Our beloved mother and grandmother, Leona Lucille Bennetsen, 81, passed away peacefully on May 31, 2021. Leona was born on October 19, 1939 in Sublime, Tx. to Lester ( Boots ) and Lillie Emily Frieda.
Leona attended school at Sheridan and Hallettsville, and was a member of Zion Lutheran church in Sublime in her early years. She married Henry Bennetsen on May 8, 1955 in Hallettsville. To this union was born five children; Rex Bennetsen, Sherry Bennetsen Taylor, Delton Bennetsen, Clinton Bennetsen and Darla Bennetsen George.
In 1960 the family moved to Seadrift, Tx., where Leona would spend the rest of her life. She raised her children in the small coastal town, and worked as an outstanding waitress at Seadrift Cafe and Barkett’s Restaurant for many years, loving her interaction with the customers. Leona attended First Assembly of God church for 60+ years, singing in the choir with her beautiful “Loretta Lynn” voice. Leona loved animals and could never turn away a stray cat, and she would ALWAYS invite others to family gatherings so that they could share in the fellowship and food. Leona loved growing different varieties of sweet smelling roses, her very favorite flower. This woman also made THE BEST Thanksgiving chicken dressing in the entire county! But most of all, Leona Lucille Bennetsen loved and worshipped God Almighty, and she absolutely loved her children. . more than life itself.
Leona is survived by four children; Rex ( Mittie ) Bennetsen of Victoria, Sherry ( Rod ) Taylor of Seadrift, Clint Bennetsen of Matagorda Peninsula Island and Darla ( David ) George of La Mesa, California. Also two sisters; Lila Bade of Cuero and Joyce Koerth of Bellville. And 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leona was preceded in death by her parents; son, Delton Bennetsen; a sister, Lois Rita Cejka; and a grandchild, Christopher Bowman.
Services were held at First Assembly of God church in Seadrift, on Saturday, June 5, with Pastor Tim Smith officiating. A private burial with family will be held at a later date, at Seadrift cemetery.
