Mary Jane Lenz, 77 of rural Berwick, passed away at 12:05 a.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at her home.
She was born December 8, 1940 in Monmouth, the daughter of Joseph Augustaf and Elin Marie Karlberg Gustafson. She married Charles “Ed” Lenz on July 27, 1962 at the Smithshire United Methodist Church. He preceded her in death on June 6, 2016. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Willard and Elvin (and his wife, Fay) and two sisters, Helen and Elsie.
Mary Jane is survived by her children, Carol Lenz of Caldwell, Idaho, Debbie Lenz of rural Berwick, Cathy Ruhl of Abingdon and Charles Lenz of rural Berwick; six grandchildren, Renee, Ryan, Gus, Andrea, Austin and Carson; two great-grandchildren, Ayden and Brynn and one on the way; and one sister-in-law, Eleanor Gustafson of Eldridge, Iowa.
She graduated from Monmouth High School in 1958. She had lived in the Berwick area since 1967. She was a homemaker and retired from West Central Illinois Head Start. She enjoyed cooking for the many family gatherings held at her home, and working word search puzzles. Her home was also the gathering place for daily coffee with the neighbors.
To celebrate her life, the family will receive friends from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. Cremation will be accorded following the visitation.
Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
