Lois F. Benedict, age 101, a resident of Glen Ellyn, IL, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025.  She was born November 10, 1924 in Kewanee, Illinois to Ronald & Mary Miller.

Mom 'Danced Through Life!' At a very young age, she began tap dancing on stage in central Illinois. Later in life, she would put on her dance shoes to tap in the kitchen with grandchildren!

Flying was a family affair. At 18, her father, Ronald, stepped out of the airplane he was instructing in, and said, 'It's all yours' and down the runway she went to solo her first flight! In later years with Ross, she loved to travel the world. Fiercely independent, she was only 20 years old when she boarded a train and traveled on her own, from Illinois to California, to marry Ross before he left for military service.

The time raising her daughters were the best days of her life. Nothing was an emergency; she'd say, "You're ok" and "We'll worry about it tomorrow!"

Mom believed in the delight of receiving a hand-written note. She sent hundreds of Christmas cards with personal handwritten notes and always remembered family and friends with a birthday card. She loved to match her stamps to the card inside.

The Benedict kitchen was always busy, as she loved to cook and bake, especially anything chocolate. She was a true Chocoholic, sometimes known to eat brownies for breakfast!  You only live once!

Her other hobbies included working in the yard, and planting flowers.  Friends called her the flower lady. Elderly grocery shoppers admiring her flower purchases were many times handed what she'd just bought, bringing big smiles to many.  Long before Pay it Forward…Mom was an advocate of that joy!

Mom was the BEST at hosting parties for family and friends!  She planned creative parties including 1st grade birthday Big Lady Dress Up, friends Roaring 50's costume, New Years, and game night parties.  There was one in particular for Dad when he retired from United called 'The Passing of a Career' complete with a hearse (loaned from good friends) parked in the driveway to greet party guests.

In addition to being a busy mother, she always found time to share her positive energy by volunteering for many organizations, including St. Christopher's, St. Petronille, and St. Michael's Catholic Churches, Girls Scouts, the Rosary Altar Society, Room Mother, PADs Overnight Homeless Shelter, and Marianjoy Rehabilitation Center.

Mom frequently reminded us that she had been very fortunate to have such a great life.  In later years, after our visits, her parting words were always, 'Have a Good Life' and we'd all laugh!

We celebrate a remarkable woman who lived life to the fullest, and are thankful she was our Mom. In memory of Mom, remember to 'Dance Through Life!'

She is survived by her seven daughters: Cheryl Benedict, Colleen Newkirk, Cynthia LeBeau, Christine Benedict-Smith, Cecilia (Daryl) Paddock, Celeste Powell, Claudia (David) Brazier; her 11 grandchildren: Jake (Nicole) Sugrue, Christie (Dan) Volke, Dana Sugrue, Ryan Newkirk, Ben (Gina) Brazier, Alec Brazier, Samantha Powell, Claire Brazier, Lucas Powell, Mitchell Powell, Courtney Van Berschot; her great-grandchildren Koltyn, Georgia, Maeve, Declan, Penny & Emersyn; and her sister Marita (Ed) Ray.

She was preceded in death by her husband Ross Donald Benedict; her daughter Carrie F. Benedict Sugrue VanBerschot; her son-in-law Lynn Smith; and her sisters: Jean (the late Virgil) Anderson & Patricia (the late Fred) Hanson.

Services will be held privately.

Family and friends may sign a guest book at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.