Fawn Annette Lorenz, age 52, of West Frankfort, IL, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Thursday, December 5, 2024, at her friend’s home in Thompsonville, after a five-month battle with lung cancer.

Fawn was born on September 19, 1972, in Kankakee, IL; the daughter of Jo Anne (Herzog) Marcotte.
She was a bartender having worked for several area bars. She was also a member of the Benton Eagles Aerie 2898.
Fawn enjoyed crafting, her annual trip to the Covered Bridge Festival, traveling, back road cruising. Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially with her granddaughter Olivia.

Survivors include two sons: Dylan Lorenz of West Frankfort, IL, Dalton Thompson of Benton, IL; a granddaughter Olivia Jean Annette Lorenz; a brother Thomas Engleman of Markleville, IN; her boyfriend Monty Reiger of Benton, IL; three nieces Jill Alfrey and husband Greg, Susie Engleman, Heather Albright all of Indiana; her close friends: Jean Harbour of Thompsonville, IL, Becky Conley of Benton, IL, Janice Poteete of Benton, IL, Michelle Ing of Akin, IL, Deserae Mohr of Benton, IL, and Melissa Reiger of Benton, IL.

She was preceded in death by her loving mother.

Fawn’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date in 2025.
Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in memory of Fawn, may be made to the State Bank of Whittington Go Fund Me Account, to assist with the cremation expenses.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Fawn, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Ruth Constance Dixon, 89, of Sesser, passed away on Wedneday December 4, 2024 at her home.

She was born on February 7, 1935 in Detroit, MI to Fred and Mary (Davis) (Johansson) Johnson. She married Ralph Dixon JR. on May 22, 1954 and he preceded her in death on February 10, 2019.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 9, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Chris Hottensen officiating. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Mrs. Virginia M. Gostowski, age 94, of Benton, went to be with her Lord and Savior at 2:35 p.m. Tuesday, December 3, 2024.

Virginia was born on September 24, 1930, in Du Quoin, IL; the daughter of Sam Merkel and Lenoir (Murray) Merkel. She married Lawrence Andrew Gostowski on July 29, 1950, and he preceded her in death on April 19, 2016.

She formerly worked for the Lynn-Gay Garment Factory of Sesser, IL; and formerly worked for her daughter at Rose’s Flower Shop of Benton, IL.

Virginia was a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton, IL.

Virginia enjoyed quilting, crocheting, making blankets, singing, and enjoyed attending church until her health prevented her from attending in person. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving is a son Daryl Gostowski and wife Tina of Thompsonville, IL; six grandchildren: Shane Gostowski and companion Tonya Mifflin of Benton, IL, Myia Garner of Scott City, MO, Tammy Thrasher of West Frankfort, IL, Shannon Trusty of West Frankfort, IL, Russell Fry of West Frankfort, IL, Dylan Johnson of West Frankfort, IL; ten great-grandchildren; a brother Delmer Merkel of Peoria, IL; a son-in-law Dennis Miller of Benton, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; three daughters: Marline Gostowski, Rose (Gostowski) Miller, Ila (Gostowski) Mahan; four brothers: Ogle Merkel, Alan Merkel, Jess Merkel, Henry Merkel; and a daughter-in-law Shawnda Gostowski.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Rev. Don Bullard officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

Owen Kroese, passed away on Saturday November 30, 2024 at the Marion, IL VA CLC under the care of a wonderful staff.

He was born on July 18, 1943 in Firth, Nebraska to John and Jenny (Fisher) Kroese. He is survived by his two sons David (Dr. Kareen Simpson) Kroese of Loves Park, IL and John (Joni) Kroese of Sesser. He was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters Ruth, Ruby and Jeanette and five brothers Henry, John, Dean, Glen and Garrett.

Owen was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Navy.

His son David wrote a tribute for his dad: Owen influenced every aspect of my life. Clamoring to join him on late night calls to a coal mine with an inoperable hoist and working men tired from a long and arduous shift stranded hundreds of feet beneath the earth, miners eventually emerged, faces blackened with soot and coal dust and several made a point to stop and talk to the little 8-year-old boy waiting in a pickup truck to tell him how they appreciated Owen and his ability to troubleshoot the equipment that brought them back to their families. “We were in good spirits knowing Owen was here and we would be coming up as soon as possible,” more than one blackened face stopped to share. These experiences inspired me to be an engineer from grade school. What a powerful thing, to use math and science to fix problems important and critical to other human beings. Owen developed a knack in the U.S. Navy for electrical technology and earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1970 after his active duty. The inspiration to pursue engineering came entirely from Owen and his contributions to others. My parents shared their love of history at an early age. The library of books my father collected covering American and world history became childhood readers for his young son. We trekked to historical locations at every opportunity. The resulting passion would later inspire my exploration of our national park system. Owen taught his two boys a love and respect of God, country, and family. Until past the age of seventy when nearly all of his older siblings had passed, he remained a brother or brother-in-law with healthy familial relationships. Owen remained proud of his military service until his last moments. When he knew he could no longer manage independently, he wanted to spend his remaining time near fellow veterans. Owen shared formative and lasting influences by example. He approached managing others as a responsibility to support the success of those under his influence. Through the last seven years of his life, Owen struggled with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. These conditions changed him in unfortunate ways. I hope others can forgive any less than decorous behavior caused by these conditions.

A visitation will take place on Wednesday December 11, 2024 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Graveside services will be held on Friday December 13, 2024 at 11:30 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St Louis, MO with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Cynthia “Cindy” Hall, 64, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday December 1, 2024 at her home.

She was born on November 24, 1960 in Cape Girardeau, MO to Terry and Carol (Treadwell) Hall.

She is survived by her mother Carol Hall of Mulkeytown; one sister Terry Dawn (Randy) Redding of Mulkeytown; niece Becca (Damien) Redding; nephew Nick (Kim) Redding and three great nieces Raylynn, Lexi and Sophia and one great nephew Maverick.

She was preceded in death by her father Terry Hall.

She worked for Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation for 33 years. She was a lover of animals, and would take care of any stray animal that she could.

Funeral services will be on Friday December 6, 2024 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Dennis Ward officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:30 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Cynthia Ann “Cindy” Corn, age 68, of Cartersville, Georgia, passed away Friday, November 29, 2024, at the home of her brother-in-law and sister-in-law, in Pinckneyville, Illinois.

Cynthia was born on February 16, 1956, in Florence, Alabama; the daughter of Frank Little and Ann (Williams) Little. She married Robert Lewis Corn on August 11, 1984, and they recently celebrated 40 years of marriage.

Mrs. Corn was a retired educator and coach. While coaching at Haleyville High School, Alabama, Cindy’s girls basketball team won the state championship, and her cheerleading squad finished fourth in the nation.

She enjoyed cooking and making crafts. She was a faithful proud supporter of her husband’s basketball teams. She would invite and host her husband’s team to their home for meals. The players called her Mama Corn.

Most of all she enjoyed being involved with her two sons and anything in which they were involved. Robert said, “her favorite place to go, was at the beach with her toes in the sand.”

Survivors include her loving husband Robert L. Corn of Cartersville, Georgia; two sons: Rob Corn of Cartersville, Georgia, Scott Corn of Brooklyn, New York; a sister Becky Shabo and husband Dan of White, Georgia; two brothers: Mike Little and wife Sharon of Birmingham, Alabama, Bob Little and wife Wanda of Muscle Shoals, Alabama; in-laws: Richard “Dick” Corn and wife Penny of Pinckneyville, Illinois, Jean Winemiller and husband Lewis of Mc Leansboro, Illinois, Jerry Corn and wife Sharon of Macedonia, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Ann Little, and her father and mother-in-law Robert and Eloise Corn.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, December 6, 2024, at the Brady Cemetery of Macedonia, Illinois, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, is in charge of the services.
Memorial contributions instructions to donate for a scholarship in memory of Cynthia Corn, are as follows:

To honor someone with a donation to the Haleyville High School Scholarship Fund:
1. Go to Walker County Community Foundation
2. For online donations, select Give Now, select or enter an amount, and then select Winston County Fund – Haleyville High School from the dropdown menu. Complete the form and include the name of the person to honor.
3. To mail a donation, select Giving and then print and complete the DONATION FORM.

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

James F. “Jim” Rea, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2024, at 87, surrounded by his loving family, He was born on September 7, 1937, to Marion and Lucy Rea in the small town of Mulkeytown, IL, where he spent his formative years.

After graduating from Christopher High School, Jim pursued higher education at Southern Illinois University (SIU) in Carbondale. He studied agriculture community development, earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He served as an Army reservist for four years. One of his early professional endeavors was at the Illinois Department of Agriculture at SIU.

Over a span of 22 years, Jim served in both the Illinois House of Representatives and the Illinois State Senate, working for the betterment of southern Illinois. His influence and dedication were evident through his active involvement in numerous organizations, including a distinguished membership in the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, the Lions Club, the Shriners, and many others. Perhaps most notably, he took great pride in his contributions to CASA of Franklin County, advocating for the welfare of children.

Jim’s life was shared by his first wife, Josephine (Toigo) Rea, whom he met in Christopher, IL and preceded him in death.They were married for 42 years and raised two children: James A. Rea and Jo Ellen McKinney. Jim was a devoted grandfather to his five grandchildren: Steven Brayfield of Mulkeytown, IL; Sarah (Kody) Rathert of Campbell Hill, IL; Cody(Rachele)McKinney of Coello, IL; Aaron Rea of Fargo, ND; Dalton (Jessica) Rea of Peoria, IL; and Avery (Connor) Kink of Waterloo, IL. He also has five great-grandchildren: Skylar and Dawson Rathert, Bowen and Caroline Brayfield, and Kimber McKinney.

In his later years, Jim remarried Lorena (Simion) Rea and is deeply remembered by his devoted and loving wife, who was by his side for twelve cherished years.

A graveside service will be held on December 7, 2024, at Mulkeytown Cemetery, where family and friends will gather to honor his life and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to CASA of Franklin County, located at 903 Washington St, Suite #3, Benton, IL.

Rudy Earl Stowers, 83, of Benton, passed away at 6:48 p.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on October 23, 1941, to Elza and Bertha (Wiley) Stowers in Benton, IL. Rudy was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School. He worked as a Class A Electrician with mine construction. On December 25, 1978, Rudy married Deloris Jane Williams in Hurst IL, and she survives.

Rudy was a United States Army Veteran, serving one tour in Alaska and two tours in Korea.

He was a member of Steel City Baptist Church. Rudy enjoyed gardening, working out at the gym and going fishing.

Rudy is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Deloris; his children, Paula (David) Newcomb of Yulee, FL, Rudy Eugene (Tabitha) Stowers of Nashville, IL, Amy (Jeff) Taylor of Benton, IL, Bobbie (Ruth) Wright of DuQuoin, IL, Frank E. (Amy) Wright of Benton, IL and Laura (Chris) Wright of Makanda, IL; 20 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elza E. and Bertha A. Stowers, six brothers and sisters, Floyd, Geneva, Johnny, Zella, Daniel and Ruth.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
A Celebration of life will be held 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2024, at the Steel City Baptist Church, 9241 Crawford Street, Benton, IL., with Rev. Joe Zbiden officiating.
Per Rudy’s wishes, cremation will take place.
Memorials may be to Steel City Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Burial will be privately held at the Hill Crest Cemetery, Carterville, IL.

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

Jerry DeWitt, 87, went to be with the Lord Friday, November, 22, 2024 resting peacefully at Wesley Willows Retirement Community in Rockford, Illinois.

Jerry was born September, 15, 1937 in Des Moines, Iowa. He was a minister of the Gospel, sharing it with everyone he met. He was a great prayer warrior and a great believer in the ministry of prayer cloths. He was proceeded in death by his parents Merl & Vonie DeWitt and brother and sister in law, Bernie and Sherrie DeWitt. Jerry was married to Duene (Austin) DeWitt who also proceeded him. After knowing each other for 19 days were married for over 60 years. It was a true love story.

Jerry is survived by their three children: Chris and Kelly DeWitt. Tom and Naomi DeWitt. Pam and Jay Watson. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Jared Watson, Beth DeWitt and Liz Idzakovich, Jenny and Chris Lindsay, Caitlyn and Nick Stallons, Adrianna Watson and Will Bixby; two great grandsons: Oliver and Eliot Lindsay.

Funeral services will be on Monday December 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM at the West City Church of God. Visitation will be on Monday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated and envelopes will be available at the church.

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

Ronald “Ron” D. Crofford, 78, of Benton, passed away at 10:10 a.m., on Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Franklin Hospital ER in Benton, IL.

He was born on July 19, 1946, to Leonard and Rosaline (Alexander) Crofford in Hammond, IN.

He was a member of Village Baptist Church in Lake Village, IN. He loved restoring old cars in his past-time and flipping houses.

Ron is survived by his three sons, Ronald A. Crofford and wife, Uni, Mark Crofford and wife, Patty and Scott Crofford; his sisters and brother, Diane Lenz and husband Larry, Leonard Crofford and wife, Gail and Sharon Wright and husband, Ron, and four grandchildren, Paige, Tiara, Alexia and Preston.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Rosaline Louise Crofford and his sister, Connie Watson.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Howard Johnson, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Denning Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Plant a Tree Foundation.

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