William Scott Sandusky, age 58, of West City, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026.

Scott’s wishes are to be cremated.

An Informal Celebration of Life to share stories of Scott with his family and one another, will be held at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2026, at the “wall” at the sailboat harbor, south of Wayne Fitzgerrell Park at Rend Lake. A meal will follow at a place yet to be determined.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Scott was born on February 19, 1968, in Benton, Illinois, the son of Alva L. and Alma Louise (Gilbreath) Sandusky.

Scott graduated with BCHS Class of 1986, where he excelled in sports, and was known as being funny and an all-around nice guy.

He was employed as Zoning Administrator for the village of West City. In recent years, Scott was a full-time caregiver of his mother, a gift that cannot be measured.
Scott enjoyed Rend Lake and the outdoors. He would watch the sunrise and the wildlife. He was especially fond of watching birds and deer while taking drives around Rend Lake and would report his bird sightings to his daughter Katie. He was a sports fan of women’s basketball and softball.

His daughter Katie said she remembers the times her dad would take her and his two labrador retrievers to the former Washington School ball diamond and he would pitch countless hours to her, helping her with her hitting while the labradors retrieved the softballs. She said he would also make her shoot layups at the outdoor basketball court at Washington School, reminding her it is important to never miss a layup.
Scott’s brother Jay said that Scott had a passion for the weather. Many times, when they would call each other to discuss an approaching storm one would answer the phone, “Don McNeely speaking” and the other would say “this is Jim Cantore.”

Scott knew there were many things in life he learned not to take for granted. The best is not a thing, it is a person, Katie his precious daughter. His job was a dad, and that is a job he took very seriously, and was the best job he had.

Surviving is his loving daughter Katie Sandusky and partner Bethany Davidson of Chicago, Illinois; his loving mother Louise Sandusky of West City, Illinois; a brother Jay Sandusky and wife Kerri of Tipton, Iowa; two sisters Renee Taylor of Wilmington, Illinois, Lori McDade of Evansville, Indiana; several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents and his father.

Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Scott Sandusky, may be made to his daughter Katie Sandusky, C/O the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812. To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Scott, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Keegan Thomas Willis, 19, of Ashley, passed away on November 8, 2026.

He was born on January 5, 2007 in Carbondale to Jeremiah Young and Robin (Willis) Martin.

He is survived by his mother Robin (Willis) Martin of Ashley, step-father Drake Curry of Ashley; father Jeremiah Young of Nauvoo, IL; Jason Martin of Dowell the man that raised Keegan; step-mother Natasha Young; grandmother Gayla Willis of Sesser; siblings Raelynn (Kaitlyn Copple) Willis of Buckner, Ally Martin of Moline, Nevaeh Young, Jeremiah Young, Avianna Young, Siouxfirra Young, Lorretta Young, Jebediah Young, Taccoa Young and Lakota Young all of Nauvoo, Draysen Curry and one step -brother Jacob Cogdill of Oklahoma; aunts Toshya Browder of Sesser, November (Andre Gee) Freeman of St Louis, Pamela Fisher of Dallas City, IL, Julie Fisher of Fort Madison, IA, Nicole Okubo of Arizona and Michelle Dennett of Laharpe, IL; uncles Gary Willis of Texas, Russ Miller of Sesser and TJ Freeman of Sesser and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Tom Freeman and Peggy Ballinger and one aunt Michelle Grubaugh.
Keegan was a student at Youth Build of South Central Illinois and was getting ready to enlist in the Army, he also worked at Dollar General in Ashley.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 5, 2027 at 11:00 AM at the Woodlawn Community Center.
Keegan loved to go to Youth Build, he loved his dog Tilly, was an avid gamer, a very hard worker, loved cars, lifted trucks and motorcycles, and was an Old Soul.
He was very loved and will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers donation can be made to the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser to help with funeral expenses.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Thomas Ray Arpasi, 74, of Benton, Illinois, passed away on October 26, 2026.

He was born to parents, James Joseph Arpasi and Mary Jean (Hamilton) on January 23, 1952, in Eldorado, Illinois. Tom, as most knew him, was a boat builder most of his life.

Tom was married to Linda (Champlin) for 52 plus years, who survives him. Tom leaves behind by his two sons, Thomas, wife Paula (Coons), granddaughter Mia, and Travis, wife Chelsey (Crow), granddaughters Star, Davini, & Zeppelyn, and 3 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, James Joseph Arpasi II, wife Janet (Riggs), sons James Joseph Arpasi III, wife Misty (Norwood), and Thomas Arpasi, grandnephew Phillip and grandniece Addison.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom was known for his love of gardening and shared his produce throughout the community. He was an avid crappie fisherman and loved watching college football.
There will be a Celebration of Life, November 14, 2026, at The Kiwanis Hall, 414 W Hudelson, Benton, IL from 1 – 4 pm. Family and friends are welcome to show support of the grieving family. Florals may be sent or memorials can be made to the charity of donor’s choice.

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

Athalia Taylor, 92, of Benton, passed away Thursday morning November 6, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on April 18, 1934 the daughter of William Henry & Sarah Marinda (Welch) Moore.

She married Elmer James Taylor and he preceded her in death on November 10, 2000.

Mrs. Taylor was an avid member of the Temple Baptist Church in Mason City, Iowa and member of Resurrection Baptist Church in Benton. She was a volunteer at the Gwen Wynn Senior Center for many years. She was always a servant to others and loved her Pastors.

Mrs. Taylor is survived be her:

Son: Kenneth Taylor

Daughter: Marinda Hornsby & husband John

One who was close as a Son: Jim Degen

Daughter-in-law: Sandra Taylor

Grandchildren: Russell James Taylor, Amie Jo Marken & husband Andrew, Rachael Cox & husband Jake, Sarah Marinda Hornsby, Shaina Christine Hornsby, J. T. Hornsby, Jacob Ian Hornsby, William Ray Taylor & Michael James Taylor

Several Great-Grandchildren and a Great-Great-Granddaughter

Mrs. Taylor was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Son-Jimmy Taylor and 2 Sisters-Wanda & June.

Visitation will be from 4:30 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. on Tuesday November 11th at the Resurrection Baptist Church in Benton with a Worship Service beginning at 6:30 P.M. with Pastor Paul Keller officiating. A Graveside service will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Wednesday, November 12th at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with burial to follow.

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

David Alan McNeil, 85, of Benton, passed away on Tuesday November 3, 2026 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO.

He was born on March 25, 1941 in Sesser, IL to Richard and Frances (Long) McNeil. He married Diane J. (Kozicki) McNeil on March 19, 1966 and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his two sons Michael (Michelle) McNeil of Orland Park, IL and Jason (Wendi) McNeil of Steger, IL; grandchildren Matthew McNeil, Isabelle McNeil, Corey (Alyssa) McNeil, Kyle McNeil and Haley (Kyle) Rietveld; great grandchildren Chasden, Bentley, Bodie and Iylah and two sisters Gayla (Charles) Wingo of Valier and Marla (Jerry) Kiselus of Phoenix, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He was a Veteran and was plant manager at US CAN.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday November 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday November 10, 2026 from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Jackie Johnston, age 91, of Benton, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Sunday, November 1, 2026, at the Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation of Benton.

Per Mr. Johnston’s wishes, he will be cremated with no public services.

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

Jackie was born on January 5, 1935, in Sesser, Illinois, the son of Orval and Zelpha Johnston. He married the former Mercia Donovan on September 23, 955, and she preceded him in death on October 6, 1996.

He enjoyed camping, traveling, and spending time with family.

He was a member of the Crete Methodist Church.

Mr. Johnston was a retired supervisor with Portion Packaging.

Surviving are three sons, Paul Johnston, Mark Johnston, and Jack D. Johnston; a grandson Paul Christopher Johnston (Julie), great-grandchildren Zach, Kaitlyn, and Emilie; great-great-grandchildren Carmine and Damon; three siblings, Annabelle Smith, Orval Johnston, and Kenneth Johnston; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orval and Zelpha Johnston, and his wife Mercia Johnston.
Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Mr. Jackie Johnston, may be made to Residential Hospice or Arbor Day Foundation (plant a memorial tree).
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Jackie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Winifred “Sue” Baker, 96, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on November 4, 2026.

Sue was born on January 17, 1930, in Vincennes, Indiana, to Dennis Fleet and Olive May (Reel) Hislip. She was united in marriage to Robert Noel Baker on February 8, 1948. He preceded her in death on June 22, 1993.

Sue is survived by her children, Janet Baker of Sesser, Dennis (Michelle) Baker of Benton, and Bradley Baker of Sesser; her grandchildren, Amy (Kirk) Tipton, Todd Spotanski, Jill Meisel, Colten Baker, Tyler (Emily) Baker, Nakoa Baker, and Hillary (Austin) Martin; and her great-grandchildren, Olivia Tipton, Allison Meisel, Tommy Meisel, Aaliyah Walls, Lyric Walls, Alora Martin, Addy Jo Martin, and Axel Martin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister, Patty Keith, and her niece, Nancy Manwarring.

Sue was a 1947 graduate of Oaktown High School in Indiana. She and her classmate, Gene King, were the last surviving members of their graduating class. They stayed in contact throughout the years.

Throughout her life, Sue had many dear friends. The family would especially like to recognize Shirley Spangler for her many years of friendship, love, and devotion to Sue. Sue loved Shirley like a daughter.

Sue found great happiness in doing the things she loved. She especially enjoyed cooking for her family and friends and was well known for her fried chicken recipe. She also enjoyed creating beautiful flower arrangements, playing the organ and piano, and, of course, shopping. Her love of cooking and sharing meals was one of the many ways she showed her love for those around her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at DuQuoin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and Residential Hospice for the compassion, love, and care they provided Sue during her final months. Your kindness and dedication during her final days will never be forgotten.

A special thank-you goes to the staff at Heritage Woods in Benton, where Sue spent five years surrounded by loving and caring individuals. The family would especially like to recognize Nurse Gina Harris, Melissa Odle-PA, and Director Nicole Garrett for their unwavering support, exceptional care, and for loving Sue as though she were their own family. Your kindness and dedication meant more than words can express. The family was grateful for the extra care and love that caretakers Abby, Verna, Chloe, and Ruby provided for Sue at a time when she needed it the most.

During Sue’s time at Heritage Woods, residents were blessed each Christmas with gifts and supplies from Benton Can’s Can Ministries. Sue always looked forward to and appreciated their generosity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Can’s Can Ministries in Sue’s memory. Donations may be made at the funeral home or mailed to: Can’s Can Ministries, 205 Bailey Lane, Benton, IL 62812.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, with Michael McClure officiating. Interment will follow in the Horse Prairie Cemetery of Sesser, Illinois, with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To give online condolences or to share memories of Sue, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Glena Piper was born on October 1, 1933, to Stanley Ayer Cockrum and Ruby Maud Cockrum (Harrison) on a farm in
Sesser, Illinois.

She was the oldest of seven children and grew up milking cows, feeding chickens, gathering eggs, and helping
care for her siblings. She attended elementary and high school in Sesser, where she and her future husband were crowned
king and queen.

After graduation, Glena and Robert “Bob” moved to Chicago where better work opportunities were available. They were
married for 73 years until his death in 2025. Glena was an excellent seamstress and worked in two sewing factories.
Glena, Bob, and their children settled in Rend City in 1968. Prior to retirement, Bob and Glena enjoyed traveling around the country to IBEW worksites.

Glena tirelessly researched genealogy and shared her findings with family and friends. She also enjoyed sewing, knitting,
gardening, and camping with Bob all over the country. In later life, she found joy searching her computer for the latest news
and completing her word search puzzles. Glena is survived by her sons Robert E. Piper of Zeigler, David R.
Piper of Benton, daughters Linda D. Laird of Florida, and Sandra J. Hicks of Tennessee. She is also survived by her grandsons
Shane Piercy and Dustin Laird, granddaughters Brandy Thompson and Heather Glidewell, great grandson Owen
Glidewell, great granddaughters Carrie and Marissa Glidewell, Brianna Thompson, and Piper and Kenzi Piercy. She also has
two great-great grandchildren, Mavie Ray Glidewell and recently added Noa Jean Glidewell.

Glena is also survived by her sister Ruth Ann Miner, sisters-in-law Doris Cockrum and Ellen Cockrum, and several nieces and
nephews.
Glena was preceded in death by her parents Stanley and Maud Cockrum, husband Robert Piper, son Timmie L. Piper, grandson
Benjamin Hicks, brothers Glen, Noble, Floyd, William, and Robert Cockrum.

Funeral services will be on Sunday November 8, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 1:00PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Laura Lorraine (Slayton) Young, 73, of Benton, IL, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.

She was born on July 18, 1953, in Madison County, Illinois, the daughter of Freeman and Viola (Stricker) Slayton. She married Michael Young on February 13, 1999, and he survives.

Laura had a heart with room for everyone. Her capacity to love and care for others seemed to have no limit. Whoever needed her, she showed up, and she gave of herself without ever keeping score. She was one of the strongest people her family has ever known, and that strength was always in service of the people she loved.

That same tender heart extended to every animal that crossed her path. She had an incredible love for animals, and no creature in need ever went without her kindness.

Her family was her greatest accomplishment in life.

She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years, Michael Young; her daughters, Amy Shelton, Shelby McCoy, and Shannon Young Carpenter; her sons, Bill (Tracy) McCoy, Keith (Heather) Young, and Erik Young; her grandchildren, Emma, Claire, Jake, Hannah, Lyla, Max, Quinn, Lincoln, April, Sydnie (Dylan), Jennifer, Kim, Kailyn (Hunter), and Jaylee; her sister, Patricia Kash; her brother, John Slayton; and several great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and close friends.

Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Freeman and Viola Slayton; her brothers, Bill, Don, and Bob Slayton; and her nephew, Donnie Ray Slayton.

Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will follow in the Denning Cemetery of West Frankfort. Family and friends are invited to return to the church for a meal.

Services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southern Illinois Cancer Institute of Carterville and will be accepted at the services.

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

Howard Glen Hargett, age 90, of Mount Vernon, formerly of Thompsonville, IL, passed away at 9:16 a.m., Saturday, October 31, 2026, at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

Glen was born on June 12, 1936, to Olen Sid and Lucille (Black) Hargett in Thompsonville, IL. He worked as a contractor in the construction field. He married the former Linda Mae Zimmerman, and she preceded him in death.

Glen was a Veteran of the United States Army, where he served in Germany.

He was a member of the Community of Christ Church in Thompsonville, IL.

Glen loved working on the house. He always stayed busy and always thinking of new projects to do to the house. He loved being independent but most importantly, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family.

Glen is survived by his loving children, Robert Hargett, Scott Hargett and Katherine Hargett; his brother, David Hargett; his sister, Nora Baney; seven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Olen Sid and Lucille Hargett; his wife, Linda Mae Hargett; his son, Patrick Hargett and an infant sister.

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

Per Glen’s wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services.

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