Joanne Butler, 95, of Sesser, IL, passed away on Monday August 14, 2023 at her home.

She was born on February 26, 1928 in Sesser, IL to Burt and Opal (Inglett) Lemons. She married Fred Butler on February 19, 1977 and he preceded her in death on May 23, 2011.

She is survived by her children Mick (Brenda) Spotanski of DuQuoin and Patty Doerr of Sesser; grandchildren Robert (Judy) Doerr, Cristina (Brian) Toedebusch, Sheri (fiancé Travis) Grob and Kelly Spotanski Jansen; great grandchildren Jessica, Dylan, Lily, Korteney, Lane and Paige; great great grandchildren Jameson, Chris Jr., Lydia, Lucas Keith, Chesni, Vayda, Tristen and Kelisy and one special friend Paula Rone of Sesser.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son-in-law Bob Doerr, grandson Keith Prather and one great grandson Kenny Grob.

Funeral services for Joanne will be on Friday August 18, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM.

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

Cliff “Teddy Bear” Jones, age 76, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 1:00 a.m. Sunday, August 13, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Dr. Kirk Kay, officiating. The burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation services will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Clifton Ernest Jones was born on June 1, 1947, in McComb, Mississippi; the son of Ernest L. Jones and Grace (Williams) Jones. He married the former Judith Ann Elimon on August 6, 1966, and she preceded him in death on April 11, 2014. Together they shared just shy 48 years of marriage. He would later marry the former Sheila (Lewis) Anderson on November 29, 2014, and she survives.

Cliff worked in the coal mining industry. In the coal mines is where he got his nickname “Teddy Bear.” He formerly worked with Inland Steel, CONSOL, and Ker-McGee mines.

He enjoyed everything about railroads and trains. He loved to travel and spend time with his family, especially his grandkids, and he loved being “Pa Pa.” He even had magnetic signs on his vehicle that showed he operated Pa Pa’s Taxi. He loved being there for his grandchildren and sharing in every part of their life.

He was a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving is his loving wife Sheila of Benton, Illinois; three daughters: Leigh Ann Ward and husband Jim of Benton, Illinois, Kelly Kanzaki and husband Ty of Bettendorf, Iowa, Lori Craven and husband Chuck of Benton, Illinois; Sheila’s two children: Duane Anderson of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Sherry Collier and husband Garrett of Benton, Illinois; 15 grandchildren: Jennifer Summers, Daulton Ward and wife Brooklyn, Ashtyn Ward, Jenny Ward Head and husband Jamie, Allison Ward Anthis and husband Brad, Zachary Chaplain, Alex Chaplain, Katie Kanzaki, Dillan Chamness and wife Katelyn, Tyler Chamness, A.J. Craven, Megan Anderson, Ryan Anderson, Kameron Metzger, Kendra Metzger; 9 great-grandchildren: Anais Dove, Cheshire Dove, Trevor Head, Nathan Head, A.J. Head, Aria Anthis, Maverick Anthis, Whitlee Ward, Barrett Ward; sister-in-law Mary Jones of McComb, Mississippi; brother-in-law Evan Lewis and wife Denise of Thompsonville, Illinois; other family including Brooke Holman and husband Steve and son Drew.

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents: Ernest L. Jones and Grace (Williams) Jones Bowers; his first wife Judith Ann (Elimon) Jones; a son-in-law Mark Chaplain, a granddaughter April Dawn Chaplain, and a brother Dennis Jones.

The family prefers Memorial contributions, in memory of Cliff, be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church; and will be accepted at the services on Wednesday.

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

Shelia Jean (Dilliner) Lingo, 66, of Mt Vernon, passed away on Saturday August 12, 2023 at St Louis University Hospital with her loving family by her side.

She was born on October 10, 1956 in Gary, IN to Carrol and Juanita (Bates) Dilliner. She married Warren Dean Lingo and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her sister Diann (Keith) Cox of McLeansboro; one brother Milton Leon (Terryl) Dilliner of Sesser; two nephews Brandon (Stormy) Dilliner of Mulkeytown and Nathan (Janette) Dilliner of Sesser; two great nieces Shayne Dilliner and Taylor Ellison; one great great niece Dylan and one great great nephew Rhett and one aunt Doris Carmen of Mt Vernon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Shelia loved to play bingo, watch the St Louis Cardinals and most of all loved to attend her church.

Funeral services for Shelia will be on Thursday August 17, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Dean Kelley, 88, of Benton passed away Thursday morning, August 10, 2023 at the StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

Mr. Kelley was born in Benton, IL on February 17, 1935, the son of Wiley & Annie (Metcalf) Kelley.

He married Shirley Ann (Fisher) on August 19, 1955 and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2005.

Mr. Kelley was a retired Oil Field Superintendent and was very well known in Kentucky & Illinois. He liked to fish & he loved his family.

Mr. Kelley is survived by his:
Daughter: Kathy Eickelman of Benton

Granddaughter: Amandy (Mandy) Mckee & husband Ryan of Mt. Vernon

3 Great-Grandchildren: Landon, Hayden & Delaney (Sissy)
Mr. Kelley was preceded in death by his Parents, Wife, Son-in-law-Tom Eickelman, 2 Brothers-Charles & William, 1 Sister-Virginia and a Niece-Barbara.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, August 12th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Ruth Colleen Pyron, 82, of Benton passed away on Monday morning, August 7, 2023 singing hymns surrounded by her family at the StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on March 12, 1941 the daughter of Roy & Mary Elizabeth (Runnels) Lefler.

She married Gerald D. Pyron on July 11, 1959 and he survives.

Colleen became church pianist at the age of 12. She was the pianist for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton. She loved music and her Lord Jesus Christ. Gerald & Colleen had a deep & abiding love for each other, their children and grandchildren. She taught many students piano over the years. Colleen was supportive & compassionate to so many people and she was a good listener.

Colleen is survived by her:

Husband: Gerald Pyron of Benton
3 Children:
Kelly Pyron of Benton
Jamelyn Dodson & husband James of Mt. Vernon
Samuel Pyron & wife Melissa of Williston, ND

11 Grandchildren:
Joshua Dawson & wife Laura of Benton
Terrra Clements of Ewing
Benjamin Dawson & wife Mandy of Hallsville, MO
Casey Lampley of West Frankfort
Misha Boykin & husband Martin of Mt. Vernon
Sabrina Sims & husband Joshua of Spring Hill, KS
Marc Torres of Williston, ND
Andrew Dunn of Williston, ND
Chandler Pyron of Benton
Lilly Pyron of Wallace, Idaho
Shelease Pyron of Williston, ND

18 Great-Grandchildren
1 Great-Great-Grandson
1 Sister-Jodean Avery of Mt. Vernon

Mrs. Pyron was preceded in death by her Parents, Granddaughter-in-law-Tiffany Lampley, Sisters-Juanita Phillips, Delphia Kent, Irene Johnson & Brenda Bruce and Brother-Clyde Lefler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 11th at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Vicar Aaron Dawson & Rev. William Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Friday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Myra Celeste (Owens) Noel passed away peacefully at her home in Bourbonnais, IL, on August 5, 2023, after a long battle with illness. Born on June 26, 1948, in Benton, IL, to the late Dorothy Hampton and Omer Owens.

Myra was an accomplished scholar, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Governors State University, where she graduated with honors and was a proud member of the National Honors Society. Her academic achievements were a testament to her dedication and commitment to her chosen field.

In her professional life, Myra served as a Medical Social Worker at St James Hospital. She was passionate about helping others and used her skills and knowledge to make a significant impact on the lives of those she served. Her colleagues and patients alike admired her for her compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her work.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Myra had a love for life that was infectious. She loved listening to music and reading, always eager to learn and grow. Her love for others was evident in her everyday actions, always ready to lend a hand to those in need.

Myra is survived by her sons, Matthew and Michael Noel, her brother William Owens, and her twin brother Daniel Owens.

She was predeceased by her parents, Dorothy and Omer, and her brothers, Omer Owens Jr. and Max Owens.

Myra was a beloved grandmother to Mark, Aaron, Stephen, Matthew Jr., Justin and Kamryn Noel, Kasey Lesher, and was also blessed with many great-grandchildren. Her family was her pride and joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

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

Graveside service will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 19, 2023, at Middle Fork Cemetery, Ewing, IL.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Linda J. Duncan, 81, of Benton, passed away at 5:05 p.m., on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, surrounded by
her family.

She was born on October 1, 1941, to Lebro Pent and Helen (Willis) Drannon in Benton, IL. She married William Robey on July 19, 1958, and he passed away May 15, 1997. On November 7, 2001, she married Donald “Don” Duncan, and he survives.

She was a member of Jackson Grove Baptist Church, in Benton. Linda was also a member of the local chapter of the Home Extension Club.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She really enjoyed quilting, crocheting, reading and watching Jeopardy.

Linda is survived by her loving spouse, Donald “Don” Duncan, her children, Danny (Sue) Robey of Destin, FL and Brook (Shawn) Craig of Benton, IL; son-in-law, Jack Anderson; step-children, Susan (Jess) Spohn, Cindy (Kevin) Alvis; Roger (Tammy) Duncan, Pete (Miki) Klus and step-son-in-law, Vince Kelley: grandchildren, Nic (Amber) Robey, Adam Anderson, Kyle (Brittany) Robey, Andrew (Sierra) Anderson, Aaron (Anne) Anderson, Joey Craig and Gabe Craig; step-grandchildren, Tracy (Jeremy) Siedler, Corey (Chelsea) Kelley, Mallory Kelley, Ross (Rae) Worthey, Chase Worthey, Christopher Worthey, Derek (Sara) Alvis, Kaitlynn (Jon) Pulliam, Alyvia Duncan, Anderson Klus and Marli Klus: great-grandchildren, Knox Robey, Mattox Cannon, Afton Anderson, Grant Anderson, Kenton Robey, Benjamin Robey, Liliet Robey, Everly Anderson, Luckey Anderson, Sam Rausenberger, Alana Rausenberger and Averi Anderson; step-great-grandchildren, Jaci Page, Ashton Crawford, Kadence Kelley, Jane Worthey, Marigold Worthey, Jazmynn Worthey, Wade Worthey, Lillie Alvis, Gracie Colp and Keaton Pulliam; brother, Quincy (Mona) Pent and sisters, Judy (Lee) Musick and Beverly (Gary) Bullard.

She was preceded in death by father, Lebro F. Pent, mother, Helen Drannon, first husband, William E. Robey, daughter, Kim Anderson, step-daughter, Nellie Kelley, brother, Kenneth Pent and sisters, Patricia Cianferia, Yolanda Pent and Kathy Teisfeld.

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

Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 6, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 7, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with , the Reverend Don Bullard and the Reverend Kevin Bullard, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Jackson Grove Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

David Matthew Baumgarte, 48, of Scheller, passed away on Monday July 31, 2023 in Evansville, IN.

He was born on March 11, 1975 in West Frankfort, IL to Bobby Baumgarte and Ruth (Cockrum) Miner.

David was a dedicated husband and father. He loved his family and friends. He was the type of person who never met a stranger. He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. Most people know of him as “Cowboy”, and that’s because he has spent most of his life fishing and hunting. He was a member of the Fin and Feather club for 6 years. He also loved taking his Harley out for a ride. If he wasn’t doing those things, he was working. He took pride in his work and was one of the most hardworking men we knew. He spent 7 years at Continental Tire where he was recently promoted to supervisor.

He went to college at Northern Illinois University for the hearing impaired where he met his wife Stacy. They were married for 25 years and had two daughters Samantha Baumgarte of Scheller and Julie (Ryan) Payne of Zeigler. David is also survived by his mother Ruth Miner of Sesser; father Bobby Baumgarte of West City; one sister Rebecca Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL and three brothers Johnny Lee (Marissa) Baumgarte of Valier, Stanley Miner of Sesser and Samuel Baumgarte of Grand Tower, IL.

Memorial service for David will be on Friday August 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.

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