Keith Finney, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on Sunday September 29th, 2024, at 6:07pm surrounded by his family at his home in Macedonia.

He was born on March 13th, 1962, in California. Keith fought a long and courageous battle against a terrible disease and his passing has left an indelible void in the hearts of his family and friends.

Keith was a man of many talents and passions. As a professional truck driver and welder, he dedicated himself to his work with unwavering commitment and skill. His expertise extended beyond the confines of his career; Keith was also an avid hunter and fisherman. Keith was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to his craft. He shared a loving relationship with his wife, Beth Finney, was a proud father to his children and a proud grandpa. Keith’s warmth and humor were hallmarks of his personality; he was known for his light-heartedness and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. His ability to bring a smile to others, even in tough times, made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

He was surpassed in death by his parents Robert and Sherry Finney

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Beth Finney; children, Kasey Jennings (David), Tzena Colp (Jon), Lorenza Finney, Anthony Finney, and Travis Finney (Ashlee); grandchildren Jaxson, Alaysha, Odin, Kyra, Helena, Isla, Sylvia, and Paisley; cousin Sandy and brothers Kenny and Rob Finney.

In lieu of flowers we kindly ask for donations to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the Friends of FCAC.

Celebration of Life visitation services will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 5, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Susan Elaine Saxe of Thompsonville Illinois, born on October 9th 1948, died on September 28, 2024 after a long battle with cancer.

She is survived by husband Tom, three children, and six grandchildren: Matthew and Faith Saxe, Lauren, Emma, Luke, and Madelyn; Jonathan and Erin Saxe, Reilly and Reesa; and Elizabeth and Timothy VanOrden. Susan was preceded in death last year by her cousin Rebecca Whittington.

Susan was the only child of Leon and Marjorie Lewis of Benton, Illinois. She graduated as valedictorian from Benton Consolidated High School in 1967 and attended Illinois State University, where she majored in English. After graduating, Susan began working as a teacher and married Tom on June 5, 1971.

As a lifelong member of North Benton Baptist Church, Susan faithfully served the congregation as a skilled pianist, accompanying countless hymns and providing offertory music for decades.
After teaching at the high school, middle school, and elementary levels, including as a special education teacher, Susan spent many years as a 4th grade general education teacher. She completed a Masters degree in Education from Rockford University in 2002. She retired from teaching after 39 years in 2009.

Following a lifelong passion for reading which she passed on to her students, Susan worked part time at the Benton Public Library for much of her retirement, often being greeted with enthusiasm by former students bringing their children or grandchildren to the library.

Visitation for Susan Saxe will be held at North Benton Baptist Church, 623 Joplin St, Benton, IL 62812 on Saturday October 5, 2024 from 9am to 11:30am, followed immediately by the funeral service at 11:30am.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Benton Public Library in Susan’s name. Information can be found at www.bentonlibrary.com/donate-to-the-library/
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Dennis Kinkade, age 72, of Benton, passed away at 6:31 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, IL.

Dennis was born on August 5, 1952, in Fort Benning, GA; the son of Nolen Kinkade and Susan (Herring) Kinkade. He married the former Jama McClellan on December 1, 1979, and she survives.

He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force. Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Eagles 2898, Benton Elks Lodge, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., Williamson County Shrine Club.

In his working career, he was a foreman and a lineman with Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Dennis was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

He enjoyed golfing, shooting guns, playing pool, and being with his dogs Elsa and Angel.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Jama Kinkade of Benton, IL; two sons: Jeremy Kinkade and wife Amanda of Rend City, IL, Nathan Kinkade of East Dubuque, IL; six grandchildren: Tyson, Desi, Kayla, Gaige, Gemma and Jaden; a great-grandchild due in 2025; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Russell Kinkade, a sister and brother-in-law Kathy Williams and husband Andy Williams.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the St. John’s Catholic Cemetery of West Frankfort, IL. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 5, 2024, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, IL.

The services are under the direction of the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the services, or may be mailed to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Sam Aiello, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Friday September 20, 2024 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin.

He was born on February 27, 1932 in Palermo, Italy to Giuseppe and Anna (Marchese) Aiello.

He is survived by his children Joe (Candy) Aiello of Sesser and Anna Glaser of Dyer, IN; five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one daughter Rose Lech.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday September 25, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, IL with Brother Larry Cook officiating, Visitation will be on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Phyllis J. McMahon, 85, of Benton passed away Friday, September 20, 2024 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

She was born on May 27, 1939 the daughter of Robert Lavern & Ruth Jane (Knight) Beatty.

Phyllis was first married to Patrick McMahon.

Phyllis was a Nurse’s Aide and caregiver for many years. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church. She loved her grandchildren and going to their activities.
Phyllis is survived by her:
3 Children:
Pam Dorris of Benton
Jim McMahon & wife Karen of Flora
Phil McMahon & wife Debbie of Benton
Grandchildren:
Sam & Ellie
Chelsey & Phil
Brittany
Sasha
Stormi
Remington
Colleen & Emma
Jordan & wife Alison
Caitlin & husband Chas
Ian
Brooklyn
Great-Grandchildren: Jaxson, Drew, Kiara, Oakley, Maddux & Harper
1 Sister: Sue Risley of Sesser
She was preceded in death by her Parents, Daughter-Paula J. Sherley, Son-in-law-Michael Dorris, 1st Husband-Patrick McMahon, by her companion of 24 plus years Roy Shaw, Sister-Mary Lou Atwood and Brother-in-law-Noble (Cotton) Risley, Jr.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, September 25th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Greg Whaley officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

James “Jumpin Jim” T. Jenkins, 79, of Christopher, passed away on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

He was born on June 8, 1945 in Centralia, IL to William and Agnes (Hayes) Jenkins. He married Gloria (Waller) Jenkins on July 23, 1999 and she survives of Christopher.

He is also survived by his children Bradley (Sue) Johnson of St Charles, MO and Shelley (Donnie) Baine of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Katelynn Baine and Madison Baine; one brother William “Billy” Jenkins of Sandoval, IL and two sisters-in-law Linda Jenkins of Kerrville, TX and Vivian Turner of Energy, IL and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Steven Jenkins.

A Memorial Service will be on Saturday September 21, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Zip Biby officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of the funeral at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Donor’s Choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Stephen Patrick Wilson, February 11, 1960 – September 16, 2024

Stephen “Steve” Patrick Wilson, 64, of Harco, IL, passed away on September 16, 2024, after a brief battle with liver cancer. He was born on February 11, 1960, in Benton, IL. Steve proudly served in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge in 1979, having been stationed in Germany during a time of peace.

Steve was one of seven siblings and is survived by all but one. His surviving siblings include Mike (Michelle) Wilson, Tammy (Jim) Bonner, Tim (Lori) Wilson, Kendra (Troy) Hafford, Rick (Debra) Wilson of Broughton, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Charlotte Smothers, and his brother, Kevin Wilson.

A devoted father, Steve’s greatest pride and joy were his four daughters, whom he shared with his former wife, Amy Wilson of Makanda, IL: Amanda (Jason) Tinsley of Dauphin Island, AL; Angela Wilson of Charleston, SC; Kelsey Wilson of St. Charles, MO; and Chloe (David) Harding of Blue Springs, MO. He was also a loving grandfather to Jack and Claudia Tinsley. When asked at a recent appointment what his reason for living was, he simply said, “my girls.”

Steve had a deep passion for technology and computers, which led him to complete a degree in computer science. He was also a lover of animals and always had many pets throughout his life. His beloved dog, Muttley, whom he adopted from a Rural King parking lot, remained faithfully by his side until the end, passing just 12 hours after Steve.

Steve’s daughters are grateful that his suffering was brief. A burial service will be held in his honor at Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, IL, on February 11, 2025, which would have been his 65th birthday. Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating his life and legacy.

He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

Alice Jean Scroggins, 82, of Christopher, IL passed away on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Silver Foxes in McLeansboro, IL.

She was born on August 8, 1942, in Benton, IL, to James Willis and Florence (Hutchens) Gilbert. She married Bennie Scroggins on April 7, 1963, and he preceded her in death on April 24, 2008.

Alice was a 1962 graduate of Benton High School. After working many years as a sales associate at Bowlins Foodland and Dollar General, she retired in 2002. She enjoyed her family and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. She was a special person with a huge heart.

Alice is survived by her children, Linda (Eldon) Scott of Christopher, IL and Roger (Barbara) Scroggins of McLeansboro, IL; four grandchildren, Caleb Scott, Michael Scroggins, Jamie (Jimmy) Thomas and Brian (Amanda) Sanders; seven great-grandchildren, Christopher Scroggins, Rustyn T. Scott, Brianna Sanders, Gavin Sanders, Holden Sanders, Anthony Thomas and Andrew Thomas; two brothers, Jim (Marti) Willis of Benton, IL and Richard (Mary Jane) Neunlist of Thompsonville, IL and sister, Brenda (Mike) Buntin of Thompsonville, IL. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James Willis and Florence (Hutchens) Gilbert; husband, Bennie Roger Scroggins and infant brother, Charles Edwin Willis.

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

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend George Marshall, officiating.
Following the funeral service. burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

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