Connie S. Roan, of Mulkeytown, IL passed away at 1 a.m. on Sunday August 2, 2015 at Heartland Regional Medical Center.

Connie worked as a waitress in various restaurants in southern Illinois. In her spare time, she thoroughly enjoyed being with her boys, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and all of her animals.

She was born on October 29, 1947 in Hannibal, Mo to Charles and Lily Ruth (Miller) Watts.

Survivors include a sister and brother-in-law Cheryl and Wayne Harbourn of Hannibal, Mo, sister Ann Ladd of Bolivar, Mo, brother Bryan and Jane Watts of Dadeville, Mo, brother James Watts of Wyoming, a son and daughter-in-law Scott and Jennifer Roan of Safety Harbor, FL, Grandchildren Tyler Roan of Marion, Linc Roan of Marion, Tanner Roan of Safety Harbor, FL, Rachel Roan of Safety Harbor, FL, Katie Roan of Safety Harbor, FL, Chelsea Oliver of Scheller, Alexis Oliver of Scheller, Hannah Taskoski of Scheller, and three great grandchildren Riley Roan, Remy Roan, and Bailey Roan. Also survived by several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son Stanley Roan.

A Celebration of life will be on Wednesday August 5, 2015 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The family of Connie Roan would like to extend a special thanks to Dr.Bleyer, Kerry, Jim and Christy.

Foer more information go to our website at www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Bertis M. Diefenbach, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 12:25 a.m. Monday, August 3, 2015 at the Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 6, 2015 at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Paul Burbank officiating. Burial will be in the Palestine Social Brethren Cemetery in Stonefort. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the funeral hour on Thursday at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton.

Bertis M. Diefenbach was born August 13, 1930 in Stonefort, IL, the son of Louie Diefenbach and Clara (Branden) Diefenbach. He married the former Joyce Arliene Barger on June 18, 1950, and she survives.

Bert worked as a coal miner for 43 years. He worked with Freeman United Coal Company and would later retire with Brushy Creek Mine in Harco. He was a member of the Palestine Social Brethren Church in Stonefort. He attended the Glory Bound Tabernacle in West Frankfort.

Mr. Diefenbach was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Bert enjoyed gardening, woodworking, Cardinal baseball, watching football and basketball, working word search puzzles, and cutting firewood with his son. Bert made and tagged 145 bluebird houses across Franklin, Hamilton and Saline Counties “Bluebird Trail”.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce Arliene Diefenbach of Benton; a daughter Susan McCarty of Benton; a son Tony Diefenbach and wife Anita of Macedonia; six grandchildren Wendy Neal and husband Tom of Whittington, Heather McCarty and friend Jamie Martin of Scottsville, KY, Melinda Shaw and fiancee Chad Downs of West Frankfort, Trampas Diefenbach and wife Melissa of Macedonia, Destry Diefenbach and wife Brea of Benton, Orrie Diefenbach and wife A.K. of Orlando, FL; eight great-grandchildren Andrew Neal, Noah and Isiah Shaw and their father Robert, Luke Hal Downs, Aleaha Downs, Baili and Makenna Diefenbach, Triston Wimberly; several nieces and nephews; and a very special nephew Leroy Diefenbach of Harrisburg.

Bert was preceded in death by his parents; fourteen siblings; and a son-in-law Richard McCarty.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Glory Bound Tabernacle in West Frankfort, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Martha Pickett, 100, of Christopher, IL passed away July 29, 2015 at Benton Rehabilitation and Health Care, in Benton, IL.

Martha was born July 29, 1915 in Chicago, the daughter of Frank and Stephanie Krol.

She married Stephen Pickett and he preceded in death on April 12, 1992.

Martha was a homemaker and a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher

She is survived by her children, Ronald Pickett, of Berbank, IL, Edward Picket, of Crestwood, IL and Marty Pickett, of Harvard, IL.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one daughter Elaine Crain, one brother Casimir Krol and three sisters, Regina Senka, Helen Naydol and Stella Krol.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2105 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher with Father Urban Osuji officiating.  Visitation will be at the church on Friday, July 31, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. Burial will be at St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery, in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra “Sandy” Jean Ramey 54, of Sesser, IL passed away on July 25, 2015 at home.

Sandy was born to Rudy and Jean Uhles on March 2, 1961 in DuQuoin, IL.

Sandy is survived by her husband Barry Ramey. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage. She is also survived by her daughter Nikki Ramey and fiancé David Clark; granddaughter Marley Clark; brother Bill Uhles and his wife Norma; mother-in-law Virginia Ramey and a very special neighbor Delmar Jones. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two children Stacy Ramey and Christopher Ramey, grandparents Ralph and Madeline Uhles, Burton and Lois Davison and her father-in-law Dan Ramey.

Graveside services will be on Tuesday July 28, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Hopewell Cemetery in McLeansboro with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is handling the arrangments.

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

CHRISTOPHER — Nina Mae Hampton, 86, died Thursday, July 23, 2015, at her son’s residence.

Nina was born July 10, 1929, in Christopher, to Phillip and Mae (Eads) Clancy.

Nina married John “Pappy” Hampton on June 18, 1951, and he died Nov. 14, 2013.

She was a CNA and a member of Church of Christ in Christopher.

Nina is survived by her children, Dennis Hampton and Debbie Fay of Mulkeytown, Tina and John Hughes of Sesser, John “Little John” and Georgetta Hampton of Mulkeytown, and Harry Hampton and special friend, Zeno Birkner, of Belleville; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and brother, Ray Clancy of St. Louis.

She was prededed in death by her parents; husband; one son, Phillip “PG” Hampton; one grandson, Kevin Hampton; one great-granddaughter, Carlie Staggs; and one brother, Roscoe Clancy.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, July 27, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Brother George Marshall officiating. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 26 at the funeral home.

For more information, visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Zach Dungy, 13, of Ewing, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at Children’s Hospital, in St. Louis, MO.

Zach was born in Mount Vernon, IL, on October 3, 2001, the son of Matthew and Andrea (Stewart) Dungy.

He loved life and lived it to the fullest. He lived his coach, Curtis Smith’s motto, ‘Go 115 percent and never take your eye off the goal.’ He loved his friends, hunting, fishing, camping and sports, especially basketball. He was a member of 4-H and he worked for K & S Bits. When he got home from school the first thing he wanted to know was where his dad was working so he could go help him in the fields. He was a starter, as a seventh grader, on the Ewing-Northern Warriors 8th grade basketball team that finished second last year in the SIJHSAA Class S State Tournament.

Zach is survived by his parents Matt and Andrea Dungy, of Ewing; sister Addie Dungy, of Ewing; grandparents Jerrel and Katie Dungy, of Benton and Lloyd and Judy Stewart, of Benton; great-grandmother Erma Lee Conner, of Benton; uncles and aunts Joey and Rhea Eva Hutchcraft, of Ewing and Karen Kay Miller, of Johnston City; special cousins Brent and Susan Morris, several cousins and a multitude of friends.

Zach was preceded in death by his great-grandparents Wesley Conner, Drennan and Genevieve Dungy, Harold and Madeline Medler and Verl and Alice Stewart.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 25 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton with the Rev. Michael Kramer officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery, in Ewing. Visitation for Zach will be from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday evening at Immanuel Baptist Church, in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ewing-Northern Grade School for a marker to be placed in the schoolyard in memory of Zach, or to Ewing-Northern Grade School. An account has been established at State Bank of Whittington and contributions will be accepted at the visitation and funeral and at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to mortonandjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

 

Linda Ilene (Kays) Roberts, 64, of Ewing; went home to be with the Lord on Monday, July 20, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Regional Health Center in Mt. Vernon.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2015 at the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church, with Bro. Joe Zbinden officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Leffler – Poulson Funeral Home of Benton, and from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour Thursday at the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church.

She was born April 27, 1951 in Benton, to George Edward and Kathleen Roberta (Winemiller) Kays. She married William Marion Roberts on September 28, 1973, and he preceded her in death on January 13, 2011

Linda was a member of the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church.

The Lord blessed them with a son, Christopher Marion Roberts. Then they were later blessed with a daughter-in-law, Toni Dayle (Sinks) Roberts. The Lord also blessed Linda and William with two grandchildren, Lucas Wade and Makinley Grace Roberts. Lucas and Makinley were their pride and joy.
Linda was preceded in death by her parents, husband, twin sister Brenda Jean Roberts, sister Mary Alice Page.

She will be sadly missed by her family, church family, and friends.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Brenda Kay Perkins, 70, of Thompsonville, IL passed away July 14, 2015 at Westside Care Center, in West Frankfort, IL.

Brenda was born December 26, 1944 in Parma, MO, the daughter of Reginald Maulding and Kathalene King.

She was a homemaker.

Brenda was a member of the First Baptist Church, in Thompsonville.

Brenda was married to Ronald Gene Perkins and he preceded her in death on August 7, 2002.

She is survived by her children Todd Dixon, Mt. Vernon, IL and Tammy Kercheval, Ada, OK; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; sisters and brothers Donna Brown, Lacombe, LA, Joyce Phillips, Decatur, IL, Mike and Pam Maulding, Mattoon, IL and Shannon Maulding, Virginia Beach, VA.

Brenda was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and one son, Ronald Perkins and two brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL with the Rev. John Robinson officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the service at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery, in Mulkeytown, IL.

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

 

 

 

Judith Louise (Walley) Couey, age 72, of West Frankfort; died at 6:25 p.m. Tuesday, July 14, 2015 at her home.

Judith’s wishes were to be cremated. A memorial celebration of the life of Judith Louise (Walley) Couey will be held from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, July 18, 2015 at Judith’s home in West Frankfort.

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

She was born on November 12, 1942 in West Frankfort, the daughter of Onnie Walley and Edna Mae (Williams) Walley.

Judith was a devoted genealogist for over 30 years, working with the Benton Public Library. She has published several genealogy books. She was also author of a poetry book and several children’s stories.

She is survived by her five children: Onna Donovan of Christopher, Gerald Spohn of Buckner, Jennifer Spohn of Florida, Virginia Spohn of West Frankfort, and Jayme Hahn of Washington state; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters: Lillian Keller of Nebraska, and Debra Villarreal of Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Onnie Walley and Edna Mae (Williams) Tedeschi; a brother Gerry Walley; and a grandson Jack Brake.

Memorial contributions may be made to Genealogy Department at the Benton Public Library, 502 South Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Bill Hastings 81, passed away July 13, 2015 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

Bill Was born January 10, 1934 in Christopher to Charlie and Emma (Flatt) Hastings.

He was united in marriage to Carolyn (Haley) Hastings on August 19, 1994 and she survives of Sesser.

He was a member of the Greenwood United Methodist Church in Mulkeytown and he loved his church family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Rose (Williams) Hastings and one brother Don Hastings.

He is survived by his children Rebecca and Tom Hulvey of Armington, IL, Mark and Teresa Hastings of El Cajon, CA, Derrick and Alicia Hastings of El Cajon, CA, Kris and Ronald Johnson of San Antonio, TX, Stan and Margit Stritzel of Wichita, KS, Mike Stritzel and Connie Weintz of Christopher, grandchildren Zack Hastings, Tayler Hastings, Ashleigh Johnson, Courtney Johnson, Jacob McKenzie, J.J. DeLasso, Billy DeLasso, Cayden Hastings, Colton Hastings, Carson Hastings, Alaina Hastings, Haley Stritzel, and one great grandson Kaiden DeLasso.

Also survived by two brothers Larry and Linda Hastings of Benton and Jim and Sue Hastings of Christopher, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be on Saturday July 18, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with pastor Richard Sullins officiating. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will be on Saturday July 18, 2015 from 11:00 A.M. until the time of the service at 1:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Greenwood United Methodist Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com .