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Morton and Johnston Funeral Home, 410 S Main Street, Benton, IL (2026)

05/21/2026

Joe (Joseph Henry) Bortoletto departed this world on May 15, 2026 at the age of 74. Joe passed suddenly and unexpectedly at his home in West Frankfort IL. Joe was born in Christopher, IL , October 26, 1951 to Joe and Florence (Curry) Bortoletto.

Joe lived a life marked by joy, authenticity, and an unmistakable energy. Known by the nickname “Speedy” while growing up in Benton, Illinois, Joe seemed to do everything quickly, he was a speed reader, a fast learner, and a quick wit who rarely slowed down. He had an incredible ability to absorb information, often reading a 500-page book in just a few hours while remembering nearly every detail. As a junior in high school, he scored at the reading comprehension level of a college senior, a reflection of the intelligence and curiosity that stayed with him throughout his life.

He was a graduate of Benton Consolidated High School, class of 1970. Joe attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science in only three years. After college, he met his wife, Annette Alexander. The two were married on December 20, 1980, at First Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL. Together they built a life centered on family.

Joe and Annette first lived in Bloomington, Illinois, before eventually settling in Manteno, Illinois, where they opened and operated a State Farm insurance agency together for 30 years. After the passing of his wife Annette on May 15th 2023, Joe returned to Southern Illinois and bought a house in West Frankfort. Through his work and everyday life, Joe had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. He could talk to anyone about anything, making others feel comfortable and valued almost instantly.
Above all else, Joe was a devoted husband and a loving father to his three sons, Adam, and his twin sons John, and Robert. He always put his family first and took great pride in being a steady and caring presence in their lives.
Joe truly embodied the spirit of a Renaissance man. His knowledge seemed endless, and his interests ranged from cars and history to books and lifelong learning. No matter the circumstance, he carried himself with warmth, humor, and optimism. He was almost always in a good mood and made it his mission to put others at ease. Joe’s intelligence, kindness, and vibrant personality left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Ending:
Joe is survived by his sons, Adam of Cedar Lake, Indiana and John of St Louis, Mo and Robert and daughter in law, Barbie and granddaughters, Nettie and Dottie of Maryland Heights, Mo. His older brother John and his wife Peggy, of Montgomery, Texas. Joe’s niece Gina and her husband Justin Locascio of Boston, MA. Cousins, Scott and Jennifer Pearce and Joe and Sally Pearce of Marion, IL. Special friend and companion, Sandra Evans of West Frankfort, IL.

There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, June 6 at 2:00 pm at Morton and Johnston funeral home in Benton, Illinois.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

05/15/2026

Evan F. Burgess, 88, of West City, IL passed away on May 10, 2026 at his home.

He was born in Benton, IL on October 4, 1937 the son of Raymond & Helen (Rhine) Burgess.

Mr. Burgess was a retired Coal Miner from Freeman United #6.

He is survived by his; son Thomas Burgess of Royalton, IL, 2 grandchildren, 1 step-grandchild, several great-grandchildren, brother Larry Burgess of Henderson, Nevada, special nephew Danny Burgess & wife Lea of Benton, IL.

Mr. Burgess was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brother-Kenneth Burgess and sister-Wilma Imogene Burgess Simpson.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, May 15th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

05/11/2026

James Ralph Dean, 94, of Sesser, IL passed away on Wednesday May 6, 2026, at the VA Medical Center in Marion, IL.

He was born in Chilhowie, Virginia on July 26, 1931 the son of James Horton & Mary Bradley (Hicks) Dean.

He married Emma Sue (Ratcliff) on October 21, 1952. They would have celebrated their 74th Anniversary this year.

He was an Army Veteran and a steel worker, retiring from Northwestern Steel & Wire in Sterling, IL. They moved to Sesser, IL 30 years ago. He was a member of the Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church. He was a great fisherman, and at last count he had cleaned over 44,000 fish. He was a great family man who enjoyed playing games such as Dominos, Rook, and Phase 10. As of six months ago, he was still very active in their garden and flowerbeds.

Mr. Dean is survived by his:
Wife: Emma Sue Dean of Sesser
4 Children:
James Eddie Dean & wife Susan of Johnston City, IL
Dianna Marie Laaker & husband Kenny of Sterling, IL
Lisa Lynnette Wiersema & husband Mark of Chadwick, IL
Christopher Joel Dean & wife Terri of Macedonia, IL
10 Grandchildren
14 Great-Grandchildren
8 Great-Great-Grandchildren
2 Sisters: Betty Haga Chilhowie, VA
Mary Carrico & husband J.W. of Marion, VA

Mr. Dean was preceded in death by his Parents, a Great-Grandson, 2 Sisters-Sis & Frances Ann and 2 Brothers-Paul Dean & William Dean.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 11th at Bear Point Free Will Baptist Church in Sesser with Pastor Larry Cook & Pastor John Hollis officiating. Family Burial with Military Rites by Sesser VFW Post #4753 will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Visitation will be from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Monday at the church.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

05/02/2026

Kelly Dawn Abney, 47, of Benton passed away on Thursday evening April 30, 2026 at her home.

She was born in DuQuoin, IL on July 3, 1978 the daughter of Steve & Connie (Hanner) Patten.

Kelly was an outdoor person. She loved roses, dragster racing, playing dice games and lottery tickets.

She is survived by her:

3 Daughters:
Kara Abney & Megan Abney of Benton
Alexis Abney & Deondray Branch of Benton
Makayla Abney & Tyler Ehlers of Red Bud, IL

1 Grandson

1 Sister: Anna Lampley & husband Steven of Benton

Kelly was preceded in death by her Parents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 4th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. A Funeral service will be held at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Rick McClintock officiating.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

05/01/2026

Jackie Dean Stewart, 79, met his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ face to face on April 29th, 2026. Jack was born to Clyde and Stella (Burzynski) Stewart in Herrin, IL. Jack was also lovingly known as Mad Dog, Papaw, Big Jack Cadillac, Smilin’ Jack, Pops, and Jack O’Lantern.

Jack was survived by the love of his life of almost 52 years, Kerrie (Lampley) Stewart. His girls and their spouses, Amanda, son in law, Jason Varner, and Ashley, son in law, Ryan Cross. Also surviving Jack are his grandchildren, his pride and joy, Ellington and Rayson Varner, and Jacksen, Laben, Aden, and Aaren Cross.

Jack loved Jesus, and Jack loved his family. Chances are, if you gave him a minute to talk, he’d first tell you about his Jesus, and then about his family, as he so often said, “I am a blessed man”, accompanied by his famous smile.

Jack became a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in 1979, and was ordained as a deacon there on June 11th, 1988. He served as Sunday School Director, Church Bus Driver, Youth Worker, on the Finance Committee, and any other role that needed to be filled, he did it! His most recent and most known role was as the weekly greeter on Sunday mornings. He welcomed everyone that walked through the doors!

Jack leaves behind siblings, Mary Lou Mandrell, Clyde (Bud) Stewart, Beverly Seddon, William Richard (Dick) Stewart, and Danny Jo Stewart, along with many aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, cousins, double cousins, and all of those who loved him. They all knew he loved them too.

Jack worked at the Illinois Department of Transportation for 34 years. When he retired from the state, Jack tried his luck at real estate, where some could say he was mildly successful.

Other than his family and his church, Jack loved being generous and helping others. You could often find him visiting shut ins, calling widows to make sure they didn't need anything, or just inviting others to church. You could also find him solving the worlds problems at the coffee shop with the Breakfast Bunch, humbly shooting par on the golf course any given weekday, watching the Benton Rangers, or working in his yard, however, his favorite thing to do was follow his grandkids to any sport they were in and cheer them on in his quiet, steady way.

The world is a little less bright without his generous heart and kind smile. We lost a good, good man.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, siblings James Robert (Bob) Stewart, and Joann Waggoner.

The family will hold visitation on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026, at Immanuel Baptist Church, from 5-8 pm, and funeral services, officiated by Dr. Kirk Kay and Dr. Sammy Simmons on Sunday, May 3rd, promptly beginning at 1:30 pm, at the church . There will be no burial after the service.

Morton and Johnston have graciously handled the services for the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church or to NAMB Send Relief.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

04/25/2026

Carol Jean Edwards (Gibbs), age 87, of Ewing, Illinois, passed away peacefully on April 22, 2026. She was born on September 8, 1938, in McLeansboro, Illinois.

Carol was the devoted wife of 67 years to the love of her life, Melvin Edwards. Together, they built a life centered on faith, family, and unwavering love.

She was a proud and loving mother to Kevin Edwards and Kent Edwards. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren, Meghan (Kevin) Uhls and Seth (Amanda) Edwards, and her nine adored great-grandchildren: Harper Woods, Rayna Uhls, Rogue Uhls, Sutton Uhls, Raylan Edwards, Ralph Edwards, Stoic Edwards, Willow Womble, and Marlow Womble.

Carol found her greatest joy in being a grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved deeply and showed it in countless ways—through her cooking, her sewing, and the care she poured into her family. She had a special love for flowers, a strong faith in God, and a heart devoted to serving those she loved.

Above all, Carol loved her husband fiercely, a love that stood as a beautiful example to her family for generations.

A Funeral service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton, Illinois. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Carol will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved her.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

04/23/2026

Betty June Davis, 87, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 16, 1938 in Hamilton County, Illinois to John Carl and Lizzie Frances (Cutwright) Biddle.
She was a graduate of McLeansboro High School in 1957 and married the love of her life Neal J. Davis in 1961. He preceded her in death on July 14, 1997. They lived in Thompsonville, IL.
She worked for Joan-Claire Dress Factory and Ted’s Ladies Apparel, finally retiring from The VF Outlet in West Frankfort, IL.
Betty was known for her warm heart and gentle nature that touched the lives of many. She will be remembered for her Christmas Scavenger hunts, her green thumb, and always having a pot of coffee ready. She enjoyed gardening, traveling, riding on side by sides, hosting dinners, taking bus rides to the casinos, baking cakes for family members birthdays, playing card games. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
She is survived by her daughter, Ruth Ann LaBuwi; her grandchildren, Ashley (Shaun) Freeman, Jenna (Brock) Rich, Landon LaBuwi; and great-grandchildren, Alexis Freeman, Spencer Freeman, and Re*****on Rich; niece, Linda Harris; traveling partner Ike Ebersold; special friend Jerry Barnfield.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Neal Davis, and her sisters Jean Shank, Lucille Wilkerson, Marietta Waller.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday April 25th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Bro. Larry Miller officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Association in her memory.

04/20/2026

Ruby Lucille Grammer Talley, 91, of Benton, IL passed away at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 9:33 A.M.

Ruby was born May 8, 1934 in Benton, IL to Archie & Stella (Bradford) Grammer.

She work at Holiday Inn for a time, then as a caregiver to many. She looked forward to her travels every summer with her sister Sharon, nieces & friends. She loved to play Rummy with her daughters, which she won quite often. Ruby was a strong, independent, fiesty woman. She will be forever loved and deeply missed.

She is survived by her children; Pete Talley of Clarksville, TN, (Linda) Greg Mandrell of Benton, IL, (Karen) Jeff Karas of Rochelle, IL, (Cheryl) Monti Summers of Benton, IL, Jowana Talley of Benton, IL, Olen Talley of Benton, IL, Mike (Karen)Talley of Wylie, TX and bonus son Jimmy Vanhorn or Highland Park, TX. Her surviving siblings; Darroll (Judy) Grammer of Eddyville, KY, Sharon (Stan) Moser of Pleasant Prairie, WI and Carolyn Williams of Benton, IL. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren; Amy Renyard, Amanda Dawson, Dean Mandrell, Tiffany Talley, Misty Summers, Ashley Talley, Allan Talley & Amber Talley Ramos, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

Ruby was preceded in death by her siblings, 8 brothers-Billy Grammer, John Grammer, Lonnie Grammer, Carl Grammer, Charles Grammer, Don Grammer, Archie Grammer & Carroll Grammer, 1 sister- Ramona Grammer Tasky, her parents Archie & Stella Grammer, son-Robert Lee Talley, great-grandson-Alexander Banks, 2 brothers-in-law-Curtis Williams & Ed Tasky, sister-in-law-Ruth Grammer and former husband Pete Talley.

She was the heart and foundation of the family. A devoted mother of 8 and a proud great-grandmother of 15. Her life was defined by her unwavering dedication, selflessness and boundless love. For those she cherished most, especially her children, grandchildren and great-grandchilren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Thursday, April 23rd at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Rick Grammer officiating. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 P.M. on Thursday at the funeral home

04/19/2026

Wanda E. Storey, 94, of Benton passed away Thursday morning April 16, 2026 at Fifth Seasons in Benton.

She was born on December 22, 1931 in Sesser, IL the daughter of Raymond & Ruth (Veach) Bennett.

She married Lowell Storey on December 17, 1960 and he preceded her in death on July 21, 1996.

Mrs. Storey was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church. She loved being a Teacher. She loved sewing, reading, landscaping and hummingbirds.

Mrs. Storey is survived by her:

Granddaughter: Katlyn Newman & husband Travis

Grandson: Holden Storey & fiancée Cheyanne

Daughter-in-law: Robin Storey

2 Great-Grandchildren: Aiden & Clayton

She was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, Son-Mark K. Storey and Brothers-Donald Bennett & Farrel Bennett.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday April 24th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. on Friday at the funeral home.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

03/27/2026

Dorothy Nolen was born in Williamson County, Illinois on August 14, 1927 to Oscar Bearden and Florence Jarvis Bearden.

She married Elvis Nolen on May 25, 1984. They shared more than thirty happy years. She never stopped loving and missing him.

She is survived by her daughter Janis Reed Thomas (Skip), her grandson Brandon Mandrell (Alex) and her precious great-granddaughter Harper Mandrell. Also surviving are other family members Melissa Schultz (Will), Rocky (Sarah) Thomas, Skipper Thomas, Mica Thomas, Megan (Aaron) Robinson and all of their children.

She loved her family so much and was so proud of them. They always came first in her life.

She graduated from Vergennes High School and later took business classes at Benton High School through SIU.

She worked from a dictaphone at home for a time for Dr. Swinney, he was trying to help her cope with the loss of her son.

She served in the Browning Township Office for twenty eight years. She served twelve years as Bookkeeper and Office Manager and sixteen years as Browning Township Supervisor.

She was a member of Jackson Grove Baptist Church. She loved music and sang for many years in the First Baptist Choir.

She enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She won two cooking contests through the Southern Illinois Newspaper. She was famous for her “Cajun Chicken”.

Dorothy was a kind, generous and selfless woman. She helped many people with her cooking during sickness and death.

Her parents preceded her in death along with brothers Kenneth and Mickey Bearden, sisters Eva, Margaret and Eunice, husbands-Lloyd Reed, Graydon Clem and Elvis Nolen and son-Marvin (Butch) Reed whom she adored.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 31st at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Kevin Bullard and Glenn Poshard officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Jackson Grove Baptist Church.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

03/27/2026

Charles Henry Lance, 74, of Benton passed away on Wednesday afternoon March 25, 2026 at SIH Memorial Hospital in Carbondale.

He was born in Benton, IL on July 13, 1951 the son of Charles Leo & Etta Mae (Fitzpatrick) Lance.

He married Elaine (Piggott) on November 23, 1986 and she survives.

Mr. Lance was a skilled Automotive Mechanic and loved taking antique cars to sales and auctions.

Mr. Lance is survived by his:

Wife: Elaine Lance

2 Daughters:

Cynthia Maxey

Kathleen Manera

Grandchildren:

Logan Maxey & wife Ashton

Brooklyn Frey

1 Great-Granddaughter: Elliana Grace

1 Sister: Kathy Braden & husband Gary

Niece: Karla Lumpkin

Nephew: Shannon Braden

Niece: Stephanie Montgomery

He is also survived by several Great-Nieces & Great-Nephews.

Mr. Lance was preceded in death by his Parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 29th at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Pastor Mike Jeter officiating. Visitation will be after 2:00 P.M. on Sunday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Family.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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