Edward S. Foster, Sr., age 97, of Benton, passed away Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Stonebridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Benton.

Mr. Foster’s wishes were to be cremated with no additional services.
Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Foster was born on September 12, 1919 in Wilmington, DE, the son of Clarence S. Foster and Pearl (Albright) Foster. He married the former Helen Scarborough on September 13, 1947 and she preceded him in death on July 24, 2014.

He graduated Newark High School, Newark, DE in the Class of 1937.

He farmed the family farm in Newark while working on the University of Delaware Farm, where upon leaving, helped promote the first woman ever to hold his then head position. In 1974, he moved his farming operations to Akin, IL, where he remained, until entering Stonebridge Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in July 2011. He was the proprietor of one of the area’s best, small family owned orchards, producing much desired peaches and apples. He was also a successful firewood supplier, and was well liked for his wit.

Mr. Foster was an especially devoted grandfather to Sherry Lynn Foster Gigous and Wendy Foster Kovach, and beloved great-grandfather to Augustus, Adora, Mahalabelle, Idyllwylde Gigous, and Maria Kovach. He left a big impression and a lot of wisdom to them all. So, beloved was he by his grandchildren that the drawing of Ed accompanying the online obituary was done in tribute by his great-grandchild Adora.

He is survived by his son Edward S. Foster, Jr., two granddaughters: Sherry Gigous and Wendy Kovach, and five great-grandchildren: Augustus, Adora, Mahalabelle, Idyllwylde Gigous and Maria Kovach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a daughter Mary Anne, a brother, two sisters, and a grandson-in-law Charlie Gigous.

Memorial contributions may be made In Memory of Mr. Foster, to the Benton Public Library or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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

Nada V. (Kauzlarich) Stotlar, 89, of Pinckneyville formerly of Christopher IL, passed away on Friday August 4, 2017 at Pinckneyville Health Care Center.

Nada was born on October 21, 1927 in Christopher to John and Marie (Connor) Kauzlarich.

Survivors include two sons William and Kim Stotlar of Pinckneyville and Richard and Cyndia Stotlar of Tucson, AZ; 5 grandchildren Claire Stotlar, Jenna Stotlar, Justin Restoff, Ben Restoff, and Emily Restoff; and a nephew Marshall and Melodi Sheffer of Marion.

Nada graduated from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. She taught, school and then later worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines for several years. Nada loved aviation and earned her private pilot license later in life. She also owned and operated Nada’s clothing store in Carbondale for many years. She loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters June Richerson and Aliene Sheffer.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday August 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM, at the Harrison Cemetery in Buckner with Reverend Jim Barnett officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.
For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Louis Jules Thery, 73, of Coello, passed away on Thursday August 3, 2017 at his home.
Louis was born on November 28, 1943 to Eugene and Marguerite (Fievet) Thery.
Survivors include two nephews Louis Thery and Carole of Christopher and David and Jennifer Thery of Benton; two great nephews Matthew Thery and Luke Thery; and one sister-in-law Ada (Thery) Flatt of Benton.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Gene Thery, and two sisters Yvonne Vaughn and Julienne Thery.

Funeral services will be on Monday August 7, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Reverend Dick Sullins officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday August 6, 2017 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home and from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM on Monday August 7, 2017. Burial will be at Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greenwood Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Billy Joe Meyers, 73, of Sesser, IL passed away on Sunday July 30, 2017 at Stonebridge Nursing Home in Benton.

He was born on September 14, 1943 in Sesser, IL to Andy and Jewel (Inabnit) Meyers. He married Billie Kay (Moore) Meyers and she survives of Sesser. Survivors include his wife Billie; daughter Lisa and her husband Terry Bradley of Poplar Grove, IL; two grandchildren Brie and Megan Bradley; one sister Lucille and her husband Terry Allen of Benton.

Billy Joe was a Heavy Equipment operator for Local #150 in Joliet, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Liz Roberts and one brother Andy Meyers Jr.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on Saturday August 5, 2017 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser Road Rebels Car Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Kimberly “Kim” Sue Robles, 51, of Thompsonville, IL, passed away at 8:25 p.m., on Friday, July 28, 2017, at her home.

She was born on June 15, 1966, to Herbert and Mary (Buchanan) Flickinger in Paw Paw, MI. On December 20, 2005, she married George Robles, and he survives.

She was a member of the Third Baptist Church in West Frankfort.

Kim was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed coloring and found great joy in providing for others. She was especially known by her grandchildren for her sweet tea, candy jar and her raspberries.

Kim is survived by her husband, George Robles of Thompsonville, IL, children, Cassie Marie Garrett and husband Michael of Carl Junction, MO, Mary Elizabeth “Lizi” Thomas and husband Billy of West Frankfort, IL; William Christopher “Chris” Shumate of Joplin, MO, Andrew Dillon Robles, Brandon Edward Robles and Austin William Robles; grandchildren, Nate, Jake, Billy III, Daniel, Trevor, Brandi, Brice, Jaydin, Bella and Journey; father-in-law, George E. Robles, Sr.; and two sister-in-laws, Tammy Heiman and Terrie Nevarez.

She was preceded in death by parents, Herbert Eugene and Mary Frances Flickinger, one brother, Stephen Wayne Flickinger, and daughter, Kelly Marie Robles -DeWitt.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 2, 2017, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, August 2, 2017, 12:00 p.m., at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Chad McCoy, officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Michael Owens, age 74, of Benton IL, passed away at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the Franklin Hospital Emergency Room.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 31, 2017 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Monday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Owens was born on January 11, 1943 in Benton, Illinois, the son of Ransome Owens and Louise (McDonald) Owens. He married the former Myrna Kay Simmons on November 23, 1963; she preceded him in death on April 12, 2016.

Mike worked as a machinist with Air Stamping in Christopher, Illinois. He also received an accommodation for his help in working on the Apollo 8 Space Mission.

He was a member of the B.P.O.E. 1234, Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 2898, Boneyard Boccie Ball Club, all of Benton.

He is survived by two sons: Doug Owens and wife Melissa of Sherman, IL, Steve Owens and wife Beth of Benton; five grandchildren: Mitchell Owens and Jared Owens both of Sherman, IL, Josh Owens, Sam Owens, and Amelia Owens all of Benton; special friend Alyce Coleman of Benton; a brother Tim Owens of Atlanta, GA; a sister Brenda Beasley of West Frankfort, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two brothers Bill and Wayne Owens, and two sisters Joy Johnson and Mary Hammel.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or to the American Cancer Society.

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