Barbara J. Benway, 95, passed away peacefully at The Manor at Elfindale, Springfield, MO on November 29. Barbara was born May 18, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of the late Ellis and Rossie Schonert.
She was united in marriage to Russel E. Benway in 1951. Russel preceded her in death in 1997. She attended grade school in Elmwood Park, IL and high school in Maywood, IL. Barbara graduated from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Art Education and received a Masters degree in Art Education from Northern Illinois University. She was an art coordinator in Downers Grove and Elmhurst, IL for 37 years teaching at the elementary and junior high school levels. She also taught Art Education classes at Elmhurst College for 12 years.
She was a long-time resident of Elmhurst, then moved to Springfield, MO with her husband in 1988 after their retirements. They spent 10 years traveling in the U.S. and abroad.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her only brother Charles. She is survived by a sister-in-law Mavis Schonert and several nieces, nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
She was a member of Kings Way United Methodist Church. She loved to travel the world, volunteer as a reading tutor, and was an accomplished seamstress. Barbara loved art and music and contributed to numerous charities and institutions. She inspired hundreds of students of all ages throughout her lifetime and leaves a legacy of giving to students for years to come.
A visitation is planned for 10:00 AM with services following at 11:00 AM on January 18 at the Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole St., Springfield, MO 65804. A Celebration of Lives for Barbara and Russel will be held at 10:30 AM on February 8 at the Illinois State University Alumni Center, 1101 N. Main, Normal, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name may be made to: ISU Foundation, Campus Box 8000, Normal, IL 61790 or online at: https://giving.illinoisstate.edu/fund/barbara-schonert-benway-endowed-scholarship-in-art-education/ Or to University of Illinois Foundation, 303 St. Mary’s Rd., Champaign, IL 61820 or online at: www.uif.uillinois.edu.