Jimmie Eldridge, 89, of Benton, IL passed away Sunday morning Feb. 1, 2015 at his home.

He was born on Sept. 1, 1925, the son of Orlando and Eva Jane (Overturf) Eldridge.

He married Martha Carmel (Willburn) Eldridge on March 15, 1946 in Tijuana, Mexico, and she preceded him in death on Sept. 29, 2007. Mr. Eldridge was a World War II veteran, serving from August 1943 to March 1946.

He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Mr. Eldridge is survived by four children, Dianne Essary, of Benton, James A. Eldridge and wife Beverly, of Benton, IL, Nancy Sims and husband Alan, of Pittsburg, IL and Mark Eldridge, Fuquay-Varina, NC; daughter-in-law Cathy Eldridge, West Frankfort; grandchildren Christine Knight and husband Rick, Julie Ann Essary, James A. Eldridge, Jr. Jennifer L. Owens, Steven Eldridge, Chelsey N. Sims, Josh Sims, Jared Kramer Eldridge and Emily Nicole Eldridge; seven great-grandchildren and 4 great-greatgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, son Tim Eldridge and 11 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton with Steve Reeves and Chuck Bartlett officiating. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

Kelly J. Roberson, 32, of Benton, passed away Saturday morning, January 31, 2015 at her home.

She was born May 2, 1982, in Benton.

Kelly married Jeremy Roberson in October 2002.

Kelly loved her family and her animals and she was a hard worker.

She is survived by her husband, Jeremy Roberson, of Benton; two sons Nick McClerren and Damian McClerren; a sister Bridgett Thacker, of McLeansboro; three brothers, Patrick McClerren, of Peoria, Kevin McClerren and wife Gayla, of Benton and Mike McClerren and wife Tina, of Logan; mother Pam Robinson; father Rick McClerren, of Benton, grandmother Eddyth Mandrell, of Benton; grandmother Mary McClerren; mother-in-law Linda Ward, of Benton; stepmother Sue Roberson, of West City; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law David and Kim Webb, of Benton, Jamie and Rob Rizor, of Las Vegas, NV, Jessyca and Danny Frye, of Mulberry, AR, Michelle and Jarrid Cima, of Newburgh, IN, William Ward, of Benton, Beth Ward, of Benton and Drew and Jayma Roberson, of West Frankfort, IL; nieces and nephews Cassie, Morgan, Gabrellia, Rachael McClerren, Destiny Russell, Shelby McClerren, Patrick McClerren, Kameron Russell, Dillion McClerren, Tyler and Nathan McClerren, Hayley, Whitney, Kristen, Joey and Makenzie; Brad and Becky Mandrell, Sam and Karen McClerren, Margaret and Dale Emerson and Candy and Steve Hall.

Kelly was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Gene Mandrell and Bill McClerren, father-in-law Dwight Roberson, nephew Dalton Russell and by her stepfather Dave Robinson.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Roger Webb officiating. Burial will be in the Horse Prairie Cemetery, in Sesser. Visitation will be after 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Robert V. Rogers, better known as “Foulball” or “Valjean”, passed away suddenly January 22, 2015.  He was found unresponsive in his vehicle slumped over the steering wheel by a passer-by.

He was born March 18, 1930 at home to Oliver Evan and Mary L. (Campbell) Rogers who preceded him in death in 1995.  He was also preceded in death by a sister Betty K. Moschino, nieces Lorraine Johnson, Megan Culver, and Ashley Biggs and an infant sister Alpha Nadine Rogers.  He is survived by one brother Richard (Sue) Rogers of Texas, three sisters Maxine (Earl) Giacomo of Mulkeytown, Wanda (Richard) McReaken of Zeigler, and Connie (Fred) Sample of Benton.

He was a retired 48 years from the United States Navy after serving 23 years active duty.  He served on numerous cruises.  Upon his retirement he returned to enjoy fishing, hunting, and gardening.  In his later years he enjoyed playing Bingo at Marion KC’s and getting his lottery tickets and his daily visits to Cooksey’s Bait Shop to visit with the owners and longtime friends Ron and Carol Reed.

His extended family included nieces and nephews Ella (Charles) Culver and their children Jordan Culver and Ashton Culver, Bob (Mary) Giacomo and their children Josh (Beth) Giacomo, Sarah (Keith) Shasteen and son Logan, Laura Giacomo, and Joe Giacomo, Theresa (Jeff) Thompson and their children Christopher Thompson and Michael Thompson, Elena (Andy) Bilger and sons Christian Bilger, Esequel Bilger and Andres Bilger, Rosa (Steve) Nerio and girls, Tim McReaken, Rhett (Brenda) McReaken and children Jessica (Brandon) Melvin and Brett McReaken, Jason (Heather) Sample and son Derek Sample, Dana (Maria) Bonifacio-Sample, Kathy Esposito and children Chasity (Brandon) Shaffer and their children Savannah Smith, Amber Smith, Grant Smith, and Ashley Smith, Nicole (Reuben) Washington and  their children Wardell Williams, Jayla Williams, and Brittany Washington, Richard Johnston and their children Rachael Johnston and Keenan Johnston, Angela (Brent) Gossett and their children Lorrie (Adam) Horton and sons Jude Crawford and Gabriel Horton, Emily Gossett, Madeline Gossett, and Grace Gossett.

In honoring Valjean’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.  It was also his wish to be cremated and that was handled by the Gilbert Funeral Home of Christopher, IL.

Randy Followell, 55, of Mulkeytown, IL passed away January 23, 2015 at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, in Mt. Vernon, IL.

Randy was borh May 13, 1959 in Herrin, IL, the son of Franklin Followell and Irene (Daily) Rogers.

He was a forklift operator at Gilster-Mary Lee in Steelville.

 Randy is survived by a daughter, Lindsey Followell, of Marion, IL; one brother, Charles Followell, of Mulkeytown, IL.

He was preceded in death by his mother and by one brother, Tony Followell.

Randy’s wishes were to be cremated with no services.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL, was in charge of arrangements.

For more information to to gilbertfuneralhomes.com.

Harry Mike Tate, 50, of Benton, passed away January 21, 2015 at Benton Rehab and Health Care, in Benton.

 He was born October 14, 1964 in Benton, the son of Harry Martin Tate and Charlotte (Kramer) Petrazio, both of Benton.

He was a roofer.

He is survived by one son, Shane Michael Tate of Pinckneyville, IL, one brother, Martin and Judy Tate, of Macedonia, IL; two sisters, Theresa and David Chwarczinski, of Mulkeytown, IL and Melissa Tate, of  Jacksonville, FL; nieces and nephews Mark Take, Angie Tate, Marty Veteto, Brad Veteto, Travis Underwood, Melanie Underwood and Steven Underwood; special friends Frank Kinsey, Bob Marvin and David Tate. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held Monday, January 26 at 1 p.m. at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Visitation is from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Harrison Cemetery in Buckner.

For more information to to gilbertfuneralhomes.com

Martha “Flo”Hargis, 76, of Benton, passed away January 18, 2015 at Plano Specialty Hospital in Plano, TX.

She was born Nov. 2, 1938, the daughter of William Noble Overturf and Nannie Jane (Smith) Overturf.

She was married to Carl “Chick” Hargis and he preceded her in death on January 7, 1980

Mrs. Hargis was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ, in Benton.

She is survived her her children, Kelly and Marion Lappin, Sesser, IL and Gina and Kelly Kaufman, Wylie, TX; grandchildren Carly Lappin, Rae and Ross Worthey, Keith Kaufman, Leah Kaufman and Vaughn Kaufman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Mark Hargis, one sister Burnes Warman, three brothers Evan, Leo and Walter Overturf.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL.  Visitation will from 11 a.m. Saturday until the time of the service.  Burial will be at Smith Cemetery in Buckner, IL.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the American Diabetes Association and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ruth I. Green, 90, of Mt. Vernon and a former Benton resident, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015 at her second home, the Mt. Vernon Residential Living Center.

She was born in Benton, IL, on September 14, 1924, the daughter of Ed and Hattie (Johnson) Sanders.

She married Ralph E. Green on Nov. 14, 1946 and he preceded her in death on July 25, 2011.

Mrs. Green loved to go to rummage sales and she loved to go out to eat with her sisters. Her family was the most important thing in her life. She game them her unconditional love and did everything for them she possibly could.

Mrs. Green is survived by three daughters, Brenda Hayes and husband Rick, of Mt. Vernon, IL, Tammy Noel and husband Jim, of Benton, IL and Sharon McKissen and husband Dan, of Michigan; grandchildren Tommy Hayes and wife Amy of Mt. Vernon, Todd Hayes and wife Stacy, of Mt. Vernon, Tim and Kevin Spears of Benton, Melanie Harvey and husband Brian, of Carbondale, Brecca and Bryli Wyant, of Benton, Sandy Fauble and husband Gale, of Michigan, Vickie Hoffman, of Georgia and Gerald Losinski and wife Pam, of Michigan; great-grandchildren Alexys, Paetyn, Kennady, Darick, Jacob and Emily Hayes, all of Mt. Vernon, Hannah Harvey, of Carbondale, Alicia Shelton, Whittington and Chelsea, Brittany and Kaylee Spears, of Benton; sister Delores Neal, of Norris City, IL and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Green was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daugher-in-law Donna Green Kuriger, brother Chike Sanders, sisters Mildred Crowder and Doris Downey.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be at Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery, in Benton.  Visitation will be after 12 noon on Thursday at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

Dixie Louise Morrison McGinty, 79, of West Frankfort, passed away Saturday, January 17, 2015.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 21 at 11 a.m. at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Mike Cash officiating. Burial will be in Tower Heights Cemetery in West Frankfort . Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Dixie’s Benevolence Fund.

Kevin Lynn Biddle, 49, of Logan, passed away January 16, 2015 at his home.

He was born in Lawrenceville, IL on July 11, 1965, the son of Lester Biddle, Jr and Lena (Sanders).

Mr. Biddle was an over-the-road truck driver and enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.  He enjoyed working on his car and backhoe and camping.  Mr. Biddle was a member of the Benton American Legion, the Benton Eagles and the McLeansboro Eagles.

Mr. Biddle is survived his four children, Heather Myers and husband Ryan of Whittington, IL, Lindsay Thomas and husband Jake, of Hopkinsville, KY, Kaitlyn Biddle, Logan, IL and Michael Sullivan and wife Regina, of Benton; two grandchildren, Lucas and Layla Myers; mother Lena Sanders, of Logan; brother L.W. Biddle and wife Michele, of Thompsonville, IL; sister Sarah Williams, of Logan, IL.  Mr. Biddle is also survived by several nieces and nephews and his truck-driving companion, his dog “Sofe.”

Mr. Biddle was preceded in death by his father.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Brad Ryan and the Rev. Derrick Cairel officiating.  Burial will be in the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, January 19, 2015 at Morton & Johnston Funeral Home, in Benton.