Bob Furlow, 84, of Christopher, IL passed away on June 16, 2024 at his home. He was born on April 9, 1940 in Bugtussle, IL to Joseph M. and Effie M. (Lundsford) Furlow. He married Kathryn (Robinson) Furlow on August 2, 1959. She preceded him in death on May 5, 1995.

Bob owned and operated Christopher Bowlin’s Foodland with his brother Bill Furlow for many years. When Bill retired, he sold his share of the store to Bobby Joe. Bob and Bobby Joe continued to operate the hometown grocery store. He was extremely proud that Bobby took over the family business. Countless family members and local residents worked at the store over the years. Bob enjoyed talking to former employees about their time working there.

Bob was a devoted family man who loved to host get togethers with family and friends for holidays, birthdays, or just any good excuse to party. Having 30-40 guests for Thanksgiving dinner was a normal occurrence. Camping, boating, fishing, and riding in his side by side with his faithful companion Jasper were some of his favorite pastimes. Stories from Wednesday catfishing trips at Rend Lake and trips to Lake Okeechobee were quite entertaining. Camping in his motorhome or on the banks of the big muddy or the pond in his pop up camper were also favorite memories. If you were going to tend the fire, better not burn his poker stick!

Bob is survived by his children Lisa (Roger) Griffith, Debra (Greg) Davison, Linda (James) Eaton, Bobby Furlow, and bonus daughter Jamie Myers. His grandchildren, Andrea (Chad) Beltz, Dr. Jamie Davison and husband Dr. Chad Link, David Patchett and wife Dr. Jin Park, Julie (TC Eovaldi) Bullock, Mitch (Amy) Griffith, Jacob (Haley) Eaton. Great grandchildren, Brandon Isom, Stephanie (Austin Walker) Isom, Allyssa Bullock, Gavin Beltz, Ella Bullock, Brennan Link, Kathryn Link, Tristan Link, Anna Bullock, Logan Patchett, Brynn Patchett, Lucas Eaton, Archer Eaton, and 1 great-great grandson, Waylon Wayne Walker. His is also survived by his “sweetheart” Linda Roberts, one brother Bill Furlow, sisters-in-law Carol Aronson and Sandra Williams. His memory will live on with many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, brothers Darrel Dean Furlow and Harold Wayne Furlow, sisters-in-law Mary Furlow, Betty Furlow, and Jean Furlow.

A celebration of life visitation will be held from 4:00-8:00 PM on June 29, 2024 at the Show Room Event Center, 117 W. Market, St, Christopher, Il. A private burial will be held at a later date.

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

James Edward Lindhurst, age 62, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home.

James was born on January 1, 1962, in Kirkwood, Missouri, the son of Frank Ernest Lindhurst and Harriet Louise (Crossett) “Penny” Lindhurst.

He worked as a laborer with Laborer’s Local 773 of Marion, Illinois.

James was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benton Boneyard Boccie Ball Club.

His enjoyments included St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, and watching NASCAR. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon and the #24 Dupont car. He also loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is a daughter Tiffany Talley of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Trenton Talley, Delaney Carlton and Brantley Carlton; a sister Judy Melugin of Las Vegas, NV; three brothers: Steven DeMoranville, David Lindhurst, Tommy Walden; two nieces: Haleigh Melugin and Melissa Lindhurst; and his cat RJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes are to be cremated with a Memorial Celebration of Life Open House will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

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

James Edward Lindhurst, age 62, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home.

James was born on January 1, 1962, in Missouri, the son of Penny Lindhurst.

He worked as a laborer with Laborer’s Local 773 of Marion, Illinois.

James was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Benton Boneyard Boccie Ball Club.

His enjoyments included St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Kansas City Chiefs football, and watching NASCAR. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon and the #24 Dupont car. He also loved the outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving is a daughter Tiffany Talley of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Trenton Talley, Delaney Carlton and Brantley Carlton; a sister Judy of Las Vegas, NV; and his cat RJ.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

His wishes are to be cremated with a future Memorial visitation is to be announced.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

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

Michael Patrick Griffin, age 66, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at his home.

Michael was born on July 16, 1957, in Oak Park, Illinois; the son of Joseph Griffin and Janice (Schrieber) Griffin.

He formerly worked as a short order cook at a bowling alley and a grocery store deli.

Mike enjoyed bowling, bicycling, sporting events, and visiting with friends and family.

He was a loving, caring, give the shirt off his back individual, that will be missed by many.

Surviving is a daughter Ashley Sparrow and husband Luke of Murfreesboro, TN; three grandchildren: Everett, Elanore and Eliza; a brother Joe Griffin of Geneva, IL; special friend Connie Orley of Benton, IL; aunt and uncle: Roseann and Donald E. Holman, Sr. of West Frankfort, IL; aunt Gloria DeVries-Kazora of Manteno, IL; a special loving and caring cousin Nora Snyder and husband John of Benton, IL; numerous other loving cousins and their families and his loving dog Princess.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his twin sister Patricia Michelle Griffin.

His wishes are to be cremated with future burial next to his twin sister.

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

Pamela Ann Teague, 63, of West City passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at the Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

Pamela was born in East St. Louis, IL on November 1, 1960 the daughter of James & Patricia (Bova) McCain.

Pam’s passion was genealogy, she helped so many people find information about their families and she loved doing that. Pam loved spending time with her family especially her grandkids and great-grandkids, gardening, her flowers, watching The Golden Girls and the Kansas City Chiefs. For the past month Pam especially enjoyed watching the hummingbirds outside her front window. She loved her cat Molly and Pam was a very adventerous person

Pam is survived by her:
Husband: William Teague
2 Children:
Salina Cunningham & husband Tim
Sabrina Walker & husband Kristopher
9 Grandchildren:
Kelsey (James)
Alexis (Edgar)
Ethan (Sydney)
Emma
Zachary
Bailey
Ryan
Madison
Kendra
Great-Grandchildren: Salem, Eleanor, Aleiah, Grayson & Ruby
Brother: Dale McCain & wife Geri
Sister: Kim McCain & husband Andre
Pam was preceded in death by her Parents, 2 Sisters-Kathy Moore & Angie Ramirez and Brother-Roger McCain.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Benton American Legion on Saturday, June 15th from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Food will be provided, please feel free to bring flowers if you wish.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Emily Elizabeth Harris, 41, of Benton passed away on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN.

She was born on March 5, 1983 in West Frankfort the daughter of Don & Chris (Casey) Owens.

Emily married James (Jimmi) Harris on October 23, 2010.

Emily’s biggest passion in life was her husband, children and her family. Her passion was being a stay at home Mom. She was always giving, caring and putting others above herself. She chose to be a donor in order to give the gift of life to others. She and the girls would fix birthday bags for the foster children and bags for the homeless. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Gratefully Blessed was a business she operated from home, the name was chosen because of her daughters. She could light up a room with her smile & laughter.

Emily is survived by her:

Husband: James (Jimmi) Harris of Benton

2 Daughters: Maykia Sophia & Brylee Elizabeth

Granddaughter: Aurora

Step-son: Christian James Harris

Parents: Don & Chris Owens

Brother: Brent Thomas Owens

Niece: Aubrey Harris

Nephew: Dawsyn Owens

Brother-in-law: Matthew & Sara Harris

Grandmother: Linda Casey Lindell

Grandmother: Mary Lee Owens

Father-In-law & Mother-in-law: Alan & Linda Harris

Emily was preceded in death by her Grandfathers: Donald E. Owens, Sr & Charles Ross Casey, Sr. and a Sister-Hannah Marie Owens.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, June 16th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Michael Nave officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday 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 send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Sue Carole Hefner Dirks, 88, of Benton, IL, passed away at 4:28 p.m., on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Helia Healthcare of Benton, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 8, 1935, to Lester and Ruby (Lyday) McFadden in Louisville, KY. Sue married Clyde W. Hefner on October 31, 1952, and he passed away on May 13, 1984. On December 19, 1995, Sue married Kenneth K. Dirks and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2020.
She was a member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton and was devoted to her church and her faith.

Sue was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, Sunday fun day at the pool and having all her family together truly made her happy.
Sue was proud of the profound impact she had in the community of Benton, helping people at her retail store, Sues II, which she owned and operated for 54 years. She had passion for hard work and dedication as a fashion icon in the area and was an inspiration to everyone she met.

She was one of the founders of the Downtown Festival of Lights and she ran the Rend Lake Pageant for many years. Sue truly enjoyed being active in the community and as an inspiration to everyone she met.

Sue is survived by her loving daughters, Kelly (Greg) Bain and Robin (Hugh) Frailey; her grandchildren, Jordan (Wendy) Frailey, Drew (Shelby) Frailey and Breanne (Shane) Brady and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Chance Brady, Kip Brady, Stella Frailey, Adalynn McCormick and Bridger Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ruby McFadden, her 1st Husband, Clyde Hefner, her 2nd Husband, Kenneth K. Dirks and her brother, Richard E. McFadden.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Ken Petty, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Grace Awakening Church in Benton and or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Eleanora Smith, 88, of Marion formerly of Mulkeytown, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on June 1, 2024.

She was born on September 17, 1935, to Mary Edith and Elmer Williamson. In her last years, she discovered her love for a small white dog, Violet, with whom she regularly shared chips.

On August 29, 1954, Eleanora married her husband, Norman Davis Smith, and together they had three daughters: Denise Tanner, Renee Lampley, and Tracy Smith. She had eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Among family and friends, she was known for her determined spirit, the amazing meals she cooked, and the beautiful quilts she sewed and embroidered.

Eleanora Smith was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and sister, Delores Pinkham.

Graveside services will be on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Mulkeytown Cemetery in Mulkeytown with Pastor Zip Biby officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.