Steven Ashmore, 71, of Benton, passed away on Sunday November 23, 2025 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

He was born on September 29, 1954 in Herrin, IL to William and Joyce Ann (Walker) Ashmore. He married Sandra (Payne) Ashmore and she survives of Benton.

He is also survived by his sons Jason (Paige) Ashmore of Sesser, IL and Ryan (Nicki) Ashmore of Crab Orchard, IL; grandchildren Halle Jo Ashmore, Landri Paige Ashmore, Ledger Chad Ashmore and River Brently Ashmore; three sisters Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Steven was a Veteran of the Vietnam War serving for the United States Air Force.

Funeral services will be on Friday November 28, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville, IL.

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

Dennis W. Sneed, 71 of Christopher, IL, passed away unexpectedly on November 21, 2025 at his home with his wife Candice Sneed by his side.

Dennis was born June 16, 1954, and was the son of William and Shirley Tennison. He married Candice D. Carlton, in June 13, 1988.

Dennis was preceded in death by his father Paul W. Sneed, step-father William G. Tennison and step-brother Timothy Tennison.

Dennis is survived by his wife Candice of 37 years; mother Shirely Tennison; brothers, David Sneed and wife Connie, Lindell Sneed and wife Pam and Joel Tennison; and sister Christy Langford and husband Steve, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Dennis graduated from Benton High School and worked for Old Ben Coal, the Federal Housing, and Benton Auxiliary Police. Dennis faithfully attended 1st Baptist Church in Christopher Il.
Visitation will be held at Morton and Johnston Funeral home from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday November 26th, with the service immediately following at 11:00 a.m.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

WIlliam (Bill) R. Gamble, Jr., of Kalispell, Montana, (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away on Nov 22, 2025.

Bill was born in Benton, IL on March 17, 1940. Bill attended Benton Consolidated High School where he played football.

Bill later moved to Texas where he attended Texas A and M for a year before ultimately graduating from the University of Houston.

While in Texas, he served in the United States Air Force Reserves at Ellington Air Force as a C-119
airplane mechanic. Bill was a member and Deacon of Faith Covenant Church in Kalispell, MT and
owned his own insurance company. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Gamble,Sr and Evelyn S. Gamble of Livingston, Texas.

He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Carroll (Paul) of Bryan TX, brother, Carl Gamble (Wendy) of Austin, Texas,
brother, Richard Gamble (Sandy) of Rolla, Missouri,daughter, Marti Gamble of Seattle, son, William R. Gamble III (Jacquelyn) of
Kalispell and daughter, Kayte Isakson (Tracy) of Kalispell as well as many grandchildren,great grandchildren, nephews and niece.

Services will be private. Donations in Bill’s name may be sent to Hidden Meadow Memory Care 240 Hidden Meadow
Ln Columbia Falls, MT 59912

Mollie Mae Veach (nee Morgan), age 94, of Valier, Illinois, went to be with the Lord peacefully at her home while surrounded by her family on November 23, 2025.

Born December 22, 1930, to Rev. J.D. and Nina Morgan, Mollie moved with her family to Valier when her father became pastor of the Valier First Baptist Church. It was there, at a high-school football game, that she met the love of her life, Marion “Bull” Veach. The two married on September 3, 1949, and together they built a life full of love, family, and service to the Lord.

Mollie had a lifelong passion for gospel music. She blessed countless hearts with her beautiful voice as a member of the gospel quartet The Harmonettes, and she never tired of singing praises or listening to the songs that lifted her soul straight to heaven. A faithful member of the Valier First Baptist Church for over eighty years, she taught Sunday school for decades, pouring God’s word and her gentle love into generations of children. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Mollie was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Above all, Mollie loved her family with every beat of her heart. Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild were the center of all that she did, the joy of her days, and the pride of her life. She cherished every moment with them and loved to have them gathered around her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. J.D. and Nina Morgan, her beloved husband, Marion “Bull” Veach; and her sons-in-law, Evan “Gabby” Miller and David Cox.

She is survived by her daughter Dixie Miller; her son Jim Veach and his wife Brandi; her cherished grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild; her nieces; and a host of friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Valier First Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the church, concluding with a short graveside service as she is laid to rest beside her beloved husband and parents at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mrs. Janet Maurine Higginson, age 92, of Benton, passed away at 6:52 a.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville, Indiana.

Janet was born on October 16, 1933, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, the daughter of Charles Alfred Bruce and Hattie Aileen (Sharp) Bruce. She would marry Gordon Higginson on April 24, 1954, and together they shared sixty-three years of marriage, until his passing on May 25, 2017.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Thompsonville, Illinois.

Janet formerly worked as a bookkeeper with the Wabash County Sheriff Department and with an abstract company.

She enjoyed quilting, reading, watching Kentucky Wildcats basketball, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are a daughter Stephanie Hobbs and husband Russell of Christopher, Illinois, a son Bruce Higginson and wife Theresa of Benton, Illinois; four grandchildren: Jason Hobbs and wife Tiffanie of Christopher, Illinois, Kyle Hobbs of Christopher, Illinois, Shelby Biggs and husband Aaron of Carlyle, Illinois, Taylor Moore of Benton, Illinois; four great-grandchildren: Carson Hobbs, Tinley Hobbs, Annabelle Biggs and Harrison Biggs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and a daughter Beth Ann Moore (February 21, 2023).

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, November 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Larry Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, at the Leffler Funeral Home. Future burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Janet, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Carolyn Jo Manker, 86, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday November 18, 2025.

She was born on July 28, 1939 in Chicago Heights, IL to Troy and Marion (Fiordo) Cockrum. She married Larry N. Manker on June 7, 1959 and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survives by her sons Eric (Suzanne) Manker of Sparta, IL and Todd (Beth) Manker of Sesser; grandchildren Skylar Manker, Peyton Manker, Rylie (Dylan) Hill and Shaylee Nikole (Colin Thomas) Manker and one great granddaughter Ellistyn Michelle Ryan.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be on Sunday November 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Rev. Harold Quick, Brother Ralph Brandon and Eli Schoenbaechler officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from Noon till the time of service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Franklin Cemetery in Whittington, IL.

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

Sherry Miller, 66, of Sesser, IL, passed away on November 17, 2025 with her two daughters Misty and Jenny by her side. She was born on August 23, 1959, she devoted her whole life to her family and lived with compassion, strength and grace.

Sherry was the heart of her family, a constant source of comfort, wisdom and most importantly unconditional love. She was known for calling anyone she knew honey or sweetheart, having the most purest soul, her silly jokes and her southern accent, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her. Whether she was cooking, planting flowers, having her grandkids spend the night with her or just spending time with those she loved. She brought warmth and so much joy wherever she went.

Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her daughters, grandkids, son-in-law and her pet birds Blue and Jewel. She had such a loving way, making everyone feel so welcome, giving the best advice, and telling stories to her family about her and her late husband on the good memories they shared together. She lived her life with a gentle strength always putting others before herself.

Sherry is survived by her daughters Jenny Miller of Sesser and Misty and Bo Upton of Benton along with her three grandchildren Alexander, Mia and Kinsley Upton, who will forever honor her by carrying forward the values she taught: love, Kindness, Resilience and Faith.

Sherry Was preceded in death by her husband Jimmy Miller after 34 years of marriage.

A Celebration of Sherry’s Life will be announced at a later date. Though she is gone from our sight she will remain in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers donations 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

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Melissa “Marie” Smith, age 67, of West City, passed away at 12:45 p.m. Saturday, November 15, 2025, surrounded by her daughter Amanda, grandchildren: Lilly, Lyle, Landon, Lexis, and her boyfriend Pete. Marie battled cancer for eight years before it took her home to Heaven.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. She loved her grandchildren so much.

Marie loved to be outside with her grandchildren. She loved planting flowers, gardening, going to yard sales, traveling, and McDonald’s Sweet Tea.
Melissa Marie Smith was born on November 30, 1957, the daughter of Herbert Smith and Geneva (Zalenski) Smith.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton.

Surviving is her loving daughter Amanda Smith of West City, IL, four grandchildren: Lilly Marie Slack, Lyle Dale Slack, Landon Devo Slack, and Lexis Geneva Shepard; her life partner Willard “Pete” Parker of West City, IL, two brothers: Robert E. Hines and wife Karen of Benton, IL, Bobby Wood and wife Melody of Ortonville, MI; three sisters: Jo Ann Stewart of Mt. Vernon, IL, Gloria Overturf of Benton, IL, Marsha Kay Eubanks and husband George of Benton, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband and love of her life Billy Dean Millikan, Sr., her parents and an infant sister.

Marie’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with Jim Muir officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Marie, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Lyman L Benns, Jr. was born on March 6, 1947 in Benton, IL. He went to spend eternity with his Savior and the love of his life Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on November 13, 2025 in Benton, IL.

Although he spent some time growing up on the south side of Chicago, IL, he spent most of his time living in West City, IL with his parents and siblings. He married Jenifer Jane Sneddon Benns on June 8, 1969.

He joined the Marines in 1966 and served in the Vietnam War. After leaving the Marines, he moved his small family to Texas where he worked in a paper mill. He moved back to the Southern Illinois area shortly after this and he began his career in the coal mines. He worked hard to support his family. He and his wife owned and operated Printer’s Inc. for 16 years.

He was a charter member of Christ’s View Christian Church in Christopher, IL. He was one of the many men who helped build the Church. Over the years that he worshiped there, he served as both an Elder and Deacon. He enjoyed preaching, teaching and leading Sunday School for the teens at the Church. He also helped with maintaining the upkeep on the building and grounds. He was always willing to help no matter what the need.

He was very active in his Church and with the community up to the day he died. He was willing to give a helping hand to anyone in need. If he had something you needed, he would lend it to you without hesitation. He was an encourager and a great leader. He was always cracking jokes and playing practical jokes on others when they least expected it.

He was generous with everyone. If you called him for advice or help, he was there. While wintering in Texas, he would do the announcements at Church every Sunday. The other Winter Texans loved that he did this as they would say “He is the only person that can make the announcements funny”. He also enjoyed playing pickle ball and could be heard many times saying “keep your eye on the ball”.

His best time was with the love of his life, Jenifer Jane Benns. They enjoyed taking trips, ballroom dancing, going for rides in the convertible, spending time with friends and family and just being together. Their love was truly one of a kind.

His greatest accomplishment was his family and the love he so eagerly gave. He loved deeply and wanted the best for them. Besides his family, he passionately worked for his Lord and Savior with all his heart. He loved Jesus and was always willing to share that love with anyone. He wanted to bring all his family and friends with him to meet Jesus someday.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jenifer Sneddon Benns; his Mother, Margaret Smith Benns; Father, Lyman L. Benns, Sr.; Father-in-Law David Lewis; Mother-in-law, Uneeda Lewis; Brother, Steve Benns; Brother-in-law, James Sneddon; Brother-in-law, George Lewis; Sister-in-law, Nellie Lewis, and Sister-in-law, Mikkell Geanne Sneddon. His surviving family includes Children, Julie Benns (Michael) Greisz and Eric Benns; Brother James Benns (Beth), Dennis Benns (Valerie), Mike Benns and Sister Mary Anne Benns Kline; Grandchildren, Caleb Garascia (Kayela Thomas), Logan Gayer, Ashlei Kraemer (Andrew), Anna Greisz, Thomas Greisz, Vanessa Greisz, Skyler Greisz, Isaac Benns, Madison Benns and Gabriella Benns. He has one Great-grandchild Evan Garascia who was a bright light in his life. His nieces and Nephews include Amy Sneddon, Andrew Sneddon, Angie Wray, Adam Benns (Deeann), Deni Lynn Stallons (Paul), Lacey Owens (Justin), Jamie Hargraves (Robert), Shauna Martinez (Mario), Jeremy Benns, Nikita Coleman, Marsha Schuster (Ken), Angela Austin (Mark) many great nieces and nephews and cousin David Garvin (Brenda).

The visitation will be held at Morton and Johnston in Benton, IL. Visitation for family will be on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM. Visitation for Friends will be on Tuesday, November 18 from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Friends may also visit on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 9:00AM with the funeral at 10:00AM. He will be laid to rest in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton, IL.

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