All Obituaries

Peggy Ann (Kearney) Huffine, 58, of Thompsonville passed away April 21, 2018 at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.  She was born in Benton, IL on September 5, 1959, the daughter of Joseph Wesley & Margaret Ellen (Kirk) Kearney. She married Roy Huffine on February 25, 1995. She was very active in her Church, the Thompsonville Church of God, and was a  Mother to all the neighborhood kids. She was more than an Aunt to her Nieces & Nephews. She was a...

Ruth E. Kirk, 69, of Logan pased away Monday evening, April 16, 2018 at her home. She was born in Benton, IL on September 30, 1948, the daughter of Wesley & Erma Lee (Cockrum) Conner. She married Kern Kirk on July 30, 1966, and he survives. Mrs. Kirk was an active member of the Logan Church of God. She was a very loving mother and a cherished grandmother who was loved by all. She was well known for her infectious laugh and her good nature. Ruth is...

Dale A. Whittington, 41, of West Frankfort passed away Sunday, April 15, 2018 at his home. He was born in Herrin, IL on February 17, 1977 the son of William & Brenda (Whitecotton) Whittington. He married Ashley (Kerley) on September 27, 2003, and she survives. Dale was a loving Husband & Father. He was blessed to be a Foster father to 10 children over the last 10 years. Dale is survived by his: Wife: Ashley Whittington of West Frankfort 4...

Betty Lou (Pilson) Dawson passed away on April 7, 2018. Betty was 93 years old, and, since January 2017, had been a resident of Stonebridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton. Betty was born on Septmeber 21, 1924, the only child of Faye and Clyde Pilson of Benton. She was married to Richard Gale Dawson, who preceded her in death. Betty was the beloved mother of two children, Sharon Lynn Pioveson (Brad) and Steven Gale Dawson (Brenda), both of Benton, and both of whom...

Phyllis L. McPherson, 82, of Benton passed away Thursday, April 5, 2018 at the Herrin Hospital. She was born in Logan, IL on March 14, 1936, the daughter of Johnie & Ethel (Denham) Smothers. She was married to Joe McPherson and he preceded her in death on September 28, 1993. Mrs. McPherson was a Homemaker. Phyllis is survived by her: Children: Kimberly Hickam & husband Bruce of Cambria Richard McPherson & wife Janet of Remington,...

William "Bill" Jerry Neal went to be with the Lord this beautiful Easter weekend. Bill was a loving father, grandfather and described by many as one of the kindest gentleman on this earth. Bill leaves behind two children,  Charles (Barbara) Neal and Brenda Neal, two grandchildren, Amber (Tim) Anderson and Kyle (Kacee) Neal. He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years M. Marie (Beaty) Neal, brothers Curtis and Dean Neal, sister Faye Neal, and his parents Rolla and...

Bobby G. Phillips, 73, of Benton passed away Thursday Evening, March 29, 2018 at SIH Herrin Hospital in Herrin. Mr. Phillips was born on September 13, 1944 in St. Louis, MO the son of Robert & Levia (Martin) Phillips.  Bobby was an Army Veteran. He retired from Maytag after 32 years. Mr. Phillips is survived by his: Wife: Mary Phillips of Benton Daughter: Laura (Keith) Tite of Carrier Mills Son: Jonathan (Abra) Field of Benton 5...

Larry Gene Pettit, 63, of Benton passed away Saturday, March 17, 2018 in Skokie, IL. He was born in Benton, IL on November 22, 1954, the son of Dorothy (Glover) Pinson & Robert Pinson. Mr. Pettit is survived by his: Wife: Jayne Pettit of Benton Children: Drew Pettit & wife Kayelee of DeSoto Justin Dickey & wife Ashley of Highland Kristen Anastasi of Johnston City Grandchildren: Lahna Kaye Pettit Josie...

Carolyn (Kramer) Luster, 72, of Benton passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 15, 2018 at Helia Health Care Center in Benton surrounded by her family. Carolyn was born on December 25, 1945, the daughter of Albert Clarence & Louise (Cook) Kramer. She married James Luster in Benton, IL on August 8, 1964 and he survives. Mrs. Luster started her working career in the Coal Mines. She then worked as an EMT and then as a Nurse. She then taught at Rend Lake...

ESTHER L. SMITH, 93, of Benton passed away Monday morning, March 12, 2018 at Helia HealthCare in Benton. She was born in Granville, IL on Sept. 19, 1924, the daughter of Charles Everett & Iva (Greathouse) Kennedy. She married Sessel W. Smith on April 29, 1946, and he died on June 22, 1988. Mrs. Smith is survived by her: 3 Children:  William J. Smith of...