WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Linda Rae Benton, age 82, of Edwardsburg, passed away early Friday morning, October 27, 2023, at Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo.
She was born May 9, 1941, in Sturgis to Walter and Rachel (Soules) Brouse and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1960.
During high school, she took an interest in “the boy next door,” and on August 19, 1961, she married Richard Benton at the First Church of God in Sturgis. Soon after, daughters Cheryl and Kristin arrived. They moved to Edwardsburg in 1966, where they lived until Linda’s passing.
In earlier years, Linda was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority which involved her in many community projects. Linda also worked as a waitress, where she made enduring friendships with both customers and co-workers. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Niles, where she served as a Deaconess and on the Missions Board.
Linda was most content when she was with those close to her, whether that be family at the cottage on Fish Lake or among the “Lunch Bunch” group of friends. Visits with her daughters and grandchildren, family reunions, church functions and vacations with friends were all things that made her the happiest.
She was a gentle, nurturing person, with moments of unexpected humor. Her fun-loving spirit was core to who Linda was and a big part of why everyone loved her.
Linda is survived by her loving and dedicated husband of 62 years, Richard, daughters Cheryl Murillo of Holland and Kristin (Michael) Gerfen of Schoolcraft, grandchildren Charles (Chas) Murillo of Ohio, and Anna Gerfen and Celia Gerfen of Schoolcraft, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters: Marjorie Leatherman, Faye Nofsinger, and Thelma Denniston.
The family extends their sincere thanks to the amazing caregivers at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University in Chicago, and at Rose Arbor Place in Kalamazoo. Your skills, dedication, and compassion meant the world to us.
A private graveside service and interment will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. A memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Linda Rae Benton will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1446 E. Main Street, Niles, MI at a later date to be announced.
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Benton’s memory consider the First Baptist Church, 1446 E Main St, Niles, MI 49120 or Rose Arbor Hospice, 5473 Croyden Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
