Benton, IL — Sandra Renee (Fletcher) Gibbs, age 61, passed away at 2:30 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at her home in Rend City.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Brother Paul Reynolds officiating, with burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home and from 11 a.m. Thursday until the funeral hour at 1 p.m. Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Sandy was born on March 27, 1954 in Christopher, IL, the daughter of Robert Henry Fletcher and Bobbie Ruth (Simpson) Fletcher. She married Charles Curtis Gibbs on February 4, 2006, and he survives.

She was a loving wife, mother, grandma and great-grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved to listen to music, dance, craft, crochet, read, garden and watch the birds and wildlife. Her smile could light up a room with joy.

Sandy is survived by her husband of ten years Charles Curtis Gibbs of Benton; two children: Lisa Marie McClerren and husband Russell of Thompsonville, IL, William Jack Chaffin and wife Stacey of Scheller, IL; ten grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; two brothers: Terry L. Fletcher and wife Jackie of Ewing, Michael Fletcher and wife Janice of Thompsonville; two sisters: Pauletta Y. Henson and husband Martin of Christopher, Vickie J. Merriman and husband Richard of Goreville; two sisters-in-law Thelma Overton of Valier Patch, IL and Ellen Shockley and husband Paul of Benton; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; twin brothers Donald and Ronald Fletcher, and a granddaughter Leah Caroleen Bunch.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, 2501 Oak Lawn Avenue, Suite 435, Dallas, TX 75219.

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

Donald “Duck” Simion, 74, of Christopher, IL,  passed away January 3, 2016 at VA Medical Center, in Marion, IL.

Donald was born July 24, 1941, the son of Rudolph Simion and Opal (Roberts) Simion.

He married Karen (Flowers) Simion on June 27, 1966 and she survives.

Donald was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his children, Aaron and Mary Simion, of Christopher and Eric and Wendy Simion, of Fort Wayne, IN; one brother, Darrell and Rose Simion, of Christopher and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery, in Christopher.  Entombment will be at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Christopher. In lieu of flowers memorial should be made to the ALS Association, 2258 Weldon Parkway, St. Louis, MO, 63158

Friends ask are asked to meet at the St. Andrews Cemetery.

The family of Duck Simion would like to invite family & friends to a luncheon at Duckie’s Station following the graveside service.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

James Clifford Carpenter, 76, of Christopher, IL passed away January 2, 2016 at his home.

He was born July 19, 1939 in Christopher, the son of Clifford Carpenter and Lena (Laws) Carpenter.

James was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and a member of the Christopher American Legion and the Italian Club, in Coello, IL.

He is survived by his children Laurie Greene (Casey), Nebraska, step-children Tina and David, of Florida and Anthony, of Desoto, IL; grandchildren Allison Fels and (Danny),Halley Zulawski (Andrew), Caitlan Greene, Carissa Greene, great-grandchildren Danny Jr. and Kylee; brothers and sisters Dimple and Patrick Lynch, Christopher, Jane & Dean Phillips-Pinckneyville IL, Laverne Wilmore, Joliet, IL, Marion and Lou Carpenter, Port Bolover TX, Johnny amd Fay Key Christopher, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents, brother LeRoy Carpenter, sisters Carolyn Dulitus, Loretta Hester, Ruby Vaughn and infant sisters Gladys and Alberta Carpenter.

Graveside funeral services will be held Wednesday Jan. 6, 2016 at 1 p.m. at Mulkeytown Cemetery, in Mulkeytown, IL. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

James Allyn Drew, age 66, of Ewing, passed away at 8:38 a.m. Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at the St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 1, 2016 at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Rev. Dale Burzynski officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the conclusion of the funeral service at the funeral home by the Benton American Legion Post #280, V.F.W. Post #2671 and the Army National Guard. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

James was born on June 9, 1949 to Lester and Goldie (Hall) Drew of Benton.

He was of the Baptist faith having formerly been a member of Flatt’s Baptist Church until its closing.

James served his country in the U.S. Army from March 17, 1969 to March 8, 1971 during the Viet Nam War.

He formerly worked for BNSF Railroad, was a rural mail carrier, and also worked for Ewing-Northern Township.

He loved fishing, hunting, car races and working on cars. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He never met a stranger and was always there to help when called upon.

James is survived by his wife Joanne (Hendricks) Drew of Ewing, IL; his children: Robert Drew and wife Heather of Benton, IL, James Drew of McLeansboro, IL, James D. Lenard and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Rick Lenard and wife Kelly of Johnston City, IL, Vicky Shageto and husband Victor of Bonnie, IL, Kim Phelps and husband Eric of West City, IL; a sister Mary Ellen Spann and husband Jerry of Little Rock, AR; two brothers Dewayne Drew and wife Renne’ of Waltonville, IL, Rodger Drew and wife Sharon of Ina, IL; seventeen grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews; and was loved by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother Donald Johns.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Palma Vercellino Ronchetto, at the age of 92, passed away December 27, 2015 peacefully at her home in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. 

She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Dolly) Vercellino Recht, Grandchildren Ronnie Lee Phillips, Eric Recht, Christopher and wife Carmen Recht, Pamela and husband Mark Colon; Great Grandchildren Sara Trost, Robert Phillips, Victoria Recht, Marina Recht, Savannah Harley Colon, Enzo Colon and Great Great Grandchildren Alexandria Trost and Sophia Trost. 

Palma was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Barnie Vercellino in 1983, daughter, Dianne Phillips Sapia in 2003, and grandson, Bryan Wayne Phillips who passed away in October 2015.  Bryan’s wife Linda Phillips survives.

Preceding her in death, also, was husband, Domenick Ronchetto, Sr. whom she married in 1997.  She loved and appreciated her surviving stepson and daughter-in-law Joe Robert and Sue Ronchetto and stepson, Domenick Ronchetto, Jr. and all of their children.

Palma was born March 6, 1923 in Mulkeytown, Illinois and lived in Valier.  In 1972 she and Barnie built a home in Fort Lauderdale.  In time her daughter’s and grandchildren would all live near her there, however, she called Valier home.  She was a respected member of the Valier First Baptist Church and the Oceanside Baptist Church in Fort Lauderdale.  Her faith was a beacon to us all. Palma Vercellino Ronchetto will always be remembered as a Matriarch.

Funeral Service will be on Saturday January 2, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Valier First Baptist Church in Valier with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis Officiating.   Visitation will be on Saturday January 2, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 1:00 P.M. at the church.  Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois.

Bryan Wayne Phillips’ passing will be honored during the services.

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

Christopher, IL

Damien A. Edwards, age 35, of Christopher, IL died Sunday, December 20, 2015 at his home.

Cremation services will be accorded. A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date.

Arrangements are through the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Damien Arwel Edwards, was born on March 3, 1980 in Rotherham South Yorkshire, England, the son of Arwel Edwards and June (Leigh) Edwards. He married Callie Huffine on October 10, 2010 and she survives.

Until his health prevented him from working, Damien was employed with the Coello Fire Department. He also formerly worked as an electrical engineer, worked for Auto Credit of Southern Illinois, and AllTel Communications.

While growing up in England, he attended the Church of England.

Surviving is his wife Callie Edwards of Thompsonville; his two sons: Alexander Lee Edwards and Liam Anderson Edwards, both of Thompsonville; his parents: Arwel and June Edwards of the United Kingdom; a brother Kevin Charlesworth of the United Kingdom; a sister: Sharon Charlesworth Squires of the United Kingdom; his in-laws: William and Mary Huffine of Thompsonville; and several nieces and nephews.

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

West Frankfort, IL — Charles Jens Clark, age 91, of West Frankfort, passed away at 4:46 a.m. Christmas Day at his home with his family and friends at his bedside.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the Thompsonville Seventh Day Adventist Church with Pastor John Lomacang officiating. Burial with military rites are to follow.

Arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mr. Clark was born on May 10, 1924 in Erina, NE, the son of Charles Egbert Clark and Hansina (Mortensen) Clark. He married the former Frances Muriel Williams of rural Mansfield, MO on December 7, 1947, together they shared 68 years of marriage.

Charlie was a dairy farmer, rancher and carpenter.  He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Medical Corps. Charlie volunteered at 3 Angels Broadcasting for over 15 years.

He was a faithful Christian and member of the Thompsonville Seventh Day Adventist Church. He lived believing in the nearness of the second coming of the Lord, and died believing he will sleep in the grave until the sound of the trumpet when Jesus Christ will come and wake the dead in Christ.

Charlie enjoyed playing and working with his children and spending time with his cattle, driving tractors and watching his corn grow. His work was his pleasure.

He is survived by his wife Frances Clark of West Frankfort, his ten children: Ross Clark and wife Debbie of Mansfield, MO, Rodney Clark and wife Cynthia of Bartlett, NE, Pam Turner and husband David of Thompsonville, Barbara Clark-Laird of Mansfield, MO, Tammy Larson and husband Clarence of Thompsonville, Melissa Martin and husband Steve of Higdon, AL, David Clark of Fayetteville, AR, Kim Anderson and husband Ken of Ooltewah, TN, Jonathan Clark of Bangalore, India, Jody Immanuel and husband Thomas of Bangalore, India; twenty grandchildren: Kelley Fowler, Andy Clark, Brent Coffman, Tracy Collins, Nathan Clark, Amanda Bauler, Jefferson Clark, Jason Clark, Sunshine Story, Crystal Arriola, Azure Guzman, Summer Boyd, Lucas Boyd, Keith Downs, Matthew Downs, Melanie Pierce, Monica Dunne, Jacob Martin, Abigail Martin, Jennifer Immanuel; thirty great-grandchildren; and numerous foster children.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Dorothy Clark; and two grandsons: Eric Cordell Downs and John Damon Clark.

Memorial contributions may be made to 3ABN P.O. Box 220 West Frankfort, IL 62896.

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

BENTON — Larry D. Page, 78, passed away Sunday evening, Dec. 27, 2015, in Benton.

Larry was born July 10, 1937, in Ewing, the son of Colvar “Bill” and Lola (Cole) Page.

He married Mary Ann (Taylor) on Aug. 10, 1957, at Nazarene Church in Benton, and she survives.

Mr. Page retired as water superintendent for the city of Benton. He loved going to his grandkids’ ballgames and activities and was an avid Cardinals Fan. He attended Whittington Church.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann Page of Benton; four children, Julie and Bill Sentel of Macedonia, Scott and Lisa Page and Jill and Pat Sanders, all of Benton, and Jennifer Page of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Marcie and Adam Clark of Macedonia, Sarah and Donnie Millenbine of Dahlgren, Alison and Jason Woodrow of Springerton, Heather and Ryan Stock of Marion, Ashley Page of Valmeyer and Carston Sanders of Benton; and great-grandchildren, Calynn, Morgan and Camryn Clark, Mallorie and Trevor Millenbine, Grace, Annabell, Caroline, John and Elizabeth Woodrow and Connor Dutton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Robert Leon “Leroy” Page.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 31, in Whittington Church with the Rev. Mark Minor and the Rev. Greg Shelton officiating. Burial will be in Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 30, at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton and 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Whittington Church 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.

Benton, IL

Kenny Munday, age 78, of Benton, passed away at 3:50 p.m. Christmas Day.

Private family services will be held.

Kenny was born on October 11, 1937 in Benton the son of Morgan C. Munday and Iva (Hays) Munday. He married the former Sandy Henley on June 5, 1964, and together they shared 51 years in marriage.

Kenny worked as an auto body mechanic with BM Motors in Benton. He was a member of the First Christian Church of Benton.

Kenny is survived by his wife Sandy Munday of Benton; two daughters: Tara Diebling of Union, MO, Makala Munday of Benton; two grandsons: Matthew Morgan Sabal and Hudson Harley Sabal; a brother Tom Munday and wife Lonny of Orlando, FL; a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tom and Connie Henley of Thompsonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

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