YOAKUM — Elizabeth Jane Bennetsen, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born on May 31, 1943, in Shiner, Texas, she was the daughter of George Antone Orsak and Millie (Kucher) Orsak.
Elizabeth married Morris Bennetsen in 1962 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum, beginning a devoted union that spanned 46 years until Morris’s passing in 2008. Together, they raised six children and built a life centered on faith, family, and love.
A woman of deep Catholic faith, Elizabeth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She instilled in her family a strong spiritual foundation and a love for Jesus. Her kindness, gentle spirit, and radiant smile touched everyone who knew her.
Elizabeth found joy in spending time with her eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and she was a devoted “mom” to her cherished fur babies, JoJo and Marcy. Her life was a testament to unconditional love, resilience, and grace.
She is survived by her children: Curtis Bennetsen (Karen) of Yoakum, Michael Bennetsen of Yoakum, Nick Bennetsen (Terri) of Hallettsville, Darlene Kay Hartman (Gary) of Shiner, Marlene Kay Jaks (David) of Shiner, and Milissa Ann Mischer (Mike) of Yoakum; grandchildren: Cody Bennetsen, Kaylee Barrera, Ashley Bennetsen, Alexis Jaehne, Sander Jaks, Keene Bennetsen, Hunter Mischer, and Arielle “Tootie” Bennetsen; great-grandchildren: Addison Bennetsen, Alex Bennetsen, Allen Bennetsen, Avery Judd, Noah Barrera, Zoey Barrera, Scarlett Cerny, Korbyn Cerny, and Stetson Jaehne; and sisters: Maryann Kacir and Margie Pesek.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, and granddaughter Amber Bennetsen.
A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Yoakum. Burial will follow at St. Ann Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or St. Ann Catholic Church.