Linda Mae Cremeens went to be home with Jesus on Nov. 23, 2023. Linda was 79 years young.

Linda was born in Broughton, IL to John and Doris Myers on November 6, 1944. Linda married Ronald H. Cremeens from West Frankfort, IL, on June 2, 1962. Her husband, Ronald, survives.

To this union they had two beautiful daughters: Kristy Juecka who resides with her husband, Kevin, in Texas; Stacy Shaw who resides in Carterville, IL. Linda and Ron have three wonderful grandchildren: Nicholas Creasey who is a pilot in the U.S. Airforce and Caroline Bush, his fiancé; Madison Shaw who attends Carterville High School; and Elias Shaw who attends Carterville Junior High.

Linda was preceded in death by her brother Bill Myers and her parents, John and Doris Myers. Linda is survived by her brother Dick Myers and wife Ginny from Decatur, IL; brother Tom and wife Cynthia Myers of Newcastle, OK; sister-in-law Marilyn Myers of Evansville, IN; and brother-in-law Dwight Cremeens of West Frankfort, IL.

Linda received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale and her Master’s Degree in Education at Rockford College. They moved away to the Dallas, Texas area for Ron to complete seminary. After his graduation, they came back to Benton, Illinois where she taught third grade for 34 years for Benton District 47. After retirement, Linda and Ron came back to Immanuel Baptist Church where they are currently members.

Linda was a glorious woman of faith and shared her love through praying for her family and friends. Linda was known for her boisterous laugh, her tender heart, and her giving spirit. Linda impacted so many and will be greatly missed by her family and her many friends. The one thing that she had a tremendous love for beyond her family was her Coca-Cola.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at the Immanuel Baptist Church with Pastor Kirk Kay officiating. Burial will be in the Brady Cemetery in Akin. Visitation will be from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and monetary donations may be made to the Immanuel Baptist Church for Missions.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Sharon Kay Kesler, 69, of Benton, passed away on Monday November 20, 2023 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt Vernon.

She was born on December 27, 1953 in Christopher, IL to Olen and Mildred “Millie” (Maleport) Jones. She married David Kesler on October 20, 2006 and he survives of Benton.

She is also survived by her sister Karen Sue Fourez of Benton; sister-in-law Mary Ann Kesler of Benton; best friend Dianne Johnson of Texico; nieces and nephews Jolie (Marty) Minor of Dix, Larry (Gayla) Fourez of Alabama, Jacqueline Brust of Zeigler and Johnny (Jami) Fourez of Sesser and several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother-in-law Larry Fourez.

Funeral Mass will be on Saturday November 25, 2023 at 12:00 PM at St Joseph Catholic Church in Benton with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until 11:30 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the St Andrews Catholic Cemetery Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Sally Ann Cesar, 75, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday November 19, 2023 at 6:37 PM at Missouri Baptist Medical Center surrounded by her family.

She was born on January 26, 1948 in Mulkeytown to Harry and Della (Hedger) Tindall. She married Gary Gene Cesar on November 4, 1966 and he survives of Christopher.

She is also survived by her children Tammy (Scott) Cesar-Sargent of Christopher and Kimberly Ann Cesar of Christopher; grandchildren Alex Sargent, Mareesa (Trent Halliday) Ratajczyk and Adrian Ratajczyk; great grandchildren Averie Shae Ratajczyk and Abel Micah Halliday; brothers and sisters Brenda (Terry) Pedigo of Christopher, Randy Tindall of Valier, Donna DeLaval of Mulkeytown and Dennis (Lori) Tindall of Mulkeytown; several nieces and nephews and a special friend of many years Kim Mitroka and special Christian Family Gigi’s Jesus Dolls.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Shelby Randolph, sister and brother-in-law Fayetta and Charles Emmons and one brother-in-law Edgar DeLaval.

She was the Executive Vice President of the Christopher Rural Health Planning Corporation.

Funeral Mass will be held on Friday November 24, 2023 at 11:00 AM at the St Aloysius Sacred Heart Parish in Royalton with Father Eusebius Mbidoaka officiating. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher immediately following the Mass.

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

Vernon Lee Roberts, age 75, of Benton, Illinois passed away Sunday, November 19, 2023, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Bill Hottenson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Roberts was born on March 28, 1948, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Marion Roberts and Oma (Jones) Roberts.

Vernon was a retired small engine repairman, last working with Benton Lawn and Garden.

He was a member of the South Benton Missionary Baptist Church until it’s closing. He enjoyed working, tinkering on projects in his garage, spending time with his family, especially the grandkids.

Surviving are two sons: Riley Roberts and wife Leann of Ewing, Illinois, Jeff Roberts of Benton, Illinois; Vernon’s girlfriend Hazel Jones of Benton, Illinois; grandchildren including: Kessa Roberts and husband Brandon Bernard of Ewing, Illinois, Kacee Roberts and husband Kyle Neal of Ewing, Illinois, Peyton Roberts and fiancée Abby Beasley of Ewing, Illinois, Montana Roberts of Tennessee, Cami Roberts of Logan, Illinois; great-grandchildren: Brynlee Bernard, Gunner Bernard, Slade Bernard, River Wolf, Alaska Wolf, Tate Neal, Hallie Neal, Staley Roberts; two sisters Jane Stowers of Benton, Illinois, Carolyn McLearin and husband Lonnie of Whittington, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother William M. Roberts and wife Linda, two sisters Wanda Frost and husband Eddie, Lucille Elko and husband John, and a brother-in-law Larry Stowers.

The family prefers memorial contributions may be made to the family to assist with expenses and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Harold Park, 89, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday November 16, 2023 at the Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Marion, IL.

He was born on June 21, 1934 in West Frankfort, IL to Hiram and Nina (Harris) Park.

He is survived by one son Albert Park of Christopher; step-children Tony Park of Citrus, CA and Angela Oliver of San Antonio, TX; two nieces Janice (Jim) Noel of Christopher and Joyce (Andy) Wilson of Christopher, he is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three children Rhonda Park, Butch Park and Melody Park and six brothers and sisters Vera Ray, Leodis Park, Loraine Peters, Morna Demerett, Paul David Park and James Park.

He was a Veteran of the United States Air Force and Army.

His wishes were to be cremated. His family will have a private service at a later date.

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

Bradley R. Mabry, age 62, of Sesser, Illinois; passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at his home.

Memorial Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 25, 2023, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, with Pastor Kirk Packer officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Bradley Ray Mabry was born on February 6, 1961, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Buddy Ray Mabry and Ora Leah (Olson) Mabry.

He formerly worked at Celebrity Boats, Continental Tire, and was a self-employed computer technician.

Brad was an avid pool player. He played pool in tournaments in Las Vegas and the Caribbean. He even played pool against Minnesota Fats. Brad also enjoyed playing golf, boating at the lake, socializing with his friends at the Iron Horse, traveling with his family to Florida, visiting his sister, and he enjoyed keeping up with technology with computers. Most of all he loved his children.

Surviving are his two children Zach Mabry of Lake St. Louis, Missouri, and Zoey Mabry of Sesser, Illinois; the children’s mother Julie Saddler Mabry of Sesser, Illinois; siblings: Ora Leah Karlstadt and husband Paul, Jr. of Eden, Wisconsin, Tim Mabry and wife Hilda of Hatley, Wisconsin, Dennis Mabry and wife Billie of Greenfield, Wisconsin, Rhonda Marlo and husband Steven of Benton, Illinois, Jerry Mabry and wife Sharnin of Herrin, Illinois, Scott Mabry of Benton, Illinois; cousins that were like siblings: Cynthia Ryan and husband Pat of Bradley, Illinois, Steve Mabry and wife Mary Ann of Christopher, Illinois, Karen Garcia of Northern Illinois, Lisa Kay Gebo of Bradley, Illinois; two aunts: Beverly “Honey” Neal of Benton, Illinois, Karen Foutch and husband Rick of DuQuoin, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother David Mabry.

The family prefers Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Brad, to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, to assist with cremation expenses.

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

Jera Danelle Irvin, age 54, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, November 15, 2023, in Benton.

Jera was born on April 23, 1969, in West Frankfort, Illinois; the daughter of Danny E. Irvin and Stephenie L. (Phillips) Biggs.

She played softball and basketball throughout her childhood years and was a standout athlete. She was very talented when it came to sports; but really, she was talented at everything that she did. In the past she made yard signs for local sports teams as well as crafted decorations for just about any holiday that you could imagine. She was very passionate and gifted at anything that she set her mind to doing in life.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed hiking, running, listening to music, writing poetry, working out, and bike riding in her free time. But most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family. She loved her family dearly and would do anything in the world for them in times of need. She will be greatly missed, and her family will remember her and think of her every second of every day. She was very loved.

She is survived by a daughter Brittney M. Doxsie and partner Laura of Marion, Illinois; a son Connor D. Foltz, wife Madison, and granddaughter Madalyn of Benton, Illinois; her mother Stephenie Biggs of Benton, Illinois; her father Danny Irvin and Stepmom Connie of Oviedo, Florida; two sisters: Stacey Overturf of Orange City, Florida, Brandi Malkovich and husband Matt of Winter Park, Florida; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents: George and Dorothy Phillips, Sam and Doris Irvin; and a brother-in-law Jim Overturf.

Jera’s wishes are to be cremated.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

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

The family prefers memorial contributions in Jera’s memory, be mailed to or dropped by the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, to assist with expenses.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Jera, visit

www.lpfuneralhome.com

Carl Wayne Stipes, age 81, of Benton, passed away Sunday, November 12, 2023, at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial with Military

Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the U.S. Air Force will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Shriner walk through service and followed by Masonic Rites will be observed at 10:30 a.m.

Carl was born on November 17, 1941, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the son of Kellis Carl Stipes, Jr. and Lucille (Fritts) Stipes. He would marry the former Judith Hewett on November 17, 1990, and she survives.

Mr. Stipes was a retired welder with Caterpillar in Joliet, IL. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force from January 5, 1959, until his Honorable discharge on September 18, 1959. He was a member of the Benton American Legion Post #280 and the American Legion Motorcycle Riders.

Carl enjoyed riding his motorcycle, shooting guns, and woodworking.

He was a member of the former Benton Masonic Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M., now known as Rend Lake Lodge #64 A.F. & A.M. located in Sesser. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and the International Machinists Union.

He is survived by his loving wife Judy Stipes of Benton, IL; children including: Rora Luttrell and husband William of Wilmington, IL, Sal Reyes and wife Kerry of Cary, IL, Mark Reyes of, Massachusetts, Roberta Carlson of Pennsylvania, Cindy Lou Elizado of San Antonio, TX; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren.
Mr. Stipes was preceded in death by his parents; and two infant sisters.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To leave condolences to the family or to share memories of Carl, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Patricia Ann Heifner, age 77, of Akin, passed away at 7:45 a.m. Friday, November 10, 2023, at the Linda E. White Hospice House of Evansville.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Kent Dunford and Rev. Steve Dunford officiating. Burial will follow in the Brady Cemetery East of Akin. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

Patty was born on September 11, 1946, in Franklin County; the daughter of Weldon Flannigan and Julia (Williams) Flannigan. She married James Ronald Heifner on June 17, 1967, together they were married for 55 years until his death on January 20, 2022.

Mrs. Heifner was a retired Rural Mail Carrier. She loved all the kids on her mail route, and she always had candy and gum for them when they came out to get the mail.
Patty was a member of the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church of Thompsonville, where she was the former secretary and Sunday School Teacher.

She enjoyed baking, cooking, going on drives, antiquing, going to rummage sales, watching her soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Surviving are two children: Cindy Biggs of Akin, IL, Jim Heifner of Akin, IL; three grandchildren: Payeton Nikkole Heifner of Paducah, KY, Harley Gracie Ann Heifner of Akin, IL, Julia Brooke Biggs of Akin, IL; two great-grandchildren: Dramir James Haskins and Roland Trade Clark; a sister-in-law Darlene Roberts of Dale, IL, several other in-laws and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Linda Dunford, a brother David Flannigan, and in-laws: Barbara and John Wyant, John and Brenda Heifner, Carlton Heifner, John Roberts.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Patty may be made to the Brady Cemetery fund or to the Plasters Grove Free Will Baptist Church; and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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