Obituaries

Erich H. Hamann, 85, died September 21, 2019 at his home in Navarre, FL surrounded by his family. Erich was born in 1934 in Hamburg, Germany to Hildegard Sievert and Hans Hamann.  He lived through World War II as a child in Germany. At 19 years old, he immigrated to America …

Fayetta Elkins-Ballard, age 99 years, affectionately known to her family and friends as “Aunt Dink” passed away Tuesday morning, October 1, 2019, at 8:32 AM at the Hillview Health Care Center in Vienna where she had made her home for the past several years.  Fayetta was also a former resident …

Susan Denise Henss, 62, of Swansea, IL, passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, IL. Susan was born October 16, 1956 in St. Louis, MO to Billy Dean and Virginia R. (Crenshaw) Glass. She married Joseph R. Henss on June 3, 1995; …

Carter Ray Benard, 27 day old son of Kyle Benard and Miranda Stafford, departed this life unexpectedly Friday evening, September 27, 2019, at 11:40 p.m. at Massac Memorial Hospital in Metropolis. Carter was born September 1, 2019 in Carbondale, Illinois. In addition to his loving parents, Carter is survived by: …

Bill Choate, age 78 years, a resident of rural Ozark, Illinois, passed away Saturday afternoon, September 28, 2019, at 2:55 PM at Herrin Hospital. A celebration of the life of Bill Choate will be conducted Wednesday, October 2, 2019, at 11 AM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Jeff …

Opal Gayle Kirby, age 92, of Goreville, formerly of Anna, passed away at 4:42pm on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Parkway Manor in Marion. Gayle was born in Marion on August 18, 1927, the daughter of Francis and Carrie (Foster) Casper. She married Harold “Bud” Kirby in Goreville on March …

Cecil Ray Champion, Jr., affectionately known to his family and friends as “Manny,” passed away unexpectedly Saturday afternoon, September 14, 2019, at 1:10 PM near Tunnel Hill, Illinois.  At the time of his passing, Manny had attained the age of 68 years. Manny was born April 29, 1951 in Alton, …

Carolyn Jean Jennings, age 83 years, a resident of Metropolis, passed away Monday morning, September 9, 2019, at 11:15 AM at the Metropolis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.

Jimmie Blankenship, age 81 years, a resident of rural Golconda, Illinois, passed away Tuesday morning, September 3, 2019, at 7:31 AM at Baptist Health in Paducah, Kentucky. Jim was born March 24, 1938 in Carrsville, Kentucky.  He was the son of Luther Larkin Blankenship and Flora (Woods) Blankenship. On June …

Clara L. Sanders, age 83 years, a resident of the New Burnside community, passed away Wednesday morning, August 28, 2019, at 3:30 AM at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois. Clara was born October 29, 1935 at the family home on Jackson Road near Tunnel Hill, Illinois.  She …