BENTON, Ill. — Ruth Colleen Pyron, 82, of Benton passed away on Monday morning, August 7, 2023 singing hymns surrounded by her family at the StoneBridge Nursing & Rehab in Benton.

She was born in Franklin County, IL on March 12, 1941 the daughter of Roy & Mary Elizabeth (Runnels) Lefler.

She married Gerald D. Pyron on July 11, 1959 and he survives.

Colleen became church pianist at the age of 12. She was the pianist for New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton. She loved music and her Lord Jesus Christ. Gerald & Colleen had a deep & abiding love for each other, their children and grandchildren. She taught many students piano over the years. Colleen was supportive & compassionate to so many people and she was a good listener.

Colleen is survived by her:

Husband: Gerald Pyron of Benton

3 Children:

Kelly Pyron of Benton

Jamelyn Dodson & husband James of Mt. Vernon

Samuel Pyron & wife Melissa of Williston, ND

11 Grandchildren:

Joshua Dawson & wife Laura of Benton

Terrra Clements of Ewing

Benjamin Dawson & wife Mandy of Hallsville, MO

Casey Lampley of West Frankfort

Misha Boykin & husband Martin of Mt. Vernon

Sabrina Sims & husband Joshua of Spring Hill, KS

Marc Torres of Williston, ND

Andrew Dunn of Williston, ND

Chandler Pyron of Benton

Lilly Pyron of Wallace, Idaho

Shelease Pyron of Williston, ND

18 Great-Grandchildren

1 Great-Great-Grandson

1 Sister-Jodean Avery of Mt. Vernon

Mrs. Pyron was preceded in death by her Parents, Granddaughter-in-law-Tiffany Lampley, Sisters-Juanita Phillips, Delphia Kent, Irene Johnson & Brenda Bruce and Brother-Clyde Lefler.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, August 11th at the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Vicar Aaron Dawson & Rev. William Hottensen officiating. Burial will be in the Phillips Cemetery in Ewing. Visitation will be after 10:00 A.M. on Friday at the church.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com