Barbara Marie Rhine, 90, of Coello, passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2026 at Marshall Browning hospital. She was born December 29, 1935, in Christopher, Illinois to John and Adella (Joost) Sekardi. Barbara married Oman Rhine on September 2nd 1952.

In her working life she worked in manufacturing for P.R. Mallory and Co. and Christopher Industries, and then as a postal clerk at the Coello post office before retiring. She also served on the board of trustees in Coello as well as working as a volunteer for the village’s dumplin’ dinners.

Barbara was a devout Christian who prioritized God’s will and was known for her hard work ethic. In her free time, she loved playing bingo, working outside in her yard, and spending time with her grandkids. In her later years, she liked doing word search puzzles and watching the various wildlife that called her yard home.

She is survived by her two children: Tom Rhine and Adella Rhine. She is also survived by her two grandchildren: Clint (Casey) Rhine and Harli Rhine as well as six great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as her brothers Leroy Sekardi and Raymond Sekardi.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday April 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Charles Gossage officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

James Leon Robinson, age 85, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away at 4:35 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Leon was born on October 8, 1940, in Marietta, Mississippi, the son of Kenny and Flocie (Pharr) Robinson. He married the former Judy Mimalene Thompson on May 28, 1960, and she survives, on May 28th, they would have been married 66 years.

Leon was a coal miner. He worked at Old Ben #24 until he retired in 1996. He was also a member of the UMWA.

He enjoyed working. He loved gardening, hunting and fishing, You would find him every Tuesday at Tuesday Sales in Sesser.

One of his greatest accomplishments in life took place on March 17, 2026, when he professed his faith and trust in his Lord and Saviour, and was saved.

Surviving is his loving wife Judy Robinson of Sesser, IL, three children: Leonda Williams of Sesser, IL, Bryan Robinson and wife Donna of Murfreesboro, TN, Lori Lance of Springfield, IL, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Ester Barnes, Rozella Robinson, and Mag Willis, two brothers: John Hambric and Martin Hambric, plus a son-in-law.

Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607 or may be give online to Samaritan Purse.Org.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Leon, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Larry Dee Christy, 76, of Zeigler, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with his family by his side.

Larry was born on March 31, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois, to Howard W. Christy Jr. and Dorothy Virginia (Payne) Christy. He was the third of their children and grew up in Zeigler. Larry graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree in Aviation Technology from Southern Illinois University. There, he became certified as an FAA A&P mechanic and earned his pilot’s license.

On May 10, 1968, Larry married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Linda Kay (Glenski) Christy of Royalton, Illinois. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He enlisted in September 1972 and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, followed by Aircraft Mechanic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Throughout his military career, Larry was stationed at Forbes AFB (Kansas), Little Rock AFB (Arkansas), Lowry AFB (Colorado), RAF Lakenheath/Feltwell (England), and Griffiss AFB (New York).

In December 1974, Larry was deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand, where he supported air rescue and recovery missions and refueling operations for HH-53 helicopters. His service placed him in the final battle of the Vietnam War during the Mayaguez incident at Koh Tang Island.

During his time in the Air Force, Larry continued his education, earning certifications through the Community College of the Air Force in Aircraft Systems Technology and Electronic Systems Technology. He graduated from both the NCO Leadership School and the NCO Academy. From 1976 to 1981, he taught metrology at Lowry AFB, instructing members of all U.S. military branches as well as students from 26 different nations in the science of precision measurement.

Larry’s final assignment was at Griffiss AFB, New York, with the Strategic Air Command, where he successfully restored a tactical Precision Metrology mobile laboratory following its return from the Iraq War. He retired as a Master Sergeant on October 1, 1992.

After retiring from the Air Force, Larry returned home to Zeigler and continued his service to his community as Finance Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post #177. He also founded Concept Engineering later known as Concepte of Illinois, Inc.-which continues today under the leadership of his son, Erick. This business was built on his belief to provide the best service possible with integrity & pride.

Larry was a member of American Legion Post #177, the Minnesota National Fishing Museum, and the National Fish Decoy Association. He was also the creator of DECOYPEDIA.com, a widely recognized reference resource for fish decoy carvers.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed traveling across the United States, photography, and sharing his experiences with others. Larry was known for his willingness to help others and his desire to make a positive difference in their lives. Above all, he deeply loved his family. His great-grandchildren, Kiersten and Kaiden, were truly the center of his world and brought him endless pride and happiness

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Kay Christy; daughter, Lorri Dee (Wayne) Williford of Benton; son, Erick Shawn (Tanya) Christy of Orient; grandchildren, Alyxandria (Michael) Good of Thompsonville, Samantha Williford of Benton, and Heather (Tim) Rich of Marion; great-grandchildren, Kiersten Good and Kaiden Good; brother, Jan (Connie) Christy of Carterville; sister, Susan Summers of Sheller; several nieces and nephews; his close friend, Dan Cutter of Benton; and his beloved great-granddog, Howdy Marie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Howard Christy III and Carl Crocker; his father-in-law, Stanley Glenski; mother-in-law, June Glenski; and brother-in-law, Mike Summers.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeiger with Pastor Don Wright officiating. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Royalton. Military honors will be accorded by the Orient American Legion Post 1961 and members of the United States Air Force military honors detail team.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orient Legion Post #1961. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home of Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.

Dorothy Nolen was born in Williamson County, Illinois on August 14, 1927 to Oscar Bearden and Florence Jarvis Bearden.
She married Elvis Nolen on May 25, 1984. They shared more than thirty happy years. She never stopped loving and missing him.

She is survived by her daughter Janis Reed Thomas (Skip), her grandson Brandon Mandrell (Alex) and her precious great-granddaughter Harper Mandrell. Also surviving are other family members Melissa Schultz (Will), Rocky (Sarah) Thomas, Skipper Thomas, Mica Thomas, Megan (Aaron) Robinson and all of their children.

She loved her family so much and was so proud of them. They always came first in her life.

She graduated from Vergennes High School and later took business classes at Benton High School through SIU.

She worked from a dictaphone at home for a time for Dr. Swinney, he was trying to help her cope with the loss of her son.

She served in the Browning Township Office for twenty eight years. She served twelve years as Bookkeeper and Office Manager and sixteen years as Browning Township Supervisor.

She was a member of Jackson Grove Baptist Church. She loved music and sang for many years in the First Baptist Choir.

She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She won two cooking contests through the Southern Illinois Newspaper. She was famous for her “Cajun Chicken”.

Dorothy was a kind, generous and selfless woman. She helped many people with her cooking during sickness and death.

Her parents preceded her in death along with brothers Kenneth and Mickey Bearden, sisters Eva, Margaret and Eunice, husbands-Lloyd Reed, Graydon Clem and Elvis Nolen and son-Marvin (Butch) Reed whom she adored.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kevin Bullard and Glenn Poshard 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 Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson Grove Baptist Church.

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

John Wayne Kramer, age 71, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, IL.

John was born on August 23, 1954, in Benton, IL, the son of Albert Kramer and Louise (Cook) Kramer.

He was a retired coal miner. His working career in the coal mines was with Old Ben Coal Company, and he last worked at Night Hawk Coal in Perry County, IL.

He was a member of the Faith Missionary Baptist Church of Christopher, IL.

John enjoyed going to dirt track races, building, and fabricating things, he was considered a gear head. Most of all he enjoyed spending time and visiting with friends.

Surviving is a son John Christopher Kramer of Southern Illinois, two grandchildren Elana and Deklan Kramer of Denver, CO, a special cousin Matt Kramer and wife Kailyn and children Matti and Brayden of Benton, IL, his life-long friends Bob and Cindy Britton of Benton, IL, his cats Buddy and Molly, and several nephews and cousins.

Mr. Kramer was preceded in death by his parents, a son Jacob R. Kramer, a sister and brother-in-law Carolyn and Jim Luster, and a close cousin Phillip Michael Kramer.

Graveside Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington, IL. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control and will be accepted at the graveside service or may be mailed to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of John, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

JoAnn Rose, age 92, of Benton, passed away at 6:06 p.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana. Her children were by her bedside as she made her entrance into glory.

Mrs. Rose was born October 21, 1933, in Benton, IL, the daughter of Leroy Campbell and Alberta (Beatty) Campbell. Her life took her to many different places like Indiana, Wyoming, California, Ohio, Texas, Oklahoma, and Florida, but Benton was always home for her.

Besides making a home for her six children, JoAnn worked outside of the home as a Radiology Tech for over 30 years. Part of her working career was with the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

JoAnn was a life-time member of the First Christian Church of Benton and enjoyed attending and worshipping with her church family.

Her pride and joy was her family. Family was everything to her. Her thoughts were always of her children and their legacy of children to follow. She enjoyed and remained the center of all family activities. She also enjoyed crocheting and quilting and anything having to do with crafting and making sure everyone had three square meals a day. Her family will treasure all the hand-made items from Grandma Jo.

Surviving are her loving children: Courtney Cox and wife Leslie of Benton, IL, Jacqueline Giacoman and wife Kristin of Frisco, TX, Raul David Giacoman and wife Kimberly of Frisco, TX, Maria Elena Vining and husband Michael of Plano, TX, Jon Giacoman and wife Sarah of Fleming Island, FL; grandchildren: Ben Cox and wife Katie, Nathaniel Cox, Elijah Cox and wife Lindsey, Timothy Cox and wife Ashleigh, Gianni Giacoman, Geoffrey Giacoman, Jessica Giacoman, Jarrod Byrd, Jack Giacoman, Kathryn Giacoman; great-grandchildren: Korben, Kiley, and Korinn Cox, Bentley Cox, Beckham and Graham House, Jillianne and Crosby Cox.

Mrs. Rose was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Lloyd Donald Cox, Raul Giacoman, and George Rose, a son and daughter-in-law Kevin Cox and wife Caryl, and a brother Robert “Bob” Campbell.

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

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Music Department, 302 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of JoAnn, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Kirby E. Williams, 74, of Benton, passed away at 2:55 a.m., on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN.

He was born on August 23, 1951, to James and Katheryn (Crisp) Williams in Christopher, IL. Kirby worked as a Coal Miner. On June 11, 1972, he married Paula Baumgarte and she survives.

Kirby was a United States Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War.

He grew up in the Steel City Baptist Church. He was also a member of the United Mine Workers of America, serving as a past-president and treasurer of that organization.

Kirby was an avid Benton Ranger fan and was inducted into the BCHS Sports Hall of Fame, which he was very proud of.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and truly loved watching his grandkids in the pool. A special trait of Kirby was he never met a stranger and made everyone he met feel welcomed.

Kirby is survived by his loving spouse of 53 years, Paula, his sons, Wade Williams and Brent Williams; his four grandchildren, Taylor Williams and fiance, Matthew Tepovich, Tyler (Casey) Williams, Tanner (Isaiah) Williams and Kaytee Williams; his four great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Bella, Erik and Tinsley; his sister, Peggy (Mike) Poole; two sister-in-laws, Valorie Williams and Marilyn Conner; niece, Natalee (Conner) Poindexter and three nephews, Jared Conner, Justin Poole and Andy Poole; .

He was preceded in death by his parents, James T. and Katheryn R. Williams and his brother, James A. Williams.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Larry Miller, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, with military rites by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

Memorials may be made to the Linda E. White Hospice House or Benton Community High School Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Brian Allen Cunningham, 60, of West Frankfort IL, passed away on March 10, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Brian was born on May 26,1965, to John Maxey Cunningham and Geraldine Cunningham in Rochelle IL, who preceded him in death.

Brian married Beth Cunningham on November 2, 2001, on Z100 radio station, and she survives. His memory will remain with his children, Amber (Kurt) Harris, Holly (Brian) Blades, Brian (Bianca) Cunningham, Bree (Hunter) Cunningham and Jeffrey (Kara) Cunningham. His brothers and sisters, John (Eva) Cunningham, Mickey (Peggy) Cunningham, Joe (Tina) Cunningham, Dawn (Mike) McCormick and Barb Loucks. The light of his life was his grandchildren, Reece Harris, Bailey Harris, Abigail Boshers, Kealoha Boshers, Benson Blades, Enslee Cunningham, Blakely Cunningham, Jerry Clover and one on the way. Brian also has many nieces and nephews and cousins who he loved.

After graduating Thompsonville IL High School, he went on to become a soldier in the United States Army, where he had many great adventures including being station in Germany.

Brian was loved by many and will be truly missed; he was a comedian at heart and loved to make people laugh. Brian was also a DJ who made many people’s nights amazing, from weddings to fundraisers. He made the world a better place one song at a time. Everyone who came through his door started as friends and ended the visit as family. He loved deeply and fiercely protected those who he loved.

Brian was also big in his faith and went to church at Thompsonville Church of God. Memories will forever be cherished by everyone who knew him and loved him.

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

Visitation will take place Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

A Celebration of Life will follow the visitation on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with the Reverend Lance Cockrum, officiating. Military rites will be Performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the National Guard Honors Team.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Marshall Ray Girtman, 67, of Sesser, Illinois, formerly a resident of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 23, 1958, to Charles and Thelma “Margaret” Girtman in Marion, Illinois. He married the love of his life and best friend Linda Lou “Toms” Girtman on August 20, 1983. Marshall owned and operated “Marshalls Body Shop” on Route 34 in Benton, Illinois for 20 years. Marshall was a husband, father, papa and friend. Marshall always enjoyed his friends and grandkids stopping by for a visit. He spent summer days sitting on the porch watching his grandkids play in the yard. He loved his dog, Sally. Marshall has always enjoyed all things Harley and never passed up an opportunity to take his bike for a ride.

He is survived by his son Steven (Katlyn) Girtman, daughter Melinda (Derek) Flatt, son Marshall Girtman, Jr.; his nine grandchildren Emily Cardwell, Hannah Cardwell, Kaisley Girtman, Tatum Girtman, Colt Girtman, Mia Cooper-Girtman, Kristen Girtman, Sarah Girtman, Ben Girtman; his siblings Beverly O’Conner, Ellen Girtman, Daniel (Robin) Girtman, Marcia (Bob) Bartlett and Gwen Jones.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Linda Lou Girtman, his mother Margaret and father Charles, his siblings Margaret “Charlene” McGlone, Elza “Mae” Yarbor, Charles “Douglas” Girtman, Barbara “Darlene” McCourt, Dennis Girtman and his granddaughter Gretchen Cardwell.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 12th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

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