Janet Viola Leek – McLeansboro

March 6, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Janet Viola Leek, 78, of McLeansboro, IL passed away March 4, 2015 at St. Louis University Hospital.

Janet Leek PictureJanet was born September 18, 1936, in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Noble L. Williams and Pearle (Lohmann) Williams.

She was married to Carl Leek and he survives.

Janet worked for  Peoples National Bank in McLeansboro and was the secretary for the Ten Mile Baptist Church in McLeansboro, where she was a member. She was also a member of the Christopher Eastern Star.

Janet is survived by her children, Sherylin Bundy, of West Frankfort, Geri Rene’ Owen, of McLeansboro and Jeffrey and Robin Leek, of Harvel, IL; grandchildren Rhonda and Chris Gore, Stacey Young, Robbie Edwards, Lauren Edwards, Jordan Leek, Austin Leek and Madison Leek; great-grandchildren Allison and Mark Jett, Aleah Gore, Vali Gore and Staley Alvis. She is also survived y a sister-in-law, Betty Williams, of Benton, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Oliver Williams.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 8, 2015 at Ten Mile Baptist Church, in McLeansboro with Brother Jacob Gray officiating.  Visitation will be on Saturday, March 7, 2015 after 5 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher and on Sunday, March 8, 2015 from 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. at Ten Mile Baptist Church in McLeansboro.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ruth Lodean Harben Lemons – Benton

March 5, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Ruth Lodean Harben Lemons, 81, of Benton, died Wednesday, March 4, 2015.

She was born to the late Boman and Eva Rhine on March 27, 1933. Lodean married Donald Jack Harben in December 1949. He preceded her in death on September 7, 1973.

Lodean is survived by one daughter, Jackie Willis (John), and a daughter-in-law, Becky Harben. Lodean is survived by sisters, Marilyn Neal, Benton, Glenda Drew (Paul), Benton and a brother, Ronald Rhine, of Benton.

Other survivors include five grandchildren, Dr. J. Ryan Willis (Tara) of Mt. Vernon, Mitzie Bowlby (Matt), Desoto, Niki Jones (Jeremy), Benton, Jamie Lampley (Michael), Ashburn, VA, Marci Tarlton (Jeff), Marion. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

She is survived by several nephews and nieces.

A son, Mark A. Harben, preceded her in death on June 19, 2010. A brother, D.L. Rhine also preceded her in death in 2013, sister-in-law Betty Rhine in 2-14 and a brother-in-law, Jim Neal, in 2012.

Lodean married Richard Lemons in November of 2000, and he survives. A step-daughter, Vicky Lemons, (Steve) also preceded her in death on March 4, 2015. Lodean is survived by a step-daughter, Mary Jo Kirkpatrick (Mark), of Santa Claus, Indiana.

Lodean was a very industrious person and she worked hard her entire life. She used to love to have many plants in her backyard and worked very hard to make it attractive.

Lodean had a special love for her family. She was a sweet lady and loved by many.

Lodean was saved at an early age and was an active member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. She joined the church and was baptized there in April 1998. She loved the Lord and was thankful to him for much.

Lodean’s earthly life has come to an end now, but her heavenly life is just beginning. Her soul is with God now and she will spend all of eternity as co-heir with Jesus Christ. We, who are his children, can expectantly anticipate the time that we will be with our Lord forever, basking in his glory with our loved ones.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton, with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Gary Gulley, Sr. – Sesser

March 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Gary E. Gulley Sr., 66, of Sesser, IL, passed away March 1, 2015 at his home.

Gary was born July 11, 1948, in Benton, IL, the son of Ralph Newton Gulley and Agnes Verneal (Wingate) Gulley.

Gary was a truck driver. He also served in the U.S. Navy and was a Vietnam veteran.

He is survived by his children, Sherry White, of Valier and Gary Eugene Gully, Jr. of Valier; grandchildren Stephanie White, Chelsea White, Leslie White and Ryan Gulley; two brothers, David Gulley, Benton, IL and Douglas Gulley, Sesser, Il and one sister, Gloria Bryant, of Christopher, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Gary’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Helen Ames – Christopher

March 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Helen Ames, 92, of Christopher, IL passed away March 1, 2015 at Herrin Hospital

Helen was born March 28, 1922 in Christopher, the daughter of Leon Kaminski and Bernice (Sufalko) Kaminski and they both preceded her in death.

She was married to Polie Ames and he preceded her in death on September 15, 2002.

Helen worked as an LPN at Miner’s Hospital and also as a homemaker.

She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher.

Helen is survived by her children, Mary and Jim Moyers, Mulkeytown, IL, Loretta and Fred Basolo, Coello, IL, Theresa and Bob Greenwood, Mulkeytown, and Priscilla Flowers, Mulkeytown; grandchildren Misty and Jason Lee, Windy Moyers, Brittany Knoup, Felecia Basolo, Bobbi and Jesse Gordon, Courtney and Lyn Severs, Rachael and Garrett Janello, Khorey and Holley Anderton and Alechia and Gabe Sveda, Lacey Holt, Larry Ames Flowers and also 18 great-grandchildren.  Also surviving is one sister-in-law, Mary Kaminski and three special nieces, Jane Gregory, David Lawton and Mary Bernice Nemenski. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter Julie Anderton, two sisters and two brothers.

A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2015 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, Christopher, IL with Father Blazine officiating. There will be no visitation. Burial will be at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery, Christopher, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the St. Andrews Cemetery Fund and will be available at the church or funeral home.  Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher IL, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Rose Mary Hewlett — West Frankfort

March 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Rose Mary Hewlett, 74, of West Frankfort passed away at 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born in Sesser, IL on Oct. 21, 1940 the daughter of Olyn and Mable (Flach) Robbins.

Rose is survived by her three children, Randy Hewlett, of Herrin, Rex Hewlett and wife Mia of Carterville and Rena Reilly and husband Mike of Tewantin, Australia; six grandchildren Chasity Shupe, Gavin Hewlett, Jade Hewlett, Brooke Hewlett, Katie Rose Tejedor and Michael Reilly; one sister, Ramona Wade and husband Bruce, of Benton and one brother, John Robbins, of Benton, and also three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, March 5 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Frank R. Dunbar – Benton

March 2, 2015 By Leave a Comment

Frank R. Dunbar, 55, of Benton, passed away at 10:32 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 27, 2015 at Parkway Manor, in Marion.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Friday at the funeral home.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Troy Allen Cockrum – Sesser

March 1, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SESSER — Troy Allen Cockrum, 94, of Sesser, died Thursday, Feb. 26, 2015, in Parkway Manor Nursing Home in Marion.

Troy was owner and trainer of thoroughbred race horses and was appointed by Governor Stratton as a game warden.

He was of Baptist faith and was a member of Sesser Masonic Lodge

Troy was born Jan. 31, 1921, in Sesser, to James and Amelia (Williams) Cockrum.

He was married to Marion (Fiordo) Cockrum and she preceded in death on March 7, 1998.

Troy is survived by one daughter, Carolyn and Larry Manker of Sesser, grandchildren, Todd and Beth Manker of Sesser, and Eric and Suzy Manker of Sparta; four great-granddaughters, Skylar Manker, Peyton Manker and Rylie Manker all of Sparta, and Shaylee Manker of Sesser.

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

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 3, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Pastor Jay Kelly and Brother Mark Miller officiating. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, March 2.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to Masonic Children’s Home and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Roberta Lynne (Grant) Wells

March 1, 2015 By Leave a Comment

SESSER — Roberta Lynne (Grant) Wells,54, went to be held in the arms of her savior and heavenly father, after a valiant eight-year battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her family when she passed away at 1:04 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015.

Roberta was born to Allen Dale and Mary Lynette (Hurd) Grant on Sept. 19, 1960, in El Paso, Texas, and they survive of South Roxana.

She was a homemaker, who loved to spoil her children and grandchildren. She loved to work with flowers and to find bargains and then sell them on eBay. She also loved the outdoors and was an excellent fisherwoman.

Roberta is survived by her husband of 27 years, John Wells of Sesser; daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Lynn (Wells) Hosick and her husband, Carl Lee Hosick of Benton; son, Joshua Allan Wells of Sesser; stepdaughter, Nicole Lynn Ogle and her husband, Jeff Ogle of East Alton; four glorious grandchildren, Tre’ Daniel Hosick, Trinity Jael Hosick, Derek Eugene Ogle and Emily Louise Ogle.

Also surviving are four brothers and sisters, Thomas Grant of Wood River, Rebecca and Mitch Mossman of Alton, Robert and Sheila Grant of South Roxana, Barbra and Randy Helmkamp of Bunker Hill; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Marion and Ruth Wells of Sesser; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mark and Tammy Wells of Scheller, Ross and Lawana Wells of South Roxana, Beth and Mickey Kleiboeker of Nashville, Peggy and Alvin Bernard of Belle Rive; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 7, in First Christian Church in Sesser, with the Rev. Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the church.

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

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com,

Filed Under: Obituaries

H & R Block — Open letter on Tax Fraud

February 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment

An Open Letter on Tax Fraud from Bill Cobb, President and CEO of H&R Block

I am writing this letter to bring attention to a growing issue that affects millions of Americans every year – tax fraud.

No taxpayer is immune to this growing problem. Last year even Attorney General Eric Holder fell victim to fraud resulting from tax identity theft. And as consumers increasingly see their data coming under attack across all industries – whether it’s health care or big box retailers – the impact only grows. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) estimated that fraudulent tax returns cost the U.S. government more than $5.2 billion in 2013. This all amounts to billions of dollars out of taxpayers’ pockets, and out of the federal budget that supports our nation. And that’s not to mention the inconvenience consumers have to go through to recover their identity and their tax refund.

h & r 1 - 2-09So what do we do about this? As the world’s largest consumer tax services provider, we file one in every seven U.S. tax returns – both for those people who choose in-person assistance or through our increasingly popular do-it-yourself (DIY) products. This experience means we know taxes and how they affect your life better than anyone else. And after 60 years as the industry leader we know how important it is to keep ahead of these issues. We’ve been studying the issue of tax fraud for quite some time, and we have listened to consumers. In fact, last year we brought together tax policy and consumer advocate thought-leaders at a forum in Washington, D.C. to study this very problem and to announce the findings of our survey of consumer awareness and attitudes toward tax fraud and prevention. The findings were clear and powerful:

  1. Taxpayers are willing to do more to help combat fraud. 93 percent said they are willing to take at least one action to help prevent fraud.
  1. Consumers overwhelmingly support requiring the same tax forms and documentation be used whether filing by DIY tax preparation software/websites or by using a paid preparer. In fact 94 percent of respondents support this.
  1. Consumers also recognize everyone has a role in solving this problem. Respondents agreed that it is incumbent on the IRS, Congress, professional tax preparers and the makers of DIY tax preparation software and taxpayers themselves to address fraudulent tax filings.

Right now there are two immediate ways we can minimize the potential for fraud in the system and I am calling on the IRS and my colleagues, the heads of the tax preparation industry, to come together and help create solutions to this problem.

billionsFirst, there must be minimum federal standards for all paid tax preparers. Currently, there are no uniform federal standards applicable to all paid preparers, and only four states have such standards. Tax return preparers are the professionals that families rely on at the biggest financial moment in their year. Requiring them to meet minimum training standards is not about simply creating another category of professionals – it’s about empowering and protecting the 60 percent of consumers who get help with their taxes every year.

Second, we need to address the incidents of Earned Income Tax Credit improper payments in the system. Whether through intentional fraud or unintentional error due to the inherent complexities of the credit, these improper payments are a $16-$19 billion problem according to the Treasury Department. One obvious issue is the inconsistent approach to eligibility requirements when using DIY methods versus claiming the credit through in-person assisted preparation. While late last year Congress directed Treasury to implement consistent requirements across all tax preparation methods, Treasury and the IRS have yet to put a clear implementation plan in place. This is a relatively simple fix to help reduce fraud and protect consumers, and I call on Treasury and the IRS to implement it in time for the 2016 tax season.

These are two issues at the policy level, for which we have helped lead the conversation, but we have led on other issues as well, such as helping to prevent fraud through use of DIY tax software and online. DIY tax software and online methods are increasingly being exploited by fraudsters, but we are at the forefront with early adoption of two-factor account access and requiring that a federal tax return be accepted by the IRS before filing a state return. And earlier this year, we introduced Tax Identity ShieldSM, a unique industry-leading product specifically designed to help prevent tax identity theft fraud.

Simple steps like these, together with needed policy changes, will help stem the growing tide of tax identity theft and fraud. We must come together as an industry, with government, to make the system safer for consumers and stop the billions of fraudulent refunds that are issued every year.

Sincerely,

Bill Cobb

President, CEO of H & R Block

Filed Under: Featured

Rock & Worship Roadshow coming to Carbondale

February 27, 2015 By Leave a Comment
The 7th Annual Rock & Worship Roadshow, presented by Compassion International, will be coming to the SIU Arena on the campus of Southern Illinois University on Sunday March 1, 2015. Headlining the Roadshow are tour founders MercyMe who will be joined by Crowder, Matt Maher, Jamie Grace, Tedashii and Group 1 Crew. Being introduced on the tour are newcomer artists I Am They and Jon Guerra, while Shaun Groves is slated as the guest speaker.
General admission will be $10 per person at the door. A VIP ticket will also be available for $50 per person and will include a Q&A with select artists, early entrance for premium seating, an exclusive tour tshirt, a VIP laminate and more. For more information and to order your VIP ticket please visit www.theroadshowtour.com.  For information regarding parking, line-up instructions, and entry times please visit the following website.  http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/silu/genrel/auto_pdf/2014-15/misc_non_event/rock-and-worship-map.pdf.
Since The Rock & Worship Roadshow first kicked off in 2009, the tour has performed more than 150 shows to an audience of 1.2 million. According to Pollstar in 2012, the hugely popular tour was named one of their Top 50 Tours for Mid-Year. “The success of The Rock & Worship Roadshow over the last six years has been incredible,” shares Brian Seay, executive producer of the tour. “The quality and variety of the artists in our 2015 lineup ensures that we will continue to provide the entire family – parents and kids alike – with an unforgettable evening of ministry and music presented by Compassion International.”
Filed Under: Breaking News
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