It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Melissa “Marie” Smith, age 67, of West City, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by her daughter Amanda, grandchildren: Lilly, Lyle, Landon, Lexis, and her boyfriend Pete. Marie battled cancer for eight years before it took her home to Heaven.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved her grandchildren so much.

Marie loved to be outside with her grandchildren. She loved planting flowers, gardening, going to yard sales, traveling, and McDonald’s Sweet Tea.
Melissa Marie Smith was born on November 30, 1957, the daughter of Herbert Smith and Geneva (Zalenski) Smith.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving is her loving daughter Amanda Smith of West City, IL, four grandchildren: Lilly Marie Slack, Lyle Dale Slack, Landon Devo Slack, and Lexis Geneva Shepard; her life partner Willard “Pete” Parker of West City, IL, two brothers: Robert E. Hines and wife Karen of Benton, IL, Bobby Wood and wife Melody of Ortonville, MI; three sisters: Jo Ann Stewart of Mt. Vernon, IL, Gloria Overturf of Benton, IL, Marsha Kay Eubanks and husband George of Benton, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life Billy Dean Millikan, Sr., her parents and an infant sister.

Marie’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced in the near future.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Marie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Lyman L Benns, Jr. was born on March 6, 1947 in Benton, IL. He went to spend eternity with his Savior and the love of his life Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on November 13, 2025 in Benton, IL.

Although he spent some time growing up on the south side of Chicago, IL, he spent most of his time living in West City, IL with his parents and siblings. He married Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on June 8, 1969.

He joined the Marines in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Marines, he moved his small family to Texas where he worked in a paper mill. He moved back to the Southern Illinois area shortly after this and he began his career in the coal mines. He worked hard to support his family. He and his wife owned and operated Printer’s Inc. for 16 years.

He was a charter member of Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, IL. He was one of the many men who helped build the Church. Over the years that he worshiped there, he served as both an Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed preaching, teaching and leading Sunday School for the teens at the Church. He also helped with maintaining the upkeep on the building and grounds. He was always willing to help no matter what the need.

He was very active in his Church and with the community up to the day he died. He was willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. If he had something you needed, he would lend it to you without hesitation. He was an encourager and a great leader. He was always cracking jokes and playing practical jokes on others when they least expected it.

He was generous with everyone. If you called him for advice or help, he was there. While wintering in Texas, he would do the announcements at Church every Sunday. The other Winter Texans loved that he did this as they would say “He is the only person that can make the announcements funny”. He also enjoyed playing pickle ball and could be heard many times saying “keep your eye on the ball”.

His best time was with the love of his life, Jenifer Jane Benns. They enjoyed taking trips, ballroom dancing, going for rides in the convertible, spending time with friends and family and just being together. Their love was truly one of a kind.

His greatest accomplishment was his family and the love he so eagerly gave. He loved deeply and wanted the best for them. Besides his family, he passionately worked for his Lord and Savior with all his heart. He loved Jesus and was always willing to share that love with anyone. He wanted to bring all his family and friends with him to meet Jesus someday.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenifer Sneddon Benns; his Mother, Margaret Smith Benns; Father, Lyman L. Benns, Sr.; Father-in-Law David Lewis; Mother-in-law, Uneeda Lewis; Brother, Steve Benns; Brother-in-law, James Sneddon; Brother-in-law, George Lewis; Sister-in-law, Nellie Lewis, and Sister-in-law, Mikkell Geanne Sneddon. His surviving family includes Children, Julie Benns (Michael) Greisz and Eric Benns; Brother James Benns (Beth), Dennis Benns (Valerie), Mike Benns and Sister Mary Anne Benns Kline; Grandchildren, Caleb Garascia (Kayela Thomas), Logan Gayer, Ashlei Kraemer (Andrew), Anna Greisz, Thomas Greisz, Vanessa Greisz, Skyler Greisz, Isaac Benns, Madison Benns and Gabriella Benns. He has one Great-grandchild Evan Garascia who was a bright light in his life. His nieces and Nephews include Amy Sneddon, Andrew Sneddon, Angie Wray, Adam Benns (Deeann), Deni Lynn Stallons (Paul), Lacey Owens (Justin), Jamie Hargraves (Robert), Shauna Martinez (Mario), Jeremy Benns, Nikita Coleman, Marsha Schuster (Ken), Angela Austin (Mark) many great nieces and nephews and cousin David Garvin (Brenda).

The visitation will be held at Morton and Johnston in Benton, IL. Visitation for family will be on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM. Visitation for Friends will be on Tuesday, November 18 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Friends may also visit on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9:00AM with the funeral at 10:00AM. He will be laid to rest in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton, IL.

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

Jeffrey Lee Roberts, age 52, of Benton, passed away at 6:10 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the SSM Health DePaul Hospital of Bridgeton, Missouri.

Jeff was born on March 21, 1973, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Vernon Lee Roberts and Janet Edna (Wyant) Roberts.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1991, where he was a multi-sport athlete in track, basketball, and football.

Jeff worked as a carpenter and was of the Baptist faith.

Outside of work, he enjoyed camping, fishing, woodworking, doing yard work and repairing lawn mowers, and rooting for his Chicago Cubs.

Surviving are two children: Montana Roberts of Zeigler, Illinois, Cami Roberts of Logan, Illinois; his loving mother Janet Border of Benton, Illinois; grandchildren: Ryver Wolff, Lily Wolff, Alaska Wolff, and Angel Baby Waylon Wolff; a brother: Riley Roberts and wife Leann of Ewing, Illinois; a special cousin and best buddy Ken Roberts; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Vernon Roberts, grandchild Waylon Wolff, paternal grandparents Marion and Oma Roberts, maternal grandparents Uel “Punch” and Edna Wyant.

Celebration of Life Services will be announced.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Jeff, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Joan Marie Galloway, 91, of Sesser, IL passed away on Thursday November 13, 2025 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

She was born on August 15, 1934 in Bowling Green, Ohio to Kenny and Helen (Plock) Bloom. She married Stanley Galloway and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Robert Clark of Mulkeytown, IL and Billy (Debbie) Clark of West Frankfort, IL she is also survived by several step-children; grandson Brian Clark of Zeigler, IL and two sisters Hazel Jones of West City, IL and Doll Bennett of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one grandson Timmy Clark and two brothers Ike Bloom and Kenny Bloom.

Graveside services will be held on Monday November 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser 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

Carroll Grammer, 78, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on November 9, 2025 in Cadiz, Kentucky. Born January 14, 1947, to Archie and Stella Bradford Grammer in Benton, Illinois, Carroll entered the world alongside his twin brother, Darrell, and the two remained inseparable for the rest of his days.

A proud Navy veteran and SeeBee, Carroll served with honor during the Vietnam War, earning the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Combat Operations Insignia, Rifle Marksman, and Pistol Marksman. He spoke little of the weight he carried, but always with deep respect for those who served beside him.
Music was Carroll’s lifeblood. He loved singing and playing country music, and on April 6, 2007, he copyrighted his original song, Maybe Someday. Whether picking a guitar on the porch or delivering a perfectly timed punchline, Carroll never met a stranger.

He lived for the simple joys of the outdoors—fishing at first light, hunting deer through the woods, calling in dove and pheasant, or chasing squirrel with the patience of a man who knew every trail by heart. A good day in the woods was made better only by sharing it.

Carroll was preceded in death by his brothers Billy (Ruth) Grammer of Benton Illinois, Archie (Sharon) Grammer of Waterford, Michigan, John Grammer of Christopher Illinois, Lonnie (Verla) Grammer of Royalton Illinois, Charles Grammer of Pontiac, Michigan, Carl Grammer of Christopher Illinois, and Don (Kathy) Grammer of Guntown, Mississippi; and his sister Ramona Talley of Benton Illinois.
He is survived by his twin brother Darrell (Judy) Grammer of Eddyville, Kentucky; sisters Ruby Talley and Carolyn Williams, both of Benton Illinois, and Sharon (Stan) Moser of East Prairie, Wisconsin; his sons Michael Grammer and Phillip Grammer; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever hear his laugh in the wind through the pines.

Carroll divorced Maggie Venable many years ago but remained a devoted father, bound to his boys by love, stories, and the glow of a thousand campfires.
A celebration of Carroll’s life will be held at 10 a.m., November 15th at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, cast a line, tell a joke, or play your favorite music loud enough for the deer to hear. That’s how he’d want to be remembered.

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

Cade Maclane Shadowens, born on October 9th, 2003, was called to his eternal home on November 6th, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. He was the beloved son of John and Bobbi (Goessman) Shadowens.

With a smile that could light a room, piercing blue unmistakable eyes, and a Sesser-Valier Red Devil at heart, Cade was known for his humorous banter and captivating personality. His heart for others was evident in his life and friendships, showing the loyalty and steadfast love that Cade had for those he deeply cared for. Among his many great qualities, Cade was able to easily relate to others and make people feel seen and “wanted”. His silence was often a reflection paired with deep listening, and his words echoed encouragement and understanding.

Cade is survived by his loving parents, brother Blane Miller and sister-in-law Ciara Miller, sister Makennah Johnston and brother-in-law Jared Johnston, nieces Jovi and Jubilee Johnston and sister Jenna Lind and brother-in-law Ryan Lind, paternal grandmother Irene Shadowens and special friend Mayumi McCabe and her son TJ, who held a special place in Cade’s heart. He is also survived by his Aunts Sherry Padyasek & husband Krzysztof, Nan Butler & husband Steve and Uncles Doug Goessman & wife Penn, Mike Goessman & wife Pam, Tom Goessman & wife Flor and many cousins.

Cade is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Loudine Burke & Bob Goessman, paternal grandfather Wayne Shadowens, and best friend Isaac Charlton.

Cade was very active in his formative years, as he was a part of the 2019 Sesser-Valier Super-Sectional basketball team and an integral part of Youth and Government. Cade had the privilege of playing sports for his father as well as several other coaches who made a lasting impact on Cade and his outlook on life. After graduating from Sesser-Valier High School in 2022, Cade then shortly ventured to Los Angeles, California, where he created a new path for his future. In 2024, Cade was hired as a Tech and moved his way up Alumni Relations Coordinator & Business Development Representative at Simonds Recovery Center in Granada Hills, CA. Cade, himself, found recovery and brought forth his career around helping others find the same freedom.

Saved by Jesus Christ at a young age, Cade knew his eternal home was in Heaven with our Lord and Savior. We will not remember Cade for how he passed, but rather for the profound impact he had on others, by using his testimony to shine light on recovery and redemption. Cade spent the last few years of his life paving a way for a better future and bringing hope to people that he knew had the strength to do the same. Cade’s mission was to raise awareness for addiction while providing people with a way to find hope and recovery. Cade will be deeply missed by those who were blessed to know and love him.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Monday, November 17th at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, with Pastor Kirk Kay officiating. Friends may call prior to the funeral from 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. on Monday. Morton Johnston Funeral home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, contributions toward funeral expenses can be made at the service.

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

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

Barry Duane Pritchert, 63, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Monday November 10, 2025 at his home.

He was born on September 10, 1962 in Aurora, IL to Russell Duane and Clarie Louise (Doran) Pritchert. He married Margaret (O’Brien) Pritchert on June 24, 1994 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his children Bryon Duane (Jacki) Pritchert of Pinckneyville, Benjamin Douglas (Samantha) Pritchert of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin and Tabitha Ariel (Shawn) Pritchert of Mulkeytown; several grandchildren; one sister Susan Parker of Oswego, Wisconsin and one brother Robin Stiles of Texas and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son Randy Eugene Pritchert; one sister Sandra Paku and one brother Ronnie Stiles.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Benny Leroy Swingle, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on September 22, 1942, Benny lived a full and meaningful life marked by hard work, kindness, and a deep love for his family. Benny was known for his generous heart, steady wisdom, and the way he could make anyone feel welcome. Whether sharing stories from years past, lending a helping hand, or offering a bit of humor just when it was needed most, Benny’s presence brought comfort and laughter to those around him.

He is survived by his devoted daughters, Sheila Key and Rita Branche, who were the pride and joy of his life. Benny’s legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Samantha Loy (Conway Loy), Glenn Marks (Breanna Marks), Taylor Owens, Randy Branche Jr. (Jessica Branche), James Branche, and Shelby Thompson. He was also blessed with many great-grandchildren who brought him endless smiles and joy: Aaliyah Booker, Sadie Booker, Harleigh Booker, Mazie Marks, Adrianna Marks, Aiden Marks, Atlas Marks, Watson Marks, Scarlett Owens, Sophia Owens, Madison Branche, Emma Branche, Randy Branche III, Amanda Sheppard, and Orion Branche. Benny is preceded in death by his lifelong companion Minnie Boner and his great-granddaughter Amanda Marks, whom he now joins in eternal peace.

Benny’s life was a testament to love, family, and resilience. His stories, laughter, and the lessons he shared will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Though he has left this world, the warmth of his spirit will remain forever.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday November 15, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Mike Deaton departed his earthly life suddenly on November 3, 2025 at his home.

He was born in Marion, IL to George and Mary Jane Deaton. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University with a degree in Accounting. He had worked at Old Ben Coal and lastly at Delta as an accountant. He was an avid golfer having gone to college on a golf scholarship and was known throughout Southern Illinois for his gifted ability. He was a former member of West Frankfort Country Club and Kokopelli Country Club. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Christopher. A friend to many and a “get it done” kind of guy who helped anybody that needed a helping hand.

He is survived by his loving wife Debbie for 52 years., his loving children Stephanie Deaton and Brent King of St. Louis, Mo, a special nephew who was like a son, Doug Deaton, his wife Chandler Short Deaton and their children Sawyer Gray and Knox Wilder Deaton, his sister in law Melinda Deaton, his nieces Jessica Deaton, Chelsea and Chris Duty all of Marion, IL and Kelly Deaton, Cameron and husband and several great nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by his brother Gregory Mark Deaton of Marion, IL. Holding a very special place in his heart are his brother and sister in law Melissa and Steve Michaels of Murphysboro, IL. His loved and spoiled pets Maggie and Tess and Poppy to Reacher.

A celebration of life will be held on November 22, at 4:00 p.m. at 618 Taphouse in Marion, IL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Polar Plunge 2026 in memory of his brother’s charity, St. Jude’s Children’s hospital or the Franklin County Animal Shelter in Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Jane (Webster) Deaton, mother-in-law and father-in-law Dick and Betty Ingram, one brother Douglas Kent Deaton and one sister-in-law Kitty Deaton.

A special thank you to Christopher Chief of Police Andy Trogola, Officer Stacey Sperling, Fire Chief John Taylor and all of the Paramedics and EMTS from town and Coello. You all will never know the comfort and support you gave me in my worst moments of my life. God bless you all. A special thank you to our friends and neighbors who have sent flowers, brought food, phone calls, visits and love during our time of grief. God bless you all. We will forever be grateful.

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

Mrs. Shirley Ann Chamness, age 83, of Benton, passed away at 9:15 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Benton, IL.

Shirley was born on March 28, 1943, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Lena Niblett. She married Lyndell Vernell Chamness on July 7, 1967, and together they shared 54 years of marriage until Lyndell’s death on September 16, 2021.

She was a homemaker and member of the West City Church of God.

Shirley enjoyed planting flowers and teaching Sunday School Class for the little kids.

Surviving are two children: Tina Harpool and husband Kevin of Benton, IL, Keith Chamness and wife Misty of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Brittany Elliot and husband Eric of Edwardsville, IL, Brison Harpool and wife Crystal of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Sydney Chamness of West Frankfort, IL, Dillan Chamness and wife Katelyn of Mt. Vernon, IL, Tyler Chamness and fiancée Aymee of Benton, IL, Devon Despotopulos of Benton, IL.
She was preceded in death by her mother, her husband, one son: Kevin Lee Chamness, a sister, and a brother.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley Chamness, may be made to West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the services.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Shirley Chamness, may be made to West City Church of God, and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Shirley, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.