Joan Oliphint Benton

April 11, 1924 - June 8, 2016

Benton, Joan Oliphint, 92, of Hamilton passed away June 8, 2016. Joan was a Louisiana native born in Shreveport, raised in New Orleans and attended Louisiana State University. She has lived in Hamilton since 1950, where she raised her family, made many friends and became a leader in our community. Serving as Director of Volunteers and Auxiliary at Mercy Hospital of Hamilton/Fairfield, she was a pioneer in this field. She developed a program that included adults and teens, partnered with the Red Cross, served the needs of the hospital and grew year after year. Joan was instrumental in the planning of the Auxiliary’s major fund raising events, including the annual Mercy Open Golf Tournament, which continues today. Joan retired in 1990 with 25 years of service. Joan’s friends became volunteers and many volunteers became dear friends. Widely recognized for her contributions in the area of volunteer services, Joan has been, among her many affiliations, Chairman of the Ohio Hospital Association Southwest District of Volunteer Directors, a board member of the Auxiliary and Volunteer Services of the Ohio Hospital Association; Chairman of the Volunteer Directors of the Greater Cincinnati Area; Adviser to the Board of Trustees of the Volunteer and Information Center; and, a board member for Catholic Social Services. Joan was presented with the Clara Barton Award by the Hamilton Chapter of the American Red Cross for her work in establishing a large and wide-range teenage volunteer program, and was selected by The Cincinnati Enquirer as one of the ten Women of the Year for 1985 from among more than 700 nominees. May 9, 1990 was proclaimed “Joan Benton Day” in Hamilton Ohio by Mayor Adolf Olivas. Joan’s family was her priority. She was a regular spectator at Little League games, swim meets, school events and the Benton house welcomed and was filled with friends. Joan loved playing and watching golf and tennis. Her son, Jim, named a race horse “Hard Cat to Track” after his very active mother. Joan is survived by her children, Barbara Benton of NYC, Richard Benton of NYC, Jim Benton of Bethel OH, Judi Peters of Hamilton, by her grandchildren, Jason Benton of St. George UT, Ken Benton (Lindsey) of Barre VT, Sarah Locker (Kreg) of Lancaster OH, Mary Beth Benton-Smith (Andy) of Columbus OH, by great grandchildren: Olivia Locker and Marten Benton, and by ex-daughter-in-law Margaret Benton (Santa Monica CA). Joan was the daughter of the late Harry K. and Lillian Raiff Oliphint and the step daughter of the late Anna L. Oliphint. She was also preceded in death by her sisters Mary Jane Bridgers and Beverly Jacob and a daughter, Nancy Benton and grandsons Forrest Benton and Matthew Benton. On Saturday, June 18, 2016 visitation will be held at 10am in the vestibule of St. Peter In Chains Roman Catholic Church, Ridgelawn and Liberty Avenues followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mercy Fairfield Hospital Auxiliary, 3000 Mack Road, Fairfield, Ohio 45014 for the Scholarship Fund. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com