BENTON — Marilyn Neal, 77, left this world for a better one in Heaven on Saturday morning, March 14, 2015, from Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton.

Marilyn was born Dec. 3, 1937, in Benton, the daughter of Boman and Eva (Jones) Rhine.

She married James (Jim) Deon Neal on Dec. 24, 1953, and he preceded her in death Sept. 18, 2012.

Marilyn is survived by her three sons, Steve Neal and wife, Dawn of Benton, Scott Neal of Benton, Stacy Neal and wife, Nikki, of Benton; eight grandchildren, Ashley Kearney of Virginia, Brittany Neal of Benton, Linsey Toms and husband, Joey, of St. Louis, Alicia Pond and husband, Chris, of Benton, Kyle Neal and fiancée, Ashlee Summers of Benton, Micah Neal of Benton, Jarron Bennett of Benton, and Malaynia Bennett of Benton; five great-grandchildren, Preston and Analia Pond of Benton, Julian and Juno Toms of St. Louis, and Treyton Scott Neal of Benton; one sister, Glenda Drew and husband, Paul of Benton; one brother, Ronald Rhine of Benton; brothers-in-law, Dick Lemons, and Ronnie (Paula) Gossman; sisters-in-law, MaryAnn (Jack) Burton, Brenda (Dennis) Thomas, and JoNeta and Charlie Thornbrew; and special friends, Roger and Bernie Edwards.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a son, David in infancy; one brother, Donald Rhine; one sister, Lodean Lemons; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe Neal and Daisy (Cull) Neal; and stepmother-in-law, Juanita Neal.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home, with Dr. Sammy Simmons and the Rev. Bert Mitchell officiating. Burial will be in Masonic and Odfellows Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Benton Ministerial Alliance or to the Elks Crippled Children.

For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit

Raymond “Dale” Dublo, 77, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away March 13, 2015 at his home.

Dale was born November 11, 1937, in Scheller, the son of Thomas and Vivian (Duckworth) Dublo.

Dale married Clara (Schafer) Dublo on August 27, 1960 in DuQuoin, IL and she survives of Mulkeytown.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a member of B Company 26th Signal Corp. Dale worked for Blue Bell Packing, Old Ben 26 and was also a farmer. He was a member of the UMWA and the Illinois Horse Pullers Association. Dale loved his horses.

Dale is survived by his children, John and Angela Dublo, of Mulkeytown, Vance and Allison Dublo, of Mulkeytown and Sandy Dublo, of Energy, IL; grandchildren Fallon Dublo, Amber Dublo, Knox Dublo and Kollyns Dublo; one brother, Ralph and Donna Dublo, of Sesser, IL and Maxine Martin, of Bonnie, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother-in-law Clifford Martin.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 17^, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Miller officiating. Visitation will be Monday, March 16, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or to the American Cancer Society 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.

 

 

Dan “Danny” S. Romani, 67, of Sesser, IL, passed away on March 13, 2015 at 9:45 p.m. at Marshall Browning Hospital, in Du Quoin, IL.

Danny was born June 10, 1947 in Herrin, IL to Bruno Romani and Edna (Basso) Romani.

He was a graduate of Sesser-Valier High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War. Danny was an avid outdoorsman and loved hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Danny married Karen (Allen) Romani on September 10, 1966 and she survives of Sesser.

He was an inspector with the Department of Agriculture and the Romani family also founded Bruno’s Restaurant and Lounge in Sesser in 1976.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sesser and also a member of the American Legion.

Danny is also survived his children, Valerie and Chad Miller, of Sesser and Kendra Romani and fiance Chris Iannotti, of Marion; brother Frank Romani and Kim, of Sesser; grandchildren Wade Romani, Elaina Romani, Caroline Romani, Lucca Iannotti and Zane Hardesty

He was preceded in death by his parents and one son, Michael Romani.

A memorial service will be held at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, on Tuesday, March 17, 2015 with Father Dan Jurek, officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, March 17, 2015 from 4 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to an educational fund for Danny’s grandchildren and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, in Sesser, is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www. gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

 

Thomas Pickering, 82, of Mulkeytown, IL, passed away March 10, 2015 at Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion, IL.

He was born, May 31, 1932 in West Frankfort, IL, the son of George Pickering and Olive (Liddle) Pickering.

Thomas was married to Loretta (Stalcup) Pickering and she preceded him in death on Oct. 26, 2006.

He was a a veteran of World War II, Korean and the Vietnam wars and retired after 22 years in the U.S. Army.

He attended Bear Point Church, in Sesser.

Thomas is survived by his children, Laura and Cary Hammonds, of Mulkeytown and David Pickering, of Mulkeytown; grandchildren Adrea Barnes and fiance Ryan Petro, of Christopher, Kyle Hammonds and fiance Abigail Presswood of Du Quoin and Kaylee and Derek Smith, of Pinckneyville; great-grandchildren Sawyer Smith and Lorelai Hammonds.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Richard and George Pickering and a grandson Brandon Pickering who died April 10, 2010 in Afghanistan.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with Brother Larry Cook, officiating. Visitation will be Saturday from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery, in Mulkeytown.

In lieu of flowers Memorials can be Wounded Warriors Foundation and will be accepted at the funeral home

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

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

John Bursich Jr., 94, of Sesser, IL, passed away March 11, 2015 at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.

John was born January 29, 1921 in Hastings, CO, the son of John Bursich, Sr. and Mary (Klobas) Bursich.

He was an Army veteran of World War IL.

John was owner of Bursich Body Shop in Sesser for more than 60 years.

He was married to Clatie (Beck) Bursich and she survives of Sesser.

Also surviving are children John and Ronell Bursich, III of New Baden, IL and Jeff and Melissa Bursich, of Glen Carbon, IL; grandchildren Samantha Jane, Sarah, Zachary and Kathryn and a brother Charles Bursich, of Bourbonnais, IL

John was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Mary Ginocchio and Ann Harder.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2015 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Pastor Zach Waldis officiating. Visitation will be be Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 2 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery.

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

 

Ruby Lee Whitlow, lover of people and God, connoisseur of steak and fried chicken, and free distributor of wisdom and wit, died on March 7, 2015 at the age of 89.

She is preceded by her siblings Franklin and Marie, her husband Marion, and her son Patrick, with whom she is singing (but probably not dancing) about now – or perhaps will be when Marion gets done fishing.

We who remain, her daughter Tina and her children and grandchildren, and Patrick’s branch, and many other extended cousins, nieces and nephews, and friends intend to spend time celebrating and reminiscing about the many things she taught us and surprises she supplied on Thursday, March 12, 2015 at 11 a.m.. at the First Baptist Church in Valier, IL.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11 a.m. at the church, and graveside service immediately thereafter. We request donations rather than flowers. Memorials and donations may be submitted to First Baptist Church at 212 W Main, Valier, IL 62891.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral home in Sesser is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

Hazel Lee Darnell, 80, of Sesser, IL passed away Monday March 9, 2015 at Helia Healthcare in Benton.

Hazel was born on April 19, 1934 in Sesser to Luther and Gladys (Tucker) Wingo. She married Raymond Darnell and he preceded her in death in September 1971.

She is survived by her three children Mike Darnell of Sparta, Wendell and Linda Darnell, of Pekin, and Sheryl and Stephen Wilson, of West Frankfort. She is also survived by her sisters Ella and Cecil Webb, Sue and Gene Utlaut, Bess and Jack MyGatt and Etta Eubanks all of Sesser. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and 18 great- grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and cousins who she loved dearly.

Hazel graduated from LPN school in 1978, she took great pride in being an LPN and loved taking care of the elderly. She worked at the Benton Nursing Home, Severin’s Nursing Home, and Redwood Manor.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and one daughter Teresa Darnell.

Funeral services will be on Wednesday March 11, 2015 at 12 noon at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 12 noon. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Julie Ann Hoppers, 44, of Christopher, passed away March 9, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Julie was born May 7, 1970 in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of  Gary McBride and Cindy (Cottengim) McBride, of Coello and they survive.

Julie was manager of Secretary of State Driver’s License Facility, in Benton, IL. She was a member of Abundant Life Church, in Benton.

Julie married Thomas Hoppers on April 30, 2001 and he survives.

Julie is also survived by three children, Sophi Johnson, Maci Hoppers and Wyatt Hoppers, all at home; brothers Todd and Dana McBride, Royalton, IL and Tim and Stacey McBride, Carbondale, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 13, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home, Christopher, IL. Visitation will be after 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 12 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, in Valier, IL.

In lieu of flowers donations can be to the Susan B. Komen For the Cure and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Tracy Eugene Hargraves, 59, of Christopher, passed away March 8, 2015 at Herrin Hospital.

He was born November 14, 1955 the son of Harvey Hargraves and Flora Belle (Furlow) Hargraves.

Tracy was a farmer and a member of the Benton Eagles

He is survived by a special friend, Diane Holloway, of Benton and her two sons, Christopher Chaney and Dennis and Kim Chaney and their daughter Ella Chaney, who was very close to Tracy. He is also survived by a brother, Ralph and Kathy Hargraves, of Desoto, IL; nieces and nephews Kyle and Emily Hargraves of Murphysboro, IL, Cassandra Hargraves, of Columbia, MO and Nicole and Willard Heins, of Murphysboro.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 11, 2015 at 7 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher, IL.  Visitation will be Wednesday, March 11, 2015 from 5 p.m. until the time of the service at 7 p.m. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery at a later date.

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

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

For more information go to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

 

Neoma Jean Mandrell, 80, passed away Saturday morning, March 7, 2015.

She was born Nov. 28, 1934, the daughter of Leo and Marie Stubblefield, who both preceded her in death.

She also was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Mandrell; daughter, Lorelei Mandrell; and son-in-law, Dwyght Roberson.

Survivors include three daughters and son-in-law, Teresa Mandrell-Romero and Sue Roberson, both of West City, and Denise and Tim Cairns of Valier; son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Marla Mandrell of Sesser; brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Marlene Stubblefield of Sesser; 12 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, in Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church, west of Sesser, with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton is in charge of arrangements