All Obituaries

Debbie Gibbs, 74, of Benton passed away Saturday morning March 7, 2026 at Helia HealthCare of Benton She was born on April 22, 1951 in Chicago, IL the daughter of Lindell & Ruth (Underwood) Gibbs. Debbie loved walking around, lottery, bingo and loved animals especially dogs. She loved Ann’s grandkids like her own. Debbie is survived by several Nieces & Nephews. She was preceded in death by her Parents, 5 Brothers-Richard, Leroy, Larry, John & Lawrence and 3 ...

Ann M. Gibbs A Life Filled with Strength, Kindness, and Unconditional Love Ann M. Gibbs, age 68, of Benton, Illinois, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2026, at her home. Ann was born on January 19, 1958, in Christopher, Illinois. She later made Benton her home, where she built her life, raised her family, and created countless memories with the people she loved most. She spent many years working in healthcare, dedicating herself to caring for others. Whether it was family, friends, or ...

Mary Alice (Burgess) Corbin passed away on February 19, 2026 at her home in Benton surrounded by family at the age of 82.  Services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with a visitation at 11:30am, service at 12:00pm, burial at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery thereafter; and followed with a luncheon at New Hope Baptist Church in Benton.     Mary Corbin was born on July 23, 1943.  She was the youngest child ...

James (Jim) David Chady October 2, 1937 – February 19, 2026 James (Jim) David Chady passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He has reunited with the love of his life, his wife Daryl. Services will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Morton Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with a visitation and rosary from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. Funeral Mass will be held at St Joseph Catholic Church on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 am, burial at ...

Marshall Ray Girtman, 67, of Sesser, Illinois, formerly a resident of Benton, Illinois passed away peacefully at his home on March 8, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born July 23, 1958, to Charles and Thelma “Margaret” Girtman in Marion, Illinois. He married the love of his life and best friend Linda Lou “Toms” Girtman on August 20, 1983. Marshall owned and operated “Marshalls Body Shop” on Route 34 in Benton, Illinois for 20 years. Marshall was a ...

Pamela Sue Robinson, 73, of Benton passed away Friday morning February 27, 2026 at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion. She was born on April 26, 1952 the daughter of Gene & Eddyth (Bullington) Mandrell. She was married to Dave Robinson. Pamela loved fishing, camping and going to Jones Lake. She enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandkids and her dog “Rowdy”. Pamela is survived by her: Son: Pat McClerren of Benton Daughter: Bridgett Young & husband Art of ...

Mary Lou Smith, 79, of Benton passed away on March 2, 2026 at her home. She was born on January 15, 1947 in Phoenix, Arizona the daughter of Ellsworth & Constant Regina (Pannell) Shaw. She married Dennis Smith on June 20, 1970. Mrs. Smith was a CNA, working at several area nursing homes. Mrs. Smith is survived by her: Husband: Dennis Smith of Benton Son: Chris Smith of Benton Daughter: Heather Powell of Benton Grandchildren: Austyn Smith of Benton Alyssa Pulliam & husband ...

Anzel Kay Kotval, 87, of Benton, passed peacefully from this life into the arms of our Lord after an extended illness on February 21, 2026. Kay was born the eldest child and only daughter of the late Arthur Gordon Rice and Ruth Warren Rice on a family farm near Akin, IL on September 24, 1938. Her maternal grandmother, Lionne Conover Warren, assisted with the delivery.   During high school in Malden, Missouri, Kay was dual enrolled in high school and the local college, which was quite ...

Larry Jay Gwaltney passed away, surrounded by family, at his home in Benton, IL on Monday, February 16, 2026, ending a lengthy battle with cancer. Larry was born on August 18, 1948, in Evansville, Indiana to J.T. and Helen (Darnell) Gwaltney. He grew up in the Mill Shoals area of White County, Illinois. He graduated from Mills Prairie High School in 1966 and from SIU-C in 1970 with bachelor’s degrees in Journalism and Ag Education. After serving in the Army (1971-73), he worked as a ...

Dennis Ray Wilkerson, 67, of Benton passed away on Wednesday morning February 18, 2026 at SIH Herrin Hospital. Dennis was born in Benton, IL on May 10, 1958 the son of Bill & Joanne (Walker) Wilkerson. He loved the outdoors and hanging out at Rend Lake with friends & family. He found great joy in riding his Harley and spending quiet mornings on the back porch with a cup of coffee. He also had a passion for tinkering with electronics & gadgets. He loved Gunsmoke, westerns & ...