Bruce Alan McMurray, 70, of Valier, passed away on Tuesday February 1, 2022 at his home.

He was born on February 28, 1951 in DuQuoin, IL to Kenneth Dean and Ara Lee (Duckworth) McMurray. He married Becky (Helfrich) McMurray on April 14, 1973 and she survives of Valier.

He is also survived by his mother Ara Lee McMurray of DuQuoin; one son Timothy McMurray and fiancé Autumn of Valier; grandchildren Hayden, Liam, Jude, Brenden and Emma; two brothers Ronald (Kristy) McMurray of Valier and Paul Dean (Lynn) McMurray of West Frankfort, IL; sister-in-law Lisa Edwards and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother-in-law Charlene Helfrich, father-in-law Eugene Helfrich and his brother-in-law Eddie Edwards.

He was a coal miner for 18 years at Freeman Mine #11 and was a police officer for over thirty years for Christopher and Valier police Departments and was the Mayor of Valier at the time of his passing.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday February 6, 2022 at 7:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Bill Uhls and Jerry Travelstead. Visitation will be on Sunday from 4:00 PM until the time of the service at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Athletic Department and will be accepted at the funeral Home.

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

Suella “Nanu” Eubanks, 74, of Centralia, passed away Monday, January 31, 2022 at her home.

She was born January 25, 1948, in DuQuoin, Illinois, the daughter of Victor Yung and Helen (Lipsey) Yung.

Nanu is survived by her companion: Fred Doerr of Centralia, her daughter: Roxana Eubanks of Centralia; step-daughter: Tiffany Specht and husband Jared of Sutter, Illinois; grandchildren: David Means of Centralia, Aiden Specht and Luke Specht both of Sutter, Illinois, and Tasha McIntosh and husband Stephen of Lawrenceville, Georgia; a great-granddaughter: Hadley Means and another great-granddaughter on the way; two brothers: Bill Yung and wife Gayla of Sesser and Bob Yung of Bourbonnais, Illinois; a sister: Vicki (Yung) Downen and husband Ernie of Scheller; and several nieces and nephews.

Nanu was preceded in death by her parents and her son: Dennis Eubanks.

Nanu enjoyed crafting, embroidering, quilting, and crocheting. She loved spending time with her family, great-granddaughter, and her friends.

Per Nanu’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded and a private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to the Susan G. Komen Foundation and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Eubanks Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home Facebook Page.

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Suella Eubanks please visit our Sympathy Store.

Vera Mae Galayda, 92, of Buckner, passed away on Monday January 31, 2022 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on December 29, 1929 in Sesser to Claude and Brasher (Harper) Chamness. She married Charles Galayda on November 9, 1947 and he preceded her in death on March 3, 2017.

She is survived by her children Susan (Mike) Rude of Marion, Elizabeth (Patrick) Boyland of Vienna, Chuck (Wanda) Galayda of Buckner and Toni (Darrell) Young of Buckner; grandchildren Michael “Andy” Rude, Dr. Thomas (Jessica) Rude, Paige (Jamie) Kirkpatrick, Amanda Yosanovich, Justin Young, Kaylea (Justin Vorhes) Young and Jacob Young; great grandchildren Mariska Rude, Camden Kirkpatrick, Olivia Kirkpatrick, Isla Kirkpatrick, Drake Yosanovich, Charley Yosanovich, Brooklyn Galayda, Kole Ezra Vorhes and Drake Vorhes and two sisters Pearl Mitchell of Christopher and Rose (Eli) Galayda of Buckner and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and five brothers.

Vera was a cook at the Christopher Grade school and loved to embroider and quilt, but most of all she loved her family.

Funeral services for Vera will be on Saturday February 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father John Pawelchak officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Buckner Russian Orthodox Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Marilyn Jane Furlow, 86, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday January 30, 2022.

She was born on October 16, 1935 in Benton, IL to Glenn and Matilda Jane (House) Wayman. She married Kenneth Furlow on October 8, 1961 and he survives of Christopher.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth Furlow of Christopher; two sons Brian Furlow of Christopher and Wayman (Donna) Furlow of Benton; one granddaughter Lindsey Jo Furlow; two brothers Bill Wayman of Knoxville, TN and Norman (Debbie) Wayman of Chicago, IL and one sister-in-law Virginia Wayman of DuQuoin and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson Josh Brisco and one brother Richard Wayman.

She was a member of the Church of Christ at Minor.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday February 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Masonic and IOOF Cemetery in Benton with Brother Don Wright officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the cemetery or can be sent to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Charles Woodrow Briley, age 80, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:05 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, IL, with Bro. Jackie Davison officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Due to the mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Gov. J.B Pritzker masks must be worn at all times while inside the funeral home.

Charles Woodrow Briley was born on October 2, 1941, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Cecil Briley and Idalia (Hicks) Briley. He married the former Lela M. Pedigo on October 21, 1962, and she preceded him in death on September 19, 2013.

Charles was formerly worked in the coal mines until he received a career ending injury and became disabled.

He was a member of the Tamaroa Independent Pentecostal Church.

Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, Cubs baseball; but most of all, enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Surviving is a son Charles D. “Chuck” Briley and wife Tricia of Thompsonville, IL; three daughters: Darla Johnson of Akin, IL, Shannon Briley and boyfriend Scott Tuttle of West Fankfort, IL, Margaret Szczeblewski and husband Robert of Sesser, IL; nine grandchildren: Michelle Johnson of Carpentersville, IL, Christina Johnson of Zeigler, IL, Linnea White and husband Joey of West Frankfort, IL, Jeffery Watkins of Thompsonville, IL, Brittany Plumlee of Missouri, Sarah Overton of Kentucky, Scott Tuttle of West Frankfort, IL, Stephanie Lorraine and husband Keith of West Frankfort, IL, Joey Myers of Benton, Kelsey Champlin of Sesser; many great-grandchildren; a sister Sheila Dallape of West Frankfort, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers: Bill, Bob, and Jack Briley; and a sister Marcella Mabry.
Memorial contributions in memory of Charles W. Briley, may be made to the Tamaroa Independent Pentecostal Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Betty Jo Furlow, 84, of Benton, IL gained her Heavenly Wings on Thursday, January 27, 2022, peacefully at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, holding the hands of her loving son Adam and daughter-in-law Lisa.

Betty Jo was born June 25, 1937, to Maude and Gus Adams.

She was the most elegant, beautiful, classy woman with a heart of gold and will be dearly missed by all.

Betty Jo was married to Raymond Furlow for 62 wonderful years, and together, owned Raymond Furlow Excavating Business for over 50 years. She also took pride in her role as Benton City Treasurer for over 20 years. While raising her two boys, Betty returned to College at SIU and earned a degree in Social Welfare.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton. Where she played the organ for 50 years. She was also a member of the choir and praised God with her beautiful voice. Betty Jo was always helping those in need at the church or in the community.

Betty Jo and her family loved to take many road trips in the RV all around the US.

She is survived by her son Adam Furlow, daughter in law, Lisa Furlow, step grandson Quinten Bowen and his wife Jessica; her sister-in law Thelma Creamer nephews, Mike Arnold and Pat Arnold, nieces Debbie (Arnold) Hanson and Bonnie Arnold along with many great nieces and nephews.

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Furlow and son Michael Furlow; sister Beverly Arnold and brother-in-law Jack Arnold, brother-in-law Mike Creamer.

Betty Jo’s family would like to thank the staff at SSM Health for the excellent care and compassion during her stay. Thank you to the two special angels Dawn and Abby for going above and beyond expectations during this difficult time.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 203 West Church Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Jesse Hinds officiating services. Burial will follow funeral services at the Harrison Cemetery, Buckner, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL, and the American Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences maybe expressed at www.patefh.com

Norma Jean Fleming, age 86, of Marion, Illinois, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022 at The Anchor in Marion, Illinois.

Norma was born November 10, 1935 in Thompsonville, Illinois, a daughter of Jeffie and Noma (Marvel) Biggs. She married Lindberg “Lindy” James Fleming on August 26, 1954 in Chester, IL. He preceded her in death October 30, 2015.

Norma grew up in Chester, Illinois and graduated Chester High School. She attended Rend Lake College and achieved a Nursing Degree. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Marion, and at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. She most recently worked at Bi-County Health Dept. in Home Health. Norma loved to sing and play the piano and put puzzles together. Her life revolved around her family and her faith. She loved her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She had been a member of Community Faith Church in Marion for 30 years.

She is survived by her two children, Teri L. (John) Murrow of Marion, IL and Kevin J. (Lanette) Fleming of West Frankfort, IL; and her nine Grandchildren, and fourteen Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by spouse Lindberg “Lindy” James Fleming, one daughter, Judy G. Summers; her parents, Jeffie and Noma Biggs; and one sister, Glenda Sue Garcia.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 6 PM – 7 PM at Whiteash Freewill Baptist in Whiteash, Illinois. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 7 PM at Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Todd Greiner officiating. Inurnment will be at Mound City National Cemetery, in Mound City, Illinois at a later date. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shawnee Alliance.

James William Kirkpatrick, 94, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday January 27, 2022 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

He was born on July 17, 1927 in Christopher to Roy and Cecil (Horton) Kirkpatrick. He married Phyllis (Rowland) Kirkpatrick on December 2, 1951 and she preceded him in death on August 12, 2015.

He is survived by his children Debbie Kretz of Christopher, Mark Kirkpatrick of Jeffersonville, IN and Lisa Kirkpatrick of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren Wade Kretz, Kyle (Kim) Kretz, Merideth (Mark) Rodgers and Nick Sheridan; great grandchildren Tyson Kretz, Aiden Kretz, Kaylee Kretz, Jack Kretz, Sam Kretz and Cole Rodgers.

He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church and was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was also an avid St Louis Cardinals fan and was owner of Kirk’s Pharmacy in Christopher for 68 years.

Graveside services will be on Monday January 31, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. Burial will be at the Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the Cemetery or can be sent to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Randy Gutzler, 70, of Sesser, formerly of Mt Vernon, passed away on Thursday January 27, 2022 at his home.

He was born on November 14, 1951 in Mt Vernon to Walter and Norva (Balsober) Gutzler.

He is survived by his children Shane (Emily) Gutzler of Mt Vernon and Heath (Paula) Gutzler of Woodlawn; three grandchildren; and two sisters Jackie Chambliss of Bluford and Donna Dudley of Centralia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Marilyn Bushong.

He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Army and was a carpenter by trade.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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