Sarah Belle (Much) Conner Prather, a cherished and devoted matriarch, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the warmth of her loving family and in the comfort of her home in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah was born in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the beloved daughter of George Amos Mulch and Mary Armilda (Simmons) Mulch. A woman of deep faith and unwavering strength, Sarah lived a life marked by resilience, grace, love, and devotion to her family.

At the age of 15, Sarah married Bennet Conner at her parents’ home in Mt. Vernon, beginning a family legacy that would remain at the heart of her life. She later married Robert “Bob” Conner, with whom she shared more than 40 years of marriage. Together, they built a life and a business as the proud owners of Heartland Metal Recycling. In her later years, Sarah married John David Prather Sr., with whom she shared many precious memories until his passing in 2019.

Sarah’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was a lifelong Pentecostal worshiper and found great joy and purpose through her relationship with God. For most of her life, Sarah played an important role in leading worship services and was responsible for overseeing the music ministry. Music was not simply a talent for Sarah; it was a way she served God and connected with others. An accomplished pianist, she could play nearly any instrument and delighted in sharing her musical gifts with those around her. Teaching music was a passion she continued throughout her life, including most recently sharing her knowledge and love of music with Brother Ruff at Calvary Apostolic Church in Christopher, Illinois.

Sarah’s determination and love of learning were evident throughout her life. Although she left school in the ninth grade to begin her life as a wife and mother, she never stopped learning. In her mid-50s, she proudly earned her GED from Rend Lake College, an accomplishment that reflected her indomitable spirit and determination to reach her goals.

Sarah was preceded in death by her beloved husbands, Bob Conner and John Prather Sr.; her parents, George and Mary Mulch; her brother, Daniel Mulch; and her grandson, Jerry Wayne Conner Jr.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that will continue through her family, including her four children: Jerry (Mila) Conner Sr. of Meridian, Mississippi; Ronald (Helen) Conner of West Frankfort, Illinois; Dianna (Brian) Kimbro of Mulkeytown, Illinois; and Mary (Jackie) Inchcliff of Bush, Illinois.

Sarah also lovingly helped raise her grandchildren, Sara Goff and John Ferris. Her cherished grandsons include Todd Conner, Kevin Conner, Matt Conner, and John Orcutt, and her granddaughters include Michelle Burgess, Christina Drennon, Kristy Conner, and Julie Conner.

Her joy continued through her great-grandchildren: Benito Goff, Austin Wampler, Olzea Smolinski, Alexandra Ferris, Luscentia Smolinski, Sebastian Goff, Harrison Goff, Jacelynn Ferris, Christian Hart, Xavier Silva, Megan Drennon, Jimmy Drennon, Shane Drennon, and bonus great-grandchild Rielle Edwards; and her great-great-grandchildren: Arol Wampler, Canaan Stage, Isabella Stage, Ayce Wampler, and Collin Drennon.

Sarah will be remembered for her unwavering faith, determination, musical gifts, and, above all, the love she gave so freely to her family. Her legacy will live on in the generations she nurtured, taught, and loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m., on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Cambria First Apostolic Church, 908 North Maple Street, Cambria, Illinois 62915. Services will be officiated by the Reverend Chris Hammonds.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Patsy “Pat” Jean (Rice) Towle, age 96, of Benton, Illinois passed away August 19, 2026, at Helia Health Care in Benton. She was born January 18, 1930, in Benton, Illinois, to Stanley Harrison and Nancy Edith (Upchurch) Rice.

After graduating from Benton High School, Pat moved to Miami, FL where she worked for a modeling agency and Florida Power and Light. She later returned to Benton, where she raised her family. Once her children were older, she reentered the work force with C.I.P.S, which is now Ameren retiring in 1992.

Pat was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of Benton and the Franklin Hospital Auxiliary Club. She enjoyed spending time with her family, shopping, and creating beautiful cross-stitch pieces that are treasured by her loved ones. In her later years at Heritage Woods, she enjoyed playing Bingo, listening to music, creating friendships, and the ministry.

She is survived by her daughter Pam (Dale) Irvin of Benton, along with children from her blended family: Kathy Meier, Davenport, IA, David (Karla) Towle, Cedar Falls, IA, and Marcia (Jerry) Ludden, Davenport, IA. Brother George (Mary) Rice of Dahlonega, GA; Sister-in-law Martha Rice of Marietta, GA.

Grandchildren: Ryan (Emily) Unger, Alison (Brandon) Anthis, Michelle Meier, Cory (Angie) Meier, Josef (Berkleigh) Lawler, John Greer, Breen (Dillon) Greer, and Ian (Elizabeth) Greer.

Great Grandchildren: Mason and Vada Unger, Payton and Alaina Anthis, Graden and Liam Cowell and Ava and Jonas Lawler; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pat was preceded in death by her husbands; Harold Eugene Prowell-1977 and Charles Towle-2017; Son Mike and wife Elaine Prowell. Brothers; Howard Rice, Donald Rice, Wendell Rice and wife Grace, Van Rice and wife Peggy, Allen Rice, Jim Rice, Sister: Jo Blackwood and husband Herman along with son-in-law Dick Meier.

Pat will be remembered for her kindness, faith, creativity, and love for her family. Her memory will live on through the family that she cherished and the beautiful cross-stitch pieces she created with love.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, Benton, IL or the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, August 22nd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Jim Jenkel officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. to 11:30 A.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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

Angela Pauline (Browning) Abbott, age 59, of Benton, passed away at 10:03 a.m. Monday, August 17, 2026, at her home.

Angela was born on April 1, 1967, in St. Louis County, Missouri, the daughter of Raymond P. Browning and Clara Susan (Butler) Smith.

She was a Licensed Practical Nurse for 41 years and worked for several area nursing homes and hospitals.

Angela was of the Baptist faith.

She was a loving mother, great friend, and a wonderful nurse who enjoyed taking care of people, her cats, drinking coffee, and cooking. But most of all she enjoyed her time spent with her family.

Surviving are three children: Danicka Melhorn and husband James of Iowa City, Iowa, Brian Scott Davis of Benton, Illinois, Adam Pernell Davis and fiancée Denease Kidwell of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including: Eythan Melhorn, Addison Melhorn, Kyla Melhorn, Aries Melhorn, Jasper Melhorn, Savannah Melhorn and Trenton Melhorn, Jaylynn Poindexter, Damian Scott Davis, Iris Rayann Davis, Tavyne Thornton, Tobias Davis and Teigan Davis; her life partner Dean Jones of Benton, Illinois, and her stepmother Shelba Kazimir of Florida.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents and cousins.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

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

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

Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Angela, may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

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

Robert Eugene Gooden, age 64, of Thompsonville, passed away at 6:20 p.m. Saturday, August 15, 2026, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated.

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

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

Eugene was born on August 30, 2026, in Pinckneyville, Illinois, the son of Robert Gooden and Imogene (Stevens) Hughes. He married the former Jennifer Joy Bocock on December 7, 2008, and she preceded him in death on June 20, 2025.

He, along with his former wife, owned and operated the Groove Shop on East Main Street in Benton. Prior to moving to Franklin County, he worked out of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 of Chicago, Illinois. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors. His brothers said he was a “motor head” and enjoyed anything about cars and engines. He even helped one of his brothers rebuild an engine for a Chevrolet truck. Eugene was of the Baptist Faith.

Surviving is his siblings: Larry Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Logan Gooden of DeSoto, Illinois, Joe Hughes of Elkville, Illinois, Cheryl Williams of DuQuoin, Illinois, Myra Gossett of Carterville, Illinois, Bobbi Gooden of Clinton, Arkansas, Betty Sue Hughes and Paula Reale both of Austin, Texas, and Judy Walker of DeSoto, Illinois, his stepfather Willard Hughes of DeSoto, Illinois, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by His father Robert Gooden, mother Imogene Hughes, and his wife Jennifer Joy Gooden.
Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Robert Eugene Gooden, may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Mr. Robert Eugene Gooden, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ronald David Williams “Dave”, 82, passed away peacefully at 8:10 p.m. on Monday, August 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Dave was born May 10, 1944, in Clay, Kentucky, the son of Ora Stanford Williams and Mary Catherine “Woody” (Woodring) Williams and grew up with many brothers and sisters. He moved to Illinois several years later and began his career by working as a brick mason and was a member of the Brick Layers Union for many years before becoming a heavy equipment operator, belonging to the Local Union IUOE 318 in Marion, mainly operating a backhoe. He was known for his backhoe skills as many said he was the “best there ever was.” Dave was also a member of the Frankfort Lodge #567 A.F. & A.M. of West Frankfort.

Dave was a devoted husband, father, and paw paw. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Debbie Williams and their 4 girls; Kelly (Brian) Bishop, Sandy (Steve) Browning, Chrissy (Andy) Woods, and Sherry (Evan) Owens. Dave had several grandkids that were the absolute light of his life; Jordan (Brandon) Evrard, Paris (Macyn) Dunk, Tyler Owens, Caleb Bishop, Sydney Browning, Eldon Owens, Ember Milby, Noah Bishop, Emma Milby, Grant Owens, and Brendon Bishop. Great grandkids; Madalyn and Emmy Evrard, Scottie and Atlas Dunk, and Briggston and Kampbell Bishop.
Dave is also survived by his siblings; Stanley (Jean Ann) Williams and Rita (Kevin) Arcieri and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his mother and father “Woody” and “Stan”, brother Guy Williams, brother Jimmy Fones, sister Jeanita Spillman, brother Terry Williams, and brother Andy Williams.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, where Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Dave, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Linda Marie Eaton, age 64, of Thompsonville, Illinois, passed away at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at her home.

Linda was born on September 16, 1961, in Quincy, Illinois, the daughter of Bobby Eugene and Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow. On June 9, 1990, she married James Lee Eaton, together they shared in 36 years of marriage.

She worked as an educator with SIU Early Childhood Development. Through her job she provided daycare for parents pursuing their GED and was a parent educator. Her family said she enjoyed reading to the early childhood students and would often dress in character while reading to them.

Linda enjoyed making jewelry, attending concerts, and eating out with her husband. She also enjoyed her jewelry booth at a local antique store in Carterville.
Surviving is her loving husband of 36 years, James L. Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, a son Charles Jacob Eaton and wife Haley of Oregon, Ohio, two grandchildren Lucas Lee Eaton and Archer Grey Eaton, two sisters: Lisa Griffith and husband Roger of Marion, Illinois, Debra Davison and husband Greg of Christopher, Illinois, a brother Robert Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, her mother-in-law Marilyn Eaton of Thompsonville, Illinois, two aunts: Carol Aronson and husband Carl of Lake of Egypt, Illinois, Sandra Williams and husband Mark of Nixa, Missouri, an uncle Bill Furlow of Christopher, Illinois, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her father-in-law Merwin H. Eaton, and a brother-in-law David Allen Eaton.

Private family services will be held Sunday, August 16, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois with Dennis Austin officiating. Private burial services will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery of Du Quoin, Illinois.

A Celebration of Life Service for family and friends will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 2026, at the Benton Elk’s Club, where food, drinks and live music will be provided.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Linda, be made to the Franklin County Early Childhood Education Program and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home and at the Celebration of Life Service on August 22, 2026.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Linda, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Theresa Ann Miller, age 70, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:46 p.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at the Deaconess Regional Healthcare of Marion, Illinois.

Mrs. Miller’s wishes are to be cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a future date.

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

Theresa was born on November 3, 1955, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Joseph and Irene (Graham) McLaughlin.
She was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Theresa was a retired waitress, having worked at various restaurants in the Springfield area.
She enjoyed watching movies, reading books, taking boat rides, and most of all cherished her time spent with her grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving daughter Elisha M. Comer of McCordsville, Indiana, two grandchildren Isabella Comer and Cole Comer, both of McCordsville, Indiana, a sister Mary Smith and husband Stephen of West Frankfort, Illinois, a brother Michael McLaughlin and wife Tracey of Lakeland, Florida, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers: Joseph McLaughlin and Thomas McLaughlin, and a sister Irene Cullers.
Memorial Contributions, In Loving Memory of Theresa Miller, may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To give condolences to the family online, or to share memories of Theresa, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Charlotte Wilkerson, 89, of Marion, formerly of Buckner, passed away on Thursday August 13, 2026 at Parkway Manor in Marion.

She was born on February 10, 1937 in DuQuoin, IL to Orion and Inez (Harris) Green. She married Joe Wilkerson on June 19, 1959 and he preceded her in death on June 29, 2001.

She is survived by her sons George (Larissa) Wilkerson of Herrin and Joe (Jennifer) Wilkerson of Carlyle; grandchildren Stephanie (Justin) Galiher, Adam (Zoe) Wilkerson, Christopher (Ashley) Wilkerson, Alaina (Christopher) Simms and Paige (Nick) Urban; great grandchildren Lily, Connor, Sophia, Tessa, Cooper, Lincoln and Ellie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, six brothers Richard “Pete” Green, Harris Green, Joe Green, Robert Green, David Green and Harry “Henry” Green and one sister Katherine Pierce.

Funeral services for Charlotte will be on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Joe Wilkerson Teacher Scholarship Fund or to St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Roland Dewight Hodges, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Sunday August 9, 2026 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

He was born on January 16, 1934 in Oregon, IL to Willis and Helen (Hepfer) Hodges. He married Betty (Bassett) on December 6, 1974 and she survives of Sesser.

He is also survived by his children Elizabeth “Beth” Johnson of Peoria, Kenneth Hamm of Sesser and Steven (Norma) Hamm of Scheller; seven grandchildren and several great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; two brothers Joe (Jan) Hodges of Rockford, IL and Jerry Hodges of Lake Carol, IL, one sister Marilyn Davison of Freeport, IL and one sister-in-law Judy Hodges of Rockford, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son-in-law, Duane Johnson, and one brother, Roy Hodges.

He was a retired Army Veteran and had worked in real estate in Peoria until his retirement.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday August 22, 2026 at 11:00 AM at the Sesser Methodist Church with Pastor Jim Slone officiating.

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

Lana Kaye Wright, a resident of Clarksville, TN (formerly of Williamson County) age 74, passed away on August 3, 2026, at Riverview Post Acute.

She was born on July 15, 1952, in Herrin, Illinois to Howard and Geneva (Miller) Pentecost. She was a 1970 graduate of Marion (Illinois) HighSchool and attended John A Logan College.

She enjoyed genealogy and volunteered for the Tennessee Genealogy Indexing Project as an indexer of old Tennessee newspapers.

She is survived by her son, Joshua (Laura) Wright, of Cedar Hill, Tennessee and her son, Benji Wright, of Herrin, Illinois. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Braxton Wright and Karigan Wright of Carterville, Illinois and Eva Lu Wright of Cedar Hill, Tennessee.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Wright and daughter-in-law, Shea Wright.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton, Illinois.

Memorials may be made to CrossPoint Church, Nashville, Tennessee or to the Arthritis Foundation.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com