Melvin Earl Cundiff, 74, of Royalton, passed away on Friday July 4, 2025 at Parkway Manor in Marion, IL.

He was born on April 28, 1951 in Watseka, IL to Francis and Irene (Spain) Cundiff. He married Marjorie (Bolen) Cundiff on May 5, 1973 and she preceded him in death on June 5, 2024.

He is survived by his daughters Melissa Cundiff of Marion and Mandy (Dan) Johnson of Plainfield; grandchildren Erin, Zachary and Eli; sisters Marilyn (Danny) Shown of Searcy, AR and Marlena (Ralph) Depetris-Lusher of Benton, AR and one brother Marvin Cundiff of Glasgow, KY and several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother Francis Cundiff Jr. and one sister-in-law Patricia Cundiff.

He served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam Era and then worked for the Army Corps of Engineers for over 36 years until his retirement.

Funeral services will be on Saturday April 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home in Cisne, IL. Military rites will be conducted at the Brown Cemetery in Cisne, IL.

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

Terry E. Duncan, 80, of Centralia, IL, and a former Benton resident, passed away Friday morning July 4, 2025 at the Fireside House of Centralia.

He was born in Benton, IL on June 5, 1945, the son of Adrian & Edna (Wilkerson) Duncan.

He married Pamela Akin on December 2, 1977.

Mr. Duncan worked for Old Ben Coal. He was an avid car enthusiast and loved working on cars.

Mr. Duncan is survived by his:
Wife: Pamela Duncan of Centralia
Brother: Larry Duncan of Centralia
Sister: Francine Pheasant of Christopher, IL
3 Daughters:
LaRhonda Anderson of Florida
Miechelle Cook of California
Tera Tullis of Idaho
12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren
He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Duncan was preceded in death by his parents, son-Terry Wayne Duncan and by several aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday July 7, 2025 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 1 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Mr. Everett Ray Sullivan, age 99, of Macedonia, passed away at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Silver Foxes Senior Living and Rehabilitation of McLeansboro.

Everett was born on September 14, 1925, in Macedonia, Illinois; the son of Arthur G. Sullivan and Naomi Florence (Weatherford) Sullivan.

He was the owner and operator of Sullivan’s Store of Macedonia for 64 years. He also was a former Trustees with the Knights Prairie Township Board, where he served for 44 years.

He enjoyed visiting with his customers at his store and spending time with his dogs: Boss, Tinker, Trixie, and Squirt.
Surviving is a nephew Gary Sullivan and wife Dee of Stantonville, TN; two great-nephews: Alan Sullivan and wife Sarah of Thompsonville, IL, Christopher Sullivan and wife Tina of Pittsburg, IL; a great-great-nephew Aaron Sullivan; and three great-great-nieces Autumn Sullivan, Abigail Sullivan, Amelia Sullivan; and a close friend who stopped by the store daily, Curt Reed of McLeansboro, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Marvin Alan Sullivan, and two brothers Floyd Sullivan and Claude Sullivan.
Graveside Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Macedonia Cemetery. A Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Everett, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Terrance Flatt, 80, of Owensville, MO (formerly of Benton, IL), passed away on June 30, 2025 at Mercy Hospital in Washington, MO.

He was born on January 3, 1945 in Texas to Daniel Oliver and Lorraine Flatt. He married Margaret Flatt on December 27, 1984 and she survives of Owensville, MO.

HE is also survived by his children Tim (Melissa) Flatt, Derek (Melinda) Flatt of Benton, Zach (Amy) Gillihan, Jennifer Flatt, Joseph Allen Rix and Terrance (Cecilia Feldmann) Flatt; grandchildren Nathan Flatt, Chelsea (Drew) Prusaczyk, Kristen (Nathan) Rhebergen, Jake Harris, Emily Cardwell, Hannah Cardwell, Mason Gillihan, Josie Gillihan, Bryce Gillihan, Ayanna Marie Rix, Xavier Alexander Rix, Bridgett Flatt and Khloe Flatt; great grandchildren Chandler Prusaczyk, Kipton Prusaczyk, Aiden Targett and Copeland Harris.

Terrance was a police officer and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.

Funeral service will be on Sunday July 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will be on Sunday from 10:00 Am until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Valier.

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

Acheron D. L. Massey, 3 years old, of Benton passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Acheron was born in Carbondale, IL on January 25, 2022 the son of John & April Dawn (McGlasson) Massey.
Acheron was such a happy boy who loved to run around and play. He loved “Baby Shark”, dinosaurs and playing with cars and aggravating his sister.

Acheron is survived by his:
Mother: April Massey & fiancé Richard
Father: John Massey & fiancée Dusty
Sister: Jaylyn Massey
Grandparents:
Jennifer & Anthony Bell
Tracy & Robert Brooks
Great-Grandparents: Jerry & Wendy McGlasson
Great-Grandparent: David Smith
Great-Grandpa: Alva
Great-Grandparents: Cindy & Ray
Step-Siblings: Bianca, Junior & Hunter
Special Uncle: Jamie McGlasson & fiancée Rachel
Great-Aunt: Melissa McGlasson
Several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins & Friends

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 3rd at 7:00 P.M. at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Jamie McGlasson officiating. Visitation will be after 5:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.
The family asks that everyone attending please wear something blue because that was Acheron’s favorite color.

Joseph Thomas Borgra, 87, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday June 29, 2025 at his home.

He was born on June 22, 1938 in Christopher to Barney and Frances (Ferrengo) Borgra. He married Carol Ann (Ondo) Borgra on October 12, 1957 and she preceded him in death on November 21, 2024.

He is survived by his children Joseph Borgra of Coello, Bill Borgra of Christopher, Dana (Tim) Zeidler of DuQuoin and Donna Prather of Christopher; grandchildren Steve (Audrey), Allison, Luke (Marisol), Laci (Clayton, Kortoney (Chris) and A.J.; great grandchildren River, Shiloh, Lucas, Junior, Lydia, Pierce and Kailyn and one brother Tom (Paula) Borgra of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister-in-law Richard (Bessie) Borgra and several brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-laws.

He was a Coalminer and was a Maintenance Supervisor. He loved to go fishing, was an avid St Louis Cardinal’s fan and he especially loved his weekly calls with his grandchildren and taking rides with his family.

Funeral services will be on Saturday July 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at Noon. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

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

Thomas Monti, 86, of Coello, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital in Marion, IL, surrounded by the love and presence of his family.

He was born on March 29, 1939, in Tarrytown, NY, to Baptisto Constantino and Josephine (Gaetano) Monti. Tom lived a life grounded in faith, love, and service. He married Brenda (Evilsizer) Monti on June 22, 1968, and together they recently celebrated 57 years of marriage. Brenda survives him. Tom is also survived by his three sons: Tom (Mindy) Monti of League City, TX; Mike (Emily) Monti of Herrin; and Daniel Monti of Coello. He also leaves behind his step-granddaughter Olivia and his faithful dog Max. He was preceded in death by his parents and his unborn grandchild.

Tom was a proud member of the UMWA and dedicated 33 years of service to Inland Steel Mine in Sesser. He was also a proud Marine, and carried that sense of honor and duty with him throughout his life. Tom was a car enthusiast and a lifelong New York Yankees fan. Tom’s life was marked by his unwavering devotion to God and his deep commitment to his family. A devout Catholic, he lived his faith daily, generously serving his community through the Christopher Knights of Columbus and supporting his parish with humility and heart. Tom was the rock of his family, a devoted husband, a steady and supportive father, and a man of strength and wisdom. His presence brought comfort, guidance, and love. Though his absence leaves an immeasurable void, his legacy of faith, integrity, and unconditional love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation will take place that same day from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. Entombment will follow at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Until we meet again, Tom, we love you with all our heart and soul.

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

Dorothy Jean Baxter, 81, of Sesser, passed away on Saturday June 28, 2025 at her home.

She was born on September 10, 1943 in Christopher to Glenn and Dorothy (Gower) Wilmore. She married Ray Baxter and he survives of Sesser.

She is also survived by her children, Lisa (Mike) Gulley of Valier and Larry Tucker of Christopher; six grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren and one brother Glenn Everett Wilmore of Herrin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter-in-law Tina Tucker and one sister.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Carlo Dial officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home.

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

Mrs. Joice Ann Haase, age 78, of Benton, IL; passed away at 7:40 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab of Benton.

Joice was born on November 26, 1946, in Altavista, Virginia; the daughter of George Burnette and Dessie (McCrickard) Burnette. She married Jerry Haase, and he preceded her in death on July 9, 2000.

She was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of West Frankfort, Illinois.

She was a former Certified Nurses Aid. She also used to work inserting sale flyers in the Daily American Newspaper of West Frankfort. She also enjoyed being a renowned doll maker.
Joice enjoyed sewing and watching her favorite television programs, including Survivor, Big Brother, and 90 Day Fiancée. She also liked to play games on her tablet, and she liked researching medicine and politics on the internet. But most of all she loved spending time with family.

Surviving are her three children: Catina Powell and husband Theo of Paducah, Kentucky, Cassandra Carney of Marion, Illinois, Michael Karch and wife Jenny of Raeford, North Carolina; a granddaughter Tedrah “Penelope” Wece of Paducah, Kentucky; a brother Frank Burnette and wife Elaine of Buckeye, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Sister Laura Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the Creal Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. Sunday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Joice, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Jennifer Joy Gooden, age 53, of Thompsonville, passed away Friday, June 20, 2025, at her home.

Jennifer was born on October 13, 1971, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the daughter of Charles Raymond Bocock and Suellen Deborah (Kresin) Bocock. She married Robert Eugene Gooden on December 7, 2008, and he survives.

She and her husband owned and operated the Groove Shop in Benton.

Jennifer enjoyed crafts, sewing, quilting, custom embroidering, and listening to music.

Surviving is her loving husband Robert Eugene Gooden of Thompsonville, IL; a sister Jodi Ooms and husband Tim of Florida; a niece Kelsi Alwood; nephews Joshua Wright, Dakota Alwood, Levi Alwood, Brantley Wright and Brody Wright; step-sisters: Judy, Paula and Betty Sue; brothers-in-law: Larry Gooden, Logan Gooden and Joe Hughes; Robert’s half-brother Bobby; Robert’s half-sisters Cheryl and Myra; Robert’s step-father Willard Hughes of Desoto, IL; several cousins; and Robert and Jennifer’s best friend Mike Lawler of Bluford, IL.

She was preceded in death by her father Charles Bocock, and her mother Suellen Miller.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

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

A go fund me account has been set up to assist with expenses at https://gofund.me/9e5c2bd8

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