Helen Y. Bennett

LAURA - Helen Yvonne Bennett (Vonnie), 85, of Laura, passed into her loving heavenly father’s arms at 6:40 a.m., Tuesday, January 7 at her home.

Born November 26, 1939 in Henry, IL to Aslaha (Jack) and Helen Louise (Elgin) Davis. She married Benjamin F. Smith on February 9, 1956 and they later divorced. She then married Virgil Bennett on November 27, 1991 in Pekin and he preceded her in death on January 21, 2012. She was also preceded in death by her parents , one brother, John L. Davis, one sister, Grace Kite and her daughter, Tina M. Hogsett.

Surviving is three children; David (Rita) Smith of Chillicothe, Tammy (Jody) Stevens of Dahinda and Dan (Shelly) Smith of Laura. She also leaves twelve grandchildren; Paula, Michele, Matthew, Nichole, Misty, John Wesley “J.W.”, Andrea, Jeremy, Shiana, Ben, Nathan and Kylie, twenty-eight great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Floyd A. Davis of Harbor Springs, MI, Lyle E. Davis of Peru and Alden F. (Kathy) Davis of Anamosa IA and three sisters, Alice F. (Richard) Lincke of Portland, OR, Betty I. Degelman of Brimfield and Trudy B. (Bill) Roffey of Anamosa, IA. She also leaves an extended family, including many nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

Vonnie attended Williamsfield High School class of 1958. She worked as a caregiver at various nursing homes and as an in-home caregiver. She was a member of the Baptist Church in Brimfield.

Our family is assured and comforted in knowing that Vonnie is with her Lord and Savior. However, our hearts are deeply saddened by her passing. She was the matriarch of a large family that loved her dearly. Her sense of humor and spunk added seasoning to the gathering of family and friends. She usually spoke her mind and seldom budged after taking a stand. She may have even been a bit "bullheaded" at times, and we loved her!

Children adored and gravitated toward her because she was fun and playful, while making them cookies and food they liked. Dogs also liked her. In fact, her dog Molly liked no one but her, much to everyone's disgust.

Vonnie was a great cook and showed her love for family and friends by cooking and baking for them. Being on the receiving end was good. When stopping by for a visit, you could always count on a hearty welcome and a cup of coffee.

Vonnie liked working in her yard and growing plants and flowers, both inside and out. She had a proverbial green thumb. Her favorite pastime was doing crossword puzzles and jigsaw puzzles, which is evident by her stacks of boxed puzzles. She also enjoyed playing cards, both solitaire and the game of garbage with anyone who would sit down and play with her. She also enjoyed reading Amish books and sharing them and her puzzles with others. Sharing and giving whatever she had was a big part of who she was. We have all been blessed by having her in our lives and she felt she was truly blessed by God with her family, church family and her many friends.

A bright light has now dimmed for us, but it is not out. It's still shining brightly for Jesus, and we will see it again one day when we make our final trip Home, and our Vonnie will be waiting for us.

Cremation will be accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Baptist Church in Brimfield at a later date. The inurnment will be in Glendale Cemetery in Elmore. Memorials may be directed to the Baptist Church in Brimfield. Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield is assisting the family with arrangements.

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