Cindy Ann (Barnfield) Schmechel, age 56, of West Frankfort, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.

Cindy was born on July 13, 1969, in Benton, Illinois, the daughter of Kenneth Eugene and Roberta Joyce (Piercy) Barnfield.

She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1987 and was a homemaker.

Cindy is survived by her father Kenneth Barnfield of Benton, Illinois, a sister Michelle Shurtz of Benton, Illinois, a brother Kenneth Barnfield of West Frankfort, Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents William Harvey and Bertha Cloe Barnfield, her maternal grandparents Roy and Margaret Piercy, mother Roberta Joyce Barnfield, a niece Brittani Nichole Shurtz, and three dogs Cassie, Rottney and Timber.

In the beginning, the Lord was with her. But it was not until the end did, she find and know He was with her in all the suffering in the middle. Her lifetime of suffering was great; Our God was greater! Just a few short hours before her final breath, He opened the veil and showed her something beyond her describing. Her eyes were extremely wide opened. The clarity, bewilderment, and joy I saw, were beyond my describing. I have never seen her in this way before. The curiosity, the illumination of her face! He showed her something wonderful. From that moment on she had found God waiting with open arms, extending profound love and peace to her. For the first time in her life, she knew it and she had it. Her race was over. Finishing better than she started it. Her Purpose fulfilled. Our God is good!
Psalm 135:14 “For the Lord will vindicate his people and have compassion on His servants.”

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Cindy, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation services.

Debra Lee Depasquale, 56, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in her home Sunday, November 2nd, surrounded by what she believed to be most important — her family.

May she now rest in the warmth of God’s light, finally at peace.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Debra, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Steven Ashmore, 71, of Benton, passed away on Sunday November 23, 2025 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on September 29, 1954 in Herrin, IL to William and Joyce Ann (Walker) Ashmore. He married Sandra (Payne) Ashmore and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his sons Jason (Paige) Ashmore of Sesser, IL and Ryan (Nicki) Ashmore of Crab Orchard, IL; grandchildren Halle Jo Ashmore, Landri Paige Ashmore, Ledger Chad Ashmore and River Brently Ashmore; three sisters Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven was a Veteran of the Vietnam War serving for the United States Air Force.

Funeral services will be on Friday November 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville, IL.

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

Dennis W. Sneed, 71 of Christopher, IL, passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2025 at his home with his wife Candice Sneed by his side.

Dennis was born June 16, 1954, and was the son of William and Shirley Tennison. He married Candice D. Carlton, in June 13, 1988.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father Paul W. Sneed, step-father William G. Tennison and step-brother Timothy Tennison.

Dennis is survived by his wife Candice of 37 years; mother Shirely Tennison; brothers, David Sneed and wife Connie, Lindell Sneed and wife Pam and Joel Tennison; and sister Christy Langford and husband Steve, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dennis graduated from Benton High School and worked for Old Ben Coal, the Federal Housing, and Benton Auxiliary Police. Dennis faithfully attended 1st Baptist Church in Christopher Il.
Visitation will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday November 26th, with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

WIlliam (Bill) R. Gamble, Jr., of Kalispell, Montana, (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away on Nov 22, 2025.

Bill was born in Benton, IL on March 17, 1940. Bill attended Benton Consolidated High School where he played football.

Bill later moved to Texas where he attended Texas A and M for a year before ultimately graduating from the University of Houston.

While in Texas, he served in the United States Air Force Reserves at Ellington Air Force as a C-119
airplane mechanic. Bill was a member and Deacon of Faith Covenant Church in Kalispell, MT and
owned his own insurance company. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Gamble,Sr and Evelyn S. Gamble of Livingston, Texas.

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Carroll (Paul) of Bryan TX, brother, Carl Gamble (Wendy) of Austin, Texas,
brother, Richard Gamble (Sandy) of Rolla, Missouri,daughter, Marti Gamble of Seattle, son, William R. Gamble III (Jacquelyn) of
Kalispell and daughter, Kayte Isakson (Tracy) of Kalispell as well as many grandchildren,great grandchildren, nephews and niece.

Services will be private. Donations in Bill’s name may be sent to Hidden Meadow Memory Care 240 Hidden Meadow
Ln Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Mollie Mae Veach (nee Morgan), age 94, of Valier, Illinois, went to be with the Lord peacefully at her home while surrounded by her family on November 23, 2025.

Born December 22, 1930, to Rev. J.D. and Nina Morgan, Mollie moved with her family to Valier when her father became pastor of the Valier First Baptist Church. It was there, at a high-school football game, that she met the love of her life, Marion “Bull” Veach. The two married on September 3, 1949, and together they built a life full of love, family, and service to the Lord.

Mollie had a lifelong passion for gospel music. She blessed countless hearts with her beautiful voice as a member of the gospel quartet The Harmonettes, and she never tired of singing praises or listening to the songs that lifted her soul straight to heaven. A faithful member of the Valier First Baptist Church for over eighty years, she taught Sunday school for decades, pouring God’s word and her gentle love into generations of children. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Mollie was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Above all, Mollie loved her family with every beat of her heart. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild were the center of all that she did, the joy of her days, and the pride of her life. She cherished every moment with them and loved to have them gathered around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. J.D. and Nina Morgan, her beloved husband, Marion “Bull” Veach; and her sons-in-law, Evan “Gabby” Miller and David Cox.

She is survived by her daughter Dixie Miller; her son Jim Veach and his wife Brandi; her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild; her nieces; and a host of friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Valier First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church, concluding with a short graveside service as she is laid to rest beside her beloved husband and parents at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mrs. Janet Maurine Higginson, age 92, of Benton, passed away at 6:52 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville, Indiana.

Janet was born on October 16, 1933, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Alfred Bruce and Hattie Aileen (Sharp) Bruce. She would marry Gordon Higginson on April 24, 1954, and together they shared sixty-three years of marriage, until his passing on May 25, 2017.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois.

Janet formerly worked as a bookkeeper with the Wabash County Sheriff Department and with an abstract company.

She enjoyed quilting, reading, watching Kentucky Wildcats basketball, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are a daughter Stephanie Hobbs and husband Russell of Christopher, Illinois, a son Bruce Higginson and wife Theresa of Benton, Illinois; four grandchildren: Jason Hobbs and wife Tiffanie of Christopher, Illinois, Kyle Hobbs of Christopher, Illinois, Shelby Biggs and husband Aaron of Carlyle, Illinois, Taylor Moore of Benton, Illinois; four great-grandchildren: Carson Hobbs, Tinley Hobbs, Annabelle Biggs and Harrison Biggs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a daughter Beth Ann Moore (February 21, 2023).

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, at the Leffler Funeral Home. Future burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Janet, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Carolyn Jo Manker, 86, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday November 18, 2025.

She was born on July 28, 1939 in Chicago Heights, IL to Troy and Marion (Fiordo) Cockrum. She married Larry N. Manker on June 7, 1959 and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survives by her sons Eric (Suzanne) Manker of Sparta, IL and Todd (Beth) Manker of Sesser; grandchildren Skylar Manker, Peyton Manker, Rylie (Dylan) Hill and Shaylee Nikole (Colin Thomas) Manker and one great granddaughter Ellistyn Michelle Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be on Sunday November 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Harold Quick, Brother Ralph Brandon and Eli Schoenbaechler officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from Noon till the time of service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Franklin Cemetery in Whittington, IL.

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

Sherry Miller, 66, of Sesser, IL, passed away on November 17, 2025 with her two daughters Misty and Jenny by her side. She was born on August 23, 1959, she devoted her whole life to her family and lived with compassion, strength and grace.

Sherry was the heart of her family, a constant source of comfort, wisdom and most importantly unconditional love. She was known for calling anyone she knew honey or sweetheart, having the most purest soul, her silly jokes and her southern accent, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Whether she was cooking, planting flowers, having her grandkids spend the night with her or just spending time with those she loved. She brought warmth and so much joy wherever she went.

Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her daughters, grandkids, son-in-law and her pet birds Blue and Jewel. She had such a loving way, making everyone feel so welcome, giving the best advice, and telling stories to her family about her and her late husband on the good memories they shared together. She lived her life with a gentle strength always putting others before herself.

Sherry is survived by her daughters Jenny Miller of Sesser and Misty and Bo Upton of Benton along with her three grandchildren Alexander, Mia and Kinsley Upton, who will forever honor her by carrying forward the values she taught: love, Kindness, Resilience and Faith.

Sherry Was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Miller after 34 years of marriage.

A Celebration of Sherry’s Life will be announced at a later date. Though she is gone from our sight she will remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser to help with funeral expenses.

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