Donna Diane “Diane” Stahl, 83, of Mulkeytown, Illinois, peacefully went home to be with Jesus on September 1, 2026, surrounded by the love that had carried her throughout her life.

Diane was born October 23, 1942, in Du Quoin, Illinois, to Lloyd and Norma Atchison. On February 11, 1973, Diane married the love of her life, Jack E. Stahl, of Piggott, Arkansas. Together they shared 31 years of marriage until Jack’s passing. After many years apart, her family finds comfort in knowing that Diane and Jack are together once again.

Diane’s greatest treasures in this life were the people she loved. She leaves behind her daughter, Chrissy (Chad) Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois; sons, Terry Roth of Richview, Illinois, and Thomas (Lisa) Roth of Newnan, Georgia. She was a loving grandmother to Joshua (Chelsea) Roth of Coello, Illinois, Brittany (Kaleb) Miller of Pinckneyville, Illinois, Garret Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois, and Kyler Nikolich of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and a cherished great-grandmother to Adilynn Miller, Harper Miller, Makenna Miller, Jaxon Miller, Rowan McPhail, and Atreus Roth. Diane also leaves behind very special family friends, Ollie and Sandy Young of Coello, Illinois. Ollie held a particularly special place in Diane’s heart and was loved by her like a son. Some of the greatest blessings in life are the family we are given and the family we choose, and Ollie and Sandy were truly family to Diane.

Diane was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack E. Stahl; her parents, Lloyd and Norma Atchison; her grandson, Terry Lynn; and her granddaughter, Lacey Roth McPhail. Her family finds comfort in knowing that a beautiful reunion awaited her in Heaven with those she had loved and missed so dearly. Diane walked through life with a strong Christian faith and was a member of Christ View Christian Church in Christopher, Illinois. Her faith remained a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

Diane also had an especially tender heart for animals. She dearly loved her puppy dogs and kitty cats and could never turn a stray away. If an animal needed love, food, warmth, or simply a place to belong, there was always room in Diane’s heart. That kindness and compassion were simply part of who she was. Her family will forever remember the woman they called Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma—the love she gave, the memories she created, and the special place she held in their lives that no one else could ever fill. Forever loved, forever missed, and forever held in the hearts of those who loved her. “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”— 1 Corinthians 13:13.

Funeral Services will be on Sunday September 6, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ron Henwood officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Billy R. Adams, 72, of Benton passed away on Tuesday morning September 1, 2026 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Adams was born in Christopher, Illinois on September 15, 1953 the son of Kenneth & Louella (Irby) Adams.

He was a member of the North Benton Baptist Church. He loved to hunt, fish, tinker with cars and collect stamps. Mr. Adams was a Coal Miner and worked at Orient #3 and #6, then went to Celebrity Boats, then to Crownline Boats, then to Prairie State Coal Mine and he retired from there.

Mr. Adams is survived by his:

2 Sons:
Brian Adams of Valier
Zach Adams of Benton

2 Grandchildren: Archer Dean Ryan Adams & Paisley May Adams

2 Sisters:
Linda Walker & husband Adrian of Benton
Carol Miller of Iowa

1 Brother: Kenneth Adams of Benton

He is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews and a lot of friends.

Mr. Adams was preceded in death by his Parents and 1 Sister-Patty Herrmann.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday September 4th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Larry Toms officiating. Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Thursday September 3rd at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to a Charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Shirley Ann Keaton, age 92, of Benton, IL, passed away at 11:47 a.m., on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois, surrounded by her family.

Shirley was born on May 13, 1934, to Perry William and Nell Luella (Laymon) Olson, in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was married to her husband, Charles E. Keaton, for 64 years. He preceded her in death on June 10, 2018.

She was a former grade teacher in Brownstown, Illinois. In her past time, she enjoyed working in her garden, canning, crocheting, assisting her husband with designing and custom building their own homes, traveling the world and going on cruises with her husband.

Shirley is survived by her nieces, JoDeane Vertrees and Jane O’Tain and her husband, Bob; great-niece and nephews, Lex Stewart and his wife, Shannon, Kelly Stewart, and Kyle O’Tain; great-great-nephews, Landon Keaton Stewart, John Thomas Pulliam and his wife Kaitlynn, and Alex Mitchell Stewart; great-great-great-nephews, John Keaton Pulliam and Braxton Carter Stewart; great-great-great nieces, Carly Steckenrider, Bree Steckenrider, and Laynee Nicole; and her longtime caregiver and dear friend, Carolyn Kulich.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Nell Olson; husband, Charles Keaton; sister, Nancy Lenea; sister-in-laws, Madge Jones, Mona Lee Bays, and Lou Dean Bailey; nieces and nephews, Miriam Stewart, Kay Page, Rox Bailey, Mike Bailey, John Bailey, Nicole Bailey, and Aaron Bailey; and her great-niece, Laura Stewart.

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

Graveside services for Shirley will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted at Pate Funeral home for Can’s Can.

A.D. Schutt, 86, of Benton, IL (formerly of Hardin County, Illinois), passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026 in Herrin, Illinois with loved ones by his side.

Born on October 4, 1939, in Hardin County to Clyde and Mollie Schutt, A.D. was rooted in the community he called home for most of his life. He dedicated more than 20 years of service to the state, retiring from the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Hardin County Work Camp as a Maintenance Craftsman, and served his local community as a former County Commissioner, bringing a deep passion for local politics and civic duty, as well as owning several small businesses in Elizabethtown over the years, such as the taverns and his sports card shop. A.D. spent the last 15 years of his life in Benton, where he grew to love the local sports and people in the community, and attended as many local sporting events as he could.

For over three decades, A.D. owned and operated Schutt’s Baseball Card Shop in Elizabethtown, Harrisburg, and Benton, turning a lifelong love of sports collectibles into a fixture for area hobbyists. A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, he rarely missed a chance to talk baseball or trade sports memorabilia. Known for his quick wit, sharp sense of humor, and steadfast presence, he was truly an unforgettable character. He could always be counted on for good company, a great story, and some laughs. He was deeply loyal and supportive to those that knew him, having unwavering devotion to the family and friends he cared about.

He is survived by his son, Aaron Schutt; his granddaughters, Kaitlyn and Jacelyn; his sister, Ruby Crabb; his brother, Bob Schutt; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Molly Schutt; his son, Russell Scott Schutt; brothers, J.C., Lawrence Dale, and John; and sisters, Shirley Faye, Mary, and Nina.

Graveside services are being arranged by Pyle Funeral Home and will be held at Good Hope cemetery in Karbers Ridge. Date and time of the graveside services will be announced in the coming weeks.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of A.D., please visit our floral store.

Melissa Maria Bowlin, 56, of Carbondale, passed away on Friday August 28, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, IL.

She was born on February 23, 1970 in Columbus, GA to Hobart and Deborah (Rice) Bowlin.

She is survived by her children Amber (Stephen) Hayden of Murphysboro, Joshua Bowlin of Sparta and Carisssa (Tymarh) Bowlin of Carbondale; grandchildren Rein, Jayce, Chloe, Rhett and Jackson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter River and her brother Kevin Bowlin.

Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday September 2, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the St Andrew Catholic Church in Murphysboro with Father Joel Seipp officiating. Visitation will be on from 9:00 AM until the time of the Mass at 10:00 AM at the church. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown, IL.

The family requests that everyone wear casual clothing and shades of orange as that was their mother’s favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Pamela Kay Kimball, age 68, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 1:04 p.m. Monday, August 24, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.
Pam was born on January 31, 1958, in Carbondale, Illinois, the daughter of Carson E. Johnson and Norma (Spires) Johnson. On August 11, 1984, she married Allan Glenn Kimball, together they shared in 42 years of marriage.

Pam completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Illinois University and her master’s at Southern Illinois University.
She worked as a Speech, Drama and English Teacher at Benton Consolidated High School District #103 for 34 years (1981-2015). She specialized in speech communication and theater. Later she would also teach Honors English.

An article about Pam from the “Inside the Corral,” a publication written for Benton High School, Pam stated reflecting on decades of shaping confidence and character in her students, she also enjoyed the competition involved. Pam stated “I always liked the competitive aspect, you know like speech team meets. Her impact upon students is proven through her accolades: directing over 100 plays, lots of wins in 34 years including 8 state championships. However, she said “When competing, winning wasn’t always the case,”, Kimball said. “But I personally think you learn as much from losing gracefully. Those are good lessons too. That’s part of life.”

In that edition of Inside the Corral, written by Kay Kearney, when asked about her legacy at Benton High School, she said, “I would like people to say when Pam Kimball was coaching, we won a lot of state championships,” and she went on to say “I think that’s pretty cool. I guess my legacy is when people look at our program here in Benton, they realize it doesn’t matter, the size of our school, we still have success and we still win. It’s important to not let that hold us back.”

Pam was a member of FCAA, Illinois Communication and Theater Association, Illinois Theater Association, and the Illinois Educators.
She also worked part-time at John A. Logan Community College.

Pam enjoyed playing games on her phone, going out to eat, traveling to New York to see musicals and eating out, performing and directing with Pyramid Players (since 1980), where along with Susan Summers, directed the children’s shows and later with Alisa Leffler. She also enjoyed going on cruises, going to Chicago to attend karate and dance tournaments to watch her grandson Cohen.

Surviving is her loving husband of 42 years, Allan G. Kimball of Benton, IL, two sons: Justin Kimball and wife Melissa of Palos Hills, IL, Joshua Kimball and wife Kayla of Benton, IL; two grandsons: Cohen and Calvin, a sister Gail Scimeca of Park Ridge, IL, a brother Dr. Douglas Johnson and wife Cynthia of Bowling Green, KY, nephews and nieces: David (Traci) Kimball of Chatham, IL, Dawn (Doug) Kimball-Younger of Portland, OR, Doug (John) Kimball-Zotalis of Oak Ridge, IL, Kelli (Russell) Zik of Corbin, KY, Amanda (Kyle) Prince of Murfreesboro, TN, Caroline (Jacob) Trapp of Lexington, KY, Danielle Scimeca and Nicole Scimeca both of Park Ridge, IL, Carson Johnson of Bowling Green, KY, a sister-in-law Mechael Kimball of Divernon, IL, two fur grand-babies Kevin and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Carson and Norma Johnson, her in-laws Arnold and Glenda Kimball, a brother-in-law Arlen Kimball, an Aunt Pauline Spires, and an Uncle Robert Spires.
Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 7, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL. Burial will follow at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Additionally, there will be a visitation on Monday, starting at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Pam, to be made for Pyramid Players and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Pam, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jack J. Greenwood, 83, passed away surrounded by his loving wife and children on August 24th, 2026 at 11:50 a.m. Born on December 8, 1942, Jack left behind a life rooted in family, community, and farming.

Visitation will be held at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois, on Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 p.m.

Jack lived on the corner in Mulkeytown, Illinois, and was survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Edith Greenwood; his brother, Robert Greenwood and wife, Theresa; and his
sister-in-law, Linda Greenwood. He is also survived by his children, Kimberly Bunting and husband, Scott; Kevin Greenwood and fiancée, Lynn Skaggs; and Jackie Greenwood and Billy Aycock. He was a proud grandfather to Kyle Hammonds and wife, Abigail, and their children, Lorelai and Piper; Kaylee Smith and husband, Derek, and

their children, Sawyer and Rylee; Kody Greenwood and wife, Alexandria, and their children, Wyatt, Wade, and Avery; Taylor Hutchens and husband, Matt, and their children, Kane and Hadley; Chelsey Turk and husband, Dillon, and their children, Brix and Kaila; Tyler Atchison and wife, Brynna, and their daughter, Palmer; and step-grandchildren Katherine Dillard, and David and Jack Bunting.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Catherine Greenwood; his sister, Mary C. Opp, and husband Bill, and his brother, James P. Greenwood.

A lifelong farmer, Jack found great joy and purpose in working the land. Farming was more than an occupation to him; it was a way of life that brought him immense pride and fulfillment. After retirement, Jack devoted himself full-time to farming. He spent his days feeding cattle, driving tractors, harvesting crops, bailing hay, and working alongside his son, Kevin, in the field.

Jack proudly served as a Specialist (SP4), E-4 in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Lewis in Tacoma, Washington. Following his military service, he began a 32-year career in the coal mines, working hard to provide for his wife and three children. During his time in the mines and continuing after his retirement, Jack servedas the Tryrone Township Road Commissioner for 20 years helping maintain the roads of the community he was proud to call home. In his spare time, Jack enjoyed riding horses, attending horse sales and auctions with his brother, Bob, and cheering on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren at their sporting events.

Above all else, Jack loved his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose love, wisdom, and constant presence touched the lives of each and every one of them. Jack will be deeply missed by his wife, three children, six grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Those who knew Jack will remember him for his many sayings, which never failed to bring a smile. When asked how he was doing, he would often reply, “Any better, I couldn’t stand it,” and he was frequently seen giving a thumbs-up from the seat of his tractor. If he wanted you to stop by, he would simply say, “You know I live on the corner,” his way of letting family and friends know they were always welcome. And when it was time to leave, Jack would offer a handshake and say, “Don’t leave mad,” and “Next time, don’t stay so long.”

Through his hard work and commitment to family, Jack created a lasting legacy of cherished memories that will be remembered and talked about for generations. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on through his family, in the land he loved, and in the countless lives he touched.

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

Roxanne “Grace” Perkins born February 9, 1957 passed away August 19, 2026.

Roxanne is survived by her loving son Ian Zane Perkins, her grandson Southern Grey Perkins the love of her life, a daughter by love Candace Haun and grandson by love Sheppard Haun. She is also survived by siblings Eddie & Joni Perkins, Sherry Rose, Melissa and Kelley Cocke Taylor, James Perkins and April Piper; Nieces & Nephews Chyann Jones, Dakota & Chris Conder, Jesse Perkins, Barry Piper, Seth Bradley, Jacob & Misty Knight Perkins, Ethan Perkins, Tracy & Adam Burks, Casey Cavender; Great-Nieces & Nephews Jaydon Taylor, Daniel & Joey Conder, Seth, Kirra Everly Bradley, Arianna Smith, Rylan & Kinsley Perkins, Little Jesse Blue and Madison Perkins. She is known to be Aunt Granny to all of them. She has 1 Aunt & Uncle left Bob & Barb Smith and many loving cousins, including the Whittenburg cousins.

She was preceded in death by her Mother Phyllis June Holleman, infant Brother and all of her grandparents.

Roxanne was an LPN for many years, caring for others and she had a heart of gold. She will be dearly missed.

There will be No Services held at this time.

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

Cindy Friend, 69, of Royalton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2026, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by the loving family who meant everything to her.

Cindy was born on March 15, 1957, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to George and Charolett Evilsizer. On September 3, 1977, she married the love of her life, Joe Friend, beginning a beautiful marriage and partnership that would span nearly five decades. Joe survives and was by her side throughout her life, sharing with Cindy a family, a farm, countless adventures, and a lifetime of memories.

Cindy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest pride and joy, and she treasured the time she spent with each of them. She leaves behind her husband, Joe; her two daughters, Amy (Chris) Cates and Niki (Jacob) Tindall; grandchildren Brooke (Lucas) VanPelt, Lauren (Brady) Maxey, Jeffrey Furlow, Olivia Cates, Wyatt Tindall, Khloe Tindall, great grandson, Ledger VanPelt. She is also survived by her sister, Sue (Mike) Clements of Yuma, Arizona, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Anyone who knew Cindy knew that she had a strong will—and she was never afraid to use it. She was determined, independent, fiercely loyal, and, as her family would lovingly admit, sometimes just a little stubborn. She knew what she believed, knew what she wanted, and was not easily persuaded otherwise. That stubborn streak was simply part of the Cindy everyone knew and loved. And when life brought something that couldn’t be changed, Cindy had the perfect answer: “It is what it is.” Those four words became one of her most famous sayings, a reflection of her ability to accept life as it came, keep moving forward, and make the best of whatever was placed in front of her.

Cindy was also her grandchildren’s biggest fan and loudest cheerleader. Whether they were celebrating a milestone, pursuing a dream, playing a sport, or simply doing something that made them proud, Cindy was there cheering them on. She took immense pride in each of her grandchildren and loved hearing about their lives and accomplishments. They knew without a doubt that they had someone in their corner who would celebrate their victories, encourage them through their struggles, and love them unconditionally. Her grandchildren will forever carry the memory of having a grandmother who believed in them and made sure they knew it.

Cindy was a woman who knew the meaning of hard work, commitment, and perseverance. She spent 20 years serving as Chief Financial Officer at Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation, dedicating herself to her work and the people she served. At home, Cindy and Joe built Friend Farms together, working side by side for 45 years. The farm was more than a place of work—it was a testament to their partnership, determination, and the life they built together.

Beyond her work and responsibilities, Cindy loved to live life and make memories. She loved to travel, especially when she could share those adventures with her family. She enjoyed taking cruises, spending time at Kentucky Lake, and traveling to Key West. Some of her happiest moments were found in those experiences—surrounded by the people she loved, enjoying a little sunshine, a little adventure, and a lot of laughter.

Cindy’s greatest legacy will not be found in the work she accomplished or the places she traveled, but in the people she loved and the memories she created. She was the heart of her family—a wife who shared nearly 50 years with her best friend, a mother whose love was unwavering, a grandmother who cheered louder than anyone, and a great-grandmother who was blessed to know her precious Ledger.

Her family will remember her strong spirit, her stubborn determination, her quick wit, her famous “it is what it is,” and most of all, the unconditional love she gave them. They will hear her voice in the stories they tell, feel her presence in the traditions she helped create, and see her legacy every time the next generation gathers together.

Though her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness in the hearts of those who loved her, Cindy’s life was one that mattered deeply. She loved fiercely, worked hard, stood her ground, laughed often, traveled far, and gave her family a lifetime of memories.

Cindy lived life in her own unmistakable way—and she would probably have told us all, “It is what it is.”

Funeral services will be on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.