AUBURNDALE, FLORIDA- Mrs. Roberta "June" Benson of Lake Alfred, FL, passed away Friday, July 11, 2008 from dementia at the Good Shepherd Hospice Residents Center in Auburndale. 

She was 87 years old.  A native of Winslow, Indiana, born May 16, 1921, June moved here in 1989 from Decatur, Illinois.  She was a retired receptionist from her husband's Optometry office, and she was a member of the First Christian Church of Decatur, IL.  June will always be remembered for her tremendous love of animals.  Her from "scratch" pancakes called, “June Cakes”, her corned beef and cabbage and cornbread that she served to her park family was always wonderful.  Size was no concern.  She'd prepare for 5 or 50, no problem.  At Christmas time, she would beautifully wrap gifts and decorate them for folks for free that brought them to her, just because she loved to do it.  But her greatest love after God and family were her animals, and all of her neighbor’s furry friends, and they too all loved her. 

June was preceded in death by her daughter:  Sandra Lou Benson. 

She is survived by her loving husband of almost 66 years:  Dr. Jack H. Benson; her son:  William Jack Benson, Sr. of St. Louis, MO; a brother:  Jack Sanders of Charleston, IL; four grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at the Oak Ridge Funeral Care in Winter Haven.  Interment will be at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the SPCA of Polk County.  Condolences to the family:  www.oakridgefuneralcare.com.