Mr. Earnest Eugene Heinrich, age 78, of Benton, Illinois passed away at 5:38 p.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 8, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Donnie Coulson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Masonic Rites will be observed at 12:30 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

Mr. Heinrich was born on November 16, 1944, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of William August Heinrich and Clara (Shelton) Heinrich. He married the former Sharon Kay “Coke” Smith on March 17, 1968, and she preceded him in death on October 8, 2019.

Earnest was an Independent Insurance Agent for 60 years. He was a 43-year member of Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort, Illinois., and he was a Christian.

He enjoyed going on walks, being outdoors, attending horse races, going to car auctions, staying busy, and spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving family: Darren Heinrich and wife Jessi of New Cumberland, West Virginia, Eric Smith of Benton, Illinois, Haley Heinrich of Florida, Nathan Heinrich and wife April of Riverview, Florida; grandchildren: Anthony Heinrich and wife Cailah of Benton, Illinois, J’Dah Koger and husband Cyrus of Nokomis, Illinois, Dylan Heinrich and Mallory Heinrich of New Cumberland, West Virginia, Kaitlyn Flores and Johnathan Payan of Benton, Illinois; a great-granddaughter Halle Kate Heinrich. Also surviving are in-laws: Jim Smith and wife Virginia, Gene Smith, Gary Smith, Geneva Smith, Lenita Adams, Jeannette Tasky all of Benton, Illinois, Judy Ward of Du Quoin, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Earnest Heinrich, to Frankfort Masonic Lodge #567, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Donna Sue Cockrum, 55, of Tamaroa, passed away on August 23, 2023 as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

She was born on November 27, 1967 in DuQuoin, IL to Jim Gray and Joyce (Bobbish) Poole. She married Robert Cockrum and he survives of Sesser. She is survived by her daughter Jami Melvin of Sesser; grandchildren Aiden Rice, Adrian Melvin, John O. Melvin IV and Avery Melvin and two brothers Mike Feldscher of Thebes and Jimmy Bougenoy of Tamaroa. She was preceded in death by her son John Olen Melvin III.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 29, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 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 in Sesser to help with funeral expenses.

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

Helen Ruth Sink age 96 of Ewing, IL went home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2023 at her daughter’s home in Ewing, IL.

Ruth was born November 26, 1926 in Belle Rive, IL. She was the daughter of Earl and Wilma Gifford. She married Dwight E. Sink on March 31, 1945 in Mt. Vernon, IL. He preceded her in death August 7, 2002.

Surviving are her children Duane (Anne) Sink of Belle Rive, IL, Phyllis (Ron) Gibbs of Ewing, IL and Randy M. Sink of Mt. Vernon, IL, grandchildren Matthew (Christa) Sink, Andrew (Doty) Sink, Mark Sink, Tammy (Chris) Head, Ronda (John) Suver, Eric (Robin) Gibbs, great-grandchildren Gianna, Heston, Eli, Abby and Jacob Sink, Justin (Kelsey) Head, Dakota (Kenise) Head, Caleb (Alysha) Suver, Gavin (Michaela) Suver, Alaina (John) Lamp, Audrey and Ashlyn Gibbs, great great grandchildren Maverick, Bodhi and Karsyn Head, Whitley, Willa, Brooks, Norah and Janie Suver and sister-in-law Alvera Icenhour.

Ruth was a housewife all of her life, an avid quilter and she loved her family more than life itself. She was a member of Frisco Missionary Baptist Church and attended First General Baptist Church of McLeansboro in her later years.

Receiving of friends will be held at First General Baptist Church, McLeansboro from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturday August 26, 2023 with Celebration of Life to follow at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rescue Free Will Baptist Church Building Fund and McLeansboro General Baptist Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the Celebration of Life.

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

Hadley Rae June Sheeks was born peacefully sleeping on Wednesday, August 16th 2023, at 11pm. She was born weighing all of 4lbs 8oz, and 17 inches long at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Hadley was the daughter of Dylan and Ashley Sheeks of Benton, IL.

She is survived by her three brothers Deacon, Daxton, and Alexander Sheeks all of Benton, IL.

Her maternal grandparents are Dustin and Vicki Furlong of Ewing, IL. Along with maternal great-grandparents Floyd and Debbie Jackson, also of Ewing, IL.

Her paternal grandparents are Danny Sheeks of Greenwood, IN and Amy Haler of Martinsville, IN. Along with paternal great-grandparents Ron and Ann Haler of Morgantown, IN.

She is also survived by many amazing aunts, uncles, cousins, and dance families who all loved her deeply already.

Hadley Rae June is proceeded in death by her Great – Great Grandmother Doris June Loman.

Though Hadley’s life was short, she will continue to touch this world in big ways. She got to live the perfect life, knowing only ever of love and comfort. Please continue to pray and support this family during these times.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL. 62812

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Michael Roger “Frog” Brandt, age 63, of Royalton and formerly of Alton, passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Michael was born on April 12, 1960, in Jerseyville, Illinois, the son of Arthur Lewis Brandt and Edna Mae (Smith) Brandt. He married the former Kim Gille on October 25, 2008, and she survives.

Frog was a general laborer. He loved to help people out, loved to fix things. His family said he was a joker, he was loveable, he had a great sense of humor. They said he enjoyed his beer and rum and coke, and he enjoyed smoking cigarettes. Frog also loved to talk on the CB radio to all his CB friends.
He is survived by his loving wife Kim Brandt of Royalton, Illinois; a daughter Kimberly Brandt of Alton, Illinois; a grandson Thaddeus Brandt of Alton, Illinois; Kim’s children: Crystal Ash of Belleville, Illinois, Susan Thomason of Royalton, Illinois, Samantha Jo Sheppard of Covington, Virginia; Kim’s grandchildren: Alayna Sheppard, Brianna Durham, Keeley Durham, Elijah Ramaker all of Belleville, Illinois, Brayden Thomason of Tennessee, Alaster McGeathy and Jace Camper both of Royalton, Illinois; siblings: Lee Brandt of Taylorville, Illinois, Mary Edna Ladage and husband Richard of Taylorville, Illinois, Danny Junior Brandt of Litchfield, Illinois, Cindy Brandt and companion Jim of Taylorville, Illinois, David Brandt and companion Amy of Sullivan, Illinois, Aunt and Uncle Paula and Bill Brandt of Greenfield, Illinois, Uncle Edward R. Smith of Alton, Illinois, Aunt Esther Lenora Arnold of Wrights, Illinois; ex-wife and Kimberly’s mother Tina Brandt of East Alton, Illinois; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and his lifelong friends Randy and Andy Huff of Brighton, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Frog may be made to the American Cancer Society, and may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Frog, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Lula Mae Toms, 92, of Benton, went to her heavenly home on Monday, August 14, 2023, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab, surrounded by her family.

She was born on November 6, 1930, to Hanaford and Bessie (Hutchens) Moore in Benton, IL. On April 2, 1948, she married James K. Toms and he preceded her in death on September 27, 2008.

Lula Mae was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton.

Lula Mae is survived by her three sons, John H. Toms and his wife Brenda, of Benton, James K. Toms, Jr. and his wife Jane, of Logan and Larry Toms and his wife Terry, of Benton; thirteen grandchildren, Katrina Cox of Woodlawn, Christena (Scott) Vallerga of Gilbert, AZ, Tammy Toms of Ewing, Bethany (Steve) Hoerchler of New Baden, Jonathon (Cameron) Toms of Benton, James (Gina) Toms, III of West Frankfort, Stacy (Craig) Tessone of Benton, Valerie (Justin) Witt of St. John, IN, Joseph (Rachael) Toms of Kirkwood, MO, Sarah Schultz of Benton, Rachel Ledbetter of Benton, Melinda (Derek) Flatt of Benton, Steven (Katlynn) Girtman of Benton: son-in-law, Marshall Girtman of Sesser and several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, which she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Steven Hanaford and Bessie Moore, husband, James Kenneth Toms, two daughters, Terri Schultz and Linda Girtman, grandson, Loren Toms and brother, Grover Moore.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Eddie Paul Davis, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Logan Baptist Church Cemetery, Logan, IL.
he family would like to send out a special “Thank You” to the caring staff at Stonebridge Nursing Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorials to Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab for their activity fund and will be accepted at the funeral home..
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Joanne Butler, 95, of Sesser, IL, passed away on Monday August 14, 2023 at her home.

She was born on February 26, 1928 in Sesser, IL to Burt and Opal (Inglett) Lemons. She married Fred Butler on February 19, 1977 and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2011.

She is survived by her children Mick (Brenda) Spotanski of DuQuoin and Patty Doerr of Sesser; grandchildren Robert (Judy) Doerr, Cristina (Brian) Toedebusch, Sheri (fiancé Travis) Grob and Kelly Spotanski Jansen; great grandchildren Jessica, Dylan, Lily, Korteney, Lane and Paige; great great grandchildren Jameson, Chris Jr., Lydia, Lucas Keith, Chesni, Vayda, Tristen and Kelisy and one special friend Paula Rone of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Bob Doerr, grandson Keith Prather and one great grandson Kenny Grob.

Funeral services for Joanne will be on Friday August 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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

Cliff “Teddy Bear” Jones, age 76, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:00 a.m. Sunday, August 13, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Dr. Kirk Kay, officiating. The burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation services will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Clifton Ernest Jones was born on June 1, 1947, in McComb, Mississippi; the son of Ernest L. Jones and Grace (Williams) Jones. He married the former Judith Ann Elimon on August 6, 1966, and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2014. Together they shared just shy 48 years of marriage. He would later marry the former Sheila (Lewis) Anderson on November 29, 2014, and she survives.

Cliff worked in the coal mining industry. In the coal mines is where he got his nickname “Teddy Bear.” He formerly worked with Inland Steel, CONSOL, and Ker-McGee mines.

He enjoyed everything about railroads and trains. He loved to travel and spend time with his family, especially his grandkids, and he loved being “Pa Pa.” He even had magnetic signs on his vehicle that showed he operated Pa Pa’s Taxi. He loved being there for his grandchildren and sharing in every part of their life.

He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving is his loving wife Sheila of Benton, Illinois; three daughters: Leigh Ann Ward and husband Jim of Benton, Illinois, Kelly Kanzaki and husband Ty of Bettendorf, Iowa, Lori Craven and husband Chuck of Benton, Illinois; Sheila’s two children: Duane Anderson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Sherry Collier and husband Garrett of Benton, Illinois; 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Summers, Daulton Ward and wife Brooklyn, Ashtyn Ward, Jenny Ward Head and husband Jamie, Allison Ward Anthis and husband Brad, Zachary Chaplain, Alex Chaplain, Katie Kanzaki, Dillan Chamness and wife Katelyn, Tyler Chamness, A.J. Craven, Megan Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Kameron Metzger, Kendra Metzger; 9 great-grandchildren: Anais Dove, Cheshire Dove, Trevor Head, Nathan Head, A.J. Head, Aria Anthis, Maverick Anthis, Whitlee Ward, Barrett Ward; sister-in-law Mary Jones of McComb, Mississippi; brother-in-law Evan Lewis and wife Denise of Thompsonville, Illinois; other family including Brooke Holman and husband Steve and son Drew.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest L. Jones and Grace (Williams) Jones Bowers; his first wife Judith Ann (Elimon) Jones; a son-in-law Mark Chaplain, a granddaughter April Dawn Chaplain, and a brother Dennis Jones.

The family prefers Memorial contributions, in memory of Cliff, be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church; and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.

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