Wilma Ruth Loucks, 81, of Benton, IL passed away Sunday afternoon Feb. 14, 2016 at StoneBridge Senior Living Center, in Benton.

She was born in Benton on Feb. 20, 1934, the daughter of Elza and Bertha (Wiley) Stowers.

She enjoyed reading and hat parties with the ladies from church. She loved sweets and liked a little coffee with her milk. She liked to swing on her front porch and rock in her rocking chair. She was a member of First Baptist Church of West City, IL.

She is survived by two daughters, Deb Muilenburg and husband Vic, of Chariton, Iowa and Dawn Neal and husband Steve, of Benton; one son, Darrell Loucks and Janice Poteete, of Benton; daughter-in-law Barbara Loucks, of Benton; one brother, Rudy Stowers and wife Jane, of Benton. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by one son, Dwain Lee “Bud” Loucks, by two sisters and their husbands, Geneva and James Summers and Zella and Paul Bain, and by three brothers and their wives, Floyd and Fay Stowers, Dan and Bertha Stowers and John and Kate Flowers.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m.m on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, with the Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Kirk Cemetery, in Ina, IL.

Arrangements are under the direction of Morton & Johnston Funeral Home.

COELLO — John Robert Dees, 60, died at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, in Benton Rehab and Healthcare.

Mr. Dees was a mechanic for Alpha Services.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

He was born Sept. 3, 1955, in Du Quoin, to Donald Dees of Coello, and Elizabeth “Betty” (Hickman) Dees.

He married Kim (Hoover) Dees on Nov. 17, 2003, and she survives of Coello.

Survivors include children, Daniel and Lisa Dees of Royalton, and Derek Dees of Herrin; stepdaughter, Michele Wallace of Benton; and brother, Bryan Dees of Coello.

He was preceded in death by his mother.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gilbert Funeral Home to help with funeral expenses.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Geneva McDonald, 92, of Benton, IL passed away Tuesday morning, February 16, 2016 at her home.

She was born in Chicago Heights, IL on September 28, 1923, the daughter of Ed and Beulah (Hammond) Winemiller.

She married Harry B. McDonald on September 14, 1946 and he preceded her in death on May 1, 1996.

Mrs. McDonald was a member of the First United Methodist Church, in Benton. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women, the Order of Eastern Star and Home Extension.

She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. McDonald was preceded in death by her parents, husband, by two brothers, Eddie Winemiller and Dennie Winemiller, and by three sisters, Callie Stilts, Sarah Wilkerson and Susie Hale.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Lee Lovett officiating. Visitation will be after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.

Memorials may be made for those who wish to the First United Methodist Church, in Benton.

EWING — M. Marie Neal left her earthly home and walked into the arms of God at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016.

She was born Jan. 16, 1926, to George Willis and Pearl (Scarborough) Beaty at their home on Cyril James Road south of Ewing.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Howard. Her brother was married to Ione and they were blessed with four children.

She met the love of her life, William J. Neal, and they married April 8, 1949. They were blessed with Brenda Neal of Macomb, and Charles W. Neal (Barbara); and grandchildren, Amber Neal of Ewing, and Kyle Neal of Ewing. Marie cherished her family and close friends dearly.

Marie was a member of Frisco Baptist Church until its closing and moved membership to Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. Marie was a proud member of the forming group of Frisco Baptist Church’s successful Tuesday School for preschool children.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rescue Baptist Church – Tuesday School at 14241 Rescue Church Road, Whittington, IL 62897 as both her grandchildren are graduates and she loved the growth she saw in many children.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 13, in Neal Cemetery southwest of Logan, with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating.

Arrangements are by Morton-Johnson Funeral Home.

BENTON — Tanya Diane (Sheridan) Thompson, 46, of St. Peters, Missouri, formerly of Benton, passed away Thursday evening Feb. 11, 2016, at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born Nov. 16, 1969, in Benton, the daughter of Larry and Joyce (Anderson) Sheridan.

She touched so many lives in her hometown of Benton and the St. Louis area with her strength, determination and warm heart. She was a lover of life and will be missed by many.

Tanya had a successful 25-year career as a catering and event executive specialist in the St. Louis area.

She was forever an inspiration and support to her loving family who survives her including loving husband, Wade Thompson of St. Peters, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Erin and Kristin Thompson; mother, Joyce Sheridan of Benton; sister, Robin Storey and husband, Mark of Benton; niece, Katlyn Storey; nephew, Holden Storey; and her beloved pups, Star, Jersi, Zeke and Abby.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spotsavers St. Louis Dalmatian Rescue, 9224 Vauk Lane St. Louis, MO 63126 or to a charity of your choice in Tanya’s memory.

SESSER — Kay Francis (Witcher) Styve, 79, died peacefully at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, with her family at her side.

Kay was born June 21, 1936, in Sesser, to Harry and Ida (Warner) Witcher. Her family moved to the suburban Chicago area in in 1954 where she lived and attended Proviso Township High School, then returned to Sesser to graduate from Goode-Barren Township High School.

On Oct. 29, 1960, Kay married Robert Allen Styve in Melrose Park. To this union six sons were born. In addition to having her hands full raising her boys and working fulltime, Kay devoted much of her time to her boys’ athletic activities, both in officer roles for the organizations as well as cheering them on as their most enthusiastic fan. Robert preceded Kay in death in 2012, they were married for 51 years.

Kay held many jobs over the years to help provide for her family. Before retiring in 2006, Kay rose to a vice president position, where she ran the Illinois office for a national insurance business.

She enjoyed her membership and participation in Sesser Chamber of Commerce.

One of Kay’s most treasured activities over the years was hosting large gatherings for family and friends on her deck.

Survivors include three sons, Michael (Beth) Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Scott (Kim) Styve of Indio, California, and Brad (Julie) Styve of Erie, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlyn, Kyle Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Jake, Grace Styve of Sesser, Dalton Styve of Indio, California, and Ava Styve of Erie, Colorado; four nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Witcher; her mother, Ida (Warner) Witcher; her husband, Robert Allen Styve of Sesser; her sons, Robert Styve II, Patrick Styve, and Donald Styve; and her brother, Charles Witcher.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Butch Endersbe, 66, of Sesser, IL passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 4, 1950, the son of Vernon Roy and Alma (Carrtt) Endersbe.

He married Gayla (Harrison) on October 26, 1996, and she survives.

Butch loved fishing and doing woodwork. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church, in Sesser.

He is survived by his wife Gayla Endersbe, of Sesser; four children Mark Endersbe, of Clinton, Iowa, Clayton Endersbe and wife Simone, of Mt. Vernon, Donna Scuffham, of North Carolina and Scott Breed and wife Laurie, of Sterling; seven grandchildren; one sister Margaret Wentworth and husband Rodney, of Camanche, Iowa; one brother-in-law, David Harrison and wife Vynne, of Dixon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please visit: www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Wilson, 71, of Sesser, IL passed away February 8, 2016 at 2 a.m. at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.

She was born August 19, 1944 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Jack Kelson and Margaret (Kahoun) Kelson.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society. She worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. before her retirement.

She married Jerry Wilson on June 9, 1962 and he survives in Sesser.

She is survived by her children, Vicky Wilcox, of Sesser and Keith Wilson, of Sesser; on sister Karon Ericksson, of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth (Liz) Toth Wilson, Buckner IL died Friday, Feb.5, 2016 in DuQuoin IL.

She married Andrew M.Wilson of Buckner on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on Jan.20, 1988.

She worked for Browning Township until she retired. She was a faithful member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, a former member of The Catholic Daughters and Altar Society, in Christopher, IL.

She was born to Paul and Elizabeth (Mencely) Toth July 3, 1925 in Christopher, and she graduated from Christopher High School.

She is survived by her three children, Andy and Valerie (Ronchetto) Wilson of Christopher, Randy Wilson of Buckner, and Marybeth (Wilson) and Ed Dalby of Benton. Surviving grandchildren are Brandt (Amy) Wilson of Mulkeytown, Megan Wilson of Buckner, Malory Dalby, of Kentucky, and Olivia Dalby, of Benton. Surviving great-grandchildren Lynsey Wilson, Bryce Wilson. She had an extended family in Florida that includes Terri Wilson, Amy and Jimmy Townsend (children Dylan and Coben) and Stephanie and Jimmy Luke (children Jace, Jensen, Emery).          

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Mary Campion, Anna Niskoch, two brothers John Toth, and Joe Toth.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb.12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the St. Andrews Catholic Church Christopher, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be in the St. Andrew Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher with a Rosary being said Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial should be made to the Wounded Warriors and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

HERRIN — Brandon Leeper, 42, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Brandon was born May 27, 1973, in Herrin.

Brandon married Rusty Leeper in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, Rusty Leeper; children, Alena Marie Leeper, Alexis Nicole Leeper and Christian Allen Leeper; grandchildren, Peyton Jeralds; mother, Debra Sue Peterman; brother, Shawn David McAdams; grandmother, Betty Peterman; mother and father-in-law, Gary and Kathy Leeper; sister-in-law, Peggy Christian; and nephew, Jonathon Hunter.

Brandon was a member of the Sisters in Christ at East Liberty Christian Church. She also loved being in the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dean Peterman.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Darrell Wimberly Officiating. Burial will be in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more informatin or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.