Glenda Diane Chastain, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Monday December 8, 2025 at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

She was born on August 30, 1952 in Mt Vernon, IL to Nolen and Maxine (Panzier) Lenington. She married Jerry Lyn Chastain on November 20, 1971 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 2016.

She is survived by her two sons James (Vikki) Chastain of Sesser and Jeff (Andrea) Chastain of Alton; grandchildren Lauryn Strom, Anthony Chastain, Zoey Chastain, Dominic Spann, Jasmine Trimm and Patience Castro. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sibling Sidney Lenington.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Bonnie Community Building, 270 South Railroad Street, Bonnie IL 62816.

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

Paul Franklin Forsythe, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Paul was born on July 14, 1939, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Robert Forsythe and Nellie (Hickey) Forsythe. He married the former Darla Biggs on July 14, 1962, and together they shared 63 years of marriage.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1957. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in South Korea.
He formerly worked for International Harvester, Illinois Central Railroad, Freeman United Coal Company mine#3, and finished his working career with Crown Mining mine #3 of Farmersville, IL.

He was a member and trustee of Ewing Baptist Church.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his brothers.

Surviving is his loving wife Darla Forsythe of Benton, IL; two sons Scott Forsythe and wife Joyce of Whittington, IL, Mike Forsythe and wife Shannon of Pleasant Plains, IL; grandchildren: Kyle Forsythe of Mechanicsburg, IL, Kelsey Forsythe and husband Diego Pina of St. Louis, MO, Justin Forsythe of Ewing, IL, Matthew Forsythe of Benton, IL, Khilee McGuire of Carterville, IL, step-grandchildren: Skip Thomas of Benton, IL, Melissa Schultz of Benton, IL, Rocky Thomas of Papillion, NE; a great-grandson Travis Scott Forsythe; two brothers: Sandy Forsythe of Benton, IL, Terry Forsythe of Ewing, IL, a niece Cris Forsythe-Vondras of Ewing, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Jerome Forsythe, a brother Bobby Dean Forsythe, two sisters-in-law Helen Forsythe and Barbara Forsythe, a niece Gina Forsythe and a nephew Terry Forsythe, Jr.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Ewing Baptist Church, with Pastor Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the Ewing Baptist Church.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the Ewing Baptist Church and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Paul, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Rosa Roberta “Martoglio” Sandusky, age 88, of Benton, Illinois, finished her race and entered the arms of Jesus on December 6, 2025. Born February 20, 1937, in Benton, she lived a life of service, faith, and boundless love.

Roberta worked as a hairstylist in Benton and from her home, where clients often became lifelong friends. She also served others as a CNA, bringing comfort and care with compassion and grace. Her greatest passion was ministry—everywhere she went, she shared the love of Jesus. She faithfully led a Facebook healing ministry and a prayer cloth ministry that blessed many and brought hope and healing to countless people.
Roberta’s children and grandchildren were the center of her world; loving and supporting them was the most important thing in her life. She delighted in family gatherings, storytelling, and passing along her faith to the next generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Sandusky; her parents, Joseph Martoglio and Mildred Pent Martoglio; siblings Lillian (Doc) Furlong, Delores (Luther) Otterson, Joseph (Wilma) Martoglio, and Hose (Marilyn) Martoglio; brother-in-law Jack Dorris; and her son, Roy Sandusky.
Roberta is lovingly survived by her children, Kris Bowman of Rantoul, Kerry Sandusky of Bonfield, and Dawn (Brian) Secrest of Hebron, KY; her sister, Rena Dorris; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, who carry forward her legacy of faith, prayer, and love.

Roberta held fast to the promise of Scripture and especially loved this verse:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Her family rejoices that she has been renewed and is now at peace with the Lord.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Roberta, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Gary Dean VanZandt, 83, of Christopher, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday December 6, 2025 at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, IL. He was born on March 12, 1942 in West Frankfort, IL to Porter and Myrl (Dees) VanZandt. Gary graduated from Christopher Community H. S. in 1960.

He is survived by his twin sister Barbara Sheeley of Hudson, FL, and sister-in-law Billie VanZandt of Christopher; nieces Pam Norris of Sesser, Andrea Parker of MI; Kim Orlando, Kris Clark, & Karol Turco of FL, Kelly Hunt of SC, Linda Sheeley & Trisha Sheeley of OR; nephews Kyle Childers of FL and Steven Sheeley of MI and other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Doy VanZandt and sister Charmaine Childers.

Gary served honorably in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was an active member of the Christopher American Legion for 59 years and was also a longtime member of the UMWA. Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman and owned several hunting dogs over the years. He also was very fond of sports cars. His favorite hangout was the Maid Rite, where he spent a great deal of time visiting with his friends in Christopher. In his earlier years, he would travel to Florida to spend time visiting with his nieces and nephews. He was a great supporter of Christopher Community H.S. sports teams.

Funeral services for Gary will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. There will be a Military Funeral Honors. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

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

Victoria Skylar (Bishop) Browder, 21, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away on Thursday December 4, 2025 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on March 30, 2004 to Steven Bishop and Amanda Robey. She married Nicolas Van Browder and he survives of West Frankfort.

She is also survived by her mother Amanda Robey of Christopher; father Steven (Kelly) Bishop of Navinger, MO; grandparents Tammie Smith of Royalton and Thurman Robey of Royalton; siblings Kaylee Bishop, Savannah Bishop, Lauren Robey, Dominick Robey, Harleighlyn Robey and Serinnity Aaron-Robey and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather Jeffrey Smith, grandmother Vicki Ruggles and one brother Nathan Bishop.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday December 8, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the First Apostolic Church of Zeigler with Brother Shane Needham officiating.

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

Arlene Wilburn Davis, 88, of Benton passed away Wednesday afternoon December 3, 2025 at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

She was born in Benton, IL on December 23, 1936, the daughter of Clyde & Fern (Gant) Gulley.

She married Ray Wilburn on February 22, 1958 and he preceded her in death on May 5, 2011. Arlene married Eddie Paul Davis on March 23, 2013.

Mrs. Davis was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church. She loved her family, music & bling. She loved to play the piano.

Arlene is survived by her:

Loving Husband: Eddie Paul Davis of Benton

Son: Scott Wilburn & wife Michelle of Benton

Daughter-in-law: Starla Wilburn of Benton

Grandchildren: Abby Wilburn, Dakoda (Emily) Wilburn, Gretchn Wilburn, Dakotah, Haylee & Hunter

Great-Grandchildren: Adley, Stormi & Steven Wilburn

Step-Children:
Scott Davis
Penny (Mike) Henson
Dana Davis
Andy (Julie) Davis

13 Grandchildren
16 Great-Grandchildren

1 Sister: Kathryn Crawford

2 Brothers:
David (Peggy) Gulley
Danny (Jackie) Gulley

Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her Parents, 1st Husband, Son-Steven Wilburn, and Sisters-Deloris Humerickhouse, Lavina Gibbs & Frances Rodriguez.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P. M. On Saturday, December 6th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Greg Whaley officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A. M. to 1:00 P. M. on on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Glenda (Lefler) Pavletich, 90, of Sesser, went to be with Jesus our savior at 12:50 AM on December 1, 2025 at Fairview Nursing Center in DuQuoin, IL. She was a member of the Sesser Methodist Church.

Funeral services will be on Saturday December 6, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Sesser Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Sloane officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years Larry Pavletich of Sesser; two sons Steve Pavletich of Sesser and Michael (Teresa) Bolton of Kyle Texas; grandchildren Jared Bolton of Kyle TX, Billy Bolton of Kyle, TX, Desiree Pavletich of Sesser; great grandchildren Kennedy Bolton and Delilah Booker and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Fred Lefler and Jesse Lefler West, eleven half-brothers and half-sisters and several nieces and nephews.

Glenda was mainly a homemaker although in her early years she worked at The Bank of Sesser and Turco Manufacturing Co. in DuQuoin.

She was a lovable, likeable and outgoing person, she will be missed by all that knew her. She had a beautiful voice and sang in the church choir for many years. She was a selfless wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She took pride and joy in caring for the ones she loved.

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

Cindy Ann (Barnfield) Schmechel, age 56, of West Frankfort, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Cindy was born on July 13, 1969, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Eugene and Roberta Joyce (Piercy) Barnfield.

She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1987 and was a homemaker.

Cindy is survived by her father Kenneth Barnfield of Benton, Illinois, a sister Michelle Shurtz of Benton, Illinois, a brother Kenneth Barnfield of West Frankfort, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents William Harvey and Bertha Cloe Barnfield, her maternal grandparents Roy and Margaret Piercy, mother Roberta Joyce Barnfield, a niece Brittani Nichole Shurtz, and three dogs Cassie, Rottney and Timber.

In the beginning, the Lord was with her. But it was not until the end did, she find and know He was with her in all the suffering in the middle. Her lifetime of suffering was great; Our God was greater! Just a few short hours before her final breath, He opened the veil and showed her something beyond her describing. Her eyes were extremely wide opened. The clarity, bewilderment, and joy I saw, were beyond my describing. I have never seen her in this way before. The curiosity, the illumination of her face! He showed her something wonderful. From that moment on she had found God waiting with open arms, extending profound love and peace to her. For the first time in her life, she knew it and she had it. Her race was over. Finishing better than she started it. Her Purpose fulfilled. Our God is good!
Psalm 135:14 “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on His servants.”

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

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation services.

Debra Lee Depasquale, 56, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, November 2nd, surrounded by what she believed to be most important — her family.

May she now rest in the warmth of God’s light, finally at peace.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Debra, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Steven Ashmore, 71, of Benton, passed away on Sunday November 23, 2025 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on September 29, 1954 in Herrin, IL to William and Joyce Ann (Walker) Ashmore. He married Sandra (Payne) Ashmore and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his sons Jason (Paige) Ashmore of Sesser, IL and Ryan (Nicki) Ashmore of Crab Orchard, IL; grandchildren Halle Jo Ashmore, Landri Paige Ashmore, Ledger Chad Ashmore and River Brently Ashmore; three sisters Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven was a Veteran of the Vietnam War serving for the United States Air Force.

Funeral services will be on Friday November 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville, IL.

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