Cindy Coffel, 62, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday April 17, 2025 at Fairview Nursing Center in DuQuoin, IL.

She was born on November 10, 1962 in Memphis, TN to Jim Coffel and Benita (Palmertree) Coffel.

She is survived by her sister Theresa Rutland of Christopher and one brother Scott (Donita) Coffel of Mulkeytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday April 21, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Johanna “Jo Ann” Lipe, age 70, of Compton, IL, passed away peacefully at home, cradled in the love of her children and grandchildren.

Born on May 12, 1954, in Groningen, Holland, Jo Ann was one of six children born to Henrik and Alberdina (Koster) Styve. Her early years in Lisle, Illinois were filled with the kind of warmth and family closeness that would go on to define her entire life.

At just 18, Jo Ann married the love of her life and best friend, Gordon Lipe. Their marriage, nearly 53 years strong, was a true testament to love, commitment, and partnership. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in devotion and laughter, eventually moving to the quiet countryside of West Brooklyn in 1993 to enjoy the peace of rural living—a dream they shared and cherished.

Jo Ann was the proud and loving mother of three children: Angelique Lipe, Gordy (Susan) Lipe, and Sherry (Nathan) Hovious. Her greatest joy came from her family, and that joy multiplied with the arrival of her beloved grandchildren: Josh Ward, Blake Ward, Raymond (Amy) Lipe, Anthony (Zachary) Lipe, Austin Lipe, Ashley (Richard) Lipe, Hannah Ward, Brianna (Nathan) Lipe, and Savannah Foss—as well as many great-grandchildren. Each one brought a unique sparkle to her life, and she never missed a chance to celebrate them, guide them, or simply make them laugh.

Jo Ann had a heart full of passion and curiosity. She loved photography, capturing life’s little moments and turning them into treasured memories. She had a deep love for genealogy, always eager to trace the roots and stories that shaped her family. But above all, Jo Ann’s heart belonged to her family—there was nothing more important to her. Her love was fierce, loyal, and unconditional. She was the kind of woman who made everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room and loved unconditionally.

To know Jo Ann was to be loved by her. She was the comforting voice on the phone, the warm hug at the door, the laughter at family gatherings, and the quiet strength holding everything together. Her absence leaves a space that no one else can fill, but her spirit, her love, and her legacy will live on through every life she touched.
We miss you deeply, Grandma. We love you beyond words. We know you’ll be the first to greet us in Heaven, arms wide open, just as you always were here on Earth. Rest in peace, sweet Jo Ann. You were truly one of a kind.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 19th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Lova “Jean” Schwartz (Sneed) took her final curtain call on April 14, 2025.

Jean was born on September 6, 1939. She grew up in southern Illinois enjoying a simple life. She briefly lived in Chicago as a young adult before returning to live life to her fullest in southern Illinois.

Jean had a fun and wild spirit. If she had an interest, she explored it. She taught dance at Authur Murray, she raced cars, hunted, competition shooting, doll making, and so many other talents. Many nights were spent playing yatzee or slinging the one armed bandit. She could also grab a coke and enjoy a good long chat. While doing all this, she brought three children into her life. Lori (Schwartz) Prunty, Erick Schwartz and Nikki (Schwartz) Godoy. She was intensely proud of her children. She was always sure to share their accomplishments and pictures with anyone who would listen. Jean’s blessings continued with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all who perpetuate her legacy of spunkiness in the world. Jean is also survived by her brother, Leonard Sneed.

Jean’s children would be honored if you would join them on Friday at Morton and Johnston Funeral home to celebrate her. Visitation will be from 9 am to 11 am with services following. Jean will then be laid to rest in Kirk Cemetery in Ina, IL.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Clatie Mae Bursich, 93, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday April 15, 2025 at Aviston Countryside Manor in Aviston, IL.

She was born on October 7, 1931 in Sesser, IL to Earl and Emma (Eubanks) Beck. She married John Bursich Jr. on May 16, 1959 and he preceded her in death on March 11, 2015.

She is survived by her two sons John (Ronell) Bursich III of New Baden, IL and Jeff (Melissa) Bursich of Glen Carbon, IL; grandchildren Samantha Jane Bursich, Sarah Bursich, Zachary (Lisa Manrique) Bursich and Kathryn (Stuart) Schiber.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, fourn sisters Dixie Lee Spotanski, Connie Diann Maddox, Earline Welsh and Marcella Rone and one brother Burl Coffel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 19, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Jim Slone officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Barbara Ann Bennett, age 78, of Benton, Illinois; passed away at 2:33 p.m. Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Barb was born on September 3, 1946, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Utley and Essie (Lunsford) Utley. She married Ernest James “Jim” Bennett on November 28, 1981, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.

She worked as a manager for Bowlin’s Foodland (later Furlow’s) of Zeigler.
She was a member of the First Church of God in Benton.

Barb enjoyed sewing and going on drives in the country. Her family said everyday she had a time that she was to not be disturbed, that was during her favorite soap operas “The Young and the Restless” and “The Bold and the Beautiful.”

Surviving is her loving husband Jim Bennett of Benton, Illinois; her daughter Tina Lampley and companion Roger Lampley of Benton, Illinois; a grandson Ben Lampley and wife Courtney of Melbourne, Florida; an adopted grandson Steven Lampley of Benton, Illinois; a brother Bob Utley and wife Patti of Sesser, Illinois; in-laws including: Diane Utley of Christopher, Illinois, Lynda Sanchez of Benton, Illinois, Marlene Webb of Benton, Illinois, Kingsley Bennett and wife Cathy of Ewing, Illinois, Rodney Bennett of Evansville, Indiana; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her cat “Smokey.”

Mrs. Bennett was preceded in death by her parents and a brother Kenny Utley.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Barbara, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Barbara Ann Osteen, age 83, of West Frankfort, passed away at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, 2025, at her home.

Barbara was born on October 9, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Arthur Dasher and Leona (Reed) Dasher. She married James Paul Osteen on July 2, 1960, together they shared just three months shy of 65 years of marriage.

Barbara’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Mrs. Osteen’s working career was in retail and as a secretary. She formerly worked for Arview Heating and Air Conditioning. In her younger years she even attended airline school and was offered several secretarial positions across the U.S.

Mrs. Osteen was a Baptized Christian. She enjoyed being a homemaker, raising her three sons, going camping, and eating out with her sisters. Most of all she enjoyed her time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband James P. Osteen of West Frankfort, Illinois; two sons: Brandon Lee Osteen and James Eric Osteen, both of Thompsonville, Illinois; seven grandchildren: Kasey Nicole Woodrow and husband Josh of Akin, Illinois, Kaitlyn Hoge and husband Geoffrey of Washington D.C., Ashley Marie Thomas of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jacob Noble Osteen and wife Maddie of Iowa, Cheyenne Morganstern and husband Brock of Du Quoin, Illinois, Brehan Osteen of Metropolis, Illinois, Autum Osteen of Crab Orchard, Illinois; twelve great-grandchildren; two sisters: Jackie Duniphan of Benton, Illinois, Dorothy Eubanks and husband Larry of Marion, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Scott Paul Osteen, a brother Ronald Dasher, and a sister Shirley Arview.

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

Benita A. Coffel, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday April 10, 2025 at her home.

She was born on July 4, 1941 in Kilmichael, MS to William Ira and Lettie Jane (Tidwell) Palmertree.

She is survived by her children Cindy Coffel of DuQuoin, Scott (Donita) Coffel of Mulkeytown and Theresa Rutland of Christopher; grandchildren Lacy McPhail, Jesse (Dylan) Mullins-Gunter, Alyson (Brian) Risley and Amanda Dellow; great grandchildren Serenity, Rowan, Oaklynn, Brianna, Dalton, Morgan and Nolan and two sisters Francis Tankersley of Houston, TX and Mary Sammons of West Palm Beach, FL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Bill Palmertree.

Benita’s wishes were to be cremated, services will be at a later date.

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

Eli Galayda, 95, of Buckner passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the VA Medical Center in Marion.

Mr. Galayda was born in Buckner, IL on July 3, 1929 the son of Steven & Anna (Krohta) Galayda.

He married Roselene Chamness on July 25, 1953 and she preceded him in death on October 30, 2023.

Mr. Galayda was a loving Father, Grandfather and Great-Grandfather.

Mr. Galayda proudly served in the US Air Force and was very active for many years in the Military Honor Guard-Funeral Detail with the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts, serving numerous families.

Mr. Galayda is survived by his:
Son: Eli S. Galayda & wife Shelley of Mulkeytown
Grandsons:
Eli M. Galayda & wife Nicole and their children Eli, Callen & Brenley
Kyle David Galayda & wife Kelsey and their children Finley & Amelia
Sister: Liz Adkins
Brother: Steven Galayda
1 Sister-in-law: Pearl Mitchell
Mr. Galayda was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Son-Charles Michael Galayda and several Brothers & Sisters.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, April 12th at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner with Pastor Ivan Ryan officiating. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery. Military Honors will be conducted at the cemetery by the Benton American Legion, VFW Posts and the Air Force Honor Squad.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com