Troy S. Irvin – Valparaiso, Indiana

Troy Smith Irvin, age 86, of Valparaiso, Indiana, passed away at 8:30 p.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Life Care Center of Valparaiso.

It was his wish to be buried with his family in Plasters Grove Cemetery.

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

Troy was born on June 6, 1938, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the son of Kirby Smith Irvin and Mary Magdalene (Perryman) Irvin.

Troy was the former owner and operator of Best Mirror Custom Images of St. Charles, Illinois. He was a professional “Carny” with Greater American Carnival.

He was the ultimate foodie, fisherman and back roads traveler. Troy deeply loved his family and adored his granddaughters, often saying if he had known grands were so great, he would have had them first.

Survivors include his loving daughter Genine “Geni” Aratri and husband Phillip of Dyer, Indiana; two granddaughters: Cassie Dziatlik of Key West, Florida, Ashlie Hernandez of Portage, Indiana; a great-grandson Lorenzo Gootee; a brother Teddy R. Irvin and wife Carolyn of Benton, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Kirby Smith Irvin; three brothers: Donald Irvin, Kenneth “Sam” Irvin, Orville Irvin; five sisters: Janice Kay Irvin, Betty Lou Myers, Brozella Odam, Almeda Tadlock and Ellafair Gunnells.

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

Carolyn Sue Biggs-Marion, IL

Carolyn Sue Biggs, 80, of Marion, passed away on Wednesday May 22, 2024 at Parkway Manor. She was born on July 9, 1943 in Zeigler, IL to James and Bonita (Berry) Journey. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband David Biggs and one brother Jim Journey. Carolyn’s wishes were to be cremated and a graveside service will be held on Wednesday May 29, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

James H. Carl – Benton, IL

James Harvey Carl, age 89, of Benton, passed away Tuesday evening, January 9, 2024, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated with a private family burial at a future date in Tennessee.

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

James was born on August 14, 1934, in Knoxville, TN; the son of A. Harvey Carl and Mary (Tipton) Carl. He married the former Patricia Battello on March 16, 1957. Together they shared 61 years of marriage until her passing on December 20, 2018.

He was employed as an airline mechanic for 42 years with United Airlines.

James enjoyed raising birds, including parakeets, finch, cockatiel, and love birds. He also loved reading about and watching programs on hot rods and airplanes. He liked gardening, especially raising tomatoes. Before he retired, he loved his job and looked forward to working.

He formerly attended the First Christian Church of Elgin, IL.

Mr. Carl served his country in the U.S. Army. He was in basic training as the Korean War ended. He met his wife while serving in the military.
Surviving are four children: James D. Carl of Pleasant Prairie, WI, Jennifer Roath and husband Larry of Tucson, AZ, Raymond L. Carl of Streamwood, IL, Theodore “Ted” Jenkins and wife Lisa of Ottawa, IL, two grandchildren: Sarah Jobst and husband Bernard Kondenar of Benton, IL, Sonti Carl of Tennessee, three step-grandchildren: Julia Taylor and husband Adam of Midland City, AL, Justin Jobst and wife Susan of Roscoe, IL, Jessie Fiscal and husband Jose of Kenosha, WI; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a son-in-law Kurt Jobst of Cherry Valley, IL; a sister-in-law Carol Carl of Russellville, TN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, a daughter Mary Jobst; a brother William Carl; and a daughter-in-law Dru Carl.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of James, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Phillip Ray Gower – Benton, IL

Phillip Ray Gower, 43, of Benton, IL, passed away at 5:30 p.m., on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburg, Indiana.

He was born on May 23, 1980, to William and Kathleen (Meehan) Gower in Benton, IL.

He enjoyed playing guitar, singing, songwriting, drawing, cooking, listening to music and spending time with his many friends, supporting the Chicago Bears.

Phillip made friends wherever he went and had many lifelong friends as well as new friends that he has grown close to in more recent years. He was a jokester and was known for always making people laugh. He was very passionate about music.

Phillip is survived by his mother, Kathleen Gower of Mt. Vernon, IL; son, Jaxon Gower of Benton, IL; daughter, Jaida Gower of Benton, IL; sister, Christine (Rick Hoxworth) Gower-Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; brother-in-law, Brian Thomason of Washington, IL; three nieces, Sarah (Nelson) Tipsword of Sullivan, IL, Krysta Thomason of Chiang Mai, Thailand and McKenna Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; nephew, Evan Leathers of Mt Vernon, IL; great-niece, Dahlia Tipsword of Sullivan, IL and five special friends, Jarrett Pruitt, Jared Allison, Nathan Reed, Ryan Schram and Robert Davis; .

He was preceded in death by his father, William Gower, sister, Michelle Rene Thomason, paternal grandparents, Earnest E. and Mary Lou Gower, maternal grandparents, Wallace and Harriet Meehan, great aunt, Doris Bean, uncle, John Meehan, aunt, Flo Meehan, best friends, Travis West and Dusty Duncan.

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

Per Phillips wishes, cremation will take place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at the VFW/American Legion in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made in Phillip’s honor to the family in care of Christine Leathers, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Lighthouse Recovery Center, 1276 E. 250 N, Washington, IN 47501 in care of Ryan Parsons.

A Go Fund Me account has also been set up in Phillip’s honor, named Phillip Gower’s Legacy: A Family’s Urgent Need.

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

Edna Sandusky- Benton, IL

Edna Sandusky, 86, of Benton passed away Thursday Afternoon August 24, 2023 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

She was born in McLeansboro, IL on April 21, 1937 the daughter of of Kern & Leda (Hungate) Steinsultz.

Mrs. Sandusky loved her kids, grandkids and her Faith Baptist Church Family. She was always sending cards to her kids and grandkids. She enjoyed painting, puzzles and shopping.

Mrs. Sandusky is survived by her:
4 Children:
Michael Sandusky & wife Margaret of St. James, MO
Sheila Greene & husband Rick of Huntley, IL
Darryl Sandusky of Benton
Brian Sandusky of St. James, MO
8 Grandchildren
18 Great-Grandchildren
11 Great-Great-Grandchildren

Mrs. Sandusky was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband-Charles Sandusky, 2 Brothers-Norman Steinsultz & James Steinsultz and 1 Sister-Sarah Jean Morris.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Sunday, August 27th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Steven Flach officiating. Private Burial will be in the Antioch Cemetery in Macedonia. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James Edward Motsinger-Christopher, IL

James Edward Motsinger, 72, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday July 25, 2023 at DuQuoin Rehab and Nursing.

He was born on June 24, 1951 in DuQuoin, IL to Virgil and Flossie (Key) Motsinger. He married Julie (Jordan) Motsinger and she survives of Christopher. He is also survived by his son Robert (Brooke) Motsinger of Idaho; grandchildren Griffin Motsinger, Garrett (Alexis) Motsinger and Graham Motsinger and one great granddaughter Journey Motsinger all of Idaho; one sister Myra McWhirter and two brothers Rick (Mary) Motsinger and Michael Motsinger.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Linda Brown and five brothers, his twin Robert, Ronnie, Carl, Larry and Timmy.

James was a truck driver and a Vietnam Veteran, serving in the United States Navy.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services at this time.

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

Roland Santor – Ewing, IL

Roland Santor, 84, of Ewing passed away Friday morning, April 7, 2023 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Roland was born in Plattsburgh, NY on September 26, 1938 the son of Victor & Irene (Montville) Santor.
He married Joyce (Lance) on September 23, 1966.

Mr. Santor was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had received his 3rd Degree. He was also a member of the Moose Lodge, Benton Elks, Laborers Local 773 & Laborers Local 186 in Plattsburgh, NY. He was also a volunteer Fireman in South Plattsburgh, NY. In his last years of work, he worked at IDOT and also worked UMWA Mine Construction.

Mr. Santor is survived by his:
Wife: Joyce Santor of Ewing
Children:
James Neal Wangler & wife Janie of West Frankfort
Virginia Lynn Cox & husband Randy of West Frankfort
William Todd Santor & wife Michelle of Ewing
5 Grandchildren:
Jennifer Lynn Collins of DeSoto, IL
Megan Elizabeth Wylie of Joliet, IL
Haley WIngo of Christopher, IL
Deryck Bates of Mascoutah, IL
Ryder Lee Cruz Santor of Ewing
5 Great-Grandchildren:
Brianna Lynn Hoskins
Riley Lynn Wylie
Parker James Wylie
Addlyn Hope Holdern
Jaxson Michael Allen Holdern
1 Sister: Yvonne Liggett & husband Marion of Mt. Sterling, KY
1 Brother: Gerald Santor & wife Connie of Plattsburgh, NY
Numerous Nieces & Nephews

Mr. Santor was preceded in death by his Parents, 3 Brothers-Gordon, Leeward & Ralph, Sister-Alverta, Niece-Sandy Santor and 2-Nephew-Randy Santor & Dennis Liggett.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, April 12th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a Rosary at 7:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Dorotha L. Howard – Bailey Harrisburg, IL

Mrs. Dorotha Lee Howard-Bailey, age 92, of Harrisburg and formerly of Benton, passed away Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at her home.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 8, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Trent Duncan officiating. Burial to follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. to the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Dorotha was born on April 4, 1931, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Lewis Barnfield and Tena (Roper) Barnfield. She married Daniel J. Howard on April 17, 1949, and he preceded her in death on December 7, 1987. Dorotha would later marry Earl G. Bailey on November 8, 2002, and he passed away on September 14, 2022.
She was a graduate of Benton Township High School Class of 1949. Her working career was as a cook with Akin Grade School, where she worked for over 30 years, until her retirement.

Dorotha was a member of North Benton Missionary Baptist Church and for the past twenty years she and her late husband Earl attended McKinley Baptist Church of Harrisburg.

She enjoyed worshipping her Lord and Savior at both North Benton and McKinley Baptist churches.
Dorotha also enjoyed dining and visiting with friends at Golden Circle Senior Citizens of Harrisburg. She also enjoyed gardening. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are two sons: Ted Howard and wife Patty, Jim Howard and wife Becky, both of Benton; grandchildren: Tracy Lee Norris and husband Brian of Benton, Illinois, Wesley Clay Beaty and wife Jessica of North City, Illinois, Christie Pacha and husband Ken of Bloomington, Illinois, John D. Howard and wife Sarah of Marion, Illinois, Matthew G. Howard and wife Sarah of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, Nathan Beaty and wife Katrina of Ewing, Illinois; ten great-grandchildren: Mason, Madi, Logan, Olivia, Isaac, Caleb, Ella, Aiden, Trevor and Chase; a sister Jean Rose of Cadiz, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two husbands.
Memorial contributions may be made to the North Benton Baptist Church, or to the Golden Circle Senior Citizens of Harrisburg.

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

Larry Dale Newman – Zeigler, IL

Larry Dale Newman, 72, of Zeigler, passed away on Friday, September 9, 2022, at Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

He was born on January 9, 1950, to Vernon and Lillian Newman in Christopher, IL.

Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and enjoyed spending time his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a motorcycle enthusiast and loved flat track racing. He was an excellent welder and fabricator and was well-known in Southern Illinois for his skills and his personality. He will be deeply missed by his family and all that he touched in his lifetime.

Larry is survived by his family and many friends who will all cherish the memories of him.

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

Per Larry’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of life will take place at a later date.

Memorials may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Shirley Ann (DeBartoli) Grammer – Benton, IL

Shirley Ann (DeBartoli) Grammer, 85, of Benton, IL went to be with her Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ on Monday, August 29, 2022.

She was born on November 9, 1936 in Benton, IL to Tom and Ann DeBartoli.

She married the love of her life and high school sweetheart Paul Grammer March 30, 1957 in Benton, IL and her preceded her in death on October 1, 1996.

Shirley worked for many years taking care and loving many children in her Day Care. She also worked 23 years at Benton Park concession stand, raising her children, whom she loved dearly, and loving on her grandchildren. She also liked to play dominoes with her friends. She loved to fish and loved her flower garden. She loved her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, IL. She loved her church, pastors and people.

She is survived by her one son and two daughters, Matt & Kim Grammer, Holly & John Shay and Lesa & Darryl Lynch. She is survived by twelve grandchildren Elizabeth, Ben, Ellie, Zach and John Grammer of Goreville, IL, Emily, Sara, Michael, Wilson, Quinn & Hannah Shay of Western Springs, IL, Austin & Kelcie Lynch, Alaina Lynch of Benton, IL. She is also survived by many special nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Brother-Thomas and Sister-Rosalie.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 1st at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with Rev. Ron Cremeens officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Thursday at the church.

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

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News