Carol Jean Edwards (Gibbs), age 87, of Ewing, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026.

She was born on September 8, 1938, in McLeansboro, Illinois.

Carol was the devoted wife of 67 years to the love of her life, Melvin Edwards. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering love.
She was a proud and loving mother to Kevin Edwards and Kent Edwards. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Meghan (Kevin) Uhls and Seth (Amanda) Edwards, and her nine adored great-grandchildren: Harper Woods, Rayna Uhls, Rogue Uhls, Sutton Uhls, Raylan Edwards, Ralph Edwards, Stoic Edwards, Willow Womble, and Marlow Womble.

Carol found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved deeply and showed it in countless ways—through her cooking, her sewing, and the care she poured into her family. She had a special love for flowers, a strong faith in God, and a heart devoted to serving those she loved.
Above all, Carol loved her husband fiercely, a love that stood as a beautiful example to her family for generations.
A funeral service will be held at 3 P.M. on Sunday at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 1 P.M. to 3 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Todd Curtis Kays, age 62, of Benton, passed away at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care Center of Benton.

Todd was born July 19, 1963, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Thomas and Sharon (Gunter) Kays.

He was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School Class of 1981. He proudly served his country in the Army National Guard, having served 22=plus years where he attained the rank of Master Seargent. Todd was a retired career police officer and millwright. He was a member of the Rend Lake Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. of Sesser.

Todd enjoyed fishing, tying flies and making his own lures. He enjoyed hunting and reloading ammunition. Most of all he enjoyed talking about his three sons and he loved his family more than anything.

Surviving are his three sons: Christopher Kays and wife Jennifer of Benton, IL, twin sons Adam Kays and wife Sarah of Indianapolis, IN, Aron Kays of Indianapolis, IN, grandchildren Caitlyn and Christopher, a sister Terri Cummins and husband Kevin of Carlsbad, NM, a nephew Jason Cummins of Tucson, AZ, a niece Ammie Leatherwood of Lubbock, TX, and an uncle Curtis Gunter of Benton, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Scott Kays, and his dog Cocoa.
Funeral Services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Bro. Ray Minor officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Burial with Military Honors will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton American Legion Post #280 and will be accepted at both services.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Todd, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Theresa Lynn Williams, 69, of Christopher, passed away on Friday April 24, 2026 at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton, IL.

She was born on December 28, 1956 in Wadesville, IN to Clifford and Mary (Pinkston) Williams.

Theresa was a Free Spirit, loved anything hippie, but especially loved her family and her dog. She was a case worker for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

She is survived by her daughter Jordan (Brad) Britton Ude of Marion; grandchildren Ethan (Dani Heckwine) Ude, Avery Ude and Corey Ude; siblings Bile Dean (Jean) Williams of Nebraska, Bonnie Provaznik of Valier, Charlene Downen of Benton, Steve (Lori) Williams of DuQuoin and Connie (Steve) Cutler of Christopher and many many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and six siblings Thomas Lee Williams, Anna Rose George, Jerry Cavins, Janet Rae Hart, Patricia Bowers and Ricky Williams.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday April 29, 2026 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Her wishes were to be cremated and her ashes will be buried at the Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

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

Ruby Lucille Grammer Talley, 91, of Benton, IL passed away at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9:33 A.M.

Ruby was born May 8, 1934 in Benton, IL to Archie & Stella (Bradford) Grammer.

She worked at Holiday Inn for a time, then as a caregiver to many. She looked forward to her travels every summer with her sister Sharon, nieces & friends. She loved to play Rummy with her daughters, which she won quite often. Ruby was a strong, independent, feisty woman. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She is survived by her children; Pete Talley of Clarksville, TN, (Linda) Greg Mandrell of Benton, IL, (Karen) Jeff Karas of Rochelle, IL, (Cheryl) Monti Summers of Benton, IL, Jowana Talley of Benton, IL, Olen Talley of Benton, IL, Mike (Karen)Talley of Wylie, TX and bonus son Jimmy Vanhorn or Highland Park, TX. Her surviving siblings; Darroll (Judy) Grammer of Eddyville, KY, Sharon (Stan) Moser of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Carolyn Williams of Benton, IL. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Amy Renyard, Amanda Dawson, Dean Mandrell, Tiffany Talley, Misty Summers, Ashley Talley, Allan Talley & Amber Talley Ramos, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings, 8 brothers-Billy Grammer, John Grammer, Lonnie Grammer, Carl Grammer, Charles Grammer, Don Grammer, Archie Grammer & Carroll Grammer, 1 sister- Ramona Grammer Tasky, her parents Archie & Stella Grammer, son-Robert Lee Talley, great-grandson-Alexander Banks, 2 brothers-in-law-Curtis Williams & Ed Tasky, sister-in-law-Ruth Grammer and former husband Pete Talley.

She was the heart and foundation of the family. A devoted mother of 8 and a proud great-grandmother of 15. Her life was defined by her unwavering dedication, selflessness and boundless love. For those she cherished most, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 23rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Rick Grammer officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

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

Gary Gene Cesar, 77, of Christopher, passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Saturday April 18, 2026.

He was born on June 28, 1948 in Christopher to Alfred and Irene (Orr) Cesar. He married Sally Ann (Tindall) Cesar on November 4, 1966 and she preceded him in death on November 19, 2023.

He is survived by his daughters Tammy (Scott) Sargent of Christopher and Kimberly Ann Cesar of Christopher; grandchildren Alex Sargent, Mareesa Ratajczyk and Adrian Ratajczyk; one great grandchild Averie Shae Ratajczyk and two brothers Phil (Sonja) Cesar of Buckner and Danny (Kim) Cesar of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

He was a Coalminer and loved to hunt and fish and be outdoors.

A Private Catholic Funeral Mass will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to St Aloysius Sacred Heart Parish in Royalton.

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

Robert “Bobby” Curry, 74, of Sesser, passed away peacefully on Saturday April 18, 2026.

He was born on August 21, 1951 in Sesser, IL to Carl and Wanda “Jamac” (Harrison) Curry. He married Martha Ann (Owens) Curry and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son Ryan Curry of Herrin and his daughter Tracy (Derek) Adams of Evansville, IN, grandchildren Jordan Curry, Ariana Curry, Amelia Adams and Owen Adams, one sister Janice (David) Jones, brother Randy Curry, sister Diana Hargis and several nieces and nephews.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, wife Martha Curry, one son Robert Curry and two grandchildren Hayden Adams and McKinley Adams, four brothers Ronnie, Charles, Jerry and Carles.

He served in the United States Army Reserves, he worked at Terminix for many years, he loved to hunt, fish and piddling outside in the yard or around the barn.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

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

Ruth Ann Ronchetto, 79, of Coello, passed away on Monday April 13, 2026 at Axiom Healthcare in Mt Vernon.

She was born on October 24, 1946 in Christopher to Cecil and Helen (Peterson) Roberson.

She is survived by her children Shelly (Jubie) Palmer of Venice, FL and Randy Biby of Coello; two grandchildren Drew (Tammy) Palmer and Justin (Elise) Palmer and three great grandchildren and two sisters Sara Jo (Ray) Biggs of Christopher and Jane (David) Baker of Sesser and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by father Cecil Roberson and mother Helen Dunning.

Ruth Ann’s wishes were to be cremated.

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

Frank Wayne Davis, 82, of Thompsonville, passed away at 11:44 p.m., on Friday, April 10, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL.

He was born on March 5, 1944, to Francis and Mary (Brauner) Davis in Louisville, KY. Frank worked as a Manager for Firestone Auto Care Stores. On November 15, 1975, he married Susan Hahn, and she survives.

Frank was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Vietnam War.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, IL.

Frank was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He absolutely loved fishing and was a member of the Fish Hounds Club. You could always find him watching sports, from football to NASCAR, he enjoyed every single minute of it. He was an extremely loyal Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, never missing a game. He also enjoyed reading books.

Frank is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan, his two daughters, Lisa Chaboudy and Lynda Rollins; his two brothers, Larry (Linda) Davis and John Davis and his three grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis W. and Mary E. Davis and his son, Shawn Davis.

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

Per Frank’s wishes, cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at Immanuel Baptist Church at a later date with burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Tinley Park, IL.

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

James Douglas (JD) Darr, 80, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, Illinois on April 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and friends. JD was born on August 16, 1945 in West Frankfort, Illinois to Denzil James (DJ) and Ethel Fern (Farmer) Darr. JD was preceded in death by his parents.

JD married Wanda Sue Teffertiller Overturf on September 10, 1983. JD and Sue were happily married for more than 36 years, until her passing on March 18, 2020.

JD is survived by his daughters: Tara (Darren) Myers of Savoy, Jan (Lynn) Bush of Carbondale, Christina (Steven) White of Elgin; son: Ryan (Stephanie) Darr of Carlyle; grandchildren: Shelby Bush (Adam Lisiewski) of Bloomington, Leyton (Jessica) Bush of Carbondale, Marc White of Chicago, Lauren White of Elgin, Caleb (Taylor) Darr of Breese, Riley Darr of Carlyle, Andrew, Jacob and Jackson Myers of Savoy; great-grandchildren: Charlotte “Charlie” and Lincoln Bush of Carbondale, Amelia Darr of Breese. JD is also survived by his faithful pups, Buddy and Daisy, and Meathead the cat.

JD graduated from Benton High School in 1963, where he lettered in football, track and basketball. He attended barber school after graduating high school, and worked as a barber for many years. JD also worked as a coal miner at the Freeman United Coal Mining Company at Orient No. 3 mine in Waltonville, Illinois.

JD loved fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. JD also cherished the many bonds and friendships made through his affiliation with the Stormriders Motorcycle Club (MC) for more than 45 years. JD was a founding member of the Stormriders MC and his club brothers were his brothers for life.

JD’s true favorite pastime was giving his friends and family a hard time – the bigger the insult, the deeper his love for you! And you can bet that there would be a big ol’ kiss, right on the lips. “Give me some lip lock”! JD had a huge heart, a quick wit, and was a loyal and faithful friend to so many people.

JD’s family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the following special friends and brothers who helped care for him during the last months of his life: Roy “Layne” Dobbs, Calvin “Champ” Lauderdale, Tommy “Homer” Conner, Nathan Robasse, Angie Dunning and Cassi Gunter Hartley.

A memorial visitation to honor and celebrate the life of JD Darr will be held on Sunday, April 19, 2026 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, Illinois. Please dress casually and bring your best JD stories. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Diabetes Association or to the pet rescue of your choice. JD’s wishes were that he be cremated, with his ashes distributed at a later date.

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

Lena L. Sanders, 93, of Benton, passed away at 6:48 a.m., on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale, IL, surrounded by her family.

She was born on May 24, 1932, to Elva and Sarah (Finney) Sanders in Logan, IL. She was a Thompsonville High School graduate, a member of the Class of 1949. Lena worked for the Illinois Department of Revenue and retired as a Weights & Measures Inspector for the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Lena made many friends throughout the state working as an Inspector, and always spoke fondly of her coworker, Martha McLaskey.

Lena was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was raised on a farm in Logan. Lena had several animals on her farm over the years but got the most enjoyment from her dogs. She enjoyed going to auctions, watching westerns, and loved reading books. Lena was also an avid Green Bay Packers fans unless her team was losing. Lena loved traveling and would frequently go on bus tours to the Kentucky Opry. She was “Grandma” to a lot of kids over the years. She loved to socialize while taking money at the door at BCHS sporting events. She enjoyed seeing and spending time with her great-grandchildren the last several years of her life.

Lena is survived by her children, Sarah Williams and LW (Michele) Biddle; six grandchildren, Mandi (Dale) Sanders, Jesse (Kelli) Williams, Sr., Renee (Frank) Clark, Michael (Regina) Sullivan, Heather (Ryan) Myers, Lindsay Thomas and Katie (Brady) Helmkamp; her granddaughter-in-law, Kerry Williams; 12 great-grandchildren, Jesse Williams, Jr., Maggie Williams, Lucy Williams, Brandon Williams, Abigail Williams, Gavin Williams, Fischer Williams, Laynee Thomas, Leona Helmkamp, Roper Sanders, Lucas Myers and Layla Myers and two great-great-grandsons due this fall.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elva and Sarah Sanders, her son, Kevin Biddle, her grandson, Benjamin “Ben” Williams and her siblings, Jesse Sanders, Noble Sanders, Weldon Sanders and Pearl Bertinette.

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

Visitation will be held Monday, April 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Jesse Hinds, officiating. Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

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