Ronald E. Benton

BENTON, Ronald Eugene, 69, of Springfield, passed away in his home at 5:55 pm on Tuesday, September 12, 2017 after several years of battling Parkinson's and Lewey Body Dementia. Ron was born in Yellow Springs, Ohio on March 2, 1948 to Edward J. and Mary F. (Murray) Benton. He was preceded in death by both parents and his younger brother, Edward Benton, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Jean (Krier) Benton; sister, Ayisha Karen Benton & Frank Duncan; children, Ronald Anthony & Debra Benton, Amber Benton, Angelica Benton-Molina, Iara & Hassan Ward and Rachel Benton; seven grandchildren, Michaela Benton, Noah Benton, Sa'naya Molina Damaris, Anthony Benton, Annika Benton, Kianna Benton and Malea Benton; one great granddaughter, Reese Woodland; cousins and neighbors growing up, John & Kathy Gudgel and Veda Kay & Jack Glenn; nephews and nieces, Daoud Antar, Jamal Antar, Eddie & Danyale Duncan, Cheyanne Benton, Adam & Shelly Krier, Nikki & Nick Jones, Alicia & Dustin Anderson; brother-in-law, Eric Krier and several other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Ron was a social worker and retired after 25 years with the Springfield Metropolitan Housing Authority. He returned to work briefly after his retirement for Mental Health Services before becoming ill. Ron was a member of St. Bernard Catholic Church and was active in several ministries there. He coordinated the RCIA program for many years and completed 3 years of classes in the Lay Pastoral Ministry Program through the Athenaeum. Ron graduated from Antioch College in Yellow Springs with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work and from the University of Dayton with a Master's Degree in Counseling. Ron was an avid reader, usually having 3 or 4 books going at one time. Ron loved sports and was a star basketball player in high school and accepted a full scholarship from Central State to play basketball before deciding to complete his education at Antioch. Ron learned to speak Spanish during his years in Puerto Rico and New York City and loved to practice the language whenever he could. He was an intelligent and caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather who will be missed greatly by all those who knew him. He accepted his illness, with all its limitations, with a grace and dignity that was an example to all those around him. Rest in peace, My Love. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday in the CONROY FUNERAL HOME. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Burial will follow in Glen Forest Cemetery, Yellow Springs.