Pamela Darlenne Wiggins, age 74, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 5:02 a.m. Sunday, September 6, 2026, at the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital.

Pam was born on December 10, 1951, in Christopher, Illinois, the daughter of Jack George Johnson and Darlenne Charlotte (Kerley) Johnson. On September 28, 1974, she married G.A. Wiggins, and he preceded her in death on October 10, 2006.

She formerly worked in the upholstery department with Bombardier Boats of Benton, Illinois, and previously worked for Crownline Boats of West Frankfort, Illinois.

Pam had made known her Faith in Christ Jesus and she was saved by his grace.

She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, baking, shopping, dining out and fishing. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are her children Jacqueline Holman and Scott Wiggins, both of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including Jesse White, Andrew White, Nick White, Lucas Holman, Carly Holman and Mackenzie Wiggins, numerous great-grandchildren, a brother Terry Johnson and wife Brenda of Thompsonville, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Brett White, and a brother Mike G. Johnson.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois. Funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Eddie Paul Davis officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Pamela Wiggins, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Alice Martha Kapp Krelo, daughter of James Robert Kapp and Wilmetta “Billie” Derickson Kapp Hensley, passed away in St. George, Utah on September 3, 2026, of natural causes at the age of 73.

She was born in Cut Bank, Montana on November 28, 1952. Alice was the oldest of 3 children, including her younger brother James and younger sister Karen. Alice graduated from Harlem High School in Harlem, Montana in 1971. She was the Salutatorian of her graduating class and was involved in band and theater. Her brother shared that he never would have graduated from high school if it hadn’t been for her; she quit her job and moved near him so he could finish high school in Montana after their parents got transferred out of state.

Alice was married to Lowell Lensing in 1976 and was divorced in 1978. She moved to Salt Lake City in 1984 and started working for the military. In 1985, she met and married Michael Lee Krelo.

Alice then went to work for the Utah National Guard and, after over 20 years, retired in 2003. She and Michael were married for 41 years, living in Riverton for 27 years, and most recently in Mesquite, Nevada for 14 years. Alice helped raise her 3 stepchildren – Michelle, Alex, and Scott. She and Michael also “raised” over 35 dogs and cats throughout their lives. Alice was definitely a “dog mama” and loved to take in and rescue many different animals over the years.

Alice also loved collectibles, trinkets, and holiday decorating. She loved reading, knitting, and sewing, but also enjoyed having a beer with Mike and the guys. She was very intelligent and excelled at whatever she did. She is survived by her husband, Michael Lee Krelo, her brother James Robert Kapp, Jr., and her sister Karen Koren Kapp Hays. She is also survived by her stepchildren: Michelle (Stephen), Alex, and Scott (Jenn), 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, James Kapp, her mother, Billie Hensley, and her nephew, Willie Hays.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 12 noon to 2pm at the Desert Skies RV Park Palms Room, 351 East Hwy 91, Scenic, AZ, 84632.

Maurice Edward “Eddie” Woodring, Thompsonville, IL, was born November 7, 1960, to Robert and Brenda Woodring. He was called to Heaven at 4:13 p.m., September 4, 2026, surrounded by his family at home.

Eddie was born at Madisonville Hospital in Madisonville, Kentucky, while his parents resided in Providence, Kentucky. He was the oldest of six kids born to Robert and Brenda Woodring. They lived in Kentucky and Illinois growing up. At the age of 19, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, serving out of Fort Leonardwood in Missouri for six years. He and his then wife, Terrey, moved around finally settling in Kentucky, where he became a husband, father and coal miner.

He began at Pyro Mines in Wheatcroft, Kentucky in 1981, as security, eventually ending up mining underground until the mines shut down in 1991.

After a turn of events, he relocated to Thompsonville, Illinois, around the year 2000. He continued his long wall coal mining career at American Coal and Wildcat Hills, until he became a man of leisure at the age of 62.

Eddie enjoyed riding his Harley, rockin out with his big speaker on the porch, drinking beer, aggravating, eating breakfast with his father, Bob “Free Lunch” Woodring, at the local diner and spending quality time with his family.

He always had a smile on his face and laughter echoed through a room when he was around. He never met a stranger and would give, even if it was his last. He was a man of integrity, that was very caring and loved hard. He was most proud of his four children, Ike, Bambi, Katie and Nadine. To know him was to love him.

Maurice Edward “Eddie” Woodring was “The Man, The Myth and The Legend!!”

He is survived by his children, Ike, Tiffani, Bambi, Mikey, Katie, Nadine and Marshal; his grandchildren, Skylar, Witlie, Jermayn, Jocelynn, Jayzshia, James-Michael, Isaiah, Karsyn, Drake, Draven, Cash and Colt; his great-grandchildren, Kariiah, Miller Rae and Dejuan; his father, Robert Morris “Bob” Woodring and his wife, Tammy Woodring; his sisters, Regina Gardner and her husband, Ronnie and Susie Williams and her husband, Jason and his brothers, Len Woodring and Josh and Caleb Bundy.

Eddie is preceded in death by his mother, Brenda Joyce (Smith) Woodring; his sisters, Cindy Isaacs and Vickie Woodring and his brother, J.J. Woodring.

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

Visitation for Eddie will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, in Benton, IL.

A Celebration of Life will be held directly after the visitation on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.

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

Gordon D. Gossett, 85, lifelong resident of Mulkeytown, Illinois passed away Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 10:55 a.m. at Marshall Browning Hospital, Du Quoin, Illinois with his family by his side.

Gordon was born on March 30, 1941 in Tamaroa, Illinois to Delmar and Anna (McCaslin) Gossett. He married Patricia Schaefer on September 16, 1961 and they spent nearly 65 years together.

Gordon is survived by his wife Patricia, sons Jeffrey (Darcy) Gossett of Du Quoin, Brent (Angie) Gossett of Coello, and daughter Amy Gossett of Mulkeytown. He is also survived by grandchildren Matthew (Maddi) Gossett, Samuel (Meghan) Gossett, Lori (Daryl) Horton, Emily (Payton) Clark, Maddie (Bryce) Jones, and Grace (Cameron) Gossett. Gordon was also blessed with surviving great-grandchildren Jude, Gabriel, Adlee, Titan, Ada, Nora, Lola, and Grahm. Additionally Gordon is survived by his sister Susie Osborn and husband Robert , sister-in-law JoAnn Gossett, sister-in-law Sandy Gilbert and husband Terry, sister-in-law Joyce Bowman and several nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents Delmar and Anna, brother James, and daughter Kara.

Gordon was a lifelong member of Mulkeytown Christian Church and served as a deacon for many years. He graduated from Christopher High School in 1959. He was a retired UMWA coal miner who last worked at Peabody Baldwin Coal Mine near Marissa, Illinois. He also worked as a general laborer at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. He served many years as a board member for Mulkeytown Grade School and on the water board for the Mulkeytown Water District.

Gordon loved his family dearly and could be counted on to help whenever and for whatever was needed. The same was often true for his community. He enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren compete in sporting events, rarely missing any game or meet. His love for sports and competition never waned. He continued to attend many events long after his family had finished their athletic careers. He had a lifelong passion for car racing, attending many NASCAR events and travelling to many dirt tracks to watch sprint cars.

Services for Gordon will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois. Visitation is from 9 until 11 a.m. with services following officiated by Reverend Kurt Jenson of the Mulkeytown Christian Church.

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

Daniel Ellis Glidewell, born May 11, 1977, to William Roy Glidewell and Edith Lynn Teffertiller, passed from this earthly life into his Heavenly home on September 4, 2026 where he is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Daniel grew up surrounded by his loving family and siblings: William Roy Glidewell Jr., Kathy Henson (Tom), Charlie Glidewell, Victoria Griffith (Kurt), and Joseph Vernon Glidewell. He was preceded in death by his father, William Roy Glidewell, and his brother, Charlie Glidewell.

Daniel shared a special bond with his much older cousin, Julie Green. Though they were cousins, Daniel always considered Julie more like a sister and never missed an opportunity to tease her about being older than him—even though the age difference was only a few months.

Daniel married his high school sweetheart, Heather Jean Piper Glidewell. They began dating in February 17, 1995 and were married on February 16, 2002. Together, they built a beautiful family and were blessed with three children, whom Daniel loved deeply and was incredibly proud of: Carrie Mae Glidewell; Owen Roy Glidewell (Jaycie Martin); and Marissa Lynn Glidewell. Daniel was also a proud and loving grandfather to his precious granddaughter, Mavie Ray Glidewell. He was extremely excited to meet his newest granddaughter Noa Jean Glidewell, who is due to be born October 21st.

He cherished his nieces and nephews, including Christina Henson, Tommy Henson, Stephanie Fledscher, Brittany Freeman, Joseph Charlie Glidewell. To his great-nieces and great-nephew, he was affectionately known as “Uncle Punk,” a name that reflected the fun, laughter, and love he brought into their lives.

Daniel proudly served his country in the United States Army and National Guard, completing two overseas tours in Iraq and Kuwait. He dedicated 24 years of his working life to Brinks Security. He also enjoyed volunteering his time with the Boy Scouts and giving back to his community.

Daniel found joy in the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors, camping, reading, woodworking, collecting toys including G.I. Joes and He-Man, building LEGOs, watching football, making and fixing things with his hands, going to church, spending time with friends and family and cuddling with his cat Frank. Above all, he loved making people laugh. His joking spirit, warm personality, love of talking and ability to bring laughter into a room will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Daniel was a believer in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was an important part of who he was, and he placed his hope in the promise of eternal life through Christ. He has now gone home to be with his Savior, and it is his prayer that all those he loved will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, so that one day they may all rejoice together in Heaven.

Daniel leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, service, faith, and family. Though his earthly presence will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of his wife, children, granddaughter, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 9, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday September 8, 2026 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Smith Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

Until we meet again in Heaven, Daniel.

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

Eddyth Wanda (Bullington) Mandrell, 95, of Benton entered her heavenly home at 7:30 pm Monday August 31st, 2026, at Herrin hospital surrounded by family. She was born December 22, 1930, in Rend City, the daughter of George Robert and Sarah Wanda (Jones) Bullington. Eddyth was the third oldest of 9 siblings.

She married Gene Mandrell on July 2, 1949 (maybe) in Benton, IL. They were married for 63 years. Both were long-time members of the West City Church of Christ. They had their first child, a son, Bradley Gene in 1950 and then their second child, a daughter, Pamela Sue, in 1952.

Eddyth was an avid St. Louis Cardinals Fan. She enjoyed fishing especially at Jones Lake, cooking (which she was excellent at), crocheting, quilting, doing puzzles, and playing Gin Rummy, Phase 10, and Domino’s with her family & friends. She was very competitive and loved winning. She always said, “Why play if you are not going to win.” Eddyth loved her time living in Florida and spending time with her brother Alan down there.

Mrs. Mandrell is survived by her daughter in-law Becky Mandrell of Benton, IL, five grandchildren; Angela Jones (Ira Donald) of Arab, AL, Jeff Mandrell of Benton, IL, Lee Mandrell (Kristy) of Florissant, MO, Bridgett Young of McLeansboro, IL, and Lana Ventura (Bobby) of Herrin, IL. Seventeen great grandchildren; Brittney Jones (Mark Hornbaker) of Arab, AL, Haley Moore (Jonathon) of Union Grove, AL, Abi Mandrell, Noah Mandrell, Charley Mandrell of Florissant, MO, Alex Ventura (Matt Powell) of Carterville, IL, Logan Ventura, Ty Ventura of Herrin, IL, Kameron Russell (Kaitlynn) of McLeansboro, IL, Destiny Russell of McLeansboro, IL, Mae Lee Perry of Carbondale, IL, Nick McClerren of McLeansboro, IL, Morgan McClerren, Racheal McClerren, Gabby McClerren of West Frankfort, IL, Patrick McClerren of Peoria, IL, and Cassie McClerren of Benton, IL. Plus 13 great grandchildren, brothers Robert Bullington of Valier, IL, Alan Bullington of Rend City, IL a sister Linda Montgomery (Don) of Coello, IL, and a sister in-law Beverly Mandrell of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Gene, son Brad, daughter Pam, sisters Jennieve, Betty, Marcella, Susan, brother Kenneth, and a granddaughter Kelly Jo.
Services will be held on Saturday Sept 12, 2026, at Morton and Johnston funeral home. Visitation will be 10am-12pm with celebration of life to follow. Graveside services will be at Masonic and Odd Fellows cemetery following celebration of life.

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

Rae Jean Reed, 92, of Benton passed away Wednesday September 2, 2026 at Stone Bridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on November 18, 1933 the daughter of Herman L. & Elsie (Whitecotton) Day.

She married Harold Gene Reed on February 21, 1953, and he preceded her in death on February 8, 2003.

Mrs. Reed was a loving Christian mother, grandmother, great-granmother & great-great-grandmother. She taught Sunday School and loved Bible School and was always eager to be early. She was very family oriented. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.

Mrs. Reed is survived by her:

3 Children:
Debbie Backes & husband Greg of Mt. Vernon
Terri Stewart & husband Alan of Benton
Mike Reed & wife Becky of Benton

8 Grandchildren: Matthew J. Backes, Reed Backes, Bobby Backes & wife Jenny, Amy Hill & husband Richard, Sarah Howard & husband John, Christopher Stewart & wife Kadie, Amanda Jo Lewis & husband Aaron, and Michelle Leigh Potter & husband Jacob.

18 Great-Grandchildren: Libby, Rylie, Baylee, Carson, Katie, Collin, Madi, Mason, Neil, Amelia, Sully, Janice, Eli, Hannah, Emma, Dylan, Jackson & Riley.

4 Great-Great-Grandchildren: Hazel Rae, Ramona, Chapel & Micah

1 Sister: Mary Lee Alexander

1 Brother: David Day & wife Donna

3 Sisters-in-law: Dorothy Reed, Karin Reed & Margie Bayless

Mrs. Reed was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband and 2 Brothers-Rex Day & Glenn Ramsey.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Monday September 7th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor John Howard officiating. Burial will be in the Knob Prairie Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the funeral home.

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

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.