Dennis ‘Rick” Paxton, 66, of Benton, IL, passed away September 21, 2015 at Franklin Hospital, in Benton.

Rick was born November 20, 1948 in St. Louis, MO, the son of Lindell Paxton and Lulubelle (Tucker) Paxton.

He was an Army veteran, serving in Vietnam. Rick was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton and the Benton Elks.

He married Thelma (Barber) Paxton on June 14, 1990 and she survives.

Also surviving is a daughter, Teresa Michele Totman, of Danville, KY; granddaughter Briar H. North’ one brother David Paxton, Hilton Head, SC and one sister Teresa ‘Terri’ Hallahan, Christopher, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, John “Micky” Paxton.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 25, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher with the Rev. Naomi Edmonds officiating. Visitation will be on Friday, September 25, 2015 from 6 to 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Paxton Family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

William Stephen ‘Steve’ Swinney, 67, of Benton, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on September, 16, 2015.

Steve was born June 20, 1948, in Benton, the son of Dr. William “Bill” Joplin Swinney and Dorothy Monroe Swinney.

Steve was a 1966 graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, serving as class president and in numerous other clubs. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Illinois State University and his Master’s Degree from University of Denver.

Steve spent 41 years working in the banking industry, serving as the president of State Bank of Whittington since 1977. During his years as president, the bank added three new branches in Benton, Sesser and Christopher and the bank has continued to be locally owned and operated and carry a five star rating. He served most of his career on the legislative committee for the Community Bankers Association. Steve accepted the award for Benton-West City Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2010 for State Bank of Whittington. Steve spoke often of his love for helping others and the work he accomplished at State Bank of Whittington. He was a very humble, honest and giving person. Steve was an avid golfer, enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a member of the Boneyard Boccie Ball Club and the Benton Elks.

Steve is survived by his wife, Sibyl Rodenbush Swinney, children Greg Swinney, Heather Franklin (Michael), Sara Holman, step-children Ronda Baker Dunn (Randy), Beth Baker and Preston Baker (Amy); grandchildren Tommy “The Turtle” Swinney, Emma, Kaylee, Jacob Franklin; Dash, Charlie, Josie Holman; Sara Hammer (Matt), Gavin Wanstreet (Elaine) and Lea Baker. Great-grandchild Eleanor (Ella) Hammer; sister Nancy Durham (Chuck), niece Stephanie McDuffee (Mike) and her children Jessica Sommer (Ethan) and Keyndra Calvin; brothers-in-law the Rev. Robert Rodenbush and wife Evangeline and Barry Rodenbush. He was also survived by a special cousin Jack Monroe and several other family members, friends and colleagues.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Robert Rodenbush officiating. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Franklin Cemetery in Whittington.

For those who wish memorial contributions can be made to the Ronald McDonald House or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Benton, IL

Ernest William Stroud, Jr., 58, of Benton, died at 10:02 p.m. Monday, September 7, 2015, at his mother’s home.

Mr. Stroud was cremated.

A Memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 17, 2015 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home, with Sister Laura Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be from 12 noon until the funeral hour. Burial will be at a future date. Arrangements are with the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Ernest was born on February 7, 1957 in Joliet, IL, the son of Ernest William Stroud, Sr. and Katherine (Zobel) Stroud. He married the former Jane Frances Cherigatti on November 27, 1976, and she preceded him in death on June 4, 2011.

Mr. Stroud, during his employment career, worked in the maintenance department with Stepan Chemical. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

Ernest actively served in the U.S. Army from January 31, 1975 to January 30, 1978 where he was a certified Track Vehicle Mechanic. During his service time he attained the rank of Specialist 4th class.

Mr. Stroud is survived by his mother Katherine Stroud of Benton; two sons: Michael William Stroud of Benton, Kurt Lee Stroud and wife Melissa of Shorewood, IL; four brothers: Robert Ray Stroud and wife Eileen of Joliet, David Lee Stroud of Joliet, Richard Joseph Stroud and wife Andrea of Mundelein, IL, and Adam F. Stroud; four nephews and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his father, his wife Jane, a sister, and a nephew.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family to help with the cremation services, and will be accepted at the funeral home..

To sign the online memorial guestbook or to share memories of Ernest, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Benton, IL

Sherry Lynn Ude, 60, of Benton, died at 3:33 p.m. Monday, September14, 2015, at the Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Sherry’s wishes were to be cremated.

Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, September 18, 2015 at the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

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

Sherry was born on January 8, 1955 in Greenville, KY, the daughter of Rufus Allen Burch and Hazel Renee (Knight) Burch. She married Ralph “Sam” Gibbs on August 8, 2008 and he survives.

Sherry retired from AMAX Delta Mine in Harco. Sherry was the first lady coal miner in the state of Illinois to receive an explosives certification. She was a member of the U.M.W.A.

She enjoyed traveling, and her little dogs.

Sherry is survived by her husband, Ralph “Sam” Gibbs of Benton; her son Matthew Jesse Ude of Benton; a step-son Bill Gibbs of Johnston City; four grandchildren: Dakota McClure, Madison Carter, Emily Sanders, Cord Turner; three great-grandchildren; a sister Lisa Sherman and husband Keith of Bremen, KY; a brother Richard Burch and wife Kaye of Florida; a brother-in-law Bill Gibbs; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Misty Jo McClure; and a brother Jerry Burch.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Humane Society, 2100 L Street, NW, Washington DC 20037, and will be accepted at the funeral home..

To sign the online memorial guestbook or to share memories of Sherry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Iona F. Eisenhauer, 86, of Benton, IL passed away on September 12, 2015 at Helia Health Care, in Benton.

Iona was born in Royalton, IL on September 25, 1928, the daughter of Barney and Pearl Sims.

On November 23, 1949 she married Perry Eisenhauer, in Royalton.

She was a member of the First Christian Church in Benton. Iona was a clerk for many years with F. W. Woolworth and Virgil Center Fabrics. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Iona is survived by her husband, Perry Eisenhauer, of Benton, one daughter Brenda (Barry) Sink, of Benton; three grandsons Tyler (Bethany) Sink, of Benton, Preston (Laurel) Sink, of Santa Rosa Beach, FL; Michael Garavalia and fiance Courtney, of Benton; granddaughter Lisa Ann (Bryan) Russell, of Benton; great-grandchildren Addelyn Sink, Makinley Sink, Jedidiah Sink, Cora Sink and Molly Jolene Russell.

Iona was preceded in death by her parents, stepfather, Verne Hiller, by a sister Wanda Woods and by her daughter Becky Garavalia.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 14 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Visitation will be after 10 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton.

For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to the First Christian Church School Lunchbag Program.

Ruth Burzynski Grammer, 88, of Sesser, IL, passed away September 6, 2015.

Ruth was born January 26, 1927, in Franklin County, the daughter of Lawrence and Martha Burzynski.

She married Billy Grammer at Rend City Church in 1944 and he preceded her in death. Ruth and Billy lived a number of years in Nashville, TN where he was a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Ruth is survived by her three children, Donna (David) Blair, Nashville, TN, Dianne (Alan) Mezger, of Dallas, TX and Billy (Sally) Grammer, Richardson, TX; three brothers, Lawrence Burzynski, Marion Burzynski and Butch Burzynski; two sisters, Stella Stewart and Janie Cummings; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and many in-laws.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, seven siblings, an infant brother, Raymond, Stanley, John and Walter Burzynski; sisters Mary Freeman and Helen Thompson and a grandson, Jeff Blair.

Ruth loved much and was much loved. She will be terribly missed by her family, church family, bowling league family and all who knew her.

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday, September 11, 2015 at Rend City Baptist Church, with visitation two hours prior. Interment will be in Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Rend City Baptist Church Building Fund, C/O Pastor John WEst, 7511 Minier Road, Benton, IL 62812.

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

Ruth Ann Garrett, 88, of Benton; passed away at 4 a.m. Saturday, September 5, 2015 at the Franklin Hospital of Benton, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, 2015 at the Leffler-Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler-Poulson Funeral Home.

Ruth Ann was born on December 14, 1926 in Benton, the daughter of Lee Rea and Lena (Neunlist) Rea. She married Gerald Leon Garrett on February 14, 1969 and he survives.

Mrs. Garrett formerly worked as a waitress and she was a housewife. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Benton.

Ruth Ann enjoyed shopping, getting her hair fixed, and her dog “Tiny”.

Most of all Ruth Ann was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Mrs. Garrett is survived by her husband of 46 years: Gerald L. Garrett of Benton; a daughter: Billie Wyant and husband Gary of Benton; a son: David Rogers and wife Vicki of Marion; two step-sons: Mickey Garrett and wife Nancy of West Frankfort, Mark Garrett of Pekin; seven grandchildren: Brian Wyant and wife Holly, Travis Wyant and wife Kelli, Justin Wyant and wife Misty all of Benton, Brandy Rogers and Lacey Rogers both of Marion, Karee Church and husband Shawn of West Frankfort, Amber Garrett of Pekin; fourteen great-grandchildren; a sister: Hazel Price of Benton; and three nieces: Sandy Long, Mary Lou Thomas and Sharon Benton.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Dorothy Smothers, and a step-son Greg Garrett.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church of Benton, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To sign the online memorial guestbook or to share memories of Ruth Ann, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Hollis Dale West, died unexpectedly at his home in Lexington, KY at the age of 84, on September 1, 2015.

Hollis is survived by four children: Holly Denise Wilson (Freddie), Johnnie Jean Marlow (Paul), Marsha John (John), and Gordon Scott West. Seven grandchildren: Chris Tapp, William Ashley Wilson (Amber), Haley Wilson Hall (Clint), Jasmine John Reuscher (Nick), Jordan Michael John, Camille Patsy West, and Meredith Diana West, and six great grandchildren: Isabella Tapp, Lawson Tapp, Cullen Jax Wilson, Briley Olivia Reuscher, Holly Katherine Hall, and Emery Grace Reuscher.

He was preceded in death by his wife Patsy Jean Metcalf West and a beloved granddaughter Holly Nicole Wilson. Also his parents Hollie Jefferson West and Gladys Myrtle Stevison West, and one brother Leon West.

He also leaves behind special friends and colleagues Robert Schaeffer, Mike Perry, David Farmer, Ron Williams, and Bonnie Vaughn

Hollis was born February 6, 1931 in Sesser, Illinois to Hollie Jefferson West and Gladys Myrtle Stevison West. He graduated from Sesser High School in 1949 and married Patsy Metcalf that same year.

After joining the United States Air force during the Korean War, Hollis was sent to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. There he taught Morse Code to Airman who were going overseas. Upon leaving the Air Force, he returned to Illinois in 1955 and went to Southern Illinois University on the GI Bill. He often worked three jobs while attending school to provide for his family.

Upon graduating from college, he took a job in Kalamazoo, Michigan at a federally funded program for low income and developmentally delayed adults. From there the family moved to Charleston, West Virginia so Hollis could open a Manpower Training Program. This was the beginning of “The War on Poverty.” Hollis began working with very powerful people like Robert Kennedy and Jay Rockefeller.

He was contacted by a friend and offered a position as the Director of Job Corps in Battle Creek, Michigan, where race riots were common. He made an enemy of former President Gerald Ford who was a congressman from Michigan. Ford worked behind the scenes to have Hollis fired. Hollis took a job at another Sheltered Workshop and the family moved to Syracuse, New York.

While in New York, he was approached to take a job in Barbourville, Kentucky to work for the Community Action Council. Less than a year after moving to New York, the family moved again.

In Barbourville, Hollis worked hand in hand with those who dedicated their lives to the poor, illiterate, and less fortunate. In response to Governor Louie B. Nunn giving a racehorse to a Saudi Arabian Sheik, Hollis presented Governor Nunn with a mule named Hope on behalf of the poor.

During his tenure at OEO in Barbourville, Hollis opened KY Krafts, Lawson Furniture, and the Hickory House Restaurant all so that the poor of Knox County might find employment.

In 1984, his wife Patsy became ill and they returned to Illinois to be with family. Hollis took a job as an Administrator at Rea Clinic in Christopher, Illinois. He then worked with the blind at Fasicil until health forced him to retire.

He was a lifelong Methodist and a passionate member of the Democratic Party. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren with all his heart, and reveled in their accomplishments. His greatest moments of joy were spent with them.

He will be loved and missed by all whose lives he touched. He is someone who truly lived his life and left an extensive legacy for his family members and the poor and disadvantaged.

Graveside Services will be held on Saturday September 5, 2015 at 1 p.m.. at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, Illinois where he will buried beside the love of his life. Visitation will be on Saturday September 5, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Sesser from 12:00 p.m. until 12:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers it is requested donations be made to:

Kilo Diabetes Foundation

11780 Manchester Rd Suite 107

St. Louis, Missouri 63131

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

Richard Lee Fitzgerrell, also known as Dick, Mr. F and Fritz, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 4 p.m. at Parkway Manor, at the age of 83.

Richard was the son of William and Florida (Kirk) Fitzgerrell.

Richard graduated from Benton High School. He was an Army veteran and served his country during the Korean War. Following the war Richard began what would be 37 years of employment with McDonald Douglas/Boeing Company. He was a Shriner and a lifetime Mason. Richard was of the Baptist faith.

Richard was a cancer survivor and actively supported the American Cancer Society. For many years he participated in the Relay for Life fundraisers, faithfully attending the relays in several southern Illinois communities. He was a beloved participant, known for wearing his decorated hats and ribbons. Richard was also a huge fan of Snoopy. He had a large collection of Snoopy memorabilia as well as lots of T-shirts that proudly displayed his animal friend.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Mary Ann Crane.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser, IL on Saturday, September 5 with the Rev. Fred Edwards officiating. There will be a visitation time just prior to the service. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society. Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangments.

Military rites will be conducted by the Sesser American Legion and VFW.

For more information or to sign the online guest register please go to mortonjohnstonfuneralhomes.com.