Lisa J. DeFord

Lisa Joyce DeFord passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Born to Clarence R. DeFord and Elisabeth G. (Loechinger) DeFord, Lisa was raised in a family deeply rooted in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She attended Tremper High School in Kenosha and carried with her a strong sense of family, warmth, and resilience throughout her life.

Lisa spent years working as a waitress at Durango’s in Kenosha, where she was known for her hard work and friendly spirit. Lisa moved to Ripon with her daughter Carley in 1996. She later began working at Alliance Laundry on September 24, 2007. She found joy in life’s simple moments, but more than anything, Lisa treasured being a grandmother. Her time with her grandchildren brought her immense happiness, and those years were truly among the best of her life.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Carley Benton; her cherished grandchildren, Dalton Benton, Preston Benton, and Aubree Benton; her sisters, Lorna Thompson (David) and Lynette Carrillo (John); her brothers, Dirk DeFord, Larry Rutkowski (Denise), and Frank Sietz; and her goddaughter, Erin Gentz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elisabeth DeFord; and by her brothers, Darrell DeFord and Thomas Rutkowski.

Lisa will be remembered for her love of family, her kind heart, and the joy she found in those closest to her. Her memory will live on in the lives of the many people who loved her.

Visitation for Lisa’s family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971. A memorial is being established in her name.