Karen "Elayna" Benton

Elayna Benton passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. Known to all who loved her, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend whose steady kindness and strength touched countless lives.

Elayna spent most of her life helping build and support her family's business, Ennis Transportation, where she worked as a bookkeeper and part owner. With quiet competence and unwavering dedication, she kept both the books and the people around her in order. Her strong work ethic, integrity, and loyalty defined not only her career, but her character.

She believed deeply in community and service and was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion, Sokol Hall, and Beta Sigma Phi. Through these organizations, she formed lasting friendships and generously gave her time wherever it was needed.

At home, Elayna expressed her love through cooking, especially for family gatherings. Her kitchen was the heart of every celebration, and her homemade meals brought everyone together. She was especially known for her famous mac and cheese, a family favorite that no holiday or get-together ever felt complete without. Feeding others was her language of love, and no one ever left her table hungry.

Elayna is preceded in death by her mother, Dolores Dent, and her brother, Steve Cole.

She is survived by her loving husband, Jim Benton; her son Clif Benton and wife Michelle of Plano; her son James Benton Jr. and wife Nancy of Flower Mound; and her cherished grandchildren, Houston, Bailey, Bryce, Kyle, Morgan and Caroline, great grandchildren, Oliver, Asher and Lydia, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Elayna will be remembered for her warmth, her generosity, and the steady comfort she provided to everyone around her. Her legacy lives on in the family she loved so deeply and in the many memories shared around her table.

She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

VISITATION : Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J. E. Keever Chapel, Ennis.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE Service: Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 2 p.m. in the Keever Chapel, Ennis. Pallbearers will be Jake Ebsen, Jon Lewis, Austin Bradley, Mark Bradley, Matthew Bradley, Lance Benton, Bryce Benton and Randy Haba.

Submitted by family