Dolores "Dee" May (Hill) Bennett

Mrs. Dolores “Dee” May (Hill) Bennett, 84, of Hillsboro, passed away 22 April 2015 at Saint Francis Hospital in Litchfield, Illinois. She was born 4 February 1931 in Bunker Hill Township, the daughter of Ray Clement and Ida Alice (Wood) Hill. She grew up in Mount Olive. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 27 May 1960. She was, thereafter, fervent and active in her faith. She married Charles Edward Bennett on 18 November 1961 in Edwardsville.

She loved learning, and she returned to school in her 60’s to complete what she had started many years before. She graduated with an Associate’s in applied science for Word/Information Processing from Lincoln Land Community College 17 May 1991.

Among her several hobbies, Dee was an amateur genealogist. She was a patriot and proud of her family heritage. She was descended from the pioneer stock of Bond, Macoupin, and Madison counties in Illinois. Her father was a veteran of World War I; she could also name ancestors of the War with Mexico, the Civil War, the War of 1812, and the Revolutionary War. A number of her ancestors were expelled from England for their religious activities; protagonists for separation from England for over 150 years prior to the Revolution. She could trace one family line back to King Henry II.

Dee’s kids and grandkids could often find her solving puzzles, playing cards, winning at Bingo, or competing in the Wii bowling championship. Dee enjoyed spending time writing poetry and song lyrics. She would write poetry and songs for her grandchildren. She had a deep love for her family and was always willing to welcome new people into her family circle.

Besides her husband, she is survived by eight children: James E. & Pam Bennett and Kenneth W. & Susan Bennett, both of Carlinville, Illinois; Charles and Nora (Bennett) Beadle of Litchfield, Illinois; Daniel and DeeDee Forward of Provo, Utah; Charles R. Bennett and Lewis & Mary Harty of Collinsville, Illinois; Clinton J. Bennett of Glenford, Ohio; and Adam & Bonnie Herrera of West Boylston, Massachusetts. She is also survived by two sisters: Mrs. Marvin (Virginia) Birdsell of Jerseyville, Illinois; Mrs. Shirley Morgan of Kansas City, Missouri; as well as 21 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Lee Wheeler, three sisters, and two brothers.

A private graveside service will be held for the family at Wood – Davis Cemetery, Bunker Hill, Illinois.

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