08/19/2026
Betty Irene Benbrooks
(née Smolik)
Age 90, of South Wilmington, passed away peacefully in her sleep in the morning of Sunday, August 16, 2026. Born March 12, 1936 at her home in South Wilmington, Betty was the daughter of Joseph “Peck” and Beatrice (née Swartz) Smolik.
Betty graduated from Gardner-South Wilmington High School, Class of 1954 as the Salutatorian of her class.
On July 7, 1956, she married the love of her life, Charles L. Benbrooks. They shared 70 years of marriage together.
As a homemaker and loving mother, Betty loved to quilt with her mom along with crocheting and knitting. She also loved camping with her family in many states from the Black Hills of South Dakota, Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming and frequently to Shawnee National Forest in Southern Illinois. In the winter, she also loved snowmobiling here in Illinois and in Tigerton, WI.
Later in life, she enjoyed reading and making her puzzle, after puzzle, after puzzle!! And her face lit up when all her grandchildren came through the front door to visit.
Betty was a faithful member of United Lutheran Church in Gardner and was a member of Dorcas Circle for many years.
She is survived by her husband, Charles; her four children, Kathleen (Harold) Gonis of Braidwood, Israel Staggs, Lori (Anthony) Manietta Jr. of Coal City, and Melanie (Vincent) Ottaviano Jr. of Huntley; eight grandchildren, Christy (Terrance) Heintz, Brian (Kari) Gonis, Amy (Jeremy) Teague, Brittni (James) Kollker, Molly (Andrew) Talty, Blake Ottaviano, and Trent Ottaviano; fifteen great-grandchildren, Stefanie and Wesley Heintz, Natalie, Carter and William Teague, Kayleah Matschiner, Silas, Charlie, Kirabelle, Elodie and Savannah Gonis, Hailey, Bryce and Wyatt Kollker, and Ava Talty; one great-great-grandchild, Evelynn Pink; and her sister, Beverly J. (David) Walkling of South Wilmington.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Beatrice Smolik and her grandchild, Brad Gonis.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, August 24, 2026 at 10am with a Memorial Service following at 11am all at United Lutheran Church, 309 E. Jefferson St, Gardner. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to the United Lutheran Church, Gardner.
To share memories or offer condolences, please visit Betty’s online guestbook at www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find us on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory
401 E. Main St., Braidwood, 815-458-2336
www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com
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Memorial Visitation
AUG 24. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CT)
United Lutheran Church-Gardner
309 East Jefferson Street
Gardner, IL 60424
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Memorial Service
AUG 24. 11:00 AM (CT)
United Lutheran Church-Gardner
309 East Jefferson Street
Gardner, IL 60424
