Jackie G. Sandefur, 76, of Zeigler, passed away at 9:05 p.m., on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Herrin Hospital.

He was born on February 2, 1944, to Avel and Lizzie (Swain) Sandefur in Cleburn, IL. Jackie worked as a Machine Operator for Maytag for 38 years.

Jackie was a member of the Eagles, Zeigler, IL. He loved his great nieces and nephews, and enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his younger years he played Football, Baseball and Tennis.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Jackie was preceded in death by his parents, Avel M. and Lizzie Pearl Sandefur; a sister, Bonnie “Bonnie Fay” Samples; two brothers, Leroy Sandefur and Elmer Sandefur.

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

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

Betty Jane Frailey, 97, of Benton, passed away at 4:00 a.m., on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at The Anchor of The Voyage Senior Living, Marion, IL.

She was born on January 14, 1923, to Hugh and Catherine (Disney) Mercer in Herrin, IL. She was a graduate of Herrin High School, Southern Illinois University Carbondale receiving her Bachelor of Fine Arts specializing in Music and English Education. She attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music receiving her Masters in Vocal Education. Betty retired from Benton Consolidated High School as a Music and English Teacher. On December 22, 1946, she married D. Kenneth Frailey at the First Presbyterian Church, Herrin, IL. To this union they had two children.

She was a member of First Christian Church, Benton, Il. where she served as the Choir Director for many years. In 1968, Betty started directing the musical productions at Benton Consolidated High School. In 1970, she formed the first Madrigal Singing Group.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Janet Frailey Carstensen and husband Andrew; son, Hugh E. Frailey and wife Robin of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Sean Carstensen and wife Amanda, Jordan Frailey, Drew Frailey, Breanne Brady and husband Shane; seven great-grandchildren, Graham Carstensen, Liam Carstensen, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Stella Frailey, Chance Brady, Kip Brady.

She was preceded in death by parents, Hugh and Catherine Mercer; husband, D. Kenneth Frailey; and a sister, Patricia Nelson.

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

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 7, 2020, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church, 302 S. Main Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2020, 1:00 p.m., at the First Christian Church, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Kurt Sanders, officiating. Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, the Anchor of the Voyage Senior Living Center, First Christian Church Fellowship Center Fund, and the Pyramid Players.

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

Amy Joy (Leffler) Crawford, age 44, of Benton, passed away at 4:58 p.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Her wishes were to be cremated. Memorial Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge, of the arrangements.

Amy Joy was born on August 29, 1975 in West Frankfort; the daughter of Paul David and Diane L. (Severin) Leffler. She was previously married to Christopher Crawford.

She formerly worked for Severin Intermediate Care Nursing Home as food service director.
She was a member of Mt. Olive Free Will Baptist Church of Benton; she also enjoyed attending services at Fires of Revival Chapel in Benton.

Amy enjoyed traveling, cooking, going out to eat, reading her Bible, word search games, and her dogs. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her daughter Alexea.

Surviving is her daughter Alexea Joy Crawford and boyfriend Logan Cunningham of Lexington, KY; her loving parents Paul D. and Diane Leffler of Benton, IL; three brothers: Marty Leffler and wife Alisa of Benton, Tim Leffler and wife Mandy of Sesser, Dan Leffler and wife Sharon of Oak Park, California; a sister-in-law Lynette Leffler; nine nieces and nephews: Tyler Leffler, Lauren Gunter and husband Jordan, Zeb Leffler, Delaney Leffler, Tsavo Leffler, Taru Leffler, Kaiden Leffler, Reis Leffler, Lailey Leffler; aunts and uncles: Maxine Vail and husband Jim; Dale Severin and wife Peggy, Donna Corrigan and husband Mike, Danny Severin and wife Roberta, Dean Severin and wife Ethel, Dawn Miller and husband Mark, Dave Severin and wife Penny, Denise Babb and husband Jeff; Alexea’s dad: Chris Crawford and wife Amber of Benton; and several cousins and their families.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Virgil and Audrey Leffler; maternal grandparents George and Edna Severin; two cousins: Shawn Severin and Jason Vail.

Memorial contributions may be made to a college Trust Fund being designed for Alexea; and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

The family would like to say “Thank You” to, the staff at Benton Healthcare and Rehab for their great care during Amy’s stays at your facility; to the doctors, nurses and specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis for their concern and care; to DaVita Dialysis of Benton.