Tripp Cole Jackson, one-month old, passed away on Friday May 9, 2025 at his home.

He was born on April 6, 2025 in Mt Vernon, IL to Krystal Lynn Wood and Charles Kevin Jackson.

He is survived by his parents, siblings Dawson Jackson of Jackson, MO, Makayla Jackson of Mulkeytown, Logan Jackson of Mulkeytown and Sophia Saul of Christopher; grandparents Debra Wood of Christopher, Donna (John Brown) Jackson of Mulkeytown and Kevin (Andi) Jackson of Mulkeytown; one aunt Melanie (Matt) Carnahan; one nephew Nathan (Ashley Crawford) Wood; cousins Kloey, Addison, Emily, Katelin and Lena Mae.

Private graveside services will be held at a later date.

Our little angel left us too soon and he will be forever missed and loved!!

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

Otto David Ohms, 92, of Sesser, passed away on Monday May 12, 2025 at his home.

He was born on August 29, 1932 in Randolph County, IL to William and Hazel (Bertholl) Ohms. He married JoAnn (Gaertner) Ohms on May 30, 1956 and she preceded him in death on September 11, 2020.

He is survived by his children Alan Ohms of Eolia, MO, Don (Becky) Ohms of Sparta, IL and Julie (Don) Heine of Sesser; grandchildren Amanda (Josh) Searby, Victoria (Eric) Halfacre and Leo Ohms; great grandchildren Atlas, Jonah, Zoe and Scout and two brothers Charles (Alice) Ohms of Jackson, MO and Bill (Lucille) Ohms of Waterloo, IL.

Otto was a Navy Veteran during the Korean Conflict. He served with the Navy Air Transport Squadron and aboard the Destroyer USS, John R. Craig DD885 and the USS Prairie AD15. He was a Teleman Second Class. He was employed at the Sparta News-Plaindealer as a printer and pressman for 23 years. He retired from Illinois Power Co. as a Storekeeper for 16 years. Otto and his family operated Ohms Custom Upholstery for 26 years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 1172, Lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1952 and a member of the St Mary’s Catholic Church of Sesser.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Father Steve Pautler officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at St. Pius Cemetery in Walsh, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to Residential Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Reba C. Williams, RN, of Thompsonville, IL, grabbed her stethoscope, tied her shoes tight and headed to her next chapter on May 10, 2025, at 7:04 p.m., at her daughter’s house.

Reba was born on February 7, 1955, to Charles and JoNell Ramsey. Sibling of Ronnie, Sharon, Chuck and Charla.

Reba married the love of her life, Stewart Jae Williams on March 21, 1980, and was blessed with three amazing children, Todd Williams of Thompsonville, Bethany (Richard) Allsup of Du Quoin, Heather Williams of Hot Springs Village and her bonus daughter, Bonita Smith of Jessieville, AR.

Together they were blessed with 13 amazing grand blessings, Caleb (Marissa) Williams, Jacob Williams, Codey (Lindsey) Williams, Todd Williams, II, Dakota (Lupita) Norris, Heaven (DJ) Helton, Chance (Alasia) Norris, Rhianon (Blake) Smith, Charlisa Smith, Alexandra (Austin) Williams, Anna Marie Beals and Wyatt Beals and five great-grand blessings, Caden, Issac, Nolen, Oliver and Lorelei.

Reba was blessed with amazing sisters and brothers by heart in 1980, Mike (Sue) Williams, Benton, IL, Matt (Karen) Williams, Mulkeytown, IL, Missy (Dale) King of Benton, IL and Barbara Zeims of Christopher, IL and multiple nephews, nieces and cousins.

Reba Williams was an amazing nurse and held many hats in the nursing department, her most loved position was that of a Director of Nursing.

She was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed driving, listening to music, gardening, fishing and always helping others. She attended Zeigler Family Church.

Reba was preceded in death by her love, Stewart Jae Williams, her amazing mother by heart, Betty Williams, father-in-law, Oliver Williams, brother, Mitch Mann, , sister, Julie Pritchard, sister by heart, Carol (Brad) Busse, and many beautiful and amazing aunts and uncles, one grand blessing and two great grand blessings.

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

A special thank you goes to Hospice of Southern Illinois, you guys are so loved and special. Vicki, Ramon, Mandy, Jessica, Brenda, Amy, Vanessa and Kara.

Per her wishes cremation will take place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Pate Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral costs.

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

Donella M. Hickey, 83, of Christopher, passed away on Saturday May 3, 2025 at her home.

She was born on December 8, 1941 in Christopher to Dominic and Charlotte (Antonino) Maceri Sr. She married Bill Hickey on March 16, 1972 and he survives.

She is also survived by her step children Dennis (Tina) Hickey of London, Ontario, Lisa (Tom) Arledge of Kerrville, TX and Maria (Larry) Morgan of Cypress, TX and several grandchildren and great grandchildren and great great grandchildren and one brother Charles Macari of Christopher.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one step son Kevin Hickey and one brother Dominic Maceri.

She was a member of the St Andrews Catholic Church and was proud of her Italian heritage.

Graveside services will be on Monday May 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Harrison Cemetery with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Marcella Walker, 104, of Benton passed away on Sunday evening May 4, 2025 at her daughter’s home. Marcella was born in Hamilton County, IL on March 22, 1921 the daughter of Madison & Bertie (Hunt) Johnson.

She married Floyd Walker on September 27, 1947 in Morganfield, KY and he preceded her in death on November 12, 2008.

Mrs. Walker was a charter member of the West City Church of God.

Mrs. Walker is survived by:

3 children:

Dennis Carlton & wife Judy of Benton

Karen Montoya of Benton

Beverly Bellevue & husband Ken of Portsmouth, New Hampshire

6 grandchildren:

Duaine Carlton & wife Marcia of Herrin

Quentin Montoya & wife Jennifer of Cobden

Nicole Rechsteiner & husband Terry of Benton

Monica Markham & husband Daniel of Portsmouth, NH

Madison Bellevue of Jackman, ME

Rebecca Bellevue of Portsmouth, NH

13 great grandchildren, 2 great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews

Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her parents, husband, 2 brothers – Leo & Eugene Johnson, 1 sister – Shirley Neal, and her great grandson Gabriel Bellevue

Marcella and her husband, Floyd, loved to travel in their RV with their friends and family. She planted a large garden every year with an equally large harvest. Marcella loved her family, loved to cook and try new recipes, particularly desserts! She was a prayer warrior. Her family knew if you were on her prayer list, everything was going to turn out alright. Marcella’s presence was the center of every family gathering and she will be missed terribly until we all meet again in heaven. Marcella’s family gave her the blessing of aging gracefully in the presence of her loved ones. She remained surrounded by family and friends until the very end. Special thanks to Beth Hall, her friend and caregiver, Dr. Latta, and Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, May 8th 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 from 12:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marcella (Johnson) Walker, please visit our floral store.

Esther Jean Kretz, 92, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday May 4, 2025 at her home.

She was born on May 11, 1932 in Sesser to Merideth and Mary (Jolley) Huie. She married Victor Dean Kretz and they were married for 75 years.

She is survived by her son John (Maria) Kretz of Christopher and one daughter Jennifer Kretz of Christopher; daughter-in-law Debbie Kretz of Christopher; grandchildren Wade (Torie) Kretz, Ami (Anthony) Hargrove, Kyle (Kim) Kretz, Emily (Wayne) Wilson, Merideth (Mark) Rogers and Joe (Megan) Kretz; great grandchildren Allie, Trent, Isaac (Jasie), Tyson, Amiah, Madi, Aiden, Kaylee, Mila, Cole, Jack, Samuel, Bennett and Aralynn; and two great great grandchildren Iversyn and Jhy’eir.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son Thomas Kretz, siblings Ilah Winn, Mable Page, James Huie, Metzie Ward, Charles Huie and Ronald Huie.

Funeral Services will be on Friday May 9, 2025 at 12:30 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:30 PM. Burial will be at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher, IL.

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

Robyn Dale Hammonds, 58, of Sesser, passed away on Friday May 2, 2025 at her home.

She was born on April 4, 1967 in Benton, IL to Bobby and Pamela (Webb) McGhee. She married Randy Franklin Hammonds Sr. and he preceded her in death.

She is survived by her mother Pam McGhee of Christopher, children Randy (Leah) Hammonds of Benton and Ryan Hammonds of Christopher; step-daughter Teneva Johnston of Nashville; granddaughter Rynlee Mae Hammonds; step-grandchildren Byron Johnson, Tayron Johnson and KJ Johnson; one sister Andrea (Gary) Kelley of Christopher; three nephews R.J. (Jessie) Kuh, Brennen Kelley and Dakota Kelley and two great nieces Lorelei and Adelaide.

She was preceded in death by her husband, father and one brother Robert McGhee.

Funeral services will be on Saturday May 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastors Rod and Jeremy Joplin officiating. Visitation will be on Friday May 9, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Saturday from 8:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Zeigler Cemetery.

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

Marsha Kay Kern, 86, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at Stonebridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Benton, surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 7, 1938, to Howard Rogers and Lucille (Glass) Smith in Benton, IL. For many years, Marsha was co-owner of the Benton Locker Plant. She later worked for McCollum real estate and Bank of America.

Kay was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton.

She was preceded in death by her Father, Howard Rogers and wife, Margery Rogers, Her Mother, Lucille G. Smith and husband Stephen “Smitty” Smith.

She was a loving mother and grandmother.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Kimberly “Kim” K. King and her husband Brian; her three granddaughters, Aisha (Nathan) Golliher, Kailee (Eric) McCollum and Taigan (Chase) McLaren; her six great-grandchildren, Carrigan Mitchell, Lily Bowlin, Jaycee McCollum, Hudson McCollum, Emma Lynn McLaren, and Drew Kendall McLaren; her brother, David (Vicki) Rogers and her sister, Idalla(David) Smith and several nieces and nephews and longtime friends.

Kay had a love for golf and enjoyed many memorable rounds on the course over the years. She also cherished playing cards with friends and found joy in visits to the casinos to play the poker machines. Even in her final months, her spirit remained strong. She was able to enjoy one last outing to play the machines, a moment filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories.

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

Per Kay’s wishes, cremation will take place and there will be no services.

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

William “Smiley” McClellan, 88, of Mount Vernon, Illinois, passed away at 10:26 pm May 3, 2025 SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois. He was born September 26, 1936 in rural Sesser, Illinois to the late William and Myrtle McClellan. Smiley married Joy Bullock on January 1, 1956 and she survives.

Mr. McClellan proudly served his country in the United States Army from October 1954 until October 1957, where he also played football. He attended William and Mary College and SIU in Carbondale, Illinois. Smiley worked as a coal miner until retirement at Zeigler Coal Co. (Old Ben 26). After retirement, he worked for Quest Diagnostics as a route server. Before retirement, he taught at Dodds Community Unit School and Roberts and Schaeffer Const. Co. He also served on the Sesser Valier School Board for thirteen years.

Smiley was a past member of First Baptist Church in Sesser and Spring Hill, Florida. He was a present member at West Salem Trinity Methodist Church in Mount Vernon. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

He enjoyed reading, fishing, playing golf, singing, telling jokes, and above all, being with his family. Smiley took great pride in being married to the love of his life for sixty-nine and a half years.

In addition to his parents, Smiley was preceded in death by his son, Michael McClellen; daughter, Teresa Phillips; grandmother, Fannie Jurcich; and sisters, Bertha Fredrickson, Suella Cox, Vickie Ashment, and Billie Gilbreath.

In addition to his beloved wife, Smiley is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Benedict and husband, Rick of Mount Vernon; grandchildren, Danielle Dalsanto of Olney, Illinois, Sierra Grider and husband, Robert of Mount Vernon, and Karlee Benedict of Mount Vernon; great-grandson, Brooks Grider; sister and brother-in-law, Bobbie and J.T. Ingram of DuQuoin, Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Donna Bullock of Johnston City, Illinois; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Sheri Bullock of DuQuoin, Illinois; several nieces and nephews; and foster sons, Randy and Walter Palmowski.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held Friday, May 9, 2025 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at West Salem Trinity Methodist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will begin at 12:00 pm with Reverend Harold Quick officiating. Memorials may be made in William’s honor to West Salem Trinity Methodist Church.

Call Newell Funeral Home at 618-246-0100 or visit newellfuneralhome.com for further information.