Gola Richard Eckles, age 85, of Harrisburg and formerly of Franklin County, passed away at 2:27 a.m. Monday, December 29, 2025, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

Richard was born on May 24, 1940, in Christopher, Illinois. He was raised by his grandparents Oliver Benton and Elizabeth (Gulley)Eckles and Zella Harland. He married the former Judy Kay Kirk on June 23, 1963, and together they shared in 62 years of marriage.

He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving during the beginning of the Vietnam War.

His working career consisted of working in the coal mines with Inland Steel, Freeman United Coal Mine #6, and Old Ben Coal Company Mine #25. He also proudly worked as a farmer and was a professional dog trainer having trained Setters, Pointers, and Brittany Spaniels.

Richard was a member of the U.M.W.A. and attended the First Baptist Church of Sesser.

Mr. Eckles enjoyed hunting, fishing, working, farming, gardening, and canning pickles. He enjoyed sharing the vegetables that he grew in his garden. His family stated that he loved to cook and shared his cooking with others, especially his homemade fudge. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife Judy Eckles of Harrisburg, Illinois; four daughters: Monica Eckles-Myers and husband Brian of Harrisburg, Illinois, Pamela Newell and husband Marvin of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, Krista Furlow-Hinkle and husband Eric of Holly Springs, North Carolina, Glenda Phelps of Moweaqua, Illinois; grandchildren including: Nicholas Wingo, Dustin Eckles, Cody Wingo, Tyler Wingo, Leslie Eckles, Ally Eckles-Myers, Serenity Eckles-Myers, Lucas Eckles-Myers, Samantha Ealey, Jada Campbell, Alexis Eckelberger, Alex Hinkle, Taryn Hinkle; great-grandchildren: Alyssa Duffield, Logan Duffield, Aubria Eckles, Logan McDonnough, Joel McDonnough, Andie Lee Wingo, Lylah Pearl Wingo, Carter Ray Eckelberger; an aunt Elloween Sulcer of Sandoval, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the American Heart Association or to the American Kidney Foundation.

To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Richard, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Eckles’ wishes are to be cremated.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Janice Kay Corso, 73, of Christopher, went to be with the Lord on Saturday December 27, 2025 at her home.

She was born on January 7, 1952 to Cecil and Essie (Ice) Wilson.

She graduated from West Frankfort High School. She worked at Ben Franklin Store in West Frankfort, Daley McGlasson Insurance, Employers of Wausau Insurance and River City Construction.

She is survived by her husband Robert Corso of Christopher; sister Linda Clark; sister-in-law Pat Wilson and husband Walter McFarland; two very special grandsons Parker and Braden Kulis; Lisa (Jody) Reeves; two brothers-in-laws Albert (Martha) Corso and Joe Corso; nephews Tony (Becky) Corso, Michael Corso, Chris Brewer, Charles (Debra) Wilson and Danny Wilson; nieces Lisa (Shawn) Hopkins, Dena (Tony) Kulis, Carrie Corso, Julie Corso, Amy Brewer, Tammy (Tommy) Goodwin, Angela (Neil) Humphrey and Jennifer (Kyle) Greene; and many great nieces and great nephews and many, many very special friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Danny Wilson.

Graveside services will be held on Friday January 2, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner with Pastor Danny Motta officiating, friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Judith Carol Miller born January 6th 1937. She passed December 23rd, 2025.

She was born in Christopher.

Her parents were Robert Everett and Ina May (Steckenrider) Biby from Christopher who predeceased her.

She was a lifetime member of Eastern Star, and a member of Mulkeytown First Christian Church.

Her husband Robert Dean Miller predeceased her on September 22, 2007.

She is survived by her 3 children, 7 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild. We had 5 living generations. Melinda Marchetti (Valentine) of Mulkeytown, Terri Krelo (Jim) of Elkville, and Michael Miller (Suzanne) of Lady Lake, Fl. Her grandchildren are Krista Menckowski (Anthony) of Royalton, Dianna Hubbard (John) of Valier, Jami Atwood (Nathan) of Herrin, J.J. Krelo (fiancé Rae Hanna) of Christopher, Jessica Krelo of DuQuoin, Joel Krelo of Elkville, and Brockton Miller (Haley) of Rockmart, Georgia. Her great grandchildren are Morgan Stagner (Christian Felty), Keeley Hubbard, Kael Krelo, Stella Krelo, Max Menckowski, Sylvia Krelo, Rosemary Atwood, Remmington Krelo, Kyla Krelo, Rio Krelo, Penelope Miller, and her great great grandchild is Sophie Felty.

A Memorial Service will be on Tuesday January 6, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.

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

Elva Jane Martin (nee Buckner), 76, of O’Fallon, MO, passed away on Saturday, December 20, 2025 surrounded by loved ones.

She was born May 4, 1949 in Buckner, IL to Logan and Faye (Overturf) Buckner. Loving mother of Jennifer (Jim) Biggs and Jason Martin. Cherished grandmother of CJ Martin, her favorite person in the world. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Laura Martin, parents Faye and Logan Buckner and 2 brothers. Elva retired from Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon as a lab technician after working most of her career at UMWA Hospital in West Frankfort until it closed.

She enjoyed sitting on her porch and visiting with her neighbors and the neighborhood dogs at her villa in O’Fallon, MO. Her love for her family and generosity towards others knew no boundaries. Many times she took from herself and gave to others that which she had not for herself. She is deeply missed and forever loved. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society as she loved dogs. “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

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

Elizabeth June Beavers, 91, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Thursday December 25, 2025 at her daughter’s home.

She was born on November 3, 1934 in Royalton, IL to Joseph Theodore and Edna Estelle (Viernum) Humphrey. She married Bobbie Ray Beavers on May 25, 1949 and he preceded her in death on September 19, 2006.

She is survived by her children Gary Dean Beavers of Herrin, Bobby Dale Beavers of Benton and Jo Ann (Bryan) Dick of Mulkeytown; daughter-in-law Beverly Beavers; grandchildren Brad Beavers, Kelly Raymond, Matt Beavers, Stacy Ladd, Paul Beavers, Luke Beavers, Alora Beavers, Brad Price, Shawn Price, BJ (Amy) Crespi, Jason (Stephanie) Beavers, Stevie Jo (James) Bartley, Shannon (Dave) Abrahamsen, Danny Ray (Lisa) Clark, Lydia (Ryan) Hicks and Ethan (Amy) Dick and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Larry Ray Beavers, one daughter Connie Faye Beavers, one granddaughter Tracy Skjerseth and ten siblings Aleene “Botsie” McNeil, Evelyn Domineck, Curtis Humphrey, Jesse Humphrey, Mary Ward, Warren Humphrey, Franklin Humphrey, Raymond Humphrey, Helen Flatt, Ellen Overturf and Mildred Mifflin.

She was the Manager of Lincoln Auto in Sesser and later worked as Manager of Carquest Auto Parts Store.

Funeral Services will be on Wednesday December 31, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Miner’s Cemetery in Royalton.

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

Patsy Ann Summers-Davis, 92, of Benton, passed away at 12:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Stone Bridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Benton, IL.

She was born on July 20, 1933, to Alva and Dolly (Cluck) Shockley in Benton, IL. Prior to her retirement, Patsy worked as a Secretary for Elkhorn Middle School. On June 30, 1950, she married Billie Summers, and he preceded her in death on July 8, 2008. She married Eugene Davis in 2012, and he also preceded her in death on December 11, 2024.

She was a member of East Benton Baptist Church, Como Community Church, Como, WI and most recently North Benton Baptist Church.

Patsy is survived by her loving daughter, Melody Summers Person and her husband, Lowell, of Windsor, CO; her grandson, Tyler Person and his wife, Christina; her granddaughter, Kelsey Person and her great-granddaughter, Tesla Person.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Monroe and Dolly Mae Shockley, first husband, Billie Summers and second husband, Eugene Davis, three brothers, Bob Shockley, Jim Shockley and Jack Shockley and her sister, Doris Shockley Evans.

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

Per Patsy’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A graveside service will take place in the Plasters Grove Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL in the spring of 2026.

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

Randall Keith Warden, 66, of Centralia, passed away on December 24, 2025 at his son’s house in Zeigler, IL.

He was born on May 16, 1959 in Centralia to Charles H. and P. June (Powers) Warden. He is survived by his children P. Anne Warden of Florida, Eric (Melissa) Warden of Zeigler and Phillip (Amanda) McGrath of Wyoming; grandchildren Treyson, Tarajh, Maci, siblings Cheryl Mathena of North Carolina, Tony (Julie) Warden of Oreana, IL and Larry Warden of Centralia. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Randall’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

John Matthew Stacey, more commonly known as John Boy, age 56, of Sesser, Illinois passed away on the morning of December 24, 2025.

Born October, 17th, 1969, to Bill and Marilyn Stacey. John grew up in Sesser and graduated from Sesser-Valier High school. This is also where he met his wife Teresa. John and Teresa were wed on April 8th, 1995 at the Sesser First Christian Church. John worked at Mount Vernon Continental Tire for 31 years, it seems that over those years he may have built more friendships and relationships than he ever did tires.

Over his lifetime John has become a member of many groups and organizations that have come to mean a lot to him such as the Sesser Ducks Unlimited, Sesser Homecoming Association, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge, Ashley Sportsman Association, and the Rend Lake Sportsman Association. Through all of these activities John Boy has become somewhat of a local celebrity. To know him was to know his signature energy and humor, paired with his easy going presence (and his Bloody Mary’s or Lemonade if you were lucky). Behind all of his jokes was an enormous heart that cared deeply for his community and those he loved.

Above all, John is to be remembered by the way that he could make anyone he met feel like a true friend, even if you were first time acquaintances. He listened without judgement, laughed without reservation, and supported without hesitation. His loyalty ran deep for his friends and family – teasing one minute and fiercely defending the next. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. John leaves a legacy that is loud in the lives that he has touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Marilyn Stacey; and his sister Kathy Wingo Hopson.

He is survived by his wife Teresa Stacey; their daughters Alecia and Maggie Stacey; and his son-in-law Anthony Acosta; Sister Karen Redding, Sister-in-law Angela Bullock (Joe), Nephews Jeff Wingo (Mary Ann), John Don Wingo, Michael Redding (Maria), Matt Redding, Niece Savanah King(fiancee Donnie) and several great nieces and nephews and one special great niece Peyton King whom he served as her personal “Cabana Boy–aka popsicle getter”, along with a mile long list of friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2025 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on the following day, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:00 am. at the funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmen Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dakota James Simmons, 16, of Valier, passed away on Saturday December 20, 2025 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born on May 20, 2009 in Ocean Springs, MS to Bobby James and Tamara Dawne (Bean) Simmons. He is survived by his mother and father Bobby and Tamara Simmons of Valier; siblings Aerial (Nick) Holliman of Mississippi, Dystany (Dylan) Cook of Mississippi and Landen Simmons of North Dakota. He loved working on cars especially his corvette and also loved racing go karts.

He was dual enrolled at John A Logan and Rend Lake Community College working towards his degree in HVAC to one day open his own business.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting monetary donations to finish restoring his 1985 corvette he loved dearly, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be on Sunday December 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

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

Blaine Joseph Baseden, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Brian Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Benton Civic Center.

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

Blaine was born on October 27, 2008, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the son of Jeremy Baseden and Melinda Johnson.

He was a Junior at Benton Consolidated High School.

Blaine enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and hiking. He also liked hanging out with his friends and spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving mother Melinda Johnson of Marion, Illinois, his loving father Jeremy Baseden of Benton, Illinois; his sister Bayley Ann Baseden of Vergennes, Illinois; grandparents: Judy Williams of Simpson, Illinois, Keith Johnson of Auburn, Illinois, Bill Baseden of DeSoto, Illinois; great-grandmother Martha Fielding of Auburn, Illinois; aunts and uncles including: Josh Johnson and wife Jennifer of Wilmington, North Carolina, Miranda Johnson of Milan, Tennessee, Kevin Baseden and wife Dakota of Eldorado, Illinois, Bobby Baseden and wife Evonne of DeSoto, Illinois, Jessica Duvall and husband Todd of DeSoto, Illinois; and several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Mary Baseden, maternal great-grandfather Charlie Johnson, maternal step-great-grandfather Robert Fielding, paternal great grandparents Clarence and Betty Baseden, maternal great-grandmother Patsy Kelly, paternal great-grandmother Mary Rodriguez.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses; and will be accepted at the service on Saturday.

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

Please pray for the families of those involved in this tragic accident.