- Date Of Birth: July 12, 1924
- Date Of Death: October 31, 2017
- State: Illinois
Ada Frances “Fran” Bennett, 93 of Centralia, passed away Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at Carlyle Healthcare Center. She was born July 12, 1924, in Centralia, the daughter of George W. Cox and Jennie Mae (Cecil) Cox.
She married Ivan K. Bennett on November 1, 1945, and he preceded her in death on June 1, 1996.
Fran is survived by two daughters: Jeanne Anne Horner and husband Tom of Carlyle and Gaye Lynn Loufek and husband Rick of Aurora; five grandchildren: Tonica Anderson and husband Trey of Carterville, Brooklyn Simonton and husband Brad of Carlyle, Drew Hoelscher and wife Chelsea of Glen Carbon, Brentley Loufek of Aurora, and Hayley Loufek of Aurora; seven great-grandchildren: Braiden and Bryce Anderson both of Carterville, Hayden, Harper, and Harlyn Hoelscher all of Glen Carbon, and Cash and Maci Simonton both of Carlyle; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, seven brothers: Arnold Cox, William G. “Bill” Cox, George W. “Geno” Cox, Philbert J. “PJ” Cox, Jesse “Spike” Cox, Cecil James Cox, and Gerald George Cox, and two sisters: Bernice Hoeinghaus and Jane Perrone. She was a graduate of Centralia Township High School, where she was May Fete Queen in 1942. Fran’s greatest enjoyments were serving as a soloist and ensemblist with her dear friend, Vivian Vogel, listening to or watching Cardinal baseball, attending Orphan basketball games, crocheting, and spending time with her family and friends.
In her career, Fran worked as a telephone operator for Illinois Bell for many years, including serving as an operator during World War II. Later in life, she had multiple clerical positions at Warren G. Murray Development Center until her retirement. She was a member of Faith United Methodist Church where she served on multiple committees, children’s Sunday School teacher, and as the cherub choir and junior choir leader for many years.
