George Murch, 82, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday April 11, 2026 at his home.

He was born on October 10, 1943 in Owensboro, KY to George and Beulah (Daniels) Murch. He married Sandra (Moore) Murch on November 1, 1968 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his daughters Jacque (Bill) Matyi of Johnston City and Trisha Lee Pheasant of Christopher; grandchildren Brent Ullman, Drake Matyi, William Matyi, Hannah Pheasant, Daymon Pheasant, Drew Pheasant, Austin Loucks and Aszure Loucks; great grandchildren Bria, Calum, Alivia, Bailey, Hayzlee, Parker, Wrenley, Blakely, Talon and Skylar and two sisters Brenda and Vicky and one nephew Brandon Murch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Lisa Loucks and one brother Richard Murch.

George was an Army veteran and a coalminer.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026 at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM.

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

Kim Key, 67, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 10, 2026 at his home.

He was born on March 6, 1959 in Christopher to Nixon and Velma (Rains) Key. He married Marianne (Curwick) Key and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children Mary Key of Christopher, Susan (Darrel Taylor) Key of Mulkeytown, Jessica (Thomas Cluck) Davies of Benton, Joshua Key of Buckner and Sandra (Crystal) Key of Benton; several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and ten brothers and sisters.

His wishes were to be cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Barbara Jean Forsythe, age 80, of Benton, passed away at 5:28 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Barbara was born on March 23, 1946, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the daughter of Gene and Colleen (Hungate) Woodrow.

She was a retired cook from Benton District 47.

Barbara enjoyed golfing, eating out, attending flea markets in Nashville, TN, shopping trips to Chicago and she enjoyed watching car races. And she was of the Baptist faith.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter Gina L. Forsythe-Walsh.

Surviving are her numerous friends, Gina’s father Sandy Forsythe of Benton, IL, many cousins, and her dog Indy.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL, with Jim Muir officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.

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

Judith Lee Stipes, age 80, formerly of Benton, passed away Thursday, April 2, 2026, in Barrington, Illinois. She lived a life full of love with her family and friends. Her greatest gift to the world was her kindness and the ability to see the best in people. She was resilient and touched many as a source of selfless giving.

Judy was born on July 4, 1945, in Channahon, Illinois, the daughter of Erwin and Myrtle (Wilkenson) Hewitt. She married Carl Wayne Stipes on November 17, 1990, and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2023. Both Carl and Judy were members of the First United Methodist Church of Benton.

Judy was a retired Nurse Assistant having worked at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois.

Surviving are her children: her twin sons Sal Reyes (married to Kerry) and Mark Reyes (and his partner Doris), her stepdaughters Rora Luttrell (married to William), Roberta Carlson, Cindy Lou Elizando as well as nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Stipes was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and all nine of her older siblings.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 10, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until the funeral hour at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton and will be accepted at the services.

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

Linda Kay Trogolo, 77, of Coello, passed away on Friday April 3, 2026 at Axiom Healthcare in West Frankfort, IL.

She was born on August 20, 1948 in West Frankfort, IL to Warren and Thelma (Webster) Dawson. She married Donnie Trogolo and he preceded her in death on February 14, 2026.

She is survived by her children Donna (John) Ley of Apachie Junction, AZ, Deanne (Mark) Winter of Ashboro, NC and James Trogolo of Coello; four grandchildren Hunter, Hendrix, Haven and Deonna and one brother Arther Warren Dawson of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two sisters Nancy Mandrell and Phyllis Laurent.

Her wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Carol Dean “Fidget” Waller, 89, of Thompsonville, IL., passed away at 4:09 a.m., on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Waller was born on November 25, 1936, to Leslie and Irene (Lampley) Waller. Carol was a self-employed carpenter. On June 13, 1964, he married Margaret Robinson and she survives.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army.

Carol was a past Master of the Grand Lodge. He enjoyed outdoors, he was an avid hunter and fisherman as well. Another past time was gardening and working in his yard, always wanting to stay busy. In his spare time he enjoyed reading his Rifleman magazines and watching the old western television shows.

He was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Carol is survived by his loving spouse of 61 years, Margaret, his two daughters, Debra Storey and husband Doug, and Lori Waller; three grandchildren, Chris Benbrook, Brendan Ritchason and wife, Christy, and Jacob Storey; one great-grandchild, Henry Ritchason and one soon to be expected, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Irene Waller, infant daughter, Mary Elizabeth Waller, brother, Jerry Waller, half-brother, Wayne Waller, brothers, Bob Waller and Dwight Waller.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Masonic Rites being conducted at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Monday, April 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Willie Huffine, officiating. Military rites will be Performed by the Benton American Legion Post 280, VFW Post 2671 and the Army Honors Team.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Lampley Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL.

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

Tristan Tyler Morris, 40, of Carterville, Illinois, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026.

He was born and raised in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Rocky and Terrie (Carter) Morris.

Tristan was a man who deeply loved his family and friends. Those closest to him knew him as a protector—someone who cared fiercely for the people in his life and was always there when he was needed most.

He is survived by his best friend and loving wife of nearly 20 years, Alyssa Morris, and their daughter, Brinlee Morris of Carterville, IL, who were the center of his world. He considered his daughter his greatest accomplishment in life.

He is also survived by his sisters and brothers: Alicia and Chris Niemeyer, Lacy Morris, Christopher Morris and his girlfriend, Alex Wingo, and Isaac Morris and his wife, Jennifer Morris. He is further survived by his mother-in-law, Kellie Mitchell and Deon Mitchell; father-in-law, Tom Haskell; grandmother-in-law, Leslie Adams; and brothers-in-law, Dusten Adams and Jake Haskell.

Tristan leaves behind many beloved nieces and a nephew—Chase Niemeyer; Raelynn Stewart, Breanna Stewart, Macy Glasser, Heidi Morris, Mia Morris, Kenzie Morris, Eloise Morris, Adalayde Adams, Hadleigh Birkner, Ellianna Caldwell, and Lainey Caldwell—all of whom he loved dearly.

He is also remembered by his girlfriend, Kelly Howell, and her seven children of Makanda, Illinois.

Above all else, Tristan will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, his passion for the gym, his love for the Lakers and college football, his strength, and the deep love he had for his family and friends. He loved his friends like brothers and cherished those bonds deeply.

His presence brought comfort, laughter, a little bit of chaos, and a sense of protection to those around him. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew and loved him.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends forever.

Visitation will be on Saturday April 4th, 2026, from 10 a.m. – 12 noon with funeral services at noon.

Walker Funeral Home & Crematory entrusted with arrangements.

Robert Dennis Semanski, 79, of Buckner, passed away on Monday March 30, 2026 at his home.

He was born on March 6, 1947 in Christopher to Robert and Betty (Potts) Semanski.

He is survived by his sister Victoria Barnfield of Buckner, one niece Stephanie (Rob) Dupuis and one great nephew Wesley Lovan.

Robert was a Truck Driver and a United States Marine Corp Veteran and served in the Vietnam War.

His wishes were to be cremated, a private family service will be held at a later date.

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

Barbara Marie Rhine, 90, of Coello, passed away peacefully on March 28th, 2026 at Marshall Browning hospital. She was born December 29, 1935, in Christopher, Illinois to John and Adella (Joost) Sekardi. Barbara married Oman Rhine on September 2nd 1952.

In her working life she worked in manufacturing for P.R. Mallory and Co. and Christopher Industries, and then as a postal clerk at the Coello post office before retiring. She also served on the board of trustees in Coello as well as working as a volunteer for the village’s dumplin’ dinners.

Barbara was a devout Christian who prioritized God’s will and was known for her hard work ethic. In her free time, she loved playing bingo, working outside in her yard, and spending time with her grandkids. In her later years, she liked doing word search puzzles and watching the various wildlife that called her yard home.

She is survived by her two children: Tom Rhine and Adella Rhine. She is also survived by her two grandchildren: Clint (Casey) Rhine and Harli Rhine as well as six great grandchildren.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents and husband as well as her brothers Leroy Sekardi and Raymond Sekardi.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday April 6, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Charles Gossage officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 5:00 PM until the time of the service at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

James Leon Robinson, age 85, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away at 4:35 p.m., Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Leon was born on October 8, 1940, in Marietta, Mississippi, the son of Kenny and Flocie (Pharr) Robinson. He married the former Judy Mimalene Thompson on May 28, 1960, and she survives, on May 28th, they would have been married 66 years.

Leon was a coal miner. He worked at Old Ben #24 until he retired in 1996. He was also a member of the UMWA.

He enjoyed working. He loved gardening, hunting and fishing, You would find him every Tuesday at Tuesday Sales in Sesser.

One of his greatest accomplishments in life took place on March 17, 2026, when he professed his faith and trust in his Lord and Saviour, and was saved.

Surviving is his loving wife Judy Robinson of Sesser, IL, three children: Leonda Williams of Sesser, IL, Bryan Robinson and wife Donna of Murfreesboro, TN, Lori Lance of Springfield, IL, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Robinson was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Ester Barnes, Rozella Robinson, and Mag Willis, two brothers: John Hambric and Martin Hambric, plus a son-in-law.

Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC, 28607 or may be give online to Samaritan Purse.Org.

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