Nancy Lou Benton

Nancy Lou Benton, 86, of Lakeland, Florida, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 5th, at her home, with her loving husband, Walt, and children by her side.

Nancy was born on June 16, 1937, in Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Mabel Ely; sisters, Ruth (Russ) Sayre, and Barbara Ely; and her brother, Bob (Mary Ann) Ely.

Her family moved to Zephyrhills, Florida, in

1950. Nancy graduated from Zephyrhills High School, in 1955, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

Nancy worked as a secretary for GTE as a young adult. After she and Walt were married, she enjoyed being home with Walt and raising their family.

Nancy and Walt were members of Southside Baptist Church. Over the years Nancy was very involved with her church and participated in the choir, taught Sunday School, and did visitation with the church's homebound ministry. Nancy was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed pastel oil painting and reading

Nancy and Walt celebrated their 50th anniversary last July. They raised their children, Karen, Trina and Gary in Lakeland, Florida. They enjoyed taking cruises where they met lifelong friends and also traveled extensively across the United States and abroad. Their home was always open to family, friends and neighbors. Their enduring love for each other was a testimony to all that knew them.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband, Walter Benton; daughters, Karen Jordan, and Trina Wellslager (Steve); and son, Gary Deitemeyer (Kandi); step-children, Laura Staples, Daryl Deitemeyer, 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Services will be held on Friday, March 8, 2024, at Heath Funeral Chapel at 328 South Ingraham Avenue in Lakeland, Florida. The viewing will be from 10:00-11:00 a.m., with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at Oak Hill Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request donations be made to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE) of Lakeland.