Penni Dunford

Penni Dunford, age 64, of Benton, grasped the hand of her Lord and Savior at 6:57 a.m. Saturday, February 8, 2025; surrounded by her husband and sons, at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Her wishes were to be cremated.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the Harmony Free Will Baptist Church of West Frankfort, Illinois, with Rev. Kent Dunford officiating. A fellowship luncheon will follow the service.

Leffler Funeral Home of Benton is in charge of the cremation arrangements.

Penni was born on August 18, 1960, in Herrin, Illinois, the daughter of Gene Jent and Vicki (Gantz) Jent. On August 28, 1981, she married Jeff Dunford, and together they shared 43 years of marriage.

She formerly worked as a clerk at the Franklin Hospital of Benton and was a homemaker.

Penni enjoyed going to Rend Lake, taking Sunday drives, going on family trips, watching the Andy Griffith show, and decorating her home for the holidays.

Penni is survived by her loving husband Jeff Dunford of Benton, Illinois; two sons Cameron Dunford of Benton, Illinois and Chason Dunford of Carterville, Illinois; a brother Dennis Jent and wife Sandra of West Frankfort, Illinois; and several kids that spent time in her home that she treated as her own.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the 3200 crew and the Palliative care team at the SSM Good Samaritan Hospital of Mt. Vernon, Illinois.

Memorial contributions in memory of Penni Dunford, may be made to the Finding Forever Animal Rescue, 1117 East Main Street, Marion, Illinois 62959; @ffanimalrescue

To leave condolences online to the family, or to share memories of Penni, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.

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