Loretta R. Benson

Loretta R. Benson, 88 a lifelong resident of Rockford died Thursday, January 23, 2014 peacefully in her home. Born August 13, 1925 the daughter of Joseph and Myrtle White. Graduated from Central High school class of 1943 and married the love of her life, Loyd "Spence" Benson. Together they attended St. James Catholic Church along with their two children. Spence's untimely death in 1967 left Loretta and her family with a sense of emptiness but through all of it, Loretta kept going. She worked for Al Grace Appliance for 21 years as their bookkeeper and made sure that every penny was accounted for. She enjoyed doing her weekly housework, camping and traveling, bowling, playing her beloved organ and of course, if there was music, she was dancing. The family will miss her dearly but can find peace knowing she and Spence are dancing together, effortlessly in Heaven. A special thank you to the wonderful staff at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Heartland Hospice and to Rockford Fire Department Station 7.
Survivors include her daughter, Nancy J. Benson and Steven (Gayla) Benson; grandchildren, Ashley and Bailey Benson and sisters, Ann Lake and Margaret Sherwood all of Rockford and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her parents, husband and 7 brothers and sisters.
Funeral service Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with a visitation from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Interment will be held privately in Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family for a fund to be established at a later date.