George L. Spotanski, 93, of Scheller, passed away on Saturday January 31, 2026 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on March 30, 1932 in Sesser to Roman and Mary (Basso) Spotanski. He married the love of his life Wanda Lou (Keller) Spotanski and together they shared almost 75 years of marriage.

He is survived by his children Karen Miller of McLeansboro, Wayne Spotanski of Scheller and Laura (Leroy McDuffie) Page of Scheller; grandchildren Stacy (David) Webb, Cassie (Adam) Magsig, Jeremy Spotanski, Adreanna Harvey, Vanessa Leek, Mandi (Robert) Whitlow and Cody (Kyle) Levanti; great grandchildren Dalton (Lily), Dacey, Andrew, Hazel, Ransom, Presleigh, Hendrix, Lennox, M.J., Mavrick, Kayla, Lane and Bronx.

He was preceded in death by his parents, loving wife, one infant daughter Mary Susan Spotanski and one brother Leonard Spotanski.

He was a veteran of the United States Army. He worked as a construction worker and a Coalminer, but his true love was farming and raising cattle and his John Deere Tractors. He loved his family and his Church. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Sesser and was a deacon for almost 50 years. He loved the outdoors and especially deer hunting.

Funeral services will be on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the church. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Baptist Children’s Home or to the First Baptist Church of Sesser, envelopes will be available at the church.

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

James Brice Duff, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Jim’s wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held Friday, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. At 6:00 p.m. Masonic Rites will be honored under the direction of Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort, IL. Following the Masonic Rites, Celebration of Life Services will we officiated by Pastor Brice Shaffer and Joyce Fogleman.

Jim was born on July 12, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska; the son of Paul Duff and Betty Jean (Leslie) Duff. He married the former Amy Purdy on May 7, 2016. Together they shared their lives together dating and in marriage for just shy of 26 years.

He formerly worked in customer service with Crownline Boats of West Frankfort. Later he would work and retire with F.B. McAfoos & Co. of Benton, where he was the parts manager. After retirement he went back to work and was currently employed with Federated Auto Parts of Marion, Illinois.

Jim was a Past-Worshipful Master with Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort, Illinois, and currently served as Junior Warden. He was the head cook for 567 Smokers and was known for his smoked pork chop sandwiches and ribs. Jim was also an Honorary Member of Blazing Star Lodge #458 of Carrier Mills, Illinois, Akin Lodge #749 of Thompsonville, Illinois, and Hurst Lodge #1004 of Hurst, Illinois. Jim was a current board member of the Hill City Water District.

He enjoyed cooking, especially smoking meat. He and his wife enjoyed deer hunting, camping, and traveling. He loved working on cars and his family said he could fix anything.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Amy Purdy Duff of Benton, Illinois; his father and stepmother Paul Duff and wife Joleene of Onawa, Iowa, a son James Duff, and fiancée Rachel of Carterville, Illinois; four grandchildren: Mackenzie Duf, Kaitlynn Duff, Sophia Ecklund, Scylar Russell; four siblings: Jill Bauer and husband Jerry of Columbia, Illinois, Jean Huie and husband John of Coello, Illinois, Jerri George and husband Gary of Centralia, Illinois, Joe Duff of Kell, Illinois; brother-in-law Matthew Purdy and wife Melissa of Murray, Kentucky, sister-in-law Jenny Strollo and husband Bill of Christiansburg, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Jean Duff, a brother John Duff and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Judith Purdy.
The family prefers that memorial contributions be made payable in memory of Jim, to the Frankfort Lodge #567, to be used for scholarships; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Leora Arlene (Schultz) Price, the kindest mother, best grandma, greatest great-grandma, and soon to be a great-great grandma, was called home to be with the Lord at 11:19 a.m. on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Pastor John Odle officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton.

Leora lived a life rooted in love, faith, and quiet strength. She had a heart that served others without needing recognition. Her presence made people feel safe, cared for, and loved. She was the kind of person who showed up through daily phone calls, words of encouragement, prayers spoken out loud and those whispered silently. Loving others was not something she tried to do; it was simply who she was. She loved deeply and gave generously of her time and heart. She took pride in those she loved and never missed a chance to remind them how proud she was of them. Her love reflected Christ’s love – steady, patient, and unconditional.

She will be remembered through many memories held close by those who loved and knew her, and she will be honored through the life she lived. Her greatest work was her family. She taught them personally how to face life’s challenges, how to make hard choices, and how to stand firm with faith and integrity. Her lessons were not only spoken, but lived and will continue to guide her family for generations. Leora was a fighter coming from a long bloodline of fighters and carried both her maiden name and married name with honor and legacy. Leora grew up on a family farm in Ashley, Illinois and often talked of working hard and driving the tractor for long hours. She was the last surviving child of Fred and Eula Schultz.

On November 21, 1953, Leora married Rev. Kenneth E. Price marking 52 years of marriage when he passed in 2005. They made their home in West City, Illinois where Leora was a homemaker and a Mary Kay Consultant for over 50 years. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Benton and then of Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton. Leora was a plant enthusiast and prided herself on her lilac and rose bushes. She was also a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan and loved watching bull riding. Leora enjoyed living close to her dear friend, Carole Rea.

Leora is survived by son Alan (Lisa) Price and their children and grandchildren; Victoria (Jeremy) Jackson, children Remington and Raelynn, and Nicholas Price; daughter Kendra (Les) Newbury and their children and grandchildren: Kendra Richelle Bigham, Melody (Matthew) Morgan, children Jayden and Kaitlyn Leora; April (James) Srna, children Jacob and Andrew; Jon (BJ) Newbury, children Tegan and Raylan; Brittany (Justin) McElroy, children Chesney and Randi; and their son Brad (Mary Lou) Price and their children and grandchildren: Amy (James Dunagan) Price Heard and children Tyler and Chase; Emily Price and daughter Lexi; adopted son Clinton Reed; and daughter Maggie (Travis) Kovach and their son Carter.

Leora was called to attend a special family reunion reunited at last with her loving husband, Reverend Kenneth E. Price; her parents Fred and Eula Schultz, her brothers, Fred Jr., Ervin, and Charles Schultz, her sisters Helen Hyde, Velma Patterson, Imogene Walker and Janice Miller, and a special aunt, Adeline Moore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Manna Missions, and Jackson Grove Baptist Church Brown Bag Ministry and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Darla Forsythe, age 82, of Benton, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2026, at her home.

Darla was born on April 5, 1943, in San Antonio, Texas; the daughter of Colonel J.T. Biggs and Bonnie (Brown) Biggs. For many years, while growing up in Ewing, she lived with her grandparents Delmar and Edna Biggs. She married Paul Franklin Forsythe on July 14, 1962, and together they shared 63 years of marriage until his death on December 10, 2025.
She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1961.

Mrs. Forsythe formerly worked as a bookkeeper for the Franklin Hospital of Benton and the Doctor’s Hospital of Springfield, Illinois. She would also work for Taylor Motors and Bert Baker Chevrolet of Benton.
She was a member of Ewing Baptist Church.

Darla enjoyed bowling. Her family said that she enjoyed bowling in league play while in her thirties. They said she averaged in the 200’s and had several games bowled in the 240’s.
Surviving are two sons: two sons Scott Forsythe and wife Joyce of Whittington, IL, Mike Forsythe and wife Shannon of Pleasant Plains, IL; grandchildren: Kyle Forsythe of Mechanicsburg, IL, Kelsey Forsythe and husband Diego Pina of St. Louis, MO, Justin Forsythe of Ewing, IL, Matthew Forsythe of Benton, IL, Khilee McGuire of Carterville, IL, Skip Thomas of Benton, IL, Melissa Schultz of Benton, IL, Rocky Thomas of Papillion, NE; a great-grandson Travis Scott Forsythe; a half-brother Greg Biggs of Tennessee, and a half-sister Janet Biggs of Florida; two brothers-in-law: Sandy Forsythe of Benton, IL, Terry Forsythe of Ewing, IL, a niece Christine Forsythe-Vondras of Ewing, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, and her husband, a sister-in-law Helen Forsythe, a niece Gina Forsythe and a nephew Terry Forsythe, Jr.
Mrs. Forsythe’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the Ewing Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Darla, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Linda Huie, 71, of St Elmo, IL, formerly of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at Haven of St Elmo Nursing Home.

She was born on October 23, 1954 in New York City to Robert “Bob” and Joyce (Mocaby) Threewitt.

She is survived by her children Salina (Roy) Vahling of Effingham and Jeremy Huie of Buckner; grandchildren Ryder, River, Summer, Brydon and Lennon; brothers and sisters Geraldine (Kenny) Stegall of Sesser, Bob (Regina) Threewitt of Sesser, Debbie (David) Loucks of Herrin and Karen Cox of Herrin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters Carolyn Threewitt and Mary Threewitt and two brothers Richard Threewitt and Ronnie Threewitt.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a graveside service to be held at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser at a later date.

The family would like to thank the staff at Haven of St Elmo for the exceptional care that their mother received.

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

Raymond Charles Niepert, 90, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday January 25, 2026 at his home.

He was born on September 12, 1935 in Granite City, IL to Wilbert and Julia Marie (Veracity) Niepert. He married Ruby Laverne (Ross) Niepert on June 2, 1962 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his son Russell Charles (Devin) Niepert of Steeleville, IL; grandchildren Julia Marie Niepert, Joanna Brooke Niepert, JordanLynn Leek, Madison (Julian) Marvel and Austin Jeffrey Leek; great grandchildren Alex and Atticus.

Ray was a Captain for the Illinois State Police in DuQuoin and was a United States Army veteran.

Ray’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Paul Price, 74, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday January 23, 2026 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on January 6, 1952 in Christopher, IL to Carl and Mary (Essex) Price. He married Paula (Pedigo) Price on November 21, 1986.

He is survived by his wife Paula Price of Mulkeytown; his children Christa Price of West Frankfort, Melissa Price of West Frankfort, Shannon (Camara) Price of Mulkeytown and Tiffany Norris of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Aiden Ivanov, Madilyn Kelton, Emma Price, Jocy Price and Chance Norris; brothers and sisters Susan Vaughn of Mulkeytown, Patty Mack of West Frankfort, Brenda (Vic) Maze of Herrin, David (Candy) Price of Christopher and Alan (Becky) Price of Mulkeytown; aunt Martha Dennison of Christopher; brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws Vicki (Chris) Hammonds of Benton, Valerie (James) Price of Benton and Jim Rutherford, of Bush, and he is survived by several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Dorothy Price, three brothers-in-laws Rabrum Vaughn, Daryl Pedigo and Barney Mack and one sister-in-law, Laura Rutherford.

He loved his time on his mower, playing for hours on the backhoe, riding around town in the Mule with his family visiting and chopping up wood for the wood burner. He loved to gamble, eat out and cut up. In his later days he loved to travel with his wife to the mountains or sit on the back deck for hours looking at deer. He loved his kids and grandkids dearly and enjoyed pestering them all. He loved his church family and he had tons of buddies that he would go visit and was the unofficial mayor of Mulkeytown.

He worked at Turko Manufacturing, Waltonville Mine with his father and brother, he also owned his own construction company, then he worked for Prestige Trailer Company, and also the Stotlar Lumber Company and Tom Fisher Construction.

Funeral services will be on Saturday January 31, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Guy Webster officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 8:30 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

James Brice Duff, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 12:44 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Deaconess Midtown Hospital of Evansville, Indiana.

Jim’s wishes are to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be announced in the future. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
Jim was born on July 12, 1958, in Omaha, Nebraska; the son of Paul Duff and Betty Jean (Leslie) Duff. He married the former Amy Purdy on May 7, 2016. Together they shared their lives together dating and in marriage for just shy of 26 years.

He formerly worked in customer service with Crownline Boats of West Frankfort. Later he would work and retire with F.B. McAfoos & Co. of Benton, where he was the parts manager. After retirement he went back to work and was currently employed with Federated Auto Parts of Marion, Illinois.

Jim was a Past-Worshipful Master with Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort, Illinois, and currently served as Junior Warden. He was the head cook for 567 Smokers and was known for his smoked pork chop sandwiches and ribs. Jim was also an Honorary Member of Blazing Star Lodge #458 of Carrier Mills, Illinois, Akin Lodge #749 of Thompsonville, Illinois, and Hurst Lodge #1004 of Hurst, Illinois. Jim was a current board member of the Hill City Water District.

He enjoyed cooking, especially smoking meat. He and his wife enjoyed deer hunting, camping, and traveling. He loved working on cars and his family said he could fix anything.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Amy Purdy Duff of Benton, Illinois; his father and stepmother Paul Duff and wife Joleene of Onawa, Iowa, two sons: Russell Duff of Colorado Springs, Colorado, James Duff, and fiancée Rachel of Carterville, Illinois; four grandchildren: Mackenzie Duff, Kaitlynn Duff, Sophia Ecklund, Scylar Russell; four siblings: Jill Bauer and husband Jerry of Columbia, Illinois, Jean Huie and husband John of Coello, Illinois, Jerri George and husband Gary of Centralia, Illinois, Joe Duff of Kell, Illinois; brother-in-law Matthew Purdy and wife Melissa of Murray, Kentucky, sister-in-law Jenny Strollo and husband Bill of Christiansburg, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother Betty Jean Duff, a brother John Duff and his father-in-law and mother-in-law Jack and Judith Purdy.

The family prefers that memorial contributions be made payable in memory of Jim, to the Frankfort Lodge #567, to be used for scholarships; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

.

Ramon Roddy Bione, age 86, of Christopher, passed away on January 18, 2026, at Manor Court in Carbondale, Illinois.

Ramon was born on May 28, 1939, to Angelo and Chloe. He was a proud graduate of Christopher Community High School, Class of 1957. He grew up working alongside his family at Bione Truck Service, where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. In 1971, he purchased and began operating the business, continuing the family legacy with dedication and pride.

In 1968, Ramon met Diana Moyers, the love of his life. They were united in marriage on August 30, 1973, and shared 52 wonderful years together.

Ramon dedicated a lifetime to service. In his early twenties, he joined the fire department, where his leadership and commitment led him to serve as Fire Chief for ten years. His sense of duty began even earlier, as he served in the National Guard during his junior and senior years of high school before enlisting in the United States Army in 1958. Beyond his frontline service, Ramon served on the executive board of the Coal Belt Fire Protection Association and participated in Civil Defense, leaving a lasting impact on the safety and well-being of his community. He was a lifetime sponsor of Ducks Unlimited, reflecting his appreciation for conservation and the outdoors.

Ramon is survived by his beloved wife, Diana Bione; his niece and nephew, Jill (Moyers) Beaver and Steve Beaver, whom he thought of as a son; and his great-nieces, Amanda (Neal) Evilsizer and Ashton (Tyler) Parrish, whom he viewed as his grandchildren. They were a light in his life and he loved them dearly. He is also survived by Ashton and Tyler’s daughters, Amma and Rosie Parrish; bonus grandson Brian Evilsizer; and his favorite fur granddog, Izzy, the Chihuahua.

Additionally, Ramon is survived by his brother, Angelo (Debbie) Bione of Lawrenceville, Georgia; sister-in-law Shirley Bione of The Woodlands, Texas; nephews John (Kelly) Bione of Red Bud, Illinois and Steve (Wendy) Bione of O’Fallon, Illinois; niece Susan Bione of Dayton, Texas; niece Rhonda (Allen) Barlow of Orange Park, Florida; niece Shelly (Jeff) Kight of Lexington, South Carolina; nephew Steve (Carla) Stone of Middleburg, Florida; nephews Jaime (Antoinette) Moyers of Zeigler, Illinois, and Jason (Marion) Moyers of Marion, Illinois; along with several great-nieces and nephews, great-great nieces and nephews, and many lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Guido and Margherita Bione and Thurman and Alice Roddy; his parents, Angelo (Dorothy) Bione and Chloe (Glenn) Burnett; his brother, Donald Bione; and William “Bill” Morgan, who referred to Ramon and Diana as his parents. He was also preceded in death by his father- and mother-in-law, Rufus and Emily Moyers; brother- and sister-in-law Sam and Yvonne Moyers; and sister-in-law Marlene Stone.

Funeral services will be held on January 24, 2026, at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois, with Brother Don Wright officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Ramon will be laid to rest at Zeigler City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Veterans Honor Flight.

Ramon will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to family, community, and service, and for the quiet strength and kindness he shared with all who knew him.

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

James Darrell Robbins, age 79, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away at 8:03 a.m. on January 15, 2026, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital.

James was born on January 9, 1947, at his family home on Matthew Street in Sesser, Illinois, to Robert and Zelma Robbins. He spent his life rooted in the community he loved.

On June 2, 1967, he married the love of his life, Linda K. Robbins (née Davis), in Scottsburg, Indiana. Together they shared many years of marriage devoted to faith, family, and hard work.

James was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and a member of Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church.

He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Robbins; his brother, Donald Robbins; and his children: Kim Kail and husband Brad of De Forest, Wisconsin; Scott Robbins and wife Sherri of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; Rob Robbins and wife Bonita of Cabot, Arkansas; and Cory Robbins and wife Beth of Marion, Illinois.

James was a beloved grandfather to Lindsay Kail; Shelby Adler and husband Luke; Logan Smith; Levi Smith; Addison Robbins; Alexis Hubler and husband Josh; Ethan Robbins; Kegan Robbins and wife Andrea; Conner Robbins; and Kody Robbins. He was also blessed with eight great-grandchildren.

He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Zelma Robbins, and his sister-in-law, Brenda Robbins.

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, and his steadfast faith. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched.

A private graveside service will be held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Horse Prairie Cemetery in Sesser with Pastor Jim Sloane officiating. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Welch College, formally Freewill Baptist Bible College, and can be sent to the funeral home.

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