Marilyn Jeanette Benson

Marilyn Benson died peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96 at Summa Akron City Hospital in Akron, OH, on May 9th. She was born on February 16, 1926, in Rockford, IL to William R. and Rose (Schober) Vallee. Marilyn attended West High School, from which she graduated in 1944. She then attended Rockford College and graduated in 1949. Marilyn married Bernard Benson on June 20, 1959. She was an active member at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. She loved hiking and was a longtime member of the Blackhawk Trails Club. Marilyn was also a lover of classical music, an avid bridge player and loved doing genealogical research on her family. She worked at Barber Colman, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Davewood Supply, and Donewald Property Management. Marilyn spent the last few years of her life in Northeast Ohio, near her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren. Marilyn is survived by her daughter, Janet (Romeoville, Illinois), her son Jim, his wife, Sophie, and their children, Gabrielle and Lucas, as well as her sister-in-law, Doris, and her children. A funeral service for Marilyn is scheduled for Tuesday, May 17th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at Advantage Funeral Home, 7000 W. State Street, Rockford, IL 61102. Interment will be in Willwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marilyn’s name to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). Share online condolences for the Benson family at www.advantagefunerals.com.