LOUETTA TOLLISON
BEBTON, ILLINOIS
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Louetta Tollison, age 89, of Benton, passed away at 3:30 a.m. Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the Franklin Hospital of Benton.
Mrs. Tollison was born March 1, 1937, in Buckner, IL,the daughter of James Franklin Moss and Margaret Ann (Heacox) Moss. She married David Tollison on May 29, 1992, and he preceded her in death on December 5, 2019.
She retired after 46 years with Walmart in West City. She was also the former owner and operator of Lou’s Country Kitchen of Benton.
Louetta was a member of the Steel City Baptist Churchand enjoyed attending and worshipping with her church family.
She enjoyed spending time taking care of her grandkids, baking pies, and cakes for her family. She had many requests at family get together and church dinners for her famous pineapple upside down cake.
Surviving is a daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton, IL, a son James “Red” Miller of Benton, IL, step-daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, MO, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis, MO, fourteen grandchildren: Melissa “Missy” Miller of Mississippi, Stephanie Thompson and husband Dewayne of Mississippi, Johnny Miller, JR. of Mississippi, Shannon Stewart and husband Lex of Benton, IL, Leslee Miller of Benton, IL, Samantha Lampley of Benton, IL, Stanley “Bubby” Williams and wife Miranda of Benton, IL, Katie Cox and husband Ben of Benton, IL, Amanda Miller of Herrin, IL, Melinda Howe and husband David of St. Petersburg, FL, Sara Glenn and husband Mike of Phoenix, AZ, Jessica Miller of Benton, IL, Jack Miller, JR. and wife Heather of Stiritz, IL, Jasmin Teel and husband Shawn of Coello, IL, thirty great-grandchildren: Blake, Ashlynn, Justin, late Ava Grace, John Parker, Jace, Cami, Jayden, Cannon, Alex, Jon Jon, Landon, Carly, Bree, Laynee, Caden, Allie Jean, Wyatt, Waylon, Graham, Beckham, Bentley, Gage, Caden, Ryder, Easton, Jacynda, Jordy, Jeremiah, Jaxson, Adriana, two great-great-grandchildren Keaton and Josie and one on the way, a brother Jim Moss of Logan, IL, a sister Suzann Hudson of Garden City, MO, her cat Buddy, and several nieces and nephews, her many friends and co-workers from Walmart, and her special friend and hairdresser Janette Roule and husband Rudy, and her close dear friend Joyce Oakley.
She enjoyed the last two years of spending time with the new additions to the family, who always made her and those around her smile.
Mrs. Tollison was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons: John Alden Miller, JR., Jerry Allen Miller, Jack Ashley Miller, a brother Paul Ray Moss, sister-in-law Marilyn Moss, and a brother-in-law John Hopkins.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Louetta, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to say “Thank You” to the staff at Helia Healthcare for all your care and kindness shown to Louetta and family. Also, a “Thank You” to the Franklin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the support shown through your heartfelt care and love given to Louetta and family. You made it possible for her to transition from this life to her Heavenly home with dignity.
Jean Ann and Jimmy especially want to express their gratitude to Shannon and Lex for their around-the-clock love shown and support of making sure Louetta was not alone showing her gratitude and love always.
Mrs. Tollison was born March 1, 1937, in Buckner, IL,the daughter of James Franklin Moss and Margaret Ann (Heacox) Moss. She married David Tollison on May 29, 1992, and he preceded her in death on December 5, 2019.
She retired after 46 years with Walmart in West City. She was also the former owner and operator of Lou’s Country Kitchen of Benton.
Louetta was a member of the Steel City Baptist Churchand enjoyed attending and worshipping with her church family.
She enjoyed spending time taking care of her grandkids, baking pies, and cakes for her family. She had many requests at family get together and church dinners for her famous pineapple upside down cake.
Surviving is a daughter Jean Ann Williams and husband Stanley of Benton, IL, a son James “Red” Miller of Benton, IL, step-daughters Tracey Brewer and husband Mark of St. Louis, MO, Lisa Wagner and husband Scott of St. Louis, MO, fourteen grandchildren: Melissa “Missy” Miller of Mississippi, Stephanie Thompson and husband Dewayne of Mississippi, Johnny Miller, JR. of Mississippi, Shannon Stewart and husband Lex of Benton, IL, Leslee Miller of Benton, IL, Samantha Lampley of Benton, IL, Stanley “Bubby” Williams and wife Miranda of Benton, IL, Katie Cox and husband Ben of Benton, IL, Amanda Miller of Herrin, IL, Melinda Howe and husband David of St. Petersburg, FL, Sara Glenn and husband Mike of Phoenix, AZ, Jessica Miller of Benton, IL, Jack Miller, JR. and wife Heather of Stiritz, IL, Jasmin Teel and husband Shawn of Coello, IL, thirty great-grandchildren: Blake, Ashlynn, Justin, late Ava Grace, John Parker, Jace, Cami, Jayden, Cannon, Alex, Jon Jon, Landon, Carly, Bree, Laynee, Caden, Allie Jean, Wyatt, Waylon, Graham, Beckham, Bentley, Gage, Caden, Ryder, Easton, Jacynda, Jordy, Jeremiah, Jaxson, Adriana, two great-great-grandchildren Keaton and Josie and one on the way, a brother Jim Moss of Logan, IL, a sister Suzann Hudson of Garden City, MO, her cat Buddy, and several nieces and nephews, her many friends and co-workers from Walmart, and her special friend and hairdresser Janette Roule and husband Rudy, and her close dear friend Joyce Oakley.
She enjoyed the last two years of spending time with the new additions to the family, who always made her and those around her smile.
Mrs. Tollison was preceded in death by her parents, husband, three sons: John Alden Miller, JR., Jerry Allen Miller, Jack Ashley Miller, a brother Paul Ray Moss, sister-in-law Marilyn Moss, and a brother-in-law John Hopkins.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 13, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Joe Zbinden officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Friday at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, IL.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Steel City Missionary Baptist Church Missions Fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Louetta, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
The family would like to say “Thank You” to the staff at Helia Healthcare for all your care and kindness shown to Louetta and family. Also, a “Thank You” to the Franklin Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois for the support shown through your heartfelt care and love given to Louetta and family. You made it possible for her to transition from this life to her Heavenly home with dignity.
Jean Ann and Jimmy especially want to express their gratitude to Shannon and Lex for their around-the-clock love shown and support of making sure Louetta was not alone showing her gratitude and love always.
DANIEL DUANE BROWN
BENTON, ILLINOIS
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Daniel Duane Brown, age 71, of Benton, passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026, at his home.
Dan was born December 5, 1954, in Louisiana, Missouri; the son of Duane Harvard Brown and Martha Jean (Walton) Brown.
He retired from Aire-Master of America. Before working with Aire-Master, he was known as “Dan the Schwan’s Man,” where he worked for Schwan’s home delivery.
He formerly attended the Mulkeytown Christian Church.
Dan enjoyed playing golf, riding bicycles, and watching the news. When he was younger, he enjoyed deer hunting.
Surviving are his children: Daniel John Brown and wife Amanda and their children, of Bremerton, Washington, Jeremiah A. Breckenridge and children of Benton, Illinois, Joseph Brown and wife Kindall and children of Frankfort, Illinois, Brittany N. Brown and children of Ethridge, Tennessee, Michael a. Brown of Murphysboro, Illinois; two brothers: David Leroy Brown of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Randall Donald Brown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and stepmother.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Ted Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at the Casper Church Cemetery in Anna, Illinois.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of Daniel Brown to gofundme.com (to assist with funeral expenses).
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Dan, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Dan was born December 5, 1954, in Louisiana, Missouri; the son of Duane Harvard Brown and Martha Jean (Walton) Brown.
He retired from Aire-Master of America. Before working with Aire-Master, he was known as “Dan the Schwan’s Man,” where he worked for Schwan’s home delivery.
He formerly attended the Mulkeytown Christian Church.
Dan enjoyed playing golf, riding bicycles, and watching the news. When he was younger, he enjoyed deer hunting.
Surviving are his children: Daniel John Brown and wife Amanda and their children, of Bremerton, Washington, Jeremiah A. Breckenridge and children of Benton, Illinois, Joseph Brown and wife Kindall and children of Frankfort, Illinois, Brittany N. Brown and children of Ethridge, Tennessee, Michael a. Brown of Murphysboro, Illinois; two brothers: David Leroy Brown of Hot Springs, South Dakota, Randall Donald Brown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, his father and stepmother.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Pastor Ted Anderson officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date at the Casper Church Cemetery in Anna, Illinois.
The family prefers memorial contributions be made to Honor the Life of Daniel Brown to gofundme.com (to assist with funeral expenses).
To give online condolences to the family or to share memories of Dan, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
LAURA RUTH STEWART
BENTON, ILLINOIS
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Laura Ruth Stewart, age 69, of Benton, passed away at 8:59 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Herrin Hospital Emergency Room.
Laura was born August 6, 1956, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harry Stewart and Miriam Jane (Whaley) Stewart.
She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1974 where she was an outstanding student and an Illinois State Scholar. In 1974 she was the first female athlete from BCHS to place in the State of Illinois Track and Field Competition, taking third place in the discus. This was quite a feat due to women’s competition being still a one-class system. Her accolades in high school women’s track and field would help her compete collegiately at Illinois State, until an injury ended her career.
Laura formerly worked as a server and trainer with Red Lobster. She also for 35 years, was the highest non-paid key volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois.
She was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Laura enjoyed cooking meals for her family and traveling abroad with family members and friends. She loved attending sporting events, especially women’s basketball where she rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, however in recent years she became a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan especially of #33 Amiah Hargrove. She loved NFL Football and was an avid Denver Broncos fan, but family had persuaded her to sometimes root for the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed watching cooking shows and attending concerts. To her sister’s dismay she knew most of the Jeopardy questions and was quick with the answer.
Surviving is her loving sister Dr. Kelly Stewart of Benton, Illinois, her brother Lex Stewart and wife Shannon of Benton, Illinois; nephews: Alex Stewart, John Pulliam and wife Kaitlynn, and Landon Stewart, all of Benton, Illinois, great-nephews: Daniel Stewart Hobbs, Braxton Stewart and Keaton Pulliam; nieces: Carly, Breelyn and Laynee; cousins Steve Stewart and wife Cathy of Benton, Illinois, Laura Jane Lau and husband Richard of Chicago, Illinois, her beloved cats: Buddy, Lucy and JoJo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a Cousin Iris Hampleman, and her dear friend Mark Rohrer.
The family prefers Memorial contributions made to the Laura Stewart BCHS Girls Track Scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Laura, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
Laura was born August 6, 1956, in Benton, Illinois; the daughter of Harry Stewart and Miriam Jane (Whaley) Stewart.
She was a graduate of BCHS Class of 1974 where she was an outstanding student and an Illinois State Scholar. In 1974 she was the first female athlete from BCHS to place in the State of Illinois Track and Field Competition, taking third place in the discus. This was quite a feat due to women’s competition being still a one-class system. Her accolades in high school women’s track and field would help her compete collegiately at Illinois State, until an injury ended her career.
Laura formerly worked as a server and trainer with Red Lobster. She also for 35 years, was the highest non-paid key volunteer with the Special Olympics of Illinois.
She was of the Catholic faith and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benton.
Laura enjoyed cooking meals for her family and traveling abroad with family members and friends. She loved attending sporting events, especially women’s basketball where she rooted for the South Carolina Gamecocks, however in recent years she became a Nebraska Cornhuskers fan especially of #33 Amiah Hargrove. She loved NFL Football and was an avid Denver Broncos fan, but family had persuaded her to sometimes root for the Kansas City Chiefs. She also enjoyed watching cooking shows and attending concerts. To her sister’s dismay she knew most of the Jeopardy questions and was quick with the answer.
Surviving is her loving sister Dr. Kelly Stewart of Benton, Illinois, her brother Lex Stewart and wife Shannon of Benton, Illinois; nephews: Alex Stewart, John Pulliam and wife Kaitlynn, and Landon Stewart, all of Benton, Illinois, great-nephews: Daniel Stewart Hobbs, Braxton Stewart and Keaton Pulliam; nieces: Carly, Breelyn and Laynee; cousins Steve Stewart and wife Cathy of Benton, Illinois, Laura Jane Lau and husband Richard of Chicago, Illinois, her beloved cats: Buddy, Lucy and JoJo.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a Cousin Iris Hampleman, and her dear friend Mark Rohrer.
The family prefers Memorial contributions made to the Laura Stewart BCHS Girls Track Scholarship fund and will be accepted at the funeral home.
To give online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Laura, go to www.lpfuneralhome.com.
"Homegrown people Taking Care of Hometown People".
Owned and operated by a Benton born and raised family.
Marty, Alisa, Zeb, and Delaney Leffler
Owned and operated by a Benton born and raised family.
Marty, Alisa, Zeb, and Delaney Leffler