Virginia Elaine Benz's Obituary
Virginia Elaine Benz, age 79, of Mt. Vernon, IL, passed away on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 2:51 p.m. in St. Louis University Hospital, St. Louis, MO.
Virginia was born on January 18, 1946 in Anderson, IN, a daughter to Albert and Elizabeth (Dowe) Benz. On October 31, 1991, she married Eugene Shemonic in Chester, IL and he survives. Virginia worked as a purchasing agent for GS Metals and Captain Mine and worked at Washington County Hospital in Nashville, IL. She was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church, Pinckneyville, IL. Virginia raised and showed thoroughbred horses, gave riding lessons to children, and raised Scottish Highland cows. She sang in the church choir, loved traveling, and going to horse and antique tractor shows.
Survivors include her husband, Eugene Shemonic of Mt. Vernon, IL; one son, Jordan (Teresa) Araiza of Licking, MO; one daughter, Tisha (Roger) Conway of Percy, IL; step-children, Dennis Shemonic, Denice Lynn (Chris) Orrill of Thompsonville, IL, and Patricia Bailey of Ashley, IL; numerous grandchildren, Jennifer (Keith) Sanden, Amy Araiza, Justin Araiza, Casey (Jonathan) Beckman, Seth Conway, Mike (Ali) McCrane, Daniel (Izelda) McCrane, and Christina McCrane, Samantha Orrill, Kristina Orrill, Brandon Orrill, Justin Orrill, and Zachary Shemonic; and numerous great-grandchildren, Briar, Eli, and Titus Beckman, Aria Pasasin, Theodore McCrane, Jessica (Jake) Mammal, Peyton and Charlie Jones, Olivia Orrill, Aaliyah Bailey, Raymon Bailey, Daymon Bailey and Jenisha Bailey.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Interment will be in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson, IN.
Memorial donations may be made to Perry County Humane Society.
Pyatt Funeral Home, Pinckneyville, IL has been entrusted with arrangements.
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