Laurence Leo Bailey, 75, of Cape Coral, FL, passed away on May 23, 2025.

He was born on November 26, 1949 in Mt Vernon to Ralph and Bernadine Alma (Rash) Bailey.

He is survived by his significant other of 50 years Cynthia Wesemann; children Tammy Finke and Lonny Bailey, daughter-in-law Pamela Bailey; grandchildren Amber, Ariel, Jeremy, Daniel, Larissa, Rodney, Lonny Jr. and Jeffrey and 13 great grandchildren and one on the way.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gailon Bailey and one great granddaughter Nellie Bailey.

Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

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

William David Basenberg, 59, of Zeigler, passed away on May 17, 2025 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN.

He was born on December 9, 1965 in Chicago, IL to William and Carolyn (Trusell) Basenberg.

He is survived by his children LaShonda Basenberg, William David Basenberg and William Boone Basenberg; three grandchildren Trevor Basenberg, Landon Orr and Riley Basenberg and two brothers Billy Basenberg and Ronald (Kathy) Basenberg.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter Heather Basenberg and one brother Donald Basenberg.

Graveside services will be on Thursday June 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

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

Bonnie Ruth Cottrell, 85, of Thompsonville, passed away at 8:56 p.m., on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Herrin Hospital, Herrin, IL, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 12, 1939, to William and Mary (Moore) Abbott in Logan, IL. Bonnie married Douglas Cottrell and her preceded her in death.

She was a member of Logan Church of God in Logan, IL.

Bonnie was a loving mom, grandma and great-grandma. She enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, watching hummingbirds and watching old western shows. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Bonnie is survived by her two sons, Shawn Cottrell and Doug Cottrell; grandchildren, Felicia Cottrell, Kristin Cottrell, Alec Cottrell, Amelia Cottrell and Sophia Cottrell; and three great-grandchildren, Tinslee Lenard, Tailynn Lenard and Stella Rodriguez.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Abbott, her husband, Douglas Cottrell, her daughter, Debbie Johnson and nine brothers and sisters.

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

Per Bonnie’s wishes, cremation will take place.

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

Beverly Ann Moskop, 77, of Benton, passed away on June 3, 2025 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital, Mount Vernon, IL.

She was born on July 30, 1947 to Gilbert and Julie (Herman) Williams at Granite City, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Russell Moskop.

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

Visitation will be held Monday, June 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Pate Funeral Home, with Father Urban Osuji officiating.

A Private Burial will take place in the Calvary Cemetery, Edwardsville, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Benton, IL.

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

Linda Ann Holland, age 54, of Elkville, passed away Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the St. Louis University Hospital.

Linda was born on January 10, 1971, in Franklin County, Illinois.

She married John Edward Holland on June 10, 2010, and together they shared 14 years and 9 months in marriage.

She formerly worked as a laborer in a factory; and formerly worked as a home health assistant with Addus Healthcare.

Linda enjoyed the outdoors. She loved fishing and cookouts, watching movies, and loved animals. She especially loved horses and dolphins. She loved taking car rides with her husband, spending time with her family, and looking forward to her weekly coffee time with Sheila. Her family said she also enjoyed talking with family and friends daily on her phone.

Surviving is her loving husband John Holland of Elkville, IL; her children: David Ray Endicott (Michelle Mollett) of Fenton, MO, Herman Alvin Schanda of Olney, IL, Paula Marie Schanda of Clay City, IL, Christine McVay of Royalton, IL; her five month old grandson Alex Ray Endicott; and two sisters: Stephanie Faith Smith of Herrin, IL, and Sheila Wininger (Travis Bush) of West Frankfort, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents and adopted parents, and a brother Bill Martin.

Her wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 7, 2025, at the First Christian Church, 105 South Main Street, Royalton, Illinois 62983, with Rev. Larry Hallman officiating. Visitation will be from 11;00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the First Christian Church of Royalton.

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

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

Wade Roy Lemons, 76, of Sesser, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at his home.

He was born on July 19, 1948, in Scheller, IL, to David and Amanda Lemons. He married Gloria (Zettler) Lemons on August 6, 1977, and she preceded him in death.

He is survived by his daughters, Sara (Tony) Wetherbee of Zeigler, IL; Amanda (Ron) Lemons of North Las Vegas; and Rachael (Jeff) Hamburger of Sesser, IL. His stepsons, David Smith of Sesser, IL, and Robin Smith of Metropolis, IL, also survive him. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Lemons of Sesser, IL; and three sisters, Carol Wilkerson of Tennessee, Charlotte Lemons of Sesser, IL, and Shirley Davis of Royalton, IL. His grandchildren include Malissa Green, Maranda Lemons, Wade Lemons, Bethany Smith, Alicia Green, Zenida Perez, Ofelia Perez, Austin Smith, Gio Lemons, Gage Ragland, Amilya Ragland, Ethan Hamburger, and Sierra Moore. He is also survived by his beloved fur babies: Vixen, Ozzy, Paul, and Sheba; as well as several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many adopted family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, wife, daughter Marsha Green, granddaughter Matyson Ragland, grandson Timmy Green, siblings Rosa Cobb, Loyd Lemons, Norma Haley, Doris Stinson, and several nieces and nephews.

Wade was a proud 1st Cavalry Army veteran who served in Vietnam, achieving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart.Wade was the former commander of the Cox Post 4753 VFW in Sesser, IL. He was an active member of the community, serving on the zoning board and as a delegate for the Veterans Assistance Commission of Franklin County.Wade was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, being on the lake, playing his guitar, and singing Puff the Magic Dragon to his children and grandchildren. Wade was an extraordinary individual who loved everyone with unwavering dedication. His selfless love and compassion inspired countless individuals who were fortunate enough to know him. To know him was to love him.

Per his wishes, he was cremated. Wade’s celebration of life will be held at the Sesser VFW on Saturday, June 7th, starting at 4 P.M., and graveside service with military rights on June 8th at 10 A.M. at Dryden Cemetery in Scheller, Illinois.

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

Mrs. Nola F. Massey, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 2:43 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

Nola was born on February 7, 1936, in Plato, Missouri; the daughter of Lee Kent and Ollie (Barton) Kent. She was married to Bob Massey, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was a member of the Forest Baptist Church of Benton, and she was a homemaker.

She enjoyed worshipping the Lord and cherished the days when she was able to attend church.

Nola enjoyed taking walks, reading and especially enjoyed time spent with her family.
Surviving is a son Danny Burgess and wife Lea of Benton; three daughters: Diane Goff of Benton, Renee Ozbourn and husband Tim of Logan, Crystal Balota of Benton; eleven grandchildren including: Deena Shepard, Chad Hutchison, Clinton Goff, Mike Burgess, Shane Burgess, Amanda Burgess, Brandon Romani, Nikki Collins, Ashley Weddle, Zachary Ozbourn, and Shelby Ozbourn; sixteen great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a son Marty Burgess, a daughter Sheila Burgess, two great-grandchildren: seven brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 31, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Dean Severin officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. A Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Memorial contributions be made to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Nola, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Ellen McGloria Funk Wakefield 79, originally from Beaver Dam, Kentucky, and formerly of Benton, IL, passed away on Friday, May 23,2025 in Friendship Manor Nursing Home in Nashville, IL.

She was born on January 15,1946 to the late McGlone and Grace Poole Funk. She married Lloyd Eugene Wakefield on January 28,1962. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church of Thompsonville, IL, where she loved to sing in the choir and served as secretary and treasurer. In addition to being a wife and mother, Ellen worked at a nursing home in West Frankfort and loved being a personal care giver to elderly people in the Thompsonville area. She was a cook at several area restaurants and at Thompsonville Grade School, which is where she retired. She loved music and singing and had a beautiful voice! She loved sewing, creating and crafting all things, including beautiful teddy bears. She loved gardening, reading and collecting teddy bears of all shapes, sizes and materials…she literally had hundreds! But above all, she loved God and her family! She loved her grandkids so much & always did special things for them!

Aside from her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Wakefield; two sisters: Shirley Wells and Eileen Wilson; three brothers: Billy Funk, Jimmy Funk and Gail Funk.

She leaves behind to cherish many memories, her four Children: David (Sheila) Wakefield of Benton, IL; Richard (Christy) Wakefield of Benton, IL; Sandy (Todd) Falzone of Spokane, WA; and Michael (Peggy) Wakefield of Benton, IL ; a Sister: Amy Sue (Terry) Crane of N. Judson, IN ; two Brothers: Carroll (Patti) Funk of Indianapolis, IN; Bobby Funk of Beaver Dam, KY ; nine Grandchildren: Hope Wakefield, Nathan (Robin) Falzone, Becca Falzone, Tyler Falzone, Eric Wakefield, Rick Wakefield, Jacob Hammonds, Jennifer Hammonds Cozart and Craig Hammonds; and a host of very special nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM on Saturday, May 31st at Caldwell Baptist Church, 4630 Deering Road West Frankfort, IL. 62898. Service at 1:00 Pastor Richard Wakefield Officiating. Place of Internment Pleasant Hill Cemetery, Thompsonville, IL. Arrangements by Morton & Johnson Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

For years, Alzheimer’s Disease has slowly taken Ellen away from her loved ones. In her final years, Ellen traded her love of sitting in a comfy chair, reading for hours on end, for walking for literally hours on end! Other residents and staff at Friendship Manor, as well as family & visitors upon arrival, were urged by Ellen to join her in walking (sometimes hand in hand). In lieu of flowers, consider donating to, or joining a charity walk fundraising for Alzheimer’s care, support and research such as the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s http://alz.org/Walk or any other Alzheimer’s charity you feel is worthy: IN MEMORY OF ELLEN and other family and friends affected by this terrible disease!

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Kent Dale Hodge, age 85, of Sesser, Illinois left this life on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois surrounded by his family and went to live his eternal life with Jesus in Heaven.

Kent was born in Nason, Illinois on October 19, 1939 to Delbert and Ethel (Sigwerth) Hodge. On August 12, 1961, he married his high school sweetheart Joyce Stubblefield. After graduating from Southeast Missouri State University with a teaching degree in 1962, Kent began teaching and coaching at Akin Grade School where he taught for the next 32 years, including two years as the principal. During that time, he also earned his Masters in Education degree from Union Commonwealth University in Barbourville, Kentucky in 1971. He loved his vocation, the students he taught, and developed a wonderfully close relationship with those he worked with. He also served our country in the Illinois National Guard. He was a member of the First Christian Church and loved his church family and taught adult Sunday school classes. Kent loved to play baseball and participated in track and football in high school and was football captain his senior year. He enjoyed his many collections, loved to travel the country to visit historical sites, especially forts, battlefields and historical cemeteries (sometimes in the middle of nowhere). Kent loved spending time outside working in his yard, planting trees, and gardening.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert Renzo Hodge and Ethel Genevieve Hodge, grandson Miller Ray Davis, brother, Merlin Hodge and wife Carolyn, sister, Maxine (Hodge) Darnell and husband Warren, sisters-in-law Carolyn Stubblefield and Bette (Stubblefield) Reynolds, brother-in-law, Richard Garner, nieces, Sara Stubblefield and Danielle Reynolds.

Kent is survived and missed by his loving wife, Joyce of 63 years; his daughters, Michelle Davis and Lenise (Steve) Sgutt of Herrin, grandchildren, Morgan (companion Wes) Davis of Herrin, Mason Davis of Marion, and Dr. Emilie (Matthew) Mueller of Indianapolis, great-grandson, Echo Smart of Christopher, brothers-in-law, Richard (Carolyn) Stubblefield and Gary Reynolds, sisters-in-law, JoAnn Garner and Gayla Stubblefield, nieces, Brenda (Tom) Martin, Kara (Karl) Silge, Carla (Vic) Daiber, Jennifer (Ed) Lobenhofer, nephews, Drs. Kevin (Myjal) Garner, Brian (companion Doli) Hodge, Kendall (Claire) Garner, and Brandon Reynolds.

Visitation for Kent will be on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral services will be at 1pm with pastors John Plunkett and Eric Lam officiating, and there will be a time of reflection if anyone would like to share a story about Kent. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the St. Jude Research Hospital, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, P O Box 624, Sesser, IL 62884.

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

Gregory Scott Furlow, 60, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday May 24, 2025 at 9:00 PM at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St Louis, MO with several family members by his side.

He was born on Saturday January 23, 1965 in Centerville, IL to Loretta Fay (Rice) Furlow and Charles Furlow.

He is survived by his siblings sisters Eva (Joel) Hopp of Pinckneyville and Connie (Randall) Bush of Zeigler and one brother Charles Furlow Jr. of Mulkeytown, IL; step-mother Ruthie Furlow of Tamaroa, half-brother Clinton (Andrea) Furlow of Tamaroa and his family; nieces and nephews Jason Houghland, Mason Hopp, Leah (Conner) Baugh, Amber Hopp, Best Buddy Lisa Bush, Lauren (Lucas Lingle) Bush, Jennifer Furlow, Doug Furlow and Leslie Furlow; great nieces and nephews Aiden Furlow, Micah Furlow, Elijah Furlow, Alexis Craig, Chloe Craig, Rhiannon Craig, Logan Borum, Eli Schmidt and Ewan Schmidt and his Best Friend and brother Greg Lampley and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Fay Furlow, father Charles Furlow, one sister Lisa Elaine Furlow, nephew Bradley Bush and brother-in-law Jackie Houghland.

Greg was employed at the S & S Tavern and the Casino Lounge where he met several acquaintances who would not only become his friends and buddies but also became family.

Greg’s legacy will continue on as he chose to be an organ donor which his family honored his request.

Funeral services will be on Thursday May 29, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Rob Mathis officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday May 28, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown.

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