Christine “Teeny” Blondi, 91, of Benton, died at 4:05 a.m. Sunday, October 11, 2015 at the Helia Healthcare Center of Benton, IL.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 12 noon Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church of Benton with Rev. Lee Lovett officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to the funeral hour on Saturday, October 24, 2015 at the church.

Arrangements are with the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Mrs. Blondi was born on May 29, 1924 in Kinmundy, IL, the daughter of Rola Marlow and Blanche (Mulvaney) Marlow. She married Robert D. Blondi on June 3, 1945 and he preceded her in death on October 3, 1997.

Teeny and her husband formerly ran the Chester City Dairy in Benton. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton, Methodist Women, and the Franklin County Home Extension.

Teeny was an avid Chicago Cubs fan, she enjoyed flowers and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Blondi is survived by her four children: Pam Finley of Carterville, IL, Tom Blondi and wife Barbara of Scottsdale, AZ, Bobby Blondi and wife Mary of Benton, Betty Taylor of Benton; nine grandchildren: Heath Taylor of Whittington, Chrissy and husband Brian Miller of Sesser, Jason Finley and wife Leslie of Nashville, TN, Jeremy Finley and wife Rebecca of Nashville, TN, Rob Blondi and girlfriend Summer Drysdale of Valier, Brett Blondi and wife Kortni of Benton, Andrea and husband Josh Cleaver of Newton, IL, Jayme and husband Chris Robinson of Redondo Beach, CA, Tyler Blondi and wife Dawn of Azusa, CA; ten great-grandchildren: Ty Taylor, Emma Blondi, Bo Blondi, Ayda Blondi, Nolen Cleaver, Brooklyn Cleaver, Marcus Robinson, Samantha Flores, Eve Finley, Charlotte Finley; a great-granddaughter Dempsey Jane Miller due to arrive in January 2016; a sister Mary Kay and husband Don Humrichouse of Eldora, IA; two brothers: Jerry Marlow and wife Cathy of Collinsville, IL, Danny Marlow and wife Brenda of Marietta, GA; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a sister Hilda Bisel, three brothers: Tommy Marlow, Miram Marlow, Darrell Marlow; and her twin sister Helen Chapman.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 203 West Church Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Jack Canada, 80, of West City, passed away October 8, 2015 at his home.

Jack was born on September 1, 1935 in Benton, IL, the son of John and Thelma (Linn) Canada.

He married Patsy (Crawford) on June 24, 1954 in Marion, IL and she preceded him in death on July 27, 2013.

Jack was a loving father, grandfather and brother. He was a 50-year member of the UMWA and a retired coal miner. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Jack is survived by his children, Debbie Canada, of West City, Keith Canada, of West City, Sue McClearin and husband Scott, of Benton and David Canada, of West City; two grandchildren, Jamie Canada, of Benton and Russell Gulley, of Valier, IL; one great-grandson Chase; two brothers Bob and Taina Canada and family of Rockford, IL and Dick Canada and Gigi and family, of Equality, IL; sister-in-law Doris Stewart, of Beecher, IL; extended family members Ron and Carol House and family, of Benton, Nola and Dennis Denham, of West Frankfort, IL, Gordie and Paula Denham, of Cambria, IL, Roy and Debbie Pinkston, of West City, Christi Burke and Paul of Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, a granddaughter Amanda Gulley, a sister Jennie Canada Ward, a sister-in-law Grace Canada and a brother-in-law Arnold Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday , October 14 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. John Neace officiating. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Bate, 65, of Valier, IL passed away October 7, 2015 at his home.

Jerry was born January 7, 1950 in Cleveland, OH the son of William Bate and Anna (Bowlin) Bate.

Jerry married Kelly (Girten) Bate on November 26, 1993 and she survives of Valier.

He was retired as chief of police at Rend Lake College and also worked for police departments in Christopher, Sesser and Valier.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church of Valier and was a trustee of the Valier Village Board.

Jerry was an Army veteran and served in Vietnam.

He is survived by his children, Jerry (Sandra) Bate, of Zeigler, IL, Brandy Bate, Brandon “Buck” Bate and Candice Walker of Zeigler, Kirsten (Johnson) and Ryan Goodisky of Mt Vernon and Kelsey Bate of Valier; grandchildren Cody, Mikayla, Landen, Bella, Rylee and Brody Bate, Lauren Goodisky and Dylon Kelly; sister Marilyn (Jack) Holton, Columbus, OH; special uncles Wendell Bowlin, Sesser and Bud Bowlin, Benton; mother-in-law Jo Ann Girten, Valier; brothers-in-law Donnie and Lyndy Girten, Benton and Cord and Lisa Girten, Valier. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, James Bate and Robert Bate.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with the Rev. Zach Waldis officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery, in Buckner, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier Methodist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Funeral service for Lloyd Friend, of Mulkeytown, IL will be held Friday Oct 9, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. at the Mulkeytown Christian Church.

Visitation will be Thursday from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL and from 10 a.m. Friday till service time at 11 a.m. at the Mulkeytown Christian Church. Burial will be in the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial can be made to the Southern Illinois Christian Service Camp in West Frankfort and will be accepted at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL.

Lloyd was World War II veteran. He served U.S. Army as a Sergeant in Bombardment Radar and as a radio mechanic. He earned American Campaign, WW II Victory Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

After his service he became a farmer and married Patricia N. Thompson on Nov.19, 1955 at the Greenwood Methodist Church. Lloyd was lifelong member of the Mulkeytown church where he was a deacon.

Lloyd and Pat raised four children on the family farm.

Survivors include his Wife Patricia,  three children, Joe L. Friend (Cindy), Lyn Rentfro (David), Paul Dean Friend all of the Mulkeytown area.

Other survivors include seven grandchildren Alana Concord(Dan), Amy Joe Cats (Chris), Curtis Rentfro (Heather),Niki Tindall (Jacob), Paul D.Friend (Lexie), Will B. Friend, Audra Friend; four great-grandchildren, Jeffery O. Furlow, Wyatt J.Tindall, Khloe J. Tindall, and Emma L. Rentfro; three sisters, Helen Smith of Anamosa Iowa, Reba Teel of Houston, Texas, Marriane Holdman, of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parent Lewis S.Friend and Esther E. Friend and his eldest son Jeffery L Friend.

Brenda Joyce Bradley, 68, of Christopher, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

Brenda was born July 6, 1947 in Vincennes, IN, the daughter of Clarence “Doc” Wilbur Adams and Elizabeth “Betty” Joyce Schultz, of Manteno, IL.

She married George Edward Bradley on March 8, 1966 and he preceded her in death on February 17, 2011.

Brenda was a member of the Light the Way Christian Church and was a member of the UMWA Women’s Auxiliary.

Brenda is survived by her children, Steven Dale Bradley, Christopher, IL, Tina Joyce (David) Bird, Christopher, IL and Amanda Jo Bradley, Herrin, IL; one grandchild, Zoie Danielle (Austin) Frey; brothers and sisters, Paul “P.J.” Adam, Jacqueline “Jackie” (Roy) Howell, Marianne (Dale) Burkhalder, John (Ruby) Adams, Randall “Lee” (Cheryl) Adams, Karla (Bob Bopes) Adams, Bruce Adams, Tamara “Tammy” (Lee) Ferguson, Karen (Glenn) Clark, Sharon Adams, Timothy “Tim” Adams, Angela “Angie” (Doug) Snyder, Patrick “Pat” Adams.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one son, Keith Edward Bradley.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher with Minister Robbey Smith, officiating. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2-15 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Horse Prairie Cemetery, in Sesser, IL. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Celtic Hospice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Bill Wilkerson, 89, of Buckner, IL, passed away Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at Frankfort Care Center, in West Frankfort, IL.

He was born May 26, 1926 in Benton, IL, the son of Earl and Janie (Owens) Wilkerson.

Mr. Wilkerson was a World War II veteran, serving in the Army Signal Corps. He was a lifetime member of DAV. Mr. Wilkerson formerly worked for Pinkerton Detective Agency when they were building the Houston Astrodome, in Houston, TX. He worked for Poulson Funeral Home, in Benton, for several years. Mr. Wilkerson was also a truck driver. He would also go with his father in years past to hold revivals at various Apostolic Churches in Illinois.

Mr. Wilkerson is survived by his wife, Betty (Barth) Wilkerson, of Buckner, one son, Bill (Cheryl) Wilkerson, Gulf Shores, AL and one daughter, Faye Carney and husband Jerry, of Foley, AL; four grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, several stepchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Wilkerson was preceded in death by his parents and by six brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, October 4 at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Donnie Hill, of Granite City, IL, officiating. Burial, with military honors by the Benton American Legion and VFW Posts and Illinois National Guard, will be in Franklin Cemetery, in Whittington. Visitation will be after 12 noon on Sunday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

For those who wish, memorials may be made to the DAV, and will accepted at the funeral home at any time.

David Lee Pedigo, 73 of Valier Patch, passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 at his home.

He was born in West Frankfort, IL on May 27, 1942, the son of Alfred Otto and Maggie (Campbell) Pedigo. He married Carolyn Fae (Joiner) on March 17, 1962 in Valier Patch.

Mr. Pedigo was a bass fisherman and made crappie jigs.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pedigo, three children Dennis Ray Pedigo, David B. Pedigo and Cleona Fae Pedigo; five grandchildren, Amber Dawn Short, Beth Nicole Williams, Kelsey Lee Docherty, David Anthony Pedigo and Alicea Fae Pedigo; nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Sam Pedigo and wife Janet, of Johnston City and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Pedigo was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m.m Thursday, October 1, 2015 at the Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, in Benton, IL with Pastor Chris Hammonds officiating. Burial will be at the Hammond Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the church.

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

Judith Ann Pearce, 69, of Ewing, IL left her earthly home and walked into the arms of her heavenly father on September 26, 2015.

Judy was born September 20, 1946 to James Edward and Dorothy Mae (Auten) Sullivan.

She became a Christian in June 1960 and followed Christ all her life. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Thompsonville, IL where she grew up.

She met the love of her life Gale Martin Pearce and they were married December 23, 1966. To this union were born two children Daron Scott (Debbie) Pearce, Ewing and Lisa Michelle, who died in infancy.

She is survived by her son Daron (Debbie) Pearce, of Ewing; a stepdaughter Vanessa Burgess, of Ewing; granddaughters Kaela Ann (Ben) Menson, of Columbus, IN, Allison Michelle Pearce, Daniel Lenevich, of Ewing and Amanda Nicole Harris, of Marion, IL; one sister, Brenda (Bill) Smith, West Frankfort; one brother Roger (Brenda) Sullivan, Thompsonville; nieces and nephews Kevin (Kendall) Smith, Thompsonville, Kenny (Denise) Smith, Thompsonville, Kim (Matt) Rains, West Frankfort, John (Shasta) Sullivan, Carmi, IL, Sheila (Aaron) Smith, Lakeland, FL; great nieces and nephews Leanna, Kenlee, Kenise, Kolby, Koty, Brogan, Hunter, Dallas, Bryson, Easton, Ian and Kaylee. She is also survived by aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

Judy and Gale were members of Williams Chapel Church, in Ewing where Judy was Sunday School teacher, church treasurer and song leader until its closing. They now attend Oasis Community Church of the Nazarene in Harrisburg, IL.

Gale and Judy and Daron and Debbie own and operate Rend Lake Antique Mall and Southern Illinois Auction at Ina. Gale and Judy are retired farmers.

Judy was a member of Frankfort Area Genealogy Society, in West Frankfort and Franklin County Tourism, in Benton. She adored her children and granddaughters. She loved spending time with family and friends.

Judy was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa Michelle, her mother Dorothy Sullivan, father-in-law and mother-in-law Falgar and Lillie Pearce, grandparents Earl and Esta Sullivan and Mamie and Holloway Auten and aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 30 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton, IL with Pastor Gary Clark officiating. Visitation will be at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home on Tuesday, September 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. and after 8 a.m. on Wednesday. Burial will be at Thurmond Cemetery, in Ewing.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Baptist Children’s Home, in Carmi.

 

James Allen Lusby, 52, of Benton, died Friday, August 28, 2015 at his home.

Mr. Lusby’s wishes were to be cremated. A Memorial Graveside Service will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Sursa Cemetery of Mt. Vernon, IL. There will be no visitation. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

James was born on November 26, 1962 in Joliet, IL, the son of Mikul Don Lusby-Jones and Donna Annalee (Funkhouser) Lusby.

He and his mother owned and operated Lusby’s Janitorial Service in the Lemont, IL area.

James enjoyed evening walks, watching 1970’s and 80’s era television programs and movies, collecting Hot Wheels cars, his cat, and Chicago Bears football.

He is survived by his sister Carrie Plascencia and husband Joe of Joliet, IL; a brother Don Lusby and wife Linda of Chicago Ridge, IL; three nieces: Samantha, Lindsey and Lilyanna; three nephews: Keith and wife Shannon, Eric, and Alejandro; two great-nephews: Damyen and Apollo; a great-niece Bella; two aunts: Elizabeth Overbey of Benton, and Sara Jones of Sharon, TN; and numerous loving cousins.

James was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece Chantrese.

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