Mary Ellen Benning

Mary Ellen Benning, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away on June 30, 2025. She was born on August 21, 1940 in Terre Haute, Indiana; daughter of Robert L and Jetta M (Mascari) Steed. She was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart James “Jim” Benning on April 8, 1961; they spent over 64 years devoted to one another until his death on May 4, 2025.

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Terre Haute, Indiana. She met her husband Jim when they were only 15 years old attending the same school. She graduated from Paul Schulte High School in Terre Haute, Indiana, class of 1958. After marriage, Mary Ellen and Jim began a family and moved throughout the Midwest several times before finally landing in Michigan in1986.

In her professional life, Mary Ellen worked in various roles within accounting and banking, always bringing dedication and a strong work ethic to everything she did. However, her greatest and most cherished role was being a mother. Her true passion was caring for and providing for her five children, whom she loved deeply and supported unconditionally.

Mary Ellen was the beloved mama bear of her family—fiercely protective, endlessly nurturing, and always present. She was the one you called when you were sick, when you had good news, or when you just needed to talk. She checked in daily, made sure everyone was okay, and had a way of making you feel completely cared for and never alone. Her love was constant, strong, and deeply felt by all who knew her

Mary Ellen enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies that reflected her creativity and love for family. She spent many happy hours bowling with Jim and their friends, sewing clothes for her children, canning fruit, making crafts and ceramics, and decorating cakes for birthdays and special occasions. She loved to shop and could never pass up a good sale—she took great pride in finding the best bargains and sharing her latest deals with anyone who would listen. Her hands were always busy, and her heart was always full.

Mary Ellen was the heart and soul of her family, quietly keeping everything running from behind the scenes. An exceptional cook, she made sure the family sat down to a homemade dinner together every night. Her famous spaghetti and meatballs were a favorite year-round and quickly became the most requested dish.

In the early years, the family enjoyed scenic drives in the station wagon and memorable road trips to Florida every other summer—trips filled with laughter, adventure, and lasting memories. Mary Ellen planned the vacations, family get-togethers, and game nights that brought everyone closer together. Christmas was her favorite time of year—a season she made truly magical for her children, filled with warmth, tradition, and joy.

Mary Ellen was blessed with twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. To say she was proud is an understatement. She cherished every opportunity to visit them—attending their sporting events and graduations, cooking together, and, of course, taking them shopping. Nothing brought her more joy than time spent with her grandchildren. And if you handed her a great-grandchild to hold, she wasn't giving them back easily—those cuddles were hers to keep for as long as possible.

Mary Ellen was sassy, funny and fiercely devoted. She was a dedicated friend, keeping in touch with many from her high school days through long, heartfelt phone calls. A true sentimentalist, she saved every card and letter ever given to her- small tokens that represented a lifetime of treasured connections. Her legacy is one of joy, kindness, and deep family bonds- one that will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Above all, Mary was deeply devoted to her husband, Jim. Their bond was unbreakable. In nearly 70 years together, Mary Ellen and Jim were rarely apart. Even during times of distance, they stayed connected through daily phone calls and handwritten letters. Their love was constant, quiet, and deeply rooted. A quote that hung in their home perfectly captured the depth of their devotion: “If you live to be 100, I want to be a 100 minus one day, so I never have to live without you.”

Mary Ellen is survived by her loving children, Donna Marie Gill (John), Debra Ann Donegan (Kevin), Robert Edward Benning (Julie), Jamie Lynn Bieganski (Robert), and Sheila Harrington (Mark); her siblings, Thomas Steed, Sheila Walstrom, and Angela Steed; her grandchildren, Rebecca Bridget Davis (Drew), Ryne James Gill (Brianna), Shannon Kelley Donegan, Kathleen Marie Chinn (Billy), Caitlin Brynn Donegan, Mitchel Brian Gill, Brendan Robert Benning (Jaycie), Jacob Robert Bieganski, Lucas James Bieganski, Evan Rhys Bowen, James Michael Donegan, and Jeremiah Harris Donegan; and her great grandchildren, Greyson Alexander Charles Chinn, Beckett Robert Benning, Theodore James Gill, Clara June Benning, Amelia Marie Chinn, Henry John Gill. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother Francis Steed.

Visitation will be held Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with family sharing at 5:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. A funeral mass will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., instate at 9:30 a.m. at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Road, Livonia. Mary Ellen will be laid to rest next to her husband at Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia. Memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033.