Opal Loudene Bennett

Opal L. Bennett, age 94, of Marion, Illinois, passed away Wednesday, October 26, 2022 at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Illinois.

Opal was born February 20, 1928 in Creal Springs, Illinois, a daughter of Simeon O. and Rena T. (Hart) White. Opal grew up on the family farm in rural Creal Springs and attended Creal Springs Schools. She married Erskine L. Rich in Creal Springs on September 14, 1945. She was a stay at home mom and raised her children. After their marriage ended she married William Bennett. She had worked at Tempo, Wolohan Lumber and at Friendship Nursing Home in Marion.

She is survived by eight children, Roger (Loretta) Rich of Marion, IL, Barbara Jones of Marion, IL, Thomas L.(Judy) Rich of Alexandria, KY, stepchild Billie (Casey) Griffin, stepchild Jackie (Doug) Cullum, stepchild Michael (Lana) Bennett, stepchild Joy Hulett, and stepchild Bobbie Nicholson; nine grandchildren, Brent Rich, Heather Mitchum, Brandie Beasley, Megan Rich, MacKenzie Harlan, Madison Rich, Dylan Rich, Aubrey Khichikian, and Kaed Rich; and several great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her first husband Erskine L. Rich and second husband William Bennett; two children, Karen Khachikian and Jeffrey M .Rich, two stepchildren Don Bennett, and Margie Bennett; her parents, Simeon O. and Rena T. White; six siblings, Cecil White, Delos White, Beulah Odum, Elsie Travelstead, Georgia Brimm, and Vivian Vaughn.

Visitation will be Sunday, October 30th, 2022 from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held Monday, October 31, 2022, 1:30 PM at Mitchell Hughes Funeral Home with Dr. Bob Dickerson and Rev. Tom Sprigg officiating. Burial will follow at County Line Cemetery in Creal Springs.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, Illinois 62959.