Lana Lee Benedict

Lana Benedict, 69, of Chatham, formerly of New Berlin, passed away Friday, October 2, 2015 at St. John�s Hospital with her family by her side. Lana was born August 19, 1946 in Springfield to the late William Henry and Doris V. Templeton LaFauce, Sr. She married Roger �John� Benedict June 14, 1980. Lana retired after a career with the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services Division and ownership of Lov'n Spoonful Catering. Lana was a woman of deep faith who was sincerely devoted to her family and community. She had an unfailing determination to do every project she undertook with excellence. At the Illinois State Fair, Lana won multiple awards for her jams, jellies, and salsa, and she was named Grand Champion for her Baked Apple Butter. Her smile and soprano voice lit up the stage with the Sweet Adelines Sound Celebrations Chorus for over 35 years. Whenever anyone needed a hand or a supportive spirit, Lana was ready and willing to serve, usually with a smile and a heartfelt hug. Lana was well known for being willing to serve hearty and sustaining meals for church gatherings, civic organizations and charitable causes. An active member of Cherry Hills Baptist Church, Lana prepared and served many meals and bottomless cups of coffee, sang in the choir, and volunteered with Amigos en Cristo on three mission trips to Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. In addition to sharing her love of music with the Sweet Adelines in the community, Lana served as President of the Chatham Kiwanis and catered their meetings at the Chatham Area Public Library. She was also a member and president of the Chatham American Legion Post 759 Auxiliary, preparing many of the delicious desserts and sides for the Post�s famous fish fries and serving as the group's assistant funeral meal coordinator. Lana catered the Murder Mystery Dinner Fundraiser for the Chatham Community Library for many years, was past president of the Prairie State Orchid Society, coordinated the Feast of Plenty Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Central Baptist Church, and volunteered in the kitchen at the Lake Springfield Baptist Camp. Lana counted among her greatest blessings the love of her husband John, her children, grandchildren, and extended family. Proud of their accomplishments, Lana always knew their latest news or had an encouraging word about each and every one. John and Lana also fostered nearly 40 children through the years, making a positive difference in so many lives. Lana also enjoyed the blessing of countless friends, many of whom encouraged her with cards, flowers and visits during her hospital stays. Lana will be greatly missed by John, her husband of 35 years; children, Craig (Kimberly) Tepker of Suwanee, GA, David (Marie) Benedict of Cibolo, TX, Melissa (Gary) Dougherty of Chatham, Christie (Tim) Clark of Ramsey, IL, Kevin (Jennifer) Tepker of Bellingham, WA; grandchildren, Kilyan and Addison Dougherty of Chatham, Marshall, Landon and Lenora Clark of Ramsey, Collin, Owen, Katelyn and Eli Tepker of Bellingham, WA, Stephen (Karen) St. Hilaire and Jill (Justin) Hammett all of Oklahoma City, OK, Lorie (John) Miller of Shreveport, LA; 5 great grandchildren; brother Bill (Dottie) LaFauce of Lakeland, FL; nephews, Marc, Will, Nick and Erik LaFauce, and many friends. Cremation rites will be accorded by Cremation Services of Central Illinois, Chatham before services. Family will greet friends from 4-7 pm Sunday, October 4, at Staab Polk Memorial Home, 8855 State Rt. 4, Chatham and from 10 am until the time of the memorial service at 11 am Monday, October 5 at Cherry Hills Baptist Church, 2125 Woodside Drive, Springfield, with Pastor Brian Wilmarth officiating. A private family committal will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Contact Ministries, 1100 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62703, (217) 753-3939; or Amigos en Cristo c/o Cherry Hills Baptist Church, 2125 Woodside Rd, Springfield, IL 62711, (217) 546-4818.