Patsy Ann Summers-Davis, 92, of Benton, passed away at 12:00 a.m., on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Stone Bridge Nursing and Rehab Center in Benton, IL.

She was born on July 20, 1933, to Alva and Dolly (Cluck) Shockley in Benton, IL. Prior to her retirement, Patsy worked as a Secretary for Elkhorn Middle School. On June 30, 1950, she married Billie Summers, and he preceded her in death on July 8, 2008. She married Eugene Davis in 2012, and he also preceded her in death on December 11, 2024.

She was a member of East Benton Baptist Church, Como Community Church, Como, WI and most recently North Benton Baptist Church.

Patsy is survived by her loving daughter, Melody Summers Person and her husband, Lowell, of Windsor, CO; her grandson, Tyler Person and his wife, Christina; her granddaughter, Kelsey Person and her great-granddaughter, Tesla Person.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva Monroe and Dolly Mae Shockley, first husband, Billie Summers and second husband, Eugene Davis, three brothers, Bob Shockley, Jim Shockley and Jack Shockley and her sister, Doris Shockley Evans.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home and Crematory, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL

Per Patsy’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A graveside service will take place in the Plasters Grove Cemetery in Thompsonville, IL in the spring of 2026.

Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Randall Keith Warden, 66, of Centralia, passed away on December 24, 2025 at his son’s house in Zeigler, IL.

He was born on May 16, 1959 in Centralia to Charles H. and P. June (Powers) Warden. He is survived by his children P. Anne Warden of Florida, Eric (Melissa) Warden of Zeigler and Phillip (Amanda) McGrath of Wyoming; grandchildren Treyson, Tarajh, Maci, siblings Cheryl Mathena of North Carolina, Tony (Julie) Warden of Oreana, IL and Larry Warden of Centralia. He was preceded in death by his parents.

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

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

John Matthew Stacey, more commonly known as John Boy, age 56, of Sesser, Illinois passed away on the morning of December 24, 2025.

Born October, 17th, 1969, to Bill and Marilyn Stacey. John grew up in Sesser and graduated from Sesser-Valier High school. This is also where he met his wife Teresa. John and Teresa were wed on April 8th, 1995 at the Sesser First Christian Church. John worked at Mount Vernon Continental Tire for 31 years, it seems that over those years he may have built more friendships and relationships than he ever did tires.

Over his lifetime John has become a member of many groups and organizations that have come to mean a lot to him such as the Sesser Ducks Unlimited, Sesser Homecoming Association, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge, Ashley Sportsman Association, and the Rend Lake Sportsman Association. Through all of these activities John Boy has become somewhat of a local celebrity. To know him was to know his signature energy and humor, paired with his easy going presence (and his Bloody Mary’s or Lemonade if you were lucky). Behind all of his jokes was an enormous heart that cared deeply for his community and those he loved.

Above all, John is to be remembered by the way that he could make anyone he met feel like a true friend, even if you were first time acquaintances. He listened without judgement, laughed without reservation, and supported without hesitation. His loyalty ran deep for his friends and family – teasing one minute and fiercely defending the next. There was never a dull moment when you were around him. John leaves a legacy that is loud in the lives that he has touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Marilyn Stacey; and his sister Kathy Wingo Hopson.

He is survived by his wife Teresa Stacey; their daughters Alecia and Maggie Stacey; and his son-in-law Anthony Acosta; Sister Karen Redding, Sister-in-law Angela Bullock (Joe), Nephews Jeff Wingo (Mary Ann), John Don Wingo, Michael Redding (Maria), Matt Redding, Niece Savanah King(fiancee Donnie) and several great nieces and nephews and one special great niece Peyton King whom he served as her personal “Cabana Boy–aka popsicle getter”, along with a mile long list of friends who will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2025 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on the following day, Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:00 am. at the funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmen Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Dakota James Simmons, 16, of Valier, passed away on Saturday December 20, 2025 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

He was born on May 20, 2009 in Ocean Springs, MS to Bobby James and Tamara Dawne (Bean) Simmons. He is survived by his mother and father Bobby and Tamara Simmons of Valier; siblings Aerial (Nick) Holliman of Mississippi, Dystany (Dylan) Cook of Mississippi and Landen Simmons of North Dakota. He loved working on cars especially his corvette and also loved racing go karts.

He was dual enrolled at John A Logan and Rend Lake Community College working towards his degree in HVAC to one day open his own business.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting monetary donations to finish restoring his 1985 corvette he loved dearly, envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be on Sunday December 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 12:00 PM until the time of the service at 3:00 PM.

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

Blaine Joseph Baseden, age 17, of Benton, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2025, at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Brian Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday at the Benton Civic Center.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the arrangements.

Blaine was born on October 27, 2008, in Mt. Vernon, Illinois; the son of Jeremy Baseden and Melinda Johnson.

He was a Junior at Benton Consolidated High School.

Blaine enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing, and hiking. He also liked hanging out with his friends and spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving mother Melinda Johnson of Marion, Illinois, his loving father Jeremy Baseden of Benton, Illinois; his sister Bayley Ann Baseden of Vergennes, Illinois; grandparents: Judy Williams of Simpson, Illinois, Keith Johnson of Auburn, Illinois, Bill Baseden of DeSoto, Illinois; great-grandmother Martha Fielding of Auburn, Illinois; aunts and uncles including: Josh Johnson and wife Jennifer of Wilmington, North Carolina, Miranda Johnson of Milan, Tennessee, Kevin Baseden and wife Dakota of Eldorado, Illinois, Bobby Baseden and wife Evonne of DeSoto, Illinois, Jessica Duvall and husband Todd of DeSoto, Illinois; and several cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother Mary Baseden, maternal great-grandfather Charlie Johnson, maternal step-great-grandfather Robert Fielding, paternal great grandparents Clarence and Betty Baseden, maternal great-grandmother Patsy Kelly, paternal great-grandmother Mary Rodriguez.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Leffler Funeral Home to assist the family with expenses; and will be accepted at the service on Saturday.

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

Please pray for the families of those involved in this tragic accident.

Philip Louis Steinmetz, 81 of Christopher, passed away at 10:50 pm on December 17, 2025 at his home.

He was born on December 9, 1944 in Herrin, Illinois to George and Lucille (Stanley) Steinmetz. He married Linda Alldredge on August 8, 1964. They had three children together. Philip (Carla) Steinmetz of Christopher, Kerry Steinmetz of Seattle, Washington and Kendra (Denise Minor) Steinmetz of Logan. They all still survive. He is also survived by his brother Bud (Karen) Steinmetz of Christopher, sisters Alice (Howard) Grant of Herrin, Betty Kronsell of Marion and sister-in-law Judy Steinmetz of West Frankfort. Along with several nieces, nephews and grandchildren Brittany Hammonds, Derick (Morgan) Hammonds, Sammy (Zack) Nave and three great granddaughters Aurora Hammonds, Tatum and Hallie Nave.

Mr. Steinmetz was the proud owner of Steinmetz Construction for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Lucille Steinmetz, partner Carolyn Neafus, brothers George Steinmetz, Charles Steinmetz, Jack Steinmetz, sister Donna Fox, nephew Daryll Fox and niece Stacey Fitch. Also surviving are Carolyn’s daughter Susan (Matt) Sursa and their children Lydia (Bo) Minor, Nick (Lainey) Sursa, Briana Sursa (Dacota Lorett) and their children Coraline and Atlas.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday December 27, 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at Herrin City Cemetery.

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

Barbara Marie (Julius) Lappin, 89, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Stonebridge in Mt. Vernon, Il.

Born September 15th, 1936 in Jefferson County to John and Petronilla (Puleikis) Julius. She attended St. Barbara’s Catholic School in Scheller, IL. and graduated from Goode Barren Township High School in 1954.

She married Robert L. Lappin on February 19th, 1955. They had three sons and one daughter; Robert Brent, Mark Lee, Barbara Jayne, and Marion Ray. Barbara was best known as the longtime owner of the Custard Stand in Sesser, which she ran for nearly a quarter of a century.

She was an avid painter and loved spending time with her grandchildren, occasionally taking them on trips in her earlier years. She also enjoyed going to see her musically talented family perform at various venues, especially at her annual “Garage Band” birthday parties. Family and friends would come from miles away to celebrate with her. In her last years she had the great joy of seeing her Great Grandchildren as they visited her at her residence.

Barbara is survived by her sons; Robert B. Lappin (Kay Kimmel) of Burbank, CA, Mark (Mona) Lappin,Marion (Kelly) Lappin of Sesser, and daughter Barbara Jayne Lappin of Crainville, Il. Grandchildren; Matthew (Brittany) Lappin, Carly Gregory, Marcus Lappin, Rae (Ross) Worthey. Seven Great Grandchildren; Arthur, Ellie, and Olive Lappin. Harrison Hoekstra (Marcus) Jane Pearl, Marigold Lee and Flora Marie Worthey, and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her father John Julius, mother Petronilla (Julius) Heck, brother John Julius, sister Leona Lee (Julius) Heck and her husband Robert L. Lappin.

Funeral services will be held at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, Il, Monday December 22, 2025, with Monsignor David Darin officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 am to the time of the funeral at 1:00 pm. Burial will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Autism Awareness.

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

James Edward Pluess, age 82, of Harrisburg, IL died at 12:58 a.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.

Per his wishes he will be cremated, and a private family service will be held at a future date.

James was born on September 27, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Emil Pluess and Helen (Gorzney) Pluess. He married the former Karen Doris Sterling on October 1, 1966, and together they shared 59 years of marriage.

Before retirement, he was Supervisor for the Wastewater Treatment Plant in Bloomingdale, Illinois.

He and his wife were members of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg, Illinois.

Jim enjoyed collecting diecast cars and watching NCIS. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving is his loving wife Karen Pluess of Harrisburg, Illinois; three children: Patricia Norman and husband Charles of Maiden, North Carolina, James Edward Pluess, II and wife Renee of Stanford, Kentucky, Michelle Pluess of West Chicago, Illinois; two grandchildren Zachary Chavez of West Chicago, Illinois, Nikol Shands and husband Perry of Knoxville, Tennessee; a half-sister Pat Wenberg and husband Dan of McHenry, Illinois, a half-brother Paul Ludwig and wife Jackie of Algonquin, Illinois; several nieces and nephews, and his four legged family members including Mya, Burberry, Zoey and Paisley.

He was preceded in death by his mother Mary Ludwig, his adopted parents Emil and Helen Pluess.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg, Illinois; or to the Friends of Saline County Animal Control.
To give condolences online to the family or to share memories of Jim, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, Illinois, is in charge of the arrangements.

Merrill Gene Rose, age 84, of Benton, passed away at 4:55 p.m. Sunday, December 14, 2025, at his home.

Merrill was born on February 9, 1941, in Benton, Illinois; the son of James Paul Rose and Lela (Wilson) Rose.

He was a retired coal miner. He worked at Freeman United Coal Company Mine #6 of Waltonville, Illinois. He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Mr. Rose was also a member of Rend Lake Lodge #64, Scottish Rite Bodies of Southern Illinois, and the Ainad Temple of the Shrine.

Before it’s closing, he and Diane attended Parrish Baptist Church.

Merrill enjoyed attending car shows, fishing, going to auctions, and hanging out in his garage visiting with friends.

Surviving are two sons: John Rose and wife Judy of Benton, IL, Ron Rose and wife Lisa of Benton, IL; his life companion of 22 years Diane LeFever of Benton, IL; grandchildren including: Amanda Gates and husband Justin of Benton, IL, James Paul Rose and companion Alyssa Drenckpohl of McLeansboro, IL, Scott Rose and wife Rebecca of Bolivar, MO, Nicholas Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Alyvia Scro of West Frankfort, IL, Sophia Kendrick of Benton, IL; great-grandchildren: Eli Hill, Samuel Gates, Jackson Rose, Lillith Rose, Owen Stapp, Bentley Scro, Myles Little and Jackson Little, a sister-in-law Judy Rose of Benton, IL, a niece Laura Richardson and husband Eddie of Benton, IL, a nephew Gary Rose and wife Rhonda of Peoria, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Curtis Rose and Paul Wayne Rose, a great-grandson Cordell Michael Ray Rose, two nephews: Bobby Rose and James Rose.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 noon Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home, with Pastor Howard Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon Saturday, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

The family prefers Memorial Contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the services.
To give condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Merrill, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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Shannon Dwayne Tate, age 51, of Benton, passed away at 11:11 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the SSM St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Shannon was born on September 4, 1974, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Charles “Bud” Tate and Patricia Ann (Tamm) Tate.

He was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1993. He enjoyed attending Whittington Church.

He worked as a security guard for American Coal Company/Murray Energy of Galatia, Illinois.

Shannon enjoyed going hunting and fishing. He liked to make people smile and laugh and never met a stranger.

Surviving is his loving mother Patricia Tate of Benton, IL; siblings: Gina Tate, Jeremy Tate, Benji Tate, Scott Tate and Christi Volkman and husband Paul all of Benton, IL, Hannah Akin of Belle Rive, IL; an aunt, Alice Schablowsky and husband Rick of Mulkeytown, IL, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father Charles “Bud” Tate, stepmother Dolores Tate, a brother Tom Tate, uncles Larry Tate and Clarence Tate, aunts Beulah Overturf and Marie Williams, and a great-nephew Liam Tate.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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