Benita Rinehart Obituary

Dear Aunt Sue,

Thank you for being there for me through the series of phone calls we shared during my illness last Summer. I know you truly understood the physical pain I was in and the emotional toll it was taking on me. I wish I could call you to tell you that I am feeling so much better. I miss you and your laugh. We shared some tough times together, and I am forever grateful that you are finally at peace.

Wow, for some reason Benita came to mind and I wanted to see what she has been up to all these years and this is what I find. I am so sad about this. I was stationed with Benita on our first AFB in New Mexico and she was such a friendly young girl. She was way ahead of her times back then but she was genuine! She was a good friend and GI.

Sue shared love in her smile, that's certain. I'll be thinking of that true Sue smile.
Love,
M.A.

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009

Sue welcomed me into the Rinehart family after I met her sister Linda in 2004. I will always remember Sue's warm smile and caring heart. She will be dearly missed, but I am comforted because I know that she has found peace and happiness in Heaven.

I won't forget you Sue.

"Dolly"

I am honored to have Sue as my "big" sister. You could say I was her shadow during our childhood, following her nearly everywhere, doing practically everything she did. We were always close and only grew closer when I lived with her during the summer of 1978 when she was stationed at Chanute Air Force Base in Rantoul, IL. Earlier in 1978, she wrote on the back of her Air Force photo to me, "Sis, you mean the world to me & I wish you all the best in all your endeavors. Remember, I'll always be there whenever you need someone! Love, Sue" And, she always was.

Sue, I know you are now with God and at eternal peace. I also know when it's my time, you'll be there to greet and hug me. Until then, I know you are with me in spirit. I love and miss you, Your "little" sis, Dee

Sue and I dated a few times right after I got out of high school. She was a very sweet girl with a ton of energy and personality. She had a way of making a deep impression with people. I cannot believe she is taken so young.

Dear Linda and family,

We remember meeting Sue a few times here in Florida. We felt the closeness and love you had for each other as sisters.

Linda, you and your family are in our prayers.
Our condolences to you my dear friend and your family.

Love, Ann & Dee

My "Sue-bird - They ask how I can be so strong during this time and I tell them, "It was then that he carried me". I know that you are now at peace and eternally happy. I love and miss you. Your Mom

Sue I know you were loved by all. I am blessed to have known you. You are in the Kingdom of God and will remain until you are greeted by the rest of your family and friends. I know Boots will be happy to have your company now and your father until then. God Bless your family and may God strength help them through this hard time with your loss. Sheila Pennewell/CA and friend from Colorado.

I was sad to hear of Sue passing. I worked with her at the post office. She was a great gal. Blessings to her family and to Linda.

Condolences to Linda and to Sue's family. I have many fond memories from working at the West End post office. We all were family there.

To Ginny, Daryl and your entire family, our condolences and prayers are with you. God bless you all.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ginny and Daryl. This is a hard time for all of you. I have always enjoyed our times together. Love,

Our deepest condolences to Linda, the Rinehart's and Linda's family. Jim and I remember so many fun times with you both. We are deeply sorry and heart felt. May God be by your side to give you peace. We are here for you to stand beside you. Our love Judi and Jim King.

Our condolences and prayers are with you Grandma (Rinehart) Hobbs, Darryl and Family. Celebrate Sue's life. Her life has not ended, it is just beginning. Love Judy (Rinehart) Levin, Lori Rinehart, Dupo, Ill. and Tami Rinehart. (Richmon Heights, Mo)

Our condolences to all of Sue's family. Ginny and Daryl we are very sorry for your loss, but know that the Lord will strengthen you until the reunion in heaven.
Your distant cousins, Gilbert & Joan

Aunt Ginny and Daryl,

I was so suprised by your call concerning Sue. I remember exchanging letters with her when we were kids. We take so much in life for granted, like keeping in touch with family. We do know that we will see Sue again, we have that hope in Christ. I love you!
Your favorite niece.........Karen

I remember Sue as a child prankster, always full of fun, a baseball cap and glove and ball bouncing in her hand.She and Jim my husband became close friends on her visit a few years ago to Florida. I know they are remembering good times with those that have been waiting. Sue you will be missed by all who loved you. God be with you Jenny my friend of so many years, and Daryl and all the brothers and sisters in the Rinehart and Hobbs family. Love you all, Marietta
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge" Psalm 91:4

our condolences to Sue's family and Linda. We had lots of fun at Cripple Creek, and I'll always remember when Sue took us to Helen Hunt Falls, now she can enjoy eternal sunshine and a rocky mountain high in heaven.

My sincerest condolences to Linda and Sue's family. She always had a smile on her face and laughter in her heart. You knew you were in for a good time hanging out with Sue. She'll always be in my heart.

"Our condolences to Ginny and Daryl and all the Rinehart family. Our prayers will be with you always. Wayne and Stella Rager (Albuquerque, NM)

I remember Sue as a kind, giving, "always there for you" friend.
And of course, her famous "pranks" and sense of humor! I think she pulled one of her most famous ones on me at the Post Office! My deepest condolences to Sue's family; and Linda, you are in my prayers.

Our condolences to Sue's family and to Linda. We have many fond memories: postal mischief, a July 4th party in the mountains and a few drinks after work to name a few. She departed too soon and will be missed.
Dwight and Lisa Randall (Opelika, AL)

My condolences to all of Sue's loved ones.

I still remember her taking me under her wing during our childhood visits to Collinsville. She would pull this bookworm outside and insist that I join her and her friends playing softball. She will always be held fondly in my thoughts and prayers.

To Aunt Ginny & Daryl and all our Rinehart cousins -
You are all in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss. God Bless! All our Love, the Klingler Family

My sympathies to family and friends. I enjoyed working with Sue at the Westend Post Office in 1995 and 1996.

As a union steward, Sue saved my backside many, many times. The world will be a sadder place without her mischievous smile and that gleam she would get in her eyes when she was up to something...she will be missed. My condolences to Linda and Sue's family.