Mr. John William “Bill” Gwaltney, Sr., age 77, of Benton, IL; passed away at 12:06 a.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Anchor Assisted Living in Marion, Illinois.

Graveside Services with Military Honors by the Benton American Legion Post #280, Benton V.F.W. Post # 2671, and the U.S. Army National Guard, will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 12, 2024, at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton, IL. Brother Bob Brockett will officiate. The family requests that everyone meet at the cemetery. The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the services.

Bill was born on October 1, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Beryl and Evelyn (Brown) Gwaltney.

Bill was a graduate of MTHS in McLeansboro, IL, and Eastern Illinois University of Charleston, IL. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era. Bill married Linda Webb on August 29, 1970, in McLeansboro and she survives.

Bill worked for Webb Oil Company, a family business, and retired from the State of Illinois Department of Transportation.

He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed golfing.

Bill was a man of God and a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church of Benton, IL.

Surviving is his wife of 53 years, Linda Gwaltney of Benton, IL; two sons: Bill Gwaltney, Jr. and wife Julie of Carterville, IL, Kent Gwaltney of Benton, IL; two grandchildren: Madison and Will Gwaltney both of Carterville, IL; a brother Bob Brockett and wife Ruth of McLeansboro, IL; a sister Kathy Pryer and husband Earl of McLeansboro, IL; a sister-in-law Sylvia Gwaltney of California; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Beryl and Evelyn (Brown) Gwaltney; a brother Ron Gwaltney of California. Bill was also blessed to have a second mom and dad: R.L. and Buneda Brockett of McLeansboro, IL, who also preceded him in death.

The family would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the caring staff at the Anchor for their attentive care for Bill.

Memorial contributions be made in memory of Bill to the organization of the donor’s choice and will be accepted at the graveside services.

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

Joyce Emily (Holman) Gilbert, 83, of Effingham, IL passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Stonebridge Senior Living Center in Benton, IL.

She was born June 8, 1940 in Ewing, IL, to Edgar and Rosie Fern Holman. She married William P. Gilbert on May 19, 1957 in Mt. Vernon, IL.
She is survived by four children; Russell and Sally (Winn) Gilbert of St. Elmo, IL; Doug and Vickie Munton of O’Fallon, IL; Dave and Terri (Stephens) of Effingham, IL; John and Lisa Loy of Effingham, IL; twelve grandchildren and thirty-one great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Gilbert on January 24, 2022 and by an infant daughter, Janice Renee on February 26, 1960; her parents, Edgar and Fern and six siblings—Louise Williams, Russell Holman, Doris Douglas, Mary Cook, Stanley Holman and Sharon Burton.
Joyce was a loving wife, mom, sister and aunt and “Nanny”. She was a homemaker in her early years, volunteered at Jefferson Memorial Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL and later retired from TSI Graphics of Effingham, IL.

Funeral services will be held at Johnston’s Funeral Home in Ina, IL on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 12:00 P.M. with visitation starting one hour prior. Burial will be in the Williams Chapel Cemetery in Ewing.

Memorials can be made to Stonebridge Senior Living Center, 902 South McLeansboro Street, Benton IL 62812
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.johnstonfuneralhome.com

Garett Alan Furlow, age 43, of Benton, passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024, at his home.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A Memorial Celebration of Life Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home. Inurnment will be at a future date at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery of St. Louis, Missouri.
Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Garett was born on December 22, 1980, in Wood River, IL; the son of James Furlow and Kristeen (Fielder) Long.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran. He served his country in the War in Afghanistan.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking in his garage, watching television, crocheting, spending time with family, especially with his two sons.
Surviving are his two sons: Ethan Furlow and Devan Furlow both of Benton; a brother Morgan Furlow of McLeansboro; his grandmother Judy Furlow of Mulkeytown; a niece Sara Lea Helton; two nephews: James Furlow and Morgan Furlow; and numerous other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, and an uncle.
The family prefers memorial contributions. Contributions can be made payable to the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, to assist the family with expenses.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Garett, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

George Melvin Bauer, 82, passed away on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Helia Healthcare in Benton, Illinois with his wife of 56 years, Mary, holding his hand. George was born on July 27, 1941, the son of Berton and Alma Bauer. He married Mary Bain on March 23, 1967, and she survives.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton with Rev. Phillip Kennedy officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour of 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial will follow at Phillips Cemetery of Ewing.

George served as a member of the National Guard after high school. He farmed alongside his dad since he was four years old and also worked for ICC Railroad. George had a love for cars, was a car salesman for 25 years and owned Bauer Auto Sales. As a young man, George was a drag racer and a member of the Clutch Hoppers Racing Club, racing in Herrin, Illinois, and Sturgis, Kentucky. He was also an avid car racing fan, especially Nascar. His favorite drivers were Dale Earnhardt, Senior; Dale Earnhart, Junior; Jimmy Johnson. Jeff Gordon, #24, was another favorite which is quite fitting since George died on 2/4/24. George was happiest when all of his and his family’s cars, especially the red Corvette, were washed, waxed, and sparkling clean. George enjoyed early morning coffee at various local coffee shops with the guys where they solved all of the world’s problems.

George was a member of the Franklin County Farm Bureau and board member of the Agricultural Stabilization and Conversation Service. He was also a member of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton where he served as a trustee.

George is survived by his wife, Mary Lillian (Bain). Also surviving are daughter Kimmi Wyant, son Kip Bauer (Katrina), and daughter Lisa Price (Alan); grandchildren Kylie Wyant, Brooke Wyant, Katlyn Connors, Faith Wyant, Ilsa Bauer, Nadia Bauer, Victoria Jackson (Jeremy) and Nick Price. Great grandchildren include Remington Jackson and Julian Connors. Also surviving is his sister, Janet Birkhead; nephew Dan Birkhead (Ana), niece Kacey Cohen (David) and their children.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law Charles Birkhead, and niece Christy Hilton.

Memorial contributions can be made to First Free Will Baptist Church of Benton and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Ralph LaVern Jones, Jr., age 44, of Benton, Illinois, passed away at 9:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, from injuries sustained in a head-on motor vehicle accident that occurred in Perry County, Illinois.

Ralph was born on July 20, 1979, in Benton; the son of Ralph LaVern Jones, Sr. and Cheryl S. (Broadway) Jones. On July 4, 2012, he married Zelma G. Willmore, together they shared eleven years of marriage, until her death on December 13, 2023.

Ralph was a former employee of Continental Tire of Mt. Vernon. He also formerly worked in the heating and air conditioning business while living in Georgia.
He enjoyed working on vehicles, shooting guns, riding four-wheelers with his son, hunting and fishing.

Surviving is his son Damian Jones of Benton, IL; his father Ralph LaVern Jones, Sr. and wife Elizabeth of West City, IL; three sisters: Melissa Worley and husband Ron of Benton, IL, Patti Hartleb and husband Terry of Tamaroa, IL, Staci Broadway of West City; his mother-in-law Loretta May Willmore of Benton, IL; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, two fur babies Raven and Westlynn; and a grand fur baby Lilly Lou.

He was preceded in death by his mother Cheryl Jones; his wife Zelma Jones; a stepdaughter Elizabeth Obrecht; and his father-in-law William Wesley Willmore.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL, with Pastor Michael Jeter officiating. Burial will follow in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery East of Thompsonville, IL. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. Friday until the funeral hour at 1:00 p.m. at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Ralph to his family to assist with expenses.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Ralph, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

Judith (Judy) Rose Dixon went to be with her Lord on Friday, February 2, 2024.

She was born December 9, 1937, to Van and Lodema McCommons. She was married to Billy G. Dixon for 64 years. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-Grandmother, and home maker. Judy worked as a secretary for Country Companies Insurance before her retirement.

She was active in the Benton First United Methodist Church for more than 65 years. She is survived by daughter, Valerie Potts; son, Clark (Alicia) Dixon; grandchildren, Bryson (Alexa) Potts; Sydney (Cole) Naseman; and Sara Dixon; great-grandson, Hudson Potts; brother Wesley (Lois) McCommons; sister-in-law, SaLinda McCommons; and Judy and Bill’s favorite son, BJ. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers George and Steve, and sisters Vanita and Mary. She was known for her legendary apple dumplings.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family suggests donations to the Benton First United Methodist Church.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Masonic & Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton, Illinois with Pastor Jesse Hinds officiating. Visitation will be graveside from 12 noon to 1 p.m.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Heather Marie Wysong, age 36, of Benton, passed away at 5:37 a.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital of St. Louis.

Heather was born on October 24, 1987, in West Frankfort, Illinois, the daughter of Jolisa Carmon. She married William Joseph Wysong on September 5, 2015.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed listening to music, fishing, watching her television shows including Dateline, CSI, and murder mysteries. Most of all she enjoyed being with her friends and family.

Surviving is her loving husband William Joseph Wysong of Benton, IL, two daughters: Audrey Elizabeth Webb and Athens Grace Webb, both of Benton, IL; four step-children: Dakota Wysong, Alissa Wysong, Gage Wysong and Evan Wysong, all of Benton, IL; three grandchildren: Noah, Liam and Lilly; her mother Jolisa Carmon of Benton, IL; two sisters: Regeanna Carmon of Benton, IL, Heidi Carmon of Bluford, IL; nieces and nephews including: Alexis, Alayna, Addie, Rhett, Max and Evelyn; a great-niece Alivia; mother-in-law Janet Roberts of Freeman Spur, IL; father-in-law David Wysong of Akin, IL; a brother-in-law David Wysong and wife Dawn of Freeman Spur, IL.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents Beverly Howell and Wesley Frain.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton. Burial services will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Memorial contributions may be made to assist the family with expenses, payable to the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, Illinois 62812.

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

Mrs. Merlene Powenski, age 87, of Benton, passed away at 5:52 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024, at the Benton Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Benton, IL.

Her wishes are to be cremated, with no public services.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Mrs. Powenski was born on March 10, 1936, in Franklin County, IL; the daughter of Henry and Meredith Eickleman. On May 12, 1956, she married Marion Frank Powenski, together they shared 67 years of marriage.

She was a homemaker and enjoyed visiting with family and friends, sewing, cooking, relaxing, and watching television. Before their health failed them, Marion and Merlene would root for their Benton Rangers, and would attend most if not all home basketball games. Most of all, Merlene enjoyed spending time with her newest great-granddaughter Nyla.

Merlene was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.

She is survived by her loving husband Marion Frank Powenski of Benton, IL; a daughter Linda Powenski of Benton, IL; a son Mike Powenski and wife Cindy of Johnston City, IL; three grandchildren: John Gouge, Jr. and wife Rebecca of Kalamazoo, MI, Adam Gouge of Iowa, Natosha Plumlee and husband Bryan of Valier, IL; six great-grandchildren: Ava, Aiden, Deacon, Michael, Faith, Castiel, and Nyla.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Memorial contributions in memory of Merlene may be made to the Benton Healthcare Resident Activity Fund, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

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

JoAnn Johnson, 83, of Christopher, passed away in Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin with loved ones by her side on January 29, 2024, she left this world to be with the Lord.

She was born on May 5, 1940 in Christopher to Joe Kovach and Grace (Adams) Kovach and they both preceded her in death.

She was a homemaker, a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She loved to go fishing, camping, and having fun with her family. She attended South Side Baptist Church in Christopher.

She was married to James E. Johnson and he preceded her in death on July 6, 2009.

She is survived by her daughter Debbie and Danny Joplin of Christopher; grandson Greg and Marci Hood of Coello; one sister Mary Steele of Christopher and one brother John and Brenda Kovach of Mulkeytown.

Private Graveside Services will be held at the Harrison Cemetery with Brother Larry Cook officiating.

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

Bette Bernell Stubblefield was born on January 5, 1946, to Willie and Hazel (Bradley) Stubblefield at their home in Sesser, IL. She grew up in Sesser, and on May 4, 1972, she married Gary Allen Reynolds. Bette and Gary made their home on State Highway 14 east of Benton, IL.

Bette graduated from the School of Technical Careers at SIU-C, and worked as a cosmetologist for five years. She then took a job with the Illinois Department of Mines and Minerals as a secretary at their Benton office, and worked there 30 years until her retirement in 2001.

Bette was a member of the Second Baptist Church in Valier.

Bette was an excellent cook, specializing in baked goods, and always made homemade eggnog for the family gatherings on Christmas Eve over the years.

Bette is survived by her husband, Gary Reynolds and a son, Brandon Reynolds of Benton. She is also survived by three sisters, JoAnn Garner of Herrin, Joyce (Kent) Hodge of Sesser and Gayla Stubblefield of Mt. Vernon, and a brother Richard (Carolyn) Stubblefield of. Mt Vernon. She is also survived by her trusted and beloved friend from childhood, Linda Muir Howell. Bette and Linda met in church in a preschool Sunday School class, went through grade school, high school and cosmetology school as best buds. Their friendship has continued with Linda as a part of her extended family, standing vigil at her bedside, right along with Bette’s husband and siblings during her last illness.

Bette was a doting and loving aunt to the following nieces and nephews who mourn her passing: Dr. Kevin (Myjal) Garner, Kara (Karl) Silge, Kendall (Claire) Garner, Michelle Davis, Lenise (Steve) Sgutt, Jennifer (Ed) Lobenhofer, and Nancy (Paul) Graser.

Bette passed from this life on January 28, 2024, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early January. Bette was preceded in death by her daughter, Danielle, her parents, a sister Carolyn Sue Stubblefield, a niece Sara Stubblefield, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Thelma and Ingram Morgan, and a sister-in-law Donna Lampley.

Visitation for Bette will be on Tuesday evening, January 30, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. Funeral Services with Pastor Bill Uhls officiating, will be held on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at 11:00 AM, also at Brayfield’s. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.

Memorials can be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Research Foundation, and will be accepted at the funeral home or mailed to Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home, P O Box 624, Sesser, IL 62884.

The family is being served by Steve Gilbert with the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home.

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