Kenneth Mateycak, Sr., age 77, of Thompsonville, passed away Thursday, September 21, 2023 at his home.

Mr. Mateycak’s wishes are to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, September 29, 2023, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Kenneth was born on October 18, 1945, in Chicago, IL; the son of Joseph Mateycak and Lillian Mateycak. On December 1, 1986, he married the former Judith Kay Gunnels, and she preceded him in death on January 26, 2019.

Mr. Mateycak was a retired coal miner from Old Ben 26. While working at the mine he was referred to by his nickname, “Pollack.” He was a member of the U.M.W.A.

Kenneth enjoyed being outdoors, working in his yard, drinking coffee, watching WSIL TV3, talking daily with his children, and spending time with his grandchildren. He was of the Catholic faith.

Surviving are his loving children: Bethany Mateycak of Memphis, TN, Kenneth “Butch” Mateycak, Jr. and wife Ruth of Benton, IL, Keith Mateycak and wife Amber of West Frankfort, IL, Curtis Mateycak and wife Julie of La Vergne, TN, Peggy Hipp of La Vergne, TN, Dawn Southwood of Illinois; sixteen grandchildren; several great-grandchildren, and several great-great-grandchildren; a sister Josette Siemeck and family of Orland Park, IL; a sister-in-law Ruth Feigl of Granite City, IL; several cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sons-in-law: Jeramie Southwood and Dave Hipp.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Area Volunteers and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Earl Lee Smith, age 70, of Benton, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 9:43 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, with his loving family by his side.

Earl Lee Smith was born in Fairfield, IL, the son of Kenneth Leon Smith and Mary Elizabeth (Jeffords) Smith. Earl married the love of his life, Isabel McDonald Smith on August 30, 1975 in Scotland. Together they raised five children and numerous foster children.

Earl served 20 years in the United States Navy (8 years active and 12 years Seabee reserves). This accomplishment was something he was most proud of. Before joining the Navy, Earl graduated from Mills Prairie High School and continued his education at Olney Central College. Earl retired in 2010 from the United States Postal Service after working 28 years. Earl’s hobbies include running, biking, swimming, listening to music, geocaching, spending time with his grandkids, and taking care of his family farm in Burnt Prairie, IL. The farm has been in the family for over 150 years and Earl enjoyed farming with his Dad and Grandpa, Charles T. Smith. Earl has run 108 marathons and countless other races. One of his favorite accomplishments was twice qualifying for the Boston marathon.
Earl is survived by his wife, Isabel and his five children: Sheri (Shon) Hargis, James (Melissa) Smith, Rebecca (Dustin) Chavez, Shannan (Dr. Matthew) Bernico, and Evan Smith. His eight grandchildren who are his pride and joy, Raine, Nora, Luna, Deklan, Lewis, Charlee, Ryne, and Archie. His siblings Nancy Merritt, Betty (Jeff) Schroeder, Ray (Kim) Smith, and Gail Doggett and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.

Earl was a man of strong faith, and he was an active member of Whittington Church where he enjoyed men’s fellowship and Monday night ping-pong. On September 23rd, 2023, Earl finished his last race and ran into the arms of Jesus.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Whittington Church, with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Buria, with Military Honors, will follow in the Burnt Prairie Cemetery, Burnt Prairie, Illinois. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Whittington Church.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, is in charge of the services.

Memorial contributions may be made to Whittington Church for the construction of a children’s playground.

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

Our Dear Mother, Sharlyn Kay Gunter, 72, sadly passed away on Thursday September 21, 2023 at 5:00 PM at her home. She was a wonderful mother who loved her children unconditionally and was always there for us. She was also a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, grandmother and friend.

Sharlyn was born on April 20, 1951 at Marshall Browning Hospital in DuQuoin, IL. She was the daughter of Floyd Pete and Elsie Mae (Boling) Offerman of Pinkneyville.

Sharlyn worked at Decca Records out of high school where she met her husband Donald Ray Gunter. They were married 52 years and he survives.

She is also survived by her children, Sherri Dawn Gunter of Sesser, Jason Ray (Shawna) Gunter of Sesser and Cory Don Gunter of Evansville, IN, one sister Norma Jean (Rick) Lowman of Mesquite, TX, several grandchildren Jordan (Lauren) Gunter, Joshua Gunter, Gavin (Marissa) Gunter, Jaslyn Gunter, Shayna Slone and Jaxon Gunter and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother Garry Allen Offerman of Beaumont, TX.

She was a member of the Illinois Sigma Phi Chapter 10190 of Beta Sigma Phi at Sesser. She also worked at Weeks Chevrolet in West Frankfort for several years until her retirement.

Everyone that knew her loved her. She was kind and had a smile that would light up any room. She always helped others and loved her family immensely. She was loved so very much and will be missed dearly.

Funeral services for Sharlyn will be on Tuesday September 26, 2023 at 1:00 PM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Brother Bill Uhles officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM. Burial will be at Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

Janet Carol Rone, 65, of Thompsonville, passed away at 9:09 a.m., on Thursday, September 21, 2023, at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

She was born on December 9, 1957, to Carl and Melba (Warren) Darnell in Poenton, IL.
She was a member of Akin Missionary Baptist Church.
Janet was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed taking care of other people. She was the entertainer of the family, always cutting up, laughing and bringing a smile to others.

Janet is survived by her sons, Jason (Amanda) Rone and Travis Rone; granddaughter, Emma Rone; sister, Deb (Dave) Link; brother, Keith (Bobbie) Darnell; nephews, Chad (Jamie) Link, Ryan (Kelli) Darnell and Brody Rone; nieces, Brandi (Ryan) Sauerhage and Mallory (Eli) Lampley and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl Dean and Melba Lois Darnell, her husband, Roger Lee Rone and sister, Amy Rone.
Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Pastor Roger Webb, officiating.

Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Brady Cemetery, Akin,IL.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Residential Hospice and Franklin Hospital, for the exceptional care Janet received.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.

Kathryn L. Wilson, 91, of Benton passed away Monday morning, September 18, 2023 at Helia HealthCare in Benton.

She was born in Benton, IL on January 29, 1932 the daughter of Everett & Belvia (Overturf) Marvel. She married Bob Wilson on July 3, 1948 and he preceded her in death on December 5, 1997.

Mrs. Wilson was of the Assembly of God Faith.

Mrs. WIlson is survived by her:
2 Daughters:
Karen Dancer of Haleyville, AL
Linda Hiney & husband Randall of Haleyville, AL
7 Grandchildren
5 Great-Grandchildren
Sister: Judy Shurtz & husband Merle Ray of Mt. Vernon, IL
Son-in-law: Danny WIlson of Benton, IL

Mrs. Wilson was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Daughter-Debbie Wilson, Son-in-law-LaVough Dancer, 4 Sisters-Dorothy, Virginia, Evelyn & Freda and 6

Brothers-Clyde, Roy, Raymond, Eddie, Jackie & Bobby.

Graveside Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, September 22nd at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

Joecy James Padavic, age 15, of Benton, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2023, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 21, 2023, at the Benton Civic Center, 414 West Hudelson Street, Benton, Illinois, with Pastor Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Benton Civic Center.

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

Joecy was born on May 4, 2008, in Carbondale, Illinois; the daughter of Jeff Padavic and Stacy (Golliher) Padavic.

She was a Sophomore at Benton Consolidated High School where she was a former cheerleader.

Her family said that she enjoyed taking selfies, dancing, singing, hanging out with her friends, and going to the beach in Panama City, Florida. She was looking forward to getting her drivers license.

Surviving is her loving mother Stacy Golliher Padavic of Benton; her doting father Jeff Padavic of Benton; siblings Tyler Golliher and Seth Padavic both of Benton; her grandparents Pat and Connie Golliher of Benton, Cameron and Rhonda Trusty of Benton, Theresa Twogood of Herrin; great-grandparents John and Karen Golliher of Benton, Barbara Whitsett of Benton, Carolyn Trusty of West Frankfort; aunts and uncles: Brad and Jara Wilson of Benton, Preston Golliher of Sesser, Jayme Martinez of Benton, Kyle Grant of Thompsonville; cousins: Lyric and Emerson Golliher, Kylie and Cody Grant, Chesney Chamberlain, Ayzik Martinez, Kadinz and Keezley Wilson; and several great-aunts and uncles, and numerous other cousins, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandpa Joe Padavic; great-grandparents: George and Mary Golliher, Frank and Ann Padavic, Dennis Whitsett, Francis and Margaret Reith, Carolyn White, and Lonnie Reiger.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Community Fund that has been established to assist each of the three families equally with funeral expenses; and will be accepted at the services on Thursday.

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

Mrs. Ellaine Rose Goss, age 70, of Ewing, Illinois and formerly of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away at 8:28 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at Heartland Regional Medical Center of Marion.

Her wishes are to be cremated with no public services at this time.

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

Ellaine was born on June 25, 1953, the daughter of Robert B. Lueken and Margaret Emory (Meisenheimer) Lueken. She married Michael Lee Goss on October 15, 1999, and he survives.

She was a retired Childhood Development worker, having last worked as a Director with Head Start in St. Charles, Missouri.

Ellaine enjoyed cooking, canning vegetables from her garden, and reading. She was a former Girl Scout leader. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family. She was of the Christian faith.

She is survived by her loving husband Michael Goss of Ewing, Illinois; her three children: Jennifer Hohlt and husband Brian of St. Charles, Missouri, Andrew Wiskoski and wife Dawn of Union, Missouri, Margaret “Maggie” Fischer and husband Scott of St. Charles, Missouri; Mike’s children: Michelle Hollowell and husband Jason, Jennifer Beskorovany, Corinne “Cori” Tinker and husband Denny, all of St. Charles, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren to whom she was referred to as “Gummy”; a brother Steven Lueken and wife Trish of Eureka, Missouri; a sister Beverly Cantoni and husband Robert of Manchester, Missouri; several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Goss was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister Sharon Kuhlmann.

The family would prefer memorial contributions be made in memory of Ellaine to a children’s charity of the donor’s choice.

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

Hosea W. Eubanks, 91, of Buckner, passed away at 11:55 p.m., on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the Marion VA Health Care, Marion, IL.

He was born on July 1, 1932, to Hosea and Grace (Meyers) Eubanks in Christopher, IL. On August 30, 1952, he married the former Norma Sanders, and she preceded him in death on February 28, 2010.

He was a Veteran of the United States Army, serving during the Korean War.

Hosea was a loving father and grandfather and he absolutely adored his grandchildren. He enjoyed traveling in Southern Illinois, bingo, cards and horses.

Hosea is survived by his children, Gene (Kelly) Eubanks, Charmion (Kerry) Einspahr and Roy (Mary) Eubanks; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hosea and Grace Eubanks, wife, Norma Jeannine Eubanks, seven brothers and four sisters.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL

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