Philip Louis Steinmetz, 81 of Christopher, passed away at 10:50 pm on December 17, 2025 at his home.

He was born on December 9, 1944 in Herrin, Illinois to George and Lucille (Stanley) Steinmetz. He married Linda Alldredge on August 8, 1964. They had three children together. Philip (Carla) Steinmetz of Christopher, Kerry Steinmetz of Seattle, Washington and Kendra (Denise Minor) Steinmetz of Logan. They all still survive. He is also survived by his brother Bud (Karen) Steinmetz of Christopher, sisters Alice (Howard) Grant of Herrin, Betty Kronsell of Marion and sister-in-law Judy Steinmetz of West Frankfort. Along with several nieces, nephews and grandchildren Brittany Hammonds, Derick (Morgan) Hammonds, Sammy (Zack) Nave and three great granddaughters Aurora Hammonds, Tatum and Hallie Nave.

Mr. Steinmetz was the proud owner of Steinmetz Construction for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Lucille Steinmetz, partner Carolyn Neafus, brothers George Steinmetz, Charles Steinmetz, Jack Steinmetz, sister Donna Fox, nephew Daryll Fox and niece Stacey Fitch. Also surviving are Carolyn’s daughter Susan (Matt) Sursa and their children Lydia (Bo) Minor, Nick (Lainey) Sursa, Briana Sursa (Dacota Lorett) and their children Coraline and Atlas.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Herrin City Cemetery.

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

Barbara Marie (Julius) Lappin, 89, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Stonebridge in Mt. Vernon, Il.

Born September 15th, 1936 in Jefferson County to John and Petronilla (Puleikis) Julius. She attended St. Barbara’s Catholic School in Scheller, IL. and graduated from Goode Barren Township High School in 1954.

She married Robert L. Lappin on February 19th, 1955. They had three sons and one daughter; Robert Brent, Mark Lee, Barbara Jayne, and Marion Ray. Barbara was best known as the longtime owner of the Custard Stand in Sesser, which she ran for nearly a quarter of a century.

She was an avid painter and loved spending time with her grandchildren, occasionally taking them on trips in her earlier years. She also enjoyed going to see her musically talented family perform at various venues, especially at her annual “Garage Band” birthday parties. Family and friends would come from miles away to celebrate with her. In her last years she had the great joy of seeing her Great Grandchildren as they visited her at her residence.

Barbara is survived by her sons; Robert B. Lappin (Kay Kimmel) of Burbank, CA, Mark (Mona) Lappin,Marion (Kelly) Lappin of Sesser, and daughter Barbara Jayne Lappin of Crainville, Il. Grandchildren; Matthew (Brittany) Lappin, Carly Gregory, Marcus Lappin, Rae (Ross) Worthey. Seven Great Grandchildren; Arthur, Ellie, and Olive Lappin. Harrison Hoekstra (Marcus) Jane Pearl, Marigold Lee and Flora Marie Worthey, and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her father John Julius, mother Petronilla (Julius) Heck, brother John Julius, sister Leona Lee (Julius) Heck and her husband Robert L. Lappin.

Funeral services will be held at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Il, Monday December 22, 2025, with Monsignor David Darin officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to the time of the funeral at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Autism Awareness.

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

James Edward Pluess, age 82, of Harrisburg, IL died at 12:58 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

Per his wishes he will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a future date.

James was born on September 27, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Emil Pluess and Helen (Gorzney) Pluess. He married the former Karen Doris Sterling on October 1, 1966, and together they shared 59 years of marriage.

Before retirement, he was Supervisor for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bloomingdale, Illinois.

He and his wife were members of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg, Illinois.

Jim enjoyed collecting diecast cars and watching NCIS. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife Karen Pluess of Harrisburg, Illinois; three children: Patricia Norman and husband Charles of Maiden, North Carolina, James Edward Pluess, II and wife Renee of Stanford, Kentucky, Michelle Pluess of West Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren Zachary Chavez of West Chicago, Illinois, Nikol Shands and husband Perry of Knoxville, Tennessee; a half-sister Pat Wenberg and husband Dan of McHenry, Illinois, a half-brother Paul Ludwig and wife Jackie of Algonquin, Illinois; several nieces and nephews, and his four legged family members including Mya, Burberry, Zoey and Paisley.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Ludwig, his adopted parents Emil and Helen Pluess.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg, Illinois; or to the Friends of Saline County Animal Control.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Jim, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, is in charge of the arrangements.

Merrill Gene Rose, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home.

Merrill was born on February 9, 1941, in Benton, Illinois; the son of James Paul Rose and Lela (Wilson) Rose.

He was a retired coal miner. He worked at Freeman United Coal Company Mine #6 of Waltonville, Illinois. He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mr. Rose was also a member of Rend Lake Lodge #64, Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Temple of the Shrine.

Before it’s closing, he and Diane attended Parrish Baptist Church.

Merrill enjoyed attending car shows, fishing, going to auctions, and hanging out in his garage visiting with friends.

Surviving are two sons: John Rose and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Ron Rose and wife Lisa of Benton, IL; his life companion of 22 years Diane LeFever of Benton, IL; grandchildren including: Amanda Gates and husband Justin of Benton, IL, James Paul Rose and companion Alyssa Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL, Scott Rose and wife Rebecca of Bolivar, MO, Nicholas Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Alyvia Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Sophia Kendrick of Benton, IL; great-grandchildren: Eli Hill, Samuel Gates, Jackson Rose, Lillith Rose, Owen Stapp, Bentley Scro, Myles Little and Jackson Little, a sister-in-law Judy Rose of Benton, IL, a niece Laura Richardson and husband Eddie of Benton, IL, a nephew Gary Rose and wife Rhonda of Peoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Curtis Rose and Paul Wayne Rose, a great-grandson Cordell Michael Ray Rose, two nephews: Bobby Rose and James Rose.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Howard Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Merrill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Shannon Dwayne Tate, age 51, of Benton, passed away at 11:11 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the SSM St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Shannon was born on September 4, 1974, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Charles “Bud” Tate and Patricia Ann (Tamm) Tate.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1993. He enjoyed attending Whittington Church.

He worked as a security guard for American Coal Company/Murray Energy of Galatia, Illinois.

Shannon enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He liked to make people smile and laugh and never met a stranger.

Surviving is his loving mother Patricia Tate of Benton, IL; siblings: Gina Tate, Jeremy Tate, Benji Tate, Scott Tate and Christi Volkman and husband Paul all of Benton, IL, Hannah Akin of Belle Rive, IL; an aunt, Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Charles “Bud” Tate, stepmother Dolores Tate, a brother Tom Tate, uncles Larry Tate and Clarence Tate, aunts Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams, and a great-nephew Liam Tate.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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

Duward Dee Bean, 95, of Nashville, IL passed away at 3:40 a.m., on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Axiom Gardens in Nashville, IL.

He was born on January 5, 1930, to Herman and Nannie (Elam) Bean in Anna, IL. He was a 1947 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro High School and earned his Bachelor ‘s degree in Business in 1952 from Southern Illinois University. He married, Lorelei (Savino) Brasch, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2002.

In 1952, he started his career as an Insurance Agent with Country Companies. A year later, he was promoted to Agency Manager in Franklin County, Illinois — the youngest Agency Manager in the State of Illinois. He was with Country Companies for 25 years.

In 1956, he started Bean Farms. In a span of 45 years, 40 acres became a 4,500 acre farm operation.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. He was also a member of the Benton Elks Lodge No. 1234 and the American Legion Post 110 in Nashville, IL. Duward served on the board of the McGinnis Cemetery for over 20 years and was instrumental in expanding the cemetery and enhancement of its roads and grounds.

Duward is survived by his loving daughters, Kay Grimes of Sarasota, FL and Carol (Michael Goad) Bean of Louisville, KY; his grandson, Jacob (Tiffany) Grimes of Fort Payne, AL and his great-grandchildren, Shane Grimes and Jace Grimes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Nannie Bean, his wife, Lorelei Bean, three brothers, Harold, George, Ron, his sister, Sarah, and special friend, Pat Hargan.

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

Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with the Reverend Mark Minor, officiating.

Burial will be private and will take place at a later date in McGinnis Cemetery, Anna, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at the funeral home to The Franklin County 4-H, an organization he supported for over 60 years.

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

Glenda Diane Chastain, 73, of Sesser, passed away on Monday December 8, 2025 at Franklin Hospital in Benton, IL.

She was born on August 30, 1952 in Mt Vernon, IL to Nolen and Maxine (Panzier) Lenington. She married Jerry Lyn Chastain on November 20, 1971 and he preceded her in death on August 21, 2016.

She is survived by her two sons James (Vikki) Chastain of Sesser and Jeff (Andrea) Chastain of Alton; grandchildren Lauryn Strom, Anthony Chastain, Zoey Chastain, Dominic Spann, Jasmine Trimm and Patience Castro. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one sibling Sidney Lenington.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Bonnie Community Building, 270 South Railroad Street, Bonnie IL 62816.

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

Paul Franklin Forsythe, age 86, of Benton, passed away at 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Paul was born on July 14, 1939, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Robert Forsythe and Nellie (Hickey) Forsythe. He married the former Darla Biggs on July 14, 1962, and together they shared 63 years of marriage.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1957. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in South Korea.
He formerly worked for International Harvester, Illinois Central Railroad, Freeman United Coal Company mine#3, and finished his working career with Crown Mining mine #3 of Farmersville, IL.

He was a member and trustee of Ewing Baptist Church.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with his brothers.

Surviving is his loving wife Darla Forsythe of Benton, IL; two sons Scott Forsythe and wife Joyce of Whittington, IL, Mike Forsythe and wife Shannon of Pleasant Plains, IL; grandchildren: Kyle Forsythe of Mechanicsburg, IL, Kelsey Forsythe and husband Diego Pina of St. Louis, MO, Justin Forsythe of Ewing, IL, Matthew Forsythe of Benton, IL, Khilee McGuire of Carterville, IL, step-grandchildren: Skip Thomas of Benton, IL, Melissa Schultz of Benton, IL, Rocky Thomas of Papillion, NE; a great-grandson Travis Scott Forsythe; two brothers: Sandy Forsythe of Benton, IL, Terry Forsythe of Ewing, IL, a niece Cris Forsythe-Vondras of Ewing, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother Jerome Forsythe, a brother Bobby Dean Forsythe, two sisters-in-law Helen Forsythe and Barbara Forsythe, a niece Gina Forsythe and a nephew Terry Forsythe, Jr.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Ewing Baptist Church, with Pastor Nathan Dilliner officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, at the Ewing Baptist Church.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.
The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the Ewing Baptist Church and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Paul, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Rosa Roberta “Martoglio” Sandusky, age 88, of Benton, Illinois, finished her race and entered the arms of Jesus on December 6, 2025. Born February 20, 1937, in Benton, she lived a life of service, faith, and boundless love.

Roberta worked as a hairstylist in Benton and from her home, where clients often became lifelong friends. She also served others as a CNA, bringing comfort and care with compassion and grace. Her greatest passion was ministry—everywhere she went, she shared the love of Jesus. She faithfully led a Facebook healing ministry and a prayer cloth ministry that blessed many and brought hope and healing to countless people.
Roberta’s children and grandchildren were the center of her world; loving and supporting them was the most important thing in her life. She delighted in family gatherings, storytelling, and passing along her faith to the next generations.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Sandusky; her parents, Joseph Martoglio and Mildred Pent Martoglio; siblings Lillian (Doc) Furlong, Delores (Luther) Otterson, Joseph (Wilma) Martoglio, and Hose (Marilyn) Martoglio; brother-in-law Jack Dorris; and her son, Roy Sandusky.
Roberta is lovingly survived by her children, Kris Bowman of Rantoul, Kerry Sandusky of Bonfield, and Dawn (Brian) Secrest of Hebron, KY; her sister, Rena Dorris; 14 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren, who carry forward her legacy of faith, prayer, and love.

Roberta held fast to the promise of Scripture and especially loved this verse:
“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Her family rejoices that she has been renewed and is now at peace with the Lord.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Monday at the Leffler Funeral Home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Roberta, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Gary Dean VanZandt, 83, of Christopher, IL passed away peacefully on Saturday December 6, 2025 at Sunshine Gardens in Marion, IL. He was born on March 12, 1942 in West Frankfort, IL to Porter and Myrl (Dees) VanZandt. Gary graduated from Christopher Community H. S. in 1960.

He is survived by his twin sister Barbara Sheeley of Hudson, FL, and sister-in-law Billie VanZandt of Christopher; nieces Pam Norris of Sesser, Andrea Parker of MI; Kim Orlando, Kris Clark, & Karol Turco of FL, Kelly Hunt of SC, Linda Sheeley & Trisha Sheeley of OR; nephews Kyle Childers of FL and Steven Sheeley of MI and other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Doy VanZandt and sister Charmaine Childers.

Gary served honorably in the U.S. Army and was a Vietnam War Veteran. He was an active member of the Christopher American Legion for 59 years and was also a longtime member of the UMWA. Gary was an avid hunter and fisherman and owned several hunting dogs over the years. He also was very fond of sports cars. His favorite hangout was the Maid Rite, where he spent a great deal of time visiting with his friends in Christopher. In his earlier years, he would travel to Florida to spend time visiting with his nieces and nephews. He was a great supporter of Christopher Community H.S. sports teams.

Funeral services for Gary will be held on Thursday December 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. There will be a Military Funeral Honors. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL.

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