All Obituaries

Jesse Ray Bryant, age 71, of Ridgway, passed on this life, August 10, 2020 in Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Evansville, IN.  Jesse was born in Harrisburg on July 29, 1949 to the late Jesse Wallace Bryant and Barbara (Beal) Bryant.  He married the love of his life, Wanda (Morris) Bryant on December 20, 1996. Jesse served his country honorably in the US Army serving for 3 years and was involved in combat in Vietnam.  He worked for R.G. Berry Trucking for almost 20 years before...

Frank W. Johnson, age 72, resident of Equality passed on this life August 4, 2020 in the Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh after a sudden illness.  Frank was born in Carrier Mills, IL on March 22, 1948, to the late R J and Mabel (Sittig) Johnson.  On June 10, 1968 he married the love of his life Donna (Poshard) Johnson who survives. Frank served his country in the United States Army, worked for over 35 years in the coal mines and also worked for Tri County Chemicals.  He...

Charles Anthony "Tony/Chaz" Ballard, age 59 of Sweet Home, Oregon formerly of Ridgway passed on this life August 2, 2020 after an extended illness with Peripheral Arterial Disease.  Tony was born in Eldorado, IL on July 29, 1961 to Donald Ballard and Lela (Barger) Partain.  He was a graduate of Ridgway High School. Tony served his country in the United States Navy.  He had worked construction all over the country until his health problems caused retirement. He loved...

Velma 'Beanie' Cates, age 78, of Rockwood, Illinois passed away in her sleep on Wednesday July 22nd, 2020 at Manor Court Nursing Facility in Carbondale, Illinois. Beanie was born November 6, 1941 in New Haven, Illinois. She was the youngest of 3 children born to Calvin Bean and Dorothy Margaret (Merritt) Bean.  On December 29, 1956 she married the love of her life Charles T. Cates  who survives. She was a member of the Christian Church in Murphysboro.  Beanie loved...

Don F. Drone, age 88, lifelong Ridgway resident, passed on this life, July 15, 2020 in Deaconess Gateway Hospital, Newburgh, IN.  Don was born South of Ridgway on the family farm May 16, 1932 to the late Peter and Lorene (Goebel) Drone.  On September 17, 1957 he married Phyllis (Ande) Drone.  She preceded him in death August 10, 2017. Don was a faithful member of the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway.  He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean...

Agnes Marie Patton, age 74 of Shawneetown passed on this life June 27, 2020 in the Harrisburg Medical Center.  Agnes was born east of Ridgway on February 20, 1946 to the late Vincent and Louise (Abell) Rider.  On January 28, 1972 she married the love of her life, Jerry Patton at St. Patricks’ church.  She was a retired cashier.  She was a member of the St. Kateri Catholic church.  Agnes enjoyed antiques, painting and spending time with her family.  Agnes...

Kenneth S. “KBuck” Buckman, age 80, longtime Ridgway resident, passed on this life, June 23, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family. Kenneth was born in the Shawneetown/New Haven bottoms East of Ridgway on April 27, 1940 to the late John Lockett “Doc” and Margaret “Mert” (Yackle) Buckman.  On February 8, 1960 he married the love of his life, Mary Lee (Barger) Buckman. Kenneth was devoted to his Catholic faith, belonging to the St. Kateri Catholic Church in Ridgway. ...

Lois V. Rodgers, age 92, lifelong Junction resident went home to the Lord on June 13, 2020 at her home after an extended illness.  Lois was born on March 12, 1928 in Junction, IL to the late, Everett and Eva (Bradley) Patton.  On March 29, 1950 she married the love of her life, Leon “Cutter” Rodgers who preceded her in 2012. Lois was a faithful servant of the Lord and life long member of the Junction First Baptist church where she had played the piano for over 55...

Tabitha M. McKinney, age 48, of Shawneetown went to be with the Lord, June 12, 2020 in the Eldorado Nursing and Rehab.  Tabitha was born in Union County, Kentucky on December 25, 1971 to Franklin and Carolyn (Overfield) Russell. Tabitha has worked in the food industry most of her life.  She loved her family more than anything especially spending time with her grandchildren.  She enjoyed coloring.   Tabitha had a good heart and soul and will be missed. She is...

Michael Wayne “Mike” Cox, age 54, lifelong New Haven resident, passed on this life, Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at his home.  Mike as most knew him was born in Carmi, Il on September 8, 1965 to John and Barbara ( Musgraves) Cox.  On Jan. 27, 2015 he married Tommie (McDowell) Cox. Mike had worked for many years with his parents operating Cox Disposal service.  He loved to go to the movies, follow wrestling on TV and was a huge Chicago Cubs and Dallas Cowboy fan.  He...