Mary Annette Lynch – Benton, IL

December 11, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Mary Annette Lynch, age 78, of Benton, passed away at 8:03 p.m. Monday, December 9th at her home in Benton.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, December 12, 2019 at the First Christian Church of Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery, East of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Mary Annette Lynch was born on January 9, 1941 in West Frankfort, the daughter of Walter Dennis Frailey and Mary Lucille (Shanks) Frailey. She married Alfred “Whitey” Lynch on February 25, 1961, and he survives.

Annette was a homemaker and stay at home mom. She enjoyed spending time with her family, and most of all enjoyed being with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was an active member of the First Christian Church of Benton, where she played the organ for 50+ years, sang in the choir ever since her freshmen year of high school, was involved in the Gertrude Fitzgerrell Ladies Group/CWF, and former director of the youth choir.

She enjoyed gardening, and was an avid flower gardener and bird watcher, and was a former member of the Benton Garden Club.
Annette is survived by her husband Alfred “Whitey” Lynch; four children: Susan Elizabeth Mann of Benton, Ross Allan Lynch and wife Susie of Fenton, MO, Daphne Ann Mitchell and husband David of Benton, Stephanie Renee Galloway and husband Darren of Benton; seven grandchildren: Tyler Mann, Dominic D’Addezio and wife Laura, Savannah Rae Lynch, Alexandria Markel and husband Kyle, Andrew Mitchell, Curtis Galloway and Spencer Galloway; four great-grandchildren: Jaice Andrew Mann, Trinity Marie Mann, Mia Rane Markel, Olivia Jo Markel; three sisters: Patricia Colombo of St. Louis, Carole Sue Hungate and husband Randy of Benton, Nancy Frailey of St. Louis; and numerous nieces and nephews; and her church family at First Christian of Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church Fellowship Center.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Ritchie Don Eubanks – Sesser, IL

December 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Ritchie Don Eubanks, 65, of Sesser, passed away on December 8, 2019.

He was born on April 15, 1954 in Mt Vernon, IL to Roy Lee Eubanks and Ruth Ann (Summers) Crocker.

He is survived by his mother Ruth Ann Crocker of Sesser; brothers and sisters Michael (Jo Anna) Eubanks of Bourbonnais, IL, Susan (Mike) Summers of Scheller, Carl Crocker (Preceded) Kathy Crocker of Scheller, Bill (Lisa) Crocker of O’Fallon, IL and Jeffrey Crocker of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and one brother.

He was Veteran of the United States Navy.

Graveside services will be on Saturday December 14, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Bobby R. Pool – Sebring, FL (formerly of Valier, IL)

December 9, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Bobby R. Pool, 72, of Sebring, FL (formerly of Valier, IL) passed away at 5:21 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at his home, following an eight-year battle with cancer.

He was born in Herrin, IL to Charles and Nona Pool. He was married to his wife Glenda, for 39 years.

Bobby was a retired 22-year veteran, Sergeant First Class, of the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam, Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom. He was a UMWA member who worked at Freeman 6 Mine, near Waltonville, IL. He also retired from the State of Illinois, Department of Corrections with 24 years of service.

Bobby was a member of the First Apostolic Church of Sesser and after moving to Florida, he attended the New Life Fellowship Church in Sebring. He loved the Lord and his church families.

Bobby is survived by his wife Glenda; sons Charles Pool, Darrell (Jennifer) Pool and Jody Shaw, of Sesser and Jim (Staci) Hood, of Valier. He was loved greatly by his grandchildren, Danielle (Jon) Porvaznik and Suzette Aiello and James Pool, of Sesser, Derek Hood, of Valier and Courtney Hood, of Denver, CO. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Hannah, Jocelyn and Delcan Porvaznik, of Sesser; brother-in-law James (Helen) Rusher, of Sesser and sister-in-law Doris Stewart, of Beecher, IL. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews that he loved very much and by special friends, Kim and Lois Hamilton and Riley and Carol Farmer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Nona Pool and by his sisters, Vada Denham, Minnie Bell Dunning, Betty Jo Waugh and Nadine Darrigo.

Per his request, there will be no public service. A gathering of his family will be held in the Spring. He requests that his family and friends celebrate the life he lived and enjoyed.

Memorials may be made in his honor to Good Shepherd Hospice, 1110 Hammock Road, Sebring, Florida, 33870.

Filed Under: Obituaries

David E. Tollison – Benton, IL

December 7, 2019 By Leave a Comment

David E. Tollison, age 75, of Benton, passed away Thursday afternoon of December 5th at his home in Benton.

Masonic Rites will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 9, 2019 at the Leffler Funeral
Home in Benton. A Shriners Walk Thru will take place at 12:45 p.m. prior to the Masonic Rites. Burial will be 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.

David Ellis Tollison was born on July 25, 1944 in Memphis, TN, the son of Lawrence David Tollison and Syble Lorraine (Goode) Tollison. He married the former Louetta (Moss) Miller of Benton on May 29, 1992, and she survives.

Dave was the current sexton at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. He formerly owned and operated Dave’s Taxi, and prior to that he manufactured boat trailers.
He was a member of the Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. and A.M. where he served as Worshipful Master in 2001, 2010 and 2011. He was the President of the Franklin County Shrine, Chairman of the Ainad Shriners Bass Tournament, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies of the Valley of Southern Illinois, and the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898.

Dave enjoyed fishing, playing golf, cooking, spending time with his two daughters and visiting with grandkids.

Surviving is his loving wife Louetta Tollison of Benton; his mother Syble Lorraine Tollison of Benton; two daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis; a step-daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton; a step-son James “Red” Miller of Benton; twenty grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father; a sister Geneva; three step-sons John Alden Miller, Jr., Jerry Allen Miller, and Jack Ashley Miller.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Betty Jayne Taylor – Benton, IL

December 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Betty Jayne Taylor, age 70, of Benton, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Monday, December 2, 2019 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, December 8, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church of Benton with Rev. Lee Lovett officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery of Whittington. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Betty Jayne Taylor was born on March 30, 1949 in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Robert D. Blondi and Christine “Teeny” (Marlow) Blondi. She married Bill Taylor on December 28, 1967 and he survives.

Betty was a retired teacher from Ewing Grade School. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, where she was an active singer in the church choir, until her health did not allow her to attend.

She absolutely loved being a teacher! She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, and spending time with friends and family.

Betty is survived by her husband Bill Taylor of Whittington; a son Heath Taylor of Whittington; a daughter Chrissy Miller and husband Bryan of Sesser; two grandchildren: Ty Taylor and Dempsey Jayne Miller; a sister Pam Finley of Carterville, brother Tom Blondi and wife Barbara of Scottsdale, AZ, twin brother Bobby Blondi and wife Mary of Benton; sister-in-law Carole Rea and husband David of Benton; sister-in-law Sandra Taylor of Whittington; nieces and nephews: Jason Finley of Nashville, TN, Jeremy Finley and wife Rebecca of Nashville, TN, Rob Blondi and wife Summer of Valier, Brett Blondi and wife Kortni of Benton, Andrea and husband Josh Cleaver of Newton, Jayme and husband Chris Robinson of Redondo Beach, CA, Tyler Blondi and wife Dawn of Azusa, CA, Kim Sanders and husband Scott of Benton, Diana Ing and husband Keith of Benton; numerous great-nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her father and mother-in-law Kenneth and Edith Taylor; brother-in-law John Finley; brother-in-law Kenneth Dale Taylor; nephew Monte Rea.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or to the First United Methodist Church, 203 West Church Street, Benton, IL 62812, and will be accepted at the church on Sunday.

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

The family wanted to share how Blessed Betty was to have so many faithful, loving friends. They also wanted to extend their gratitude for the loving care Betty received during her stay at Benton Healthcare.

Filed Under: Obituaries

Gearld L. Hamilton – Benton, IL

December 5, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Gearld L. Hamilton, 94, of Benton passed away Monday morning, December 2, 2019 at his home.

He was born in Whittington, IL on October 14, 1925, the son of Jesse & Essie (Burton) Hamilton.

Mr. Hamilton was a World War II Army Veteran. He co-owned and operated North Main Motors on South Main for many years.

Mr. Hamilton is survived by his:
2 Sons:
Kim Wendell Hamilton & fiancee` Lois Shadoan of Frostproof, FL
Kelvin Dale Hamilton & fiancee` Bobbie Madden of Benton, IL

Kim & Kelvin’s Mother: Mazie Hamilton of Benton

2 Grandchildren:

Bryan Hamilton & wife Georganna of Benton

Mindy Foreman & husband Todd of Atlanta, GA

Great-Grandchildren:
Jacob Hamilton
Mason Foreman
Bryson Hamilton
Zander Hamilton

Great-Great-Grandchildren: Penelope & Lucy
Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his Parents and by Siblings-Wendell, Lester, Harry, Billy Donald, Glenna Jean, Harry & Larry.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. Saturday, December 7th at the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington with Pastor Curtis Smith officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion & VFW Posts. Burial will follow. Therer will be No Visitation, those attending the service are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

It takes a village – a Christmas village – to help Sesser family through the holidays

December 3, 2019 By Leave a Comment

By Jim Muir

Christmas is traditionally a time for joyous celebrations, family gatherings and wide-eyed children who are enthusiastically anticipating the arrival of Santa Claus.

However, for many others the Yuletide season is a test of strength and endurance while trying to find a new-normal in dealing with the death of a loved one and a central figure in holiday celebrations.

Brenda LeVault

The latter is the case for the Tom LeVault family as they attempt to come to terms with the loss of family matriarch Brenda LeVault, who passed away on October 18, 2019 from chronic respiratory failure and pneumonia. Only 72 years old when she passed, Brenda and Tom, who lives in rural Sesser, were married for 56 years and are the parents of four children, son Larry and daughters Tawana, Jackie and Lisa. The couple also has 11 grand-children and two great-grandchildren.

Tom LeVault (front) surrounded by daughters (left to right) Jackie Halley, Lisa Rapp and Tawana Pitchford.

While Brenda is fondly remembered for many things, her big personality and even bigger love of all-things Christmas are near the top of the list.

A passage from her obituary, written by her family, shows the impact she had on her loved ones. It reads:

The world became a little quieter with her passing. Her sassy, fierce, no-holds barred approach meant she left this world in true ‘Brenda Fashion’ – her way and on her terms. You never had to question where you stood with her. She loved deeply and openly. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. She never turned those in need away. Her door was always opened and you were always warmly welcomed. She was the only women we knew who could take a meal for a few, and turn it into a meal for plenty. Her children’s friends became her kids. Brenda played many roles, but her favorite was just being Nanny to her grandchildren.

As late November rolled around on the calendar the LeVault family was faced with the decision about how to handle Christmas. One of Brenda’s passions about her favorite holiday involved a huge ‘Christmas Village’ – a village that had taken on a life of its own throughout the years. What started for the family 20 years ago with three small pieces has now evolved into a three-level village that covers three walls of a large room and has more than 1,000 pieces and moving parts.

Following Brenda’s death, Tom said he had no intention of tackling the annual project of putting the village out.

“My first reaction was that I was not going to put the village up this year, but when I mentioned that I got three good ‘butt-chewings’ (pointing at his three daughters) and it was sternly suggested that … ‘yes we are putting the village up,’” said Tom, a retired coal miner and farmer.

Waving his arm around the room at the mammoth Christmas Village display, Tom added: “And you can see who won that discussion.”

It’s fitting that putting the village together each year is a family affair because many of the purchases of the many different items on display were also a family affair.

“We have all been shopping and we would see something for the village and call mom to see if she had this piece or that piece,” said Tawana. “It’s been a family affair since the beginning.”

While all three daughters admitted that they are still trying to come to terms with the grief of losing a strong influence in their lives, they all agreed that the village had to go up this year.

Click on link to see video of LeVault Christmas Village.

jackie halley video

“It’s tough this year because Mom is not here to boss everybody around,” said Tawana with a laugh. “But, it has been a help to me to see the Christmas village come to life again. I don’t think any of us really wanted to do it … but we knew we had to do it.”

Jackie said if she acted on her true feelings, she could easily “skip Christmas this year.”

“I know that none of us wanted to put the village up this year, we really didn’t have the heart to do it,” said Jackie. “But, we also knew we had to do it. It’s funny, but seeing the Christmas village back up again has helped me. And I know that my mom would be happy it’s up.”

Lisa said she shared the same feelings as her two sisters.

“It’s one of those things in life that you don’t want to do but you know you have to do,” Lisa said. “It has helped me to try and get through December and Christmas, but it’s not easy for me. I know my mom would be happy and I’m happy to help carry on a family tradition.”

The meticulous detail of the village is nothing short of amazing, with a city section, a country section, a carnival, movie theater, churches from every denomination, museums, town hall buildings, people, animals and everything imaginable in between.

Tom pointed out Brenda’s favorite piece, a deer nose to (carrot) nose with a snowman and his favorite, an ‘outhouse’ with the door swung open wide and a man reading a newspaper.

“Every piece has a story behind it and a memory,” Tom said.

To guarantee that the village has the same look every year the LeVault family even put together a scrap book with pictures and details of where every piece is supposed to be. For example one picture might be marked Section A, Row 2 to show exactly where that piece goes while another is marked Section K, Row 3. The family estimated it would take one person working all day two weeks to assemble and put the entire village together.

Pointing to a large couch near the recently-assembled village, Tom recalled better days.

“I can’t tell you the hours that me and Brenda sat on that couch in the dark with just the lights of the village,” he said. “It is just beautiful at night.”

With the village completed for this year father and daughters are now tackling what was referred to as: Brenda’s 9-foot Christmas tree.

“There’s one place in the house where it will fit and Brenda had to have a 9-foot Christmas tree for that spot,” Tom said. “That will be the next project, and that would make her happy.”

While the village and the tree will be completed there is one area of Christmas where all three daughters and husband Tom agree that they can not meet Brenda’s standards.

“She bought presents and then she bought more presents,” said Tom. “She had one room here at the house that she would stack presents after they were wrapped and it would be full and head-high by Christmas. It was nothing for her to go through 100 rolls of wrapping paper.”

Tom encouraged family and friends to bring their children to see the village on full display. Family members will be on hand Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. for anybody wanting to get an up-close look at the Christmas village. The address is 7292 Peach Orchard Road, located southeast of Sesser.

“Nothing would make Brenda happier than to know that people are enjoying something she loved so much,” he said.

Tawana summed up the overall feeling for her family.

“We know she is in a better place and she is not struggling with her health,” she said. “We all know that Christmas will never be the same without her but seeing the village come to life, it just touches your soul. We know she’d be happy with what we’ve done.”

Filed Under: Featured

Pearl VanHoorebeke-Benton, formerly of Christopher

December 1, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Pearl VanHoorebeke, 79, of Benton, formerly of Christopher, passed away on November 29, 2019.

She was born on March 29, 1940 in Christopher, IL to Odie and Cynthia (Davis) Shaw. She married Frank VanHoorebeke and he preceded her in death on January 1, 2005.

She is survived by her children Earelen Zeboski of Sesser, Sherry (Mike) Boling of DuQuoin, Gary (Rhonda) Keller of Benton, Randy Keller of Florida, Cynthia Keller of Benton, George Keller of Benton, Georgia Chrostoski of Benton, Steven Keller of South Carolina and Shay Doty of Benton; step children Betty Lou Hopkins of Missouri, Clarence VanHoorebeke of DuQuoin, Shirley Worrle of Oklahoma, Charles VanHoorebeke of Benton, Sharon Plasters of Mississippi, Mary Jo Murry of Waltonville, Elmer VanHoorebeke of Texas, David VanHoorebeke of Texas, Loren VanHoorebeke of Mt Vernon and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Alice Patterson, one step-son Randy VanHoorebeke and six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday December 3, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries

James Michael Thompson-West Frankfort, IL formerly of Sesser

November 28, 2019 By Leave a Comment

James Michael Thompson, 57, of West Frankfort, formerly of Sesser, passed away on Monday November 18, 2019.

He was born on September 22, 1962 in DuQuoin, IL to James Monroe and Joyce (Sink) Thompson. He married Pamela (Fisher) Thompson on December 28, 1991.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Thompson of West Frankfort; Mother and Father James and Joyce Thompson of Sesser; his children Jennie Burke of California, Brandi Thompson of West Frankfort, Travis Thompson of West Frankfort, Dillon Thompson of Sesser; one great granddaughter Kenna Thompson; three brothers Mark Thompson, Scott Thompson and Bob Thompson.

Military rites will be given by the Sesser VFW on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 1:00 PM at the Maple Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Michael’s life will be on Saturday November 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Filed Under: Obituaries

Mu Cha “Ann” Leffler-Christopher, IL

November 24, 2019 By Leave a Comment

Mu Cha “Ann” Leffler, 71, of Christopher, passed away on November 23, 2019 at the Herrin Hospital.

She was born on November 20, 1948 in Kyeong-Ju, Korea to Yi Pum Su and Kim Sun Jo. She married Dale Leffler on March 13, 1970 in Seoul, Korea and he survives of Christopher.
She is also survived by his children Paul Leffler of Indianapolis, IN, Christine Carpenter of Christopher and Carl Leffler of Christopher; grandchildren Kimberly Ingoldsby, Keri Hartleb-King, Charles Leffler, Nicholas Leffler, Tyla Leffler and Paul Leffler Jr; she is also survived by several great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Yi Jeung Sook and two great grandchildren Kaybrin and Halle.
Funeral services will be on Wednesday November 27, 2019 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday November 26, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 Pm at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Filed Under: Obituaries
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