Linda J Eller Lewis Kman, of Sesser, IL, passed away peacefully, after a brief illness, on June 6, 2025, at 9:17 PM in Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL., surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 14, 1943, to the late Harry R and Hazel E Eller, in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

On October 20, 1965, she married Eddie B Lewis of Sesser. They had 4 children and raised them on their farm, located just east of Sesser, Illinois. They instilled strong family values and roots, creating a very close-knit family, who remains very close to this day. After 32 years of marriage, Eddie preceded her in death on March 31, 1997. Linda lived on and worked the farm she and Eddie built together for over 60 years. She loved the farm and all the memories attached to it. She vowed she would not leave that farm until her death, and she kept that vow.

She married Ronald Kman of Carlyle, IL on December 3, 2003. She and Ron enjoyed making crafts together and taking them to flea markets to sell. Ron preceded her in death on March 18, 2024.

To know Linda was to love her. She enjoyed her farm, gardening, shopping, sewing, crafts, 50’s music, and playing Bingo. Many of her bingo friends still carry the bingo bags she has made over the years. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with almost anyone she saw. Often, you would find her handing out her hand-made keychains, crosses, bag holders, and other items she had made, to acquaintances and sometimes, even strangers. She wouldn’t take any money for them but would say the payment for the item was a “hug and a smile.” She always got the hug and the smile, and even a little conversation which always made her happy. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching basketball and other sports events on television.

Linda was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sesser, having accepted Christ as her Savior more than fifty years ago.

She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by her four children: Rhonda R (Lindsey) Aldridge of Okeechobee, FL, Johnnie R Lewis of St. Petersburg, FL, Nancy A (William) Brown of Sesser, IL, and Teresa D (Derrick) Raney of Swansea, IL.

She also leaves behind six grandchildren, Adam W (Amy) Cash of Volo, IL, Ellis M (Abbie) Aldridge of Rancho Cordova, CA, Rebecca L Brown and Sandy Mae Brown of Virginia, Jared A Raney and Jordan M Raney of Swansea, IL. She also leaves behind one great grandson, Jackson W Cash of Volo, IL.

Additional survivors include several nieces, nephews, friends, and a dear family friend, Father Oliver Nwachukwu of Dubois, IL.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands Eddie and Ron, her sisters and brother in-laws, June (Jack) Sullivan, Esther (Larry) Leffler, Iris (Eddie LaFave), her brothers, Floyd (Betty) Eller, Charles (Earlene) Eller, Marvin Eller, and infant brothers Harry, Dickey, and Bobby. Additionally, she was preceded in death by her Father in-law and her Mother in-law John and Edith Lewis, her sister in-laws and brother in-laws, Florine Lewis, Erma (Jesse) Simmons, Maxine (Lindell) Conner, Margaret (Bob) Purdy, Leota Curry-Guthrie (Lowell Curry & Charlie Guthrie) and Eva Lewis. She was also preceded in death by a son in-law, Dwayne B (Lewis) Tillman, JR., and a great nephew, Michael Burja.

Visitation for Linda will be on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 9 AM to 11 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, located at 102 West Callie Street, in Sesser Il. The funeral service will commence at 11:00 AM, in the Funeral Home Chapel, immediately following the visitation. The Burial Service will take place at Horse Prairie Baptist Church Cemetery in Sesser, IL, immediately following the funeral service. There will be a pot-luck reception following the burial service.

Georgian M. Jasinski-Sinn, 81, of Energy, passed away at 4:43 a.m., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Helia Healthcare in Energy, IL.

She was born on July 20, 1943, to Matthew and Marie (Misztas) Jasinski in Chicago, IL. Georgian worked as a office manager for Leynold, Inc.

Georgian is survived by her brother, Clyde (Virginia) Jasinski; her nieces and nephews, Barbara (Lawrence) Naas, Robert Wilkins, Patrick (Linda) Wilkins, Donald (Dawn) Wilkins, Earl (Robin) Kanady, Dawn Ventura, Lisa Stanley and David Jasinski; and many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew and Marie Jasinski, her daughter, Kimberly Maziarz, her brother, Richard Jasinski and her sister, Charlotte Wilkins-Kanady.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 10, 2025, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 506 West Main Street in Benton, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St Joseph Catholic Church with Father Urban Osuji, officiating.

Following the funeral Mass, burial will take place in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to St. Francis Animal Shelter in Murphysboro, Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Laurence Leo Bailey, 75, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on May 23, 2025.

He was born on November 26, 1949 in Mt Vernon to Ralph and Bernadine Alma (Rash) Bailey.

He is survived by his significant other of 50 years Cynthia Wesemann; children Tammy Finke and Lonny Bailey, daughter-in-law Pamela Bailey; grandchildren Amber, Ariel, Jeremy, Daniel, Larissa, Rodney, Lonny Jr. and Jeffrey and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gailon Bailey and one great granddaughter Nellie Bailey.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

William David Basenberg, 59, of Zeigler, passed away on May 17, 2025 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on December 9, 1965 in Chicago, IL to William and Carolyn (Trusell) Basenberg.

He is survived by his children LaShonda Basenberg, William David Basenberg and William Boone Basenberg; three grandchildren Trevor Basenberg, Landon Orr and Riley Basenberg and two brothers Billy Basenberg and Ronald (Kathy) Basenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Heather Basenberg and one brother Donald Basenberg.

Graveside services will be on Thursday June 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Bonnie Ruth Cottrell, 85, of Thompsonville, passed away at 8:56 p.m., on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Herrin Hospital, Herrin, IL, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 12, 1939, to William and Mary (Moore) Abbott in Logan, IL. Bonnie married Douglas Cottrell and her preceded her in death.

She was a member of Logan Church of God in Logan, IL.

Bonnie was a loving mom, grandma and great-grandma. She enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, watching hummingbirds and watching old western shows. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Bonnie is survived by her two sons, Shawn Cottrell and Doug Cottrell; grandchildren, Felicia Cottrell, Kristin Cottrell, Alec Cottrell, Amelia Cottrell and Sophia Cottrell; and three great-grandchildren, Tinslee Lenard, Tailynn Lenard and Stella Rodriguez.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Abbott, her husband, Douglas Cottrell, her daughter, Debbie Johnson and nine brothers and sisters.

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

Per Bonnie’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Beverly Ann Moskop, 77, of Benton, passed away on June 3, 2025 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL.

She was born on July 30, 1947 to Gilbert and Julie (Herman) Williams at Granite City, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Russell Moskop.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with Father Urban Osuji officiating.

A Private Burial will take place in the Calvary Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

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

Linda Ann Holland, age 54, of Elkville, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the St. Louis University Hospital.

Linda was born on January 10, 1971, in Franklin County, Illinois.

She married John Edward Holland on June 10, 2010, and together they shared 14 years and 9 months in marriage.

She formerly worked as a laborer in a factory; and formerly worked as a home health assistant with Addus Healthcare.

Linda enjoyed the outdoors. She loved fishing and cookouts, watching movies, and loved animals. She especially loved horses and dolphins. She loved taking car rides with her husband, spending time with her family, and looking forward to her weekly coffee time with Sheila. Her family said she also enjoyed talking with family and friends daily on her phone.

Surviving is her loving husband John Holland of Elkville, IL; her children: David Ray Endicott (Michelle Mollett) of Fenton, MO, Herman Alvin Schanda of Olney, IL, Paula Marie Schanda of Clay City, IL, Christine McVay of Royalton, IL; her five month old grandson Alex Ray Endicott; and two sisters: Stephanie Faith Smith of Herrin, IL, and Sheila Wininger (Travis Bush) of West Frankfort, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and adopted parents, and a brother Bill Martin.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 105 South Main Street, Royalton, Illinois 62983, with Rev. Larry Hallman officiating. Visitation will be from 11;00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church of Royalton.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

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

Wade Roy Lemons, 76, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home.

He was born on July 19, 1948, in Scheller, IL, to David and Amanda Lemons. He married Gloria (Zettler) Lemons on August 6, 1977, and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, Sara (Tony) Wetherbee of Zeigler, IL; Amanda (Ron) Lemons of North Las Vegas; and Rachael (Jeff) Hamburger of Sesser, IL. His stepsons, David Smith of Sesser, IL, and Robin Smith of Metropolis, IL, also survive him. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Lemons of Sesser, IL; and three sisters, Carol Wilkerson of Tennessee, Charlotte Lemons of Sesser, IL, and Shirley Davis of Royalton, IL. His grandchildren include Malissa Green, Maranda Lemons, Wade Lemons, Bethany Smith, Alicia Green, Zenida Perez, Ofelia Perez, Austin Smith, Gio Lemons, Gage Ragland, Amilya Ragland, Ethan Hamburger, and Sierra Moore. He is also survived by his beloved fur babies: Vixen, Ozzy, Paul, and Sheba; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many adopted family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, daughter Marsha Green, granddaughter Matyson Ragland, grandson Timmy Green, siblings Rosa Cobb, Loyd Lemons, Norma Haley, Doris Stinson, and several nieces and nephews.

Wade was a proud 1st Cavalry Army veteran who served in Vietnam, achieving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.Wade was the former commander of the Cox Post 4753 VFW in Sesser, IL. He was an active member of the community, serving on the zoning board and as a delegate for the Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County.Wade was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, being on the lake, playing his guitar, and singing Puff the Magic Dragon to his children and grandchildren. Wade was an extraordinary individual who loved everyone with unwavering dedication. His selfless love and compassion inspired countless individuals who were fortunate enough to know him. To know him was to love him.

Per his wishes, he was cremated. Wade’s celebration of life will be held at the Sesser VFW on Saturday, June 7th, starting at 4 P.M., and graveside service with military rights on June 8th at 10 A.M. at Dryden Cemetery in Scheller, Illinois.

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

Mrs. Nola F. Massey, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 2:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Nola was born on February 7, 1936, in Plato, Missouri; the daughter of Lee Kent and Ollie (Barton) Kent. She was married to Bob Massey, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton, and she was a homemaker.

She enjoyed worshipping the Lord and cherished the days when she was able to attend church.

Nola enjoyed taking walks, reading and especially enjoyed time spent with her family.
Surviving is a son Danny Burgess and wife Lea of Benton; three daughters: Diane Goff of Benton, Renee Ozbourn and husband Tim of Logan, Crystal Balota of Benton; eleven grandchildren including: Deena Shepard, Chad Hutchison, Clinton Goff, Mike Burgess, Shane Burgess, Amanda Burgess, Brandon Romani, Nikki Collins, Ashley Weddle, Zachary Ozbourn, and Shelby Ozbourn; sixteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Marty Burgess, a daughter Sheila Burgess, two great-grandchildren: seven brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. A Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Nola, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.