Donald Lee Baine, 60, of Mulkeytown, passed away on Friday May 23, 2025 at his home.

He was born on September 2, 1964 in Benton, IL to Thomas and Phyllis (Cole) Baine Jr. He married Shelley (Johnson) Baine on September 27, 1997 and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He is also survived by his daughters Madison Baine of Mulkeytown and Katelynn (Slaton Mathis) Baine of Martin, TN; two brothers Thomas (Debbie) Baine III of Valier and Bobby (Jennifer) Baine of Missouri; mother Phyllis Baine of mother-in-law Gloria Jenkins of Christopher and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father Thomas Baine Jr. and father-in-law Jim Jenkins.

Donnie loved his family and spending time in the outdoors with his girls and his friends, and he loved to cook. He was a member of the Sesser Ducks Unlimited and was inducted into the Ducks Unlimited Hall of Fame. He was an Alumni of the 4-H and the FFA.

Funeral service will be on Friday May 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Chris Hottensen. Visitation will be on Thursday May 29, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Kenneth Alan “Kenny” Conner, 74, of Benton, IL, died the morning of May 10, 2025 in his beloved home after a long battle with physical illness.

He was born on August 16, 1950 to Edgar “Red” Conner and Lillian Lucille Mabry.

Kenny worked as a plumber and retired from the Facilities Management Department at SIU Edwardsville.

Kenny and his former spouse, Cheryl Whittington Conner, had one child, Molly (Conner) Novak.

Kenny loved cars, The Rolling Stones, fly fishing, and tinkering in his yard in his spare time. He was an avid Cubs fan until they traded the dream team of Rizzo, Baez, and Bryant several years ago, but you’d never see him wearing a Cardinals shirt.

Kenny spent many weekend nights at the drag strip. He always felt Lee Iacocca should have run for president. He holds the drag racing record of 115 mph from Dairy Queen to the Benton square in a 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner and also ran 147 mph around Rend Lake in his brother’s Dodge Charger. Kenny said he thought the wheels would fall off that car. He was a member of the 750K mile club, having driven his Volvo station wagon back and forth to work 2 hours one way, everyday. He had a flair for license plate creation, as many of you have seen his legendary plates rolling through town.

As much as Kenny loved speed and power, there is something, rather someone, he loved above everything else. Kenny’s beloved granddaughter, Callie Novak, came into this world in 2009. The love that “Popsie” had for Callie was immeasurable. To the moon and to Saturn, from here to infinity, and as they liked to say to each other, “more than apple pie and ice cream.” He was a wonderful father, a tremendous grandfather, and a great friend to all those who knew him.

Kenny is survived by his daughter, Molly (Conner) Novak, granddaughter, Callie Novak, and very special sister in law, Brenda (Stacey) Whittington.
He was preceded in death by his parents, “Red” and Lucille Conner, sister, Jackie (Conner) Murphy, brother in law, Michael Murphy, nephews Christopher Murphy and Timothy Murphy, and brother, Donald Conner.

An open house celebration of life has been planned for June 8, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Palestine Baptist Church, which Kenny frequently attended and found his church family.
In lieu of flowers, Kenny would ask for donations to be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Gloria Diane Fraulini, 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, May 18, 2025 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

Gloria was born September 30, 1942, in Beckley, West Virgina, to the late William Coolock and Ann Kish. Her family later moved to Benton, IL where she graduated from Benton High School. After graduating, she completed beauty school, worked as a carhop at the Band Box Drive In and was a long term employee for Walmart.

On July 8, 1961 she married Jerry Fraulini. The young couple started a life together near Chicago, Illinois before moving back to Southern Illinois. They were blessed with 3 beautiful children: Lisa, Jerri and Mike. The couple was married for almost 61 years, before Jerry passed away in 2022.

Gloria was a member of the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. Her love for the Lord was evident by her faithfulness, love and compassion.

She enjoyed working for Sam Walton’s Walmart and loved her Walmart family. This is where she met her best friend, Carol Hall, who became like a sister to her. They enjoyed crafting and going on short adventures to musicals and local events.

Gloria enjoyed living on her family’s farm. She spent many hours taking care her yard by making sure it was landscaped beautifully with all of her favorite flowers. She spoiled each and everyone of her outdoor cats with all kinds of special treats. However, one cat named Mouse, won over her heart and became her treasured companion.

Above all, she loved her family. No matter what, she always put family first. She spent countless hours attending events that her children, grandchildren and great grand children participated in. Gloria was their biggest fan. She kept all of these memories bundled away in scrapbooks and photographs. She loved sharing all of her experiences and memories with her family, friends and even strangers.

Less than a year ago, Gloria was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She decided to undergo chemotherapy treatments, so that she could have more time to spend with her family. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her cat Mouse were her world and what kept her fighting to the very end.

Gloria is survived by her children, Lisa (Harry) Sauerhage of Benton, IL, Jerri Hethmon of Benton, IL and Mike (Shelly) Fraulini of Ironstone, MO; 5 grandchildren; James (Sarah) Hethmon of Webb City, MO, Ryan (Rachel) Fraulini of Akin, IL, Michael (Micah) Fraulini of West Frankfort, IL, Ryan (Brandi) Sauerhage of Akin, IL and Whitney Sauerhage of Shiloh, IL; 5 great grandchildren: Easton & Paisley Fraulini, Meryl Ore, soon to arrive Beckett Fraulini and Brantlee & Hadley Sauerhage

Brother in law: Gene Fraulini of Everett, MA; Nephews: Gene (Tia) Fraulini of Lynnfield, MA, Wayne (RoseAnn) Fraulini of Stoneham, MA Niece Cheryl (Joe) Bellante of Everett, MA; Cousins: Kay Fraulini Chicago, Illinois, Sandi Lauden of South Carolina and Rick Philyaw of South Carolina and many other cousins and friends

Special Friends: The Smith Family (Alex, Amanda, Alivia, Allie, Audrie, Alden), The Walters’ Family (Chris, Kate and Adeline), Ruth Walters and Ryan Bleichner

A special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses at Barnes Jewish Hospital that had a part in Gloria’s healthcare, Father John for praying with her and all of her family & friends that took the time to help whenever they were needed.

There will be a graveside service at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery on Saturday, May 31st at 11:00 am. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately after at Gwen Wynn Senior Center. All friends and family are welcome to attend.

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

On Thursday, May 15th, at 8:30 pm, Jeffry “Jeff” Presutti Sr. Age 70, of Christopher, IL, went home to meet our Heavenly Father.

He retired in 2016 from being a commercial pump mechanic which took him all over the country working for nearly two decades. Before that, he worked and lived in Ellensville NY, and Deltona FL, as a supervisor for an Aluminum Extrusion and Manufacturing Company. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman, who loved digging roots, hiking, camping, hunting, and had a short span as a BassMasters Pro Fisherman, including a 1990 Rookie of the Year and at one time held a few lake record largemouth Catches. Jeff was a Patriot and a Veteran of The U.S. Army, as he proudly served his country, the same as his Father.

He was the son of August & Lorena Presutti. Born on October 10th, 1954, in Murphysboro, IL. He attended Murphysboro School District, until graduating and joining the Armed Forces in 1971. Jeff married his first wife, Renie (Ellis) Presutti, in 1975 and together they had 2 sons, Jeffry Presutti Jr. and Jacob “Jake” Presutti, both of Pomona, IL. Six years after their divorce, in 1986, Jeff Married Bertha Weimer, of Carterville, IL, which they had a long and successful marriage until Bertha’s sad passing in 2017. While married to Bertha, and becoming a stepFather to Bertha’s son, Mark Weimer, Jeff and Bertha became foster parents, and saw many children come across their homes threshold, several of those children remained with them as they aged out of childhood and into their own individual lives as successful adults. The final three children they fostered, all since birth, were so much part of the family, they would be adopted, making Jeff & Bertha’s parental path, happily start all over again. Jeff spent his early retirement days caring for Bertha and their adopted children. After Bertha’s passing, Jeff met Lauri, and for the past seven years, they travelled together, spent time exploring and Jeeping through the countrysides of the local Midwest, and Lauri was by his side, helping care for Jeff through his last few years. He spent his final days at home with family & loved ones and his fiancee Lauri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, August & Lorena (James) Presutti, older brother, Steve, older sister, Joyce, stepson Mark, and wife Bertha. Jeff leaves behind two biological sons, Jeffry Presutti, Jr. and Jake Presutti, both of Pomona, three adopted children, Taylor Presutti, Kaylee Presutti, and Brayden Presutti, of Christopher, sister Patti Proctor and Family of Murphysboro, brothers David and Peter Presutti, fiancee Lauri Swinyer Stanger and her grandson Nehemiah. Granddaughters (Jeff Jr) Miranda Hale, (Jake) Laycee Presutti-Murillo, her husband Leo, of Ramstein, Germany, Jayclynn Presutti, Ashlynn Presutti, Maebry Presutti, Mykell Presutti, all of Murphysboro, Kaleigh Arnsmeyer, and her three children of Jackson, MO, one great grandson (Laycee) Malakye Andres Murillo of Ramstein, Germany and Many nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. Graveside Service will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Pomona, IL on Sunday, May 25, 2025 at 3pm.

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

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the death of Cordell Michael Ray Rose, who left this world on Saturday, May 17, 2025.

Cordell was born on December 3, 2020, the son of James Paul Rose and Alyssa Nicole Drenckpohl.

Cordell loved anything with wheels. He loved trains, especially Thomas the Tank Engine. Another enjoyment was playing with his toy dinosaurs. Cordell loved going fast and chasing the chickens. He also liked watching Bluey.

Left to grieve are his parents James Paul Rose and Alyssa Nicole Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL; a sister Alana Drenckpohl; a brother Jackson Rose; grandparents including: Brenda Rose of Centralia, IL, John and Judy Rose of Benton, IL, Jeff and Kathy Drenckpohl of Centralia, IL; Great-grandparents: Peggy Scott of Centralia, IL, Barbara Cairel of Benton, IL, Merrill Rose and Diane of Benton, IL; aunts and uncles: Amanda Gates and husband Justin of Benton, IL, Scott Rose and wife Rebecca of Boliver, MO, Kelsei and Paul Roberts of Carlyle, IL, Lindsay and Travis Pendley of Mt. Vernon, IL; and numerous other relatives.
He joins in Heaven, his Great-grandparents: Cordell Cairel, Bill and Jeanette Heser, Merle and Wilma Drenckpohl, and Harold Scott.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Ryan Mulvaney officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Burial will take place in the near future at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL.

Please continue to uplift this family in your daily prayers.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Cordell, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Pattie Richard, 96, completed her life’s journey at her home in Christopher on Sunday May 18, 2025.

She was born on October 8, 1928, in Herrin, Illinois to Sam and Mary (Oldani) Morani where she grew up with her sister Shirley (Monty) Cooper. She married Floyd Richard on July 14, 1951. She is survived by her son Scott (Angela) Richard of Christopher, daughter Lisa Richard of Carterville, and daughter Tina (Michael) Shelby of West Frankfort; grandchildren Dylan (Belinda) Richard, Candie Golec, Cody Shelton, Miranda (Alex) Melvin, Christopher Richard, Dustin Richard, and Alexia Richard; great grandchildren Caleb Daugherty, Damion Shelton, Kendyl Bilderback, Quinton Richard, Keira Richard, Stella Frailey, and Wrenley Melvin. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Floyd, sister Shirley (Monty) Cooper, son Jim Richard, son Chuck Richard, and son-in-law Michael Shelby.

Pattie’s life was fulfilled by her faith, family, community, and her compassion for caring for the ill. She graduated with her RN degree in 1950 from St. John’s School of Nursing in Springfield, Illinois. Pattie began her career in nursing at Miner’s Hospital in Christopher and then continued her services in the community well beyond her retirement. She was a recipient of the First Lady of the Year Award in Christopher and the Christopher Citizen of the Year Award. Pattie’s faith in the lord and commitment to the Catholic Church, that she attended daily, were unwavering. She prayed to the Rosary daily for world peace, for the protection of every member of her family and members of the community. Pattie’s definition of Faith was to Believe in God, Trust in Him, accept His will to be done, and Surrender everything to Him.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday May 22, 2025, by Fr. Urban Osuji at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Benton. Visitation will be 9:00-11:00 am and funeral mass at 11:00 am immediately followed by a lunch in the St Joseph’s Parrish Hall. Following lunch will be the interment/burial at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery in Christopher.

The family & Pattie would like to thank the “village” of special friends that helped her through her transition of life. For anyone wishing to donate flowers, Pattie requested instead to consider giving to the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church to assist local families in need or to the St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery.

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

Mrs. Catherine Jane Wiggs, age 73, of Benton, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025, at her home.

Catherine was born on February 17, 1952, in Henderson, Kentucky; the daughter of James Allen White and Mary Pauline (Slayton) White. She married Charles Edward Wiggs on October 2, 1984, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Charles preceded her in death on January 22, 2025. Together they shared 40 years of marriage.

She and her late husband Charles owned and operated Wiggs Bicycles of Benton. She also previously worked at Aisin, Continental Tire and Mark Twain Boats.
Catherine and Charles attended the Logan Church of God. After Charles passed away Catherine attended and worshipped her Lord and Savior at the West City Church of God.
She enjoyed taking people to church with her, and she also enjoyed taking people to lunch. Catherine liked to stay busy working, spending time with family, living at and enjoying being on the lake. She and her late husband Charles enjoyed playing dominoes with their friends Arnold and Daisy Moore.

Surviving is a step-daughter Pat Cantrell of Benton, IL; two sisters: Madeline “Carol” Vandom and husband Buddy of Benton, IL, Teresa Avants of Pinckneyville, IL; a brother Thomas Lynn White of Benton, IL; grandchildren: Charity Clark and husband Jeff of West Frankfort, IL, John Odle and wife Rosa of Clermont, FL, Matthew Odle of Benton, IL; great-grandchildren: Hannah Grace Clark, Makaela Joy Clark, Micah Jentzen Clark, Josiah Jahaziel Clark, Rowan Chase Odle, Finley Renee Odle; nieces and nephews including: Stacey Sheets and husband Eric of Opdyke, IL, William Vandom and wife Holly of Benton, IL, Tim Vandom and wife Dawn of Benton, IL, Jamie White of Christopher, IL, Rhiannon Hart of Marion, IL, Ezekiel Avants of Illinois; special great-nephews: Lincoln and Clark Sheets and Fisher and Sawyer Vandom.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers: Charles Allen White and James D. “Red” White, a niece Amy White, a nephew James White, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Charles Fred Wiggs and Mildred O. (Waldrum) Wiggs, and a brother-in-law Bill Wiggs.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Rev. Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers memorial contributions be made to the West City Church of God and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to say a special “Thank You” to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Home Health Therapists, and the 24-hour caregivers including: Heather C., Heather D., Annie, Sharon, Nevaeh, and Yolanda.

To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Catherine, visit www.lpfuneralhome

Joy Lynn (McGinty) Kinsman age 70 of Benton, IL passed away 9:00 A.M. on Thursday May 15, 2025 surrounded by family.

Born July 31st 1954 in West Frankfort to William (Bill) McGinty Dixie (Morrison) McGinty.

Joy was a member of the Whittington Church in Whittington, IL. She was an avid sewist and loved planting flowers. She also loved spending time with her grandchildren. You could always find her at a field whether it was football, baseball, softball or track. They were her pride and joy and loved being surrounded by them.

She is survived by her children Joshua (Valerie) Kinsman, Jacy (John) Page, 6 grandchildren Jacob, Luke, Andrew and Jonny Kinsman, Makalie and Dominic Page, 2 bonus granddaughters Emilee and Olivia, 3 siblings Brad (Molly) McGinty, Gay (Darin) Morton, Kathy (Thomas) Trotter. She is also survived by bonus children Jimmy (Sue) Kinsman, Lora (Ed) Hammonds, Amy (Randy) Blocker and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband James E. Kinsman, sister Shelia Rae, Bill McGinty and Dixie McGinty.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 20th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home. A private family burial will take place.
For those who wish contributions may be made to the family.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Robert Eugene Piper was born to Charles E. Piper and Alta Mae Robinson on July 21, 1933 in Sesser Il.

Robert, was known as Bob, as he grew up in Sesser. After graduation from Sesser High
School in 1951, Bob headed to Chicago, he joined the IBEW 134 and was an electrician. He traveled across the US working union jobs when steady work was not to be found in Southern Illinois until retirement. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was quite the entertaining story teller. He was easy going, funny, kind, and loved his coffee. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Glena Jean Cockrum in 1951 and celebrated 73 years of marriage. Together they brought 5 children into this world, 5 grandchildren 6 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Children: Robert E Piper Jr. of Ziegler, David R. Piper of Rend City, Timmie L. Piper (deceased), Linda D. Laird of Florida, Sandra J. Hicks of Tennessee; Grandchildren: Shane Piercy of Fl, Brandy Thompson of Tennessee, Benjamin

Hicks (deceased), Heather Glidewell of Christopher, Dustin Laird of Florida. Great Grandchildren: Carrie Glidewell, Owen Glidewell, Marissa Glidewell, Brianna Thompson, Piper Piercy, Kenzi Piercy Great Great Grandchild: Mavie Ray Glidewell. Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Great Great Grandpa sadly will be missed, though his stories will continue to be shared.

Funeral services will be on Sunday May 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Jason Todd officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1:00 PM until the time of the service at 2:00 PM. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

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

Sondra L. Webster, 78, of Benton passed away Wednesday May 14, 2025 at Deaconess Medical Center in Marion.

She was born on June 24, 1946 in Herrin, IL the daughter of Eddie & Lavada (Childers) Powell.

She married Charles Richard Webster on August 9, 1963 at the Herrin First Methodist Church and he preceded her in death on December 29, 2020.

She attended school at Herrin thru her junior year in high school and then graduated from Benton High School. She was a volunteer for CASA and a former employee of the Benton Public Library and Flowers by Dave. She was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton where she and her husband worked with the children and youth for many years. She had an unmatched passion for her grandchildren.

Mrs. Webster is survived by her:
Son: Kevin Webster & wife Jennifer of Macedonia
Daughter: Kerri Cottle & husband Jim of Benton
Grandchildren:
Brad Cottle
Alison McMahon & husband Jordan
Emma Webster
Bethany Cottle
Ryan Knight/Webster & wife Mack
Great-Grandchildren: Braxton Cottle, Kalib Mayberry, Addison Mabrey & Maddux Charles Boone McMahon
Brother-in-law: David Webster & wife Sharon of Benton
Sister-in-law: Laurie Webster of West Frankfort
Brother-in-law: Brett Webster & wife Traci of West Frankfort
She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews.
Charles & Sondra always considered everyone who came thru the church doors part of their extended family.
Mrs. Webster was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 1 Brother-Donald Powell and 2 Sisters-Mary Prewitt & Joyce Mathers.

Funeral services will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, May 18th at the First Church of the Nazarene in Benton with Rev. Greg Wooten & Rev. Jodie George officiating. Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be after 2:00 P.M. on Sunday at the church.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com