Randy Earl Wiggins, age 79, of Benton; passed away at 8:20 a.m. Saturday, July 18, 2026, at his home.

Private family Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Seth Schlag officiating.

Family members are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Randy was born on February 3, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland; the son of Ray Elmo and Golden Marie (Beard) Wiggins. He married the former Brenda Kay Gipson on June 8, 1968, and together they shared in 58 years of marriage.
Randy formerly worked as a dispatcher with the city of Benton. He also formerly taught art with the Trico School District and later worked at the Learning Resource Center at Rend Lake College.

He was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Randy enjoyed and loved to paint and was known for his artwork and family birthday cards. He also liked to read, but most of all he loved spending time and spoiling his daughter, two grandsons and two great-grandsons who he was known as “Gramps.”

Surviving is his loving wife Brenda Wiggins of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Christina Roach and husband David of Marion, Illinois, two grandsons Andrew Hayter and wife Valerie of Marion, Illinois, David Roach and husband Daniel of Maryland Heights, Missouri; two great-grandsons Charlie and Anderson Hayter; a sister-in-law Judy Lampley and husband Danny of Benton, Illinois, a brother-in-law John Gipson and wife Jennifer of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Ray Elmo and Golden Marie Wiggins, his grandmother that helped raise him Mamie Beard, father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles “Chalk” and Sylvia Gipson, a sister-in-law Pam Prior and a nephew Matthew Gipson.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Randy Wiggins, to the Benton Public Library, 502 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Randy, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Carol Ann Sink, 86, of Sesser, passed away on Friday July 17, 2026 at Greentree Memory Care Center in Mt Vernon.

She was born on September 21, 1939 in Kenosha, WI to Roscoe and Etta (Pedley) Torrey. She married Gilbert “Gib” Sink and he preceded her in death on September 13, 2021.

She is survived by her children Kristen (Kevin) Minor of Sesser and Guy (Kina) Sink of Zeigler; grandchildren Lindsey (Ben) Mundstock, Tyson Shurtz, Torrey (Kyle) Massey, Christian Sink, Jenessa Watson, Koya Barlow and Shania Dorris; great grandchildren Paxton, Miles, Abram, Hutch, Tripp, Sadie, Scout, Jreyson, Laya, Tate, Amir and Mason. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, five siblings Gloria Bailey, Phyllis Maginn, Sharon Meyer, Lynn Torrey and Maryln Zirbel.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday July 21, 2026 at 11:00 Am at the Maple Hill Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Bill Eugene Tasky, age 85, of Benton; passed away at 10:26 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Military Honors will be provided by the Benton American Legion Post #280, the V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard honor’s team.
Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Bill was born on August 10, 1940, in Christopher, Illinois; the son of Duke and Opal (Hall) Tasky. He married Nancy Elaine “Shorty” Moore on September 6, 1958, and she preceded him in death on June 16, 2021.

In 1962 Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served his country obtaining the rank of Private First Class. Mr. Tasky formerly worked as a laborer for the railroad.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, Illinois, the Knights of Columbus, and the American Legion Post #280 of Benton.

Bill enjoyed cooking and baking his famous white pies. He loved to visit with friends at Wal-Mart and Save-A-Lot. He liked going to eat at the Polar Whip in Energy. Gardening, fishing for bluegills and hunting squirrels were a favorite past-time. He also loved animals, especially Snowball and Skippy, and he even fed the neighborhood cats and on occasion a raccoon and a skunk.

Surviving are three children: Kim Mandrell and husband Mike of Benton, Illinois, Christine Richardson of Benton, Illinois, William David Tasky of Portsmouth, Virginia; grandchildren including: Heather Young and husband Keith of Benton, Illinois, John Tasky and wife Heather of Du Quoin, Illinois, Lacey Cooksey and husband Andrew of Benton, Illinois, Michael David Tasky and wife Hillary of Virginia, Sabrina Tasky of Portsmouth, Virginia, Damian Parker and wife Amanda of Tennessee; great-grandchildren: Alex, Jace, Grayson, Dexter, Adylynne and one on the way; a sister Donna Thompson of Peoria, Illinois, two half-sisters Linda Knapp of Benton, Illinois, Cindy Eldridge and husband Danny of Benton, Illinois; a brother-in-law David Cummings and companion Patty Gray of Benton, Illinois, a sister-in-law Mary Jane Tasky of Benton, Illinois, a special nephew Jarad Cummings and a special great-niece Aerobella Breedwell-Cummings, lots of other nieces and nephews and several friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, an infant daughter Terry Lynn Tasky, a son Bruce Allen Tasky, a brother Onnie Joe Tasky, a son-in-law D.T. Richardson, and a brother-in-law Mark Thompson.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Bill E. Tasky, to the Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois, 10400 Terminal Drive, Suite 200, Marion, Illinois 62959, and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Bill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Carrol Sue Parker Hogan, 74, of Benton, passed away Sunday, July 12, 2026, at her home while sleeping.

She was born on August 20, 1951, in Ravenden, Arkansas to Walter and Fredda (Ernst) Parker. She married Clarence Eugene Hogan on June 9, 1982. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Clarence “Gene” Hogan.

In addition to her husband, Clarence “Gene” Hogan of Benton, she is survived by her son, Eric (Amanda) Tindall of Sesser; two granddaughters, Mackenzie Tindall of Sesser and Mackayla (Dylan) Miller of O’Fallon; and two great-granddaughters whom she adored, Hadley Kay and Stella Kay.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter Parker and Fredda Ernst Parker, brothers Jessie Parker and Walter Parker, and five sisters: Jacqueline Green, Jeanie Brown, Ilean Tucker, Ann Broadway, and Peggy Browning.

Carrol loved reading and taking her dogs on walks. Most important was her family. She loved spending time and talking about her granddaughters. She retired from Benton Water Department.

Graveside services will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, with Rick Grammer officiating.
Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Carrol, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Her kindness, warmth, and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew

Floyd “Scott” Richard of Mulkeytown passed away on July 14, 2026, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Scott was born February 15, 1959, to Floyd and Kathleen Richard. He was a well-known contractor for 30 years and was currently employed in his retirement job at Weeks in Benton. He married the love of his life, Angela, on July 15, 1995, spending a total of 44 short years together. He was most proud of his two military sons; Senior Airman, Christopher Richard, Air Force and Sergeant Dustin Richard, Marine Corps.

Along with his wife and two sons, Scott is survived by his two sisters, Lisa Richard and Tina Shelby, sisters-in-law Sharon Nunn (Dave) and Sherri Marlo (Tom) and brother-in-law Mike (Kristie). Nieces include Candie Golec, Miranda Melvin (Alex), Alexia Richard (Preston), Danielle Zehnder (Adam), Heather Ruff, Jenny Nance (Beau), and Ashley Calvert-Duke. Nephews include Dylan Richard (Belinda) and Cody Shelton. Great nieces and nephews, Quinton, Keira, Caleb, Damion, Kendyl, Stella, Wrenley, Logan, Devin, Savannah, Dustin and Dylan.
Scott was preceded in death by his parents, brothers James and Charles Richard, brothers-in-law Kenneth and Terry Calvert, and Michael Shelby. Special friends include Mick and Brenda Spotanski, Tim and Denise Cairns, Bill and Tawana Pitchford. A special thank you goes to all the staff at the SIH Cancer Center. Per Scott’s wishes, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. Donations can be made in Scott’s memory to the Veteran’s Honor Flight.

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

Judith Marie Niblett, 82, passed away peacefully at home on July 11, 2026.

Judy was born on September 21, 1943, to Charles and Dora (Medvrich) McGhee. She grew up one of eight children and knew firsthand what it was like to have very little. Perhaps because of that, she spent her life making sure the people she loved always had plenty. She married Ronald Niblett on August 3, 1961, and they spent nearly 59 years together before his death in 2020.

Judy was the true matriarch of her family, the glue that held everyone together. She will be remembered for her hospitality, her incredible cooking, and her unwavering love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lovingly known as “JuJu” or “Nana” to the many little ones she cared for over the years, Judy had a gentle, nurturing presence that made people feel safe and welcome. She was soft-spoken but fiercely stubborn, with a quick wit and a playful sense of humor. She loved teasing the people she cared about most.

If you knew Judy, you probably heard her brag about her grandkids. They were her “pride and joy,” and she never missed an opportunity to celebrate them, whether they had a good report card, won a ball game, performed in the band, started college, or welcomed a new baby into the family. She loved babies and devoted many years of her life to caring for little ones, both family and friends alike. She also had a way of making all of her grandchildren’s friends feel like family.

No one ever left Judy’s house hungry. She was known for cooking elaborate dinners every night, and it became a family joke that she always made enough food to feed an army. Her fried chicken and perfectly made gravy became family favorites that no one will ever be able to recreate. Her home had an open-door policy. No one knocked, they just walked in. There was always a fresh pitcher of sweet tea, a hot meal on the table, and room for one more.

Judy and Ron shared nearly 59 years of marriage. They spent much of that time lovingly teasing and bickering with one another, and neither of them would have had it any other way. When Ron was getting on her nerves, she’d tell him to head to the Legion, often sending him with a plate of food for one of his buddies.

She spent her life taking care of others. Whether it was slipping her grandkids a little money for candy at the concession stand, handing them gas money when they were older, sending them home with bags of chips and toilet paper as young adults, or making sure everyone had dinner before they left, caring for people was simply who she was.

Judy and Ron created countless memories for their grandchildren through cherished family traditions, including Christmas Eve parties, Fourth of July fireworks, and annual trips to the pumpkin patch. She never missed a ball game, band performance, graduation, or milestone. During the summer, she and Ron loved tending their garden, and nearly every meal included fresh vegetables they had grown.

Judy was one of the hardest-working people you could meet. She spent the years working at the Maid Rite, Bowlin’s Foodland, Della’s Cafe, and Bates Campground. If you stopped in, chances are you’d leave with a full cup of coffee and the latest gossip.

She took great pride in her home. Her family joked that she vacuumed so often she wore out the carpets. She loved nightly baths, romance novels, the Game Show Network, and playing solitaire. She watched every episode of The Golden Girls so many times she could practically recite them by heart. She had a sweet tooth and never turned down Dove chocolates, cinnamon candy, ice cream bars, Pepsi, or a Hostess cupcake. She never passed up the chance to play a claw machine in hopes of winning a stuffed animal for one of her grandkids, and she also enjoyed scratch-off tickets and the occasional slot machine.

In her younger years, Judy bowled in a league, loved playing BINGO, and attended beauty school, becoming the unofficial hairstylist for her family for many years.

More than anything, Judy will be remembered for making people feel loved. She showed her love through home-cooked meals, quiet acts of generosity, unwavering support, and simply being there.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dora McGhee; her husband, Ronald Niblett; her brothers, Bob, Jimmy, Larry, Charles, her sisters, Faye and Tiny; and an infant brother who was stillborn.

She is survived by her children, Lisa Murphy, Tim Niblett, Mark Niblett, and Crystal Dagner (Scott); her grandchildren, Brandi Adams (Taylor), Ashley Swon (Adam), Mathew Niblett (Kayla), Sabrina Mendez, Lindsey Niblett (John), Alexis Murphy, Destiny Niblett, and Cole and Levi Dagner; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Triston, Abby, Piper, Alexis, Kaiden, Myla, Jaden, Daniel, Avery, and Maya, as well as her sister, Dorothy. She is also survived by a special niece Suzanne Crain and special girls Bailey and Reagan Gilbert.

Her family will miss her dearly, but her legacy will live on whenever they gather around the dinner table, tend a garden, celebrate the traditions she and Ron created, or care for others with the same generosity and unconditional love that defined her life. In accordance with her wishes, Judy will be cremated, and no services will be held.

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

Byron Keith Ward, 63, of Buckner, IL, passed away at 12:30 a.m., July 10, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his family.

Byron was born on July 27, 1962 to Keith and Leota Ruth (Connor) Ward, of Sesser, IL.

Byron worked for many years as a coal miner at various local mines until his health declined and he was forced to retire. In his younger days Byron was a talented Flat Track motorcycle racer, winning many competitions throughout the region. His family said that motorcycle racing remained his true passion throughout his entire life. Byron was also an avid and experienced Ham Radio operator for decades. He also had a passion for music and playing his guitar, and in the words of his family, “wore his heart on his sleeve…for better or worse.”
Byron was a graduate of Sesser-Valier High School with the Class of 1981.

Byron is survived by his longtime significant other, Tonya (Spann) Kennedy, his son Jordan, of Coello, IL; siblings Brandi Ward and Scott Ward, both of Sesser, IL. Byron is also survived by many cousins and friends.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal and maternal grandparents.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, of Sesser, is in charge of arrangements.

Larry J. Hood, 68, of Winchester, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Larry was born on January 28, 1958, in Harvey, Illinois, to the late James Hood and Alma (Anderson) Hood.

Larry lived a life defined by hard work, determination, and a deep love for those he cared about. He never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. He enjoyed fishing, working with his hands, and spending time with family and friends. He was known for his sense of humor, his strong will, and his loyalty.

Larry’s greatest pride and joy was his family. He was a devoted father and a constant source of love, guidance, and support. His memory will live on in the lives of all who knew and loved him.

Larry is survived by his son, Josh Hood.

He is also survived by his sister, Glenda Pool of Sebring, Florida; a half-brother, James (Helen) Rusher of Sesser, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews, including Jacob Shifflett of Nashville, Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alma Hood; his sisters, Pamela Williams Dorris and Deborah Navarro; and his half-sister, Doris Stewart.

Following his wishes, Larry will be cremated. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. Details will be shared when available.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

Celebration of Life
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held at a future date. Details will be announced when available.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you spend time with your loved ones and cherish every moment.

Estella Maxine (Hunt) Towers-Binando age 97 passed away July 11, 2026. She was the only child of George and Effie (Hart) Beneventi.

Maxine graduated from Christopher Community High School in 1948. She graduated from Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, Springfield, IL in September of 1951. She and John E (Gene) Towers were united in marriage June 17, 1951 at The First Baptist Church in Christopher, IL. Four children were born to this union; Sheila Ann, John Eric, David Eugene, and Richard Eugene.

She was employed as a Registered Nurse for 41 years in numerous positions and locations, retiring from Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department in 1992.

In 1992, she married Joe P. Binando Jr, they were in the same graduating class at CCHS. He preceded her in death.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the greatest joys and most treasured blessings of her life. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Sheila (Rex) English, and their children: Seth (Mehgan) English and their daughters, Jorja, Hattie, and Josie; Stella (Gary) Triplett and their son, Abbott; and Katie (Andy) Pettit and their sons, Spencer and Finnegan. She is also survived by her son, John Eric (Lynn) Towers of Anderson Island, Washington; the family of her late son, David E. Towers, who passed away on November 16, 1990, at the age of 30. David’s children include Ben (Stephanie) Towers and their daughter, Henley, and Janel Towers and her daughter, Emma. Her son Richard (Jeanette) Towers and their children, Jacob (Madison) Towers and Victoria Towers. She also leaves behind many beloved cousins and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

Maxine exemplified what service to others meant through her deeds and faith. Until recently, she was out-and-about checking in with her family, friends and providing comfort to those in need. Maxine’s love, generosity, and caring will be sorely missed but her life’s work as a mother, Nana, friend and nurse will remain in our hearts forever.

Private burial services will be held at Harrison Cemetery. Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Nashville, TN, The Baptist Children’s Home in Carmi, IL, or Harrison Cemetery Association.

Her children would be honored to receive family, extended family, friends, and acquaintances at a luncheon in celebration of the life of Mom, Nana, Maxine at Christopher Civic Center, Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 11:00 am.