Mary E. Weirich

Dateline: Alton On Wednesday, September 21, 2016 God called up, Mary Elizabeth Weirich to be with Him in Heaven. Mary Elizabeth (Benton) was born on August 1, 1941 to Charles Elbert and Fannie Catherine (Mitchell) Benton in Bethalto, IL who have preceded her in death. When she was young, her family lived in Meadowbrook, IL and Bethalto, IL. Mary came from a large family: Dorothy Ruth Parker (Sister – Preceded her in Death), Ruby Catherine Hernandez (Sister – Preceded her in Death), Nellie Magdeline Eveland (Sister – Surviving), Mildred Mae Hawkins (Sister – Surviving), Samuel Edward Eugene Benton (Brother – Preceded her in Death), Wilmeth Pauline Benton (Sister – Preceded her in Death), Raymond Glenn Benton (Brother – Preceded her in Death), David Leon Benton (Brother – Preceded her in Death), Alfred Wayne Benton (Brother – Surviving), James Leveril Benton (Brother – Surviving). Mary attended school in the Bethalto School District and graduated from Civic Memorial High School in 1959. Soon after, while working as a curb hop at the Ranch House in Godfrey she met the man of her dreams. Robert Allen Weirich was a handsome young man who had recently enlisted in the Marine Corp. and had frequented the Ranch House in hopes of catching her eye. Soon after, they were dating regularly and making plans for the future together. While proudly serving our country in the Marine Corp, Robert was assigned to Marine bases around the world. After completing his tour of duty, Robert was Honorably Discharged at Camp Pendleton in California. While living in California, Robert and Mary exchanged wedding vows and were happily married in Santa Monica, CA. in October 1959. Upon returning to the greater Alton area Robert and Mary started their family, and eventually bought their home on Coronado Drive off Milton Road and raised their family. Mary is survived by her husband Robert and their children and grandchildren; Michael Eugene (Lisa Taylor) Weirich and children, Brandon Michael and Jessica Michele; Mark Allen (Rebecca “Becci” Delehanty) Weirich and children, Kaci Danielle, Kylie Elizabeth, and Dallen William Wood; Sherri Lynn (Kelly) Campagna and son, Ethan August Campagna; Lori Ann (Greg) Chavez and children, Griffin Carlos and Norah Elizabeth; Jason Daniel (Tara Droege) Weirich and children, Paxton Macie and Emmersyn Reese Weirich. While their kids were attending school, Mary was active in all of their activities and often volunteered to help with whatever project they were involved in. With Robert working shift work at Olin, Mary kept busy keeping house and home, while sometimes picking up an odd job here and there to help earn some fun money. After retiring from Olin, Mary and Robert soon took up playing golf, quickly becoming a passion for both. Mary worked for Cloverleaf Golf Course in Alton. There was rarely a time when they weren’t making plans for golf outings or a tournament with family and friends. Many of Robert and Mary’s closest friends are those they met while playing golf. She was always outgoing and energetic and willing to help out whenever she could. She was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. To help celebrate her life and her passion for golf, there will be a memorial golf outing on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Wolves Crossing in Jerseyville, IL celebrating her life. Please contact the family for information. Visitation will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September, September 28, 2016 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, September 29, 2016. Reverend James Overby will officiate. Final internment will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to BJC Hospice. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Mary E. Weirich

August 1, 1941 - September 21, 2016