Verda was born on Friday, May 17, 1935 to Orville and Lillian (Hill) Lovitt in Ringgold County, Iowa. She married the love of her life, Robert E. Benitz on May 14, 1956. They together had five children that they dedicated themselves to raising in a warm and loving home full of laughter. Her children remember her as a mother who expressed unconditional love and encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams. Verda loved spending time with her family, being in the garden, and her many cats over the years. She was an active and dedicated member of the St. Peter Lutheran Church most of her life.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert E. Benitz, son Mark E. Benitz and siblings Russell Lovitt, Bonnie Thomas and Billie Halloran.
Verda is survived by her daughter, Bethany R. Hawkins and husband, Warren of Camden Point, Missouri; son, Robert E. Benitz, Jr. of Kansas City, Missouri; son, David L. Benitz and wife, Julie of Greensboro, North Carolina; son, Timothy W. Benitz of Kansas City, Missouri; sister-in-law, Elaine Lovitt; as well as her grandchildren, Shanin Hawkins, Nathan Hawkins, Derrick Benitz, Bobby Benitz, Selena Waldon, Jeremy Benitz, Brooke Hanson, Stephanie Sage, Jenny Lopez, and Lisa Benitz. Her legacy is also continued through many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
On Tuesday, June 27, family and friends will gather from 6 to 8 PM at White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, Missouri 64119. Verda requested that those wishing to attend her visitation and services “dress for comfort and not for style”. The following morning on Wednesday, June 28, her Funeral Service will begin at 11 AM at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3524 St. Joseph Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri, 64505. Immediately following, Verda will then be taken in procession to Memorial Park Cemetery, 5005 Frederick Boulevard, St. Joseph, Missouri, 64506 to be laid to rest.
In keeping with Verda’s wishes, donations may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church, 3524 St. Joseph Avenue, St. Joseph, Missouri, 64505 or Humane Society of Missouri, 1201 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
