Dorothy "Dottie" Jane Grace (Homa) Bennett, 85, of Hillsboro, died at 10:42 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018, at Hillsboro Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Hillsboro.
She was born in Hillsboro on Nov. 15, 1933, to John L. Homa and Beatrice "Bea" J. (Hill) Homa. Her life began on the family's 160 acre farm just west of town where she spent her first happy years before the family moved into town. As a child, she spent much of her time playing with her big brother around town, all the while getting into mischief. She honed her quirky wit and sense of humor over family meals that were often loud and enjoyable. She attended Hillsboro High School where she was a cheerleader for four years. She also served as lifeguard at the pool for several years.
On June 2, 1951, she married Donald E. Bennett, the boy next door and the love of her life. After a brief stay in St. Louis, the young couple settled in Lebanon where over the years they raised their three sons. She was immensely proud of their accomplishments in life. Although she was a stay at home mom for years, when her boys got older, she worked at McKendree College library as a secretary and also attended classes.
After her husband died, she continued her love of oil painting at which she had become quite good. A portrait of Charles Dickens she painted hung in The Mermaid Inn in Lebanon. Charles Dickens once stayed there while observing the Looking Glass Prairie on his American tour.
She also mastered the dulcimer, an instrument that she and her friends played at festivals all over the state. In her 70s, she worked to research and produce a family genealogy.
Three years ago, she moved back to Hillsboro to be nearer to her family, including her great-grandchildren and many lifelong friends. With her physical health failing, she spent much of her time reading, something she passionately enjoyed throughout her life.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a sister, Joan (Homa) Robinson.
She is survived by her three sons, Donald (Barb) Bennett of Lincoln, NE, Stephen (Kate) Bennett of Hillsboro, and Michael (Julie) Bennett of San Diego, CA; her four granddaughters: Leah (Corey) Whitaker, Rachel (Billy) Von Hatten, Erika (Lucas) Lloyd, and Danielle (Shaun) Thurby; great-grandchildren Nora and Grayson Whitaker, and Bennett and Tucker Von Hatten; her brothers, John A. Homa of Sand Creek, WI, and James R. Homa (Emma) of Braceville; and by her daughter-in-law Chris Bennett of Highland.
At her request, no visitation or funeral will be held. An internment and celebration of life will be held privately at College Hill Cemetery in Lebanon at a later date.
