EWING — M. Marie Neal left her earthly home and walked into the arms of God at 2:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, 2016.

She was born Jan. 16, 1926, to George Willis and Pearl (Scarborough) Beaty at their home on Cyril James Road south of Ewing.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Howard. Her brother was married to Ione and they were blessed with four children.

She met the love of her life, William J. Neal, and they married April 8, 1949. They were blessed with Brenda Neal of Macomb, and Charles W. Neal (Barbara); and grandchildren, Amber Neal of Ewing, and Kyle Neal of Ewing. Marie cherished her family and close friends dearly.

Marie was a member of Frisco Baptist Church until its closing and moved membership to Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton. Marie was a proud member of the forming group of Frisco Baptist Church’s successful Tuesday School for preschool children.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Rescue Baptist Church – Tuesday School at 14241 Rescue Church Road, Whittington, IL 62897 as both her grandchildren are graduates and she loved the growth she saw in many children.

Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. today, Feb. 13, in Neal Cemetery southwest of Logan, with Pastor Sammy Simmons officiating.

Arrangements are by Morton-Johnson Funeral Home.

BENTON — Tanya Diane (Sheridan) Thompson, 46, of St. Peters, Missouri, formerly of Benton, passed away Thursday evening Feb. 11, 2016, at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was born Nov. 16, 1969, in Benton, the daughter of Larry and Joyce (Anderson) Sheridan.

She touched so many lives in her hometown of Benton and the St. Louis area with her strength, determination and warm heart. She was a lover of life and will be missed by many.

Tanya had a successful 25-year career as a catering and event executive specialist in the St. Louis area.

She was forever an inspiration and support to her loving family who survives her including loving husband, Wade Thompson of St. Peters, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Erin and Kristin Thompson; mother, Joyce Sheridan of Benton; sister, Robin Storey and husband, Mark of Benton; niece, Katlyn Storey; nephew, Holden Storey; and her beloved pups, Star, Jersi, Zeke and Abby.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Spotsavers St. Louis Dalmatian Rescue, 9224 Vauk Lane St. Louis, MO 63126 or to a charity of your choice in Tanya’s memory.

SESSER — Kay Francis (Witcher) Styve, 79, died peacefully at 2:20 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2016, in Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, with her family at her side.

Kay was born June 21, 1936, in Sesser, to Harry and Ida (Warner) Witcher. Her family moved to the suburban Chicago area in in 1954 where she lived and attended Proviso Township High School, then returned to Sesser to graduate from Goode-Barren Township High School.

On Oct. 29, 1960, Kay married Robert Allen Styve in Melrose Park. To this union six sons were born. In addition to having her hands full raising her boys and working fulltime, Kay devoted much of her time to her boys’ athletic activities, both in officer roles for the organizations as well as cheering them on as their most enthusiastic fan. Robert preceded Kay in death in 2012, they were married for 51 years.

Kay held many jobs over the years to help provide for her family. Before retiring in 2006, Kay rose to a vice president position, where she ran the Illinois office for a national insurance business.

She enjoyed her membership and participation in Sesser Chamber of Commerce.

One of Kay’s most treasured activities over the years was hosting large gatherings for family and friends on her deck.

Survivors include three sons, Michael (Beth) Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Scott (Kim) Styve of Indio, California, and Brad (Julie) Styve of Erie, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlyn, Kyle Styve of Overland Park, Kansas, Jake, Grace Styve of Sesser, Dalton Styve of Indio, California, and Ava Styve of Erie, Colorado; four nieces and nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Harry Witcher; her mother, Ida (Warner) Witcher; her husband, Robert Allen Styve of Sesser; her sons, Robert Styve II, Patrick Styve, and Donald Styve; and her brother, Charles Witcher.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to National Kidney Foundation or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.

For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Butch Endersbe, 66, of Sesser, IL passed away Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at his home.

He was born in Clinton, Iowa on January 4, 1950, the son of Vernon Roy and Alma (Carrtt) Endersbe.

He married Gayla (Harrison) on October 26, 1996, and she survives.

Butch loved fishing and doing woodwork. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church, in Sesser.

He is survived by his wife Gayla Endersbe, of Sesser; four children Mark Endersbe, of Clinton, Iowa, Clayton Endersbe and wife Simone, of Mt. Vernon, Donna Scuffham, of North Carolina and Scott Breed and wife Laurie, of Sterling; seven grandchildren; one sister Margaret Wentworth and husband Rodney, of Camanche, Iowa; one brother-in-law, David Harrison and wife Vynne, of Dixon and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the family.

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

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

Jacqueline “Jackie” Wilson, 71, of Sesser, IL passed away February 8, 2016 at 2 a.m. at Helia Healthcare, in Benton, IL.

She was born August 19, 1944 in Aurora, IL, the daughter of Jack Kelson and Margaret (Kahoun) Kelson.

She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and also a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society. She worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. before her retirement.

She married Jerry Wilson on June 9, 1962 and he survives in Sesser.

She is survived by her children, Vicky Wilcox, of Sesser and Keith Wilson, of Sesser; on sister Karon Ericksson, of Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother and one sister.

Her wishes were to be cremated with a memorial service at a later date.

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

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Elizabeth (Liz) Toth Wilson, Buckner IL died Friday, Feb.5, 2016 in DuQuoin IL.

She married Andrew M.Wilson of Buckner on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on Jan.20, 1988.

She worked for Browning Township until she retired. She was a faithful member of the St. Andrew’s Catholic Church, a former member of The Catholic Daughters and Altar Society, in Christopher, IL.

She was born to Paul and Elizabeth (Mencely) Toth July 3, 1925 in Christopher, and she graduated from Christopher High School.

She is survived by her three children, Andy and Valerie (Ronchetto) Wilson of Christopher, Randy Wilson of Buckner, and Marybeth (Wilson) and Ed Dalby of Benton. Surviving grandchildren are Brandt (Amy) Wilson of Mulkeytown, Megan Wilson of Buckner, Malory Dalby, of Kentucky, and Olivia Dalby, of Benton. Surviving great-grandchildren Lynsey Wilson, Bryce Wilson. She had an extended family in Florida that includes Terri Wilson, Amy and Jimmy Townsend (children Dylan and Coben) and Stephanie and Jimmy Luke (children Jace, Jensen, Emery).          

Liz was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters, Mary Campion, Anna Niskoch, two brothers John Toth, and Joe Toth.

Funeral services will be Friday, Feb.12, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the St. Andrews Catholic Church Christopher, IL with Father Urban Osuji officiating. Burial will be in the St. Andrew Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Gilbert Funeral Home Christopher with a Rosary being said Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers memorial should be made to the Wounded Warriors and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

HERRIN — Brandon Leeper, 42, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 10, 2016, in Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Brandon was born May 27, 1973, in Herrin.

Brandon married Rusty Leeper in 2001.

She is survived by her husband, Rusty Leeper; children, Alena Marie Leeper, Alexis Nicole Leeper and Christian Allen Leeper; grandchildren, Peyton Jeralds; mother, Debra Sue Peterman; brother, Shawn David McAdams; grandmother, Betty Peterman; mother and father-in-law, Gary and Kathy Leeper; sister-in-law, Peggy Christian; and nephew, Jonathon Hunter.

Brandon was a member of the Sisters in Christ at East Liberty Christian Church. She also loved being in the outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Dean Peterman.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with the Rev. Darrell Wimberly Officiating. Burial will be in Cana Cemetery in Goreville. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday.

For more informatin or to sign the online guest register, visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.

Beth Ann Miller, 59, of Christopher, IL passed away January 31, 2016 at Good Samaritan Regional Hospital, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

She was born March 7, 1956 in Elgin, IL, the daughter of John Knott and Maryanne (Connell) Knott.

Beth was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher and worked as a cashier at Wal-Mart. She was also a member of W.O.T.M of St. Charles, IL.

She married James Miller on February 14, 1990 and he survives of Christopher.

Beth is survived by her children, Jonathan and Heidi Siercks, of Christopher, Amanda and Warren Behm, of Christopher and step-daughter Candice Murphy, of Davenport, FL; grandchildren Ian Sierck, Wyatt Behm, Madison Murphy, Allison Murphy, Zachary Murphy, Lucas Murphy; one sister Joan Knott, of Cortland, IL and one brother Kevin Knott, of Royalton, IL. She is also survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Ann Knott and one infant sister.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Andrews Catholic Church, in Christopher. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Friday at Gilbert Funeral Home, in Christopher.

In lieu of flower donations can be made to Mercy Home for boys and girls and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is in charge of arrangements.

For more information go to www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com

 

 

 

 

James A. House, 90, of Whittington, IL passed away Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center, in Benton.

He was born in Benton, IL on May 5, 1925, the son of Ralph and Mabel (Doty) House.

He married Charlotte Juanita Thrasher on Oct. 12, 1947 in Paragould, Arkansas and she preceded him in death on September 10, 2009.

Mr. House was a Navy veteran, serving during World War II. He was a coal miner, retiring from Freeman Coal Company.

Mr. House is survived by his children, Butch Seibert, Gilbertsville, KY, Ronald G. House and wife Carol, West City, Carolyn Sue Doty and husband Ed, of Benton, Charles M. House and wife Barbara, Tecumseh, Michigan and Ralph L. (Lou) House and wife Lesle, Neoga, IL; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; three brothers, Earl House and wife Doris of Moweaqua, IL, Carl House and wife Marjorie, of New York and Ray House and wife Gloria, of West Frankfort, IL.

Mr. House was preceded in death by his parents, wife, by a brother and sister-in-law, Marvin and Mary Ann House, by a sister, Laura Christine and by a grandson, Eric House.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, with Pastor Kurt Sanders officiating. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the First Christian Church Building Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home at any time.

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

Mildred Marie Hindman, 100, died Thursday, Jan. 28, 2016, in Stonebridge Nursing Center in Benton.

She attended the Christ View Christian Church of Christopher.

Mildred was born June 8, 1915, in Herrin, to Charles and Ida (Henley) Linter.

She was married to Carl Rogers, Frank Hitt and Woodrow Hindman and they preceded her in death.

Survivors include children, Karla and Max McDonald of Mulkeytown, Bill and Jane Rogers of Christopher, Sue and Brian Chester of Mohomet, and Sally and Willard McKinley of Farmer City; and Dennis Hindman of California; grandchildren, Creg and Liz McDonald of Champaign, Gabe and Lizz Rogers of Columbia, Maryland, Kristen and Paul Gentry of Carterville, and Mike and Julie Hertz of Cambria, Kristen and Kurt Sexton of Homer, IL, Brent Chester of Champaign, IL; great-grandchildren, Mia, Kelley, Nate, Gillian, Andrew, Nikki, Brigitte, Natalie, Regan, Braden and Becca.

She was preceded in death by three husbands; one son, Larry Hindman; and three brothers, Leroy, Robert and Charles Lintner.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, with speaker, Mike Rowland. Burial will be in East Lawn Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Friends may join family at a celebration of Mildred’s long life from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Christopher Knight Of Columbus Hall at 109 N. State St. in Christopher.