Alice Benne Obituary

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Alice Lorene Benne, age 96 of Defiance, MO, who on July 12th, 2025 passed away peacefully to be with her Lord and to join her immediate family who preceded her in death, husband Raymond Henry Benne and son Daniel Lee Benne.
Alice was born June 8, 1929 in Hamburg, Missouri, to Clarence Andrew Jungermann and Leora Mary Ann Jungermann nee Kneemueller. Alice was the second in a family of seven children, sisters Charlotte Stevener-Allen, Ann Boehmer and brother, Earl (Charlyne) Jungermann, and sister-in-law, Angela Jungermann, share in our loss. Alice was preceded in death by her brother Fred Jungermann, sisters Dorothy Mound & Edith Benne.
She married Raymond Henry Benne (Ray) November 16, 1946 and they were married 61 years until his passing on March 10, 2007. Alice was a loving mother of six children; Wayne (Nancy) Benne, Daniel, deceased (Jennifer) Benne, Sandy (Bill) Molitor, Debbie (Bob) Benda, Charlene (Mike) Loyd, Kevin (Tamira) Benne, 20 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 8 great-great grandchildren.
Alice and Ray farmed in St. Charles County for most their married years. Operating as Benne Farms Inc. 1969-1989, Alice served as Secretary, Bookkeeper and Treasurer. She helped haul grain, care for the livestock and took home cooked meals to the fields as needed. The high-density housing growth created an opportunity for the family to sell most of their farm land and move the family farm operations to Mexico, Missouri in Audrain County. Here they along with their sons continued to farm.
Alice was active in the 4-H program busy supporting each of her children in their various projects. She served as the leader in two different 4-H Clubs and served as project leader for many projects. Alice also served as President of the St. Charles County 4-H Council, St Charles Extension Council, and as a member of the Jolly Dames Extension Club.
While working to bless the community with her Godly faith she supported and was a member of the Friedens Peace UCC Church in New Melle, MO where she gave of her time and energy as she served on church council as President and Secretary. She taught Sunday School and was Sunday School Superintendent. She was an active member of the women's fellowship and sang in the church choir.
Alice drove school bus for the Francis Howell School District for 33 years from 1965 to 1998, many days logging 130-140 miles a day. She was recognized as the Ryder Student Transportation Service Safety Program Regional Driver of the year 1992-93 while also supporting the school through her PTA activity, serving as President of the Daniel Boone Elementary P.T.A and also as President of the Francis Howell High School P.T.A.
Alice would have former students who rode her bus share with her how great she was as a disciplinarian and caring bus driver and always felt safe in her care.
She gave of her time to the FFA program where their three sons were active helping to support and promote the Future Farmers of America.
Alice read electric meters for Cuivre River Electric Coop for two and a half years
She obtained her Real Estate License in 1978 which proved to be helpful in helping to develop a subdivision to sell lots, along with some of the farms, which helped to get them through the farm crunch during the 1980's, saving the family farms.
Her passion of gardening was extended in planting vegetables, canning and freezing them to contribute in feeding the family and also into the beauty she created in her flower gardens throughout the years.
Idle hands were never Alice's character but as her body aged and strength declined, and as she became dependent on others to help her through the day, when asked what she'd been up to, she would most often reply," not much, I'm pretty lazy!"
Alice will be remembered for the giving of her love, time, talents and energy to her family, church, and community and also of her tolerant nature, never complaining when the going got tough! Her strong hard work ethic and attitude along with her strong Christian faith was a reflection to her family and community of her perseverance, grace and beauty. She will be missed by all.
Memorial donations may be made to: Frieden's United Church of Christ Cemetery in New Melle, MO
The family is being served by Pitman Funeral Home in Wentzville.
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