Reta M. Silis, 77, of DeFuniak Springs, FL, formerly of Merrill, died Aug. 26, 2010, under hospice care at her home.
Reta was born March 12, 1933, in Merrill to the late Marion and Fern Gano. She married the late Norman Benson June 25, 1952. After Norman was killed in a motorcycle accident, Reta married the late Arthur Silis and moved to Florida.
Reta enjoyed homemaking, especially preserving, cooking and baking food for her family. The scent of home-made breads and sweets could always be smelled after arriving home from school. She enjoyed collecting cookbooks. At one point in time, she owned over 1,500 books. Reta, also enjoyed knitting and crocheting, spending many hours making afghans for her family and friends. Her dream was to someday move to Florida. She lived that dream for 19 years.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Norman Benson; and husband, Arthur Silis; infant son Larry; brothers, Bill, Jack, Pat and Mike Gano; and sisters, Viva (David), June (Adkison), and Mara (Ellis); and one great granddaughter.
Survivors include her daughters, Sherry (Dan Hodkiewicz), Shirley (Butch Hinz); son Mark (Chris Benson); grandsons, Shad Barden, Shannon Barden, John Hinz, William Hinz and Norman Benson; granddaughters, Tami Jo Travis, Jenny Hinz and Cindy Cook; 9 great-grandchildren; sister Darlene Annis; along with many nephews and nieces, and special friend Dorothy Bergh. She will be sadly missed by many families and friends.
Cremation is scheduled, but no services planned.