Ruth Harlene (Eldridge) Huffman, 93, of Christopher, Illinois, passed away Friday, November 1, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Harlene was born on May 13, 1931 in Christopher, the daughter of Harlan “Rusty” Eldridge and Georgia Elizabeth (Ensinger) Eldridge in the home her grandfather, George Ensinger, built. She married Vincent Huffman August 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on August 30, 1999.

Harlene was a stay-at-home mother until 1972 when she graduated summa cum laude from nursing school at Kaskaskia College. She was an active member of the first Christian Church in Christopher, as well participating in various social organizations, such as Eastern Star, Women’s Club, Red Hats, and Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She loved to read and paint. Harlene’s passion was for her family. She loved traveling and vacationing with them, and enjoyed spending time with and caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was never too busy for her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Ruth Ellen Gorsek of Springfield, Melody Gulley of Buckner, and Apryl Malkovich (Mark) of Benton; grandchildren, Ambre’ Gorsek (Martin) of Greenville, NC, Jonell Hembrough (Chris) of Springfield, Michael Gorsek (Jessica) Springfield, Donnelley Wink (Jonathon) of Mulkeytown, Gretchen Martin (John) of Mulkeytown, Chase Malkovich (Karen) of Benton, Lana Hammond (Bryson) of Paducah, Jack and Ellie Gorsek of Springfield, IL; Great-grandchildren, Leah and Ethan Bier of Greenville, NC, Emily and Luke Birtch of Springfield, Hannah Hembrough of Springfield, Brittany Ranos (Mike) of Springfield, Brydon and Lennon Huie and Holland Wink of Mulkeytown, Veda and Janson Martin of Mulkeytown, Talon Hughes, Dailyn and Dane Malkovich of Benton, Mack, Ridge and Georgia Hammond of Paducah; and great-great-granddaughter, Charlotte Ranos of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 9th at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, officiated by Minister David McConnell. Visitation will be held at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral services at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Christopher and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

John Patrick Giles, 80, of Thompsonville, passed away on Friday November 1, 2024 at his home.

He was born on September 21, 1944 in Herrin, IL to Chester Thomas and Marie (Cagle) Giles. He married Judith (Harding) Giles on December 3, 1966 and she survives of Thompsonville, IL.

He is also survived by his son Jonathan Patrick Giles of Thompsonville, IL; grandchildren Logan Patrick Giles, Riley Sue Giles, Allyson Faith Giles and Jaxson Wyatt Giles; one great grandson Waylen Patrick Giles and one sister Sue Baggett of Fort Worth Texas.

John was a retired Game warden with Fish and Wildlife services and had served in the United States Army.

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday November 10, 2024 at 1:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:30 PM. Burial will be at the East Lawn Memorial Gardens.

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

Joe Howard Boldrey, born June 1st, 1942, passed away at 7:22 a.m. Thursday, October 31st, 2024, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville, Indiana.

He was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Joseph Elza and Vivian R. (White) Boldrey.

Joe was a mechanic for 50 years. 40 of those years he owned and operated Mill Street Auto Repair in Mt. Vernon, IL. He later would work in Mt. Vernon and Benton, working for Jefferson and Tyler Motors. He loved his work and was very good at keeping motors running.

He enjoyed fishing and camping, watching NASCAR, especially his favorite driver Harry Gant. Joe also enjoyed spending time outside in his garage.

He enjoyed being with his family and grandkids.

Surviving is his son Sam Boldrey and wife Angie of Benton, IL; a daughter Julie Beth Kirk of Illinois; significant other of 30 years Janet Border of Benton, IL and her two sons Riley Roberts of Ewing, IL and Jeff Roberts of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Logan Kirk, April Chartrand, Ashley Boldrey, Halai Piercy, Colby Allen, Kessa Bernard, Kalie Neal, Kacee Neal, Peyton Roberts, Cami Roberts; several great-grandchildren; a brother Roy Boldrey and wife Phyllis of Woodlawn, IL; a sister-in-law JoAnne Boldrey of Woodlawn, IL; nieces and nephews: Brett Boldrey, Travis Boldrey, Ty Boldrey, Michelle Boldrey, Stacey Boldrey, Becky Boldrey, Bryan Boldrey, Sandy Leneave, Debbie Leneave, Mike Leneave; his three dogs: Jake, Allie and Abby.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Paul Boldrey, a sister Shirley Leneave, and a nephew Steve Leneave; and two dogs Molly and Digger.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A future Celebration of Life visitation service will be announced.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.

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

Linda Sue Braun, age 67, of Sparta, IL, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at her daughter’s home in Mulkeytown, IL, with her family at her side.

Linda was known for her one-of-a-kind personality and the innate ability to bring joy and laughter wherever she went, with a heart as big as her smile.

Survivors include her loving husband Vernon Braun of Sparta, IL; daughters: Amber Skinner and husband Travis of Mulkeytown, IL, Mishelle Becker and husband Scott of Sparta, IL; grandchildren: Braedyn, Cooper, Easton, Ambryaunna, Allaynah, Allexiyah; great-grandchildren: Landynn and Canon.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Herbert and Wilma (Berndt) Hecht; brothers: Roger Hecht, Herbert “Herbie” Hecht II, Gene Hecht.
Linda’s wishes were to be cremated. Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
Linda was a longtime employee at Walmart Supercenter in Sparta, IL, where she made some everlasting friendships.
She was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church of Chester, IL.

While the family has decided not to hold services at this time, Linda’s spirit will continue to live on by those she impacted. She will be forever remembered as a wonderful individual, full of life, quick-witted, and always ready to provide those with what was needed to lighten the hearts of everyone around her. She was loved beyond measure and will be missed greatly.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Linda, may be made to the Peace Lutheran Church, 125 Opdyke Street, Chester, IL 62233.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Donnie Lee (Shorty) Zimmerman, 86, of Sesser, Illinois, went to his heavenly reward on October 27, 2024 after a courageous battle with leukemia.

Donnie was born on May 19, 1938, to Donald Earl and Margaret Mae Zimmerman in Cobden, Illinois. He married Darline (Spann) Zimmerman in November of 1955 and moved to Chicago Heights, Illinois to begin working at Thrall Car. Donnie and Darline had four children, Donnie Eugene, Donnetta Jo (Michael) Gould, Anita Kay (Roger) Craig and Dana Sue (Darren) Portell. He served at Liberty Free Will Baptist Church in Indiana as a trustee and bus attendant during their years living near Chicago Heights. In 1974, Donnie and Darline returned home to Sesser, Illinois where he began working as a coal miner at Old Ben 26 mine. Donnie worked alongside his father-in-law and his brother-in-law building their family home in Sesser.

Donnie was a quiet man with an unwavering commitment to his family and his church. After his retirement in 1993, he loved spending his time outside on the lawn mower, in his vegetable garden, tinkering around in his garage and traveling with Darline. Donnie and Darline enjoyed attending church gatherings in many Southern Illinois Free Will Baptist churches but devoted their service to their home church of First Free Will Baptist in Benton, Illinois where Donnie served as a trustee for many years.

Donnie was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, his son, Donnie Eugene Zimmerman and his grandson Michael Cole Gould.

Donnie was survived by his wife of 68 years and 11 months, Janetta Darline (Spann) Zimmerman; daughters Donnetta Jo (Michael) Gould, Anita Kay (Roger) Craig, Dana (Darren) Portell; grandchildren Jeremy Lemons, Jessica Craig Harmon, Rachel Craig Welch, Daman Sink, McKenna (Luis) Vital, McGwire (Abby) Portell, McCayde and McLayne Portell; great grandchildren Daniel and Jeremiah Flowers, Jayden Craig, Rilee Sink, Sophia Sink, Capri Vital, Mark Sink and he is survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Free Will Baptist Church or to Illinois Board of Missions 1176 County Road 1975 N, Cisne, IL 62823. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Funeral services are under the direction of Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, Sesser, Illinois. Visitation will be held on Wednesday 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. with the funeral service on Thursday at 11 a.m. all at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Donnie’s final resting place will be at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

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

Sheila Brown, 79, of Marion, passed away on October 25, 2024 at her home in Marion.

She was born on September 17, 1945 in Sesser, IL to Paul and Wilma (Duff) Atchison. She married Norman Ernest Brown on November 29, 1963 and he preceded her in death on September 5, 2020.

She is survived by her daughter Sherry Campbell of Dutchman Lake, IL, grandchildren Stephanie (Jake) Page, Sammie Wilson, Ashleigh Rea Campbell, Jobi Ray Hart and Norman Jacob Campbell and one sister Sharon Atchison of Dallas, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Debra Kay Wilson and one sister Sandy Atchison.

Graveside services will be on Friday November 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Pastor Greg Gibbs officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Robert “Bob” Wayne Collins, 82, of Mulkeytown, passed away on October 25, 2024 at his home.

He was born on November 8, 1941 in East St. Louis, IL to Omer Collins and Myrtle (Berndt) Bartholomew.

He is survived by his children Robin Boswell of Mulkeytown and Bobby “Bo” Collins of Alabama; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren and one sister Ginger O’Malley of Dupo, IL.

Bob had worked on the railroad for many years.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services will be on Friday November 1, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Evergreen Cemetery in Chester, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL.

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

Robert Willis Gouge, 80, of Valier, passed away on Monday October 21, 2024 at St Louis University Hospital in St Louis, MO.

He was born on December 25, 1943 in St Louis, MO to James and Stella (Overturf) Gouge. He married Jenetta Fay (Harrison) Gouge on October 25, 1961 and she preceded him in death on May 18, 2022.

He is survived by his children Michael (Janice) Gouge, Robin (Vince) Akin and Joseph Gouge; grandchildren Sarah (Jason) Ferber, Christina (Patrick) Braun, Holly (Vint) Akin, Jacob (Megan) Gouge and Katie Gouge; great grandchildren Lennox, Zoey, Avery, Madison, Cassandra, Hayden, Blake, Naomi, Abigail, Penelope and Hattie Mae.

He was preceded in death by parents, wife, one daughter Stella Robinson and two sisters Dolores Holleman and Edna Avery and three brothers James Gouge, Albert Gouge and Daniel Gouge.

Funeral services will be on Saturday November 2, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. at the church. Burial will be at Blairsville Cemetery.

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

Charles “Dobber” Emmett Swisher, 88, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Tuesday October 22, 2024.

He was born on July 2, 1936 in Mulkeytown to Emmett and Verble Maxine (Hill) Swisher Jr. He married Judith Ann (Boggia) Swisher on September 20, 1957 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his children Charles Dean Swisher of Mulkeytown and Pamela Jean Swisher of Ocean Springs, MS; grandson Charles Robert Swisher; sisters Janice Tilley of DuQuoin and Debbie (Jerry) Stanley of Mulkeytown and one brother-in-law Raymond Flannigan of Marion and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Linda Flannigan, one brother Bob Swisher, sister-in-law Evelyn Swisher and one brother-in-law Norman Tilley.

Dobber was a Veteran of the United States Army and was a Para Trooper at Fort Bragg. He was a great athlete and loved to fish. He was a Commercial fisherman, coalminer and a taxidermist.

Graveside services will be held on Friday October 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Jerry Stanley officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the West Franklin Historical Society. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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