Vera Mae Galayda, 92, of Buckner, passed away on Monday January 31, 2022 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

She was born on December 29, 1929 in Sesser to Claude and Brasher (Harper) Chamness. She married Charles Galayda on November 9, 1947 and he preceded her in death on March 3, 2017.

She is survived by her children Susan (Mike) Rude of Marion, Elizabeth (Patrick) Boyland of Vienna, Chuck (Wanda) Galayda of Buckner and Toni (Darrell) Young of Buckner; grandchildren Michael “Andy” Rude, Dr. Thomas (Jessica) Rude, Paige (Jamie) Kirkpatrick, Amanda Yosanovich, Justin Young, Kaylea (Justin Vorhes) Young and Jacob Young; great grandchildren Mariska Rude, Camden Kirkpatrick, Olivia Kirkpatrick, Isla Kirkpatrick, Drake Yosanovich, Charley Yosanovich, Brooklyn Galayda, Kole Ezra Vorhes and Drake Vorhes and two sisters Pearl Mitchell of Christopher and Rose (Eli) Galayda of Buckner and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sisters and five brothers.

Vera was a cook at the Christopher Grade school and loved to embroider and quilt, but most of all she loved her family.

Funeral services for Vera will be on Saturday February 5, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Father John Pawelchak officiating. Visitation will be on Saturday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Orthodox Cemetery in Buckner.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Buckner Russian Orthodox Church. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

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

Marilyn Jane Furlow, 86, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday January 30, 2022.

She was born on October 16, 1935 in Benton, IL to Glenn and Matilda Jane (House) Wayman. She married Kenneth Furlow on October 8, 1961 and he survives of Christopher.

She is survived by her husband Kenneth Furlow of Christopher; two sons Brian Furlow of Christopher and Wayman (Donna) Furlow of Benton; one granddaughter Lindsey Jo Furlow; two brothers Bill Wayman of Knoxville, TN and Norman (Debbie) Wayman of Chicago, IL and one sister-in-law Virginia Wayman of DuQuoin and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandson Josh Brisco and one brother Richard Wayman.

She was a member of the Church of Christ at Minor.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday February 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at the Masonic and IOOF Cemetery in Benton with Brother Don Wright officiating.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at the cemetery or can be sent to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher is handling arrangements.

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

Charles Woodrow Briley, age 80, of Thompsonville, passed away at 4:05 p.m. Saturday, January 29, 2022, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at the Elder S.M. Williams Cemetery of Ewing, IL, with Bro. Jackie Davison officiating. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.
Due to the mandate issued on August 26, 2021, by Gov. J.B Pritzker masks must be worn at all times while inside the funeral home.

Charles Woodrow Briley was born on October 2, 1941, in Benton, Illinois; the son of Cecil Briley and Idalia (Hicks) Briley. He married the former Lela M. Pedigo on October 21, 1962, and she preceded him in death on September 19, 2013.

Charles was formerly worked in the coal mines until he received a career ending injury and became disabled.

He was a member of the Tamaroa Independent Pentecostal Church.

Charles enjoyed fishing, hunting, Cubs baseball; but most of all, enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.
Surviving is a son Charles D. “Chuck” Briley and wife Tricia of Thompsonville, IL; three daughters: Darla Johnson of Akin, IL, Shannon Briley and boyfriend Scott Tuttle of West Fankfort, IL, Margaret Szczeblewski and husband Robert of Sesser, IL; nine grandchildren: Michelle Johnson of Carpentersville, IL, Christina Johnson of Zeigler, IL, Linnea White and husband Joey of West Frankfort, IL, Jeffery Watkins of Thompsonville, IL, Brittany Plumlee of Missouri, Sarah Overton of Kentucky, Scott Tuttle of West Frankfort, IL, Stephanie Lorraine and husband Keith of West Frankfort, IL, Joey Myers of Benton, Kelsey Champlin of Sesser; many great-grandchildren; a sister Sheila Dallape of West Frankfort, IL; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; three brothers: Bill, Bob, and Jack Briley; and a sister Marcella Mabry.
Memorial contributions in memory of Charles W. Briley, may be made to the Tamaroa Independent Pentecostal Church, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

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

Betty Jo Furlow, 84, of Benton, IL gained her Heavenly Wings on Thursday, January 27, 2022, peacefully at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL, holding the hands of her loving son Adam and daughter-in-law Lisa.

Betty Jo was born June 25, 1937, to Maude and Gus Adams.

She was the most elegant, beautiful, classy woman with a heart of gold and will be dearly missed by all.

Betty Jo was married to Raymond Furlow for 62 wonderful years, and together, owned Raymond Furlow Excavating Business for over 50 years. She also took pride in her role as Benton City Treasurer for over 20 years. While raising her two boys, Betty returned to College at SIU and earned a degree in Social Welfare.

She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton. Where she played the organ for 50 years. She was also a member of the choir and praised God with her beautiful voice. Betty Jo was always helping those in need at the church or in the community.

Betty Jo and her family loved to take many road trips in the RV all around the US.

She is survived by her son Adam Furlow, daughter in law, Lisa Furlow, step grandson Quinten Bowen and his wife Jessica; her sister-in law Thelma Creamer nephews, Mike Arnold and Pat Arnold, nieces Debbie (Arnold) Hanson and Bonnie Arnold along with many great nieces and nephews.

Betty Jo was preceded in death by her husband Raymond Furlow and son Michael Furlow; sister Beverly Arnold and brother-in-law Jack Arnold, brother-in-law Mike Creamer.

Betty Jo’s family would like to thank the staff at SSM Health for the excellent care and compassion during her stay. Thank you to the two special angels Dawn and Abby for going above and beyond expectations during this difficult time.

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

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, 203 West Church Street, Benton, IL.

Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church, with the Reverend Jesse Hinds officiating services. Burial will follow funeral services at the Harrison Cemetery, Buckner, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Benton, IL, and the American Alzheimer’s Association and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Online condolences maybe expressed at www.patefh.com

Norma Jean Fleming, age 86, of Marion, Illinois, passed away Monday, January 24, 2022 at The Anchor in Marion, Illinois.

Norma was born November 10, 1935 in Thompsonville, Illinois, a daughter of Jeffie and Noma (Marvel) Biggs. She married Lindberg “Lindy” James Fleming on August 26, 1954 in Chester, IL. He preceded her in death October 30, 2015.

Norma grew up in Chester, Illinois and graduated Chester High School. She attended Rend Lake College and achieved a Nursing Degree. She worked as a Registered Nurse at the V.A. Hospital in Marion, and at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. She most recently worked at Bi-County Health Dept. in Home Health. Norma loved to sing and play the piano and put puzzles together. Her life revolved around her family and her faith. She loved her children, grandchildren and her great grandchildren. She had been a member of Community Faith Church in Marion for 30 years.

She is survived by her two children, Teri L. (John) Murrow of Marion, IL and Kevin J. (Lanette) Fleming of West Frankfort, IL; and her nine Grandchildren, and fourteen Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by spouse Lindberg “Lindy” James Fleming, one daughter, Judy G. Summers; her parents, Jeffie and Noma Biggs; and one sister, Glenda Sue Garcia.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, from 6 PM – 7 PM at Whiteash Freewill Baptist in Whiteash, Illinois. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at 7 PM at Whiteash Freewill Baptist Church with Reverend Todd Greiner officiating. Inurnment will be at Mound City National Cemetery, in Mound City, Illinois at a later date. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Shawnee Alliance.

James William Kirkpatrick, 94, of Christopher, passed away on Thursday January 27, 2022 at Franklin Hospital in Benton.

He was born on July 17, 1927 in Christopher to Roy and Cecil (Horton) Kirkpatrick. He married Phyllis (Rowland) Kirkpatrick on December 2, 1951 and she preceded him in death on August 12, 2015.

He is survived by his children Debbie Kretz of Christopher, Mark Kirkpatrick of Jeffersonville, IN and Lisa Kirkpatrick of Grand Rapids, MI; grandchildren Wade Kretz, Kyle (Kim) Kretz, Merideth (Mark) Rodgers and Nick Sheridan; great grandchildren Tyson Kretz, Aiden Kretz, Kaylee Kretz, Jack Kretz, Sam Kretz and Cole Rodgers.

He was a member of the Valier First Baptist Church and was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was also an avid St Louis Cardinals fan and was owner of Kirk’s Pharmacy in Christopher for 68 years.

Graveside services will be on Monday January 31, 2022 at 1:00 PM at the Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton with Rev. Harl Ray Lewis officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery. Burial will be at the Masonic & IOOF Cemetery in Benton.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Valier First Baptist Church. Envelopes will be available at the Cemetery or can be sent to the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher.

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

Randy Gutzler, 70, of Sesser, formerly of Mt Vernon, passed away on Thursday January 27, 2022 at his home.

He was born on November 14, 1951 in Mt Vernon to Walter and Norva (Balsober) Gutzler.

He is survived by his children Shane (Emily) Gutzler of Mt Vernon and Heath (Paula) Gutzler of Woodlawn; three grandchildren; and two sisters Jackie Chambliss of Bluford and Donna Dudley of Centralia.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Marilyn Bushong.

He was a Vietnam Veteran serving in the United States Army and was a carpenter by trade.

His wishes were to be cremated with no services. Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser is assisting the family with arrangements.

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

Ronald Dean Newcomb, 87, of Ewing, IL passed away on Tuesday afternoon January 25, 2022 at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

Mr. Newcomb was born in Ina, IL on October 17, 1934, the son of Steve & Ortis (Page) Newcomb.
He married Evelyn (Sneed) Newcomb on October 28, 1955, and she preceded him in death on December 30, 2004.

Mr. Newcomb drove a truck all of his life, starting with a farm truck when he was young. He was a longtime member of Whittington Church and served as a Deacon for 34 years. Mr. Newcomb served 3 years in the U. S Army. He was an avid Christian, he loved his church and was the friendliest person you would ever meet.

Mr. Newcomb is survived by his:

4 Children:
Jeff Newcomb & his daughter Elizabeth
Brian Newcomb & wife Jo Ellen of Marion
Stephen Newcomb & wife Crystal of Benton
Ronda Yung & husband Mark of Tamaroa
Companion & Friend: Bonnie Marshall and her family

7 Grandchilden:
Devon Webb & Jerod Corn
Corey Newcomb & Dana Rone
Stephen Richmond
Alexis Newcomb
Aubrey Newcomb
Gavin Hartley
Ayden Newcomb

7 Great-Grandchildren

Mr. Newcomb was preceded in death by his parents, wife, 1 daughter, Donna Picklesimer, grandson-Dakota, 1 brother & sister-in-law-Walter & Rudell Newcomb and 1 niece-Patti Gilbreath.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, January 31st at the Whittington Church with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial with Military Rites will be in the Shiloh Cemetery in Whittington. Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Sunday evening and from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

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

Mary Alice Sims, age 79, of Benton; passed away at 8:30 a.m. Sunday, January 23, 2022, at her daughter’s home in Whittington.
Celebration of Life Services will be held, at a future date.

Cremation arrangements are with the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Mary Alice was born on October 12, 1942, the daughter of Herman Jones and Ada Pearl (Kelley) Jones. She married Henry Edwin “Sunny” Sims on
September 2, 1962, and he preceded her in death on June 17, 2011.

She was well known throughout the community. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Having worked as a schoolteacher with Christopher Elementary School, a substitute teacher at Benton High School and Benton Grade School, Librarian at Rend Lake College, and formerly worked as a supervisor for homes with the Developedly Disabled.

Mary Alice enjoyed people, and this was shown through her dedication and involvement with the local Girl Scouts. She was a Gold Member of the Girl Scouts, and through dedication and involvement as a Girl Scout volunteer; she received the Girl Scouts Life-Time Achievement Award; of which she was immensely proud.

Before her health declined, she attended the Palestine Baptist Church, was an active member of the Franklin County Historical Society, former Board Member with the Benton Public Library.

Mary Alice enjoyed going to Celtic Festivals, Astrology, Genealogy, attending Active Day in Marion, and enjoyed flower gardening.
She is survived by a daughter Jennifer Sims and husband Jeff George of Whittington; a son Kelley Sims and wife Ginger Farmer-Sims of Christopher; two grandsons: Joshua George and Justin Wagoner; a brother G.W. Jones of Benton; and a niece Chy Ann Jones of Carterville.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a brother Paul Jones.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mary Alice Sims, may be made to the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home.

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