WAYNE CITY, Ill. — Nelda Irene (Wilton) Bennett, 81, of Wayne City, IL passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at the Linda E. White Hospice House in Evansville, IN. Irene was born on May 28, 1942 to William “Bud” Leon Wilton & NoraMae (Klinker) Wilton. On May 29, 1960 she married Clarence Devon Bennett, who survives.
Irene worked a variety of jobs in the school system, including: bus driver, librarian, and substitute teacher. She was a member of the Wayne City Ruritans Club, and was a member of Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne City, and later became a member of the Keenes Missionary Baptist Church in Keenes, IL. She was also her husband Clarence’s co-pilot when he worked as a truck driver.
She loved quilting, reading, solving crossword puzzles, antique tractors, and watching the chickens and roosters at the house. She enjoyed watching her grandkids participate in sporting events, and she loved being a foster parent. She especially loved her only great great grandson, Max. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.
Irene is survived by her husband Clarence Bennett of Wayne City, a son Clarence Bennett Jr. (and Angela Dickey) of Texas, a daughter Janice Williams (and Bruce Shepard) of Dongola, IL; 8 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson, Max Cone; 3 brothers: Melvin DeWayne Wilton of Rochelle, IL; Ralph Wilton (and wife Nancy) of Dahlgren, IL and Russell Wilton (and wife Joyce) of Waltonville, IL; 2 sisters: Thelma Glenn of Rockford, IL and Joanne Morris (and husband Dan) of Ogden, UT; and several nieces & nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Bud & NoraMae Wilton, her husband’s parents: Dale & Ophie Bennett, an infant son Jimmie Lee Bennett, a sister Vera Johnson, and several aunts & uncles.
Funeral services for Nelda Irene (Wilton) Bennett will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, February 26, 2024 at Olive Branch Missionary Baptist Church in Wayne City with Bro. Steve Hamson officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at the church. Interment will follow the funeral service at Baltimore Cemetery in Wayne City.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Child & Family Services (LCFS) and will be accepted at the church, or at Young Funeral Home in Wayne City, IL. Online condolences, memories, and words of encouragement may be shared at youngfuneralhomellc.com