Geneva McDonald – Benton, IL

February 17, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Geneva McDonald, 92, of Benton, IL passed away Tuesday morning, February 16, 2016 at her home.

She was born in Chicago Heights, IL on September 28, 1923, the daughter of Ed and Beulah (Hammond) Winemiller.

She married Harry B. McDonald on September 14, 1946 and he preceded her in death on May 1, 1996.

Mrs. McDonald was a member of the First United Methodist Church, in Benton. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, the Order of Eastern Star and Home Extension.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. McDonald was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by two brothers, Eddie Winemiller and Dennie Winemiller, and by three sisters, Callie Stilts, Sarah Wilkerson and Susie Hale.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Lee Lovett officiating. Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.

Memorials may be made for those who wish to the First United Methodist Church, in Benton.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Valentine’s Day: A time for love … a time for sadness

February 14, 2016 By Leave a Comment

There are times when I sit down to conjure up something for this space that I know exactly the audience I hope to target. There are other days when I write just for me – and today is one of those days – and I simply invite you along for the ride.

muir mug ihsaMy mom, Geraldine, passed away 16 years ago and I want to preface what I write by saying she was a good woman, a good Christian woman. She was also a good mother, grandmother and a good and faithful wife. Prior to her death she had been in a nursing home for a couple years, suffering from dementia and perhaps early Alzheimers. She was 79 years old, two months short of her 80th birthday when her body just finally wore out. And there is no doubt in my mind that she passed out of this life to a better one.

She passed away on Valentine’s day shortly after 5 a.m on a dreary, February Monday morning. As anybody who has been through the loss of a loved one knows, the date of death become seared in your mind. It can be a Tuesday in mid-August with no relevance to anything and then suddenly that date becomes a part of you and you carry it with you forever.

That morning when my mother passed and I realized it was February 14 – Valentine’s Day — it was an odd feeling for me. On one hand a day set aside to express love and share with a significant person in your life and on the other hand it was now a day that will forever be associated with sadness and loss. Again, it was just a very odd feeling when that finally registered with me and it’s a feeling I’ve experienced every February 14 since.

And on the day set aside for Cupid, candy and flowers I also deal with the fact that my mom and I did not have a great relationship. While we were never estranged and we were always in contact through the years we were often at odds with one another. Think oil and water, gasoline and an open match or Geraldine and Jim, sometimes we just didn’t mix well.

Geraldine Muir

Geraldine Muir

You see, I came along at a time when my mom thought she was through having children – I have three older siblings. Couple in the fact that she had two miscarriages during those three pregnancies means she was pregnant five times before me.

Throughout my life I heard her tell the story – a hundred times, a thousand times, maybe a million times — about the day she went to Dr. Turner, in Christopher, and he confirmed what she suspected – that she was expecting her fourth child.

“Well, Geraldine you’re pregnant again,” Dr. Turner said. “What do you want this time?”

And as the story was told, she sat in his office and cried and then replied: “At this point in time I don’t care.”

And then the exclamation point to the story that she often told is that she went home, went to bed and cried for a week. While that might seem like a tough story, I realize what she was thinking. She was 35 years old, had two daughters ages 12 and 7 and a son 3 years old. I get it, I understand what it’s like to think you have your life moving in the right direction and then find out you don’t.

And to add insult to her injury she was ‘blessed’ to have a son (that’s me) who was somewhat of a handful. I weighed 10 lbs 10 ounces when I was born and it was not an easy birth and from the time I learned to put one foot in front of the other I was rambunctious at best. I’m certain that having a child who was always into something (and most of the time it was trouble) only confirmed her original thinking that she didn’t want or need any more kids.

If I had a dollar for every time she likened me to a ‘bull in a China shop’ or used the phrase ‘mess and glomm’ — ‘that’s all you do is mess and glomm’ — I’d be independently wealthy right now. I never bothered to ask what the word ‘glomm’ meant, but I was nearly certain it was nothing good.

As the years went by I’m certain that it also didn’t set well with her that she and I were very much alike in certain ways. For instance, she was very opinionated and loved to get the last word in … and of course those who know me recognize that I’m guilty of the same character flaws. Based on that, it’s easy to see how the fire could fly occasionally between us.

Through the many ‘discussions’ we had I learned from a young age that there was always one button I could push that would get the same result. And I should note that I pushed it regularly. In the middle of a disagreement I would dispense with calling her ‘Mom’ and would begin a sentence like this; ‘Listen … Geraldine’ … and I would drag the word ‘Geraldine’ out to about four syllables. Of course I knew the second I said that she was going to grab the first thing she could find and hit me with it. She definitely was not one of those ‘wait-until-your-dad-gets-home-type of moms.’

And I certainly get my love for politics from my mom, although we often didn’t see eye-to-eye on that subject either. She is the first person I ever heard use the phrase ‘yellow-dog Democrat’ and she was referring to herself. Of course that phrase means that she would vote for a yellow dog before she’d vote for a Republican. As I got older and my views became more conservative we traded verbal jabs quite often. During the past decade I’ve often thought that I would love to talk to her and debate the current state of affairs in both Washington D.C and Springfield. That … would be interesting and entertaining. Despite our disagreements, I miss her and I think about talking to her often.

As a columnist I think one of my strong suits is that I have the God-given ability to take virtually any topic and in about 750-800 words tell a story and wrap it up at the end into a nice, neat little package. But, I can’t do that with this particular offering because there is no nice, neat way to wrap this up. After reading and re-reading what I’ve written here there is no real story to this, instead it’s just ramblings about a mother and son that often struggled and failed to like each other, but who always loved each other.

Happy Valentine’s Day … and thanks for spending some time today with a tired, old writer who feels like a little boy missing his mom.

 

Filed Under: Columns, Opinion

M. Marie Neal – Ewing, IL

February 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment

EWING — M. Marie Neal left her earthly home and walked into the arms of God at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016.

She was born Jan. 16, 1926, to George Willis and Pearl (Scarborough) Beaty at their home on Cyril James Road south of Ewing.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Howard. Her brother was married to Ione and they were blessed with four children.

She met the love of her life, William J. Neal, and they married April 8, 1949. They were blessed with Brenda Neal of Macomb, and Charles W. Neal (Barbara); and grandchildren, Amber Neal of Ewing, and Kyle Neal of Ewing. Marie cherished her family and close friends dearly.

Marie was a member of Frisco Baptist Church until its closing and moved membership to Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. Marie was a proud member of the forming group of Frisco Baptist Church’s successful Tuesday School for preschool children.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rescue Baptist Church – Tuesday School at 14241 Rescue Church Road, Whittington, IL 62897 as both her grandchildren are graduates and she loved the growth she saw in many children.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 13, in Neal Cemetery southwest of Logan, with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating.

Arrangements are by Morton-Johnson Funeral Home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Tanya Diane (Sheridan) Thompson – formerly of Benton, IL

February 12, 2016 By Leave a Comment

BENTON — Tanya Diane (Sheridan) Thompson, 46, of St. Peters, Missouri, formerly of Benton, passed away Thursday evening Feb. 11, 2016, at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born Nov. 16, 1969, in Benton, the daughter of Larry and Joyce (Anderson) Sheridan.

She touched so many lives in her hometown of Benton and the St. Louis area with her strength, determination and warm heart. She was a lover of life and will be missed by many.

Tanya had a successful 25-year career as a catering and event executive specialist in the St. Louis area.

She was forever an inspiration and support to her loving family who survives her including loving husband, Wade Thompson of St. Peters, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Erin and Kristin Thompson; mother, Joyce Sheridan of Benton; sister, Robin Storey and husband, Mark of Benton; niece, Katlyn Storey; nephew, Holden Storey; and her beloved pups, Star, Jersi, Zeke and Abby.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spotsavers St. Louis Dalmatian Rescue, 9224 Vauk Lane St. Louis, MO 63126 or to a charity of your choice in Tanya’s memory.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Kay Francis Styve – Sesser, IL

February 10, 2016 By Leave a Comment

SESSER — Kay Francis (Witcher) Styve, 79, died peacefully at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, with her family at her side.

styveKay was born June 21, 1936, in Sesser, to Harry and Ida (Warner) Witcher. Her family moved to the suburban Chicago area in in 1954 where she lived and attended Proviso Township High School, then returned to Sesser to graduate from Goode-Barren Township High School.

On Oct. 29, 1960, Kay married Robert Allen Styve in Melrose Park. To this union six sons were born. In addition to having her hands full raising her boys and working fulltime, Kay devoted much of her time to her boys’ athletic activities, both in officer roles for the organizations as well as cheering them on as their most enthusiastic fan. Robert preceded Kay in death in 2012, they were married for 51 years.

Kay held many jobs over the years to help provide for her family. Before retiring in 2006, Kay rose to a vice president position, where she ran the Illinois office for a national insurance business.

She enjoyed her membership and participation in Sesser Chamber of Commerce.

One of Kay’s most treasured activities over the years was hosting large gatherings for family and friends on her deck.

Survivors include three sons, Michael (Beth) Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Scott (Kim) Styve of Indio, California, and Brad (Julie) Styve of Erie, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlyn, Kyle Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Jake, Grace Styve of Sesser, Dalton Styve of Indio, California, and Ava Styve of Erie, Colorado; four nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Witcher; her mother, Ida (Warner) Witcher; her husband, Robert Allen Styve of Sesser; her sons, Robert Styve II, Patrick Styve, and Donald Styve; and her brother, Charles Witcher.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Butch Endersbe – Sesser, IL

February 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Butch Endersbe, 66, of Sesser, IL passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 4, 1950, the son of Vernon Roy and Alma (Carrtt) Endersbe.

He married Gayla (Harrison) on October 26, 1996, and she survives.

Butch loved fishing and doing woodwork. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church, in Sesser.

He is survived by his wife Gayla Endersbe, of Sesser; four children Mark Endersbe, of Clinton, Iowa, Clayton Endersbe and wife Simone, of Mt. Vernon, Donna Scuffham, of North Carolina and Scott Breed and wife Laurie, of Sterling; seven grandchildren; one sister Margaret Wentworth and husband Rodney, of Camanche, Iowa; one brother-in-law, David Harrison and wife Vynne, of Dixon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit: www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Jacqueline “Jackie” Wilson – Sesser, IL

February 8, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Jacqueline “Jackie” Wilson, 71, of Sesser, IL passed away February 8, 2016 at 2 a.m. at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.

She was born August 19, 1944 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Jack Kelson and Margaret (Kahoun) Kelson.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society. She worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. before her retirement.

She married Jerry Wilson on June 9, 1962 and he survives in Sesser.

She is survived by her children, Vicky Wilcox, of Sesser and Keith Wilson, of Sesser; on sister Karon Ericksson, of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Elizabeth (Liz) Wilson – Buckner, IL

February 7, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Elizabeth (Liz) Toth Wilson, Buckner IL died Friday, Feb.5, 2016 in DuQuoin IL.

elizabeth wilsonShe married Andrew M.Wilson of Buckner on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on Jan.20, 1988.

She worked for Browning Township until she retired. She was a faithful member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, a former member of The Catholic Daughters and Altar Society, in Christopher, IL.

She was born to Paul and Elizabeth (Mencely) Toth July 3, 1925 in Christopher, and she graduated from Christopher High School.

She is survived by her three children, Andy and Valerie (Ronchetto) Wilson of Christopher, Randy Wilson of Buckner, and Marybeth (Wilson) and Ed Dalby of Benton. Surviving grandchildren are Brandt (Amy) Wilson of Mulkeytown, Megan Wilson of Buckner, Malory Dalby, of Kentucky, and Olivia Dalby, of Benton. Surviving great-grandchildren Lynsey Wilson, Bryce Wilson. She had an extended family in Florida that includes Terri Wilson, Amy and Jimmy Townsend (children Dylan and Coben) and Stephanie and Jimmy Luke (children Jace, Jensen, Emery).          

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Mary Campion, Anna Niskoch, two brothers John Toth, and Joe Toth.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb.12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the St. Andrews Catholic Church Christopher, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be in the St. Andrew Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher with a Rosary being said Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial should be made to the Wounded Warriors and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Brandon Leeper – Herrin, IL

February 3, 2016 By Leave a Comment

HERRIN — Brandon Leeper, 42, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Brandon was born May 27, 1973, in Herrin.

Brandon married Rusty Leeper in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, Rusty Leeper; children, Alena Marie Leeper, Alexis Nicole Leeper and Christian Allen Leeper; grandchildren, Peyton Jeralds; mother, Debra Sue Peterman; brother, Shawn David McAdams; grandmother, Betty Peterman; mother and father-in-law, Gary and Kathy Leeper; sister-in-law, Peggy Christian; and nephew, Jonathon Hunter.

Brandon was a member of the Sisters in Christ at East Liberty Christian Church. She also loved being in the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dean Peterman.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Darrell Wimberly Officiating. Burial will be in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more informatin or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Beth Ann Miller – Christopher, IL

February 2, 2016 By Leave a Comment

Beth Ann Miller, 59, of Christopher, IL passed away January 31, 2016 at Good Samaritan Regional Hospital, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born March 7, 1956 in Elgin, IL, the daughter of John Knott and Maryanne (Connell) Knott.

Beth was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher and worked as a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was also a member of W.O.T.M of St. Charles, IL.

She married James Miller on February 14, 1990 and he survives of Christopher.

Beth is survived by her children, Jonathan and Heidi Siercks, of Christopher, Amanda and Warren Behm, of Christopher and step-daughter Candice Murphy, of Davenport, FL; grandchildren Ian Sierck, Wyatt Behm, Madison Murphy, Allison Murphy, Zachary Murphy, Lucas Murphy; one sister Joan Knott, of Cortland, IL and one brother Kevin Knott, of Royalton, IL. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ann Knott and one infant sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Mercy Home for boys and girls and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Obituaries
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