Sheila R. Benedict, 57, of Eau Claire died Tuesday, June 15, 2004 at home with her family, following a four year illness with breast cancer. She was born November 19, 1946 in Whitehall, Wisconsin, the daughter of Ralph and Ella (Horman) Rasmuson. Sheila married William F. Benedict on November 20, 1971 in Whitehall, WI.\r\nAfter receiving her degree in Nursing from UW-Madison, Sheila's first jobs were in public health nursing. Her love of family care led to her career as a Family Nurse Practitioner and the opening of the first Family Medicine Clinic in Eau Claire. She worked at Group Health Co-operative and finally the Marshfield Clinic Oakwood Center.\r\nHer professional memberships included the UW Board of Visitors, Wisconsin Nurses Association, Nurse Practitioner Association, and UW School of Nursing Advisory Board.\r\nShe was a dedicated mother and avid fan of all her children's activities. She is remembered by her family not only for her accomplishments, but for the way her unique character and loving spirit specially touched the hearts of so many individuals.\r\nMusic was a love of hers throughout her life. She was a former member of the Glory Singers with her children at Grace Lutheran Church and enjoyed her local wooden flute group.\r\nHer OWL friends, (older and wiser ladies) were a very important part of her life. They were especially helpful to her and her family throughout her journey. Another significant part of her life was The Wisconsin State Chapter (PEO) of Sisterhood.\r\nSurvivors include her husband, Bill; two children, Matthew of Madison and Christine of Eau Claire; her mother, Ella Rasmuson of Eau Claire; brother, Ralph (Kara) Rasmuson of Phoenix, AZ; two sisters, Jo (Charles) Thomley of McFarland and Sue (Ron) Matheus of Randolph, MA; mother-in-law, Marian Benedict of Eau Claire; three brothers-in-law, Ned (Susan) Benedict of Appleton, Scott (Peggy) Benedict of Eau Claire, and Mark (Denise) Benedict of Minneapolis; nieces and nephews, Chad, Troy, Alexander, Justin, Paul, Mark, Eric, Michael, Jordan, Sarah and Lee; her dogs, Gus and Sully; and cat, Tia.\r\nSheila was preceded in death by her father, Ralph Rasmuson; and father-in-law, Edward Benedict.\r\nA Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 19, 2004 at University Lutheran Church in the Ecumenical Religious Center on the campus of UW-Eau Claire, 110 Garfield Ave, with the Pastor Donald Wisner officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Family and friends may call from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at University Lutheran Church.\r\nSpecial thanks to her many friends, especially Molly, Toi, Ginny, Jane, Rachel, Kathy, and Dr. Michael and Kris Murphy. Thank you also to St. Joseph Hospice Care.\r\nIn lieu of flowers, to support breast cancer research, memorials may be sent to HER2 Support Group Organization, 6973 Mimosa Dr., Carlsbad, CA, 92009-5156, or charity of the donor's choice.

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