Danny Balota, 63, of Benton, IL ‘Went to be with his Lord and Savior’ on Tuesday night January 26, 2021.

Danny was born in St. Louis, MO on March 7, 1957, the son of John and Beulah (Mandrell) Balota.
The most important thing in Danny’s life was Jesus, his family and especially his grandchildren. He was a very hard worker and was a kind and generous man.

Danny is survived by his children, Phillip Balota, Jr, of Benton and Shawn Elko, of Buckner, IL; three bonus children, Brandy Collins, and husband Joe, of Benton, Ashley Weddle, and husband Terry, of Bloomfield, IN and Brandon Romani, of Christopher, IL; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; sister Debbie Lence, and husband Alan, of Marion, IL; brother John Balota, and wife Carolyn, of Bloomington, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and by a brother, Robert “Rob” Balota.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday, January 29, 2021 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Graveside services will immediately follow the visitation at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Bryan Collins officiating.
We ask everyone attending the services to be considerate of others and to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and masks are recommended.

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

Father Joseph Lawrence Trapp, 87, of Benton, Illinois, born August 13, 1933, in Mount Carmel, Illinois, to Sylvester S. and Marie Pfiester Trapp, passed away at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in Benton, Illinois at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Joseph Trapp, a devout, dedicated and caring priest, graduated from St. Mary Elementary School in Mt. Carmel, before enrolling at St. Henry Seminary in Belleville, Illinois to begin his studies for the Catholic priesthood, which were completed at St. Meinrad Philosophy and Theology Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana. He was ordained a Catholic priest for the Belleville diocese May 23, 1959 by Bishop Albert R. Zuroweste.

Father Trapp began his 61 years of priestly ministry in southern Illinois in a temporary summer assignment at St. Joseph Parish in Olney and then as an associate at Sacred Heart Parish in Du Quoin (1959-1962) and St. Peter Cathedral Parish in Belleville (1962-1967). In 1967 he was assigned to his first pastorate at St. Patrick Parish in Enfield. Two years later he was named the pastor of St. John Nepomucene Parish in Dahlgren with St. Clement Parish in McLeansboro as a mission. During that time, he was also appointed administrator of St. Patrick Parish in Enfield. In 1975 he became the first resident pastor as St. Clement Parish in McLeansboro. In 1979 he was also appointed administrator of St Patrick Parish in Enfield. Beginning in 1982 he was named the pastor of St. Mary Parish in Shawneetown and St. Patrick Parish in Pond Settlement.

Five years later Father Trapp began a 13-year pastorate at St. Rose Parish in Metropolis, and later also the administrator of St. Joseph Parish in Elizabethtown.

His final parish assignment as pastor was at St. Joseph Parish in Benton in 2000, where he served until his retirement from active ministry in 2015. Until recently he continued to volunteer at weekend liturgies at a number of southern Illinois parishes.

Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Thomas and sister-in-law Brenda Trapp, sister, Joanne Coffey, and brother-in-law Robert Bice.

He is survived by his brother, Eugene and sister-in-law Catherine Trapp of Danville, Indiana, and sister Margaret Bice of Owensboro, Kentucky, nieces, nephews and extended family. He will be gratefully remembered by the thousands of parishioners in the 11 parishes where he exercised his priestly ministry.

When asked about his ministry as a priest, parishioners said: He was always pastoral – focusing on the needs and concerns of others as individuals and as a community, not on himself. He has been described as humble, non-judgmental, hospitable, supportive. He was a listener. His homilies are remembered for supporting faith as an effort to grow in a way of life encouraged by Jesus’ words in the Gospels. He was always on a journey of faith with his parishioners, who respected his presence on that journey as an equal.

He could also be critical of the adequacy of his ministry and leadership – with a tendency toward self- criticism. At the same time, he could be incisive and willing to speak out or write a critical letter when he judged the actions were contrary to the priority of pastoral ministry. As a man and a priest, he was a person of consistent principles.

It should be noted that he was a gardener and a lover of nature.

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

A walk-through visitation will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2021, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main St., Benton, Illinois from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., in compliance with Phase 4 Restore, guest will be entering the church from the west entrance, and are ask to please follow social distancing and a wear mask.

The Funeral Mass will follow visitation at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., for the family, support group and attending clergy. The Funeral Mass will be Officiated by Principle Celebrant The Most Reverend Bishop Michael G. McGovern, Concelebrant Father Urban Osuji, CM Pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, Illinois, The Homilist Father George Mauck, and many Concelebrating Clergy. Live Streaming of the service will be available on the St. Joseph Catholic Church Benton Illinois 62812 Facebook Page, and registration for the Live Streaming of the Funeral Mass is required at www.catholicchurchesofrendlake.com

Graveside Services will be held at 2:45 p.m., Saturday, January 30, 2021, at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery, located off of Poplar Street and Landes Street in Mount Carmel, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary Mount Carmel Catholic School Endowment Fund and will be accepted at the visitation or sent to 417 Chestnut St., Mount Carmel, Illinois 62863.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Arlene Puckett, 84, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away at 4:12 p.m., on Sunday, January 24, 2021 at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL.

She was born on April 24, 1936, to Jewell and Amelia (Marvel) Cook in Galatia, IL. On September 15, 1956, she married Charles Puckett, and he preceded her in death on February 19, 2016.

Arlene was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great grandmother. She enjoyed shopping with her twin sister, playing Bingo and spending time with her family. Her family thought she made the best cinnamon rolls and always enjoyed when she made them.

Arlene is survived by her loving children, Kenny (Peggy) Puckett of Galatia, IL; Diane (Alec) Wissinger of Thompsonville and Bridget (Kenny) Derr of Kathleen, GA; six grandchildren, Beth Ann (Kelly) Leek, Kevin Puckett, Alec Brent (Kristy) Wissinger, Travis (Miranda) Wissinger, Britney Derr and Landon Derr; and nine great-grandchildren, Demetria, Alexis, Hannah, Kevin, Jr., Joseph, Kirby, Kaelyn, Emmalyn and Mason; one great-great grandchild, Cooper.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jewell and Amelia Cook, her husband, Charles Eugene Puckett, twin sister, Kathleen Mandrell and sister, Geneva J. “Jean” Bender.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Alan Newman, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery in Akin.

Memorials may be made to the Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Carles Curry, 74, of Christopher, passed away on January 25, 2021 at his home.

He was born on May 16, 1946 in Sesser, IL to Carl and Wanda “Jomac” (Harrison) Curry. He married Brenda (Payne) Curry on June 11, 1965 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his children Carla Curry of Christopher, Jason Curry of Christopher and Kathy Payne-Archer of Desoto; grandchildren Jacob Wiegand, Hattie Curry and Kenny Curry; great grandchildren Tanner Brooke Wiegand and Ava Mae Wiegand; one sister Janice (David) Jones of Christopher; two brothers Bob (Marty) Curry of Sesser and Randy Curry of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers Charles, Ronnie and Jerry.

He was a coalminer. He loved to hunt and was a very accomplished woodworker. He also loved RC Cola soda.

A memorial visitation will be held at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher on Thursday January 28, 2021 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Brenda Kay Johnson, 68, of St. Louis, MO, passed away 2:21 a.m., on Thursday, January 21, 2021, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, MO.

She was born on November 11, 1952, to Sherman and Gertie (Pickers) Johnson in Herrin, IL.
She was a member of the Well of Living Water Ministries in Belleville, IL. She dearly loved her pet dog, Princess.

Brenda is survived by her sister, Dolores Funkhouser and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman, Sr., and Gertie Johnson, one brother, Sherman Johnson, Jr. and two sisters, Linda Lou Smith and Carolyn Gleghorn.

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

Services for Brenda will be held at a later date.

Per Brenda’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Enola Gay Green, age 66, of Benton, passed away at 4:01 p.m. Wednesday, January 20, 2021 at Herrin Hospital.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021 at Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Due to Health Concerns related to COVID-19: Visitation and Funeral services patrons are required to wear facial coverings and observe social distancing. If you are sick, please stay at home.

Enola Gay Green was born on April 1, 1954 in Fort Morgan, Colorado; the daughter of John Nalley and Inice (Holland) Nalley. She married James Owen Green on December 2, 1988, and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2002.
She was a former housekeeper for the Benton Motel and Hamilton Memorial Hospital.

She was a member of Logan Church of God, also a youth camp counselor for Illinois Church of God for 11 years, Sunday School Teacher and helped with Vacation Bible School.

Enola enjoyed crocheting, church, singing, antiques, yard sales, spending time with her grandchildren, her grand-puppy Rosie, and cooking.

Surviving are two daughters: Marissa McClintock and husband Joshua of Benton, Melanie Potts of Altamont, IL; grandchildren: Ashton McClintock, Akya McClintock, Jeramiah McClintock, and Autumn McClintock all of Benton; a great granddaughter: Sheila Marie Rose Goza; her mother Inice (Holland) Orr of Benton; siblings: Edith Ori of Benton, Esther Nalley of Nashville, TN, Joyce Kinkade of Benton, John Nalley of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father; husband; a brother Ronnie Nalley; and stepfather John Orr.
Memorial contributions in memory of Enola Green, may be made to assist with funeral services, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Martin Howard Buchanan, 87, of Valier, passed away on January 19, 2021 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on October 18, 1933 in Valier, IL to Martin J. and Isabel (Haywood) Buchanan. He married Phyllis (McDonald) Buchanan on June 27, 1958.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis Buchanan of Valier; one sister Elizabeth (Bill) Whittington of Valier; brother-in-law Bill Gulley of Valier; sister-in-law Joyce Pearce of Marion; nieces and nephews Mike (Lisa) Gulley, Dwayne (Laurie) Whittington, Penny Davis, Scott (Jennifer) Pearce, Joe (Sally) Pearce, Cindy (Art) McDonald and John (Angie) McDonald.

He was the Mayor of Valier for 54 years, he was also a Deacon of the Valier First Baptist church and served in the United States Air Force for four years.

Because of the concerns about the spread of the covid-19 virus, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Michael “Mike” Todd Hammers, 53, of Shiloh, IL, passed away at 4:06 a.m., on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at the St. Louis University Hospital in St Louis, MO.

He was born on January 27, 1967, to Leonard and Ramona (Norman) Hammers in West Frankfort, IL. Michael worked as a Utilities Operator for Anheuser-Busch. On July 28, 1990, he married Lori Roach at the Logan Church of God, in Logan, IL, and she survives.

Mike served in the United States Navy. He was a member of the local Teamsters Union. He was an avid Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching football. Mike loved spending time with his family, friends and his pets.

Michael is survived by his loving spouse of 30 years, Lori, three sons, Michael (Britney) Hammers of Cobden, Cody Hammers of Mansfield, OH and Reider Hammers of Shiloh; one grandchild, Hunter Hammers and three brothers, Steve (Leslee) Hammers, Curt (Rhonda) Hammers and Eric (Danna) Hammers.

He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Dean.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 22, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, with Chris Hammonds, officiating.

Following the service, burial will take place in the Logan Church of God Cemetery, with military rites performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Ashley Dawn Rivett, 34, of West Frankfort, passed away on January 17, 2021 at her home.

She was born on January 5, 1987 in West Frankfort, IL. She married Robert John Rivett on June 11, 2016.

She is survived by her husband Robert John Rivett of West Frankfort; son Greyson Rivett of West Frankfort; mother Robin (Darnell) Bullock of Christopher; father Michael Kirkendoll of Waltonville; step-father Thomas Bullock of Royalton; brother John (Nicole) Bullock and their son Henry of Carmi; mother-in-law Sue Rivett of Marion; grandparents Ralph and Linda Willis of Christopher and Harry and Carolyn Summers of Coello; two brothers-in-laws Jayson and Amy Rivett and their children Kaylee, Kade and Kylee of Creal Springs and Ryan Rivett of St Louis, MO; aunt Marsha and Randy Venegoni of Christopher; two uncles Danny Furlow of Coello and Scott Kirkendoll of Christopher; three cousins Nick, Kyle and Kayson and numerous friends.

Ashley was a Kindergarten Teacher at Denning Elementary School in West Frankfort, IL.

Graveside services for Ashley will be on Friday January 22, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Wayne Purdie officiating. Visitation will be on Friday at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 10 a.m. AM until 1:30 p.m. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greyson Rivett College Fund, checks made payable to Robert John Rivett, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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