Melissa "Missy" A. (Dutton) Bennett

Melissa A. “Missy” Bennett, 51, of Rozetta Township, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, March 28, 2020, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL.

Missy was born November 13, 1968 in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of David A. Dutton and Linda L. (Hall) Dutton. Missy's passion for music emerged early, and she accompanied countless performances as a great pianist for school and church.  She graduated from Alexis High School in 1986. Missy then rigorously advanced her education while participating in activities that provided her international travel and a sisterhood in the Kappa Delta sorority.  In 1991, she graduated from Monmouth College with a Bachelor’s Degrees in English and Speech / Theater Arts.  Missy worked several years as an English teacher for Monmouth High School, judging local speech competitions and directing community theatre, before devoting herself completely to her calling as mother, wife, and homemaker.

Missy married her best friend and soulmate, Jim Bennett, on February 25, 1994, spending the next 26 years growing our family. She is forever adored by their ten children, eight grandchildren, parents, siblings, and her husband, all of whom she loved with her whole heart.

Missy served in ministry alongside her husband at Rozetta Baptist Church with the utmost devotion, providing spiritual guidance and meals for youth programs and engaging with international missions efforts.  In the past few years, Missy enjoyed volunteering with annual Thanksgiving meal distribution and Western Illinois Animal Rescue, providing her children with opportunities to serve the community. She was an avid gardener, an amazing chef, and outstanding writer while homeschooling her children, tending to grandchildren, and bringing joy to friends. All who knew Missy were treated to her brilliant, quick wit and humor.

Missy is survived by  her husband, Jim Bennett of Rozetta, IL; ten children, Krystal (Nick) Carlson of Monmouth, IL, Lyndsay (Mark) Hatton of House Springs, MO, Kayla Damer of  Wataga, IL, Grace Bennett of Monmouth, IL, James Bennett II of Monmouth, IL, Hannah, Daniel, Mary, Mercy, and Sam Bennett of Rozetta, IL; eight grandchildren; her parents, David & Linda Dutton of Alexis, IL; her sister, Kim Dutton of Johnstown, NY, her brother, Matt (Kristin) Dutton of Alexis, IL; two nephews, and one niece.  Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Eldon and Garnet Dutton and Fred and Grace Hall, maternal aunt Grace Millas-Close, paternal uncle Phil Dutton, and cousins Randall Millas and Daniel Hall.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday, November 13, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  A gathering of family and friends will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm prior to the services. Memorials can be made given to the Bennett Education Fund for the benefit of Missy's children and left at the funeral home.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions and concerns all attendees are required to wear a mask and social distance.