Jerry Wayne Vaughn, age 65, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 7:05 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2026.

Jerry was born on July 3, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois; the son of Harold Vaughn and Vera (Childers) Irby. He was a 1979 graduate of Zeigler-Royalton High School and the Zeigler Christian Academy. He married the former Robyn Sue Workman on September 4, 1981, and she survives.

He was a retired school bus driver with Benton Consolidated High School District #103, and a member of the Zeigler Eagles Aerie #2444.
Jerry and his wife Robyn attended the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton.

Jerry loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding motorcycles, gardening, and he thoroughly loved mowing the grass. He also enjoyed playing cards, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 45 years, Robyn Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Rhonda Sue Vaughn of Benton, Illinois, his siblings including: Leta Carr and husband Edward of Mulkeytown, Illinois, Myra Day of Thompsonville, Illinois, David Irby of Texas, Carl Lee Irby and wife Linda of Energy, Illinois, Conrad Irby and wife Barbara of West Frankfort, Illinois, Caryn Humphry and husband Mike of West Frankfort, Illinois, many special friends, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his twin brother Gary Vaughn, a brother Robert Irby, and two half-brothers: Chuck Irby and Stephen Wallenmeyer.

Public visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 25, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will follow in the Zeigler Cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Jerry, be made to the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton and will be accepted at the services.

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

Twila Dawn Tiberend, age 53, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 10:05 a.m. Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Twila was born on September 25, 1972, in Perth-Andover New Brunswick, Canada; the daughter of Royce and Bernice (Currie) Tompkins. She moved to Minnesota at the age of twenty-one and met the love of her life Robert Tiberend and married him two years later, on April 8, 1995.

She was a management level chef at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale, Illinois. Twila loved her job at SIU, teaching her staff, chatting with students, and helping students with special dietary needs.

Twila was an active member of the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church of Benton, where she was very involved in the church ministry and activities. She spent 7 summers planning, shopping, and cooking for as many as four hundred campers on the Illinois District Campgrounds.

She loved meeting up with a friend to chat over breakfast, lunch, or a game of Skip-bo. Mostly, Twila loved her family and hosting in her home. She was happiest when her home was full of chatter and laughter and always prayed that with or without her, people would always feel welcome and safe within its walls.

Surviving is her loving husband of 31 years, Robert Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, a daughter Sierra Tiberend of Okinawa, Japan, two sons: Kaleb Tiberend and wife Madelyn of Benton, Illinois, Ethan Tiberend and wife Lillian of Greenville, Illinois, her mother Bernice Tompkins of St. John New Brunswick, Canada, a brother Daniel Tompkins of Alberta, Canada, a sister Annette MacDonald and husband Kenneth of St. John New Brusnwick, Canada, a sister-in-love Nancy Adams of Alberta, Canada, father-in-law and mother-in-law John and Sherry Tiberend of West Frankfort, Illinois, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Matt and Ida Tiberend of Benton, Illinois, several nieces, nephews and her church family.

She was preceded in death by her father Royce Tompkins, a daughter Jennique Tiberend, a grandchild Eden Tiberend, and a sister Rebecca Tompkins.

Public visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 707 East Webster Street, Benton, Illinois. Funeral Services will follow at 5:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Hammonds and Rev. James Price officiating.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Twila, be made to Sierra Tiberend for her Missionary Endeavors and Journey in Japan.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Twila, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Darrel Dwain “Boots” Bigham, age 73, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away Thursday, June 11, 2026, at his home in Sesser.

Darrel was born on September 9, 1952, in Christpher, Illinois, the son of Jack Bigham, Sr. and Merle Francine (Hayse) Bigham.

His working career consisted of coal mine construction. He enjoyed fishing and loved playing with his dog Bogo.
His family said he was a “Free Spirit”.

He is survived by his siblings: Jack Bigham and wife Lydia of Benton, IL, Peggy Fitzpatrick and husband Mike of Benton, IL, Donna Perkins of Benton, IL, Deon Bankston of Johnston City, IL, Charlie Dahmm of Bolivar, MO; several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews.

Mr. Bigham was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents, his parents, and two brothers Dennis Keelin and Butch Taylor; and a sister Linda Taylor Cockrum .

His wishes were to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.

Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Darrel, may be made to the Benton/West City Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, and will be accepted at the services.

To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of “Boots”, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, is in charge of the cremation services.

Phyllis Piazza, age 80, of Benton, passed away at 10:25 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026, at her home.

Phyllis was born on September 12, 1945, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Jimmie and Beulah (Carr) Treece. She was married to Donald D. Piazza, and he preceded her in death on March 10, 2009.

She was a Benton High School Graduate of the Class of 1963. She was a self-employed hair stylist, and she attended the Grace Awakening Church of Benton.
Phyllis enjoyed playing golf and playing cards. She loved doing yardwork. Most of all she loved spending time with her grandkids.

Surviving are her two children: Bradley Piazza and wife Liz of Crawfordville, Florida, Tara Borowiec and husband Tim of Benton, Illinois, grandchildren including: Robert Montgomery of Benton, Illinois, Jake Piazza of Jacksonville, Florida, Kalie Triplett and husband James of Benton, Illinois, Isabella Austinson and husband Anders of Bainbridge, Georgia; great-grandchildren: Weston Montgomery, Kase McDaniel, Cohen Triplett and Coyer Triplett; three step-great-grandchildren: James Triplett, Skyla Triplett and Natalie Triplett; a brother Roger Treece and wife Brenda of Benton, Illinois, two nieces Alisha Treece of Benton, Illinois, Amanda Welch and husband Aaron of Benton, Illinois, great niece and nephew Abby Welch and Austin Welch; and several cousins and their families.

Phyllis had numerous friends and customers that she loved. She wanted to recognize those that had special meaning to her life, Mike Franklin, Linda Simpson, Debbie Gladson, Tom and Sue Whittington, and her special neighbor Beverly Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois. Funeral services will be at 12:00 noon with Rev. Ken Petty officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, Illinois.

The family prefers that Memorial Contributions, In Memory of Phyllis, be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Phyllis, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Janet K. Watson, 72, of Sesser, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Evelyn’s House, Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, St. Louis, MO.

She was born August 28, 1953, in Jacksonville, IL, to Thomas and Florence “Ellinor” (Christopherson) Williams. She was a graduate of Sesser High School and attended Rend Lake College. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Sesser.

Survivors include her daughter, Mikah (Craig) Salonies of Wentzville, MO; her son, Deric (Trina) Brookman of Charlotte, NC; two grandchildren, Karsen and Will Salonies; her sisters, Pamela Kund of Riverside, CA, Nancy (Carroll) Kelly of Sesser, and Ruth Biggers of Springfield; and her brother, Thomas (Donna) Williams of Decatur.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John L. Watson, and her sisters’ husbands Harold Kund and Paul Biggers.

Graveside services will be held Friday, June 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Mitchell Cemetery in Sesser. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Jagger’s Doggie Daycare’s Emergency Fund or the First United Methodist Church in Sesser.

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

Carol Clark-Kutscher, age 66, of Christopher, passed away at 3:45 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

Carol was born on July 7, 1959, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Edward Ervin Clark and Bonnie Lee Wanda (Rich) Clark. She married Donald Kutscher on October 16, 1998, in Blount County, Tennessee, and he preceded her in death on April 28, 2025.

She graduated from the Thompsonville High School Class in 1977. She would attend UMSTL Barnes-Jewish School of Nursing where she attained her master’s degree to become a Nurse Practitioner. She worked at several local hospitals throughout the region, including St. Francis Hospital of Cape Girardeau, SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Prairie Heart Cardiovascular Institute of Carbondale, Franklin Hospital of Benton, and Crossroads Hospital of Mt. Vernon.

Carol and her late husband attended Our Savior Lutheran Church of Carbondale.

She enjoyed trips to the Smokey Mountains, watching Hummingbirds, flowers, camping, and taking care of her dogs.
Surviving is a step-daughter Holly Hacker and husband Tommy of Savannah, GA, five grandchildren: Josiah Hacker of Richmond, VA, Emma Hacker, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hacker, Hannah Hacker, Eliana Hacker all of Savannah, GA, three brothers: Mike Clark and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Charles Clark and wife Aris of Opdyke, IL, Dennis Clark and wife Janet of Benton, IL, sister-in-law Darlene Kutscher Daniel of Jackson, MO, a brother-in-law Bob Choate of Austin TX, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister Debbie Choate.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Friday, June 12, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jay Holden officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of Carol, to Friends of Franklin County Animal Control or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the services.
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Carol, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Juva L. Wynn, age 80, of Benton passed away at 4:22 pm Wednesday, June 3rd, 2026, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

Celebration of Life Services will be held Monday, June 8th, 2026, at Leffler Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois. Visitation will
be held from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, followed by the Funeral service at noon. Burial will follow at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois. Pastor Eddie Paul Davis will be officiating the service.

Juva Lynn Wynn was born on August 10th, 1945, in Benton, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents; Mr. Gene and June Stringer (Bushong) and her husband of 55 years Mr. Mack Wynn. Juva and Mack have one surviving son, Matt, who lives in Benton. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Mark.

Juva grew up in West City and had a wonderful childhood. She loved her big brother Jerry, who she credited for making her “West City tough.” In high school, Juva was a member of the BCHS class of 1963. She then graduated from Lockyear Business College in Evansville, Indiana with a two-year business degree, then returned home and found work as a secretary in the Franklin County Treasurers office. In 1994, she was elected as the first woman treasurer of Franklin County, serving until her retirement in 2006. Although the position of a tax collector can be unpopular, it was her determination, integrity and honesty that gained the respect of so many.

Juva adored her family. She loved her husband, Mack, and cherished the life they built together at the “Old Poor Farm.” She had a special bond with her son, Matt. During Matt’s childhood, she and Mack opened their home to all of Matt’s friends … serving as a second mother to many. As parents, she and Mack showed their love for Matt by always being present and involved. It was this strong love and support that gave Matt a childhood full of great memories. She loved her daughter in-law Trudee, and the Buntin family; Mike, Brenda, Jim and Julie.
She was a loving “NaNa” to her grandchildren; Bailey Johnston and Gehrig Wynn. She dearly loved Bailey’s husband, Adam, and Gehrig’s wife, Colby. Although her mobility was compromised, Juva made it a point to be at all family events, ballgames etc. Her efforts “to always be there in support” made a huge impression on her grandchildren. She also had two great grandchildren that she adored; Sterling and Kai. They saw each other every Wednesday and at all the family gatherings. She called her time with Sterling and Kai, “Special Time.”

She also loved her brother Jerry’s family; special sister-in-law (Nancy), and children Carrie Jennings (husband-Jim) and Stephen Stringer (wife-Amy). She loved “Thanksgiving in Flora” because it gave her an opportunity to see all of the children on her brother’s side of the family; Kenzie, Kasey Hout (Husband Drew, Baby Jane, and Baby Ellie), Katherine, Brett and Bryce.

Juva approached every day with a positive attitude, a determined spirit, and a fun sense of humor. She saw the good in people and was concerned for the well-being of others. These qualities allowed her to make close and lasting friendships. She cherished time spent with friends and loved to laugh. She was easy to love, and loved others well. Some of her interests were fishing, shopping, sorting through her jewelry, gardening and spending all the time she could with her family.

In her final five years of life, she lived at Heritage Woods in Benton. Juva befriended many residents and participated in all of the activities. Always positive, she made the most of each day at Heritage Woods and developed strong friendships with the staff. She loved all who went above and beyond to care for her, and they loved her back. She called them her “Angels.”

Juva was a strong believer in Jesus and longtime member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She lived a great life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Can’s Can Heritage Woods Ministry.”

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

Jacqueline “Jackie” Wyskiel, 68, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully at 6:34 a.m., on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Deaconess Hospital in Henderson KY.

Jackie was born on January 8, 1958, to Donald L. Lucas and Judith May Crawford in Canton, OH. She was a beloved member of a large and very close blended family and devoted to her 2 sons and her husband Larry. One of Jackie’s greatest passions was serving veterans of the armed forces. She was a lifetime member of The American Legion/VFW, served a period of time in the Women’s Auxillary, and was especially proud to be a member of The Honor Guard.

Jackie also served her community in many other ways. Including transporting juveniles for the State of Illinois Juvenile Justice System and would often deliver treat bags and goodies to them on Christmas Day. She was generous and selfless and could always be called upon to drive a neighbor to a medical appointment, clean the house of an ailing family member, round up a household item that someone needed or if you were really fortunate, you got to try one of her famous white pies.

Jackie is survived by her loving husband of 20 years, Larry Wyskiel, her devoted sons Eric Wilson (and wife Kathy) and Matthew Wilson; Mother, Judith and stepfather Stephen “Poppy” Crane; Siblings, Debbie Jones, James “Bo” Shortland ( and wife Sandy), Margie Perkins ( and husband Brian), Wendi Lee Schopmeyer ( and husband Bill) as well as step brothers, Douglas Schram, Lee Mizner and Scott Mizner. She had 1 Grandchild, Erica Wilson and 4 step grandchildren, Bryliegh, Mckayla, Shelby, and Riley and 1 great grandchild.

Jackie loved kids. She had dozens of nephews, nieces as well as grand and great nephews and nieces. All of whom adored their “silly Aunt Jackie”.

She is preceded in death by Step Father, Cletus Schram; her stepdaughter Beth Wyskiel, her brother Ronald Shortland, Step brother ” Chip” Schram, and brother in law Eddie Jones. Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held directly after the visitation on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home with Mark Minor officiating.

Memorials in Jackie’s honor may be made to your preferred Veteran charity and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com

Melvin Dwight Chesnut, 87, of Pinckneyville, (formerly of Sesser, IL) passed away on Friday May 29, 2026 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

He was born on November 22, 1938 in Sorento, IL to Abraham and Thelma (Shepard) Chesnut. He married Annice (Chaney) Chesnut on April 23, 1973 and she preceded him in death on January 9, 2011.

He is survived by his daughters Peggy Caldwell of Mulkeytown and Jeanie Sobeck of Petersburg, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and one sister Betty Chesnut.

He will be cremated with no services.

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

Joe (Joseph Henry) Bortoletto departed this world on May 15, 2026 at the age of 74. Joe passed suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in West Frankfort IL. Joe was born in Christopher, IL on October 26, 1951 to Joe and Florence (Curry) Bortoletto.

Joe lived a life marked by joy, authenticity, and an unmistakable energy. Known by the nickname “Speedy” while growing up in Benton, Illinois, Joe seemed to do everything quickly, he was a speed reader, a fast learner, and a quick wit who rarely slowed down. He had an incredible ability to absorb information, often reading a 500-page book in just a few hours while remembering nearly every detail. As a junior in high school, he scored at the reading comprehension level of a college senior, a reflection of the intelligence and curiosity that stayed with him throughout his life.

He was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, class of 1970. Joe attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in only three years. After college, he met his wife, Annette Alexander. The two were married on December 20, 1980, at First Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL.

Together they built a life centered on family. Joe and Annette first lived in Bloomington, Illinois, before eventually settling in Manteno, Illinois, where they opened and operated a State Farm Insurance agency together for 30 years. After the passing of his wife Annette on May 15th 2023, Joe returned to Southern Illinois and bought a house in West Frankfort. Through his work and everyday life, Joe had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He could talk to anyone about anything, making others feel comfortable and valued almost instantly.
Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband and a loving father to his three sons, Adam, and his twin sons John, and Robert. He always put his family first and took great pride in being a steady and caring presence in their lives.

Joe truly embodied the spirit of a Renaissance man. His knowledge seemed endless, and his interests ranged from cars and history to books and lifelong learning. No matter the circumstance, he carried himself with warmth, humor, and optimism. He was almost always in a good mood and made it his mission to put others at ease. Joe’s intelligence, kindness, and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Joe is survived by his sons, Adam of Cedar Lake, Indiana and John of St Louis, Mo and Robert and daughter in law, Barbie and granddaughters, Nettie and Dottie of Maryland Heights, Mo. His older brother John and his wife Peggy, of Montgomery, Texas. Joe’s niece Gina and her husband Justin Locascio of Boston, MA. Cousins, Scott and Jennifer Pearce and Joe and Sally Pearce of Marion, IL. Special friend and companion, Sandra Evans of West Frankfort, IL.

There will be a Memorial Service held on Saturday, June 6 at 4:00 pm at Morton and Johnson funeral home in Benton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.

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