Brenda Kay (Evilsizer) Monti, 75, of Coello, Illinois, passed away unexpectedly on March 8, 2026, at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois, with her family by her side.

Brenda was born on June 18, 1950, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of George and Edna Evilsizer. She married the love of her life, Thomas Monti, on June 22, 1968, and together they shared 57 years of marriage before his passing on June 27, 2025. Brenda and Tom built a life centered around family and faith, and she is now joyfully reunited with him in Heaven.

Brenda was a devoted mother who raised three sons and dedicated her life to caring for her family. She was a longtime and active member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher, where her faith was an important part of her life. Brenda also had a special love for animals and enjoyed caring for them throughout her life. Her beloved dog, Max, survives.

Survivors include her three sons, Thomas Monti (Mindy) of League City, Texas, Michael Monti (Emily) of Herrin, Illinois, and Daniel Monti of Coello, Illinois; her step-granddaughter, Olivia; her sister, Judy; and several extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Monti; her unborn grandchild; her parents, George and Edna Evilsizer; her brother, Bob Evilsizer; and her mother-in-law, Josephine Monti.

Brenda will be remembered for her kindness, her devotion to her family, her strong faith, and the love she shared with those around her.

Visitation will be held on Thursday March 12, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Entombment will take place at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Francis CARE (Community Animal Rescue and Education) in Murphysboro, Illinois, or to St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Louetta Tollison, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Mrs. Tollison was born March 1, 1937, in Buckner, IL, the daughter of James Franklin Moss and Margaret Ann (Heacox) Moss. She married David Tollison on May 29, 1992, and he preceded her in death on December 5, 2019.

She retired after 46 years with Walmart in West City. She was also the former owner and operator of Lou’s Country Kitchen of Benton.

Louetta was a member of the Steel City Baptist Church and enjoyed attending and worshipping with her church family.

She enjoyed spending time taking care of her grandkids, baking pies, and cakes for her family. She had many requests at family get together and church dinners for her famous pineapple upside down cake.

Surviving is a daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton, IL, a son James “Red” Miller of Benton, IL, step-daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, MO, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis, MO, fourteen grandchildren: Melissa “Missy” Miller of Mississippi, Stephanie Thompson and husband Dewayne of Mississippi, Johnny Miller, JR. of Mississippi, Shannon Stewart and husband Lex of Benton, IL, Leslee Miller of Benton, IL, Samantha Lampley of Benton, IL, Stanley “Bubby” Williams and wife Miranda of Benton, IL, Katie Cox and husband Ben of Benton, IL, Amanda Miller of Herrin, IL, Melinda Howe and husband David of St. Petersburg, FL, Sara Glenn and husband Mike of Phoenix, AZ, Jessica Miller of Benton, IL, Jack Miller, JR. and wife Heather of Stiritz, IL, Jasmin Teel and husband Shawn of Coello, IL, thirty great-grandchildren: Blake, Ashlynn, Justin, late Ava Grace, John Parker, Jace, Cami, Jayden, Cannon, Alex, Jon Jon, Landon, Carly, Bree, Laynee, Caden, Allie Jean, Wyatt, Waylon, Graham, Beckham, Bentley, Gage, Caden, Ryder, Easton, Jacynda, Jordy, Jeremiah, Jaxson, Adriana, two great-great-grandchildren Keaton and Josie and one on the way, a brother Jim Moss of Logan, IL, a sister Suzann Hudson of Garden City, MO, her cat Buddy, and several nieces and nephews, her many friends and co-workers from Walmart, and her special friend and hairdresser Janette Roule and husband Rudy, and her close dear friend Joyce Oakley.
She enjoyed the last two years of spending time with the new additions to the family, who always made her and those around her smile.

Mrs. Tollison was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons: John Alden Miller, JR., Jerry Allen Miller, Jack Ashley Miller, a brother Paul Ray Moss, sister-in-law Marilyn Moss, and a brother-in-law John Hopkins.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Joe Zbinden 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, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

The family would like to say “Thank You” to the staff at Helia Healthcare for all your care and kindness shown to Louetta and family. Also, a “Thank You” to the Franklin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the support shown through your heartfelt care and love given to Louetta and family. You made it possible for her to transition from this life to her Heavenly home with dignity.

Jean Ann and Jimmy especially want to express their gratitude to Shannon and Lex for their around-the-clock love shown and support of making sure Louetta was not alone showing her gratitude and love always.

Michael Edward Summers, 76, of Scheller, passed away on Friday March 6, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born on September 5, 1949 in Christopher, IL to Tom and Wanda (Brown) Summers. He married Susan (Crocker) Summers on October 17, 1981 and she survives of Scheller. He is also survived by his children, Lee Michael Summers of Columbus, IN and Kimberly Kristen Summers of Sesser; grandchildren Cade Summers, Adalyn Summers, Brant Summers and Sophia Lewis; one sister Charlotte (Mike) Huntman of Mt Vernon and one brother Doug (Angie) Summers of Nason.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Renee Summers.

He was a Veteran of the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam Era.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday March 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in Sesser, IL with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. A lunch will be provided at the church after the service.

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

Debbie Gibbs, 74, of Benton passed away Saturday morning March 7, 2026 at Helia HealthCare of Benton

She was born on April 22, 1951 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Lindell & Ruth (Underwood) Gibbs.

Debbie loved walking around, lottery, bingo and loved animals especially dogs. She loved Ann’s grandkids like her own.

Debbie is survived by several Nieces & Nephews.

She was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Brothers-Richard, Leroy, Larry, John & Lawrence and 3 Sisters-Brenda, Bertha & Ann.

Services will be held from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 15th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

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

Daniel Duane Brown, age 71, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his home.

Dan was born December 5, 1954, in Louisiana, Missouri; the son of Duane Harvard Brown and Martha Jean (Walton) Brown.

He retired from Aire-Master of America. Before working with Aire-Master, he was known as “Dan the Schwan’s Man,” where he worked for Schwan’s home delivery.

He formerly attended the Mulkeytown Christian Church.

Dan enjoyed playing golf, riding bicycles, and watching the news. When he was younger, he enjoyed deer hunting.

Surviving are his children: Daniel John Brown and wife Amanda and their children, of Bremerton, Washington, Jeremiah A. Breckenridge and children of Benton, Illinois, Joseph Brown and wife Kindall and children of Frankfort, Illinois, Brittany N. Brown and children of Ethridge, Tennessee, Michael a. Brown of Murphysboro, Illinois; two brothers: David Leroy Brown of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Randall Donald Brown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and stepmother.

Funeral Services are pending at this time.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of Daniel Brown to gofundme.com (to assist with funeral expenses).
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Dan, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Laura Ruth Stewart, age 69, of Benton, passed away at 8:59 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Herrin Hospital Emergency Room.

Laura was born August 6, 1956, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harry Stewart and Miriam Jane (Whaley) Stewart.

She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1974 where she was an outstanding student and an Illinois State Scholar. In 1974 she was the first female athlete from BCHS to place in the State of Illinois Track and Field Competition, taking third place in the discus. This was quite a feat due to women’s competition being still a one-class system. Her accolades in high school women’s track and field would help her compete collegiately at Illinois State, until an injury ended her career.
Laura formerly worked as a server and trainer with Red Lobster. She also for 35 years, was the highest non-paid key volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois.

She was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Laura enjoyed cooking meals for her family and traveling abroad with family members and friends. She loved attending sporting events, especially women’s basketball where she rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, however in recent years she became a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan especially of #33 Amiah Hargrove. She loved NFL Football and was an avid Denver Broncos fan, but family had persuaded her to sometimes root for the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed watching cooking shows and attending concerts. To her sister’s dismay she knew most of the Jeopardy questions and was quick with the answer.

Surviving is her loving sister Dr. Kelly Stewart of Benton, Illinois, her brother Lex Stewart and wife Shannon of Benton, Illinois; nephews: Alex Stewart, John Pulliam and wife Kaitlynn, and Landon Stewart, all of Benton, Illinois, great-nephews: Daniel Stewart Hobbs, Braxton Stewart and Keaton Pulliam; nieces: Carly, Breelyn and Laynee; cousins Steve Stewart and wife Cathy of Benton, Illinois, Laura Jane Lau and husband Richard of Chicago, Illinois, her beloved cats: Buddy, Lucy and JoJo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a Cousin Iris Hampleman, and her dear friend Mark Rohrer.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

The family prefers Memorial contributions may be made to the Laura Stewart BCHS Girls Track Scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Laura, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Susan Jane Stubblefield, 81, of Mulkeytown, passed away on March 1, 2026 at Herrin Hospital.

She was born on March 20, 1944 in DuQuoin, IL to Raymond “Chick” and Ruth (Duncan) Huie. She married Richard Stubblefield on August 31, 1962 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her sons Scott (Sheila) Stubblefield of Christopher, Greg (Pam) Stubblefield of Johnston City, Brian (Karli) Stubblefield of Ewing and Robert (Amanda) Stubblefield of West Frankfort; grandchildren Matthew, Lyle, Brittany, Kaci, Brandon, Alli, Draven, Dylan and Olivia; nine great grandchildren and one brother Louis Huie of Ava.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Janet Houghlan.

Funeral services will be on Monday March 9, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mary Lou Smith, 79, of Benton passed away on March 2, 2026 at her home.

She was born on January 15, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona the daughter of Ellsworth & Constant Regina (Pannell) Shaw.

She married Dennis Smith on June 20, 1970.

Mrs. Smith was a CNA, working at several area nursing homes.

Mrs. Smith is survived by her:

Husband: Dennis Smith of Benton

Son: Chris Smith of Benton

Daughter: Heather Powell of Benton

Grandchildren:
Austyn Smith of Benton
Alyssa Pulliam & husband Braxton of Benton
Makenzie Powell & fiancé Cameron Bujnoch of Hattellesville, TX

2 Great-Grandsons: Bryson & Colt

Sister: Betty Brown of California

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her Parents and a Brother-Robert Shaw.

Graveside services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Saturday, March 7th at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be No Visitation, those attending the services are requested to meet at the cemetery.

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

Anzel Kay Kotval, 87, of Benton, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of our Lord after an extended illness on February 21, 2026. Kay was born the eldest child and only daughter of the late Arthur Gordon Rice and Ruth Warren Rice on a family farm near Akin, IL on September 24, 1938. Her maternal grandmother, Lionne Conover Warren, assisted with the delivery.

During high school in Malden, Missouri, Kay was dual enrolled in high school and the local college, which was quite a feat for a 17-year-old woman at the time, earning her Associate of Arts degree two weeks before her high school diploma in 1956. She met the love of her life soon after and was wed to John D. Kotval, Jr of Bridgeview, IL, on May 2, 1958; they were married for 41 years. They spent their honeymoon traveling on the historic Route 66 from Chicago to California.

Two children, both living, were born, a son, Donald Lee Kotval in 1959 and a daughter, Paul Jean Kotval in 1962. The family resided in Hickory Hills, IL, New Lenox, IL and Bourbonnais, IL with many cherished family memories, including summer vacations to Daytona Beach and attending Chicago Cubs baseball games.

Kay retired as Assistant Controller of Olivet Nazarene College in 1986 and retired with John to Benton to be near her parents. Those years until his passing in 1999 were filled with extensive traveling including many Caribbean Cruises with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bob and Helen Roberts, frequent trips to Callaway Gardens, and visits to Walt Disney World with grandchildren. Kay was an avid genealogist leaving behind volumes of her work and her autobiography.

Kay is survived by her brother, Kevin Warren Rice of Bourbonnais, IL, son and daughter-in law, Donald and Charity Kotval of Columbia, TN, and daughter, Paula Kotval of Benton. Kay is also survived by three grandchildren, John D. Kotval, III (wife Lauren) of Marietta, GA, Courtney Metschuleit of Seattle, WA, and David Hamilton Kotval (wife Jenny) of Columbia, MO, and great-granddaughter, Raelyn Nelson of Cedar Rapids, IA.

Kay was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Gordon Richard Rice, and her granddaughter, Stephanie D. Learned.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday March 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. 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 Friday at the funeral home.

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

Pamela Sue Robinson, 73, of Benton passed away Friday morning February 27, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on April 26, 1952 the daughter of Gene & Eddyth (Bullington) Mandrell.

She was married to Dave Robinson.
Pamela loved fishing, camping and going to Jones Lake. She enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandkids and her dog “Rowdy”.

Pamela is survived by her:
Son: Pat McClerren of Benton
Daughter: Bridgett Young & husband Art of McLeansboro
Mother: Eddyth Mandrell of Benton
10 Grandchildren: Patrick Jr., Cassie, Morgan, Gabriela, Rachel, Emmett, Kameron, Destiny, Nick & Maelee
9 Great-Grandchildren
Sister-in-law: Becky Mandrell of Benton
Nieces & Nephews: Angela, Lana, Jeff & Lee
Pamela was preceded in death by her Father, Husband, Daughter-Kelly Jo, 2 Grandsons-Wyatt & Dalton and Brother-Brad Mandrell.

A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 10th at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For mor information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com