Obituary of Amber Benton

Amber Ruth Mitchener Benton, known also as "Skeet" by many friends and family, passed away unexpectedly on December 18, 2011, in Olathe, Kansas. She is survived by her three children and their spouses; Mark T. Benton and his wife, Diane Benton, Overland Park, Kansas, Eric R. Benton and his wife Lisa M. Benton, Houston, Texas. and April A. Dougherty and her husband Michael Dougherty, Burke Virginia. In addition, Amber is survived by seven grandchildren; Jon Benton, Austin Benton, Dustin Benton, Ashley Gulledge, Kati Benton, Autumn Dougherty and Connor Dougherty; two great granddaughters, Hadley Gulledge and Lily Benton; her sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Chuck Morris of Naples, Florida. Amber's husband, Ret. Colonel Jack Benton, predeceased her on January 18, 2007. Jack's sister, Helen Birdsong, Willow Springs, Missouri, and his brother Ray Benton, and his wife Ellen Benton, Bella Vista, Arkansas, also survive Amber. Amber Benton was born in Dalton, Arkansas. on October 18, 1928. She attended school in Doniphan, Missouri. After high school, she worked for the Ripley County Clerk of Court. She married Jack Benton on September 18, 1952. After marrying Jack, they eventually moved to St. Louis. She returned to her beloved Doniphan where she gave birth to her three children. She eventually moved from Doniphan as Jack's career moved the family around the country, but her heart was always in Ripley County with its scenic Current River. Amber lived in Olathe for the last 38 years. Her husband, Jack, was afflicted by Parkinson's disease. As a caregiver for Jack for many years, she saw first hand the ravages of that disease and the promise of recent advancements in its treatment. Therefore, she wishes that contributions to the Parkinson's Foundation be made in lieu of flowers. Contributions can be sent to Parkinson's Foundation, 7800 Foster Street, Overland Park KS. 66204. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, December 27, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Edward's Funeral Home in Doniphan. A service in Amber Benton's honor will be held in Doniphan on Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at 10:00 a.m. at Edward's Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Kent Wilfong of First United Methodist Church in Doniphan officiating. Interment at the Doniphan cemetery will follow the service.