Florence Louise Benne, nee Kilgore, 89, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed to her eternal home on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on April 20, 1935 to Lafayette and Sabina, nee Szwargulski, Kilgore.  Her mother died in childbirth and she was raised by her grandparents, Birl and Elizabeth Kilgore, who she referred to as Mom and Pop.

On January 17, 1953 she married the love of her life, Harold C. Benne.  They were married for 64 years until his passing on Jan. 18, 2017. They raised seven children in Cahokia, IL.  Harold and Florence moved to a home they built in 1990 in Waterloo, IL, where they enjoyed life together and hosted many family gatherings.

Her last residence was at Meridian Village, where she enjoyed making mats for the homeless and meeting with friends in the dining room and events.  Some of her other favorites include watching the Game Show Channel, the Cardinals, rooting for the Texas Longhorns, and hummingbirds.

Florence, Grandma, or as she was lovingly referred to as "Great", put her family above all things.  She enjoyed visiting with everyone and when they gathered in large numbers, her favorite quote was "There are 75 of us, and Harold and I did that".

For many years Florence owned and operated B's Florist in Cahokia, IL, which was a cornerstone of the community.  After closing B's, she worked at Walmart and later was employed at Emerald View Turf Farm, as a bookkeeper.

Surviving are her children, Zachary (Elinor) Benne of Hanna City, IL, Linda Bommarito of Waterloo, IL, Tina (Kelly) Folts of Austin, TX, Leasa (Robert) Ferry of Glen Carbon, IL, Shelly Stratmann of Waterloo, IL, and Harold Benne, Jr. of Waterloo, IL; a daughter-in-law, Eileen Benne of Hanna City, IL; also surviving and continuing Harold and Florence's legacy are 21 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren; a great great grandchild; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband, Harold, she was preceded in death by a son, Phillip; son-in-law, Vincent Bommarito; her parents; grandparents; and a sister, Patty Kilgore.

Florence's family would like to thank all those who have helped care for her over the years, especially the staff at Meridian, Meridian Reach, Vitas Hospice; and Anderson Hospital.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at Braun Family Funeral Home, 265 Quarry Road, Columbia, Illinois.  Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend James Schuetz officiating. Entombment will be in Valhalla Mausoleum, Belleville, IL.

Memorials may be made to St. Judes Children's Hospital; Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children; or Backstoppers.