Beth Ann Miller, 59, of Christopher, IL passed away January 31, 2016 at Good Samaritan Regional Hospital, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born March 7, 1956 in Elgin, IL, the daughter of John Knott and Maryanne (Connell) Knott.

Beth was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher and worked as a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was also a member of W.O.T.M of St. Charles, IL.

She married James Miller on February 14, 1990 and he survives of Christopher.

Beth is survived by her children, Jonathan and Heidi Siercks, of Christopher, Amanda and Warren Behm, of Christopher and step-daughter Candice Murphy, of Davenport, FL; grandchildren Ian Sierck, Wyatt Behm, Madison Murphy, Allison Murphy, Zachary Murphy, Lucas Murphy; one sister Joan Knott, of Cortland, IL and one brother Kevin Knott, of Royalton, IL. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ann Knott and one infant sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Mercy Home for boys and girls and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

James A. House, 90, of Whittington, IL passed away Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, in Benton.

He was born in Benton, IL on May 5, 1925, the son of Ralph and Mabel (Doty) House.

He married Charlotte Juanita Thrasher on Oct. 12, 1947 in Paragould, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on September 10, 2009.

Mr. House was a Navy veteran, serving during World War II. He was a coal miner, retiring from Freeman Coal Company.

Mr. House is survived by his children, Butch Seibert, Gilbertsville, KY, Ronald G. House and wife Carol, West City, Carolyn Sue Doty and husband Ed, of Benton, Charles M. House and wife Barbara, Tecumseh, Michigan and Ralph L. (Lou) House and wife Lesle, Neoga, IL; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Earl House and wife Doris of Moweaqua, IL, Carl House and wife Marjorie, of New York and Ray House and wife Gloria, of West Frankfort, IL.

Mr. House was preceded in death by his parents, wife, by a brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Mary Ann House, by a sister, Laura Christine and by a grandson, Eric House.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

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

Mildred Marie Hindman, 100, died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton.

She attended the Christ View Christian Church of Christopher.

Mildred was born June 8, 1915, in Herrin, to Charles and Ida (Henley) Linter.

She was married to Carl Rogers, Frank Hitt and Woodrow Hindman and they preceded her in death.

Survivors include children, Karla and Max McDonald of Mulkeytown, Bill and Jane Rogers of Christopher, Sue and Brian Chester of Mohomet, and Sally and Willard McKinley of Farmer City; and Dennis Hindman of California; grandchildren, Creg and Liz McDonald of Champaign, Gabe and Lizz Rogers of Columbia, Maryland, Kristen and Paul Gentry of Carterville, and Mike and Julie Hertz of Cambria, Kristen and Kurt Sexton of Homer, IL, Brent Chester of Champaign, IL; great-grandchildren, Mia, Kelley, Nate, Gillian, Andrew, Nikki, Brigitte, Natalie, Regan, Braden and Becca.

She was preceded in death by three husbands; one son, Larry Hindman; and three brothers, Leroy, Robert and Charles Lintner.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with speaker, Mike Rowland. Burial will be in East Lawn Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends may join family at a celebration of Mildred’s long life from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Christopher Knight Of Columbus Hall at 109 N. State St. in Christopher.

Margaret Aimone, 89, died Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2015, in Countryside Manor in Mount Vernon. 

She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church and a 50-year member of the Altar Society of Christopher.  Margaret was born Nov. 25, 1926, in Triadelphia, West Virginia, to Andrew and Margaret (Russell) Johnson.  She married Jim Aimone and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2004. 

Survivors include children, Annette and (Urb) Molitor of Columbia, Missouri, and George Aimone of Emery, South Dakota; grandchildren, Matthew and (Stacy) Molitor, and Adam and (Kelley) Molitor; sisters, Chloe and (Bill) Boyd in Johnson City, Tennessee, and Linda and (Royce) White in West Frankfort; and nieces and nephews, Dick, Nancy, Doris, Eugene, Brenda, Carol, Susan, Russell, Renee, Chris, Michael, Rhonda and Roxanne. She is also survived by several great-nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Charles, Alex and Russell Johnson; sister, Rena Jackson; and niece, Ardeth Oatman.  Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, in St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, with Monsignor Kenneth Schaefer officiating.

Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Rosary said at 7:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sarcoma Foundation of America in honor of Margaret’s great-niece, Felicia Doll, who is battling this disease or to St. Andrews Altar Society of which Margaret was a 50-year member. Envelopes will be at Gilbert funeral Home Christopher.

Friends may join Margaret’s family for a lunch, after the graveside service that will be at 11:45 a.m. Monday at St. Andrews Parish Hall.

BENTON — Dennis Leo Hefner, 69, passed away Monday, Jan. 25, 2016, at his home.

Dennis’ wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial celebration of life services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will be in Logan Cemetery where military rites will be conducted by the Benton American Legion Post 280, Benton VFW Post 2671, and the U.S. Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

Dennis was born on May 10, 1946, in Benton, the son of Leo Hefner and Irene (Miner) Hefner.

Dennis was a bit broker and started one of the first bit companies in Southern Illinois. During his life he also worked in telephone construction and was an over the road truck driver.

He enjoyed fishing, gardening and spending time with his family and friends. Through his bountiful garden that he grew each year, he would give away and share vegetables with his family and friends.

Dennis was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War.

He attended the Logan Church of God with his mother.

Dennis is survived by two aunts, Ramona Miner Toms of Logan; Ruby Hefner King of Mount Vernon; and numerous cousins.

Those cousins especially close to Dennis include Brenda Hutchcraft and husband, Gary, Lonnie Conner, Brian Hutchcraft, Mike Hutchcraft and Rickie Mace.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Irene (Miner) Hefner; paternal grandparents, Wilson and Nora (Williams) Hefner; maternal grandparents, Lee and Golden Meacham Miner.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Dennis, visit www.lpfuneral home.com.

COELLO — Wayne R. Allen, 78, died at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, in Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion.

Wayne was born July 9, 1937, in Mulkeytown, the son of Revia Allen and Ferol (Johnson) Allen.

Wayne was a member of West City Church of God.

He was an Army veteran.

He married Myrtle (Wilson) Allen on June 18, 1960, and she survives of Coello.

He is also survived by his children, Debbie Ragan of Coello, Kimberly Allen of Christopher, Jimmy Allen and Liz Greenwood of Coello, and Kandi Elko of West Frankfort; two special sons-in-law, Mark Robinson and Pete Elko; grandchildren, Christopher and Marcie Ragan, David Ragan, Ronna Robinson, Scott (Ashley) Robinson, Travis Elko, Michaela Elko, Teyah Elko, Dustin Allen and Kailey Allen; great-grandchildren, Braxton Ragan, Maston Snider, Kenne Robinson, Myles Robinson, Kelisy Grob, Joey Robinson and Layla Flowers; and brother, Wilford Allen of Christopher.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son-in-law, Mike Ragan; brother, Bobby Jacoby; grandson, Kenny Grob; and one great-grandson, Korvin Robinson.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Pastor Harol Whitlock officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West City Church of God or to Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Benton, IL — Paul Alexander Neal, age 71, of Benton, passed away at 3:15 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at his home with his family by his side.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, January 29, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Alan Newman officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Paul was born on August 13, 1944 in Glasgow, Scotland, the son of Dwight “Pug” Neal and Helen (Patrick) Neal. He married the former Beverley Mabry on December 6, 1968 and she survives.

Paul was an over-the-road truck driver, and a member of the First Christian Church–Disciples of Christ in Benton.

He enjoyed drinking coffee with his friends. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandson Trey.

Paul always said, “My kids and grand kids were my biggest accomplishment in life.”

Paul is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverley Neal of Benton; two children: Bryan Neal and wife Stephanie of Benton, Aimee Neal of Benton; three grandchildren, Jade Neal, Dalton Neal, and Trey Keelin all of Benton; a sister-in-law Karen Foutch, whom he considered more to be like a sister, and her husband Rick of Du Quoin; a niece Shelley Webb, whom he considered more to be like a daughter, and her husband Dave of Ewing; several other nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by a sister: Sandra Evans and family of West Frankfort; and a daughter: Angie Rich and family also of West Frankfort.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother-in-law: Wilma Mabry; and two brothers-in-law: Buddy and Billy Mabry.

Paul requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family or to share memories of Paul, visit www.lpfuneral home.com

VALIER — Trudy Scarlett Crocker, 68, died at 9:19 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, in Herrin Hospital.

She was born Oct. 3, 1947, in West Frankfort to Dwight and Dorothy (Kidd) Bailor. She married Gary D. Crocker on May 4, 1968, and he survives in Valier.

Mrs. Crocker was a homemaker.

She was a member of Valier First Baptist Church and had earlier attended Valier United Methodist Church.

Other survivors include her daughter, Lisa and Shannon Gamble of Louisville, Kentucky; grandchildren, Garrett Gamble and Jordan Gamble; sister, Renea and Jim Bailor of Valier; nieces, Britaney Bailor and Bridgette Finley; and great-nieces, McKenzie Finley and Addison Grace Finley.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 29, in Valier First Baptist Church with the Rev. Harl Ray Lewis, the Rev. Zach Waldis and the Rev. Steve Livingston officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the church or Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser.

For more information, go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

Kyle Matthew Hansen, 47, of West City passed away Sunday morning, January 24 , 2016 at his home.

He was born on Nov. 29, 1968, the son of James Russell and Sandra (Dugger) Hansen.

He married Kimberly (Kleine) on October 29, 2004.

Mr. Hansen enjoyed working at the coal mines, yard work and playing music. He was a drummer. Mr. Hansen was employed through GMS for Gateway.

Mr. Hansen is survived by his wife Kimberly Hansen, of West City; mother Sandy Kern, of Buckner; five children Katelyn Fitzwater, of Mt. Vernon, Shane Hansen, serving in the U.S. Army, Kailen Hansen, of Christopher, Jarred Hansen and wife Stephanie, of Texas and Kody Hansen and wife Mary, serving in the U.S. Army; five grandchildren Jett, David, Chloe, Aris and Zelda; two brothers Darren Hansen and wife Pam, of Buckner and Dusty Forby, of Benton; mother-in-law Alice Shanks, of West City. He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, January 29 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Roger Webb officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 28 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

BENTON — Margaret Kelley, 89, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 22, 2016, in St. Mary’s Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Margaret was born July 27, 1926, in Whittington, the daughter of Albert and Dora (Whaley) Shockley.

She married Charles Roy Kelley on Oct. 1, 1949, in Piggott, Arkansas, and he preceded her in death on May 22, 2007.

Mrs. Kelley was a member of the Non-Denominational Church.

She had formerly served as city clerk of Benton.

Survivors include three sons, Robert E. Kelley, Russell E. Kelley Sr. and Russell Edward Kelley Jr., all of Benton; former daughter-in-law, Diane Holloway of Benton; and three nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; three brothers, Alva, Lindell and Stanley; and three sisters, Lena, Delia and Eva.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Kenion Coleman and Jeffrey Vogelzang officiating. Burial will be in Masonic-Odd Fellow Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

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