Dorothy Frances Benner

Dorothy Frances (Spurlock) Benner went home to Our Lord and Savior on the night of June 2, 2026, at the age of 87. Dorothy was born to Parents, Lloyd and Helen (Pierce) Spurlock on December 17, 1938, in Greeley, Colorado. She attended school in Greeley and Graduated from Greeley Central High School in 1957. She was a proud member of the marching band playing the alto Saxophone. She met Jerry Benner in 1957, and they were married on June 7, 1959, at The First United Methodist Church in Greeley. Their daughter Shey was born in 1961 and their son, Craig, in 1963. Dorothy graduated with her BA in Elementary Education in 1962, her MA in Special Education in 1968 and her Ed.Sin School Psychology in 1978, all from the University of Northern Colorado. Her teaching career spanned a total of 40+ years until she retired for the last time in 2020. Dorothy loved to teach!

Dorothy was a member and Past President of Colorado Education Association, Past President of Greeley Teachers Association, National Education Association, Kappy Delta Pi and Delta Kappa Gamma. She received A Lifetime Achievement Award for Who's Who Top Professionals and Teacher Who Makes a Difference Award. Dorothy was also recognized in an article by the Woman's World Magazine for the Adopt-a-Cop program she started at her school to help children learn that officers were friends and mentors.

Dorothy established a committee in 2002 that raised enough money and donations to bring 5 NYPD and 8 FDNY first responders of 9/11, as well as their families, to Greeley for the week of July 4th with all expenses paid. One of the first responders' wives said with tears, "you have seen all of the smiles, but what you haven't seen was the healing on the inside that this trip has done for all of them." This was one of Dorothy's most treasured moments and well worth the time and effort she provided for fellow American citizens. She kept in touch with all of them through the years.

Dorothy and Jerry traveled extensively with close friends, Marge and Willy Wiedeman. Dorothy and Marge had been childhood friends and kept that friendship throughout their lives. The four of them traveled all over the US and Europe. On one trip to Europe the couples were joined by Jerry's sister and her husband, Sue and Carl Hauer where they were fortunate to be in Oberammergau, Germany to see the Passion Play that is only performed once every 10 years. Truly a highlight of their travels.

Dorothy and Jerry also enjoyed Broadway plays both on Broadway and at the Buell Theatre and attending plays at the dinner theatre in Johnstown. Dorothy instilled in her children and grandchildren that a variety of plays and music gives you "culture".

We extend a special thank-you to Noemi with Senior Helpers for the time she spent with Dorothy over the past few months, and to the entire Accent Care Hospice team, especially nurse Abby. We are grateful to all of you for helping to keep Dorothy comfortable at home during her final weeks.

Dorothy is survived by her loving husband Jerry, of 67 years, daughter, Shey Benner Overbeck, son, Craig Benner (Linda), granddaughter, Laci Benner Dreiling (Matt), 2 grandsons, Travis Overbeck (Chelsea), Kenny Overbeck, 2 step grandsons, Levi Sheldon, Michael Kindsfather (Raychl), 13 great grandchildren, 3 sisters-in-law, 1 brother-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her father, mother, father-in-law, mother-in-law, brother Spurky, brother-in-law, Carl Hauer, nephew, Richie Newland and numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins.

Memorial Service will be Thursday, June 25, 2026, at 1:00 at The First United Methodist Church located at Trinity Episcopal Church, 3800 W 20th Street, Greeley, CO 80634.

Memorial contributions if you wish, may be made to First United Methodist Church or Weld Food Bank in care of Adamsons Life Celebration Home, 2000 47th Avenue, Greeley, CO 80634

"Earth's classroom lost an amazing educator, but heaven just gained its finest teacher."