Jerald Louis Grubaugh, 90, of Benton, IL, passed away at 1:10 p.m., on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Helia HealthCare of Benton, surrounded by his family.

He was born January 5, 1936, to Louis and Genevieve (Brooks) Grubaugh, in Champaign, IL. Retiring in 1988, Jerald was a union roofer in the construction industry. On January 17, 1953, he married Bonnie Jean Veteto in Covington, IN, and she preceded him in death on June 27, 1995.

He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. Jerald was a loving father and grandfather and spending time with them. He enjoyed traveling with Ruth, visiting local pawn shops, woodworking, and going to Cracker Barrel for lunch. He loved driving his little red truck, and it was so difficult for him to give up driving.

Jerald is survived by his loving children, Cindy Smith and her partner, Chuck Conner, Pam Wilson and her husband, Howard “Junior” Wilson, Randy Grubaugh, Jerald Grubaugh and his wife, Julia, Robert Grubaugh and Michelle Lampley and her husband, Marcus; his grandchildren, Scott Smith and his wife, Beth, Kim Smith, Chad Wilson and his wife, Janet, Brad Wilson and his wife, Jara, Kenny Woodward, Paul Woodward, Nicki Whipple and her husband, Phil, Brandy Bateman and her husband, Nick, Maddy Lampley and Eli Lampley; his significant other, Ruth Boner; and many great and great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Genevieve Grubaugh, his wife, Bonnie Jean Grubaugh, his brother, Tom Grubaugh and his sister, Beverly Moore.

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

Graveside services will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., at the Masonic and Odd Fellows, with Brad Wilson, officiating.

Memorials in Jerald’s honor may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance and will be accepted at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton.

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

Charles William McDonald Jr. 73 passed away Friday October 2nd 2026 at his home in Christopher.

He was born June 4th 1953 to Charles William McDonald Sr and JoAnn (Williams) McDonald at the Miner’s Hospital in Christopher.

He is survived by his Daughter Chasity McDonald Shaffer of Christopher. His baby sister Carolyn McDonald Burzynski and brother-in-law Randy Burzynski of Mulkeytown. 4 grandchildren Savannah Shaffer of Coello, Amber Whitt of Christopher, Grant Shaffer of Benton and Ashley Shaffer of Benton. 1 Great Granddaughter Everleigh Whitt of Christopher. He is also survived by 1 niece Sarah (Mike) Thuilliez of Coello. 2 Nephews Justin (Cortney) Burzynski of Christopher, Jarrod (Alyssa) Burzynski of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by 2 great nieces Hanna Burzynski and Emma Burzynski. 3 Nephews Jacob (Regan) Burzynski Tyler (Kayla) Thuilliez. Gunner Burzynski. 2 great nieces Kelsea and Harper Thuilliez. 1 great nephew Grayson Thuilliez. 1 great nephew on the way in February. He is also survived by several cousins and many friends he has known thru the years. Charles went by several different names Jr to his sister. Uncle Jr to his nieces and nephews, Uncle Ju Ju to his great niece. And everyone in town knew as Charlie Mac and probably a few other names.

He was born and raised in Christopher. In his younger days he mowed grass, went fishing with his Dad on the Ohio River in the summer. He played Basketball at CES and CCHS school in Christopher. Worked a while for Sportland Liquors, Towers Mine Tool. He was also a very good carpenter doing many roofing and siding jobs in the area. He was a member of the CCHS Class of 1972. He was a very hard headed guy all his life and proved it to the very end by showing he was still in control, but he had a heart of gold to those who knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his Dad on January 8th 1972 and his Mom on November 2nd 2007. As requested his body will be cremated and there will be no service. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations to “It’s all about the kids” Christmas Toy Drive for kids in foster care with Caritas Family Solutions. For several years now he has made a cash donations to this Toy Drive that is hosted by his sister Carolyn Burzynski and Family. Donations can be sent in his memory to Carolyn Burzynski 7725 Clayborne St Mulkeytown Il. 62865 or PayPal account cburzynski59@gmail.com

Ronald Gene Baerg, age 86, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, Illinois.
Mr. Baerg’s wishes are to be cremated. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Ronald was born on August 11, 1940, in Shafter, California, the son of George and Addie Mae “Janice” (Bewley) Baerg. He first married the former Vineta Dunford, and she preceded him in death on February 1, 2017. He would later marry the former Donna Odam and she survives.

He was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois. He volunteered at 3ABN of Thompsonville, to pray with people over the phone. He thoroughly enjoyed helping others by praying with and for them, sometimes he would answer 20 calls per day Monday through Thursday. Besides being with his family, helping others through the prayer line with 3ABN was the most important part of his life. Per Ron’s request, 3ABN was trying to work out the details through Franklin Hospital on how to get him a phone line to be able to continue his ministry of praying for those with their needs in their spiritual and personal lives. While living in Glendale, Arizona he was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church and preached on an Indian Reservation. Through his faith in God, he ministered and traveled to Nigeria and Jerusalem.

His working career as a truck driver had many memorable trips, hauling logs in central and northern California. He also hauled concrete to Phoenix, Arizona during the construction of the Arizona Diamondbacks baseball stadium.
Ronald enjoyed owning hot rods, off road jeep riding, racing motorcycles on both flat track and in the desert. He was also a private airplane pilot. He was a loving husband and especially loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who he dearly loved.

Surviving is his wife that he called her “his sweet one” Donna Baerg of Benton, Illinois, children including: Mick Baerg and wife Diana of Columbia, Kentucky, Brendon Baerg and wife Gina of Desert Hills, Arizona, Dr. James Sheppard and wife Audrey of Texas, Bekki Frey and husband Thomas of Tunnel Hill, Illinois, Penny Rich and husband Richard of Goreville, Illinois, Chadwick Ganz of Arizona; grandchildren: Brendon, Brian, Ben “BJ” and wife Ari, Jon, Will, Christina, Dylan, Alijah, Lucas, Zach, Greyson, Annika, Rebekah, Hannah and significant other Darren, Noah and significant other Amber, Alicia and husband Adam, and Charlee; great-grandchildren: Zander, Nicholas, Phoenix, Carter, Everly, Parker, Wrenley, Aspen, Eco and Maverick; a sister Sharon Lane of Bonners Ferry, Idaho; his cats Rudy and Nicky.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, and a sister Linda Wilkerson.
A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois with Pastor Terry Shelton officiating.

Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Ronald, may be made to Ron and Donna Baerg to assist with final expenses, and may be mailed to 3ABN, C/O Ron and Donna Baerg, P.O. Box 220, West Frankfort, Illinois 62896.

To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Ronald, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Curtis Richard Neal, 93, of East Wenatchee, Washington, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2026.

Curtis and Lois Carol Herman married March 1, 1957, in Duvall, WA, and shared 63 years of marriage. Carol preceded him in death in 2020, as did his brother Howard Neal in 2017. He is survived by his children, Scott Neal (Pam), Cynthia Colin (Ralph), Gregory Neal, and David Neal; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Curtis served 26 years in the U.S. Coast Guard, including a tour in Vietnam, and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4. While serving in Washington, D.C., he participated in, and won, several shooting competitions.
After retiring, Curtis became a commercial welder and moved to East Wenatchee, where he worked on commercial buildings for fruit-packing companies. He later planted a cherry orchard and enjoyed running a U-pick cherry stand.

Curtis was a longtime member and Treasurer of the Wenatchee Masonic Lodge and was passionate about genealogy. Quiet and reserved, he loved his family deeply.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Neal Cemetery in West Frankfort, Illinois, on Friday, October 2, 2026.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Wenatchee Veterans Affairs in memory of Curtis.

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

Hope Hale, age 86, of Ewing; went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:05 a.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Ewing Cemetery, with Rev. Bryant Harris officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

Hope was born on February 18, 1940, in Benton, Kentucky, the daughter of Kermit and Dessie (Dowdy) Cope. On May 11, 1959, she married James V. Hale and he survives.

She was a retired secretary from Joy Manufacturing in Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Over the years, Mrs. Hale and her husband faithfully attended the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton, Illinois, the Hazel Dell Free Will Baptist Church of Sesser, Illinois, and in latter years the Rescue Free Will Baptist Church of Ewing, Illinois, until their health failed them.

Hope enjoyed bowling, gardening, and helping at youth camp in the kitchen at Camp Hope. Most of all she loved spending time with her family.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Jim Hale of Ewing, Illinois; her loving children: Scott Hale of Ewing, Illinois, Terri Kranawetter and husband Lloyd of Christopher, Illinois, Kenneth Hale of Ewing, Illinois; three grandchildren: Matt Jones and wife Betsy of Nashville, Tennessee, Chad Jones of Tampa, Florida, Zack Hale and wife Megan of DuQuoin, Illinois; four great-grandchildren: Charlie Jones, Tommy Jones, Meelah Hale and Aurora Hale; a sister June Yates of Benton, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a son Allen Hale, and two brothers: Irvin Cope and Dale Cope.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. Hope Hale, to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and will be accepted at the graveside service.
To give condolences online, or to share memories of Hope, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jill Sampson, 70, of Hahira, Georgia, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. Mrs. Sampson was born on February 28, 1956, in Mt. Vernon, IL to the late Mary Ellen and Ken Louis Jones.

She met Terry Sampson, her husband, in high school, and they began dating shortly after graduation. They both then attended Southwest Baptist University together. They got married shortly after, in 1977, and Terry went to seminary, moving them both to New Orleans. They served Gentilly church in New Orleans for three years and had their first daughter. Afterwards, they moved to Warner Robins to serve their next church before moving to Ruston, Louisiana, where they had their second daughter. They then moved to Humboldt to serve their next ministry at First Baptist together for 11 years. Then left once again and settled down in Covington at Zion Baptist for 16 years. In 2017, Valdosta became their home as they began serving First Baptist of Valdosta.

Mrs. Sampson loved to read any and all books, and she loved to work in her yard and go to the beach. Her greatest passion was teaching preschoolers and children in the churches where she and Terry served.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Terry Sampson; daughters Jennifer (Joey) Rolen and Brittany (Derek) Riley; brother Brent (Tracy) Jones; grandchildren, Mercedes, Sincerity, Cash, Eleanor, Charles, Josiah, and Edith; nephews, Blake (Madison) Jones, Zach (Shelby); great nephews Memphis, Kasen Jones; nieces Jennifer Upcraft, and Melissa (John) Bean; sister-in-law, Diana (John) Upcraft; and brother-in-law, Wayne Sampson. She was preceded by her parents, Mary and Ken Jones.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moffitt Cancer Center or First Baptist Repair Fund.

Funeral Service for Mrs. Sampson will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 29, at the First Baptist church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening from 5 – 7 p.m., at the Carson McLane Funeral Home, Valdosta, GA.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Condolences may be made online at www.patefh.com

Carol Jean (Faulkner) Atchison, 79, of Benton, Illinois, formerly of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on September 26, 2026. She was born on February 20, 1947, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, to Eugene C. and Betty J. Faulkner.

Carol was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose family was at the heart of her life. She was the mother of three children, Sue, Gena, and Andy. Carol’s first child, Sue, was placed for adoption at birth, and years later, Carol and Sue were reunited bringing a special and meaningful relationship in to Carol’s later years.

Carol was blessed with seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild, who brought her great joy and many cherished memories. She treasured the time she spent with her family and will be remembered for the love she gave to those around her.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Kent Atchison; her parents, Eugene C. and Betty J. Faulkner; and her brother, Thomas Faulkner.

She is survived by her children, Sue Nichols, Gena Atchison and wife Chelsey, and Andy Atchison and wife Kim; seven grandchildren Logan, Carly, Zailee, Camden, Thomas, Kara and Timothy; one great-grandchild Owen; and her brothers, Joe Faulkner and Robert Faulkner, along with extended family and friends who will miss her dearly.

Carol’s life was defined by family, love, and the relationships she built throughout the years. Her reunion with her first child was a special chapter in her life and a reminder that some of life’s most meaningful connections can find their way back to us.

Funeral service will be on Sunday October 4, 2026 at 3:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM at the funeral home.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

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

Jane Ann (Dunning) Burzynski, 94, passed away Sunday September 27, 2026 at Fifth Season Assisted Living in Benton, IL.

She was born on December 9, 1931 in Christopher to James and Beatrice (Alexander) Dunning. She married Marion E. Burzynski on June 25, 1971 and they shared 55 years together.

She is survived by her husband Marion Burzynski of Benton, her children Pam Burzynski of Marion and Randy (Carolyn) Burzynski of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Justin (Cortney) Burzynski of Christopher, Sarah (Mike) Thuilliez of Coello, Jarrod (Alyssa) Burzynski of Mulkeytown and Chad Stynchula; great grandchildren Jacob (Regan) Burzynski, Tyler (Kayla) Burzynski, Hanna Burzynski, Gunner Burzynski, Emma Burzynski; great great grandchildren Grayson Thuilliez, Kelsea Thuilliez, Harper Thuilliez and one on the way, due in February.

Ann as most people knew her by was the baby of the family, she had one brother Glen Dunning and five sisters Gertrude Marcus, Dorothy Hogan, Helen Peterson, Mary Lou Burberry and Jean Thelson and many nieces and nephews.

Ann paid for education by giving piano lessons. She earned her teaching degree in music from SIU in Carbondale. She taught music at Valier, Sesser and West Frankfort schools for over 30 years. She also was the conductor for Southern Illinois Concert Band for many years after she retired from teaching.

Marion and Ann met at her front door, he was a Fuller Brush Salesperson knocking on her door, she wanted nothing from this salesman and slammed the door in his face. Later she found herself playing the piano at a church, where that same salesman was the pastor and later became that salesman’s wife. Ann was a devoted member of the Johnston City Pentecostal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and five sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday October 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Justin Root officiating. Visitation will be on Friday October 2, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home and from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM on Saturday. Burial will be at Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

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

Deronda Gay Richardson, age 72, of Benton, IL, passed away at 12:40 a.m., on Friday, September 25, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

She was born on October 16, 1953, to Dales Avery and Myrtle Lorene (Storey) Kern in Christopher, Illinois. Deronda married Gary Richardson on October 20, 1973, and he survives.

She attended North Benton Baptist Church in Benton, IL.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and Great Grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her Grandkids and Great Grandson, and had a special love for animals.

Deronda is survived by her husband of almost 53 years, Gary Richardson; her son, Jeremy Richardson and his wife, Janee; her grandson, Dailus Avery Lane Richardson and his wife, Sydney; her granddaughter, Laindree Neve Lynae Richardson. She has one great-grandson, Finn Avery Lane Richardson and Banx Lane Richardson, who is expected in December.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Dales Avery and Myrtle Lorene Kern and her brother, Greg Kern.

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

Visitation for Deronda will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with the Reverend Dean Severin, officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL.

Memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home or through the Go Fund Me that has been set up to help with the funeral costs.

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

Amy Elizabeth Sanchez-Bennett, passed away peacefully to be with Jesus, on September 23, 2026, at 4:46 p.m. at the St. Elizabeth Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois, surrounded with lots of love by her daughter Valencia, her mother Lynda, and sister Tina.

Amy was born on October 10, 1975, in Panama City, Republic of Panama to Enrique and Lynda Sanchez. Later they moved to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania where her dad worked for Piper Aircraft. Then they moved to Florida and eventually back to Panama.

In 1984, at the age of 9, Amy began attending school in Benton, Illinois, where she graduated from Benton High School in 1993. In high school, Amy was a spirited Rangler Girl then cheerleader and voted homecoming maid of honor her senior year. She was also a contestant in the Miss Teen Rend Lake Pageant where she won trophies for best dress, most photogenic and first runner up!
After high school she attended John A. logan college and later moved to Dallas, Texas where she was a secretary at Ross Perot Systems and was a contestant and first runner up in the Miss Dallas pageant which took her on to the Miss Texas USA pageant in Brownsville, Texas in 1998 along with Eva Longoria who also competed. While in Dallas, Amy met the man she married and moved to England. While in England, she enrolled in the London Academy of Performing Arts and performed on stage in several productions.

Amy had many talents, some of which were singing, dancing, acting, playing piano by ear and writing songs that she sang on a CD that she created and produced. She also designed and sewed beautiful baby and lady’s clothes for her business, “The Moth and The Butterfly. She also made beautiful greeting cards and was a talented floral arranger and she always had a lovely fresh bouquet of flowers on a table in her tidy home. She also enjoyed traveling to many exotic places across the world.
Amy is survived by her beautiful daughter Valencia Sanchez Esposti and friend Billy, her father Enrique Sanchez and wife Lupe, her mother Lynda Bennett Sanchez, sister Dr. Christina Dothager and husband Shane, her brother Aron Sanchez and wife Deidra, Aunt Marlene Webb, Uncle Jim Bennett, Uncle Rod Bennett and wife Lisa, Aunt Cathy Bennett, Aunt Yariela Anciaux, Uncle Joaquin Sanchez and wife Mariela, and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Though her eyes are closed, Amy’s sight will live on by being a donor to Mid America Transplant Services.
Amy was of the Baptist faith.

Graveside services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the Liberty-Ridlin Cemetery of Macedonia, with Rev. Mark Minor Officiating. Friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

The family prefers donations be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Amy, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.