Mary Elizabeth Benz's Obituary
Mary Elizabeth Benz, 81, of Centerville passed away, Friday, November 17, 2023 at Mercy Medical Center - Des Moines.
Mary was born on January 14, 1942 in Moravia, Iowa to Warren & Lois (Graham) DuVall. She received her education and graduated from Moravia High School in 1960. On June 11, 1961, Mary was united in marriage to William "Bill" Benz. To this union, two children were born: Susan and Steven.
Mary enjoyed sports in high school and excelled as a guard in basketball. She was also an FHA officer, a member of Student Council, and a member of the Thespian Club.
Directly out of high school, Mary began her first job with Iowa Southern Utilities, at the General Office, in Centerville, where she worked for five years until the birth of her first child. Later she began working, as a sales representative, for the Avon Co. Mary remained with Avon for over fifty years. She loved her customers and very much enjoyed visiting with them, while showing the newest demos and products. She also enjoyed the monthly meetings with District Managers and her fellow Avon ladies, where she won many top sales awards over the years.
Over the years, Mary and Bill enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to have visited all fifty states and took a special trip to Europe. Yet, their favorite travels were the vacations they took with their children and grandchildren.
The greatest joy of Mary's life was her family. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother. She loved to have family over for dinner. She enjoyed planning and cooking these meals and trying out her new recipes.
Mary had a love for life. She was always joyful and happy, for she had a deep spiritual belief, and love for God, and this love for God is what gave her love for life.
She will always be missed by her friends and family.
Survivors include her husband of 62 years, Bill Benz, children: Susan Schaeuble (Tom), Steven Benz (Jennifer), five grandchildren: Harrison, Will and Jack Schaeuble; Lee W. and Samuel Benz, along with two siblings: William J DuVall (Diana), Sharon Jolene McAninch (Max) and numerous extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings: Virginia McDonough, Ruth Gibbons, Fred DuVall and Nellie Eaves.
Funeral service will be 11:00 AM, Wednesday, November 22, 2023 at Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville. Visitation will be one hour prior to service from, 10:00 - 11:00 AM (with family present) . Interment will be in Dale Cemetery, north of Centerville. Memorials may be given to Common Ground (resources for the homeless) and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
Mary's service will be streamed live at: https://my.gather.app/remember/mary-benz
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