Benjamin J. Schiff

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Benjamin J. Schiff, 78, of Eldorado, passed away at 6:05 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2011, at the Methodist Hospital in Henderson, Ky.

He was a retired mechanic at Freeman United Coal Company in Du Quoin.

Ben was born on Oct. 3, 1932, in Ridgway to Ben and Isabella (Bartley) Schiff. He married Bettie June Chapman on June 8, 1954, and she preceded him in death on Oct. 11, 1993.

Ben was a Army veteran of the Korean Conflict.

He is survived by a daughter, Kristina and Bill Hanold of Herrin; two sons, Jeffrey Schiff of Eldorado and James and Dixie Schiff of West Frankfort; four sisters, Cecilia and George Aud of Equality, Martha and Gene Cox of Ridgway, Mary A. Foss of Equality and Helen and Ken Sustachek of Fairfax, Va.; two brothers, Bill and Arlene Schiff of Sparta and John and Jeannie Schiff of Florida; five grandchildren, Miranda, Angie, Michelle, Christy and Mike; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wife.

Visitation for Ben will be held from 1 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011, at the Vickery Funeral Chapel in Equality. Memorials may be made to the family. Internet condolences may be made at the Internet site www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.