Gwenlyn Sue Gartner was taken into the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ on the evening of Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, Illinois.

She was 83-years-old. Gwen, known to many as “Nan or Nana,” was born on April 3, 1938 to Leon and Verdill Faulks. While she lived with her parents most of her childhood, she often spoke very fondly of her time spent with her Uncle Morris and Aunt Mary. Gwen married Gary Gartner in 1955, and had three children, Kurt in 1956, Lisa Kay in 1960 and Lori Ann in 1969. In 1994, Gwen and Gary also adopted their granddaughter Hanna.

Gwen was a spunky, fun and faithful woman who passionately loved her family and God. Gwen always put family first, and was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She adored all of her babies. Her hugs always felt like home, and she was known to use her hand to gently caress the face of her loved ones. Until recent years, holidays and family gatherings revolved around her kitchen table and her family-famous chicken and dumplings. Gwen was also a devout Christian, and cherished her time with her Bible study friends.

Gwen was preceded in death by her ex-husband, Gary Gartner, her former son-in-law Randy Bowling, her sister Linda Tolliver and her brother-in-law Mark Weaver. Gwen leaves behind her four children: Kurt Gartner (and wife Christy) of Mulkeytown, Lisa Roth (and husband Tom) of Newnan, Georgia, Lori Gartner of Herrin, and Hanna Swan (and husband Matt) of Zeigler. Gwen is survived by her four grandchildren: Rachel Gartner (and fiance Bart Bradley) of Benton, Jacob Bowling of Reidsville, Georgia, Kyle Mitchell (and wife Chelbie) of Mt. Vernon, and Ian Perry (and girlfriend Samantha Allen) of West Frankfort. Gwen is also survived by her five great-grandchildren: Hudson, Abigail and Isabella Gartner, Emma Craig, and arriving in December, Evelyn Mitchell. Gwen also leaves behind her brother-in-law Bill Tolliver, and her sister, Karen Weaver of West Frankfort.

At her request, no memorial services will be held. Her wishes were to be cremated, and her ashes spread at a private location. Special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Vickie at Marshall Browning Hospital and Pate Funeral Home for treating our Nan like she was one of your own.

Gwen will be forever loved, forever missed and forever in our hearts. While her passing leaves with heavy hearts, her family finds peace in the fact that she is finally in the arms of our

beloved Jesus Christ in Heaven.

www.patefh.com

Mrs. Norma Ruth Shockley, age 86, formerly of Benton; passed away at 4:15 a.m. Thursday, August 19, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.

Visitation services will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4th at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. After visitation services a Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, conducted by the Benton American Legion Auxiliary.

On Sunday, September 5th at 1:00 p.m. there will be a Memorial Luncheon in Honor of Mrs. Norma Ruth Shockley at the Benton American Legion Post #280, for her family and friends.

Private family burial will take place at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
Norma Ruth Shockley was born on January 3, 1935, in Sesser, IL, the daughter of Walter Martin and Nina (McBride) Martin. She married Clinton Eugene Shockley on April 3, 1953. They were married for 51 years until his death on February 14, 2005.
Norma worked and retired from Wal-Mart in West City.

She enjoyed working at the Benton Grade School K-4 as a teacher’s assistant where the children called her Grandma Shockley.
Norma was a dedicated member of the Benton American Legion Auxiliary, serving in every capacity along with her late friend Freda Broadway. She enjoyed helping Veterans and the American Legion Auxiliary.

When not volunteering or working, Mrs. Shockley enjoyed flower gardening, boating, camping, spending time with family; especially spending time with her grandkids.

Mrs. Shockley is survived by her four children: Patricia Loboda of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Pamela Baxley of Riverview, Florida, Martin Shockley and wife Terri of Floyds Knobs, Indiana, Michael Shockley and wife Lesa of Benton; four grandchildren: Nikki Baxley, Mandi Baxley, Aaron Shockley, Nate Shockley and wife Katie; three great-grandchildren: Maverick, Jett and Everett; a sister Dee Hanon of Tuscon, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a brother Jack Martin; a sister Janice Wheatley; and two nephews Shane Wheatley and Dave Hanon.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Auxiliary; and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or share memories of Norma, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Michael Ray Foos, 70, of Logan, IL; went to be with his Lord and Savior on the evening of Friday, August 27, 2021, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at the Logan Church of God. Burial with Military Honors will take place following the funeral, at the Logan Church of God Cemetery, by the Benton American Legion Post#280, V.F.W. Post #2671, and the Army National Guard. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Logan Church of God.
Funeral arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Michael Ray Foos was born on November 6, 1950, in Clinton, Indiana; the son of Enoch Buck Foos, Jr. and Nancy Lorene (Thomas) Foos. He married the former Brenda Ann Hanrick on May 29, 1971, and she survives.

He was an Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, and a member of the Thompsonville American Legion Post #1194.
Michael was a Deacon and member of the Logan Church of God.

Michael was a retired truck driver, last working for Taylor Transportation, based out of Fayetteville, N.C. He was also a member of the Teamsters Union.

His family said, “He was a pure legend when it came to redneck engineering”. He enjoyed fishing, crafts, working on cars, reading his Bible; but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Brenda Ann Foos of Logan; three children: Heather Lee Bauza and husband Louis of Ashley, IL, Michael Todd Foos and wife Tiffany of Centralia, IL, Lorrie Williams and fiancée Greg Stewart of Benton, IL; 13 Grandchildren: Kelsea, Gage, Aiden, Remington, Jordan, Jason, Brayden, Brooklyn, Jessi, Taylor, Tyler, Tanner and Bella; 9 Great-Grandchildren: Lily, Brennley, Hudson, Kinsley, Madison, Kaleb, Kaiden, Jaxson and Tinsley; a sister Vicki Hubbard and husband David of Bonnie, IL; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Foos was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Dennis Lee Foos, Richard Enoch Foos; and a sister Kathy Gillis.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Michael Ray Foos, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Helen Sveda, 101, of Valier, passed away on August 29, 2021 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

She was born on July 5, 1920 in Shirley, AR to Walter and Nora (Plumlee) Berry. She married William “Bill” Sveda and he preceded her in death on October 21, 2004.

She is survived by daughter Donna (Phillip) Menckowski of Benton; step-son Mike (Kathy) Sveda of Christopher; grandchildren Mike Menckowski, Phillip (Cheryl) Menckowski, Diana (Rick) Holland, Gabe (Alicia) Sveda, Rachel (Hannah) Sveda-Webb; great grandchildren Michael Ben (Kristy) Menckowski, Kristine (Thomas) Reid, Whitney (Brandon) Ortega, Shawn Menckowski, Stacy (Aaron) Jones, Sarah (Josh) Smith, Darcy (Gavin) Gosha, Colin Sveda and Landon Sveda; great great grandchildren Drew, Kamryn, Carson, Brenson, Ameila, Kira, Kase, Lani and Beckham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three siblings Clodene Berry, Bob Berry and Tom Berry.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday September 1, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veteran’s Honor Flight of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Oma Lucille Elko, age 67 of Benton, went to be with the Lord and her loving husband on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Bill Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Lucille was born on July 6, 1954, in Benton, Illinois to Marion and Oma (Jones) Roberts. She married John Elko on November 21, 1973, and were happily married for 47 years.

Lucille enjoyed spending time with her family, her dog Luci, and feeding her squirrels.

She is survived by her son, Kevin Elko, and wife Casey of West Frankfort; her daughter, Amanda, and husband Ben Mikutis of Christopher.

Lucille was the proud mama/grandma of three amazing grandchildren, Logan Elko, Tyson Elko and Fallyn Bradley.

She also leaves behind sisters Jane Stowers and Carolyn McLearin, brother Vernon Roberts, and brother-in-law Lonnie McLearin, along with special nieces and nephews that she loved like her own.

Lucille was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother, William Roberts and wife Linda, and sister Wanda Frost.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Lucille, visit www.lpfuneral home.com

David Sidney Clayton, 61, of Whittington passed away at 4:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning August 25, 2021 at SSM Health Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon.

David was born in Benton, IL on March 10, 1960, the son of Herman Sydney & Shirley Marie (Lampley) Clayton.

He married Michelle “Shelly” Cockrum on August 13, 2001.
Mr. Clayton worked as a mechanic since high school. He worked for Rose’s Phillips 66 Gas Station. He worked for Western Auto for 18 years. He then worked for Peabody Coal until they shut down. David enjoyed fishing (especially jug fishing), camping, grilling and gardening. He loved to read his Bible. He was Saved and Baptized in 2011, and he attended the Whittington Church.

Mr. Clayton is survived by his:
Wife: Shelly Clayton of Whittington
Daughter: Sydney Clayton of Whittington
Brothers:
Jerry Clayton of Montana
Marvin Clayton of Lawrenceville, GA
Jason Clayton & wife Barb of Benton

Brother-in-law: Wendell Cockrum & wife Shelly of West Frankfort
Sister-in-law: Tonya Steele of Sesser
Lots of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces & Nephews

David was preceded in death by his Parents, infant Sister-Tammy, Mother-in-law & Father-in-law- Sherry & Gail Cockrum and Nephew Trent Cockrum.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 28th at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made in Mr. Clayton’s memory to his family to assist with funeral expenses or to his daughter Sydney’s College Fund.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Maxine Page, 88, of Benton passed away Tuesday morning August 24, 2021.

She was born in Ewing, IL on March 20, 1933 the daughter of Ransom & Golda Fern (Gray) Hewlett.

She married Billy Gene Page on December 16, 1950, and he preceded her in death on November 2, 1996.

Mrs. Page formerly attended the Webbs Prairie Free Will Baptist Church.
Maxine is survived by her:

Daughter: Linda Volz & husband Steve of Benton
Son: Gary Page & wife Becky of Macedonia

3 Grandchildren:
Stacey Stricklin & husband Mike
Jennifer Carlton & friend Trinden Clark
Josh Page & wife Joni

3 Great-Grandchildren:
Tristan Stricklin
Logan Carlton
Noah Page

1 Brother: Lowell Hewlett of West Frankfort

Mrs. Page was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Sister-Shirley Summers and a Grandson Joshua Carlton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, August 26th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Flora B. Chapman, 90, of Coello, IL, went to be with the Lord on August 22, 2021 at 10:20 PM.

She was born on September 21, 1930 in Christopher to Charles E. and Mary Francis (Dial) Shadowen. She married William Chapman on May 14, 1947 and he preceded her in death on May 28, 1979

She was a member of the Apostolic faith, last attending the Apostolic Church of Buckner, where she played the piano. She was a self-taught piano player and had played the piano in many churches in her lifetime. She was also a Sunday school teacher since she was 16 years old, and so many kids through the years loved her and looked up to her because of her strong faith in the Lord. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister and friend to many people.

She is survived by her children Kenneth (Debra) Chapman, Wilma Roberts, Charles Chapman, and Patricia (Howard) Overton all of Coello, eleven grandchildren, several great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son William R. Chapman, two grandchildren Melissa Chapman and Michelle Baxter, siblings Clyde Shadowen, Ed Shadowen, Jean Hudson and Beulah Reed, a very special niece Carol Sue (Shadowen) Greco and her beloved pet “Angel”.

Funeral services for Flora will be on Sunday August 29, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Marty Shadowen officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 Pm until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our sweet, precious, mother, Linda Rea Abbott. She is reunited with our father Kenneth Abbott, Sr., in heaven.

She was born on May 6, 1943, in Steger, Illinois to parents Ray Carney and Madge (Branson) Carney, along with her brother Jerry Carney (Faye), and sister Joyce (Mann) Carney.

She was united in marriage to Kenneth on August 30, 1961. Together they had four children: Diana (Philip) Heape, Debra Abbott, Ken Abbott, Jr., Keith Abbott (Marsha), all of Benton; sister-in-law Dora Gayer of West Frankfort; grandkids: Aaron King, Brett King, Dakota Cali, Josh Lambert, Kodi Abbott, Kyle Abbott; great-grand-kids: Locklyn King, Mia Lambert, and Serenity Lambert.
Mom enjoyed playing Bingo, taking car rides on sunny warm days, watching her lifetime, Hallmark, and CSI Movies, being around her family and grandkids. As her health deteriorated and she couldn’t do as much, she still lived life to the fullest. She fought the fight for many years and never gave up no matter what the odds were. We will miss her dearly every day and we will carry you everywhere we go. You will never be forgotten; we love you mom.

She was preceded in death by her husband Kenny Abbott, Sr., parents Madge and Ray Carney, a niece Lisa McClintock, and her brother Jerry Carney.

We would like to thank Dr. Rao for treating mom for 15 years, she thought the world of you; Dr. Courtez and all his staff, for helping mom and being there for the last year; Dr. Mohammed and staff, Dr. Workman and staff, Dr. Chen and all his staff at Angel Care; Laura, Steff, Johanna, Thank You, you were truly mom’s 3 angels; J & S Pharmacy and staff, your concern and kindness for mom will never be forgotten; Tammy Woolard, your get well notes and smiley faces always cheered mom up, Thank You, that meant a lot; and to all of mom’s friends that prayed, sent cards, flowers, food, thank you, and may God Bless you and your families.; Thank You to the mobile lab girls and Candace from the Infusion department, God Bless you all for the great care you gave mom on a weekly basis.

Entombment will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 26, 2021, at the Logan Cemetery next to her husband Kenny, with Carolyn Steckenrider officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, or to the American Cancer Society, 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 Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Charles “Cecil” Sniderwin, 92, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2021, at the Marion VA Community Living Center with his family by his side.

Cecil was born on April 3, 1929, in rural Benton, to Charles Crisp and Frieda (Brandhorst) Sniderwin. He cherished 58 years of marriage to Geraldine (Jones) Sniderwin, starting September 22, 1956; she preceded him in death as of January 19, 2015. Together, Cecil and Geraldine had one son, Steven Sniderwin of rural Benton.

In addition to this son, Cecil is survived by his grandchildren, Mary Beth (Jeremiah) of Marion and Andrew (Heidi) of Thompsonville and seven great-grandchildren. Special family friends, John and Judy Overturf, Tammy Overturf and family, Chris Overturf and family and Justin Overturf and family.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Imogene Chapman and Lavern Owens, spouse, and daughter-in-law Cindy Sniderwin.
Cecil served in the Korean War after enlisting in the Army National Guard and was a member of the American Legion Post #280. Upon returning home, he followed in the footsteps of his father by taking over the family farm. He enjoyed gardening, driving around looking at the crops and chatting with anyone he encountered; Cecil never met a stranger. He served as a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau, an Eastern Township Trustee, the Franklin County Baptist Association and a Deacon at the Akin Baptist Church.

In an attempt, to reduce COVID 19 exposures, there will be no indoor services. A graveside service, with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the National Guard, will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Union-McCann Cemetery located at the Union Freewill Baptist Church of Thompsonville, IL, with Pastor Jerry Montgomery officiating. Visitation will take place at the graveside service from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, Post# 280 and will be accepted at the graveside services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the VA Staff that took such good care of Cecil.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Leffler Funeral Home.

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