Vada Pauline Gross, 96, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at her home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She was born July 4, 1922 in McLeansboro, IL to Ernest “Cap” and Iva M. (Pierce) Ray.  Vada was a home maker and a retired insurance agent as well as a member of the Providence Community Church in Opdyke, IL. Vada is survived by three daughters: Verla Mae (special friend C. E. Cooper) Keele of Mt. Vernon, IL, Patricia Marie Hampton of Mt. Vernon, IL and Davita Sue (David)...

Marvin J. Swafford, 84, a resident of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro, IL. He was born in McLeansboro, IL on October 16, 1934 to Euel and Inez (Prince) Swafford.  He was a retired maintenance employee at the East Side Grade School in McLeansboro and also served several years as an Alderman for the city of McLeansboro. Marvin is survived by his son, Anthony (Cheryl) Swafford of Danville, IL; daughter, Gena...

Wanda Faye Johnson, 91, a resident of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at the Hamilton Memorial Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born December 27, 1926 in Kellyville, Oklahoma to Cloyd and Bessie (Osborn) Powell.  Wanda married Harold Dean Johnson on December 27, 1946 and he preceded her in death.  In life she was a home maker and worked as an Avon Representative for 44 years. Wanda is survived by two daughters, Sandy Milligan of...

Nell M. Webb Irvin, 103, a resident of McLeansboro, Illinois, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2018 at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital.   She was born October 23, 1915 in Dale, IL to Charles and Eva (Merrel) Edmonds.  Nell was a retired seamstress having worked at the McLeansboro Shirt and Dress Factory and Elders Mfg. Company.  She also attended the Dale Pentecost Church. Nell is survived by her daughter, Anna Lee (John) Short of Broughton, IL; one grandson, Brad (Cynthia)...

Ricky Dean Taylor Jr., 48, a resident of Junction City, Illinois and formerly of McLeansboro, IL passed away Monday, October 15 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.   He was born December 16, 1969 in McLeansboro, IL to Ricky Taylor Sr. and Sharon McKinney-Taylor.  Ricky had a passion for the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Ricky is survived by his mother, Sharon (Danny) Gillis of Odin, IL;...

James W. McDaniel, 86, a resident of Mt. Vernon, Illinois, passed away Saturday, October 6, 2018 at the Mt. Vernon Health Care Center. He was born January 7, 1932 in Equality, IL to W. Loran and Juanita (Tolley) McDaniel.  James served his country during the Korean Conflict in the United States Navy.  During his naval service he participated in Operation Ivy, the first atomic test performed on Eniwetok Atoll in the Marshall Islands.  He was a retired businessman having owned...

Ruth Woods, 77, a resident of McLeansboro, Illinois passed away Friday, September 28, 2018 at SSM Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt, Vernon, Illinois.   She was born July 28, 1941 in Shawnee, Oklahoma to Rector and Tilly (Frost) Bailey.  Ruth married Philip Wayne Woods on November 30, 1990 and he survives.  In life she worked as a cashier for Walmart in Ponca, Oklahoma for fifteen years.  Ruth is survived by her husband, Philip Wayne Woods of McLeansboro, IL; three...

Opal D. Owen, 98, a resident of Broughton, Illinois, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 at the Hamilton Memorial Hospital. She was born February 20, 1920 in Karbers Ridge, IL to Edward Clarence and Cathlene Hannah (James) Tanner.  Opal married Perley Glen Owen on July 5, 1938 in Morganfield, Ky and he preceded her in death.  A home maker, Opal was a member of the former Broughton Baptist Church and a member of the Eastern Star. Opal is survived by one son, Joseph Glen...

Donald Dale Barnett Sr., 75, a resident of Opdyke, Illinois, passed away Thursday, September 27, 2018 in Ridgway, Illinois. He was born March 16, 1943 in Salem, IL to Neil and Evelyn (Cook) Barnett.  Donald was a U.S. Navy Veteran having served during the Vietnam War.  A retired farmer and truck driver, he was a member of Mt. Vernon American Legion Post 141 and the Lebanon Baptist Church. Donald is survived by his son, Donald (Casey) Barnett Jr. of Ridgway, IL; two grandchildren,...

Norma Jean Ricketts, 62, a resident of Murphysboro, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale in Carbondale, IL. She was born November 26, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan to John Edward and Barbara (Lowerly) Kelley.  Norma was a home maker and also worked with her husband in the landscaping business.  She was also a member of the DeSoto Baptist Church. Norma is survived by her husband, Jimmy Ricketts of Murphysboro, IL; sons, Jimmy Lee...