronin and Raelynn; several aunts and uncles and cousins; her best friends: Mary Eubanks, Peggy Logan, Laura Stewart, Dr. Kelly Stewart, Cyndi and Bob Britton.

She was preceded in death by her father; maternal and paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210; or visit www.petsneedhomes.org

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