Diana E. Malkovich, age 67, of Benton, passed away at 9:33 p.m. Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Private family funeral services will be held Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Marty Shadowen officiating. Private family burial services will be at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

Diana was born on April 23, 1951 in Benton, the daughter of Fred Pierson and Pauline (Sanders) Pierson. She was married to Anthony E. Malkovich of Benton.

She was a homemaker, and previously worked in the dietary department at Heritage Woods of Benton and was also formerly a waitress and bartender for many years at the Benton V.F.W.

Diana enjoyed cooking, canning, playing BINGO, loved being outdoors, and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving is her loving husband Tony Malkovich of Benton; three children: Steve Spani, Michelle Spani and Joe Spani; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother Rick Pierson and wife Wilma of Benton; and a sister Gayla Bradshaw and husband Gary of Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter Diane Reginato.

The family wishes memorial contributions to be made, in memory of Diana, to the Benton City Park or City of Benton, for beautification projects.

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

Debbie Wilson, 62, of Benton, IL passed away Sunday evening, March 31, 2019 in Benton.

She was born in Chicago, IL on January 18, 1957, the daughter of Bobby & Kathryn (Marvel) Wilson.
She married Danny Wilson on November 16, 2000, and he survives.
Debbie loved reading her Bible.

She is survived by her husband, Danny Wilson, of Benton; mother Kathryn Wilson, of Benton; sisters Karen Dancer, of Haleyville, AL and Linda Hiney, and husband Randy, of Delray Beach, FL; brother-in-law, Junior Wilson, and wife Pam, of Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday, April 3rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be after 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Lavina Lucille Rotolo, 90, of Louisville, KY, formerly of Benton, IL, passed away at 6:00 p.m., on Friday, March 29, 2019, at the Nazareth Home in Louisville, KY.

She was born on September 2, 1928, to Roy and Clara (Clemens) Phelps of Robbs, IL. In 1950, she graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. Lavina worked as a Home Advisor in Perry County for one year, then in Franklin County for one year, before staying home to raise her family.

Lavina was a proud member of North Benton Baptist Church, Benton, IL. She was a loving and prideful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. For many years, she led the singing at Vacation Bible School and played the organ at church. She loved being with her girls and spending time with her grandson. She spent countless hours working on her family history, loved to take on a craft project, and was one of the first members of the Rend Lake Fitness Center where she was faithful to exercise.

She is survived by her daughter Kay Grimes of Sarasota, FL; her daughter Carol Bean of Louisville, KY, and her husband, Michael Goad; one grandson, Jacob Grimes of North Port, FL and wife Tiffany and son Shane; and her three beloved nieces, the Phelps girls, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Clara Phelps; her husband, Pete Rotolo; and her brother, Roy Everett Phelps, and her sister-in-law, Barbara Phelps.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will follow visitation on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home. Burial will follow services at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.

Memorials contributions may be made to North Benton Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff and caregivers on Charity Court at Nazareth Home for the excellent care she received the time she was there.

Helen Moro, 100, of Christopher, passed away on March 27, 2019.

She was born on October 23, 1918, in Royalton, to Albert and Ollie (Ward) Stewart. She married Ernest “Blackie” Moro and he preceded her in death on March 28, 1996.

She is survived by her sons Raymond Cacini and John Moro. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

Graveside services will be on Saturday March 30, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Osage Cemetery in Royalton, IL. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Berneice L. Slayton, 92, of Benton, Illinois was called home on Friday, March 22, 2019.

She was born in West City on April 15, 1926 to Nathan and Ruby (Mandrell) Brookshire. On April 18, 1949 she married Charles (Ross) Slayton of Benton. Mrs. Slayton was a member of the West City Church of God. Mrs. Slayton is survived by her nephews: David and William (Billy) Winters of Benton, James (Allen) Akin of West Frankfort, Edwin Brookshire of Peoria, AZ and John Brookshire of Gulfport, MS and their families. She is survived by her nieces: Pam Duncan of Centralia, Lisa Filkins and Julie Howard of West Frankfort and their families. She is survived by her sister in law: Rena (Kay) Brookshire of Benton and her brother in law: James R. Akin of West Frankfort. She is also survived by many other close friends, family and loved ones: John Merlau, Judy, Larry and John Mize of West Frankfort, Glen and Phyllis Smith and (Precious) of Benton, Connie, Jeanette, Roberta and many more including friends from Heritage Woods and Helia HealthCare.

Mrs. Slayton was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Ross) Slayton who passed away August 31, 1998, her parents, her brothers: Charles, Edward, Kenneth and Bill, two sisters: Beatrice and Rosalie and three half-sisters: Annabelle, Dora and Dimple.

Funeral Services will be at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7 – 9 pm Tuesday, March 26th at the Funeral Home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com
Psalm 23:4 Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for thou art with me.

Miss me – But let me go!
When I come to the end of the road & my soul has been set free:
I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little but not too long and not with your heads bowed low:
Remember the love we once shared, Miss me but let me go!
Life is a journey we all must face and at the end we must go it alone:
It is a part of the Master’s Plan – And it’s the Final Step to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know:
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds – Miss me but let me go!
(Written by Berneice Slayton in 2018)

https://www.franklincounty-news.com/2019/03/25/35782/

Mary E. Chambers, 71, of Mulkeytown, passed away on March 22, 2019.

She was born on April 20, 1947 in Mulkeytown to Thomas and Ola (Moyers) Bullock. She married Bob Chambers on May 17, 1977 and he survives of Mulkeytown.

She is also survived by her daughters Melissa (Norman JR.) Inglett of Mulkeytown and Bobbie Jo Chambers Miller of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Kolton Inglett, Caleb McCurren, Colin McCurren and Emalee Chambers; one brother John (Kay) Bullock of Mulkeytown.

She was a member of the Eastern Star and she was a retired Postmaster at Valier Post Office.
She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister Maude Reese.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday March 26, 2019 at 11:00 Am at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating. Visitation will be on Monday March 25, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Charles Panzier, 83, of Sesser, passed away on March 23, 2019.

He was born on June 15, 1935 in Jefferson County, IL to Theodore Joseph and Dorothy Marie (Loucks) Panzier. He is survived uncles Harold (Barbara) Loucks of Sesser and Clifford (Nancy) Loucks of Benton. He is also survived by several cousins.

Graveside services will be on Thursday March 28, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Michael “Mike” A. Edwards, 66, of West Frankfort, passed away at 9:46 p.m., on Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.

He was born on April 4, 1952, to Lloyd and Virginia Edwards in DuQuoin, IL. He was a graduate of Pinckneyville High School and then went on to graduate with a Bachelors in Forestry from SIUC. Michael retired as a Park Ranger at Rend Lake for the United States Army Corp of Engineers after 25 years.

Michael was a member of Redemption Church in Johnston City, IL. He was a loving father and grandfather. He enjoyed being outdoors , sharing the Lord’s Gospel, and helping others.

Michael is survived by his loving son, Joshua Edwards and wife Cassandra of Christopher, IL; two grandchildren, Nevaeh and Jaxon; and one brother, Steve Edwards.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Virginia Edwards.

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

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 28, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robbey Smith, officiating.

Memorials contributions may be made to Redemption Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Rosie Ann Gaither, 79, of Thompsonville, passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the Kindred Hospital in St. Louis, MO.

She was born on August 27, 1939, to Everette and Maude (McClintock) Isaacs in Benton, IL.

Rosie was a member of the Thompsonville First Baptist Church. She was a loving sister, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. On Tuesday’s Rosie enjoyed sewing and making quilts at the church with her dear friends.

She is survived by her three sons, Kenny Isaacs, Wayne Gaither and wife Kim, and Tracy Isaacs; three daughters, Patricia Bowers, JoAnn Roberson and husband Dan, and Michelle Shaw; five brothers, Ben Isaacs, Everette Isaacs, Aden Isaacs and wife Mary, Fred Isaacs and wife Lola, Justin Isaacs; two sisters, Ruby Arview and Ronda Taskoski; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by father, Everette Isaacs; mother, Maude Isaacs; husband, Kenneth Gaither; grandson, Ryan Michael Isaacs; daughter-in-law, Sherry Isaacs; son-in-law, Evert Bowers; and a brother-in-law, Ron Taskoski.

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

Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2019, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 22, 2019, 1:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Rev. John Robinson, officiating.

Burial will take place in the Plasters Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Thompsonville First Baptist Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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