James F. “Jim” Rea, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at 87, surrounded by his loving family, He was born on September 7, 1937, to Marion and Lucy Rea in the small town of Mulkeytown, IL, where he spent his formative years.

After graduating from Christopher High School, Jim pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. He studied agriculture community development, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He served as an Army reservist for four years. One of his early professional endeavors was at the Illinois Department of Agriculture at SIU.

Over a span of 22 years, Jim served in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois State Senate, working for the betterment of southern Illinois. His influence and dedication were evident through his active involvement in numerous organizations, including a distinguished membership in the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, the Lions Club, the Shriners, and many others. Perhaps most notably, he took great pride in his contributions to CASA of Franklin County, advocating for the welfare of children.

Jim’s life was shared by his first wife, Josephine (Toigo) Rea, whom he met in Christopher, IL and preceded him in death.They were married for 42 years and raised two children: James A. Rea and Jo Ellen McKinney. Jim was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren: Steven Brayfield of Mulkeytown, IL; Sarah (Kody) Rathert of Campbell Hill, IL; Cody(Rachele)McKinney of Coello, IL; Aaron Rea of Fargo, ND; Dalton (Jessica) Rea of Peoria, IL; and Avery (Connor) Kink of Waterloo, IL. He also has five great-grandchildren: Skylar and Dawson Rathert, Bowen and Caroline Brayfield, and Kimber McKinney.

In his later years, Jim remarried Lorena (Simion) Rea and is deeply remembered by his devoted and loving wife, who was by his side for twelve cherished years.

A graveside service will be held on December 7, 2024, at Mulkeytown Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA of Franklin County, located at 903 Washington St, Suite #3, Benton, IL.

Rudy Earl Stowers, 83, of Benton, passed away at 6:48 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 23, 1941, to Elza and Bertha (Wiley) Stowers in Benton, IL. Rudy was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. He worked as a Class A Electrician with mine construction. On December 25, 1978, Rudy married Deloris Jane Williams in Hurst IL, and she survives.

Rudy was a United States Army Veteran, serving one tour in Alaska and two tours in Korea.

He was a member of Steel City Baptist Church. Rudy enjoyed gardening, working out at the gym and going fishing.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Deloris; his children, Paula (David) Newcomb of Yulee, FL, Rudy Eugene (Tabitha) Stowers of Nashville, IL, Amy (Jeff) Taylor of Benton, IL, Bobbie (Ruth) Wright of DuQuoin, IL, Frank E. (Amy) Wright of Benton, IL and Laura (Chris) Wright of Makanda, IL; 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elza E. and Bertha A. Stowers, six brothers and sisters, Floyd, Geneva, Johnny, Zella, Daniel and Ruth.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
A Celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Steel City Baptist Church, 9241 Crawford Street, Benton, IL., with Rev. Joe Zbiden officiating.
Per Rudy’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Memorials may be to Steel City Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Burial will be privately held at the Hill Crest Cemetery, Carterville, IL.

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

Jerry DeWitt, 87, went to be with the Lord Friday, November, 22, 2024 resting peacefully at Wesley Willows Retirement Community in Rockford, Illinois.

Jerry was born September, 15, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a minister of the Gospel, sharing it with everyone he met. He was a great prayer warrior and a great believer in the ministry of prayer cloths. He was proceeded in death by his parents Merl & Vonie DeWitt and brother and sister in law, Bernie and Sherrie DeWitt. Jerry was married to Duene (Austin) DeWitt who also proceeded him. After knowing each other for 19 days were married for over 60 years. It was a true love story.

Jerry is survived by their three children: Chris and Kelly DeWitt. Tom and Naomi DeWitt. Pam and Jay Watson. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jared Watson, Beth DeWitt and Liz Idzakovich, Jenny and Chris Lindsay, Caitlyn and Nick Stallons, Adrianna Watson and Will Bixby; two great grandsons: Oliver and Eliot Lindsay.

Funeral services will be on Monday December 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the West City Church of God. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated and envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Ronald “Ron” D. Crofford, 78, of Benton, passed away at 10:10 a.m., on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, IL.

He was born on July 19, 1946, to Leonard and Rosaline (Alexander) Crofford in Hammond, IN.

He was a member of Village Baptist Church in Lake Village, IN. He loved restoring old cars in his past-time and flipping houses.

Ron is survived by his three sons, Ronald A. Crofford and wife, Uni, Mark Crofford and wife, Patty and Scott Crofford; his sisters and brother, Diane Lenz and husband Larry, Leonard Crofford and wife, Gail and Sharon Wright and husband, Ron, and four grandchildren, Paige, Tiara, Alexia and Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Rosaline Louise Crofford and his sister, Connie Watson.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Howard Johnson, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Denning Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Plant a Tree Foundation.

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

Carol Ann Borgra, 86, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday November 21, 2024 at Marshall Browning Hospital.

She was born on May 3, 1938 in Zeigler to Steve and Beulah (Burns) Ondo. She married Joseph Borgra on October 12, 1957 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Joseph Borgra of Coello, Bill Borgra of Christopher, Dana (Tim) Zeidler of DuQuoin and Donna Prather of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Steve (Audrey), Allison, Luke (Marisol), Laci, Kortoney (Chris) and A.J.; great grandchildren River, Shiloh, Lucas, Junior, Lydia, Pierce and Kailyn; one sister Julia Bouffard of Beach Park, IL; three brothers Richard (Mary) Ondo of Waukegan, WI, Charles (Belinda) Ondo of Byhalia, MS and Tim (Jean) Ondo of West Frankfort, IL and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister Nancy and her husband Homer Swathwood, three brothers Jack and his wife Pat Ondo, Donald and his wife Ann Ondo and Dan Ondo and one brother-in-law Norm Bouffard.

Funeral services will be on Monday November 25, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Danny Motta officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery.

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

Frances Geraldine LeVault, 91, affectionately known as Fran or Jerry, left our care on November 17, 2024, in New Port Richey, Florida. She was born on December 5, 1932, in Beason, Illinois.

She graduated in 1950 from Sesser High School and married the love of her life two weeks later. She became a homemaker and loving Mom to a lively family of nine. She also worked as a waitress and banquet manager in her “spare time”. Her hobbies included sewing, and embroidering quilts, showing her creativity and love for family and friends.

Known for her fun-loving nature, Frances was a wonderful mother and grandmother lovingly called Grandma, Gram, Gigi, and Bana by her 14 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren.

Frances is survived by her husband, Jack LeVault; daughters, Jacqueline Guidotti (Bruce), Cheryl Rysula (Keith), Cathy Peart (Leroy), and Charlene Spanos; sons, Charles LeVault, and Jerry LeVault (Chris).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Virginia Mae Cavitt and Clarence Earl Dillon; sisters, Nancy Dillon and Imogene Dubbert; daughter, Brenda Lanning; and grandsons, John Spanos, and Justin LeVault; as well as sons-in-law, Sam Lanning and Peter Spanos.

A celebration of life for Frances will be held on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Dobies Funeral Home, 6616 Congress Street, New Port Richey, Florida, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm. A private burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

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

Brenda J. Howland, 66, of Buckner, passed away at 11:43 a.m., on Monday. November 18, 2024, at her home in Buckner, surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 31, 1958, to Roy and Flora (Coder) Sweetin in Geneva, IL. On May 3, 1976, she married Scott R. Howland, and he survives.

Brenda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister. She enjoyed reading books and taking care of her plants.

Brenda is survived by her husband of 48 years, Scott Howland; her daughter Tippie Haarmann and her husband, Devin: her granddaughter, Jaryn Haarmann; her sister, Cindy Evangelides and her two brothers, Jim Roscoe and John Coder.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Flora Sweetin and her brother, David Coder.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per Brenda’s wishes, cremation will take place.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Walter Esco Robinson, 91, of Christopher, passed away on Wednesday November 6, 2024 at the Herrin Hospital.

He was born on August 12, 1933 in Simpson, IL to Walter Hillis and Myrtle (Kerley) Robinson. He married Mary Frances (Miles) Robinson on September 12, 1953 and she preceded him in death on October 2, 2024.

He is survived by his daughter Cathy (Fred) Pitts of West Frankfort; grandchildren Garrick (Kristen) Pitts, Meredith (Corey) Ruble, Christopher (Sharon) Pitts; great grandchildren Caleb, Thea, Lakya, Faith, Gabriel, Eden, Matthias, Renee and Jazmine; one great great grandson Spencer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and two sisters Irmal Childres and Cleo Cravens.

Funeral services will be on Sunday November 17, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Mark Rich officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion.

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

Rodney Martin Powell, 74 of Thompsonville, IL, left this earth on Thursday, October 31st surrounded by his loving family.

Rodney was born December 30, 1949, to Eugene and Dorothy Powell, who preceded him in death.

Rodney was married to his loving wife, Linda Powell in July of 1978, and she preceded him in death in January 2024. They were married 45 years.

Rodney spent the first part of his career in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam era. He then began working in the coal mining industry where he spent the rest of his career of nearly 40 years. In his spare time he loved to be spending time with his family, playing golf and fishing with his grandson.

Rodney is preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Dorothy Powell of Benton IL, one brother, Michael Powell of Du Quoin, IL, and his wife Linda Powell of Thompsonville, IL.
Rodney is survived by one son, Adam Powell of Marion, IL, one daughter, Jessica Powell of Thompsonville, IL, one grandson, Noah Minton of Christopher, IL, one sister Patti (Ronnie) Burlison of Benton, IL, one aunt, Jean Battershell of Richland, WA, two sisters-in-law, Debby Powell of Du Quoin, IL, and Toni (Jim) Head of Benton, IL, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Friends and family may call upon the funeral home on Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 AM until the service at 12:00 PM with Bro. John Odle officiating, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, IL, where military rites will be performed.

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