Mary Benoist

Mary Lynn Benoist of Union, Missouri, was born on January 7, 1951 in Potosi, Missouri, a daughter of the late William "Bill" Gough and the late Betty Jean (Masson) Gough. Mary passed away on October 31, 2021, having reached the age of seventy years, nine months, and twenty-four days.

Those who remain to cherish her memory include her children: Lisa (Bryan) Jackson, Tom (Tammy) Benoist, LaDonna Benoist, and David Benoist; grandchildren: Garrett Jackson, Bryanna Jackson, Joslyn Sansoucie, and TJ Benoist; siblings: Cassie Coffman, Chuck (Regina) Gough, Beverly (John) Boyer, Bobbie (Linda) Gough, James (Sheila) Gough. Mary is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” and Betty Jean Gough; special grandma, Pearl Fea; infant brother, David Gough; brother-in-law, Roger Coffman; nephew, Allen; and niece, Cassandra.

Mary was a young single mom raising four children, although she had help from family, things were not always easy. She was not able to take her kids on extravagant vacations but every summer she managed to pull off an adventure that was just as enjoyable and fun as any vacation get away. Mary always insisted on the importance of graduating high school, she wanted the best for her children's futures.

Mary was the oldest of six and she was was a natural caregiver, so when her mother needed help, Mary wholeheartedly and without hesitation provided the care her mother required. She always put the needs of others, especially her children and family ahead of her own.

Mary was never one to sit around the house. She loved shopping trips with her girls and her beloved sisters. Her passion was thrift stores and yard sales, where she always found the best bargains. She always loved to get away and vacation with her sisters and kids.

In closing, we could never sum up her life in just a few paragraphs. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, sister, aunt, cousin, daughter, grandchild, and friend. Mary was always sharing about her grandchildren's accomplishments. All those who had the pleasure of knowing Mary, loved her exciting and fun personality, she always knew how to make others laugh. She will be greatly missed. We all look forward to seeing her once again in heaven and will miss her until then, but we know she will always be with us.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 3, 2021, from 4 to 7 pm at DeClue Funeral Home, 301 E High St, Potosi, MO, 63664.

A Funeral Service will immediately follow the visitation at 7 pm at the DeClue Memorial Chapel, officiated by Mike Jarvis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or the American Lung Association, PO Box 756, Osceola, WI 54020-0756.

DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have ministered to the family and friends of Mary.