Charles “Cecil” Sniderwin – Benton, Illinois

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.

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Ethel Arlene Micheletto – Christopher, IL

Ethel Arlene Micheletto, 84, of Christopher, passed away on Friday August 13, 2021 at her home.

She was born on July 15, 1937 in Valier, IL to Harry and Ethel (Eckels) Wingo. She married Pete Micheletto on August 15, 1953 and he preceded her in death on November 14, 2015.

She is survived by her grandchildren Jamie Winemiller of Christopher, Joe (Brandy) Barnhart of Highland, IL and Tyler (Carla) Barnhart of St Jacobs, IL; two daughters-in-law Carla Micheletto of Marine, IL and Linda Micheletto of Christopher; great grandchildren Jenna Micheletto, Stephanie Winemiller, Shianne (Austin Shaw) Winemiller, Harley Winemiller and Jerry Winemiller; great great grandchildren Chloe, Jayci, Jackson and Octavia and one brother Dale (Diane) Wingo of Valier.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sons Danny Micheletto and Steve Micheletto and three brothers Donald Wingo, Nolen Wingo and Arnold Wingo.

Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday August 18, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the St Andrew Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at St Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

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

Leonard Wininger – Benton, Illinois

Leonard Dale Wininger, age 58, of Benton, passed away at 4:14 a.m. Saturday, August 14, 2021, at his home.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; with Pastor Dave Maragni officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
After the services we will honor Leonard’s wishes and he will be cremated.

Leonard Dale Wininger was born on June 11, 1963, in Benton, IL, the son of Loren Wininger and Elsie (Broughton) Wininger. He married the former Robin Seals on May 11, 2002; and she survives.

Leonard served his country in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1984.

He worked for 27 years as a stocker with Wal-Mart of West City.

Leonard enjoyed fishing, professional wrestling, watching car races, especially NASCAR and his favorite driver Kevin Harvick.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Robin Wininger of Benton; a brother Wayne Wininger of Marion, IL, a sister Vicky Tucker of Zeigler, IL, a sister Alice Wininger of Kentucky, a brother John Broughton of West Frankfort, IL; several nieces and nephews; and his fur baby Hayley.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Monty Wininger.
Memorial contributions may be made to ASPCA; 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 Leonard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Evelyn V. Marquis – Macedonia, IL

Mrs. Evelyn Virginia Marquis, age 89, of Macedonia, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 16, 2021, at the Brady Cemetery, with Pastor John Howat officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Evelyn was born on August 15, 1931, in Morganfield, KY, the daughter of Josh Powers and Myrtle (Harris) Powers. She married David Lewis “Sonny” Marquis on October 18, 1963, in Owensboro, KY. He preceded her in death on April 3, 2010.
She formerly worked for Severin Intermediate Care Nursing Home as head cook. She formerly worked as head cook for a children’s home in Kentucky.

Evelyn and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially to the Southwest. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and Perry Mason on the television. She also enjoyed listening to music. But most of all she was a University of Kentucky Wildcat Basketball enthusiast.
She was a member of the Akin Missionary Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons: David Marquis, Jr. of Macedonia, IL, Steve Marquis of Pacific, MO; two sisters: Bertha Ralph of Utica, KY, Betty McGrew of Owensboro, KY; several nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and several brothers and sisters.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home 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 Evelyn, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Police arrest Illinois man accused of trying to lure children into his vehicle

Waukegan, Illinois, police have arrested a man accused of trying to lure two female juveniles into his vehicle on Aug. 7.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Construction continues on RLC Campus

Progress continued on a couple of different construction projects on the Rend Lake College campus.

Here’s a link to the story.

GOP demands Biden administration act after Mayorkas calls border crisis ‘unsustainable’

Top Republicans on Friday called on the Biden administration to act on the crisis at the southern border after leaked audio emerged of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calling the situation there “unsustainable.”

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Slain Chicago police Officer Ella French was part of community safety team, often worked by newer cops in city’s toughest neighborhoods By JEREMY GORNER

On the night Chicago police Officer Ella French was shot to death and her partner badly wounded, the two were working on a roving team tasked with patrolling areas around the city prone to spikes in violence and other crime.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Census shows downstate Illinois population decline, sets stage for redistricting

SPRINGFIELD — Downstate Illinois is continuing to hollow out, with U.S. Census data, released Thursday afternoon, confirming the region’s losses as the main driver of the state’s population loss over the past 10 years

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News