James Roy Lance – Carbondale, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL)

September 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment

James Roy Lance, 78, Carbondale, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL) went Home to be with the Father on Sunday, September 14, at 9:27 in the evening in his home at The Landings in Carbondale, Illinois surrounded by family.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 18th at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation is from noon until 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jim was born November 20, 1946 to Roy Everett and Lois (Clark) Lance. Jim married his High School sweetheart Beverly (Murray) May 20, 1964 and they enjoyed 61 wedded years together. Jim wore many hats during his life, an example of his ability to do so many things. He was a State and Federal Meat Inspector, Coal Mine Mechanic, and retired as a Prison Guard. Throughout his life he loved the farm and everything that went with it. He grew up on a peach and apple orchard (Clark & Brower Orchards), was a grain and hay farmer, and also raised hogs, cattle and sheep. He and his father Roy planted a smaller orchard later in life and spent many days together in a labor of love.

The roles he loved the most, though, were those of loving Husband, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Papa Great and Uncle Jimmy. He loved with his whole heart and his family and friends loved him back with all of theirs. He mixed that love with a pinch of orneriness that kept everyone laughing and on their toes. In recent years as he was robbed of many memories his eyes would playfully twinkle with a smile and his family knew he was still with us. Jim loved hunting and fishing and spending time in the outdoors. He loved fishing and quail hunting and training bird dogs in his younger years. As he grew older he spent countless hours in the woods deer hunting with his son, Clark, and then grandsons Jamie and Jaden. After an eventful January day in 2022, where it seemed every single person whose life he ever touched (and there were so many) was out looking for him, Jim and Beverly spent his final years at The Landings in Carbondale. There, not surprisingly, they found even more family.

He was loved deeply by so many of the nurses and staff that cared for him the last three years. That love for “Jimbo” was never more evident than in the final days as so many of those nurses past and present came to see him one last time. Jim was a longtime member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton where he and Bev were a fixture for many years until he was unable to attend. Pastor Ken Petty and wife Joyce and the entire congregation helped the family through joy and sorrow and prayed diligently as Jim battled for 15 years after his diagnosis.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, along with son Brent Lance of Chicago, and son Clark Lance and wife Stacey of Sesser. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adrian Lance of Indianapolis, Em England and husband Damian of Litchfield, Joel and Mia Lance of Springfield, Jamie Lance and wife Katrina of Sesser, along with Jaden and Jace Lance of Sesser, and great-grandchildren Ryland and Charlotte England and Easton, Whitley and Kendri Lance. He is also survived by loving sisters-in-law Judy West and Cindy Davey and husband Mike along with nieces Amie Monteggia and husband Joey, Laura Brandon and husband Doug, and Nicole Myers along with nephew Chad Genisio and wife Heather. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lois Lance, and sister Gay Lance.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Dr. Jerry D. Hill – Benton, IL

September 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Dr. Jerry D. Hill, 91, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his beloved home on September 10, 2025. He was a gentle soul who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Born on April 29, 1934, in Crab Orchard, Illinois, to Clyde and Cleo (Chester) Hill, Jerry remembered with great fondness his time growing up in this small community. It was a time and place where “if somebody needed help, you helped them.” He carried this experience with him throughout his life, and maintained his kindness, sense of humor, and concern for the well-being of others until the end.
He worked a variety of jobs while growing up and making his way through school. When his coal-miner father broke his back in an accident that left him unable to continue in the mines, Jerry helped him drive a truck to haul water and ice. He also worked for the highway department in the summer, stoked a coal furnace at a fraternity house in exchange for a room, worked at an ER in Chicago, and even sold awnings over the phone.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in 1955 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago in 1959.
After dental school, Jerry served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force at the former Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. Although he loved his time there, he chose to return to southern Illinois to be closer to the parents who had sacrificed to help with his education. In 1961, he moved to Benton to take over Dr. Dudley’s dental practice. He soon met the love of his life, Karen Graddy. They were married on August 24,1964, and together they had a daughter, Alicia Ann Hill (now Alicia Hill Ruiz), who was born in 1969.
Jerry had a calm and gentle presence that helped put people at ease in the dental chair. He saw the dignity and humanity in everyone he met and genuinely enjoyed interacting with his patients. He practiced full-time in Benton until 1977 and then served as the dentist for the Choate Mental Health and Development Center until 1998. Although he sold his private practice to Dr. Robin Labuwi in 1978, he continued to see patients part-time in that office until 2015.

Away from his practice, Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed nothing more than sharing meals with them. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Benton Country Club for more than five decades. He not only loved the game but also the chance to be outdoors, socialize with friends, and keep an eye out for bald eagles. He had one hole-in-one and won the Club Championship in 1975. In the last few years, he enjoyed sitting in the car and watching others play.
He played basketball for Crab Orchard High School and later enjoyed attending Benton Ranger and SIU Saluki basketball games. He loved dogs, especially his German Shepherds, Neiko and Zeke, and cherished family vacations at Kentucky Lake. In his later years, he enjoyed watching birds and squirrels in his yard and marveled at their different abilities.
Growing up, Jerry attended the Crab Orchard Methodist Church. When he moved to Benton, he joined the First United Methodist Church where he was married and attended services for many years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Karen Hill, and his brother, Bob Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Alicia Ruiz (Michael), his nephew Jeffrey Hill, niece Leah Jo Hill, and his grandnephews Jonathan, Justin, and Jared Gravatt.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at PRN Professionals Home Service, who made it possible for Jerry to stay comfortably in his home; Residential Hospice Services for their professional and gentle care; and the many friends and staff at the Benton Public Library, the Plaza, Burton’s, Bob Evans, and O’Charley’s who brightened his days.
Thanks also to Jay Sala and staff at the Benton Country Club for helping him enjoy his favorite place the last few years when he was no longer able to play golf.
A very special thank you goes to former employees Carole Book, Marianne Higginson, and Donna Higginson for their decades of support and unwavering friendship.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 20, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, This Able Veteran, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Thoughts on salty social media comments, the F-Bomb and the definition of profanity

September 16, 2025 By Leave a Comment

When it comes to profanity, I’m not a prude, in fact far from it. I also want to add that my ears will not wilt and my eyes won’t melt if I hear or read a curse word.

I worked 20 years in the coal industry and spent time daily around men who, as my late mother Geraldine would say, ‘could cuss a blue streak.’ Admittedly, I’ve also uttered my fair share of curse words.

But, lately I see a change in the way people talk that troubles me. While my detractors will say I’m just old, I believe it goes hand-in-hand with the world we live in where everything is right and nothing is wrong, everybody wins and nobody loses and some people feel compelled, liberated or they’re just plain old stupid enough to believe they can say or write anything, anywhere, anytime – and that includes the F-bomb.

In recent months I’ve witnessed, in restaurants, at convenience stores, at ballgames, people who seem to believe that it’s their right to fill the air with expletives even when children are within earshot. I grew up in an era when men were often warned to ‘watch their language’ in front of women and children. These days some of the women and children need to have a bar of Lifebuoy shoved in their mouth.

One of the most glaring areas involving profanity involves social media. I recently read a post on Facebook where a young teenage girl that I know made a post, obviously trying to make a point. And there for all the World Wide Web to see was the F-bomb used over and over again. Unlike the iron-heads dropping the F-word in mixed company inside businesses this example just made me sad.

My first reaction when I read the post was to go on a rant that I often see on Facebook’ and threaten to remove all those who post inappropriate comments. After thinking about that for about three seconds I realized that would be a self-righteous, holier-than-thou move on my part. And given my life-list of mistakes and personal failings I clearly and definitely have no reason to put myself on a judgmental pedestal. So, instead of ascending to my Ivory Tower and ridding myself of all social media potty-mouths, I decided instead to offer some advice.

First, I want to note that on social media I see more young people than older folks posting inappropriate things. It also seems that athletes, elected officials and other people in prominent positions are filling the air with expletives. Why? I’m not at all impressed when I hear this, and to the contrary, I think it makes you look like a fool! So, regardless of age or occupation I want to point out that going on a profanity-laced tirade is not cool, impressive or a way to show your intelligence. But, in all fairness to youth and the trials of growing up, let me offer a challenge. The English language is a wonderful, marvelous, fun and challenging thing to learn and expand. And there is no greater satisfaction that being able to get your point across than by displaying a vocabulary that does not include a single expletive.

On the other hand, trying to make a point with a string of curse words is juvenile, childish and weak. It’s also just downright boring. So, my advice for young folks on social media is expand your vocabulary, learn a new word and what it means every day. It also would be a good idea to install a speed-bump between your brain and your keyboard. These instances of people dropping the F-bomb in public places reminded me of an incident I witnessed many years ago while working in the coal industry. There was a group of guys underground at the ‘dinner-hole’ and one miner was on a rant telling a story and every other word was an F-word or an MF-word with an assortment of other salty curse words sprinkled in for good measure.

When he finally finished an old miner who had quietly listened asked the ‘cusser’ a simple question: ‘Do you know the definition of profanity?’ With a dull look on his face the man who had filled the air with curse words said ‘#@$%# no.’
The old miner told him, ‘profanity … is ignorance made audible.’ And again with a dull look, the cusser said ‘I don’t get it. Showing the power of words, the old miner simply said, ‘of course you don’t.’

Obviously, since I still remember that definition 40 years later, those five simple words left a lasting impression on me. Oh, the power of words!

While I hold on to the belief that there is hope for young people to learn that social media is not the best place to air their dirty laundry in a curse-filled tantrum, there will always be those, for shock value or pure stupidity, who will continue to fill the air – regardless of where they are or who they are around – with foul language.

To that group, I simply say again that ‘profanity is ignorance made audible.’

Filed Under: Featured

James D. “Danny” Joplin Jr.-Christopher, IL

September 15, 2025 By Leave a Comment

James D. “Danny” Joplin Jr., 76, of Christopher, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday September 13, 2025. His loving wife Debbie was by his side and his beloved dogs ‘Boomer” and “Sassy” at their home. Danny was born on April 4, 1949 to James and Jean (Bigham) Joplin in Benton, IL. He was a retired mine construction worker, Danny married Deborah Lynn Hood on December 27, 1988 and she survives of Christopher.

He is survived by his wife Debbie and his stepson Greg (Marci) Hood of Coello, IL; brother Mark (Enola) Joplin of New Castle, IN. Danny loved fishing, boating, camping, traveling, especially morning coffee on the deck with his wife and dogs watching the birds and nature in their flower gardens. He loved life.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Jean Joplin, two infant sisters and one brother Mike Joplin.

Private graveside services will be held at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with his brother Rev. Mark Joplin officiating.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Donna Louise Pratt – Marion, IL

September 12, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Donna Pratt of Marion passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at her home. She was born in Sesser, IL to Lucille (Owens) Eubanks and Arthur Eubanks.

Lucille and Arthur divorced early in Donna’s life and she spent years devoted to, supporting and caring for her mother who lived with her until her passing. Donna was the wife of Arhtur Pratt with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Donna was born and raised in Southern Illinois and spent most of her life there with the exception of 10 years in Waukegan, IL where she met Arthur who was in the US Navy and stationed at the Naval base there.

After their marriage they spent a short time in Rhode Island before returning to Southern Illinois. Several years after her return Donna began a successful career in real estate. She was a managing broker, managed several offices, and was one of the area’s top agents during her 40+ years in the business. Donna enjoyed vacationing in Florida, especially Marco Island to where she made several visits.

She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, adored her children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Donna is survived by her husband, Arthur, her son David Pratt of Marion, her daughter Cathy (Craig) Marx of Des Peres, MO, and grandchildren Owen and Elise Marx. She is also survived by and was very close to many of the cousins of her mother’s brother and sisters along with their children and grandchildren.

Her wishes were to have a private family graveside gathering at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL to be scheduled at a later date. Any donations in her honor can be made to her granddaughter’s high school volleyball team: https://raise.snap.app/donate/parkway-south-girls-volleyball-2025/12811422?share_type=email_0 .

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

A story from September 11, 2001 that still has no explanation!

September 10, 2025 By Leave a Comment

(Editor’s Note: I wrote this story 24 years ago, on September 13, 2001, only two days after the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, DC. In the upside-down days following those horrific attacks, Dave Severin called and told me this story and I knew I had to write about it. This story was published in the Southern Illinoisan, where I was working at that time. The Associated Press picked up the story and it was re-printed nationally. I was contacted and did four or five talk shows on national radio, telling this story over and over. Everybody that heard this story was amazed and it still give me goose-bumps nearly 25 years later. Most things in life have an explanation, but this story doesn’t. I hope you enjoy and I hope that none of us ever forget September 11, 2001.)

By Jim Muir

BENTON–There are things that happen in life, even though hard to explain, that can be passed off as coincidence. And then there are other things, regardless of how much a person tries to reason, that simply have no explanation. Such was the case recently in Benton when a simple phone call produced a chain of events that could only be described as eerie.

The odyssey began Thursday when Benton High School athletic director Don Smith contacted Benton businessman David Severin looking for 40 small flags to place at Tabor Field for Friday night’s football game, in honor of those who lost their lives in the September 11 terrorist attacks.

Severin explained to Smith that he also had been trying to locate flags for his store, All Stars n’ Stitches, that’s located on the Benton square. Severin told Smith, in the aftermath of what had taken place in New York City and Washington D.C., everybody was sold out of flags.

Here’s where the story begins to take some unreal twists. Approximately 30 minutes after the phone call from Smith, Severin received another call, this time from his mother.

“The very first thing she asked me was if I knew anybody that might be looking for some flags,” Severin said. “I asked her how many flags she had and she told me she had 40.”

Severin explained that his mother had been going through the personal belongings of his father, the Rev. George Severin, who passed away two months ago, and came upon the flags that had never been unwrapped.

Severin immediately traveled to his mother’s home and what he saw, in his words, gave him “goose bumps.”

“My dad loved to decorate with flags so it wasn’t uncommon that he’d ordered them,” Severin said. “But when I looked at the sales ticket I noticed that he had ordered the flags more than 30 years ago.”

The flags were shipped, Severin said, from New York City on Sept. 11, 1970 – exactly 31 years to the day that New York City was attacked by terrorists.

“Totally unbelievable,” Severin said. “When I saw the date and where the flags were shipped from … I couldn’t believe it – what’s the chances?”
And if that’s not enough for any skeptics in the audience who want to say ‘merely a coincidence’ there’s one final piece to this puzzle.
According to the sales ticket the flags were shipped to the house where the Rev. George Severin lived in 1970 – the address is 337 South Main Street in Benton — which happens to be the same house where Don Smith, the person that made the original phone call about the flags, currently lives.

Filed Under: Featured

Curtis Gibbs -Thompsonville, Illinois

September 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Charles Curtis “Curt” Gibbs, age 72, of Thompsonville, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his home.

He was born on June 1, 1953, in Rend City, Illinois; the son of Charles C. Gibbs and Ruby Isabelle (Winters) Gibbs. He married the former Sandra Renee Fletcher on February 4, 2006, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2016.

Curt enjoyed working as a truck driver. He also formerly worked for Kirby Risk Electrical Supply and worked as a John Deere mechanic. He also enjoyed working on lawn mowers and tractors.

He is survived by Sandy’s two children: Lisa McClerren and husband Russell of Thompsonville, Illinois, and William Jack Chaffin of Herrin, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ellen L. Shockley and husband Paul of Benton, Illinois, Thelma L. Overton of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a sister Ruby Faye Gibbs, great-grandson Cooper William Turner.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Matthew Shook officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Thompsonville. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Curt, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Denise Ragsdale-West Frankfort, Illinois

September 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Denise Jeann’e Ragsdale, age 67, of West Frankfort, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the SSM St. Mary’s Hospital of Richmond Heights, Missouri.

Denise was born on May 11, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana; the daughter of Sylvester Dean Steinberger and Carolyn Louise (Schimpf) Steinberger. She married Alan Ragsdale, and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1998.

Her working career consisted of being a laborer at a factory and she also was a well-known dog breeder of Southern Illinois. People would come from all around and even from Missouri to get her Yorkshire Terrier pups. She also did dog agility training.

She attended the Monroe Street Church of God until its closure.

Mrs. Ragsdale enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are three children: Carrie Seagle Holly of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jason Seagle of Carterville, Illinois, and Ross Ragsdale of West Frankfort, Illinois; grandchildren including: Machaela Holly, Lucas Holly, Herschel Seagle, Peyton Seagle, Emma Seagle, Noah Seagle and Alexis Ragsdale; great-grandchildren: Meracia Labrie and Mathayus Labrie; three siblings: Sylvester Dean Steinberger, III and wife Brandie of Benton, Illinois, Walter Steinberger of Benton, Illinois, Aaron Steinberger and wife Heather of West Frankfort, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends: Joseph Holly and David Rice.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters Susan Steinberger and Camille Steinberger, a great-grandson Madeious Labrie, and her favorite person and Nana Bertha Schimpf.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

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

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

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Sara Vancil-Benton, Illinois

September 8, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Sara Sue Vancil aged 84, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated with no public services held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Born on October 10, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sara was the daughter of Virgil Bassett and Nadine (Perry) Bassett. She married Walter Tom Richardson, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her parents, her son D.T. Richardson, and a brother Jerry Basset.

Sara is lovingly remembered by her son Robert Richardson and his wife Lisa; her two grandsons, Robbie Tom Wyant and Donald Thomas “Tommy” Richardson, Jr.; two great-grandchildren; her sister Laura May; daughter-in-law Christine Richardson; and her cherished dogs, Buffy and Lucy.

Sara worked as a bartender at Sandy’s Bar and Grill in Benton, where she formed many lasting friendships. She found joy in the outdoors, embracing fishing, camping, and playing computer games, often sharing laughter and playful competition with her friends and family.

Sara’s legacy is carried on by those who knew and loved her. Her memory is cherished in every story shared and every act of generosity inspired by her example. While her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit endures in the hearts of those she loved.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Sara; go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Christy Rae Gartner-Mulkeytown, IL

September 6, 2025 By Leave a Comment

Christy Rae Gartner, 65, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on May 17, 1960, to Jerry Rae Kerr and Jeannine A. Smith in Herrin, IL.

On May 24, 1978, she married Kurt Gartner who preceded her in death on December 6, 2024. Their love story spanned more than 46 years, with a reliability and consistency that had a positive impact on the people around them. Theirs was a love rooted in honesty and dedication.

Christy’s place of faith was found while in her swing in the back yard, enjoying nature and overlooking the pond. She was known for her soft spoken, gentle and understanding personality, an old soul. Christy was a loving mother, an adoring grandma, and a truly committed wife and daughter. She was also known for her soft spot for animals, and her love for the family pets. She often talked about favorites like Tommy, Pheobe, Stinky, Lucky and Harley. Christy loved to read a variety of books, with a small library of titles downloaded on her Kindle. She also enjoyed crafts and arts, with a specialty in pencil, but a talent across mediums. She took special pride in creating personal and meaningful keepsakes. She was incredibly intelligent, quick-witted and had a fun but dark sense of humor, specializing in sarcasm. One of her favorite retirement hobbies was taking care of the property and teaching her grandchildren about the art of a fire.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rachel (Bart Bradley) Gartner of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Hudson, Abby & Isabella Gartner and Fallyn Sprowls; brother, Darrin Kerr; uncle, Carl Smith; nieces and nephews, Hanna Gartner and Family, Kyle and Chelbie Mitchell and Family, Ian and Sam Perry, Jacob Bowling, Colin and Aiden Herron-Kerr; Karen Weaver; and best friend, Gwennie Holder.

Christy was preceded in death by parents; husband, Kurt Gartner; brother, Steven Kerr; mother-in-law, Gwenlyn Sue Gartner; and former brother-in-law, Randy Bowling.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home & Crematory, Benton, IL.

Per Christy’s wishes cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries
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