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

Jennifer Lee Franklin, age 54, of Christopher, Illinois, died Saturday, January 10, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, Illinois.

Per her wishes she will be cremated, and a private family Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Jennifer was born on November 23, 1971, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Alfred Lee Franklin, Sr. and Linda Sue (Carraher) Franklin.

She formerly worked with Subway and McDonald’s restaurants. After her daughter was born, she became a stay at home mom.

Jenny enjoyed music; she loved to sing karaoke and enjoyed dancing. Her daughter said she could make a room light up with smiles.

Surviving is her daughter Saria Alise Sawyer of Benton, Illinois, two sons William James Franklin of Illinois and Robert Woznicki of Indiana; a grandson Waylon William Booker, her mother Linda Franklin of Herrin, Illinois, siblings David Franklin of Benton, Illinois, Alfred Paul Franklin of Thompsonville, Illinois, Alfred Lee Franklin, Jr. of Herrin, Illinois, Theresa Franklin of South Holland, Illinois, and her life-long companion A.J. Sawyer.

She was preceded in death by her father and a brother Robert Franklin.

To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Jennifer, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Mona M. (Darr) Dawson, 95, of Benton passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Whittington, IL on March 11, 1930 the daughter of John & Lottie (Harmon) Darr.

She married Dwyight Coats on September 1, 1946 and he preceded her in death in June of 1959. She then married Glenn Dawson on March 31, 1960 and he preceded her in death on June 12, 2021.

Mrs. Dawson was a member of the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church and she was a Seamstress.
Mrs. Dawson was a proud Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Great-Great-Grandmother, Sister, Sister-in-law & Aunt to:

Twin Sons:
Terry Dawson
Jerry Dawson & wife Sarah

Grandchildren:
Joshua Dawson & wife Laura
Terra Hunter & husband Ben
Benjamin Dawson & wife Mandy
Jeremy Dawson & wife Amanda
Sarah Ege

GreatGrandchildren:
Aaron Dawson & wife Kristin
Hannah Guliksen & husband Tiler
Nathaniel Clements
Jeremy Clements
Andrea Clements
Christopher Clements
Jade Webb & husband Ricky
Landon Hunter
Daegan Dawson
Hailey Dawson
Alyssa Dawson
Kaleb Dawson

3 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Asher Dawson, Lacey Webb & Elizabeth Guliksen
1 Brother: Don Darr & wife Virginia
1 Sister: Neila Gibbons & husband Dave
Several Special Nieces & Nephews
Sister-in-law: Judy Darr
Special Person: Kelly Pyron

Mrs. Dawson was preceded in death by her Parents, 2 Husbands, Sister-Lora June Darr and 1 Brother Ronald Dean Darr.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 17th at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Rev. William Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Saturday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Linda D. Jones, 69, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at her home in Valier, IL.

She was born on December 4, 1956, to Harold and Velma (Douglas) Skelton in Denver, CO. On March 4, 1997, she married Randal G. Jones, and he survives.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Eldorado, IL. Linda loved her family and her pets and she enjoyed being outdoors and hiking. She really loved riding with her husband in the semi truck.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Randal Jones, her two sons, Michael W. Casteel and Matthew J. Casteel and two grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Velma Skelton, and her brother, Douglas Wilson.

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

Per Linda’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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