Lana Vandergriff

Lana Sue Vandergriff of Ballwin, Missouri, was born on November 24, 1946, in Potosi, Missouri, where she grew up as the oldest child to Paul and Jetty (Brewer) Benson. Lana went to be with the Lord at 4:30 am on Saturday, February 10th, with her family by her side. Lana had reached the age of 77 years, 2 months and 17 days.

On November 26, 1964, Lana was united in marriage to the love of her life, Ronald Michael Vandergriff. They shared 58 wonderful years together. After marriage, Mike and Lana moved to St. Louis with Mike’s work. However, Mike and Lana spent the majority of their lives in Potosi. Lana worked for several years at Potosi Walmart in the fabric department. Lana loved sewing, crocheting and knitting. Her talents led her to make some of the most beautiful quilts, clothes, and other desired household items.

In addition, Lana was a great cook and enjoyed baking. Her biscuits and cookies were some of her families favorites. Lana loved every opportunity she was given to make memories with her grandkids in the kitchen. She thoroughly loved and enjoyed her grandkids. If you knew Lana for any amount of time, then you would probably agree that she could have had stock in Dairy Queen with their Oreo Blizzards.

Lana loved the outdoors: planting flowers, watching butterflies and feeding the hummingbirds. She also appreciated gospel music and the old hymns. She loved to sing to her family. One of her favorites was “You are my sunshine”. Above all, Lana loved the Lord. She received Christ as her personal Savior at church camp as a young girl. She was described by her family as a Proverbs 31 wife and mother. She found good in everyone. Lana was loving, gracious, and patient. She led a life of servant hood. Even during her stay at the nursing home, Lana was always concerned about everyone else. Lana always put the needs of others above her own. Her family rise together and call her blessed.

Those who remain to treasure her memory include her three children: Rhonda Lurkins (husband, Kevin), Linda Vandergriff, and Rev. David Vandergriff (wife, Janie); four grandchildren: Matthew, Katie, Andrew, and Grace; seven siblings: Larry Benson, Paul David (Karen) Benson, Janice Coleman Eye, Jill (Pat) DeClue, Jeff (Tammy) Benson, and Chris Benson; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law: Vivian "Jeri" Lee, Larry and Phyllis Vandergriff, and Judy Vandergriff. Lana is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Lana is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents: Isaac and Nannie Benson; maternal grandparents: John and Virginia Brewer; her father and mother: Paul and Jetty Benson; her loving husband, Mike Vandergriff; sister, Brenda Marler; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Earl and Violet Vandergriff; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Shirley Vandergriff, Virgil Vandergriff, Earl Lee, Monk Coleman, Wendell Eye and Vern Marler.

Lana’s family would like to express their gratitude to Bethesda Meadows of Ellisville, Missouri, for the tender loving care that was given to their mother during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, if so desired, may be made to Bethesda Meadows, 322 Old State Road, Ellisville, Missouri 63021. Memorial envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

A time of Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 from 9:30 am until the time of her Funeral Service at 11:30 am, held at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 East High Street, Potosi, MO 63664. Dr. Mark Livingston will be officiating. Interment and final prayers will follow at Redbud Memorial Gardens.