Mrs. Silke Benton

Silke Benton, the mother and core of the Benton family in Alexander City, has sorrowfully lost her decade-long fight with cancer at the age of 57. Her kind nature and fun attitude created many friendships anywhere she went and defined the Benton family life. She could hardly go to the store without meeting and chatting with one of her many, many friends she'd made throughout her eventful life.

She bravely fought cancer for over 10 years, until complications resulting from that cancer took her from us on March 24, 2026. She passed in her home surrounded by the family she built. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2015, yet just by looking at her, you wouldn't know it. She kept her family in line and supported them despite the cancer.

Silke emigrated from her home in Nuremburg, Germany in 1989 after meeting her soon-to-be husband Bobby Benton on his military deployment. They married later that same year in Georgia. While in Germany, Silke had obtained a degree in Home Economics from a vocational school. The lessons she learned there created an atmosphere of kindness and homeliness for her family, and it showed too in the friendships she's made here. She's met many of those friends while working at Russell, as a cashier at J.R.'s, and her time at Amtech.

Silke's life had shown a light on many around her, and she took pride in the love she poured into her family. She loved to cook and provide for her family, even once admitting that the best indication of a meal well served was when she was asked for a second round. Not only was she prideful in her cooking, but she also exhibited thriftiness and never let something she could mend or donate go to waste. Her faith in Christianity was a defining trait of hers. Every night she could be heard praying, reading a passage from the Bible, and partaking in communion to protect her and her family. Her relationship with God was paramount, and it gave her peace to know she was loved and protected by God and his Son Jesus Christ. When severe weather loomed, Silke would anoint her home and family with crosses drawn in olive oil on the outside doors. She would attend services at Vertical Point Church, becoming a beloved member of its attendees.

Silke is survived by her husband, Bobby Benton; daughter, Leah Gunter and son-in-law Austin Gunter; sons, Ryan and Noah Benton. She also leaves behind Father Erich Barth, step-mother Margot Fersch, brothers, Arno and Moritz Barth; her sister Dagmar Barth and niece Astrid Barth, sister Heike Beattie and brother-in-law Michael Beattie. Silke's legacy will continue on through this family she's left behind and her grandchildren Magnolia Gunter and Easton Gunter.

A celebration of life event will be held for Silke at Vertical Point Church in Alexander City on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at 2pm. Food will be provided at the event for those who join in remembering Silke Benton.

Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Silke Benton.