Charles Robert “Boogie” Welsh — Benton, Illinois

May 28, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Charles Robert “Boogie” Welsh, age 74, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at his home.

Boogie’s wishes are to be cremated. Burial will be at a future date in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Robert Welsh was born on May 19, 1946 in Chicago, IL, the son of James Welsh and Mary Virjean (Brown) Welsh.

He was a self-employed painter.

Boogie enjoyed Karaoke, hunting, fishing, camping, playing the guitar. His family said he was a very sociable person and enjoyed spending time at Sandy’s Bar in Benton.

Surviving are his children: Marissa Jackson and husband Tony of Valier, Amanda Welsh of Ocala, FL, Jessica Welsh of West Frankfort, IL, Michael Welsh of Benton; ten grandchildren: Crystal, Steven, Kaysea, Mary, Ricky III, Joshua, Emily, Devan, Shaylyn and Ashlen; ten great grandchildren; a aunt Christine Brown of Benton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Sue Jerrells Sloan – Benton, IL

May 27, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Sue Jerrells Sloan, 72, of Benton, passed away at 10:55 a.m., on May 26, 2020 at the Franklin County Hospital, Benton, IL.

She was born on January 5, 1948, to Roland and Kathryn (Prindle) Jerrells in Christopher, IL. Sue retired from the Franklin County Clerks Office. She was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

Sue is survived by her loving daughter, Melissa K. Hungate, husband Stewart; grandsons, Tayler Hungate, wife Ashlee, Grante Hungate and Fiancee Madison McGuire; a brother, Hal R. Jerrells, wife Sandy; nephews, Chris Jerrells, wife Catherine, Craig Jerrells; Victor Achilam from Nigeria, who has become part of our family; special friends, Karen Baker and Cynthia Britton, all of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roland and Kathryn T. Jerrells.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

A private family visitation will be held at Pate Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in the form of a Mass Intention or a donation to St. Joseph Catholic Church, and can be mailed to the church at 506 West Main Street, Benton, IL. 62812

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Georges Tanios Oncologist and friend.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Clyde Ray Tucker – Christopher, IL

May 26, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Clyde Ray Tucker, 70, of Christopher, passed away at 4:45 p.m., on Monday, May 25, 2020, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center.

He was born on March 20, 1950, to Edward and Edith (Elders) Tucker in Du Quoin, IL.

Clyde is survived by his companion, Denita Chaney of Christopher; one son, Andy Tucker; one daughter, Amy Tucker; one brother, George Tucker; three sisters, Mary Bloom, Naomi Cash and Rita Tucker; grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Edith Tucker, one son, Tommy Tucker, one brother, Billy Tucker, and four sisters, Edith Allen, Alberta Vanhoorebeke, Katherine Lambert and Stella “Tuts” (Tucker) Rodriquez.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Per Clyde’s wishes cremation will take place.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Judy Ann Laur – Sesser, IL

May 26, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Judy Ann Laur, 76, of Sesser, passed away on May 22, 2020 at Nature Trail Nursing Home in Mt Vernon, IL.

She was born on December 21, 1943 in Sesser, IL to Todd and Judith (Silkwood) White. She married James Laur and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children James Todd Laur of Sesser and Michael Laur of Sesser; three grandchildren Hunter, RyAnn and Aidan; brothers and sisters Mary Smith of Herrin, Maureen Williams of Bellevue, NE, Bob White of Sesser, Bradley White of Aurora, IL and Loyd White of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one sister Mima Geisey and one brother Bill White. Judy’s wishes were to be cremated with no services. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling the arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

JoAnne Drew – Benton, Illinois and formerly of Ewing, IL

May 25, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Mrs. JoAnne Drew, age 76, of Benton and formerly of Ewing, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and the public gatherings of no more than 10 people and observing social distancing; Private graveside services will be at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. The Leffler Funeral Home, of Benton, is in charge of arrangements.

JoAnne was born on September 12, 1943 in Wabash, Indiana, the daughter of Merril Hendrix and Helen (Floyd) Hendrix. She was married to James A. Drew, and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2015.

She was a retired Housekeeper, and she was of the Baptist faith.

JoAnne enjoyed sewing, fishing, re-sale shops, flea markets and yard sales. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are four children: James D. Lenard and wife Judy of Benton, Rick Lenard and wife Kelly of Benton, Vicky Shageto and husband Victor of Bonnie, Kim Phelps of West City; two step-sons: Robert Drew and wife Heather of Benton, James Drew of McLeansboro; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a brother Richard Hendrix of Indiana; a sister Charlotte Hodges of Oklahoma; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Merril Hendrix; mother and step-father: Helen and James Crowley; two sisters: Diane Floyd and Kay Moore’ a brother Ted Crowley.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of JoAnne to the family to assist with funeral expenses, and may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Donna (Dossett) (Wallace) Grogan – Valier, IL

May 18, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Donna (Dossett) (Wallace) Grogan, 86, of Valier, IL passed away peacefully on May 16, 2020, at Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton, IL.

She was born in Princeton, IN on Jan. 1, 1932. She was one of two children born to Marlin and Doris (Rumble) Dossett.

She graduated from Princeton High School 1951. She worked at the Gibson County Recorders office and Lynn Gas in Princeton before moving to Valier, IL.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her two sons, Ricky Robinson (Sharon), Benton, Illinois, and Mark Robinson (Laura) Ellettsville, Indiana; brother, David Dossett, Bellingham, Washington; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, one niece, two nephews and several great nieces and nephews.

Donna will be laid to rest in a private family service at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

For more information go tour website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

Carl Edward Garascia — Sesser, IL

May 15, 2020 By Leave a Comment

Carl Edward Garascia, 83, passed away on Wednesday May 13, 2020 at Benton Healthcare and Rehab.

He was born on March 5, 1937 in Sesser to Charles “Pappy” and Anna Jean (Fornear) Garascia. He married Evelyn (Brown) Garascia and she preceded him in death, he then married Ruth Ann (Kellerman) Garascia and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his children David (Sheri) Garascia of Sesser, IL, Mike (Lauri) Garascia of Virginia, Steve (Debbie) Bigham of Bartlesville, Ok and Sarah Bigham of Knoxville, TN; grandchildren Caleb, Brooke, Hannah, Katie, Jordan and Jared; and four great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 1st wife, 2nd wife, one son Marc Garascia, one great granddaughter and one brother David Garascia.

He was Veteran serving in the United States Army. He was a Coalminer and a member of the UMWA.

Private graveside services will be held at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Gov. J.B. Pritzker calls on legislature to ‘act expeditiously’ on coronavirus relief package as state reports record 4,000 new cases

May 13, 2020 By Leave a Comment

On the same day Illinois reported a record number of coronavirus tests and new cases, Gov. J.B. Pritzker urged state lawmakers to “act expeditiously” on a relief package for families, small businesses and communities across the state, but stopped short of using his power to call them back to Springfield for a special session.

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

Filed Under: Breaking News

Rend Lake College Board meeting highlights

May 13, 2020 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. — The Academic Building at Rend Lake College will be getting a new roof, and the Board of Trustees have approved a contractor to do the job. At Tuesday night’s meeting, trustees approved a bid for the project submitted by D7 Roofing of New Baden at a cost of $120,450. Five contractors submitted bids for the project, which is being paid through Public Health & Safety funds.

Stipend changes
The Rend Lake College Board of Trustees updated its list of stipends to accommodate the creation of a new Early Childhood Education Facilitator stipend and a recent hire in the Men’s Head Basketball Coach position. The creation of the new facilitator position allows RLC to remain in compliance with Gateways to Opportunity Illinois Professional Development System for Early Childhood Programs.

Handbook updates
The board approved handbooks for the 2020-21 school year for RLC’s Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician-Basic, Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy, Radiologic Technology, Culinary Arts and Medical Coding programs.

Leadership teams defined
The board created policy concerning the President’s Executive Leadership Team and approved revisions to policy concerning President’s Cabinet and Presidents Council (first readings). The changes better reflect RLC’s organization and needs. Per policy, the President’s Executive Leadership Team serves as the senior administrative decision-making body at RLC. Members are selected by the college President, who leads the team and may delegate decision-making authority as deemed appropriate.

Agreement with EIU
Rend Lake College Visual Communication Design students have an easier path to continue their education thanks to a new articulation agreement between RLC and Eastern Illinois University. This agreement allows students to complete an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Visual Communication Design at RLC and transfer into EIU’s bachelor’s degree program in Graphic Design or Organizational Development. The agreements are effective in the 2020-21 academic year and are subject to renewal quadrennially.

Filed Under: Featured

Analysis shows outside of Chicago area, most COVID-19 deaths are in nursing homes

May 13, 2020 By Leave a Comment

(The Center Square) – An independent analysis of the state’s COVID-19 data found a significant difference in the numbers of COVID-19-related deaths in the Chicago area compared with the rest of the state.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Filed Under: Featured
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