Connie Benedict
Jerseyville |
Connie Lea (Oates) Benedict, 60, died at 9:23 a.m., Monday, August 2, 2010 at her residence surrounded by her family and close friends after a two year battle with lung cancer.
She was born in Alton on Dec. 2, 1949 one of three children born to James P. and Barbara June (Schmittag) Oates. Connie grew up and Jerseyville, and attended Jersey County schools. She then went on to attend Benton's School of Cosmetology in Alton, and began working as a stylist the salon at JC Penney in Alton. Nearly a year later in 1981, Connie was involved in a tragic automobile accident on her way to work, and was unable to resume her career that she so desired.
In spite of her intense pain, Connie never worried about herself. She tirelessly made sure that those around her were happy and she made her home one of peace and happiness. She loved to read and shop when she could, and treasured her time and felt blessed that she could be with her family.
She married James H. Benedict on Dec. 5, 1964 at the First Baptist Church in Jerseyville, and he survives.
Also surviving are her mother, Barbara June Oates of Jerseyville; a son & daughter in law, Gary & Kim Benedict of Lake Ozark, Mo.; two daughters & sons in law, Michelle & David Ewen of Grafton, and Marianne & Tony Bowers of Jerseyville; Seven grandchildren, Jennifer Ewen, and her fiance' Brandon McCoy, Cooper Benedict, Miranda Benedict, Aleigha Ferguson, Breanne Ferguson, Ricky Ferguson and Drake Bowers; four great grandchildren, Tristan & Tayton Stark and Gavin & Jayden Meyer; a brother & sister in law, James H. & Ruth Ann Oates of Jerseyville; a sister, Jenny R. Oates of Alton; and three dear friends, Pat Collins of Jerseyville, Janet Lehr of Laveen, Az., and Connie Fair of Jacksonville.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville, where funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m., Friday. Rev. Wilbur Cain will officiate.
Burial will be in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to St. Anthony's Hospice in care of the funeral home.?
Crawford Funeral Home
