Lorine M. Bennett

Bennett, Lorine Marjorie Hill Bennett, Lorine Marjorie Hill, age 87, passed away peacefully in the early morning of June 16, 2014. She was born in Brownstown, IL to Vernie and Mila Hill. Lorine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy E. Bennett in July 2013, her daughter Cheryl Diane Jasper in 1996, and her sister Erma Hill Gates. Lorine graduated from Brownstown High School in 1943 and obtained her teaching certificate the following year. She taught first through eighth grades in a little country school for three years. On May 10, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart who had returned home from serving in the Navy during WWII. She worked several jobs as cashier, typist and PBX (private branch exchange) operator over the next four years while her husband Bill attended college for his petroleum engineering degree. Two children blessed their lives - a son, Stanley, and a daughter, Diane. She joyfully settled into full-time motherhood and homemaker in Norris City, IL, followed by a move to Altamont, IL. Sewing was one of her favorite activities and she made beautiful clothing for her family. Later, she learned how to upholster furniture. She kept a huge garden, and was a member of the garden club. As the children grew up, she taught Sunday and Bible school, served on the church board and United Methodist Women. She and her husband were co-presidents of the Altamont High School Band Boosters. She was piano accompanist for many solo and ensemble band contests, and chaperoned high school seniors to Washington, D.C. and Hawaii. Vacations were spent camping and educating their children on the beauty and wonders of the great outdoors. After her children settled into their own lives, she and Bill moved to Robinson, Illinois; then to Rangely, CO followed by another cross-country move to Houston, TX. When Bill traveled to a gas research project site or to check on his petroleum technology interns, she usually accompanied him, serving as his assistant with record-keeping and other organizational matters required of his position. Upon her husband's retirement, she happily settled into Rio Rancho, NM, living there for over twenty years. She was a member of the Rio Rancho United Methodist Church. For many years, Lorine and Bill enjoyed square- and round-dancing several times a week and participated at numerous dance events all over the United States. They also served as campground hosts for several years at the Albuquerque Balloon Festival and she realized her dream of taking a balloon flight in American Dream. Traveling, cruising, RV camping and timeshare resort vacationing all over the United States were favorite past times. She enjoyed fishing, and if she wore her red lipstick, she usually caught more fish than anyone else! Lorine had a bit of the adventurer in her. Not only did she enjoy flying with her daughter-in-law in single-engine aircraft, but her favorite fun thing to do was to ride on the back of her son Stan's Goldwing motorcycle. She had her own helmet and leathers. She was "born to be wild" and on one ride, she shouted to Stan, "Let's see how fast this can really go!" To this day, no one knows how fast they actually went. Lorine is survived by son Stan (Rae Lyn) of Jemez Springs, NM; son-in-law Rudy Jasper (Andrea) of Wellesley, MA; four grandchildren, Kelly (Trevor) Dunham of Severance, CO; Erik Jasper (Lindsay) of Aurora, CO; Patrick Bennett (Sara) of Alameda, CA; and Ryan Bennett (Christina) of Walnut Creek, CA; and five great-grandchildren: Xavier, Tristen, Addison, Matthew, and Ainsley. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and a host of friends and loved ones. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 12, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Rio Rancho United Methodist Church, 1652 Abrazo Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM. Cremation has been entrusted to Daniels Family Funeral Services of Rio Rancho. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lorine�s honor to a charity dear to your hearts. Lorine was one who passionately believed her purpose in life was to love and serve others. She loved her God and cherished time spent with her beloved family, including the wonderful people she �adopted� as family, and her many dear friends. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com. Daniels Family Funeral Services 2400 Southern Blvd Rio Rancho, NM 87124 505-891-9192