Gladys E. Benson
Chesapeake – Gladys Elizabeth “Betty” Benson, 86, passed away on December 31, 2011. She was the daughter of the late William and Anna Bollheimer of Dayton, OH. Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 64 years, Harold K. “Ben” Benson; a daughter, Darla Bombard; a grandson, Sonny Brenneman; a granddaughter, Sarah Thomas Benson; and seven brothers and sisters.
Betty is survived by two sons, Keith W. Benson Dottie and Bruce W. Benson Sheila of Virginia Beach; son-in-law Terry Bombard of Suffolk; three grandchildren, David M. Benson, Kathryn Benson Brochard Chad, and Kimberly Brenneman Broughton Sean, all of Virginia Beach; and eight great-grandchildren. She will be dearly missed and forever loved.
Family was the center of Betty’s life. She was a woman of great strength and had a passion for baking, gardening, and handicrafts. She loved the Lord and lived her faith. She was a dedicated member of Hickory United Methodist Church for the past 46 years, where she served as a greeter, Altar Guild and Administrative Board member. She was a tireless worker serving alongside Ben at the Good Neighbor Festival since its 1986 inception. She was the recipient of the George Alvin Harrell Good Neighbor Festival Award for Community Service. Betty was known for putting the needs of her family and others before her own.
The family would like to thank the Hickory United Methodist Church family and many members of the community for their acts of kindness and love. Immense gratitude is expressed to her long time physician, Dr. Louis Carideo as well as the staff of the 2nd Floor, East Wing of Chesapeake General Hospital, for their care and compassion. Special thanks are extended to Betty’s friend, companion, and caregiver, Carolyn Rittenberry.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2012, at Hickory United Methodist Church with Pastor Thomas L. Mercer, Sr. officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Inurnment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Good Neighbor Festival, c/o Hickory United Methodist Church, 2708 Battlefield Blvd. S., Chesapeake, VA 23322 or to the Hickory United Methodist Church Building Fund. Condolences may be offered to the family at altmeyer.com.
Betty and Ben often referred to us as their adopted children and we loved them so very dearly. We are so thankful that God brought them into our lives and we will always cherish the memories of them and the example of Christian love that they taught us.
For Bruce and Sheila, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are so sorry to hear about Bruce’s mom.
Tom and Kay Greyard
Miss Betty was a dear sweet person, I loved her dearly! She will be greatly missed!!
Love, Rhonda