Mary Ann Benaka

Mary Ann Benaka, 83, passed away March 24, 2018, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka. Mary Ann was born September 20, 1934, in Grand Island, Nebraska, the youngest of four children to parents, Manley and Elsie Schenck. Mary Ann's family moved to North Platte, Nebraska when she started first grade, graduating from North Platte High School in the class of 1952. Following graduation she came to Topeka to visit her Aunt and ultimately moved here. Mary Ann met Roy Benaka on a blind date to the Mexican Fiesta. Roy and Mary Ann were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1953; she enjoyed being with the love of her life for 56 years. They attended St. Paul's Lutheran Church and Faith Lutheran Church and were actively involved with Topeka Lutheran School for many years. As a child in first grade, she volunteered during WWII making lap blankets for the enlisted. She worked at Walgreens in Hastings, Nebraska prior to moving to Topeka. Once in Topeka she worked in canteen services at Winter General Hospital briefly, and then began her career at Southwestern Bell, retiring from ATT in 1990 after 28 years. She was a proud union member and steward of the Communication Workers of America and a member of the APWU auxiliary. Following her retirement she continued being involved with the Telephone Pioneers, Active Prime Timers, KITS, and the Holiday Junior High Class of 1950 as a partner. She enjoyed volunteering with Girl Scouts, NOTOMA and the Democrats. Mary Ann was a certified KC Royals fan and enjoyed watching their games. Among her hobbies was a love for yard flowers, house plants, and her Mr. Kitty and Ms. Kitty, diligently tending to their needs. She enjoyed collecting cook books, cooking and eating out. Mary Ann is survived by four sons, Tom (Charlotte), Tim (Sue), John (Dayna) all of Topeka, Mark (Cindy) St. Marys, and daughter Sylvia (Todd) Warner, Overland Park; sister, Marge Roy, Topeka and brother, William Schenck, McCook, NE; ten grandchildren, Alisha (Andy) Francis, Matthew (Laura Burton), Sean (Angie), Aaron (Shila), William (Tina), Dianne (Chris), David, Jack, Leah, and Audrey Warner; and eight great-grandchildren, Reed, Amelia, Darien, Damien, Dalton, Kayla, Haylee, Phoenix and Jerry. Preceding Mary Ann in death was her beloved husband Roy in 2010, parents and brother, John Schenck. Mary Ann’s funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 2018, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 S.W Urish Road, Topeka, Kansas 66614, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Mary Ann requests memorial contributions be made to Topeka Lutheran School Scholarship Fund or Faith Lutheran Church, in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home. Mary Ann's family expresses their sincere appreciation to all the caregivers their mother encountered in her life for the service and kindness they provided in her time of need. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Mary Ann Benaka

September 20, 1934 - March 24, 2018