Mary Benz

Mary JoAn Benz, 81 years old of Kane, passed away September 14, 2026. She was born in Kampsville on May 5, 1945, the daughter of the late Joseph A. and Virginia (Kadell) Stelbrink.

She married Thomas Eugene Benz on July 3, 1965 at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Church in Kampsville, and he preceded her in death on February 24, 2014. Her life was rooted in deep love for her family, extended family, and community.

Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Sherri and Chuck MacLean of Bella Vista, AR, Cindy and Dave Hestir of Ashland, MO, and Laura and Terry Woodring of Jerseyville, IL. She was Ema to six grandchildren, Maria (Tanner) Crigler, Mandi MacLean, Alex Keneipp, Rachel Keneipp, Leann Woodring, and Taylor Woodring, three step-grandchildren, Megan (Ethan) Trimble, Bailey (Alex) Quinn, and Ben (Kim) Hestir, and two great-grandchildren, Carson and Avery Crigler. In addition, surviving are a brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Cathy Stelbrink, sister-in-law, Frances Stelbrink, brothers-in-law, Jim (Mary) Benz and Dan (Sharon) Benz.

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter and brothers, Dick Stelbrink and Jim Stelbrink. Mary JoAn was a 1963 graduate of Calhoun High School.

In 1970, Tom and her obtained their dream of a farm located in Kane, which she maintained until the time of her death. Neighbors and friends admired her well maintained farm house, garden, barn, and picturesque yard (with clothes often hanging on the line).

She obtained her associate degree in business from Lewis & Clark Community College. She was employed as the school secretary at Carrollton Elementary School for twenty-two years.

JoAn was an active member of the St. John’s Catholic Church and participated in Catholic Daughters, prayer groups, and cleaning of the church. She faithfully prayed the rosary and one could always find her beads nearby.

She enjoyed nature, hiking, picking pecans, mushroom hunting, and maintaining a garden every year. She was grateful and thankful for what she had, often sharing her abundance, trusting God would take care of the rest.

Her quiet, steadfast faith carried her through life’s challenges - including hearing impairment, caring devotedly for her husband, and facing her own cancer. Her boundless energy often outpaced those younger than her, and she was known to actively cheer for the Jerseyville High School cross country team. She cherished time spent with family and friends.

JoAn’s wish was to express thanks to everyone who gave support and care and visiting during the years she required help with Tom and her health. A Prayer service will take place at 3:30 p.m., Friday, October 2, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Carrollton, followed by a visitation from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, October 3, 2026, followed by burial at the St. Anselm’s Catholic Cemetery in Kampsville. In lieu of flowers, honor JoAn by picking up litter along the roadside, just as she often did. Memorials may be given to the St. John’s Development campaign, Jerseyville Public Library, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.