Virginia Fern (Bozovich) Rice Benns

Virginia Fern (Bozovich) Rice Benns, 90, of Benton, passed away on December 9, 2021.
Burial services will be held at 1:00 pm Monday, December 13th at Masonic and Odd
Fellows Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Minor of Church of Wittington, officiating. The
reception will follow at the Church of Wittington. Arrangements are made by Morton and
Johnston Funeral Home.

Virginia (Bozovich) Rice Benns was born in Benton Illinois to Nikola Jovan Bozovich and
Dollie Fay (Overturf) on June 29, 1931. She went to grade school in Steel City and
graduated from Benton High School. She married Kenneth Warren Rice from 1948 until
his death in 1981. She remarried Lyman L. Benns from 1995 until his death in 2006. She
worked as an office administrator at Chase Welding Supply. She owned Rice’s Café in
Benton. She was a real estate Brooker then worked for Wal Mart for 14 ½ years. Virginia
was a member of the Steel City Baptist Church.

Virginia Fern (Bozovich) Rice Benns proceeded in death by her parents, and eight siblings
Howard Bozovich, Kenneth Bozovich, Betty Braden, Donetia Laur, Mary Bozovich, Ruth
Baluk, Ann Mason and Mildred Jacobs. She was survived by one brother David & Diana
Bozovich (Whittington). Four children and spouses, Warren & Karen Lee Rice
(Macedonia, IL), Donald & Ruth Rice (Hume, MO) Karen Rene Rice (Los Angeles, CA),
Tamora Young (Loganville, GA). Six grandchildren and spouses, Benjamin & Heather Rice
(Sesser, IL), Kushaiah Gostowski & Francisco Mercado (Los Angeles, CA), Nicholas &
Tammy Rice (Rich Hill, MO), Josiah Rice (Hume, MO), Justin & Brandon Young (Loganville,
GA). Four great-grandchildren and spouses, Asher Mercado & Joanna Gonzales (Los
Angeles, CA), Xochitl Mercado (Los Angeles, CA), Ryker & Kyler Rice (Sesser, IL). Great-great 
grandchild Zoë Mercado (Los Angeles, CA). Survived by five stepchildren, Lyman Jr.
& Jane Benns (West City, IL), James & Beth Benns (Benton, IL), Dennis & Valerie Benns
(Valier, IL), Michael & Melanie (Benton, IL), Mary Anne Klein (Benton, IL). Numerous
grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by stepson, Robert Stephen
Benns.

The family of Rice Benns wishes to extend our sincere thanks to SSM Health at Home
Care Hospice, especially Brandy and Laura. Additional gratitude to Bruce and Brad
Johnston and Rev. Mark Minor.
For more information or to send online condolences please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com

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