Lola Mae Kirkpatrick – Benton, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL)

August 31, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Lola Mae Kirkpatrick (nee Dillion) of Benton, IL, passed away August 31, 2020 at the age of 93 with family by her side.

She was born March 20, 1927, in Benton, a daughter of the late Leonard and Clara (Mandrell) Dillon. She graduated from Benton High School in 1945. Lola married Edward (Bud) Kirkpatrick in 1948 and they lived on the family farm in Sesser for 48 years.

Lola is survived by seven children Jeanetta Kirkpatrick (Patrick Fargen) of Viola, WI, Cathy Overturf of Valier, Bill (Joyce) Kirkpatrick of Du Quoin, Jack (Terri) Kirkpatrick of Sesser, Joe (Alice) Kirkpatrick of Minonk, IL, Roy (Debbie) Kirkpatrick of Christopher and Joy Kirkpatrick (Matt Erdman) of Spring Green, WI.

She is further survived by eight grandchildren: Edie Overturf (Peter Harris) of Portland, OR, Terez (Jason) Taylor of Christopher, Jason (Caitlin) Kirkpatrick of Coulterville, Zachary (Tiffany) Kirkpatrick of Morton, IL, Andy Kirkpatrick of Du Quoin, Grant (Catie) Kirkpatrick of Cameron, NC, Logan and Haley Kirkpatrick of Christopher. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members and friends who will sadly miss her.

Lola was predeceased by her husband in 1995, her parents and nine brothers and sisters. She lived for the past nine years receiving wonderful care at the Heritage Woods assisted living facility in Benton where the staff called her Miss Lola and she grew to feel “the girls” were her extended family. Lola was strong in her faith and her spiritual home and family are the First Baptist Church in Sesser.

Lola worked as a movie theater usher and secretary for a roofing company before marriage. During her marriage she devoted her energy to raising their children and working on the farm. She was a long-time member of the Extension Homemakers Association. After the death of her husband she worked at Little People’s Daycare and later as a secretary at the Illinois Department of Rehabilitation office in Benton, where she was recognized for her performance on the job. She received the Franklin County Farm Bureau’s Farm Woman of the Year award in 1988. One of her fondest memories of working was in 1960 when she took a temporary position as a census taker. She drove around the county knocking on doors to make sure everyone was counted. Lola loved to read and instilled this in her children. Just a few months before her passing she was reading three books a week. Nothing made her happier than to have all her children and their families in a room together. She couldn’t hear anything in the din, but she was happy.

Visitation will be at the Brayfield–Gilbert Funeral Home, 102 W. Callie St., Sesser, Illinois on Saturday, September 5, 2020 from 5:30 – 8:00 pm. Graveside services will be at the Horse Prairie Cemetery at 1:30 pm on Sunday, September 6, 2020. The family asks that masks be worn during the visitation and proper physical distancing be practiced at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Lola’s name to the Sesser-Valier Ministerial Alliance, P O Box 915, Sesser, IL 62884. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Roy John Kretz-Christopher, IL

August 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Roy John Kretz, 61, passed away Saturday, August 29 at Lavender Ridge in Mt. Vernon after a long illness.

He was born on September 27, 1958 in Chicago, Illinois the son of Roy Peter Kretz and Mary Helen Kretz (Chizmadia). He is survived by his son RJ Kretz (Mynette) of Champaign, two grandchildren Addie and Mason; one brother Robert (Lisa) Kretz of Bluford and his daughter Shannon Kretz and two sisters, Catherine Kretz of Bloomington and her children Kali (Chris) Poulard, Charles (Michelle) Boaz and Todd (Lauren) Boaz and Cindy Kretz (Dave Stark) of Mulkeytown. He was proceeded in death by his parents.

Roy was a graduate of Illinois State University and he worked for the Illinois Department of Revenue as an auditor his entire career. He liked gardening, hiking and outdoor activities and was a member of the Audubon society, which complemented his many outdoor adventures. He was an enthusiastic comic collector with Superman being his main hero character and he attended numerous comic conventions.

He enjoyed spending time with family and you would regularly find him in many Euchre card games. Roy enjoyed the variety of Southern Illinois vineyards and he would always find some new offerings to add to his taste of wines. He was a member of the St. Andrews Catholic Church Knights of Columbus.

Visitation will be on Tuesday September 1, 2020 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Wednesday 8:00 AM until 9:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Funeral Mass will be on Wednesday September 2, 2020 at 10:00 AM at the St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Roy was loved by his many friend’s and family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate care provided to Roy at Lavender Ridge Memory Care and through SSM Hospice.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Scott Allen Chess

August 30, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Scott Allen Chess, 49 years old, passed peacefully in his sleep with his fur-baby Mattie at his side.


Scotty was known for his love of music and love of his daughter Sami, granddaughter Cecilia. Along with his mother whom he worshipped and loved endlessly. Scotty was born in Valparaiso, Indiana. He attended Kouts High School, was very active his high school band and he always had the love for music.

Scotty was a very talented musician, had a passion for music. He was self-taught guitarist, drummist, and pianist, and sang like a bird on the wing of a dove. Scotty was very well known for his love of his Rock and Roll band “Devil Dogs” which he started in 1989. Scotty also enjoyed fishing, boating on the Kankakee River, and spending time with his friends. When he walked into a room, he commanded it with lively personality and entertaining stories of his days when he spent endless hours of fun with his cousins and friends. One couldn’t help but be drawn in and expect nothing but laughter to follow.

He is survived by his daughter Samantha (Sami), granddaughter Cecilia (CC) whom he loved and worshipped beyond eternity. His Mother Sharon Witkowski, who was not only his best friend, but his “Hero in Life”. Along with his Aunt Sarah who was always his kindred spirit. Many Aunts and Uncles, and cousins by the dozens whom loved him.

Scotty was preceded in death by his younger brother Jeffery Witkowski, his step brother Vincent Witkowski (Grit), his father Richard A Chess, his step-dad David Witkowski. His Grandparents Charles and Maryetta Oestreich and his Uncle Mike Grcich whom taught him how to fish in the Kankakee River.

Gilberts Funeral Home in Christopher Ill. In charge of cremation arrangements. A Celebration of Life to be held at a later date at the Kankakee River. Along with celebration Bonfire at the Grcich Cabin in Winamac Ind. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to for Scotty Chess to GoFundMe.com Funeral Expenses, organized by Christina Cobb help offset final expenses.

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

Filed Under: Opinion

David Mark Shurtz – Christopher, IL

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment

David Mark Shurtz, 64, of Christopher, IL went to be with the Lord Wednesday morning August 26, 2020 at 9:02 A.M. in Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

David loved his family and was particularly proud of his four grandchildren. He also enjoyed Ham Radio, electronics, fishing, reading & animals. He was a Free Mason and belonged to Sesser-Goode Lodge #744 AF & AM.

He was born December 22, 1955 in Corpus Christi, TX on the Naval Base to J.D. and Donnie (Roberts) Shurtz.

He married Nancy Elaine Quillman on June 9, 1979 at their home in Sesser, IL. David is survived by his father, J.D. Shurtz; wife Nancy; daughters Sarah Ranzinger, and husband Benjamin, Elizabeth Patalano; grandchildren Frankie III (Buster) Patalano, Emma Patalano, Reeve Sanders and Arwyn Ranzinger; brother Bruce Shurtz, and wife Sandy; nieces Rachael Thornquest, and husband Dru, Charla Fulkerson, brother-in-law Dan Quillman; several cousins, family and friends. Mr. Shurtz was preceded in death by his mother, Donnie Shurtz, son-in-law-Kevin Sanders and his grandparents.

Funeral services will be held at 5:00 P.M. Saturday, August 29th at the Johnston Funeral Home in Ina with Bro. David Shores officiating. Masonic Rites will be conducted at 5:00 P.M. on Saturday immediately preceding the funeral.

Burial will be in the Dryden Cemetery in Scheller, IL. Visitation will be from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may made to the family to assist with medical expenses.

We ask everyone attending the services to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and everyone attending is encouraged to wear a mask.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Loretta Adams – Sesser, IL

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Loretta Sue Harvey Adams, 85 years old went home to be with the Lord, Sunday afternoon August 23rd, 2020. She was born on the family farm in Benton, Illinois on June 3, 1935 to parents Warren Harvey & Lillie Mae Thomas Harvey. She was a member of the Sesser Church of Christ.

Loretta worked many years at Slankard Publishing Company in Sesser, but her real joy was in raising her family, serving the church and enjoying her many friends. She spent the last 5 years living at Waterview Independent Living in Granbury, TX.

On May 29th, 1953 she married Robert D. Adams and they had four children. She devoted herself to being a loving and supportive mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was lovingly called “Nana”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Bob and her loving sister, Loranna Gray. She is survived by her children, Dana (Jim) Gardner of Lipan, TX; Robert (Lorrain) Adams, of Springhill, TN; Tami (Ken) Maynard, of Brownsburg, IN; Becky (Anthony) Barnouski of O’Fallon, IL. 10 grandchildren: Bekah Weatherford (William) Lipan, TX, Chase Gardner (Denisse) Weatherford, TX, Jared Gardner (Sarah) Ft Worth, TX, Jordan Gibson (Skeet) Weatherford, TX, Mitch Maynard, North Little Rock, AR, Renee Maynard, Brownsburg, IN, Taylor and Addison Barnouski, O’Fallon, IL, Jack and Grace Adams, Springhill, TN. Eight great-grandchildren: Stella, Fisher, Louisa, Betsie Weatherford, Eleonor & Roberto Gardner, Job & Ruth Gibson.

Graveside services will be on Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 12:30 PM at Knight Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL. Donations may be made in Loretta’s memory to the Sesser Church of Christ, 602 South Locust Street, Sesser, IL 62884 or will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

RLC breaks ground on monumental “Hub” Project

August 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment

INA, IL — Months of fundraising have paid off for the Rend Lake College Foundation as the college broke ground on a major addition and renovation project for the Learning Resource Center.

The construction phase of the Hub campaign is underway as RLC officials turned over dirt with the ceremonial shovels Thursday morning on the Ina campus. The expansion will help tie the LRC to the center of campus, making it a “Hub” of learning for all students attending the college.

“Today we celebrate the culmination of years of dreams and plans to improve our Learning Resource Center. Because of the incredibly generous support of our alumni and community friends, our vision to expand and enhance the services provided to our students is becoming a reality,” said RLC Foundation Chief Executive Officer Kay Zibby-Damron.

Zibby-Damron spoke before a socially-distanced and masked audience in front of the LRC surrounded by signs showing the details of the project. RLC President Terry Wilkerson and Reference Librarian Beth Mandrell also spoke, thanking the audience and the community for the tremendous support the Hub campaign has received. Wilkerson also commended the RLC’s library staff for their initiative the past few years to plan some fundraising activities to help with the library’s updates. He said they ultimately were able to raise $15,000 through their efforts.

Rend Lake College officials and supporters break ground in front of the Learning Resource Center Thursday on the Ina Campus. The ceremony commemorated the start of a major addition and renovation to the LRC called the Hub project. Pictured (left to right) are RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron, RLC Trustee Randall Crocker, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RLC Reference Librarian Beth Mandrell, RLC Foundation Board Directors & campaign committee members Tony Wielt, Jim Leuty, Pat Kern, Amanda Basso, and former RLC Foundation Board Director and supporters Brad and Susan Gesell.

Rend Lake College officials and supporters break ground in front of the Learning Resource Center Thursday on the Ina Campus. The ceremony commemorated the start of a major addition and renovation to the LRC called the Hub project. Pictured (left to right) are RLC Foundation CEO Kay Zibby-Damron, RLC Trustee Randall Crocker, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, RLC Reference Librarian Beth Mandrell, RLC Foundation Board Directors & campaign committee members Tony Wielt, Jim Leuty, Pat Kern, Amanda Basso, and former RLC Foundation Board Director and supporters Brad and Susan Gesell. [/caption]

The project was first announced last December at the RLCF Annual Dinner by project co-chair and former RLC Foundation CEO Pat Kern. Kern said the Foundation took on the project after RLC President Terry Wilkerson shared some of the college’s needs with the Foundation Board of Directors.

“This project is long overdue. With the new entrance facing the clocktower, it makes the (LRC) more welcoming than ever before,” Kern said at Thursday’s ceremony. “We will be above the norm and that is where Rend Lake College has always been.”

Foundation Emeritus member George Slankard, along with his wife Mary, contributed a generous lead gift to get the project started in December. Unfortunately, Mr. Slankard passed away in March just as the college began seeking bids for the project. Zibby-Damron noted George and Mary, who also could not attend the ceremony, were with them in spirit during the groundbreaking.

At the August meeting, the RLC Board of Trustees approved Hunter Construction of Belleville to complete the work at a cost of $746,583. The contractor will construct a 1,935-square-foot addition on the south side of the LRC along with building a new façade to serve as the main entryway. The plans also include expanding floor space to create six collaborative learning/study rooms across the front of the library for both individual and group study. Outside, more study space will be available with the installation of solar charging tables to be placed along the new decorative walkways. The Career and Technical Education Success Center and CTE Computer Lab located within the LRC are getting upgrades as well. The Success Center and Computer Lab will be transformed into a more modern learning space to provide contextualized tutoring and other resources for the college’s technical programs. The Children’s Library area will be enhanced to provide a more robust space for future Rend Lake College Warriors to read and learn. And finally, a new Wellness Room will also be included in the project to provide a quiet and therapeutic space designed to improve the quality of student’s emotional, mental and physical health.

Construction will officially start next week. Zibby-Damron said the tentative completion date would be by the end of the calendar year.

While the physical work is about to be in full swing, there is still time for anyone looking to contribute to this monumental project.

“We are continuing to raise private support to ensure completion of the project, and are very grateful the response from our donors has been overwhelmingly positive. Our newly renovated Learning Resource Center will greatly benefit all Rend Lake College students and our community, today and well into the future,” Zibby-Damron said.

The goal is to raise all the money for construction through private charitable support. Zibby-Damron said the Foundation is very close but has not quite reached the target goal yet. Anyone in the local community is invited to contribute to this project that benefits Rend Lake College. All donors will be recognized, and donors of $5,000 or more will be listed on a special permanent tribute inside the LRC. The Rend Lake College Foundation is a nonprofit 501c3. For more information about giving opportunities please contact the Rend Lake College Foundation at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1214 or email foundation@rlc.edu. Donations may also be made online at rlc.edu/give-now.

Filed Under: Featured

Joyce G. Joplin – Benton, IL

August 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Joyce G. Joplin, age 88, formerly of Benton, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of 08/12/20 at the Creekwood Nursing Home in Russellville, Kentucky. She had just celebrated her 88th birthday on July 23rd.

She was born and raised in Marion, Kentucky; was married to Ransom (Earl) Joplin, who preceded her in death, and they had four children, Terena Joplin of Blaine, Minnesota; Anita (Eric) Joplin-Johnson of Russellville, Kentucky; Marc Joplin of Belleville, Illinois; and Gary Joplin of Freiburg, Germany. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, two great grandchildren, step grandchildren, two sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Her parents and two sisters preceded her in death.

She resided in Benton, Illinois, where her children were raised, she was a member of New Life Church of God, and she with her husband managed Derby (Coastal) service station (formerly on West Main Street in Benton) for twenty years prior to his passing. She relocated to Cambridge House Assisted Living in O’Fallon, Illinois nine years ago and spent her final two years in a specialized unit for dementia patients at Creekwood Nursing Home in Russellville, Kentucky. Her strength declined over the past few months and yet her passing still came as a shock. Due to current travel and contact restrictions, the family had decided to forego a funeral service and instead only have a private visitation for immediate family, which was held on 08/15/20 at the funeral home.

Her prearrangements were tended to by Morton and Johnston Funeral Home and she was laid to rest at Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery of Benton, Illinois, next to her long awaited husband.

The family is planning to meet next summer to celebrate her life. As there was no service, there is no need for flowers, so if you would like to make a donation in her memory to any organization doing good in the world, please do so, even if that means buying some flowers for the nurses at your local hospital.

Condolences can be mailed to the Family of Joyce Joplin, c/o 1425 Peace Drive, Belleville, Illinois 62220.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Jerry Fitzpatrick – Benton, IL

August 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Jerry Fitzpatrick age 67 of Benton passed away on August 21, 2020 at the Marion V.A. Medical Center in Marion.

Jerry was born January 9, 1953 to Sonia (Hammers) & Jack Fitzpatrick. Jerry married Donna Woodrow in 1972. Together they had 3 children. The marriage ended after 33 years, but they had a lifelong friendship.

Jerry joined the Military in October of 1971. He served his country proudly for 3 years. After discharge from the Army Jerry was employed at Freeman #3 & #6 and Peabody Coal Mines. He later became a Federal Coal Mine Inspector.
Jerry is of the Baptist Faith giving his life to the Lord 30 years ago.
Jerry was a jack of all trades. There was nothing he couldn’t fix.

Jerry’s hobbies were working on cars, playing guitars, fishing with his good buddy Tom, joke between them was Jerry could always out fish Tom if only by one small one. Jerry liked putting out a small garden. Jerry also loved to study the Bible with his friend Jim. On most Spring & Fall evenings you could find Jerry in his back yard sitting around a fire, as he would say “I’m just a pondering.” Jerry loved his family dearly and will be greatly missed.

Jerry is survived by 2 Sons-Scott Fitzpatrick & Brandon Fitzpatrick, 1 Daughter-Ashlee Eubanks & husband Jared; 8 Grandchildren-Stormee Chamberlain & husband Doyle, Harley Staton, Tatumn Fitzpatrick, Ireland & Ellyana Fitzpatrick, Jentry, Wynter & Truly Eubanks and Riley Atkins; 2 Great-Grandkids-Robby & Alexa Chamberlain; 5 Brothers-Mike & wife Peggy, Jackson & wife Bridgett, Norman, Elvis and Ronnie; 1 Sister-Yolonda Patton & husband Scott.

Jerry was preceded in death by his Grandparents, Parents & Mother-in-law-Opal Woodrow.

Jerry is also survived by his best friends: Donna & Tom McClearin and Jim & Rene Williams, by his dog Odis and his little buddy Winnie.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 26th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Jim Williams officiating. Burial with Military RItes conducted by Sesser American Legion & VFW Posts and the Army Honor Guard will be in the Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

We ask everyone attending the services to practice social distancing. We are limited to 50 people in our building at a time, and everyone attending is encouraged to wear a mask.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Deloris Bazzoni-Christopher, IL

August 24, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Deloris Bazzoni, 79, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday August 22, 2020 at her home.

She was born on September 23, 1940 in Franklin County, IL to Wilford Ode and Francis (Connor) Day. She married Albino “Al” Bazzoni and he preceded her in death on May 11, 1992.

She is survived by her son James Van Hon of Christopher, one niece Cheryl and two nephews Greg and Ode.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers Lee Connor and James Day.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday August 25, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic cemetery in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Flora Maxine Helton – Christopher, IL

August 23, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Flora Maxine Helton, 89, of Christopher, passed away on August 20, 2020 at her home.

Maxine “Nan” was born on July 5, 1931 to Almus and Mary Kirkpatrick.

Maxine met her future husband while working in a café in uptown Christopher. James was a driller for the mines working in this area. He came in the café and she waited on him. They dated for three months when he asked her to marry him. They married March 27, 1948. And that was the beginning of a 56 year marriage and a lifetime of family and friends. Maxine loved her family and it showed through her actions. The family moved back here in 1967 so they could take care of her mother. And that snowballed into not only taking care of her own family but her siblings, grandkids, neighbors and friends. She always wanted everyone to be taken care of and fed, even to the last weeks telling everyone to have some food and drink and to be careful on their way home. Maxine’s years were filled with service and love. Rest “Nan”. You’re finally to your eternal home. We will see you soon.

She is survived by her daughter Linda (Douglas) Wuellner of Springfield; one son Mike (Kathy) Helton of Christopher; daughter-in-law Priscilla Helton of Christopher; grandchildren Brian Wuellner, Jeremy (Christy) Wuellner, Rachel (Bryan) Galloway and Ronnie Tochtrop; great grandchildren Austin Wuellner, Rebecka (Chase) Chastain, Jaylynne Wuellner, Madilyn Helton and Chloe Galloway; one special nephew Tom Calloni of Buckner and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James E. Helton, one son James E. Helton Jr., one grandson Matthew Helton and ten brothers and sisters Ezra, Paul, Roy, Grace, Dorothy, Millie, Lloyd, Marie, Earl and Dale, and one special nephew Charles Calloni.

Funeral services for Maxine will be on Tuesday August 25, 2020 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Greg Shelton officiating. Visitation will be on Monday August 24, 2020 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries
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