Jimmy W. Bennett, age 76, of Benton and formerly of Alabama, passed away at 10:35 a.m. Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at his home.

Mr. Bennett’s wishes are to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date in Alabama.

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

Jimmy was born March 11, 1945, in Walker County, AL; the son of Robert Jackson Bennett and Bertha (Sanders) Bennett. He married the former Bobbi Ragsdale, and she preceded him in death on July 30, 2013.

He formerly worked in the administrative department for AAA Cooper Transport of Birmingham, Alabama.

He was a member of the Dora Church of God of Dora, Alabama. He enjoyed playing piano at numerous churches in Alabama and Illinois.

Jimmy enjoyed visiting Rend Lake, listening to music, especially Blue Grass Music. He loved to cook and enjoyed his Milos Sweet Tea and Little Debbie snack cakes. Most of all, he cherished his time with his two granddaughters.

Surviving is his loving son Mark Lance Bennett and wife Rachel of Benton; two granddaughters: Chloe Rae Bennett and Kyndall Larae Bennett, of Benton; a brother Johnny Bennett of Sumiton, Alabama; his special friend Lynda Orlandini of Herrin; Rachel’s parents Ray and Connie Morris of Benton; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Robert and Bertha Bennett; his wife Bobbi Bennett; three brothers: Ralph, Gene and Bob; two sisters: Billie Sue and Geraldine.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812; or visit
www.diabetes.org

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. Jimmy Bennett; visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Joshua W. Szczeblewski, 40, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Sunday, October 17, 2021, from a recreational off-highway vehicle accident.

He was born on December 2, 1980, to Robert and Brenda (Shobe) Szczeblewski in DuQuoin, IL.

Joshua loved farming and spending time with his family and daughters.

He is survived by his brother, Kevin Szczeblewski of Mulkeytown, IL; sister, Brandy (Jerry) Waligorski of Mulkeytown, IL; two daughters, Shi-Anne Lappin and Saylor Lappin; and niece, Madison Szczeblewski.

Joshua was preceded in death by mother, Brenda L. Szczeblewski.

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

Cremation will take place and a memorial service will be planned at the family’s church. Memorials contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.

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

Daphne Dee Thiele-Hamby age 50, of Whittington, passed away at 9:47 p.m. Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room of Benton.

Daphne’s wishes are to be cremated.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at a future date.

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

Daphne was born July 22, 1971, in Granite City, IL; the daughter of James Robert Thiele and Jackie Gail (Justice) Schofield.

She was a waitress at Harbor Lite Restaurant in Whittington, IL; and, also worked for Dr. Kelly Stewart.

Daphne enjoyed her dogs, loved to work, loved being around her friends and helping people.

Surviving is her mother and step-father Jackie and William Schofield of Benton; two children: Tyler Schofield and Harli Rhine, both of Benton; two grandchildren: Khloie Rhine and T. Ray Alexander; a brother Jason Thiele and wife Tonya of Benton; a sister Teri Schofield of Middleburg, FL; nieces: Erica Thiele and fiancée Brendan Portee, Mariah Thiele and fiancée Austin Walker; all her babies Kane, Ronin and Raelynn; several aunts and uncles and cousins; her best friends: Mary Eubanks, Peggy Logan, Laura Stewart, Dr. Kelly Stewart, Cyndi and Bob Britton.

She was preceded in death by her father; maternal and paternal grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of Franklin County Animal Control, P.O. Box 210, Christopher, IL 62822-0210; or visit www.petsneedhomes.org

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

Leona Irene “Punkin” Rushing, age 74, of Logan, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick Fowler officiating. Burial will follow at the Logan Church of God Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Leona was born on October 22, 1946, in Eldorado, TX; the daughter of Jesse Lee Summers and Helen Loretta (Irvin) Summers. She was married to Keith Rushing and he preceded her in death in 2014.

Before retirement, she worked as a sales representative, and worked for numerous companies.
She attended the Logan Church of God.

“Punkin” enjoyed Hawaiian dancing, spending time with friends, she loved collecting chicken figurines, enjoyed spending time at Rend Lake. Her family said she was a talented and gifted costume designer, enjoyed crafting, and loved her dog, Sammy.

Surviving are two children: Scott Noriega of Clinton, PA, Shannon Bartkowiak of Burbank, IL; two grandchildren: Dakota Anthony Bartkowiak, Cheyenne Marie Moon; a sister “Sissy” Stoval of Cleveland, TN; a brother George “Slick” Summers of Ohio; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Jesse Lee Summers; her mother Helen Loretta Estes; a granddaughter Jacy Lee Moon; a brother Jesse “Brub” Summers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Leona “Punkin” Rushing, may be made to the Logan Community Center, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Leona “Punkin” Rushing, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Constancia “Connie” (Vandekerkhove) Flowers passed away October 12, 2021.

Connie was born June 1, 1957 to Walter and Madeline Vanderkerkhove (Vander) of Sesser. She married Danny Flowers on October 24, 1975. They live in Valier and raised two sons, Jeremy and Jeffrey who blessed them with four grandchildren Daniel, Jeremiah, Zoey and James Flowers and another due in December. She had two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Hazel. Connie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Danny, three sisters, Irma Kimmel, Trudy (Jack) Cohlmeyer and Pat (Bob) Boles, and sister-in-laws Diane (Lee) Rice, and Sharon Greathouse, and numerous nieces and nephews and several cousins in Belgium. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother-in-law Roland and Pat Flowers, her brother Walter, Jr., and her brother-in-law Darrell Kimmel.

Connie graduated from the Sesser-Valier High School and worked for many years at The Print Shop in Sesser before becoming employed with the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s and Treasurer’s office in Benton where she enjoyed conversing with so many people from the County. She loved motorcycle riding and traveling with her family and spending time in the garden and greenhouse. She especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by so many loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

David R. Upchurch of Cincinnati, OH (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away September 27, 2021, at the age of 76.

David, loving husband of Shirley F. Upchurch (nee Duckworth), beloved father of Anthony D. (Robin) Upchurch, Annette D. (Gary) Gardner, Alan D. (Jodi) Upchurch, Albert D. (Susan) Upchurch, and Andrea D. (Bill) Bellis, devoted brother of Jerry (Kaye) Upchurch, twin sister, Diana (Ron) House, of Benton, IL and the late Donald Upchurch.

He was the son of the late Eugene and Wilma Upchurch and is survived by 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held in Cincinnati, OH, on Sunday, October 3, 2021, with Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M. rites, and a Scottish Rites Ring ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Al Boebaum Scholarship Fund c/o Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M., 8040 Eagle Creek, Cincinnati, OH 45247

James Britt Towers, 59, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday October 10, 2021 at his home.

He was born on January 4, 1962 in Christopher to James “Jim” Brooks and Ruth (Flowers) Towers Stritzel.

He is survived by his daughters Rachel (Brad Hall) Towers of Valier and Austin (Joe) Hargraves of St Louis; grandchildren Holden Jace Towers-Frost, Beau Brooks Hall, Anthony Hargaraves and Eleanor Hargraves and several other extended family members and friends.

Britt enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and guns. He was proud father and a prouder Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Valier.

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

Joyce Ann Ashmore, 88, of Herrin, passed away on Saturday October 9, 2021 ather home.

She was born on April 1, 1933 in Cobden to Ernest Walker and Thelma (Fann) Laffoon. She married William Ashmore on October 28, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 25, 1993.

She is survived by her children Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Steve (Sandy) Ashmore of Benton, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers Ernest Walker and Robert Walker.

Funeral services for Joyce will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville.

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

David E. Easley, 74, of Benton, passed away at 9:10 a.m., on Friday, October 8, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 26, 1947, to Clyde and Nadine (Cantine) Easley at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. He attended school at Benton Consolidated High School. On October 6, 1986, he married the former Olga M. Webb in Benton, IL. To this union they had 6 children. David started his career as a truck driver hauling gravel, he then went to work for Old Ben Coal Company as a coal miner for 23 years, following that he would retire from E.T. Simonds Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator.

David was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Benton, IL., and the Benton Eagles. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. David enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing pool and spending time on his side by side.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 35 years, Olga M. Easley; six children, Kevin (Gena) Easley of Buckner, IL, Berry Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jerry (Carol) Easley of AL, Lisa Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jamie (Robbie) Williams of Benton, IL and Mary Sloan of West Frankfort, IL; eight grandchildren, Brittany Easley, Preston Easley, Bridget Easley, Cody Easley, Issac Parcell, Jade Parcell, Brandon Williams and Abby Williams; one brother, Alan Easley of AK; and one sister, Connie Easley of Benton, IL.

David was preceded in death by his parents Clyde C. and Nadine B. Easley.

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

Per David’s wishes cremation will take place, a private family memorial gathering will be held his residence.

David’s family would like to express their appreciation to Bill and Viola Edwards and Stacye Key for all the care and support.

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