All Obituaries

  Katherine K. Sanford, a long-time Benton native, passed away late Monday, April 15, 2019 at Franklin Hospital. Mrs. Sanford was born on January 1, 1931 in San Antonio, Texas to Robert D. and Elizabeth Ross Kemp. She was a 1949 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W.Va. and received Bachelor’s degrees from West Virginia University and SIU Carbondale.  Mrs. Sanford taught GED classes for over 15 years in addition to being a long time member of Benton First...

Oveda Neal Gulley, 96, of Benton passed away Wednesday night April 17, 2019 at Heritage Woods in Benton. She was born in Benton, IL on February 23, 1923, the daughter of James & Cora Neal. She married Raymond Gulley on September 7, 1940. Mrs. Gulley was a member of the North Benton Missionary Baptist Church. She worked as a homemaker, she worked at Franklin Hospital, and as a Factory Worker. She truly enjoyed her family and her Church. Mrs. Gulley is survived by her: 2...

Birdine Neal, 98, of Belvidere and formerly of Mt. Vernon, died at 8:30 pm, Saturday March 30, 2019, at Alden Debes Center in Rockford. She was born March 1, 1921, in Jefferson County, the daughter of Harry O. and Ina, Fred, Hamilton. Birdine was first married to Richard Keelen. She later married Harley Neal on May 18, 1957. They lived for many years on their farm near Frisco. Harley died on August 19, 2005. Mrs. Neal is survived by a son Steve and wife Judy Keelen of Belvidere:...

Debbie Wilson, 62, of Benton passed away Sunday evening, March 31, 2019 in Benton. She was born in Chicago, IL on January 18, 1957, the daughter of Bobby & Kathryn (Marvel) Wilson. She married Danny Wilson on November 16, 2000, and he survives. Debbie loved reading her Bible. She is survived by her: Husband: Danny Wilson of Benton Mother: Kathryn Wilson of Benton 2 Sisters: Karen Dancer of Haleyville, Alabama Linda Hiney & husband Randy of Delray Beach, FL Brother-in-law:...

Steven Allen Cochran (52) of Buckner, Il born March 10th 1967 in Joliet Il, passed away on Sunday March 24th, 2019 at his home.  Steve is the beloved son of Brenda and Bruce Meadows of Troy, Illinois.  Steve was preceded in death by his wife Cindy Cochran of Carmi and father James W. Cochran of Benton.  Steve is survived by his brothers Kevin Cochran “Sara” of Ohio, Bryan Meadows of Troy, Il and an Uncle Phillip Threewitt of Colts Neck, NJ. Steve had...

Berneice L. Slayton, 92, of Benton, Illinois was called home on Friday, March 22, 2019.  She was born in West City on April 15, 1926 to Nathan and Ruby (Mandrell) Brookshire.  On April 18, 1949 she married Charles (Ross) Slayton of Benton.  Mrs. Slayton was a member of the West City Church of God.  Mrs. Slayton is survived by her nephews: David and William (Billy) Winters of Benton, James (Allen) Akin of West Frankfort, Edwin Brookshire of Peoria, AZ and John Brookshire...

Joyce Blondell Watkins, 85, of Benton, IL passed away Monday, March 18, 2019 at her home. She was born in Trenton, Tennessee on February 21, 1934, the daughter of Elonzo & Pearl (Abbott) Smith. Mrs. Watkins was a member of the Fires of Revival Church in Benton. She was was retired from the Rock Island Arsenal. She is survived by her: Sister: Mary Carroll & husband Jack of Columbia, MO Brother: Joseph Schelsky & wife Sandy of St. Louis, MO Her Grandson: Joshua Numerous Nieces...

Victor Lee Tasky, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home in Benton on Friday, March 22, 2019. He was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather & Brother. He was a kind & loving man, he loved being PeePaw to his granddaughter: Kylee. In accordance with Mr. Tasky's wishes he was cremated and No Services will be held. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made in Mr. Tasky's memory to Residential Hospice 4215 IL Route 159 Glen Carbon, IL 62034 or Benton/West City Ministerial...

Lola B. Kearney, 90, of Benton passed away Monday, March 11, 2019 at Helia HealthCare Center in Benton. Lola was born in Franklin County, IL on January 28, 1929, the daugher of Humbert & Lilly (Cambron) Summers. Mrs. Kearney is survived by her: Son: Kevin D. Kearney of Benton Daughter: Donna Duncan & husband Jim of Benton 3 Grandchildren: Lesley Kearney of Missouri Charity Kearney of Benton Collin Clark of Benton Several Great-Grandchildren Sister: Loretta Alsobrooks of...

Terri Schultz, 60, of Benton passed away Tuesday morning, March 12, 2019. She was born on October 8, 1958 in Benton, IL, the daughter of James Kenneth & Lula Mae (Moore) Toms. She was a member of Logan Baptist Church and faithfully attended Immanuel Baptist Church while her health permitted.  She was employed at Big Muddy Correctional Facility. She enjoyed going to the movies. Her favorite thing was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Terri is survived by her: 2...