Dema Benner

Dema Constance Benner, 84, of Holts Summit, passed away Saturday, January 22, 2011, at the Jefferson City Manor Care Center in Jefferson City. She was born April 17, 1926, in Kansas City, a daughter of the late Darius L. and Sylvia (Cummins) Gibbs. On June 20, 1942, she was united in marriage in Mississippi, to Ralph Benner, who preceded her in death on August 11, 1961. Dema was a 1972 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Miss., where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. She worked for the State of Missouri - Welfare Division. Dema enjoyed spending time with her family and watching football. She is survived by three sons, Dana Benner of Holts Summit, Barry Benner of Holts Summit and Steve Benner (wife Kenzie) of Clarksville, Md.; one daughter, Kay Lesley (husband Rick) of St. Peters; one brother, Mark Gibbs of Citrus Springs, Fla.; seven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Friends and family will be received from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2011, at the Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Holts Summit. Funeral services will be private for the family. Expressions of sympathy may be made to SSM Hospice, 520 Ellis Blvd. Suite N, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at millardfamilychapels.com