Shirley Ann (Kesler) Bennett

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

Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Farrokh) Kahnamoui of Anna, Debbie (Tom) Hicks of Spring Hill, FL; step-son, Ronald (Petra) Henniger of Spain; three grandchildren, Michelle (Lewis) Dirden of Anna, Rachael (Karl) Cavallini of Groveland, Alex (Lauren) Siegfried of Weeki Wachee, FL; 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; husband, Jack Dean Bennett; brother, Donald "Butch" Kesler; and two cousins, Sharon Hunter and William "Buddy" Wright.

Shirley was a member of the Anna Heights Baptist Church. Early in her working career she was the manager for Bass' Clothing in downtown Anna and later worked as an Executive Secretary at Tuck Tape for twenty-five years until her retirement.

Shirley 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 will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Michael Vaughn officiating. Interment will be in the Anna Cemetery. Visitation will be after 12:00 noon and until the service hour at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna.