Jullian Graves, 12, of Sesser, passed away on May 30, 2023 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on December 26, 2010 in Mt Vernon to David Graves and Ashley (Pedigo) Smolley.

He is survived by his mother Ashley (Blake) Smolley of Sesser; siblings Corey Pedigo, Trinity Graves and Hadley Smolley, he is also survived by his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother Brenda Pedigo.

Funeral services will be on Saturday June 3, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Charlotte Smith, 84, of Valier, passed away on May 26, 2023 in Herrin, IL.

She was born on June 15, 1938 in Herrin to Gilbert and Lois (Ross) Prather.

She is survived by her children Lisa (Cord) Girten of Valier and Kevin Colyer of Mundelein, IL; grandchildren Ryan (Krystal) Girten of Yukon, OK, Kaci (Jasmine) Girten of Collinsville, IL, Emma Colyer of Mundelein, IL and Jake Colyer of Mundelein, IL and one great grandchild Zoe Overton.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Valeta Ruth Morgan.

A memorial service will be on Saturday June 10, 2023 at 4:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Holman. Visitation will be on Saturday from 2:00 PM until the time of the memorial service at 4:00 PM.

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

On May 27, 2023, at 88 years of age, faith became sight as Clyde “Butch” Burzynski quietly passed from this world, into the presence of his savior, Jesus Christ.
The youngest of 12, Dad was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence & Martha Burzynski, his brothers Stanley, Walt, John, Raymond and Lawrence, his sisters Helen, Mary, Ruth, Jane and Stella, and is survived by one brother, Marion.

He leaves behind his wife of 21 years, Janet, as well as his children Susan Barnhart & husband Jack, Russell Burzynski & wife Debbie, Katy Montoya & husband Gordon, Gloria Waddell & husband James, and his first wife, Donna Hardell; grandsons Aaron, Josh and David Burzynski, granddaughters Elyse Shirley, Clarissa Wells, Courtney Cimala and Stefani Waddell; and 13 great-grandchildren. Additionally, Janet has two children, Martin Lewis and Kathy Deason, and their families.
A graduate of Valier High School, Dad had many occupations – Fuller brush salesman, over-the-road truck driver, appliance sales, floral delivery, running the old Shell station on North Main Street in Benton, coal miner, school bus driver and janitor at BCHS – just to name a few. Dad loved talking to people. Seems like everywhere we went, Dad knew and was known by someone. He loved teaching Sunday School and serving in his church, playing harmonica with a band, ministering to folks in nursing homes and caring for friends and neighbors.

Any conversation you had with him would remind dad of a song lyric, and he would launch into song. And he especially loved to sing hymns. He’d sing and we’d join in. He loved watching the Cubs play on tv, and in time, when his eyesight failed, he’d tune in to the radio broadcast. He loved buying and selling cars. Every time he called one of us, he had a new joke, and told it masterfully. Nobody could tell a joke like Dad. He will forever be in our hearts and our best memories.

Visitation will take place at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, 410 S. Main St., on Friday, June 2, at 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, June 3, at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00. There will be a graveside service immediately following. Reverends Mark Minor and Chris Hottensen officiating.

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Sesser, 5422 Church Street, Sesser, Illinois 62884, in memory of Butch Burzynski.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Freda A. Hobbs, 102, of Benton, passed away at 3:35 a.m., on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Helia Heathcare of Benton, IL.

She was born on October 19, 1920, to Cloyd and Chloe (Meadows) Foster in Denning Township, Franklin County, IL. She married Marvin Hobbs, and he preceded her in death.

Freda was a loving mother, mother-in-law and grandmother and her family meant the world to her. She loved family get-togethers and cherished that special time with her family. She loved to go to the movies, and play games, she was an avid card player. She enjoyed cooking, sewing, crocheting and making crafts.

Freda is survived by her loving son, Charles (Mary) Hobbs of Marine, IL; son-in-law, Tim Pribble of Thompsonville, IL; eight grandchildren, Jeremiah (Dana) Pribble of Goreville, IL, Amanda (Kris) Mayberry of Norris City, IL, Josh (Stacy) Pribble of Thompsonville, IL, Jacob Pribble of Thompsonville, IL, Dennis (Cheryl) Hobbs of Festus, MO, David (Christina) Hobbs of East Alton, IL, Jeffrey (Julia) Hobbs of Marine, IL and Kurt (Angie) Hobbs of Marine, IL; fifteen great-grandchildrens, Loren Pribble, Shelby Pribble, Blaire Mayberry, Marissa Mayberry, Brayden Mayberry, Alan Pribble, Casey Pribble, Courtney Pribble, Jason (Leslie) Grace, Trisha Farnam, Donnella Hobbs, Phillip (Nicole) Hobbs, Jacob (Laura) Hobbs, Justin (Rachael) Hobbs and Matthew Hobbs; fourteen great-great-grandchildren, Ryan, Lucas, Emily, Ian, Ethan, Lilly, Ava, Elizah, Erica, Kaylee, Rebekah, Lillian, Payten and Eliott; one sister, Leona Middleton of California; nieces and nephews, Fred, WM, Sherlene, Aubrielle Middleton, Mike, Mendy, Robin, Laida Hediger, Mary Beth Barnhardt, Michael, Stephanie, Taylor, Kaylee Harkness, Jacie, Mattie, Nicky, Jeanette Dorchinciz, Becky, John Gaylor and dear friend Roy Pribble.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cloyd L. and Chloe E. Foster, husband, Marvin Hobbs, daughter, Deborah “Debbie” Kay Pribble, brothers, John Walter (Edie) Hobbs, Bobby Frost and Carl Foster; sisters, Hazel (Michael) Dorchincez and Gloria (Wayne) Hediger, brother-in-law, Buck Middleton, grandson, Charles Hobbs, great-grandson, Jonathon Hobbs, nephews, Jim Dorchinciz and Steve Dorchinciz, and her dear friend, Mary Alice Pribble.

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

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., Thursday, May 25, 2023, at Pate Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Pastor Jesse Hinds, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dwight Lee Waller, age 97, of Macedonia, passed away at 3:11 a.m. Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation of McLeansboro.

Mr. Waller was born on February 23, 1926, in Hamilton County, Illinois; the son of Marion Leslie Waller and Irene (Lampley) Waller. He married the former Lois Pauline Biddle on February 16, 1947, and she preceded him in death on June 28, 2016.

Dwight was a retired self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, woodworking, gardening, and enjoyed family fish fries. His family said he was the best at frying fish.

He is survived by a daughter Vickie L. Ward and husband Dale of Macedonia, a son Billy Waller of Macedonia; two grandchildren: Jordan Lee Ward of California, Shelby Lynn Ahlfeld and husband Nick of Benton; four great-grandchildren: Justin, Mariah, Samuel and Sadie; a brother Carol Dean Waller and wife Margie of Hamilton County; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a daughter-in-law Karen A. Waller, three brothers: Bob Waller, Wayne Waller and Jerry Waller.

His wishes are to be cremated.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at the Brady Cemetery, with Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois; and will be accepted at the services and at Leffler Funeral home.

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

LeeAnn Stritzel, 81, of Christopher, passed away on Monday May 15, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on September 12, 1941 in Christopher, IL to Carl Steven and Lela (Jones) Webb. She married Richard “Dick” Stritzel on May 30, 1963 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her daughters Lori (Dennis) Tindall of Mulkeytown, Kellie (Scott) Bast of Chesterfield, Mo, Julie (Vas) Sabeeh of Phoenix, AZ and Holly Helfrich of Christopher; grandchildren Kati (Steve) Borta, Matt (Leighann) Thomas, Rachel (Jeremy) Chaney, Jacob (Niki) Tindall, Chloe Bast, Audrey Bast, Miles Sabeeh, Simone Sabeeh, Rollin Sabeeh, Ryan Helfrich, Jack Helfrich and Sam Helfrich; great grandchildren Jaxon, Charley, Gwen, Evan, Ryleigh, Meme, Luke, Wyatt and Khloe; one sister Jane Brayfield of Benton and one sister-in-law Jeanie Webb of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Carl Dean Webb.

Graveside services will be on Monday May 22, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Toby Daniel Doxsie, 55, of Benton passed away Friday evening May 12, 2023 at his home.

He was born in Pekin, IL on October 22, 1967, the son of Derling Travis and Mary Alice (Poole) Doxsie.

He loved his family and his friends. He enjoyed camping and fishing and outdoor activities.

He is survived by his:
Mother: Mary Doxsie of Benton
Sister Dawn (Tim) Doxsie of Benton
Brothers: Steve Doxsie & wife Brenda of Ewing, Terry Doxsie & wife Billie of Benton
Nieces & Nephews: Stephanie Doxsie, Courtney Doxsie, Corey Hunt, Trisha Neumann & husband Josh, Dustin (Vicky) Bailey, and Kelsey Doxsie.
Mr. Doxsie was preceded in death by his Father, by 3 Brothers-Michael Dean, Ricky Eugene and Mark Anthony, by a Niece-Melissa Storey, by an Uncle-Hosea Poole and by his Grandparents- Derling Edison and Grace Elizabeth Doxsie and Buster and Bertie Poole.

Graveside Services will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, May 20th at the Kirk Cemetery in Ina with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

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

Jimmie Dale Rhodes, 91, of Zeigler, passed away at 10:50 a.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Dale was born on October 21, 1931, in Alto Pass to Ray and Geneva (Bridgeman) Rhodes. He was united in marriage to Alice Joan Bagwell on February 12, 1955, at the First Baptist Church in Zeigler. Together they’ve shared 68 years of marriage.

Dale was a 1949 graduate of Wolf Lake High School, where he was valedictorian of his graduating class. He later continued his education at Southern Illinois University- Carbondale. Dale served his country honorably in the United States Army during the Korean War Conflict.

Dale was retired having been the former Executive Vice President of Boatman’s Bank of Zeigler for 23 years. He had previously worked at the Illinois Central Railroad for 17 years as a telegraph operator and depot agent. He also owned and operated a Western Star semi-tractor trailer and delivered goods across the country.

Dale became a Christian and was baptized at 12 years old. He was a member of the Zeigler First Baptist Church where he served as trustee, deacon, and Sunday school teacher for many years. Dale enjoyed volunteering at the Lifeway Christian Conference Center in Ridgecrest, North Carolina for 18 years.

Dale enjoyed mowing grass and kept his yard immaculate. He oversaw the Zeigler First Baptist Church food pantry. Dale was also given the honorary title of Zeigler-Royalton’s #1 sports fan. He enjoyed supporting the ZR’s schools and going to all their games. Dale was also a huge Chicago Cubs fan and loved watching every game on TV.

He is survived by his wife, Joan Rhodes of Zeigler; two daughters, Lesa Ann (Stephen) Joiner of Hickory, NC, and Rhoda Dale (Phillip) Champley of Taylorville, IL; three grandchildren, Erin Kathleen Joiner of Atlanta, GA, Kelsi Dale Champley of Boston, MA, and Kord Phillip (Madisyn) Champley of Assumption, IL; great-grandson, Cainen Rhodes Champley; sister, Sherry Rendleman of Wolf Lake, IL. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lane (Belinda Lu) Rhodes; sister, Beverly Rhodes; brother-in-law, Gary Rendleman.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Zeigler First Baptist Church with Pastor Larry Shacklee officiating.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the church.
Memorial contributions are preferred to be made to Zeigler First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the church the day of the service.

Vantrease-Pyle Funeral Home of Zeigler is entrusted with the arrangements.

Lanetta Mae Lomelino, 47, of Sesser, passed away on Friday April 28, 2023 as a result of an automobile accident.

She was born on December 6, 1975 in Roanoke, VA to Jerry Lee Ing and Tina (Dozeman) Gilliam. She married David Leo Lomelino on September 27, 2015.

She is survived by her husband David Lomelino of Sesser; children Jerry Wayne Ing of Eldorado and Zachary Lomelino of Sesser; grandchildren Ryley Ing, Gauge Ing and Zoey Ing; mother Tina (Danny) Gilliam of Nason; father Jerry Lee Ing of Scheller; two sisters Angie (Daniel) Evans of Sesser and Valerie (Britt) Talley of Stonington, IL.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother Lanetta Mae Queen.

Funeral services for Lanetta will be on Friday May 12, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Bean officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Judy Ann Hastings, 79, of Benton, passed away on May 6, 2023 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN.

She was born on October 22, 1943 in Peoria, IL to Earl and Flora (Crooks) Rogers. She is survived by her children, Bryan and Cheri (Rath) Hastings of Sesser and Cindy Hastings and (Joe Fennawalt) of West Frankfort and her sister Gloria Hastings of Valier, five grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Flora Rogers, two brothers Jim Rogers and Skip Rogers and one sister Sharon Dozard.

Graveside services will be on Thursday May 11, 2023 at 10:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

Judy will be missed by her family and friends.

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