WEST FRANKFORT – Frances Irene Lingle, 101, of West Frankfort, Illinois, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2024, at Herrin Hospital at 9:12 p.m.

Irene was born October 5, 1923, in Galatia, Illinois, to William and Catherine (Taylor) Curtis. She married the love of her life, Charles (Red) Lingle, on October 1st, 1943. They had 66 years of marriage before his passing in 2010. Irene was a member of the Northern Baptist Church in West Frankfort. She loved listening and singing to the Gaithers’ gospel music. In her younger years, she worked with her father in his poultry business as a housekeeper and waitress. After she got married, she was a stay at home mom and later a babysitter to her grandchildren. Irene loved spending time with her family especially her grandchildren and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Charles; sisters, Theresa Heflin, Violet Thomas, and Vernitta Bixler; brothers,  Ira, Dale, and Ralph Curtis; daughter, Jeri and husband, John Gardner; son, Larry and wife, Mary Beth Lingle; grandson-in-law, Bill Yunker; and several nieces and nephews.

Irene is survived by sons, Gary (Cindy) Lingle and Terry Lingle; grandchildren, John (Nancy) Gardner, Church (Robin) Gardner, Susan (Debbie) Gardner, Robert Gardner, Joe (Christa) Lingle, Cathy Lingle, Missy (Danny) Broy, Craig (Amanda) Lingle, Christian Lingle, and Lori Bass; 21 great-grandchildren; 21 great great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Union Funeral Home in West Frankfort, Illinois, with Pastor T.J. Gentry officiating. Burial will be in Denning Cemetery on the Orient Road. 

Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

The family would like to thank the staff at Heritage Woods and the Orthopedic Unit at Herrin Hospital for their excellent care.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available and accepted at the funeral home.