All Obituaries

Richard Ray “Dick” Hood, 90, of Ewing, passed away Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at the SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale. He was born in Herrin, IL on April 10, 1932, the son of Rev. James Albert & Nancy (Campbell) Hood. He was married to Nancy (Lewis) Hood, and she passed away in 2002. Mr. Hood had a long and distinguished career in the construction industry. He began his career as an Iron Worker, working on the Railroad Bridge over the Ohio River at Cairo, Illinois. After...

Grace (Cripps) Kennedy, 76, a former resident of Benton and West Frankfort, passed away at her home in Florida on Saturday, March 11, 2023, surrounded by family, following a long illness. Grace was a retired nurse’s aide and phlebotomist who had worked for hospitals in the Franklin and Williamson County areas. She was an active member of the Pyramid Players theatrical association for many years. She enjoyed singing, visiting family and friends, taking cruises and road trips, and...

Michelle Lee (Heimgartner) Williams, 42, of Benton passed away on March 16, 2023 at her home. Michelle was born in Mt. Vernon, IL on December 18, 1980, the daughter of Elaine Heimgartner and Gail Heimgartner. She was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Benton. She graduated from Benton High School Class of 1999 and from Rend Lake College LPN Program. Michelle loved her daughter, her family, her friends and the cats. She enjoyed quilting, fishing, being outside and helping...

Dolores Jane Glover of Plainfield, IL joined her beloved husband, John, in heaven on March 11, 2023. She passed away in the evening at Edward Hospital in Naperville, IL after a week's long fight with a serious blood infection. Dolores was born a Coal Miner’s daughter to Fred and Mae Cunningham at their home in West City, IL on February 26, 1934. Dolores was a proud graduate of the class of ’52 at Benton Consolidated High School and a graduate of Lockyears Business College in...

Ronald Paul “Ron” Harrelson, 79, of Latham, formerly of both Decatur and Peoria, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2023, at Liberty Village in Clinton. Ron was born on July 15, 1943, in Peoria, IL, the son of Paul Walston and Ida Mae (Beattie) Harrelson. He is survived by his son, Scott (Cynthia) Harrelson of Latham, IL; and his sister, Sue Tyler of Imperial, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents. Ron worked for Caterpillar for 38 years serving in various leadership roles...

DENNIS FOWLER, 84, of Benton and a former Thompsonville resident passed away Saturday February 18, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family and his puppies. He was born in Thompsonville on March 23, 1938, the son of Grover Cleveland and Thelma Fern (Smith) Fowler. Dennis married Donna J. (Beasley) on December 18, 1970. He was a Veteran serving in the U.S. Air Force.  He retired from General Motors after 36 years, and was a member of the American Legion.  His family was the most...

Ramona Louise (Gammon) Williams departed this life on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at The Wexford House in Kingsport, Tennessee. She was predeceased by her husband, Austin, and sisters Jean and Lois, and is survived by four children: Everett Williams, Andrea Ragan, Carla Joinson, and Ransom Williams, and a sister, Ruth Mackaill. Ramona was born on a farm in Thompsonville, Illinois, where she began life with a bang. When she was only two, she actually ate some poisonous mushrooms that her...

Elizabeth (Libby) Elaine Overbey passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 2:22 A.M. at the age of 89. She was a longtime resident of Benton, IL and a member of the First Baptist Church in Benton. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Chapin Overbey, daughter Linda Sue Overbey-Chandler and 3 grandsons. Mrs. Overbey is survived by 4 daughters, Joyce Ann Overbey-Cooper, Carol Arlene Overbey, Paula Gail Overbey and Diann Elaine Overbey-Brady, all of Benton. She is also survived by...

Frances Lenore Summers (Avery), 86, of Benton passed away Monday morning, February 6, 2023 at her home. She was born in Meeteetse, Wyoming on October 21, 1936, the daughter of Freeman & Ruth (Sadler) Summers. Frances was a Beautician, and a retired Illinois Corrections Officer. Frances is survived by her: 4 Children: Rowdy Young & wife Amy of Goreville Laurie Sheppard of Valier Lisa Bell Michael Young & wife Christal of Brownsboro, AL Grandchildren: Harrison...

Larry Browning Odom, 79, of Benton passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023 at Benton Rehab & HealthCare Center. Larry was born in Franklin County, IL on March 7, 1943 the son of Raymond & Genevieve (Browning) Odom. Mr. Odom married Nancy (Johnson) on February 8, 1963. Larry graduated Benton High School in 1960. He was a hard worker, working for Illinois Central Railroad, then Freeman Coal Company and he farmed all of his life until he retired. After retirement he enjoyed buying...