Jack J. Greenwood, 83, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children on August 24th, 2026 at 11:50 a.m. Born on December 8, 1942, Jack left behind a life rooted in family, community, and farming.

Visitation will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Jack lived on the corner in Mulkeytown, Illinois, and was survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Edith Greenwood; his brother, Robert Greenwood and wife, Theresa; and his
sister-in-law, Linda Greenwood. He is also survived by his children, Kimberly Bunting and husband, Scott; Kevin Greenwood and fiancée, Lynn Skaggs; and Jackie Greenwood and Billy Aycock. He was a proud grandfather to Kyle Hammonds and wife, Abigail, and their children, Lorelai and Piper; Kaylee Smith and husband, Derek, and

their children, Sawyer and Rylee; Kody Greenwood and wife, Alexandria, and their children, Wyatt, Wade, and Avery; Taylor Hutchens and husband, Matt, and their children, Kane and Hadley; Chelsey Turk and husband, Dillon, and their children, Brix and Kaila; Tyler Atchison and wife, Brynna, and their daughter, Palmer; and step-grandchildren Katherine Dillard, and David and Jack Bunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Catherine Greenwood; his sister, Mary C. Opp, and husband Bill, and his brother, James P. Greenwood.

A lifelong farmer, Jack found great joy and purpose in working the land. Farming was more than an occupation to him; it was a way of life that brought him immense pride and fulfillment. After retirement, Jack devoted himself full-time to farming. He spent his days feeding cattle, driving tractors, harvesting crops, bailing hay, and working alongside his son, Kevin, in the field.

Jack proudly served as a Specialist (SP4), E-4 in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. Following his military service, he began a 32-year career in the coal mines, working hard to provide for his wife and three children. During his time in the mines and continuing after his retirement, Jack servedas the Tryrone Township Road Commissioner for 20 years helping maintain the roads of the community he was proud to call home. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed riding horses, attending horse sales and auctions with his brother, Bob, and cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events.

Above all else, Jack loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love, wisdom, and constant presence touched the lives of each and every one of them. Jack will be deeply missed by his wife, three children, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those who knew Jack will remember him for his many sayings, which never failed to bring a smile. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply, “Any better, I couldn’t stand it,” and he was frequently seen giving a thumbs-up from the seat of his tractor. If he wanted you to stop by, he would simply say, “You know I live on the corner,” his way of letting family and friends know they were always welcome. And when it was time to leave, Jack would offer a handshake and say, “Don’t leave mad,” and “Next time, don’t stay so long.”

Through his hard work and commitment to family, Jack created a lasting legacy of cherished memories that will be remembered and talked about for generations. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his family, in the land he loved, and in the countless lives he touched.

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

Roxanne “Grace” Perkins born February 9, 1957 passed away August 19, 2026.

Roxanne is survived by her loving son Ian Zane Perkins, her grandson Southern Grey Perkins the love of her life, a daughter by love Candace Haun and grandson by love Sheppard Haun. She is also survived by siblings Eddie & Joni Perkins, Sherry Rose, Melissa and Kelley Cocke Taylor, James Perkins and April Piper; Nieces & Nephews Chyann Jones, Dakota & Chris Conder, Jesse Perkins, Barry Piper, Seth Bradley, Jacob & Misty Knight Perkins, Ethan Perkins, Tracy & Adam Burks, Casey Cavender; Great-Nieces & Nephews Jaydon Taylor, Daniel & Joey Conder, Seth, Kirra Everly Bradley, Arianna Smith, Rylan & Kinsley Perkins, Little Jesse Blue and Madison Perkins. She is known to be Aunt Granny to all of them. She has 1 Aunt & Uncle left Bob & Barb Smith and many loving cousins, including the Whittenburg cousins.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Phyllis June Holleman, infant Brother and all of her grandparents.

Roxanne was an LPN for many years, caring for others and she had a heart of gold. She will be dearly missed.

There will be No Services held at this time.

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

Cindy Friend, 69, of Royalton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by the loving family who meant everything to her.

Cindy was born on March 15, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to George and Charolett Evilsizer. On September 3, 1977, she married the love of her life, Joe Friend, beginning a beautiful marriage and partnership that would span nearly five decades. Joe survives and was by her side throughout her life, sharing with Cindy a family, a farm, countless adventures, and a lifetime of memories.

Cindy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she treasured the time she spent with each of them. She leaves behind her husband, Joe; her two daughters, Amy (Chris) Cates and Niki (Jacob) Tindall; grandchildren Brooke (Lucas) VanPelt, Lauren (Brady) Maxey, Jeffrey Furlow, Olivia Cates, Wyatt Tindall, Khloe Tindall, great grandson, Ledger VanPelt. She is also survived by her sister, Sue (Mike) Clements of Yuma, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Anyone who knew Cindy knew that she had a strong will—and she was never afraid to use it. She was determined, independent, fiercely loyal, and, as her family would lovingly admit, sometimes just a little stubborn. She knew what she believed, knew what she wanted, and was not easily persuaded otherwise. That stubborn streak was simply part of the Cindy everyone knew and loved. And when life brought something that couldn’t be changed, Cindy had the perfect answer: “It is what it is.” Those four words became one of her most famous sayings, a reflection of her ability to accept life as it came, keep moving forward, and make the best of whatever was placed in front of her.

Cindy was also her grandchildren’s biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. Whether they were celebrating a milestone, pursuing a dream, playing a sport, or simply doing something that made them proud, Cindy was there cheering them on. She took immense pride in each of her grandchildren and loved hearing about their lives and accomplishments. They knew without a doubt that they had someone in their corner who would celebrate their victories, encourage them through their struggles, and love them unconditionally. Her grandchildren will forever carry the memory of having a grandmother who believed in them and made sure they knew it.

Cindy was a woman who knew the meaning of hard work, commitment, and perseverance. She spent 20 years serving as Chief Financial Officer at Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation, dedicating herself to her work and the people she served. At home, Cindy and Joe built Friend Farms together, working side by side for 45 years. The farm was more than a place of work—it was a testament to their partnership, determination, and the life they built together.

Beyond her work and responsibilities, Cindy loved to live life and make memories. She loved to travel, especially when she could share those adventures with her family. She enjoyed taking cruises, spending time at Kentucky Lake, and traveling to Key West. Some of her happiest moments were found in those experiences—surrounded by the people she loved, enjoying a little sunshine, a little adventure, and a lot of laughter.

Cindy’s greatest legacy will not be found in the work she accomplished or the places she traveled, but in the people she loved and the memories she created. She was the heart of her family—a wife who shared nearly 50 years with her best friend, a mother whose love was unwavering, a grandmother who cheered louder than anyone, and a great-grandmother who was blessed to know her precious Ledger.

Her family will remember her strong spirit, her stubborn determination, her quick wit, her famous “it is what it is,” and most of all, the unconditional love she gave them. They will hear her voice in the stories they tell, feel her presence in the traditions she helped create, and see her legacy every time the next generation gathers together.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, Cindy’s life was one that mattered deeply. She loved fiercely, worked hard, stood her ground, laughed often, traveled far, and gave her family a lifetime of memories.

Cindy lived life in her own unmistakable way—and she would probably have told us all, “It is what it is.”

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen 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 Mulkeytown Cemetery.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.

Sarah Belle (Much) Conner Prather, a cherished and devoted matriarch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family and in the comfort of her home in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the beloved daughter of George Amos Mulch and Mary Armilda (Simmons) Mulch. A woman of deep faith and unwavering strength, Sarah lived a life marked by resilience, grace, love, and devotion to her family.

At the age of 15, Sarah married Bennet Conner at her parents’ home in Mt. Vernon, beginning a family legacy that would remain at the heart of her life. She later married Robert “Bob” Conner, with whom she shared more than 40 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and a business as the proud owners of Heartland Metal Recycling. In her later years, Sarah married John David Prather Sr., with whom she shared many precious memories until his passing in 2019.

Sarah’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong Pentecostal worshiper and found great joy and purpose through her relationship with God. For most of her life, Sarah played an important role in leading worship services and was responsible for overseeing the music ministry. Music was not simply a talent for Sarah; it was a way she served God and connected with others. An accomplished pianist, she could play nearly any instrument and delighted in sharing her musical gifts with those around her. Teaching music was a passion she continued throughout her life, including most recently sharing her knowledge and love of music with Brother Ruff at Calvary Apostolic Church in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah’s determination and love of learning were evident throughout her life. Although she left school in the ninth grade to begin her life as a wife and mother, she never stopped learning. In her mid-50s, she proudly earned her GED from Rend Lake College, an accomplishment that reflected her indomitable spirit and determination to reach her goals.

Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Bob Conner and John Prather Sr.; her parents, George and Mary Mulch; her brother, Daniel Mulch; and her grandson, Jerry Wayne Conner Jr.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family, including her four children: Jerry (Mila) Conner Sr. of Meridian, Mississippi; Ronald (Helen) Conner of West Frankfort, Illinois; Dianna (Brian) Kimbro of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and Mary (Jackie) Inchcliff of Bush, Illinois.

Sarah also lovingly helped raise her grandchildren, Sara Goff and John Ferris. Her cherished grandsons include Todd Conner, Kevin Conner, Matt Conner, and John Orcutt, and her granddaughters include Michelle Burgess, Christina Drennon, Kristy Conner, and Julie Conner.

Her joy continued through her great-grandchildren: Benito Goff, Austin Wampler, Olzea Smolinski, Alexandra Ferris, Luscentia Smolinski, Sebastian Goff, Harrison Goff, Jacelynn Ferris, Christian Hart, Xavier Silva, Megan Drennon, Jimmy Drennon, Shane Drennon, and bonus great-grandchild Rielle Edwards; and her great-great-grandchildren: Arol Wampler, Canaan Stage, Isabella Stage, Ayce Wampler, and Collin Drennon.

Sarah will be remembered for her unwavering faith, determination, musical gifts, and, above all, the love she gave so freely to her family. Her legacy will live on in the generations she nurtured, taught, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Cambria First Apostolic Church, 908 North Maple Street, Cambria, Illinois 62915. Services will be officiated by the Reverend Chris Hammonds.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Patsy “Pat” Jean (Rice) Towle, age 96, of Benton, Illinois passed away August 19, 2026, at Helia Health Care in Benton. She was born January 18, 1930, in Benton, Illinois, to Stanley Harrison and Nancy Edith (Upchurch) Rice.

After graduating from Benton High School, Pat moved to Miami, FL where she worked for a modeling agency and Florida Power and Light. She later returned to Benton, where she raised her family. Once her children were older, she reentered the work force with C.I.P.S, which is now Ameren retiring in 1992.

Pat was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Benton and the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, and creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces that are treasured by her loved ones. In her later years at Heritage Woods, she enjoyed playing Bingo, listening to music, creating friendships, and the ministry.

She is survived by her daughter Pam (Dale) Irvin of Benton, along with children from her blended family: Kathy Meier, Davenport, IA, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, IA, and Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, IA. Brother George (Mary) Rice of Dahlonega, GA; Sister-in-law Martha Rice of Marietta, GA.

Grandchildren: Ryan (Emily) Unger, Alison (Brandon) Anthis, Michelle Meier, Cory (Angie) Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian (Elizabeth) Greer.

Great Grandchildren: Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, Graden and Liam Cowell and Ava and Jonas Lawler; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her husbands; Harold Eugene Prowell-1977 and Charles Towle-2017; Son Mike and wife Elaine Prowell. Brothers; Howard Rice, Donald Rice, Wendell Rice and wife Grace, Van Rice and wife Peggy, Allen Rice, Jim Rice, Sister: Jo Blackwood and husband Herman along with son-in-law Dick Meier.

Pat will be remembered for her kindness, faith, creativity, and love for her family. Her memory will live on through the family that she cherished and the beautiful cross-stitch pieces she created with love.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, IL or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 22nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Angela Pauline (Browning) Abbott, age 59, of Benton, passed away at 10:03 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at her home.

Angela was born on April 1, 1967, in St. Louis County, Missouri, the daughter of Raymond P. Browning and Clara Susan (Butler) Smith.

She was a Licensed Practical Nurse for 41 years and worked for several area nursing homes and hospitals.

Angela was of the Baptist faith.

She was a loving mother, great friend, and a wonderful nurse who enjoyed taking care of people, her cats, drinking coffee, and cooking. But most of all she enjoyed her time spent with her family.

Surviving are three children: Danicka Melhorn and husband James of Iowa City, Iowa, Brian Scott Davis of Benton, Illinois, Adam Pernell Davis and fiancée Denease Kidwell of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including: Eythan Melhorn, Addison Melhorn, Kyla Melhorn, Aries Melhorn, Jasper Melhorn, Savannah Melhorn and Trenton Melhorn, Jaylynn Poindexter, Damian Scott Davis, Iris Rayann Davis, Tavyne Thornton, Tobias Davis and Teigan Davis; her life partner Dean Jones of Benton, Illinois, and her stepmother Shelba Kazimir of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and cousins.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

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

Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Angela, may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Angela Abbott, please visit our floral store.

Robert Eugene Gooden, age 64, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

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

Eugene was born on August 30, 2026, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of Robert Gooden and Imogene (Stevens) Hughes. He married the former Jennifer Joy Bocock on December 7, 2008, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2025.

He, along with his former wife, owned and operated the Groove Shop on East Main Street in Benton. Prior to moving to Franklin County, he worked out of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 of Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. His brothers said he was a “motor head” and enjoyed anything about cars and engines. He even helped one of his brothers rebuild an engine for a Chevrolet truck. Eugene was of the Baptist Faith.

Surviving is his siblings: Larry Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Logan Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Joe Hughes of Elkville, Illinois, Cheryl Williams of DuQuoin, Illinois, Myra Gossett of Carterville, Illinois, Bobbi Gooden of Clinton, Arkansas, Betty Sue Hughes and Paula Reale both of Austin, Texas, and Judy Walker of DeSoto, Illinois, his stepfather Willard Hughes of DeSoto, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by His father Robert Gooden, mother Imogene Hughes, and his wife Jennifer Joy Gooden.
Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Robert Eugene Gooden, may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Mr. Robert Eugene Gooden, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ronald David Williams “Dave”, 82, passed away peacefully at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born May 10, 1944, in Clay, Kentucky, the son of Ora Stanford Williams and Mary Catherine “Woody” (Woodring) Williams and grew up with many brothers and sisters. He moved to Illinois several years later and began his career by working as a brick mason and was a member of the Brick Layers Union for many years before becoming a heavy equipment operator, belonging to the Local Union IUOE 318 in Marion, mainly operating a backhoe. He was known for his backhoe skills as many said he was the “best there ever was.” Dave was also a member of the Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort.

Dave was a devoted husband, father, and paw paw. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie Williams and their 4 girls; Kelly (Brian) Bishop, Sandy (Steve) Browning, Chrissy (Andy) Woods, and Sherry (Evan) Owens. Dave had several grandkids that were the absolute light of his life; Jordan (Brandon) Evrard, Paris (Macyn) Dunk, Tyler Owens, Caleb Bishop, Sydney Browning, Eldon Owens, Ember Milby, Noah Bishop, Emma Milby, Grant Owens, and Brendon Bishop. Great grandkids; Madalyn and Emmy Evrard, Scottie and Atlas Dunk, and Briggston and Kampbell Bishop.
Dave is also survived by his siblings; Stanley (Jean Ann) Williams and Rita (Kevin) Arcieri and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father “Woody” and “Stan”, brother Guy Williams, brother Jimmy Fones, sister Jeanita Spillman, brother Terry Williams, and brother Andy Williams.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Dave, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Linda Marie Eaton, age 64, of Thompsonville, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home.

Linda was born on September 16, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Bobby Eugene and Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow. On June 9, 1990, she married James Lee Eaton, together they shared in 36 years of marriage.

She worked as an educator with SIU Early Childhood Development. Through her job she provided daycare for parents pursuing their GED and was a parent educator. Her family said she enjoyed reading to the early childhood students and would often dress in character while reading to them.

Linda enjoyed making jewelry, attending concerts, and eating out with her husband. She also enjoyed her jewelry booth at a local antique store in Carterville.
Surviving is her loving husband of 36 years, James L. Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, a son Charles Jacob Eaton and wife Haley of Oregon, Ohio, two grandchildren Lucas Lee Eaton and Archer Grey Eaton, two sisters: Lisa Griffith and husband Roger of Marion, Illinois, Debra Davison and husband Greg of Christopher, Illinois, a brother Robert Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, her mother-in-law Marilyn Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, two aunts: Carol Aronson and husband Carl of Lake of Egypt, Illinois, Sandra Williams and husband Mark of Nixa, Missouri, an uncle Bill Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law Merwin H. Eaton, and a brother-in-law David Allen Eaton.

Private family services will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois with Dennis Austin officiating. Private burial services will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery of Du Quoin, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Benton Elk’s Club, where food, drinks and live music will be provided.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Linda, be made to the Franklin County Early Childhood Education Program and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home and at the Celebration of Life Service on August 22, 2026.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.