James Roy Lance, 78, Carbondale, IL (formerly of Sesser, IL) went Home to be with the Father on Sunday, September 14, at 9:27 in the evening in his home at The Landings in Carbondale, Illinois surrounded by family.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, September 18th at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation is from noon until 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Jim was born November 20, 1946 to Roy Everett and Lois (Clark) Lance. Jim married his High School sweetheart Beverly (Murray) May 20, 1964 and they enjoyed 61 wedded years together. Jim wore many hats during his life, an example of his ability to do so many things. He was a State and Federal Meat Inspector, Coal Mine Mechanic, and retired as a Prison Guard. Throughout his life he loved the farm and everything that went with it. He grew up on a peach and apple orchard (Clark & Brower Orchards), was a grain and hay farmer, and also raised hogs, cattle and sheep. He and his father Roy planted a smaller orchard later in life and spent many days together in a labor of love.

The roles he loved the most, though, were those of loving Husband, Dad, Papa, Grandpa, Papa Great and Uncle Jimmy. He loved with his whole heart and his family and friends loved him back with all of theirs. He mixed that love with a pinch of orneriness that kept everyone laughing and on their toes. In recent years as he was robbed of many memories his eyes would playfully twinkle with a smile and his family knew he was still with us. Jim loved hunting and fishing and spending time in the outdoors. He loved fishing and quail hunting and training bird dogs in his younger years. As he grew older he spent countless hours in the woods deer hunting with his son, Clark, and then grandsons Jamie and Jaden. After an eventful January day in 2022, where it seemed every single person whose life he ever touched (and there were so many) was out looking for him, Jim and Beverly spent his final years at The Landings in Carbondale. There, not surprisingly, they found even more family.

He was loved deeply by so many of the nurses and staff that cared for him the last three years. That love for “Jimbo” was never more evident than in the final days as so many of those nurses past and present came to see him one last time. Jim was a longtime member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton where he and Bev were a fixture for many years until he was unable to attend. Pastor Ken Petty and wife Joyce and the entire congregation helped the family through joy and sorrow and prayed diligently as Jim battled for 15 years after his diagnosis.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Beverly, along with son Brent Lance of Chicago, and son Clark Lance and wife Stacey of Sesser. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Adrian Lance of Indianapolis, Em England and husband Damian of Litchfield, Joel and Mia Lance of Springfield, Jamie Lance and wife Katrina of Sesser, along with Jaden and Jace Lance of Sesser, and great-grandchildren Ryland and Charlotte England and Easton, Whitley and Kendri Lance. He is also survived by loving sisters-in-law Judy West and Cindy Davey and husband Mike along with nieces Amie Monteggia and husband Joey, Laura Brandon and husband Doug, and Nicole Myers along with nephew Chad Genisio and wife Heather. He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Lois Lance, and sister Gay Lance.

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

Dr. Jerry D. Hill, 91, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully in his beloved home on September 10, 2025. He was a gentle soul who will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many people whose lives he touched.

Born on April 29, 1934, in Crab Orchard, Illinois, to Clyde and Cleo (Chester) Hill, Jerry remembered with great fondness his time growing up in this small community. It was a time and place where “if somebody needed help, you helped them.” He carried this experience with him throughout his life, and maintained his kindness, sense of humor, and concern for the well-being of others until the end.
He worked a variety of jobs while growing up and making his way through school. When his coal-miner father broke his back in an accident that left him unable to continue in the mines, Jerry helped him drive a truck to haul water and ice. He also worked for the highway department in the summer, stoked a coal furnace at a fraternity house in exchange for a room, worked at an ER in Chicago, and even sold awnings over the phone.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University in 1955 and his Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) from the University of Illinois College of Dentistry in Chicago in 1959.
After dental school, Jerry served as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force at the former Schilling Air Force Base in Salina, Kansas. Although he loved his time there, he chose to return to southern Illinois to be closer to the parents who had sacrificed to help with his education. In 1961, he moved to Benton to take over Dr. Dudley’s dental practice. He soon met the love of his life, Karen Graddy. They were married on August 24,1964, and together they had a daughter, Alicia Ann Hill (now Alicia Hill Ruiz), who was born in 1969.
Jerry had a calm and gentle presence that helped put people at ease in the dental chair. He saw the dignity and humanity in everyone he met and genuinely enjoyed interacting with his patients. He practiced full-time in Benton until 1977 and then served as the dentist for the Choate Mental Health and Development Center until 1998. Although he sold his private practice to Dr. Robin Labuwi in 1978, he continued to see patients part-time in that office until 2015.

Away from his practice, Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed nothing more than sharing meals with them. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Benton Country Club for more than five decades. He not only loved the game but also the chance to be outdoors, socialize with friends, and keep an eye out for bald eagles. He had one hole-in-one and won the Club Championship in 1975. In the last few years, he enjoyed sitting in the car and watching others play.
He played basketball for Crab Orchard High School and later enjoyed attending Benton Ranger and SIU Saluki basketball games. He loved dogs, especially his German Shepherds, Neiko and Zeke, and cherished family vacations at Kentucky Lake. In his later years, he enjoyed watching birds and squirrels in his yard and marveled at their different abilities.
Growing up, Jerry attended the Crab Orchard Methodist Church. When he moved to Benton, he joined the First United Methodist Church where he was married and attended services for many years.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Karen Hill, and his brother, Bob Hill. He is survived by his daughter, Alicia Ruiz (Michael), his nephew Jeffrey Hill, niece Leah Jo Hill, and his grandnephews Jonathan, Justin, and Jared Gravatt.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate team at PRN Professionals Home Service, who made it possible for Jerry to stay comfortably in his home; Residential Hospice Services for their professional and gentle care; and the many friends and staff at the Benton Public Library, the Plaza, Burton’s, Bob Evans, and O’Charley’s who brightened his days.
Thanks also to Jay Sala and staff at the Benton Country Club for helping him enjoy his favorite place the last few years when he was no longer able to play golf.
A very special thank you goes to former employees Carole Book, Marianne Higginson, and Donna Higginson for their decades of support and unwavering friendship.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Saturday, September 20, at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Visitation will take place from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. Burial will follow at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jerry’s honor to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, This Able Veteran, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James D. “Danny” Joplin Jr., 76, of Christopher, went home to be with the Lord, Saturday September 13, 2025. His loving wife Debbie was by his side and his beloved dogs ‘Boomer” and “Sassy” at their home. Danny was born on April 4, 1949 to James and Jean (Bigham) Joplin in Benton, IL. He was a retired mine construction worker, Danny married Deborah Lynn Hood on December 27, 1988 and she survives of Christopher.

He is survived by his wife Debbie and his stepson Greg (Marci) Hood of Coello, IL; brother Mark (Enola) Joplin of New Castle, IN. Danny loved fishing, boating, camping, traveling, especially morning coffee on the deck with his wife and dogs watching the birds and nature in their flower gardens. He loved life.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Jean Joplin, two infant sisters and one brother Mike Joplin.

Private graveside services will be held at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with his brother Rev. Mark Joplin officiating.

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

Donna Pratt of Marion passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025 at her home. She was born in Sesser, IL to Lucille (Owens) Eubanks and Arthur Eubanks.

Lucille and Arthur divorced early in Donna’s life and she spent years devoted to, supporting and caring for her mother who lived with her until her passing. Donna was the wife of Arhtur Pratt with whom she shared 65 years of marriage. Donna was born and raised in Southern Illinois and spent most of her life there with the exception of 10 years in Waukegan, IL where she met Arthur who was in the US Navy and stationed at the Naval base there.

After their marriage they spent a short time in Rhode Island before returning to Southern Illinois. Several years after her return Donna began a successful career in real estate. She was a managing broker, managed several offices, and was one of the area’s top agents during her 40+ years in the business. Donna enjoyed vacationing in Florida, especially Marco Island to where she made several visits.

She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, adored her children and grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. Donna is survived by her husband, Arthur, her son David Pratt of Marion, her daughter Cathy (Craig) Marx of Des Peres, MO, and grandchildren Owen and Elise Marx. She is also survived by and was very close to many of the cousins of her mother’s brother and sisters along with their children and grandchildren.

Her wishes were to have a private family graveside gathering at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL to be scheduled at a later date. Any donations in her honor can be made to her granddaughter’s high school volleyball team: https://raise.snap.app/donate/parkway-south-girls-volleyball-2025/12811422?share_type=email_0 .

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

Charles Curtis “Curt” Gibbs, age 72, of Thompsonville, peacefully passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2025, at his home.

He was born on June 1, 1953, in Rend City, Illinois; the son of Charles C. Gibbs and Ruby Isabelle (Winters) Gibbs. He married the former Sandra Renee Fletcher on February 4, 2006, and she preceded him in death on January 4, 2016.

Curt enjoyed working as a truck driver. He also formerly worked for Kirby Risk Electrical Supply and worked as a John Deere mechanic. He also enjoyed working on lawn mowers and tractors.

He is survived by Sandy’s two children: Lisa McClerren and husband Russell of Thompsonville, Illinois, and William Jack Chaffin of Herrin, Illinois; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren; two sisters: Ellen L. Shockley and husband Paul of Benton, Illinois, Thelma L. Overton of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a sister Ruby Faye Gibbs, great-grandson Cooper William Turner.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Rev. Matthew Shook officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery of Thompsonville. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Curt, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Denise Jeann’e Ragsdale, age 67, of West Frankfort, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025, at the SSM St. Mary’s Hospital of Richmond Heights, Missouri.

Denise was born on May 11, 1958, in Hammond, Indiana; the daughter of Sylvester Dean Steinberger and Carolyn Louise (Schimpf) Steinberger. She married Alan Ragsdale, and he preceded her in death on May 10, 1998.

Her working career consisted of being a laborer at a factory and she also was a well-known dog breeder of Southern Illinois. People would come from all around and even from Missouri to get her Yorkshire Terrier pups. She also did dog agility training.

She attended the Monroe Street Church of God until its closure.

Mrs. Ragsdale enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving are three children: Carrie Seagle Holly of West Frankfort, Illinois, Jason Seagle of Carterville, Illinois, and Ross Ragsdale of West Frankfort, Illinois; grandchildren including: Machaela Holly, Lucas Holly, Herschel Seagle, Peyton Seagle, Emma Seagle, Noah Seagle and Alexis Ragsdale; great-grandchildren: Meracia Labrie and Mathayus Labrie; three siblings: Sylvester Dean Steinberger, III and wife Brandie of Benton, Illinois, Walter Steinberger of Benton, Illinois, Aaron Steinberger and wife Heather of West Frankfort, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends: Joseph Holly and David Rice.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters Susan Steinberger and Camille Steinberger, a great-grandson Madeious Labrie, and her favorite person and Nana Bertha Schimpf.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

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

Sara Sue Vancil aged 84, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025. In accordance with her wishes, she will be cremated with no public services held. Arrangements have been entrusted to Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Born on October 10, 1940, in Kansas City, Missouri, Sara was the daughter of Virgil Bassett and Nadine (Perry) Bassett. She married Walter Tom Richardson, who preceded her in death. She was also predeceased by her parents, her son D.T. Richardson, and a brother Jerry Basset.

Sara is lovingly remembered by her son Robert Richardson and his wife Lisa; her two grandsons, Robbie Tom Wyant and Donald Thomas “Tommy” Richardson, Jr.; two great-grandchildren; her sister Laura May; daughter-in-law Christine Richardson; and her cherished dogs, Buffy and Lucy.

Sara worked as a bartender at Sandy’s Bar and Grill in Benton, where she formed many lasting friendships. She found joy in the outdoors, embracing fishing, camping, and playing computer games, often sharing laughter and playful competition with her friends and family.

Sara’s legacy is carried on by those who knew and loved her. Her memory is cherished in every story shared and every act of generosity inspired by her example. While her presence will be deeply missed, her spirit endures in the hearts of those she loved.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Sara; go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Christy Rae Gartner, 65, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at her residence.

She was born on May 17, 1960, to Jerry Rae Kerr and Jeannine A. Smith in Herrin, IL.

On May 24, 1978, she married Kurt Gartner who preceded her in death on December 6, 2024. Their love story spanned more than 46 years, with a reliability and consistency that had a positive impact on the people around them. Theirs was a love rooted in honesty and dedication.

Christy’s place of faith was found while in her swing in the back yard, enjoying nature and overlooking the pond. She was known for her soft spoken, gentle and understanding personality, an old soul. Christy was a loving mother, an adoring grandma, and a truly committed wife and daughter. She was also known for her soft spot for animals, and her love for the family pets. She often talked about favorites like Tommy, Pheobe, Stinky, Lucky and Harley. Christy loved to read a variety of books, with a small library of titles downloaded on her Kindle. She also enjoyed crafts and arts, with a specialty in pencil, but a talent across mediums. She took special pride in creating personal and meaningful keepsakes. She was incredibly intelligent, quick-witted and had a fun but dark sense of humor, specializing in sarcasm. One of her favorite retirement hobbies was taking care of the property and teaching her grandchildren about the art of a fire.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Rachel (Bart Bradley) Gartner of Benton, IL; four grandchildren, Hudson, Abby & Isabella Gartner and Fallyn Sprowls; brother, Darrin Kerr; uncle, Carl Smith; nieces and nephews, Hanna Gartner and Family, Kyle and Chelbie Mitchell and Family, Ian and Sam Perry, Jacob Bowling, Colin and Aiden Herron-Kerr; Karen Weaver; and best friend, Gwennie Holder.

Christy was preceded in death by parents; husband, Kurt Gartner; brother, Steven Kerr; mother-in-law, Gwenlyn Sue Gartner; and former brother-in-law, Randy Bowling.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home & Crematory, Benton, IL.

Per Christy’s wishes cremation will take place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Raymond Dale Eickelmann, 75, of Valier, passed away on Thursday September 4, 2025.

He was born on October 16, 1949 in Christopher to Cecil Cole and Della (Martin) Eickelmann.

He is survived by his children Jon Eickelmann and Theresa Eickelmann; grandchildren Riley Eickelmann, Shelby Eickelmann, Drew Hauns, Samantha Hauns, Ginger Hauns and Chase Hauns and one sister Gaila Marie Carpenter of Buckner.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Cecil Cole Eickelmann and Gary Eickelmann.

Ray loved the outdoors and especially being at the family farm.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday September 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook 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 Harrison Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

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

On Aug. 8, 2025, we learned that we had lost our mother, Brenda Lee Hanlon.

She was born Dec. 12, 1957, to Ann Ruth (Scott) and Kenneth Gilmore. She was named by her big sister, Kathy and was the proud big sister of her brothers Kenneth and Glenn.

Our Mother tried her very best in this life and it was a tough one for her. All of her girls loved her more than she could have ever imagined.

She was preceded in death by both of her parents and her brother Glenn.

She is survived by her loving daughters Shannon, Nicole and Maria and their partners as well as eight beautiful grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Kenneth Gilmore, Kathy Papamatheakis and their partners, as well as many nieces and nephews that she loved very much. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation in the local area to The Survivor Empowerment Center (Carbondale). We will miss you always and forever, Mom. You will always be our “Molly girl”.

In the stillness of the morning and the quiet of the night

My heart seeks signs from you, my wish to know that you’re alright

I see your face in everything

songs, memories, the gentle breeze coming in to alight

Sometimes I think I hear an answer, a butterfly, a bird in flight.

Your face is amongst the stars now, I hope your soul is free

Although in my hardest times, I wish it could have stayed for me.

All I wish is peace for you, that somehow you’re still there

We spend our lives filled with hope

For the people and things we love

Sometimes that love and hope is simply not enough.

Though we didn’t get to have that, not meant to be in this same life, I hope you see and hear me now and know how very much I cared.