Leona Irene “Punkin” Rushing, age 74, of Logan, passed away Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at her home.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Rick Fowler officiating. Burial will follow at the Logan Church of God Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton.

Leona was born on October 22, 1946, in Eldorado, TX; the daughter of Jesse Lee Summers and Helen Loretta (Irvin) Summers. She was married to Keith Rushing and he preceded her in death in 2014.

Before retirement, she worked as a sales representative, and worked for numerous companies.
She attended the Logan Church of God.

“Punkin” enjoyed Hawaiian dancing, spending time with friends, she loved collecting chicken figurines, enjoyed spending time at Rend Lake. Her family said she was a talented and gifted costume designer, enjoyed crafting, and loved her dog, Sammy.

Surviving are two children: Scott Noriega of Clinton, PA, Shannon Bartkowiak of Burbank, IL; two grandchildren: Dakota Anthony Bartkowiak, Cheyenne Marie Moon; a sister “Sissy” Stoval of Cleveland, TN; a brother George “Slick” Summers of Ohio; several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father Jesse Lee Summers; her mother Helen Loretta Estes; a granddaughter Jacy Lee Moon; a brother Jesse “Brub” Summers.

Memorial contributions in memory of Leona “Punkin” Rushing, may be made to the Logan Community Center, and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Leona “Punkin” Rushing, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

Constancia “Connie” (Vandekerkhove) Flowers passed away October 12, 2021.

Connie was born June 1, 1957 to Walter and Madeline Vanderkerkhove (Vander) of Sesser. She married Danny Flowers on October 24, 1975. They live in Valier and raised two sons, Jeremy and Jeffrey who blessed them with four grandchildren Daniel, Jeremiah, Zoey and James Flowers and another due in December. She had two great-grandchildren, Jackson and Hazel. Connie is survived by her husband of 46 years, Danny, three sisters, Irma Kimmel, Trudy (Jack) Cohlmeyer and Pat (Bob) Boles, and sister-in-laws Diane (Lee) Rice, and Sharon Greathouse, and numerous nieces and nephews and several cousins in Belgium. She was preceded in death by her parents, her father and mother-in-law Roland and Pat Flowers, her brother Walter, Jr., and her brother-in-law Darrell Kimmel.

Connie graduated from the Sesser-Valier High School and worked for many years at The Print Shop in Sesser before becoming employed with the Franklin County Circuit Clerk’s and Treasurer’s office in Benton where she enjoyed conversing with so many people from the County. She loved motorcycle riding and traveling with her family and spending time in the garden and greenhouse. She especially loved spoiling her grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by so many loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 15 at 11 a.m. at the Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser with Brother Mark Minor officiating. Visitation will be on Friday from 11 a.m. until the time of the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be at the Mulkeytown Cemetery.

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

David R. Upchurch of Cincinnati, OH (formerly of Benton, IL) passed away September 27, 2021, at the age of 76.

David, loving husband of Shirley F. Upchurch (nee Duckworth), beloved father of Anthony D. (Robin) Upchurch, Annette D. (Gary) Gardner, Alan D. (Jodi) Upchurch, Albert D. (Susan) Upchurch, and Andrea D. (Bill) Bellis, devoted brother of Jerry (Kaye) Upchurch, twin sister, Diana (Ron) House, of Benton, IL and the late Donald Upchurch.

He was the son of the late Eugene and Wilma Upchurch and is survived by 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held in Cincinnati, OH, on Sunday, October 3, 2021, with Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M. rites, and a Scottish Rites Ring ceremony.

Memorials may be made to the Al Boebaum Scholarship Fund c/o Kilwinning Lodge #356 A.F. & A.M., 8040 Eagle Creek, Cincinnati, OH 45247

James Britt Towers, 59, of Christopher, passed away on Sunday October 10, 2021 at his home.

He was born on January 4, 1962 in Christopher to James “Jim” Brooks and Ruth (Flowers) Towers Stritzel.

He is survived by his daughters Rachel (Brad Hall) Towers of Valier and Austin (Joe) Hargraves of St Louis; grandchildren Holden Jace Towers-Frost, Beau Brooks Hall, Anthony Hargaraves and Eleanor Hargraves and several other extended family members and friends.

Britt enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and guns. He was proud father and a prouder Papa.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the First Baptist Church of Valier.

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

Joyce Ann Ashmore, 88, of Herrin, passed away on Saturday October 9, 2021 ather home.

She was born on April 1, 1933 in Cobden to Ernest Walker and Thelma (Fann) Laffoon. She married William Ashmore on October 28, 1950 and he preceded her in death on October 25, 1993.

She is survived by her children Dixie (Bob) Ventura of Herrin, Steve (Sandy) Ashmore of Benton, Bridgett Townzen of Herrin and Shawna Ventura of Herrin and several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and two brothers Ernest Walker and Robert Walker.

Funeral services for Joyce will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher with Pastor Ken Petty officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday October 14, 2021 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at Hallidayboro Cemetery in Elkville.

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

David E. Easley, 74, of Benton, passed away at 9:10 a.m., on Friday, October 8, 2021, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on May 26, 1947, to Clyde and Nadine (Cantine) Easley at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, IL. He attended school at Benton Consolidated High School. On October 6, 1986, he married the former Olga M. Webb in Benton, IL. To this union they had 6 children. David started his career as a truck driver hauling gravel, he then went to work for Old Ben Coal Company as a coal miner for 23 years, following that he would retire from E.T. Simonds Construction Company as a heavy equipment operator.

David was a member of the Sons of the American Legion, Benton, IL., and the Benton Eagles. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother. David enjoyed riding his motorcycle, playing pool and spending time on his side by side.

He is survived by his loving spouse of 35 years, Olga M. Easley; six children, Kevin (Gena) Easley of Buckner, IL, Berry Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jerry (Carol) Easley of AL, Lisa Easley of West Frankfort, IL, Jamie (Robbie) Williams of Benton, IL and Mary Sloan of West Frankfort, IL; eight grandchildren, Brittany Easley, Preston Easley, Bridget Easley, Cody Easley, Issac Parcell, Jade Parcell, Brandon Williams and Abby Williams; one brother, Alan Easley of AK; and one sister, Connie Easley of Benton, IL.

David was preceded in death by his parents Clyde C. and Nadine B. Easley.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.

Per David’s wishes cremation will take place, a private family memorial gathering will be held his residence.

David’s family would like to express their appreciation to Bill and Viola Edwards and Stacye Key for all the care and support.

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

Hazel H. Page, 97, of Sesser, passed away on Thursday October 7, 2021 at her home.

She was born on May 31, 1924 in Waltonville, IL to Dow and Ethel (Hall) Roberson. She married Evan Page and he preceded her in death on October 21, 1979.

She is survived by her son Lloyd (Peggy) Page of Macomb, IL; daughter-in-law Shelley Page of Sesser; grandchildren Brian (Natalie) Page of Sesser, Heather (Ben) Rice of Sesser, Brent Page of Sesser and Damon Page of Macomb, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son Danny Page, one Sister Alberta Page and two Brothers Lloyd Roberson and Clyde Roberson.

Graveside services for Hazel will be on Wednesday October 13, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser with Brother Larry Cook officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

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

Dr. Billy G. Dixon passed away on Monday, October 4, 2021, with his wife and children at his side. He was born on October 25, 1935 to John and Stella Dixon. He was a proud “Pop” of three and Great-Grand-Pop of one. He was also owner and father to his favorite “son”, BJ.

Dr. Dixon graduated with four degrees in the fields of math and education. The final degree earned was a doctorate in 1967 from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He then worked for SIU-C from 1958 until his retirement in 2001. His career was devoted to education and the process of teaching students how to teach. He was active in the Association of Teacher Educators, serving as President in 1988-89 and Director of Meetings from 1989-2020.

Bill was also very instrumental in the founding and development of the Benton Community Park District – writing numerous grants to obtain funding for the beautiful park we have in Benton today.

Bill is survived by his wife, Judy; daughter, Valerie Potts; and son, Clark (Alicia) Dixon. He was most proud of his grandchildren Bryson (Alexa) Potts, Sydney Potts and Sara Dixon and their many accomplishments. His excitement was evident at the addition of a Great Grandson, Hudson Potts. He is also survived by numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by parents, John and Stella Dixon, and brother, John Robert Dixon.
Donations, in lieu of flowers, may be made to the First United Methodist Church, Benton.

Graveside visitation will be Saturday, October 9, at 9 a.m. with services following at 10 a.m. at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery, Benton.

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

Larry Edwin Gilman, 81, of Coello, passed away on Sunday October 3, 2021 at his home.

He was born on November 24, 1939 in Muncie, IN to Franklin and Thelma (Harrison) Gilman. He married Mamie Ethel (Farris) Gilman on September 10, 1993.

He is survived by his wife Mamie Ethel Gilman of Coello; children Brenda (Don) DuBravec of Coello, Donna (Michael) Calloni of Mulkeytown, IL, Randy (Loida) Aaron of Energy, IL, David (Kim) Aaron of Mt Vernon, IL, and Linda (Hagle) Summers; grandchildren Doug (Addie) DuBravec, Michelle (Jason) Watson, Taylor (Kirstin) Calloni, Sierra (Dakota) Gregge, Nicole Shelton, Ashley (Geoff) Hammonds, Neil (Sarah) Brown, Alan Aaron, Samantha (Zach Hurt) Aaron, Steven (Casey) Summers, Rachael (Jeremy) Spencer and Joni Tims; 20 great grandchildren; two cousins Beverly Spann, of Florida, and Nancy Snider, of Florida.

Graveside services will be on Thursday October 7, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the Mulkeytown Cemetery with Brother George Marshall officiating. Friends and family are asked to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Christ of Christopher. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.

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