Janet Carol Rone, 65, of Thompsonville, passed away at 9:09 a.m., on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

She was born on December 9, 1957, to Carl and Melba (Warren) Darnell in Poenton, IL.
She was a member of Akin Missionary Baptist Church.
Janet was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed taking care of other people. She was the entertainer of the family, always cutting up, laughing and bringing a smile to others.

Janet is survived by her sons, Jason (Amanda) Rone and Travis Rone; granddaughter, Emma Rone; sister, Deb (Dave) Link; brother, Keith (Bobbie) Darnell; nephews, Chad (Jamie) Link, Ryan (Kelli) Darnell and Brody Rone; nieces, Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage and Mallory (Eli) Lampley and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Dean and Melba Lois Darnell, her husband, Roger Lee Rone and sister, Amy Rone.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin,IL.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Residential Hospice and Franklin Hospital, for the exceptional care Janet received.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Kathryn L. Wilson, 91, of Benton passed away Monday morning, September 18, 2023 at Helia HealthCare in Benton.

She was born in Benton, IL on January 29, 1932 the daughter of Everett & Belvia (Overturf) Marvel. She married Bob Wilson on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on December 5, 1997.

Mrs. Wilson was of the Assembly of God Faith.

Mrs. WIlson is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Karen Dancer of Haleyville, AL
Linda Hiney & husband Randall of Haleyville, AL
7 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandchildren
Sister: Judy Shurtz & husband Merle Ray of Mt. Vernon, IL
Son-in-law: Danny WIlson of Benton, IL

Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter-Debbie Wilson, Son-in-law-LaVough Dancer, 4 Sisters-Dorothy, Virginia, Evelyn & Freda and 6

Brothers-Clyde, Roy, Raymond, Eddie, Jackie & Bobby.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 22nd at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Joecy James Padavic, age 15, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Benton Civic Center.

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

Joecy was born on May 4, 2008, in Carbondale, Illinois; the daughter of Jeff Padavic and Stacy (Golliher) Padavic.

She was a Sophomore at Benton Consolidated High School where she was a former cheerleader.

Her family said that she enjoyed taking selfies, dancing, singing, hanging out with her friends, and going to the beach in Panama City, Florida. She was looking forward to getting her drivers license.

Surviving is her loving mother Stacy Golliher Padavic of Benton; her doting father Jeff Padavic of Benton; siblings Tyler Golliher and Seth Padavic both of Benton; her grandparents Pat and Connie Golliher of Benton, Cameron and Rhonda Trusty of Benton, Theresa Twogood of Herrin; great-grandparents John and Karen Golliher of Benton, Barbara Whitsett of Benton, Carolyn Trusty of West Frankfort; aunts and uncles: Brad and Jara Wilson of Benton, Preston Golliher of Sesser, Jayme Martinez of Benton, Kyle Grant of Thompsonville; cousins: Lyric and Emerson Golliher, Kylie and Cody Grant, Chesney Chamberlain, Ayzik Martinez, Kadinz and Keezley Wilson; and several great-aunts and uncles, and numerous other cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa Joe Padavic; great-grandparents: George and Mary Golliher, Frank and Ann Padavic, Dennis Whitsett, Francis and Margaret Reith, Carolyn White, and Lonnie Reiger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Fund that has been established to assist each of the three families equally with funeral expenses; and will be accepted at the services on Thursday.

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

Mrs. Ellaine Rose Goss, age 70, of Ewing, Illinois and formerly of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away at 8:28 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services at this time.

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

Ellaine was born on June 25, 1953, the daughter of Robert B. Lueken and Margaret Emory (Meisenheimer) Lueken. She married Michael Lee Goss on October 15, 1999, and he survives.

She was a retired Childhood Development worker, having last worked as a Director with Head Start in St. Charles, Missouri.

Ellaine enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables from her garden, and reading. She was a former Girl Scout leader. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. She was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael Goss of Ewing, Illinois; her three children: Jennifer Hohlt and husband Brian of St. Charles, Missouri, Andrew Wiskoski and wife Dawn of Union, Missouri, Margaret “Maggie” Fischer and husband Scott of St. Charles, Missouri; Mike’s children: Michelle Hollowell and husband Jason, Jennifer Beskorovany, Corinne “Cori” Tinker and husband Denny, all of St. Charles, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren to whom she was referred to as “Gummy”; a brother Steven Lueken and wife Trish of Eureka, Missouri; a sister Beverly Cantoni and husband Robert of Manchester, Missouri; several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Goss was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Sharon Kuhlmann.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Ellaine to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hosea W. Eubanks, 91, of Buckner, passed away at 11:55 p.m., on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Marion VA Health Care, Marion, IL.

He was born on July 1, 1932, to Hosea and Grace (Meyers) Eubanks in Christopher, IL. On August 30, 1952, he married the former Norma Sanders, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2010.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War.

Hosea was a loving father and grandfather and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling in Southern Illinois, bingo, cards and horses.

Hosea is survived by his children, Gene (Kelly) Eubanks, Charmion (Kerry) Einspahr and Roy (Mary) Eubanks; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Grace Eubanks, wife, Norma Jeannine Eubanks, seven brothers and four sisters.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL

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

Bradley Scott Williams, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at the Immanuel Baptist Church, 516 North Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812, with Dr. Kirk Kay and Rev. Ryan Casey officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Saturday, at the Immanuel Baptist Church.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Bradley was born on May 13, 2006, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, the son of Kellis Paul Williams and Jamie Nichole (Smith) Gostowski.

Brad was a Junior at Benton Consolidated High School where he was on the wrestling team. He recently worked at West City McDonalds.

His family said that he had a “Heart of Gold”, he was a free spirit and enjoyed doing his own thing. Brad also enjoyed being a prankster, hanging out with his friends, going to Sonic, sleeping in, and boxing in the basement.
He loved watching and attending WWE events, watching Cardinal Baseball, eating at Fujiyama’s, and loved to watch over-and-over again his two favorite movies, The Sandlot and Home Alone. He was proud and loved driving his car.
His mother said he will be remembered as always being a vibrant, happy, and free person.

Surviving is his loving mother Jamie Gostowski of Benton, Illinois; his loving father Kellis Williams of Herrin, Illinois; his siblings: Reese Cornelison of Benton, Illinois, Hudson McCord of Herrin, Illinois, Chasen Cornelison, Benton, Illinois, Levi Williams of Centralia, Illinois; grandmother Georgia Lohman of Benton, Illinois; aunts and uncles: Beth Karnes and Brian Aaron of West Frankfort, Illinois, Brandon Smith of Benton, Illinois, Tiffanie Crabtree of O’Fallon, Illinois, Chasity Smith of Benton, Illinois, Zina Smith and Clay Richardson of Herrin, Illinois, Mike Williams of Akin, Illinois; great-uncle David Ezell of Benton, Illinois; several cousins including: Jersey Smith, Halle Smith, Hadley Richardson, Charli Smith, Atticus Richardson, Brooke and Clint Williams, Ashley Karnes, Jarrett and Lindy Cash, Skye Carlisle; numerous other extended family and his friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents Charlie and Barb Williams; maternal grandpa Jack Lohman; uncles Scott Ezell and Chuck Karnes; a great-aunt Kathy Ezell.

Memorial contributions in memory of Brad may be made to either the Benton or Herrin Wrestling Programs, and will be accepted at the services.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Brad, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family has requested that everyone wear bright colored clothing to Bradley’s services, he wouldn’t want everyone dressed up and dark.

Jama Marie Stanton, age 77, of Benton, Illinois, passed away Thursday, September 14, 2023, at her home.

Jama was born on May 13, 1946, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harold Fred Hollaway and May Olean (Cook) Hollaway. She was married to Rickey J. Stanton, and he preceded her in death in 2005.

She was recently retired from her position at the Franklin County Courthouse, where she served as a domestic violence legal advocate. Jama leaves a legacy of service. She was an active servant of the people of Franklin County through CASA, Benton Volunteers, Relay for Life, Special Olympics, and many other organizations.

Jama loved travel (especially to the beach), dancing, reading, crafting, fishing, antiquing, and playing candy crush. More than anything, she enjoyed spending time with friends and family.

She is survived by a daughter Angie Harrison and husband Tab of Murphysboro, Illinois; a son Kris Wagner of Benton, Illinois; Grandchildren: Alicia Mormino of Marion, Illinois, Emily Zurlinden and husband Justin of Carbondale, Illinois, Shelby Harrison of Murphysboro, Illinois, Ben Holland of Bremen, Georgia, Savannah Harrison of Benton, Illinois and Brock Harrison of Benton, Illinois; Great-grandchildren: Oliver Zurlinden and Matthew Zurlinden; her sister Karen Hampton and husband Jack of Benton, Illinois; and several nieces, nephews, and good friends.

Jama was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband.

Her wishes are to be cremated with a Celebration of Life Service to be held at a future date.

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

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Jama to the Franklin-Williamson Child Advocacy Center or the Survivor Empowerment Center of Carbondale.

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

Terry Eugene Blake, age 63, of Benton, passed away at 1:41 p.m. Saturday, September 9, 2023, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.
Terry was born on September 24, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland; the son of Eugene Blake and Sondra (Millan) Blake. He married the former Cathy Sue Hogshead on May 24, 1983, and she survives.

Terry was a veteran of the United States Navy, and he was a retired over the road truck driver.

He enjoyed fishing, watching sports, especially football and auto racing. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife of 40 years, Cathy Blake of Benton, Illinois; four daughters: Veronica Gunter and husband Josh of West Frankfort, Illinois, Valerie Keller and husband Tyson of Benton, Illinois, Audrey Daniecki and husband Jonas of Miles City, Montana, Neone Brazil and husband Brian of Minot, North Dakota; nine grandchildren: Theodore, Ophelia, Bo, Tate, Garit, Brett, Brice, Cassi and Gaven; three great-grandchildren: Baylynn, Sophia and Lane; a sister Donna Fike and husband Richard of Fairmont, West Virginia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Lisa Phillips; and a nephew Joshua Fike.
Memorial contributions, in memory of Terry, may be made to the Franklin County Animal Shelter, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Donald Ray Britton, supported and surrounded by his loving family, passed away in Evansville, Indiana, on September 2, 2023.

Don was born on August 8, 1943, to Carl and Freeda Britton in Evansville, Indiana. He married his beloved, Janice Chastain, on February 10, 1968.

Don grew up in Effingham, Illinois, and graduated from Effingham High School in 1961. He then attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, where he graduated with a degree in Finance in 1965. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in September and completed Officer Training School in December of that same year. After further intense training, he was deployed to Thailand in 1968, where he flew 207 combat missions. He attained the rank of Captain and was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses and thirteen Air Medals.

Don and Janice were married three months before his deployment to Thailand. After he returned, he was reassigned to Otis Air Force Base, where their son, Eric, was born. In 1971, Don and his family moved to Louisville, Kentucky, where he began a long and illustrious career as a mortgage banker. Throughout their married life they lived in numerous locations, settling in Newburgh, Indiana after his retirement in 2000 as the President and CEO of Old Kent Mortgage Company in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Don was a kind and generous man—a magnanimous individual, a doer of good deeds, especially admirable as he was unaware his deeds were so good. He was ever devoted to his wife, his son, his daughter-in-law, and three adored and adoring grandchildren, as well as to his younger sister and brother and their families, extended family, and friends.

Don was a storyteller. His stories flowed forth as an ongoing stream. Some were humorous, many sad, all poignant. These stories, and the reflection of Don in his stories, will be imprinted in the hearts and minds of his loved ones forever, and so they will live on. Both his actions and his narratives will filter down through generations—a gift to all who knew him, and even to those who didn’t have the privilege of knowing him. Despite his many accomplishments, he was a modest and humble man, traits that drew others to him. He was, simply put, accepting. His legacy is long and honorable, and the influence he leaves on the lives of his loved ones and admirers is immeasurable.

Don is survived by Janice, his wife of fifty-five years, their son Eric and daughter-in-law Brenda Moreno-Britton, and his three grandchildren— Eric Tomas, William, and Victoria. He is also survived by his sister, Janet Britton Bilderback and her husband, Ed Bilderback as well as his brother, Thomas Britton and his wife, Molly Edwards-Britton. He leaves behind loving cousins, nephews, nieces, in-laws and countless friends and acquaintances.

Visitation will be held from 12:30 P.M. to 2:30 P.M. on Saturday, September 16th at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois, and a graveside service with military honors conducted by Benton American Legion Post #280, VFW Post #2671 and the Air Force Honors Team will follow at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, also in Benton. Please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com for more information or to send online condolences.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Carl O. and Freeda M. Britton Scholarship Fund, established to assist young people from Effingham and Franklin counties. To donate, please contact Donor Relations, Southern Illinois University Foundation, Colyer Hall, 1235 Douglas Drive, Carbondale, Illinois, 62901.