Mary A. Bennis' Obituary
Mary A. Bennis, 97, of Clinton, passed away, Tuesday, June 23, 2015 at Mercy Living Center – South.
Funeral Services will be 2:00pm, Friday, June 26, 2015 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 1:00pm to the service time at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
Mary Alice Walton was born on January 8, 1918 in Clinton, the daughter of Leonard and Rhue (Lee) Walton. She was a 1936 graduate of St. Mary’s High School. She married James R. Bennis on August 22, 1953 in Erie, Illinois; he died in 1991.
Mary worked at the Clinton Garment Factory, later owned and operated the Turner Country Club in Rapid City, IL and then the Gay 90s restaurant on South 4th street, Clinton, IA. In midlife she moved to Las Vegas, NV where she eventually became manager of valet services at Cesar's Palace, Las Vegas. She worked in that position for 12 years before retiring in 1983.
Mary was a resident of Beaver Island as a young girl, part of a unique settlement in the history of Clinton, IA. She attended a year of school there and was often a noted historian on that community and much of Clinton's history. Her contributions are a part of the Clinton Historical Society archives. She was a member of Prince of Peace Parish. She enjoyed visiting and talking with family and friends, enjoyed watching game shows on tv, and crossword puzzles. She thoroughly enjoyed her time spent in later years with friend and care taker, Pat Johnston.
Mary is survived by grandchildren: James (Stefanie) Rothert, of Arvada, Colorado, and Kara Rothert of Mesa, Arizona; three great-grandchildren: Hailey, Viola, and Taylor; three nieces, one nephew and family member, Barb Anderson.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sons, one brother, and one sister.
Memorials can be made to Prince of Peace Parish.
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