Sue Carole Hefner Dirks – Benton, IL

Sue Carole Hefner Dirks, 88, of Benton, IL, passed away at 4:28 p.m., on Friday, May 31, 2024, at Helia Healthcare of Benton, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on August 8, 1935, to Lester and Ruby (Lyday) McFadden in Louisville, KY. Sue married Clyde W. Hefner on October 31, 1952, and he passed away on May 13, 1984. On December 19, 1995, Sue married Kenneth K. Dirks and he preceded her in death on October 15, 2020.
She was a member of Grace Awakening Church in Benton and was devoted to her church and her faith.

Sue was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed traveling, Sunday fun day at the pool and having all her family together truly made her happy.
Sue was proud of the profound impact she had in the community of Benton, helping people at her retail store, Sues II, which she owned and operated for 54 years. She had passion for hard work and dedication as a fashion icon in the area and was an inspiration to everyone she met.

She was one of the founders of the Downtown Festival of Lights and she ran the Rend Lake Pageant for many years. Sue truly enjoyed being active in the community and as an inspiration to everyone she met.

Sue is survived by her loving daughters, Kelly (Greg) Bain and Robin (Hugh) Frailey; her grandchildren, Jordan (Wendy) Frailey, Drew (Shelby) Frailey and Breanne (Shane) Brady and her great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Frailey, Cru Frailey, Chance Brady, Kip Brady, Stella Frailey, Adalynn McCormick and Bridger Williams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ruby McFadden, her 1st Husband, Clyde Hefner, her 2nd Husband, Kenneth K. Dirks and her brother, Richard E. McFadden.

Services have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main Street, Benton, IL.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at the Pate Funeral Home, Benton, IL, with Brother Ken Petty, officiating.
Following the funeral service, burial will take place in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Grace Awakening Church in Benton and or Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online condolences can be given at www.patefh.com.