Sharon K. Benson

Sharon K. Benson, 71, of Maquon, Illinois passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at OSF St. Mary’s Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.

She was born on November 14, 1944 in Galesburg, Illinois the daughter of Jim and Dorothy Emken Lemasters. She was raised by her grandparents, Philip and Pearl Emken. She graduated from Yates City High School in 1962. She married Larry Benson on December 1, 1962 in Knoxville, Illinois.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Benson of Maquon, Illinois; two daughters, Lori (Fiancé Bill Nelson) Benson of Galesburg, Illinois and Kellie (Robert) Mahnesmith of Chillicothe, Illinois; one son, Mark A. (Trisha) Benson of Las Vegas, Nevada; seven grandchildren: Christopher Mahnesmith, Rachel (Joe) Curry, Chelsea Mahnesmith, Aubree Kelso, Travis Kelso, Emelia Benson and Sarah Benson; one great grandson, Jaxon Marion; two sisters, Frances Hasting of Mendon, Illinois and Shirley Ingram of Monon, Indiana; mother-in-law, Audrey Benson; and Uncles and Aunts that were active with her growing up. She was preceded in death by her mother, grandparents, and father-in-law, Donald Benson.

She was a member of the Spoon Sisters and the Knox County Home Bureau. She worked for Farm King in Galesburg, Illinois and Mediacom in Chillicothe, Illinois in addition to being a homemaker, wife, and mother. She enjoyed her flowers, gardening, traveling and being with her family. She also collected lighthouses and seagulls.

The visitation will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville, Illinois. The funeral service will be on Sunday, March 13, 2016 2:00 P.M. at the Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Home in Knoxville. Rev. Dan Doty will be officiating.  Interment will be at Maquon Cemetery, Maquon, Illinois. Memorial Contributions can be made to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Seminary Manor Activity Fund. Online condolences can be left at www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com