Matthew Ryan Eurgil, 43, of Pinckneyville, Illinois, passed away Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home. He was born September 3, 1982, to David and Linda (Stamm) Eurgil.

Matthew graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School in 2000. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country during the Iraq War as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was honorably discharged in 2004 with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

After returning to his hometown, Matthew attended Southern Illinois University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He was an avid hiker, and one of his greatest accomplishments was climbing Mount Fuji. He was also dedicated to helping others, becoming involved in training dogs to assist veterans suffering from PTSD. He was the proud owner of his personal service dog, Milo.

Matthew is survived by his father, David Eurgil; his brother, David Eurgil II (Amber); his sister, Alison (Eurgil) Baria (Marcus); and his nieces and nephews: Donovan, Alexandria, Lily, Isabella, Cole, David III, and Canon. He is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, and his brothers from the United States Marine Corps.

He also leaves behind Jill and Ryan Wetzel; Hannah Wetzel; Deb and Mark Germann; Jarrod and Lana Tobin and their son, Kaeden; and Amy and Tyler Burk and their children, Will and Nate.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Linda Stamm Eurgil; his grandparents, Omar and Rosalie Stamm; and Felix and Irene Eurgil.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Cemetery in Ruma, Illinois.

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

James Richard “Rich” McCollum, 77, of Benton, passed away at 3:45 p.m., on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at his home in Benton, IL.

He was born on September 9, 1948, to James and Helen (Johnson) McCollum in Christopher, IL. Rich earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Northeast Louisiana University and worked as a pharmacist for 50 years. On March 19, 1993, he married Brenda Gaither Webster and she survives.

He was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton, IL. He was a Mason at Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749.
Rich enjoyed quail and turkey hunting, fishing, playing the piano and saxophone, golfing, and in his youth playing baseball. He loved English Setters and Boykin Spaniels especially his boy, Boomer.

Rich is survived by his loving spouse of 33 years, Brenda McCollum, his son, Ryan James McCollum; his daughter, Kathleen Tucker and husband, Jeremy; and his step-daughter, Christina Wakefield and husband, Richard; his sister, Becky McCollum; his brother, Mike McCollum and wife, Tammy and seven grandchildren, Kathleen, Ryan, Jason, Jayden, Katelyn, Ricky and Eric.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Ernest and Helen Beatrice McCollum and his brother, Mark Kern.

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

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Sandy Bain, officiating. The funeral service will include masonic rites.

Private burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton IL.

Memorials may be made to the Akin Masonic Lodge No. 749 or to the Benton Fire/Police Department and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dale Earl Viehland, 67, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 24, 2026 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.

He was born on June 21, 1958 in Hillsboro, IL to Earl and Dorothy (Riemann) Viehland.

He is survived by his children Josh Viehland of St Charles, MO and Mike Viehland of St Charles, MO; eleven grandchildren Jakob, Addison, Aiden, Kaydance, Lakota, Ariah, Harlow, Emma, Avarie, Avia and Karder; one great grandchild Alahni and one sister Ruth Duff of Marion.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

David Glenn Owens, age 74, of Benton, passed away at 4:41 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare Center of Marion, Illinois.

David was born March 24, 1952, in Rockford, Illinois; the son of Wayne G. and Joyce Marie (Olson) Owens.

In 1970 he enlisted and proudly served his country for two tours in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1973.

The biggest part of David’s twenties was spent in Waukegan, Libertyville and Mundelein, Illinois.

In 1980 he moved to Phoenix, AZ. While in Phoenix he met Luan, a single mother with two young daughters on March 7, 1981. Luan and David would marry on April 24, 1982, and were happily married for 44 years.

David was Captain of Contract Security at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Station. He would later become a police officer in 1985 with the Buckeye Police Department in Buckeye, AZ. In 1989, he became a detective for the department and was promoted to lead detective in 1991. After twenty years, in 2007, he retired with the rank of sergeant.
Later in life, David and Luan became guardians of their two grandsons. And in May of 2007, they all moved to West City/Benton, IL, where he lived until his death.
David was a member of the V.F.W., American Legion, and the National Rifle Association.

He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy Church in Johnston City, IL. In recent years he and his wife attended the North Benton Baptist Church.
David enjoyed fishing, shooting guns, trail riding, watching Westerns, especially anything John Wayne, cowboy things. He enjoyed taking care of animals, especially his dogs and cats. And he liked feeding the birds and squirrels in his yard. He also had a passion for listening to 60s and 70s Country and Classic Rock music.

Surviving is his loving wife Luan Owens of Benton, IL, two daughters: Stephanie Colette Lopez and husband Eric of Topeka, KS, Dana Tivi Rios of Fort Collins, CO; three grandchildren: Jacob Christian O’Dell of Benton, IL, Tristan David Lopez and partner Destiny Dority of Benton IL, Cody Conaway of Richton Park, IL; two great-grandchildren: Jaylynn Javada Lopez and Myles David Lopez; a sister Sheryl Rocha of Wisconsin; a chosen sister Melody Mayhugh of Buckeye, AZ; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and bonus grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Johnny Rios, and four brothers Barry, Bob, Rick, and John, also a nephew Barry.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the North Benton Baptist Church, 623 Joplin Street, Benton, IL 62812; with Pastor Eric Ruhe officiating.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of David to the Benton V.F.W. Post#2671.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of David, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Judith Evelyn Hargraves, 84, of Royalton, passed away on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at SIH Herrin Hospital.

Judy was born on July 1, 1941, in Zeigler, to Joseph and Aslee (Moyers) Tulo. She was united in marriage to Charles Max Hargraves on September 13, 1958, in Royalton. Together they shared 43 years of marriage, before he preceded her in death on August 15, 2001.

Judy was retired having been a cook at Crab Orchard Golf Club in Carterville for many years. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like cooking, mowing, and spending time with her family and grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her four children, Chuck Hargraves and his significant other, Vicky King of Royalton, Joe Hargraves and his wife, Lori of West Frankfort, Rich Hargraves and his wife, Kim of Royalton, and Mary (Hargraves) Priddy of Royalton; grandchildren, Jamie Hargraves (Brianna Price) of Royalton, Joe (Austin) Hargraves of Webster Groves, MO, Megan (Preston) Deason of West Frankfort, Tara Hargraves of West Frankfort, Riane LaGrace of St. Louis, MO, Bradford (Hope) Hargraves of Christopher, Randi Pinkston of Marion, Kelli (Travis) Rathjen of Carterville, and Casey Baggett of Herrin; great grandchildren, Anthony and Eleanor Hargraves, Bailey, Jenna, Ava, and Addison Deason, Townes and Scarlett Hargraves, Carley and Jed Pinkston, Miles and Max Rahjen, and Kiley and Chloe Baggett; one brother-in-law, James (Marla) Hargraves of Fairfield. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Aslee Tulo; husband, Charles Hargraves; sister, Joyce Jones. She is also preceded by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeigler. Interment will follow at Miners Cemetery in Royalton.
Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Thursday, at the funeral home.

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

Carol Jean Edwards (Gibbs), age 87, of Ewing, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026.

She was born on September 8, 1938, in McLeansboro, Illinois.

Carol was the devoted wife of 67 years to the love of her life, Melvin Edwards. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering love.
She was a proud and loving mother to Kevin Edwards and Kent Edwards. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Meghan (Kevin) Uhls and Seth (Amanda) Edwards, and her nine adored great-grandchildren: Harper Woods, Rayna Uhls, Rogue Uhls, Sutton Uhls, Raylan Edwards, Ralph Edwards, Stoic Edwards, Willow Womble, and Marlow Womble.

Carol found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved deeply and showed it in countless ways—through her cooking, her sewing, and the care she poured into her family. She had a special love for flowers, a strong faith in God, and a heart devoted to serving those she loved.
Above all, Carol loved her husband fiercely, a love that stood as a beautiful example to her family for generations.
A funeral service will be held at 3 P.M. on Sunday at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Todd Curtis Kays, age 62, of Benton, passed away at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center of Benton.

Todd was born July 19, 1963, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Thomas and Sharon (Gunter) Kays.

He was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School Class of 1981. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, having served 22=plus years where he attained the rank of Master Seargent. Todd was a retired career police officer and millwright. He was a member of the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. of Sesser.

Todd enjoyed fishing, tying flies and making his own lures. He enjoyed hunting and reloading ammunition. Most of all he enjoyed talking about his three sons and he loved his family more than anything.

Surviving are his three sons: Christopher Kays and wife Jennifer of Benton, IL, twin sons Adam Kays and wife Sarah of Indianapolis, IN, Aron Kays of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren Caitlyn and Christopher, a sister Terri Cummins and husband Kevin of Carlsbad, NM, a nephew Jason Cummins of Tucson, AZ, a niece Ammie Leatherwood of Lubbock, TX, and an uncle Curtis Gunter of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Scott Kays, and his dog Cocoa.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Bro. Ray Minor officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Burial with Military Honors will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post #280 and will be accepted at both services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Todd, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Theresa Lynn Williams, 69, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 24, 2026 at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton, IL.

She was born on December 28, 1956 in Wadesville, IN to Clifford and Mary (Pinkston) Williams.

Theresa was a Free Spirit, loved anything hippie, but especially loved her family and her dog. She was a case worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

She is survived by her daughter Jordan (Brad) Britton Ude of Marion; grandchildren Ethan (Dani Heckwine) Ude, Avery Ude and Corey Ude; siblings Bile Dean (Jean) Williams of Nebraska, Bonnie Provaznik of Valier, Charlene Downen of Benton, Steve (Lori) Williams of DuQuoin and Connie (Steve) Cutler of Christopher and many many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings Thomas Lee Williams, Anna Rose George, Jerry Cavins, Janet Rae Hart, Patricia Bowers and Ricky Williams.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday April 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Her wishes were to be cremated and her ashes will be buried at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

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

Ruby Lucille Grammer Talley, 91, of Benton, IL passed away at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9:33 A.M.

Ruby was born May 8, 1934 in Benton, IL to Archie & Stella (Bradford) Grammer.

She worked at Holiday Inn for a time, then as a caregiver to many. She looked forward to her travels every summer with her sister Sharon, nieces & friends. She loved to play Rummy with her daughters, which she won quite often. Ruby was a strong, independent, feisty woman. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She is survived by her children; Pete Talley of Clarksville, TN, (Linda) Greg Mandrell of Benton, IL, (Karen) Jeff Karas of Rochelle, IL, (Cheryl) Monti Summers of Benton, IL, Jowana Talley of Benton, IL, Olen Talley of Benton, IL, Mike (Karen)Talley of Wylie, TX and bonus son Jimmy Vanhorn or Highland Park, TX. Her surviving siblings; Darroll (Judy) Grammer of Eddyville, KY, Sharon (Stan) Moser of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Carolyn Williams of Benton, IL. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Amy Renyard, Amanda Dawson, Dean Mandrell, Tiffany Talley, Misty Summers, Ashley Talley, Allan Talley & Amber Talley Ramos, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings, 8 brothers-Billy Grammer, John Grammer, Lonnie Grammer, Carl Grammer, Charles Grammer, Don Grammer, Archie Grammer & Carroll Grammer, 1 sister- Ramona Grammer Tasky, her parents Archie & Stella Grammer, son-Robert Lee Talley, great-grandson-Alexander Banks, 2 brothers-in-law-Curtis Williams & Ed Tasky, sister-in-law-Ruth Grammer and former husband Pete Talley.

She was the heart and foundation of the family. A devoted mother of 8 and a proud great-grandmother of 15. Her life was defined by her unwavering dedication, selflessness and boundless love. For those she cherished most, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 23rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Rick Grammer officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

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

Gary Gene Cesar, 77, of Christopher, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Saturday April 18, 2026.

He was born on June 28, 1948 in Christopher to Alfred and Irene (Orr) Cesar. He married Sally Ann (Tindall) Cesar on November 4, 1966 and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2023.

He is survived by his daughters Tammy (Scott) Sargent of Christopher and Kimberly Ann Cesar of Christopher; grandchildren Alex Sargent, Mareesa Ratajczyk and Adrian Ratajczyk; one great grandchild Averie Shae Ratajczyk and two brothers Phil (Sonja) Cesar of Buckner and Danny (Kim) Cesar of Christopher.

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

He was a Coalminer and loved to hunt and fish and be outdoors.

A Private Catholic Funeral Mass will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St Aloysius Sacred Heart Parish in Royalton.

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