Benjamin F. Mason, 83, of Christopher formerly of Sherman, IL, passed away on Saturday May 16, 2026 at his daughter’s home.

He was born on December 22, 1942 in New Madrid, MO to David Edward and Demealia Francine (Branam) Mason. He married Marjorie (Keller) Mason in 1995 and she preceded him in death on March 18, 2021.

He is survived by his first wife and mother of his children Ann Mason of Tamaroa, his children Troy Mason of Springfield, IL and Melanie (Ray) Melton of Christopher; grandchildren Josh (Whitney) Melton, Courtney Mason, Alicia (Joey) Eisenhaur, Jordan (Jared) Montgomery, Dane (Flo) Mason and Alaina (Jason) Marlow and fourteen great grandchildren; one sister Caroline (James) Clark of Chillicothe, IL and one brother Gary Mason of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, second wife, one son Benjamin Keith Mason, two brothers Lynn Edward Mason and Albert Eugene Mason and one sister Linda Joan Boum.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Thursday from 9:00 AM until the time of the service at 10:00 AM. Graveside service will be at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield at 2:00 PM on Thursday May 21, 2026.

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

James “Jim” Kramer, 82, of Creal Springs, passed away on Sunday May 17, 2026 at Deaconess Hospital in Marion.

He was born on June 6, 1943 to Henry and Geraldine (Westra) Kramer. He married Susan (Whaley) Kramer and she survives of Creal Springs.

He is also survived by his children James & mandy Kramer of Mt Pleasant, SC and Karalyn Kramer DeConinck; grandchildren Brett DeConinck, Bobby DeConinck, Nicky DeConinck, Wesley Kramer, Clayton Kramer, Alison Kramer, Kailen Kramer and Nolen Kramer and one sister Karen Marfise of Michigan.

Jim’s wishes were to be cremated.

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

Carl Roger Skinion was born October 23, 1960 to Merle and Fortunata ‘Babe’ Skinion in Christopher, IL.

The youngest of three boys, Carl grew up surrounded by the love of his brothers, Jay and Robert, who along with his parents, preceded him in death. A niece, Katrina Ann Skinion of Benton, survives.

Carl was the proud owner and operator of Hey Carl’s bar in Benton, IL. Throughout his life, he found joy in serving others—not just drinks, but laughter, friendship and a sense of belonging. Whether behind the bar or out in the community, Carl had a natural gift for making people feel welcome.

Carl enjoyed horseracing, golf and just about any sport you could put in front of him. He knew a little about a lot of things and a lot about a few things, and he could talk to absolutely anyone about nearly anything. He was a special guy.

Carl loved people. Even as his health declined, he chose company over solitude, connection over retreat. He was a loyal friend to many throughout his 65 years–a kind, generous soul with a quiet strength that never wavered. Carl didn’t accept defeat easily; he simply kept moving forward. His presence, humor, and steadfast spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Celebration of Life will be held in Carl’s honor Saturday, May 23, 2026 11 am – 3 pm at the Boneyard Boccie Club in Benton, IL.

Karen Richel (Basso) Shurtz, 75, of Ramer, Tennessee, passed away on Sunday, April 12 at her home surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 5, 1950 in Christopher, IL to Donald and Beverly (Gulley) Basso. She married Wayne Shurtz and he survives of Ramer. She is also survived by her children Stacee (Errick) Reveron of Florida, Donny of Tennessee, and Jean & Joey Buffkin of Tennessee; daughter-in-law Tessa Shurtz; 13 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; and siblings, Rick (Sandy) Basso and Jeanne (Chuck) Wright. She was preceded in death by her father. Her wishes were to be cremated.

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE Service will be held for Karen Richel Basso Shurtz at Eternal Friends in Christ Church in Sesser, IL at 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 24th with visitation from noon until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eternal Friends in Christ Church, Chewalla Baptist Church in Tennessee, or Donate Life America. If possible, Karen had requested that bright colors be worn before her passing.

James Ralph Dean, 94, of Sesser, IL passed away on Wednesday May 6, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born in Chilhowie, Virginia on July 26, 1931 the son of James Horton & Mary Bradley (Hicks) Dean.

He married Emma Sue (Ratcliff) on October 21, 1952. They would have celebrated their 74th Anniversary this year.

He was an Army Veteran and a steel worker, retiring from Northwestern Steel & Wire in Sterling, IL. They moved to Sesser, IL 30 years ago. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church. He was a great fisherman, and at last count he had cleaned over 44,000 fish. He was a great family man who enjoyed playing games such as Dominos, Rook, and Phase 10. As of six months ago, he was still very active in their garden and flowerbeds.

Mr. Dean is survived by his:

Wife: Emma Sue Dean of Sesser

4 Children:
James Eddie Dean & wife Susan of Johnston City, IL
Dianna Marie Laaker & husband Kenny of Sterling, IL
Lisa Lynnette Wiersema & husband Mark of Chadwick, IL
Christopher Joel Dean & wife Terri of Macedonia, IL

10 Grandchildren

14 Great-Grandchildren

8 Great-Great-Grandchildren

2 Sisters:
Betty Haga Chilhowie, VA
Mary Carrico & husband J.W. of Marion, VA

Mr. Dean was preceded in death by his Parents, a Great-Grandson, 2 Sisters-Sis & Frances Ann and 2 Brothers-Paul Dean & William Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 11th at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Pastor Larry Cook & Pastor John Hollis officiating. Family Burial with Military Rites by Sesser VFW Post #4753 will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

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

Josephine “Jo” Moore, 102, passed away peacefully on April 29, 2026. Jo was born on February 11, 1924, in Benton, to William C. Ludwig and Iva Webb Ludwig. She was a graduate of Benton Community High School (Class of 1942) and an alumna of Southern Illinois University.

She married Kenneth “Pete” Moore on December 5, 1947, and together they made their home in Benton. Jo began her career as a stenographer for a Franklin County judge before joining Franklin Hospital in 1961, where she would go on to serve for over 50 years. During that time she worked in administration, serving as official secretary of both the Hospital Board and Medical Staff. Upon her retirement in 2012, she was honored by the hospital staff and recognized by the Benton Evening News as part of their “Women in the Workforce” feature.

In retirement, Jo made her home at Lake of Egypt, where she tended an extensive flower garden, cared for countless animals, and enjoyed life on the water. She enjoyed traveling to visit family across the country. A devoted fan of the SIU Salukis and Benton Rangers, Jo held season tickets for much of her life and was honored at SIU Arena on her 100th birthday.

Jo had a gift for lighting up every room she entered. Her warmth and wit drew people to her naturally, and those lucky enough to know her were treated to her sharp humor and an endless supply of stories told with perfect timing. Even at 102, she met life with the same optimism and determination that defined her from the very beginning.

Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lorma, and her husband. She is survived by her daughter, Mary May Moore, and son-in-law Tom Corpora of Hilton Head Island, SC, and by three grandchildren: Jillian Corpora of Denver, CO; Nic Corpora and his wife Heidi of San Francisco, CA; and Simone Corpora of Greenville, SC. She is also survived by her three nieces — Beverly, Barbara, and Blythe Bauer, daughters of her late sister Lorma — and their families.

Jo was able to live independently in her own home until shortly before her death, a gift made possible by the generous care of her friends and neighbors. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Spangler, DaRosa, Finnigan, Broadway, Watson, and Beurger families for making Jo’s comfort and companionship a priority in her final years.

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

A Celebration of Life will be held on May 31, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at “Just Add Water” at Lake of Egypt. All are welcome to come and share their favorite memories of Jo.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.patefh.com

Shelia Marie Kays, age 68, passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at her home in Christopher, IL.

Shelia was born on February 18, 1958, to Charles and Imo June (Hayes) Kays in Benton, IL. She was a loving daughter, mother and grandmother. Sheila attended Benton Community High School. In her pastime she enjoyed gardening and fishing. Another joy for Sheila was being a pet owner and loved taking care of them.

Sheila is survived by her loving children, Brittany (Jason Palmer) Carter of Sesser, IL and Bryan (Melissa) Carter of Cibolo, TX; her mother, Imo June Kays; grandchildren, Austyn Palmer and Ainsley Palmer; brothers and sisters, Mark (Debby) Kays, Matthews Kays, Guy Kays, Becky Wendling and Gwen (Phillip) Long and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Kays and her special friend, Harold Tennison.

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

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Cleta Colleen Corzine, age 80, of Benton, passed away Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Heritage Woods of Benton.

Cleta was born on May 24, 1945, in Cypress, IL, the daughter of Cletus and Martha Mae (Gurley) Corzine.

She formerly worked in a factory and managed motels for her brother.

Ms. Corzine loved making arts and crafts. She loved fishing and ceramics and making Indian dolls. Her greatest enjoyment was spending time with family, friends, and the Golden Girls of Heritage Woods.

Surviving is her loving sons: Robert Beggs and wife Kristina of Christopher, IL, Randy Beggs of Beckley, WV, David Brandom of Empire, AL, and Mike Burroughs and wife Ericka of Empire, AL; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers: Vernon, Donald, and Eddie.

Ms. Corzine’s wishes are to be cremated with no public services.

The family prefers memorial contributions in memory of Cleta be made to Can’s Can Ministries, 205 Bailey Lane, Benton, IL 62812.

To give online condolences to the family, go to www,lpfuneralhome.com.

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