Frances Ruth Benfield Burgin

It is with great sadness that the family of Frances Ruth Benfield Burgin announces her passing after a brief illness on Thursday, July 14, 2011, at her home surrounded by the love of her family. Frances was born June 15, 1941 in Newland, NC, the daughter of the late Larue and Nettie Benfield. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Tommy Dewey and Bobby Greene Benfield.Frances was President of the Ladies Auxiliary at the Chesterfield Fire Department for 16 years. She was well known and loved in her community for her kindness and generosity. After the birth of her first grandchild, Frances became a devoted grandmother who cared for her grandchildren. She also opened her home for 22 years to be a caregiver of many children in the community. Parents felt blessed to have her care for their children.She is survived by her husband, Ken Burgin of the home; sons, Junior Loveless and companion, Shannon Lail of Morganton, and Auston Loveless and his wife, Connie of Lenoir, a daughter, Donna Scronce and her husband, Josh of Morganton; four grandchildren, Terri Shook and her husband, Blake, Christy Smith and her husband, Travis, Salena and Craig Loveless; three great-grandchildren, Katelyn and Carson Shook, and Daegan Smith; two sisters, Virginia Bivens and Gloria Turbyfill of Morganton; a brother, Frank Jack Benfield of Morganton; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.The family extends deep appreciation to the staff at Burke County Hospice for their support and assistance during our mother’s illness.Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 18, 2011 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center with Pastor David McNeil officiating. Entombment will follow at Burke Memorial Park Mausoleum with the Fire personnel of Chesterfield Fire/Rescue serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690, or to the Chesterfield Fire/Rescue, 2160 Hwy 18/US 64, Morganton, NC 28655.Frances was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. We will miss her with all our hearts, and will forever remember how blessed we have been because of her. We know she went home to be with her Lord, and was lovingly greeted by her parents and brothers.