THOMPSONVILLE -- Janet Kay (Wisek) Hellberg, 65, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2014, at her home. Janet was born June 6, 1948, to Herman and Lena (Roberts) Wisek. She married Wayne Hellberg on May 31, 1985, in Paducah. He preceded her in death Dec. 15, 2011. Janet was retired from Three Angels Broadcasting. She was a member of Smarts Chapel Church and enjoyed spending time with her friends and family. Survivors include son, Ron Tanner of Corinth; daughter, Regina Duncan of Mississippi; grandchildren, Dakota Tanner and Katey Robertson of Mississippi; sister, Joyce Bayles of Pittsburg; nephews, Bob Fleming of Marion, and Doug Bayles and wife, Evelyn, of Marion; niece, Shari Marstellor of Oklahoma City. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Virginia Fleming; brother-in-law, Robert Fleming; and brother-in-law, Donald Bayles. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, March 10, in Blue Funeral Home in Marion, with the Rev. Bob Workman officiating. Burial will follow at Number 8 Cemetery in Pittsburg. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois and the American Cancer Society and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home, 1704 N. Court St., Marion, IL 62959. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, visit www.bluefuneralhome.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan from Mar. 7 to Mar. 8, 2014

   Rhonda S. Craig, nee Eldridge, 67, of Benton, IL, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, at Deaconess Hospital, Evansville, IN.       She was born on December 17, 1946, in Du Quoin, IL, the daughter of Mack & Irene (Phillips) Eldridge.       Rhonda was a homemaker and a member of the Daughters of the Nile and Steel City Missionary Baptist Church. She enjoyed being outdoors tending to her flowers and riding her trike motorcycle.       Surviving relatives include her husband, Jesse E. Craig, two sons, Tad Allen Smith, Glen Carbon, IL and Mack Allen (Kathy) Craig, two step-children, Lori Ann Wolf, Johnston City, IL and Stacy Lynn (Larry) Hayes, Parish, IL, one brother, Allen (Shirley) Eldridge, Fort Worth, TX and one sister, Lynda (tom) Mitchell, Christopher, IL, eight grandchildren, Cassaundra Smith, Sabrina Smith, Hayley Smith, Eli Craig, Landon Wolf, Teyton Steckenrider, Alisha Kirkman and Zackry Kirkman and one great-grandson, Ethan Smith and several nieces and nephews.      Mrs. Craig was preceded in death by her parents.      Funeral services will be held, Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the Hobbs-Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory, Benton, IL.  Burial will be in the Shiloh Cemetery, Whittington, IL. Visitation will be held Monday, March 10, 2014, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.      Memorials may be made to the Shriners Road Runners and will be taken at the funeral home.

CHRISTOPHER -- Yvonne Webster, 94, died Monday, March 3, 2014, in Arlington, Texas. Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 7, 2014

ZEIGLER -- Mary (Kolar) Strakowski, 97, passed away at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at home. Mary was born Feb. 14, 1977, in Zeigler, to Pete and Rosie (Penterich) Kolar. She married Joseph Strakowski on May 29, 1934, in Benton. He preceded her in death May 20, 1962. She is survived by a son, Joseph Strakowski of San Rafael, Calif.; two granddaughters and their husbands, Jeanie and Dale Null of Mulkeytown and Tina and Cameron Skobel of St. Louis; a grandson and wife, Michael and Gwen Morgan of Peoria; a granddaughter-in-law, April Morgan of Washington; and 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Barbara Morgan; a grandson, John Morgan; a son-in-law, Ralph Morgan; a sister, Teresa Lavar and three brothers, John (an infant), George and Johnny Kolar. Mrs. Strakowski was a member of St. Aloysius-Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Royalton. She retired from Allen Industries in Herrin in 1979 and was a homemaker. A Mass of Christian burial for Mrs. Strakowski will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, in St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, with Father Peter Balili officiating. Burial will be in St. Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Mulkeytown. Visitation will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society or to the Catholic church of the donor's choice. For more information and to sign the online register book, visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 7, 2014

SESSER -- Cara Mae Shepard, 87, passed away Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in Fair Acres Nursing Home in Du Quoin.She was born May 30, 1926, to Elmer and LaVern (Page) Witcher.She married Jake R. Shepard on June 13, 1959, and he preceded her in death Nov. 16, 1993.Cara was a member of First Christian Church in Sesser, where she was the church treasurer for 10 years.Services will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 9, in Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser, with Brother Shannon Bopp officiating. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.She is survived by five nephews, Farrell D. Page and his wife, Linda, Lecil E. Witcher Jr., Terry Witcher and his wife, Mary Jane, Richard Witcher and his wife, Brenda, David Witcher and his wife, Dahlia; four nieces, Jan Kelly and her husband, Jim, Kay Styve, Carol Folden and her husband, Charles Ray, Debi Spotanski and her husband, Donald; several great-nephews and nieces; great-great-nephews and nieces; and great-great-great-nieces.She was preceded in death by five brothers, Farrel Page, Woodrow Witcher, Charles Witcher, Lecil Witcher, Bob Witcher and one sister, Bertha Mann; one nephew, Charles "Spike" Witcher and one nephew-in-law, Bob Styve.Having no children of her own she loved and enjoyed her nieces and nephews.For more information, visit www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com. 

THOMPSONVILLE -- Janet Hellberg, 65, died Thursday, March 6, 2014, at home.Arrangements are incomplete at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. 

MULKEYTOWN -- Donald "Kenny" Earnheart, 58, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in St. Anthony Hospital in St. Louis. His death was caused by a tragedy. Kenny was driving his semi when his heart started racing. He was smart enough to pull off the road and call 911. If he had kept driving he could have caused a wreck resulting in people being killed. In the words of his family, "In my book he is a hero, he's now in heaven with the Lord and his family." He was a truck driver for Southern Illinois Motor Express for 14 years. Kenny was a U.S. Army veteran. He was born Jan. 17, 1956, in Christopher, to William Koonce of Du Quoin and and Ruby (Furlow) Koonce. His mother preceded him in death. He was married to the love of his life, Laura (Mezo) Furlow on Nov. 18, 1976, and she survives in Mulkeytown. Survivors include children, Chasity Earnheart and friend, Martin Meir, of Mulkeytown; grandchildren, Kenneth Charles Menard and Andrew Menard of Mulkeytown; brothers and sisters, Debbie and Frank Green, Kevin Earnheart, Sherry and Bill Stroud, Billy Koonce, and Nancy and Virgil Mathis, all of Du Quoin, Brent Koonce of Indiana, Lisa and John Hill of Willisville, Tracy Koonce and Tara and Keith Pyron, all of Du Quoin, and Gary Earnheart of Michigan. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother; granddaughter, Kahlie Menard; grandparents; and several in-laws. Services will be at 11 a.m. today, March 7, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Internment will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation was Thursday at the funeral home. Kenny was a very loving and caring husband and father. For more information, visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 7, 2014

Can anyone help with this? Carole Snyder posted this on Facebook: My son has found this old class ring. Its engraved with Dale Huffstutler Herrin high school class of 1984. If anyone knows of this person please contact me.

McLEANSBORO —  — Elsie Allan Reed, 98, of New Berlin, died at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14, 2014, at Memorial Medical Center. Elsie was born Sept. 23, 1915, in Franklin County, the daughter of Pascal Allan and Musett Blanche Dial Hunt. She married Laymon F. Reed; he preceded her in death on Nov. 24, 1998. Elsie was a homemaker for the majority of her life. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, crafts, sewing and painting. She was also preceded in death by her parents; granddaughter, Donna Hicks; three sisters; and three brothers. Elsie is survived by her sons, Roger K. (wife, Joyce) Reed of Rushville and Rodney K. (significant other, Bryeans) Reed of Howe, Okla.; daughters, Carmelita (husband, Garry) Adams of Round Lake,, Patty S. Lewis of New Berlin and Beverly A. (husband, Bill) Jones of Waverly; nine grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; a great-great-great grandchild on the way; and many nieces and nephews. Private family ceremonies will be held with burial at Woodwreath Cemetery. The family of Elsie Allan Reed is being served by McCullough-Delaney & Butler Funeral Home, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin. Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.

ZEIGLER -- Mary (Kolar) Strakowski, 97, died at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 5, 2014, at home. Arrangements are incomplete at Vantrease Funeral Homes, Inc., of Zeigler and Royalton. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 6, 2014

MULKEYTOWN -- Donald "Kenny" Earnheart, 58, died Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in St. Anthony Hospital in St. Louis. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, in Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher. Burial will be in Mulkeytown Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday in Gilbert Funeral Home. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 6, 2014

Rev. Farrell W. Dame, 87, of Herrin, passed away 6:24 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2014 at the Herrin Hospital in Herrin, IL. Farrell worked for Olin Corporation for 29 years, working in the Payroll and Property Management Departments. Farrell also pastored Cambria Apostolic Church in Cambria and Lick Creek United Pentecostal Church, ministered at several churches in the local area and throughout the State of Illinois and attended the Southern Illinois Worship Center in Herrin. Farrell was born June 11, 1926 in Sesser, IL to Raymond G. and Allie Frances (Murray) Dame. Farrell was united in marriage with Neva M. Grant in Chicago, IL. She preceded him in death on March 16, 1996. Left to cherish his memory are two sons and daughters-in-law, Rodney and Sheila Dame of Herrin, Tim and Karen Dame of Energy; seven grandchildren, Lisa (Vel) Avant, Rebecca Dame, Roderick (Erin) Dame, Crystal (Chris) Haught, Monica (Colman) Dunbar, Jim (Brandi) Baldi and Shawn (Carol) Baldi; sixteen great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his wife, Neva, parents and three sisters, Betty McBride, Phyllis Lopardo and Mary Frances Marlow. The family of Farrell Dame wish to extend their sincere thanks to Dr. Pramote, the staff, nurses at Herrin Hospital, Hospice of Southern Illinois, his special home health aide, Becky Lindsay and home health nurse, Joy Perry for the excellent care and concern provided to him and his family. A special thank you to the many family and friends who blessed him with personal visits and prayers.

Carolyn J. Moake, age 76, of Marion, IL, passed away peacefully with her family at her side at 11:15 a.m., on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at home. She was born on Friday, May 14, 1937, in Marion, IL the daughter of Hubert and Georgia Olean (Batts) Hester. Carolyn was united in marriage to William “Bill” Moake on Tuesday, February 24, 1953, in Marion, IL and together they have shared over sixty years of marriage. She was a lifelong resident of Marion, IL and was a member of and attended Community Chapel Church of Marion, IL. Carolyn was a good cook and owned and operated the Southern Cafe on South Court St. in Marion for four years from 1988 until 1991, she always enjoyed cooking for her family and preferred eating at home. In addition to caring for the needs of her family and her home she was an avid reader and loved to write novels and books of poetry. She also enjoyed scrapbooking, oil painting, playing bingo at the K. C. Hall and planting her garden. Carolyn had many interests and the most important part of her life was her family. She enjoyed the times they shared together and especially spending time with her grandchildren. She is survived by her husband, Bill Moake of Marion, IL; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Brenda Moake of Taylorville, IL and Eddie and Trish Moake of Marion, IL; four grandchildren, Stephanie Grant of Pana, IL, Staci French and husband, Mark of Taylorville, IL, Jennifer Head and husband, Bryan of Shawneetown, IL and Sarah Moake of Marion, IL; four great grandchildren, Brett French, Eric French, Kaitlin Grant and Amaya Pierce; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy and Ron Nalley of Clinton, OK; brother and sister-in-law, William Earl and Dorothy Hester of Great Mills, MD, friend and honorary sister, Doris Miller and husband, Bill of Vienna, IL; special friends and adopted grandchildren, Ashley and Gabe Stevens, other extended family and many other friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Hubert Hester, Jr. Arrangements for Carolyn J. Moake have been entrusted to the Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, of Marion, IL. The time of the visitation will be between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 7, 2014, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Jerry Schell presiding. Interment will follow in Cana Cemetery located north of Goreville, IL. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be made to “Hospice of Southern Illinois”. Memorial contribution envelopes will be available at the funeral home or may be mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

Lucille Horvath, age 95, of Marion, IL, formerly of Zeigler, IL, passed away at 5:10 p.m. on Friday, February 21, 2014, in the Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, IL. She was born on Tuesday, October 29, 1918, in DuQuoin, IL the daughter of Roy McPherson Keller and Ethel Bernice (Campbell) Keller. She was united in marriage to Frank Horvath on Saturday, October 5, 1940, and together they shared over thirty-seven years of marriage until his death on Saturday, July 29, 1978. Lucille grew up in Christopher, IL and was a graduate of the Christopher High School. For many years she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Zeigler, IL, a former member and Past Worthy Matron of the Eastern Star and White Shrine of Jerusalem, former member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority and former member of the Zeigler Women’s Club all of Zeigler, IL and a member of the Marion Senior Citizens Center. She is survived by her friend and companion, Lester Lawrence of Marion, IL; granddaughter, LuAnn Brigham of Albers, IL; two grandsons, William Wagner, III and his wife, Heather of Marion, IL and Jeff Blair of Missoula, Montana; six great grandchildren, Jessica Oldham and husband, Ryan, Jada Brigham, Lexi Wagner, William Wagner, IV, Zander Wagner and Niki Wagner, other extended family members and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; daughter, Faye Blair and brother, William Keller. Arrangements for Lucille Horvath were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. A time of visitation for family and friends was on Friday, February 28th from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2014, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Pastor Benjamin Potter presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were recorded piano selections. Special recorded vocal musical selection presented during the service were “Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley, “What a Day That Will Be” by Brian Free, “No Place That Far” by Sarah Evans and “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. Interment followed in Sunset Memorial Park located north of DuQuoin, IL. Pallbearers were Ryan Oldham, William Wagner III, William Wagner IV and Dwight Gizzard. For those who preferred, memorial gifts in memory of Lucille Horvath were made to “Marion Senior Citizens Center”. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home or were mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959.

Robert L. Aaron 82-year-old Vienna resident, Robert L. Aaron died Tuesday, March 4 at Autumn Ridge Supportive Living Center.  A lifelong educator, he had served school districts in Cisne, Sesser-Valier, Shanee and Ashley. Survivors include children, Deborah Sue Aaron (Carl)  Inman of Glen Carbon; Steve Aaron (Marilyn) of Nashville, IL, Alex Aaron (Juli) of Midwest City, OK, Cathy Aaron Dull (Ricky) of Richland, MO, Dan Aaron (Sharlee) of Albion, Julie Aaron Woodward (Scott) of Engelwood, CO; 17 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and three sisters, Janet (Ken) Whitsitt,  Margaret Marlatt and Laura Faye (Jim) Burns. Funeral services for Robert L. Aaron will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 8 at the Dixon Springs Baptist Church with burial in Mt. Zion Cemetery in the Rock community in Pope County, Illinois. Visitation will be 4 – 8 Friday evening, March 7 at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna and from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Memorials may be made to the Dixon Springs Baptist Church, the Mt. Zion Cemetery Fund or VNA/TIP Hospice and will be accepted at the Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna

Frank Ben Nowacki, 84, of Tamaroa, passed away at 7:40 P.M., Sunday, March 2, 2014 at his residence. Frank had been a farmer. He had also worked at Hollywood Candy Company and at Home Lumber Company in Tamaroa until he retired. He was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois. He was a Corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Frank was a member of the American Legion. He was born March 5, 1929 at Christopher, IL, the son of Edmund Frank and Victoria (Luchinski) Nowacki. He is survived by two sisters - Theresa Kesler and Florence Dick, both of Christopher, two nieces, and seven nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother - Raymond Nowacki, and two sisters - Gertrude Paszkiewicz and Bernice Pulley. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 A.M., Friday, March 7, 2014 at the St. Charles Catholic Church in Du Bois with Fr. Oliver Nwachukwu officiating. Friends may call from 9 A.M. until the time of service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in the St. Charles Cemetery at Du Bois. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin American Legion and V.F.W. and the Army National Guard. Friends may make memorials to Masses or American Cancer Society Research and will be accepted at the funeral home. Searby Funeral Home in Tamaroa is in charge of arrangements.

The Southern Illinoisan, Tuesday, July 8, 1975, JUANA L. VEACH Juana Lee Veach, daughter of Johnny Jr. and Mary Chesney Veach of 511 E. Washington St., Christopher, died shortly after birth Monday at Union Hospital in West Frankfort. Survivors are her parents; and two brothers, Michael Robert and Johnny Joe, both at home. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Maple Hill Cemetery in Sesser. Friends may call from 9 to 11 a.m. Wedndsday at the Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser. (sic.)

THOMPSONVILLE -- Baylen Edward Lampley, 21, died Sunday, March 2, 2014, at home. Services will be at noon Friday, March 7, in Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with the Rev. Rick McClintock officiating. Burial will be in Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at the funeral home at 410 S. Main St. Baylen was born March 24, 1992, in Carbondale, the son of Paul Wayne Lampley ll and Miki (Odle) Lampley and stepmother, Leahann (Kirk) Lampley, and they all survive. Baylen was engaged to Jerica Stubblefield of Benton. They have a 2-year-old daughter, Addyson. Both survive. Survivors incluce grandparents, Paul W. Lampley Sr. and Diana A. Lampley of Benton. Dennis Odle and Gwineva Odle of Benton and Cheryl Speed of Sarasota, Fla.; great-grandfather, Warren Young of Christopher; sisters, Kady Lampley, Denni Durbin and Macy Fee; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Gwineva. Baylen worked as a coal miner at the Mach Mine in Thompsonville, where his fellow miners called him "BAM-BAM." Baylen had a great passion for the outdoors, fishing, hoggin for catfish at the lake, hunting or spending time with family, friends and especially his daughter, Addyson, whom he loved dearly. He was a loving father, son and friend to so many that he touched in his life. Anyone who knew him found him to be strong as an oak tree, yet soft, loving inside. He will be greatly missed by all he touched. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 5, 2014

ROYALTON -- Michael Andrew "Mike" Jury, 66, formerly of Maryville, Ind., passed away at 8:11 p.m. Sunday, March 2, 2014, in Herrin Hospital. Mike was born Oct. 12, 1947, in Gary, Ind., to Andrew and Anne (Oros) Jury. He married Ramona R. King in Sesser. She survives in Royalton. Other survivors include a son, Derick Niloff of Portage, Ind.; a grandson, Joshua Michael Niloff; a brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Beverly Jury of Valparaiso, Ind.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Andrew and Robert Jury; and a sister, Rose Ann. Mr. Jury retired from Lake County Sheriff's Department in Crown Point, Ind. Services will be at 8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, in Vantrease Funeral Home in Royalton. Private family interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. For more information and to sign the online register book, visit www.vantreasefuneralhome.com. Published in The Southern Illinoisan on Mar. 5, 2014

http://ilahgp.genealogyvillage.com/census1790.html http://ilahgp.genealogyvillage.com/IL_census.html linked to my IL state page I've been working on my census pages again. You might find something here your interested in. Susan