All Obituaries

Peggy Lou McCann, 87, of Carthage, MO and a former resident of Ewing, IL died Monday morning, September 17, 2018 in Mercy Hospital in Joplin, MO. She was born in Jefferson County, near Belle Rive, IL on July 10, 1931, the daughter of Loria & Pearl (Monday) Whittington. She married Junior Ray McCann on March 17, 1951, at the First Baptist Church in Ewing, IL. He preceded her in death on May 23, 1983. Surviving are: Daughter: Susan Pearce & husband Billy Joe of Carthage, MO Son:...

Delores Bennett, 91, of Benton passed away Saturday, September 15, 2018 in Benton. She was born in Benton, IL on March 24, 1927 the daughter of Fay Everett & Alice Adeline (Schram) Austin. She married Glen Bennett in September of 1947 and he preceded her in death on September 9, 2014. Mrs. Bennett was a lifetime member of the Baptist Faith. She graduated from Benton High School in 1944. Her career was in the local Banking Business. She will be sadly missed by everyone who loved...

Sherry Lyn Atchison, 59, of Benton passed away on September 17, 2018 at her home after a long battle with lung cancer and the Grace of God is upon her. Sherry was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on November 10, 1958 the daughter of Charles & Vera (Shook) Pruitt. She loved her Kids, Grandkids, NASCAR, Wrestling and Alan Jackson. Sherry is survived by her: 4 Children: Ronald Kevin Atchison of Tulsa, OK Jamie King of Benton Tyler Atchison of Benton Marcie Atchison of Benton 7 Grandchildren: Ashley...

Melvin "Red" Neal, 78, of Whittington passed away Wednesday morning  August 29, 2018. He was born in Franklin County, IL on July 20, 1940 the son of Ralph & Clara (Stone) Neal. He married Sandy Crisp on September 26, 1958 and she preceded him in death on August 18, 2015.  Mr. Neal was one of the founding members of the Ewing-Northern Fire Department. Mr & Mrs. Neal loved and were very active in the Fire Department. Mr. Neal is survived by his: 2 Daughters: Beth...

Barbara J. Vantrease, 83, of Bolingbrook, IL, passed away on Wednesday August 22, 2018 at Joliet Area Community Hospice. She was born on September 27, 1934 in Franklin County, IL, the daughter of Russell and Ava (Fisher) Huffstutler. She married James C. Vantrease on January 3, 1953, and he preceded her in death on October 21, 2012. Mrs. Vantrease is survived by her: Daughter: Gaye Bishop and husband Raymond of LaGrange, IL Son: William R. Vantrease of Bolingbrook, IL Granddaughter:...

Calvin Mabry, 90, of Belleville, and a former Benton resident passed away on August 20, 2018 in Columbia, IL. Mr. Mabry was born in Benton, IL on October 13, 1927, the son of Calvin Ray & Vina (Robinson) Mabry. He married Patsy R. Williams on May 30, 1949.  Mr. Mabry served in the Marine Corp during World War II. He was the retired owner of Mabry Home Improvement. He is survived by his: Daughters: Lynette (David) Rienbolt Pam Tullous Grandchildren: Zac Rienbolt Jenna (Sande)...

Carol Parkin Bullington departed this life and entered eternal life with Christ at the age of 74 on August 8, 2018 surrounded by her loved ones. Carol was born August 7, 1944 in Chapel Hill, VA to parents William and Jeannette Olson. She married Charles Sam Bullington on May 7, 1966 and they have resided in Benton, IL for the last 49 years. She worked as a CNA for 20 years and a Pharmacy Technician for 20 years while in Benton. She attended and worshipped at the Abundant Life Apostolicf...

Ernest Wayne Upchurch, 80, passed away on January 22, 2018 at his daughter's home in Downers Grove, Illinois, where he had been living the last three years. Ernest was born May 13, 1937 in Franklin County, Illinois, the son of Charles Omer & Ila (Spencer) Upchurch. He is survived by his only child, daughter Donna Kaye (Todd) Chapin; grandchildren, Ethan Chapin and Kyle Chapin; and sister, Ruth Ila Morgan. Family and friends are invited to attend the graveside service at Shiloh...

Eva M. (Gray) Fred, 78, of Benton passed away in paece Tuesday, July 24, 2018 at the Herrin Hospital with both of her daughters by her side holding both of her hands.  Eva was born on December 19, 1939 in Whittington, IL the daughter of Hamilton (Hammy) & Gertrude (Flach) Gray.  She worked as an LPN for over 50 years working at Franklin Hospital, several area nursing homes and 20 years at Big Muddy Correctional Center. She was a lifelong Cardinals Fan. Eva is survived by...

Patricia Ann Akins passed away at her home in Benton, Illinois on July 17, 2018.  Pat was born in Peoria, Illinois to Charles E. and Edna (Avery) Johnson.  As a young girl, she loved playing semi-pro softball, running fast, and eating Fannie May chocolates.  Though almost always the youngest in her circle, she never knew it and always felt like one of the biggest kids (if not the biggest one).  She first saw Arthur E. Akins, her husband of 57 years, driving by in a...