Margaret Aileen Benfield

Margaret Aileen Lail Benfield, 94, of Conover went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at her home. She was born on Saturday, April 25, 1931 in Catawba County to the late Eston and Ceda Killian Lail.

In addition to her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Ray Junior (Jack) Benfield; sisters, Clara Herman, Wilma Lail, Shirley Sigmon; brothers, Roy, Cletus, Ralph, Kenneth, Bill, and Bob Lail and sons-in-law, whom she treasured, David L. Zinkeler and David H. Hoyle.

Margaret was a member of First United Methodist Church in Newton and retired from Southern Glove in Newton. She enjoyed cooking and hosting many memorable family get-togethers and Christmas parties at her home. Margaret was a devoted wife and wonderful, precious mother, who loved her family dearly.

Those left to cherish Margaret’s memory are her four daughters, Jackie Sigmon and son-in-law Roger Sigmon of Maiden, Judy Deal of Conover, Denise Zinkeler of Hickory, and Jane Hoyle of Lincolnton; son, Gary Ray Benfield of Conover; sisters, Linda Moretz of Conover, Nancy Starnes and husband, Fred Starnes of Conover; grandchildren, Kristie Stenstrom and husband Bobby of Maiden, Ginger Rink and husband Doug of Newton, Brett Sigmon and wife, Savanna of Mt. Holly, Lori Deal of Charlotte, David R. Zinkeler of Charlotte, Jacob D. Hoyle and Daniel H. Hoyle of Lincolnton, Tyler Benfield and Holden Benfield; great grandchildren, Nickolas Stenstrom, Sara Stenstrom, Grace Rink, Scarlet Rink, Bear Sigmon, Paiton Fair Hall and Madyson Fair.

Visitation will be held prior to the service on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 from 10:30 am to 11:00 am at First United Methodist Church, 300 N Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658.

A Funeral Service for Margaret will be following immediately at 11:00 am on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at First United Methodist Church with Reverend Josh Sherfey officiating. Burial will follow at Conover City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church at https://firstnewton.org/give or to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/give

The family would like to send a special thank you Carolina Caring Hospice and to Drum Funeral Home in Conover.

Condolences may be sent to the Benfield family at www.drumfh-conover.com.

The Benfield family has entrusted funeral arrangements to Drum Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Conover, NC.