Loretta A. (Hutchcraft) Franklin

Loretta A. Franklin, 87, of Benton passed away Friday night February 6, 2026 at her home.

She was born in Benton, IL on October 1, 1938 the daughter of Otha & Geraldine (Baumgarte) Hutchcraft.

She married Denzil Lee “Bud” Franklin on May 5, 1956 in Benton and he preceded her in death on February 23, 2022.

Mrs. Franklin was a Head School Cook and wanted all kids to have a good meal, even paying for some meals herself. She loved her grandkids, quilting, cooking and baking and going places with her husband. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Benton and attended the First Free Will Baptist Church in Benton.

Mrs. Franklin is survived by her:

2 Sons:
Denny Franklin & wife Cathy of Mulkeytown
Mark Franklin & wife Melody of Benton

Grandchildren:
Brice Franklin
Sammi Bailes & husband Donald
Selina Franklin

1 Great-Grandson: Jace

Sister: Betty (Allen) Miles of Benton

Brother-in-law: Mike Franklin of Ewing

She is also survived by several Nieces & Nephews and her dog Holly.

Mrs. Franklin was preceded in death by her Parents, Husband, 3 Sisters-in-law-Lynn Franklin, Peggy Franklin & Freda May and Brother-in-law-John Franklin.

Graveside Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Friday, February 13th at the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton with Bro. Kent Dunford officiating. Burial will follow. There will be No Visitation, those attending the service are requested to meet at the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the takeactiontoday.net, Benton-West City Ministerial Alliance or Franklin County Animal Control.

For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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