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.

Larry Dee Christy, 76, of Zeigler, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, with his family by his side.

Larry was born on March 31, 1949, in Christopher, Illinois, to Howard W. Christy Jr. and Dorothy Virginia (Payne) Christy. He was the third of their children and grew up in Zeigler. Larry graduated from Zeigler-Royalton High School in 1967 and went on to earn an associate degree in Aviation Technology from Southern Illinois University. There, he became certified as an FAA A&P mechanic and earned his pilot’s license.

On May 10, 1968, Larry married his high school sweetheart and best friend, Linda Kay (Glenski) Christy of Royalton, Illinois. Together, they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Larry proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 20 years. He enlisted in September 1972 and completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, followed by Aircraft Mechanic training at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Throughout his military career, Larry was stationed at Forbes AFB (Kansas), Little Rock AFB (Arkansas), Lowry AFB (Colorado), RAF Lakenheath/Feltwell (England), and Griffiss AFB (New York).

In December 1974, Larry was deployed to Korat Royal Thai Air Base in Thailand, where he supported air rescue and recovery missions and refueling operations for HH-53 helicopters. His service placed him in the final battle of the Vietnam War during the Mayaguez incident at Koh Tang Island.

During his time in the Air Force, Larry continued his education, earning certifications through the Community College of the Air Force in Aircraft Systems Technology and Electronic Systems Technology. He graduated from both the NCO Leadership School and the NCO Academy. From 1976 to 1981, he taught metrology at Lowry AFB, instructing members of all U.S. military branches as well as students from 26 different nations in the science of precision measurement.

Larry’s final assignment was at Griffiss AFB, New York, with the Strategic Air Command, where he successfully restored a tactical Precision Metrology mobile laboratory following its return from the Iraq War. He retired as a Master Sergeant on October 1, 1992.

After retiring from the Air Force, Larry returned home to Zeigler and continued his service to his community as Finance Officer and Adjutant for American Legion Post #177. He also founded Concept Engineering later known as Concepte of Illinois, Inc.-which continues today under the leadership of his son, Erick. This business was built on his belief to provide the best service possible with integrity & pride.

Larry was a member of American Legion Post #177, the Minnesota National Fishing Museum, and the National Fish Decoy Association. He was also the creator of DECOYPEDIA.com, a widely recognized reference resource for fish decoy carvers.

He had a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoyed traveling across the United States, photography, and sharing his experiences with others. Larry was known for his willingness to help others and his desire to make a positive difference in their lives. Above all, he deeply loved his family. His great-grandchildren, Kiersten and Kaiden, were truly the center of his world and brought him endless pride and happiness

Larry is survived by his loving wife, Linda Kay Christy; daughter, Lorri Dee (Wayne) Williford of Benton; son, Erick Shawn (Tanya) Christy of Orient; grandchildren, Alyxandria (Michael) Good of Thompsonville, Samantha Williford of Benton, and Heather (Tim) Rich of Marion; great-grandchildren, Kiersten Good and Kaiden Good; brother, Jan (Connie) Christy of Carterville; sister, Susan Summers of Sheller; several nieces and nephews; his close friend, Dan Cutter of Benton; and his beloved great-granddog, Howdy Marie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Howard Christy III and Carl Crocker; his father-in-law, Stanley Glenski; mother-in-law, June Glenski; and brother-in-law, Mike Summers.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home in Zeiger with Pastor Don Wright officiating. Burial will follow at St. Aloysius Cemetery in Royalton. Military honors will be accorded by the Orient American Legion Post 1961 and members of the United States Air Force military honors detail team.

Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Orient Legion Post #1961. Memorial envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Dorothy Nolen was born in Williamson County, Illinois on August 14, 1927 to Oscar Bearden and Florence Jarvis Bearden.
She married Elvis Nolen on May 25, 1984. They shared more than thirty happy years. She never stopped loving and missing him.

She is survived by her daughter Janis Reed Thomas (Skip), her grandson Brandon Mandrell (Alex) and her precious great-granddaughter Harper Mandrell. Also surviving are other family members Melissa Schultz (Will), Rocky (Sarah) Thomas, Skipper Thomas, Mica Thomas, Megan (Aaron) Robinson and all of their children.

She loved her family so much and was so proud of them. They always came first in her life.

She graduated from Vergennes High School and later took business classes at Benton High School through SIU.

She worked from a dictaphone at home for a time for Dr. Swinney, he was trying to help her cope with the loss of her son.

She served in the Browning Township Office for twenty eight years. She served twelve years as Bookkeeper and Office Manager and sixteen years as Browning Township Supervisor.

She was a member of Jackson Grove Baptist Church. She loved music and sang for many years in the First Baptist Choir.

She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She won two cooking contests through the Southern Illinois Newspaper. She was famous for her “Cajun Chicken”.

Dorothy was a kind, generous and selfless woman. She helped many people with her cooking during sickness and death.

Her parents preceded her in death along with brothers Kenneth and Mickey Bearden, sisters Eva, Margaret and Eunice, husbands-Lloyd Reed, Graydon Clem and Elvis Nolen and son-Marvin (Butch) Reed whom she adored.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kevin Bullard and Glenn Poshard officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson Grove Baptist Church.

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