Doris June (Bennett) Werts Obituary

Doris June Werts, age 87, of Knoxville, passed away Monday morning, May 20, 2013, at the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics of Knoxville, Iowa. Doris was born in Russell, Iowa, on June 3, 1925, the eldest child of Clell and Ruby (Kimler) Bennett. Doris was raised in rural Russell and graduated from Russell High School, Class of 1943. During high school Doris earned her normal training and after high school began to teach in country school near Russell.  Doris taught for two years before she and George Werts, Jr. were united in marriage on March 18, 1945 at the Methodist Parsonage in Chariton, Iowa. Doris and George shared 68 years of marriage together before Doris’ passing and were blessed with two children: Darrell and Kay. Doris enjoyed living in Russell, being a homemaker and raising her children. In 1951 George began working with the Knoxville V.A. Hospital and Doris and George moved their family to Knoxville. Doris was a homemaker for several years before working in several local stores in Knoxville. She was also a seamstress for many years, and helped her son with the Iowa Blind Commission. Doris was a member and always very active with the First United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women and she enjoyed knitting. Doris and George were also active with the Red Rock Good Sam Camp Club. She was a great wife and a loving mother and grandmother. Doris is survived by her husband of 68 years George Werts, Jr. of Knoxville; their daughter, Kay (Rudy) Benki of Ankeny; four grandchildren: Kris (Kelli) DeBont, Kelli (Chris) Farley, Mason Benki and Eric Benki; three great-grandchildren: Blake, Paige and Chase; and two step great-grandchildren: Britney and Josh. Doris is also survived by one sister, Clarice (Ed) Erickson; and one Brother, Dale (Debbie) Bennett; several nieces, nephews and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; their son, Darrell Werts and his wife Diane “Dee”; one great-grandson, Alex DeBont; and two sisters. Visitation for Doris will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 23, 2013 at the Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville. Doris’ family will be present on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2013, at the First United Methodist Church of Knoxville, with Pastor Lane Riggle and Pastor Brent Hanna officiating. Burial will follow services at the Lincoln Cemetery of rural Knoxville. A memorial has been established in Doris’ name to the United Methodist Women or the Knoxville Hospital and Clinics Foundation. Condolences may be sent to Winfield Funeral Home. The Winfield Funeral Home of Knoxville is assisting the family with arrangements. Visitation: Thursday, May 23, 2013 11:00 AM until 8:00 PM Winfield Funeral Home 202 E. Washington Knoxville, IA 50138 Service: Friday, May 24, 2013 11:00 AM First United Methodist Church 313 E. Montgomery Knoxville, IA 50138