Shirley Ann Bennett

Shirley Ann Bennett, 86, of Anna, died peacefully with her family by her side on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion. 

She was born on July 6, 1938, in Anna, the daughter of Jack and Lee Etta Wright Kesler. 

She married Jack Dean Bennett on July 30, 1958, in Anna. He preceded her in death on June 7, 2019.

She is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Farrokh) Kahnamoui of Anna and Debbie (Tom) Hicks of Spring Hill, Fla.; step-son Ronald (Petra) Henniger of Spain; three grandchildren, Michelle (Lewis) Dirden of Anna, Rachael (Karl) Cavallini of Groveland and Alex (Lauren) Siegfried of Weeki Wachee, Fla.; three great-grandchildren, Anderson Dirden of Anna, Leah Dirden of Jonesboro and Logan Sea-Siegfried of Pekin; sister-in-law Golda Kesler of Anna; niece Pam (Pat) McLean of Anna; great-niece Natalie (Dusty) Miller of Anna; great-great-niece Elisabeth Miller of Anna; dear friend Loretta Milton of Anna; fur baby Misty; other extended family and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack Dean Bennett; brother Donald “Butch” Kesler; and two cousins, Sharon Hunter and William “Buddy” Wright.

She was a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna. Early in her working career she was the manager for Bass’ Clothing in downtown Anna. She later worked as an executive secretary at Tuck Tape for 25 years until her retirement.

She loved spending time with her family and adored all her grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and having everyone together for Sunday dinner or holidays. She enjoyed reading, watching westerns and movies and was always up for a good game of rummy.

Funeral services were  at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with Michael Vaughn officiating. Interment was in the Anna Cemetery. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna is in charge of arrangements.