BENTON – Letha Inez (Crawford) Rich, 92, of Benton, passed away at 3:28 a.m., on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at Helia Healthcare of Benton.
She was born on March 10, 1931, to Walter and Edith (Dillon) Crawford in Parish, IL. She attended Thompsonville School and was a 1950 graduate. While in school she worked weekends at the Bus Stop here in Benton and rode the mail truck home. She married the love of her life, William (Len) Rich on March 20, 1954, in Thompsonville. Letha was an active member of East Benton Baptist Church and the Church of the Nazarene and a founding member of the Daughters of Dorcas in Benton. She was always willing to help and cook a meal and will be greatly missed.
Letha also worked at the sewing factory in Benton and Sesser, Bracey’s Grocery Store, and at the Franklin County Jail as a cook in the kitchen.
She is survived by her son Jeffrey Rich and wife Carol of Benton, IL; grandson William Zachary Rich and wife Madelaine of Nashville, TN; granddaughter Makayla Rich Pulliam and Tarron of Benton, IL; great-grandson August Jeffrey “AJ” Rich of Benton, IL; two great-granddaughters Lucille “Lucy” Pulliam and Tayleigh Pulliam of Benton, IL; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Letha was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Edith (Dillon) Crawford, husband William (Len) Rich, sister Mary Cockrum, and three brothers Clarence, Thomas and Jess Crawford.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Pate Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 12 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, with Pastor Carrol Toler, officiating.
Burial will follow services at Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery, Benton, IL.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.
