Shirley Rome Benefiel, 79, was born July 16, 1935, In New Orleans, Louisiana, to Gus James Rome and Esther Sonnenberg. She was raised in Houston, Texas and attended San Jacinto High school and worked for Gulf Oil Company for many years. She married Gene L. Benefiel and enjoyed traveling and playing bridge. She was preceded in death by her parents Gus James Rome and Esther Sonnenberg Rome, and her husband Gene. She is survived by her sister Barbara Rome Keith and her husband John of Enid, Oklahoma. Her nieces and nephews John Keith of Enid, Oklahoma, Barbara Schumacher of Chattanooga , Tennessee, James Keith of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Laura Wichert of Houston, Texas, and 18 great nieces and nephews. She was a loving and giving sister and aunt and will be missed. Her ancestors were the first German settlers of Texas and she will be buried in their family cemetery Pilgrims Rest in Industry, Texas. A private graveside service will be held Thursday, December 4th, 2014 at 11:30 a.m. in Industry, Texas
