Benita Iwasko

     Benita Iwasko, age 90, of Harrisburg, passed away at 5:23 AM , Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Eldorado Rehab and Healthcare Center.

     Benita was born on May 16, 1934 in Saline County to the late Frank and May (Harris) Sturam.  On July 20, 1953, she married John Edward Iwasko who preceded her in death on July 11, 1965.  She was primarily a homemaker but worked part-time for a number of years for RGIS doing inventory.  Benita was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg.  She was formerly the head of the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) and also taught Catechism classes.  For many years, Benita was a Girl Scout leader having at one time one of her daughters simultaneously in each of the branches from Brownies up to Senior Cadet Scout. She loved reading especially enjoying the Reader's Digest Condensed Book series.  Benita's children and grandchildren were everything to her.  Her most joyful memories are of when her kids were all young and surrounded by their friends.  Benita didn't have much materially but was rich beyond measure spiritually.  In spite of necessary frugality, she generously donated to St. Jude's Hospital, the poor children on the Indian Reservations, and other Catholic organizations.

     Benita is survived by:   two daughters -- Tina Griffith of Herod, IL and Frances Harry (husband, Douglas) of Dayton, OH; three grandchildren -- Angelique Knight (husband, Jim) of Equality, IL; Rosamarie Bond (husband, Sam) of Huber Heights, OH; and Dominic Harry of San Antonio, TX; and 5 great grandchildren -- SarahBeth Knight and Gracie Knight of Equality, IL; Alex Knight of Ridgway, IL; Jackson Bond and Josephine Bond of Huber Heights, OH and another pre-born great grandchild on the way.

      In addition to her parents and husband John, Benita was preceded in death by sons, John Iwasko Jr. and Christopher John Iwasko; daughters, Anna Iwasko and Mary Iwasko, and sisters, Laura Cecilia Sturam and Betty Diefenbach.

      Funeral services for Benita Iwasko will be held at 11 AM, Monday, February 24, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Harrisburg.  Father Christian Iwuagwu will officiate and burial will follow in Sunset Garden Cemetery.  Visitation will be held from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Stricklin Funeral Home in Harrisburg.  Condolences may be left for Benita's family on her obituary page at www.stricklinfuneralhome.com.

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