SR0324 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0324 LRB103 32627 LAW 62263 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Diann Marie Bennett of Petersburg, who passed away on March 5, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett was born to George S. and Marian E. Davis in Bennington, Kansas on December 7, 1928; she graduated from Wamego High School and Kansas State College in Manhattan, Kansas with high honors; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett taught high school mathematics prior to moving to Illinois and raising her family; and

WHEREAS, As her children began to graduate, Diann Bennett returned to school in her 50s, attending Lincoln Land Community College; with her new computer skills, she set up accounting systems as the office bookkeeper for R&H Home Supply; she finally retired at age 91; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett was a member of the Petersburg United Methodist Church and served in numerous local organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Petersburg Town and County Women's Club, Cub Scouts, Brownies, New Salem Shooting Stars, and United Methodist Women; and

WHEREAS, Throughout her life, Diann Bennett enjoyed having visitors, playing cards, growing and arranging flowers, swimming, reading, raising cats, tutoring, and visiting her family near and far; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett was known for her positive energy, giving heart, humor, and sense of adventure; she will be missed for her unconditional love, ready laugh, sage advice, listening ear, love of life, and sweet smile; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Alice Hartig; her cousin, James Chaffee; and her son, Stuart Bennett; and

WHEREAS, Diann Bennett is survived by her children, Liane (Greg) Hammer, Harold (Gaylene) Bennett, Susan (Dayton) Wilde, and Karen (David) Higginbotham; her grandchildren, Tavelle (Shirley) Hammer, Shalika Hart, Zein Hammer, Erin (Danny) Bennett, Elliot Bennett, Sami (Dominick) Quinn, Benjamin (Jordan) Wilde, Martha Wilde, Caitlyn Higginbotham, and Joseph Higginbotham; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Diann Marie Bennett and extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew and loved her; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Diann Bennett as an expression of our deepest sympathy.