Mr. James Edward Bird, age 86, of Elkville; passed away at 10:25 p.m. Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, June 20, 2022, at St. Johns V.F.W. Post #513 of DuQuoin, Illinois.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

James was born on August 2, 1935, in Galatia, Illinois, the son of Owen Rodney Bird and Ethel (Guye) Bird. He married the former Lorine Faye Williams and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2012.

He was a retired truck driver last driving for Belson Steel in Kankakee, Illinois. He was also a retired volunteer firefighter.

He was of the Baptist faith.

James enjoyed going dancing with his girlfriend and tinkering on projects. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are two daughters: Karla Bird of Elkville, Illinois, and Sandra Fisher and husband Terry of Herrin, Illinois; his girlfriend Sandra Phillips of Elkville, Illinois; five grandchildren: James Nathaniel Fisher, T.J. Fisher, Bruce Adam Fisher, Amy Rose Fortin, Laura Katherine Renee Fortin; five great-grandchildren: Dylan Fisher, James Fisher, Terry Fisher, Adam Fisher and Adian Fisher; three siblings: Ida Louise Webber of Louisiana, Alice Almeda Reed of Carterville, Illinois, Harold Bird of Streator, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Lorine Faye Bird; a half-brother Wayne Bird; a brother Leroy Bird, a half-sister Helen Evans, and a brother William Harvey Bird, who died two days previous to James’ death.

Memorial contributions In Memory of James Bird, may be made to Coal Belt Fire Protective Association; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Mr. Dennis Corbin “Cord” Fitch, age 60, of Thompsonville; passed away at 6:55 p.m. Thursday, June 16, 2022, at his home surrounded by family.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Grace Awakening Community Church of Benton, with Rev. Ken Petty and Dow Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the East Fork Cemetery of West Frankfort. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 19, 2022, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 20, 2022, at the Grace Awakening Community Church of Benton. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Cord was born on September 11, 1961, in Benton, IL; the son of Rev. Kenneth Fitch and Dorothy Fay (Arview) Fitch. He married the former Stacey Lee Ann Steinmetz on December 31, 1999, and together they shared 22 ½ years of marriage.

Cord was a contractor and foreman with Paul Miller Construction. He was a member of the Akin Masonic Lodge #749 A.F. & A.M. of Thompsonville, and he was the President of the Southern Illinois Steel Guitar Association. He served for 7 years in the U.S. Army National Guard, and he was a member of the Grace Awakening Community Church of Benton.

He enjoyed playing steel guitars, fishing, and watching his son Corbin play basketball. He loved home cooked meals, family wiener roasts, sitting around a fire; most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife Stacey Fitch of Thompsonville, IL; two sons: Alexander Fitch and fiancé Nichole of Belleville, IL, Corbin Fitch of Thompsonville, IL; five siblings: Marlene Dale and husband Jerry of Logan, IL, Rita Graskewicz and husband John of Thompsonville, IL, Marilyn McClure and husband John of Jeffersonville, IN, Barry Fitch and wife Phyllis of Galatia, IL, Mark Fitch and wife Tonya of Thompsonville, IL; mother-in-law: Judy Steinmetz of West Frankfort, IL; two sisters-in-law: Susan Cannon and husband Brent of Pinckneyville, IL, Michelle Odle and husband Randy of West Frankfort, IL; employer and best friend Paul Miller and wife Phyllis of Thompsonville, IL; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law Jack Steinmetz; and a niece Jennifer Riley.

Charles Samuel (Sam) Bullington , 78, of Benton, IL peacefully passed away Tuesday, June 14, 2022 surrounded by loved ones.

Sam was born on June 29, 1943 to Charles C. and Maudie (Finney) Bullington in Herrin, IL.

Sam graduated from Marysville High School in 1957. On May 7, 1966, Sam married Carol Parkin Olsen in Reno, NV and together they raised two children; Son-Charles “Wayne” Bullington and Daughter-Pamela Annette Bullington.

Charles was known as “Sam” or “Bull” to almost everyone that knew him. Sam and Carol loved to travel on their motorcycles all over the U.S.; with the Smokey Mountains being one of their favorite places. He worked most of his life underground in the coal mines. Once he left the coal mines, Sam filled his time being deeply involved with church and church ministries, camping, fishing, his motorcycles, and spending time with his great-grandkids which brought him the most pride and joy throughout life.

Sam is survived by his five granddaughters: Stephanie Higginson & husband Ty of McLeansboro, IL; Samantha Parmer & husband Ricky of Metropolis, IL Amanda Kelley of Herrin, IL; Misty Kemery of West Frankfort, IL; Meagan Bullington of Savannah, GA; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Sam was predeceased by his parents-Charles & Maudie; wife of 52 years: Carol; brother: Joseph Bullington; sister: Sheila Fenoglio; son: Wayne Bullington; and daughter: Pamela Bullington.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. on Monday, June 20th at the Abundant Life Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, IL.

A funeral service will be held at 6:00 P.M. on Monday with Pastor Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Rend City immediately following.

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

James “Jim” “Snake DR” Walls, 84, of Coello, passed away on Sunday June 12, 2022.

He was born on June 1, 1938 in Coello, IL to James Walls and Cleo (Rushing) Walls Leffler.

He is survived by his children Mischelle Dick of Coello, Kenneth (Amy) Walls of Nashvile, TN, Nicole (Jim) Morrison of Hurst and James Smejkal of Vienna; grandchildren Nicholas Walls, Alexxandra Walls, Shane Daugherty, Justin Daugherty, Sariah Daugherty, Michael Smejkal and Justin Smejkal; 16 great grandchildren and one brother Dale Leffler of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two daughters Cathy Draper and Darla Smejkal.

He was a truck driver and had served in the United States Army during Vietnam.

Graveside service will be on Tuesday June 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Mound City National Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday June 20, 2022 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Debra “Debbie” Kay Wilson, 57, of Johnston City, passed away on Sunday June 12, 2022 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on December 7, 1964 in Benton, IL to Norman and Sheila (Atchison) Brown.

She is survived by her two daughters, Stephanie (Jacob) Page of Benton and Sammie Wilson of Johnston City; grandson Jakson Page; her mother Sheila Brown of Marion and two sisters Pamela Sue Quinn of Barnhart, MO and Sherry Campbell of Creal Springs, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father Norman Brown.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday June 16, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin McNeilly officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 Am until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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

Constance Elaine Volz, of Benton, IL, passed away on Sunday, June 12, 2022. She was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She was born to Aden and Anita Shepherd in Elgin, Illinois on July 14, 1926. Connie graduated from Benton High School in 1944. World War II was ongoing at the time and Connie Traveled to Oklahoma City, OK to help in the war effort. She worked for Douglas Aircraft Company as a “Rosie the Riveter” until the war was over.

On her return to Benton, Connie married her sweetheart, Robert Ewing. They had two children, Mark Ewing of The Villages, Florida and Cindy Ewing Lutgring of Evansville, Indiana. In addition, Connie is survived by her grandson, Scott Schaefer and great granddaughters Kaylee Schaefer and Brittany Henson.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband Robert Ewing and her second husband Joe Volz, parents Aden and Anita Shepherd, sister Nan Bernhard, brother Bill Shepherd, and son-in-law, Joe Lutgring.

Among Connie’s employment positions, her favorite was the Benton Evening News where she worked for twenty years. Connie’s favorite activities were gardening, dancing, and vacationing in Florida.

She will be missed.

Graveside services will be held at Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin on Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mrs. Sylvia Gipson, age 90 of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 5:45 a.m., Wednesday, June 8, 2022.

Private family only graveside services will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Sylvia was born on March 13, 1932 in Rend City, Illinois; the daughter of Lester Gilbreath and Mabel (Dugger) Gilbreath. She married Charles “Chalk” Gipson on January 16, 1949. Together they shared 53 years of marriage until his death on June 13, 2002.

Mrs. Gipson was a homemaker. She enjoyed decorating her home and spending time with her family.

She was a member of the West City Church of God. She loved her church and until her health failed, she enjoyed the many activities and services with her church.

She is survived by three children: Brenda Wiggins and husband Randy, Judy Lampley and husband Danny, John Gipson and wife Jennifer, all of Benton; six grandchildren: Christina Roach, Dustin Lampley, Jennifer Schlag, Preston Prior, Trevor Gipson, Matthew Gipson; six great-grandchildren: Andrew Hayter, David Roach, Elijah Schlag, Emma Schlag, Esiah Schlag, Quinn Gipson; two great-great-grandchildren: Charlie and Anderson Hayter; and several nieces and nephews.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a daughter Pam Prior; and three sisters: Jeanne O’Daniell, Doris Galloway, Lula Belle Kirkpatrick.

The family would like to say “Thank You” for the love and care shown to their mother by Residential Hospice, Benton Healthcare and Rehab, and Heritage Woods of Benton.

Memorial contributions In Memory of Sylvia; may be made to Residential Hospice, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Patricia Ann Smith, 80, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday June 7, 2022 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on August 9, 1941 in West Frankfort, IL to Raymond and Anna (Barno) Presley. She married Charles Smith and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children Charles D. Smith of Christopher, Patty Cavinder of Christopher, Jeff and Kathy Smith of Benton, Laurie and Bob Boner of Benton and Michael and Joy South of Texas; grandchildren Danielle (Aaron Parker) Smith, Amy Sutton, Koady Smith, Kyler (Alison) Smith, Emily (Derek Hood) Cavinder, Alex Cavinder, Whitni (Dylan) Walter and Benen Kelley; great grandchildren Riley, Sierra (Blake), Josh, Brandyn, Daniel, Taylor, Avery, Ronan, Logan and Aubry.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son James Kevin Smith, daughter-in-law Ann Smith and one brother Jimmie Presley.

Funeral services will be on Saturday June 11, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Ruth “Ruthie” A. McCollum, 79, of Benton, passed away at 5:10 p.m., on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at her home in West City, IL.

She was born on January 22, 1943, to Billy and Laura (Knight) McCollum in Bell City, MO. She was employed at the Pizza Shack for 31 years, and most recently as a cashier at Benton Wal-Mart, so she could continue to see all of her favorite customers.

Ruthie was a die hard Elvis fan and collector. She enjoyed hunting for a great deal at rummage sales and turning her finds into DIY projects. An avid reader, she loved to learn about Native American culture and even wrote a novel that she said was guided by her Indian spirit. She collected turquoise jewelry, with the color always being reflected throughout her home and clothing. Nobody could beat her at a game of trivia, and she also liked playing glow bingo with friends.

Her favorite places to visit were Anna Maria Island, Scotland, and Graceland.

Ruthie will be remembered for her silly sense of humor, imaginative storytelling, and the immeasurable love she gave to her family and friends.

Ruthie is survived by her brother, Gary Michael (Jolene) McCollum; sister-in-law Dixie McCollum; six nieces, Erin Wright, Amanda Bleichner, Rhonda Thorne, Cindy Kinsey, Kelly Carr, and Michelle McCollum; five nephews, Robert Bleichner, Ryan Bleichner, Justin McCollum, John Acord, and Mark Acord; a cousin, Gail Stallion; two special friends, Isabel Smith and Pam Kerley; many great-nieces and nephews including Victoria and Magnolia Atchison, Addison Anastasi, Samuel Anastasi, Elliette Fletcher, and Rowan Fletcher.

Although she had no living children, she considered everyone who worked for her at the Pizza Shack to be her kids and reminisced about them often.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Billy M. and Laura V. McCollum, her daughter, Teri Shannon McCollum who was stillborn, her brother, Steven McCollum and her sister, Loyce Bleichner.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022. from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Ruthie’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorials are suggested to the SIH Cancer Institute.

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